2017-2018 Catalog

Major Requirements

Eleven courses (44 units) are required to complete the major.

COURSEWORK

SOC 101Introduction to Sociology

4 units

SOC 304Sociological Inquiry

4 units

SOC 490Senior Seminar in Sociology

4 units

SOC 200Classical Sociological Theory: Marx, Weber, Durkheim

4 units

SOC 205Contemporary Sociological Theory

4 units

SOC 305Quantitative Research Methods

4 units

SOC 306Qualitative Research Methods

4 units

SOC 310Sociological Field Methods

4 units

SECOND-STAGE WRITING REQUIREMENT

Students majoring in Sociology will satisfy the second-stage component of Occidental College's college-wide writing requirement by completing any 300 level Sociology course by the end of the fall semester of the junior year with a grade of B- or higher (or appropriate course work). Students should familiarize themselves with the departmental requirement at the time of declaring the major. See the Writing Program and consult the department chair for additional information.

COMPREHENSIVE REQUIREMENT

Students will engage in a major research project that will culminate in a written senior thesis.

HONORS

A distinctive ("PD") comprehensive senior thesis based on primary research along with a 3.5 grade point average in the department and 3.25 overall.

INTERNSHIPS

The department, in concert with the Career Development Center, keeps files on available internships in law, criminal justice, and various social and community agencies.

PROGRESSION THROUGH THE MAJOR

If you declare at the end of your first year, you should:

SOC 200Classical Sociological Theory: Marx, Weber, Durkheim

4 units

SOC 205Contemporary Sociological Theory

4 units

SOC 304Sociological Inquiry

4 units

SOC 305Quantitative Research Methods

4 units

SOC 306Qualitative Research Methods

4 units

SOC 310Sociological Field Methods

4 units

SOC 490Senior Seminar in Sociology

4 units

If you declare during your sophomore year, you should:

SOC 200Classical Sociological Theory: Marx, Weber, Durkheim

4 units

SOC 205Contemporary Sociological Theory

4 units

SOC 304Sociological Inquiry

4 units

SOC 305Quantitative Research Methods

4 units

SOC 306Qualitative Research Methods

4 units

SOC 310Sociological Field Methods

4 units

SOC 490Senior Seminar in Sociology

4 units

Sociology students are encouraged to consider studying abroad for a semester. Those who plan to study abroad should work with their advisor on an academic plan that allows for both a study abroad experience and completion of their major requirements. The ideal plan ensures that students study abroad, and have taken at least two Sociology electives and the following courses prior to senior year: ; or ; ; and , , or . Up to two courses taken in Sociology departments while abroad count towards the major electives.