A Manchester University student graduating with a major in sociology will be able to study, understand, discuss, and apply the following:
The discipline of sociology
- explain how it differs from and is similar to the other social sciences
- discuss the contributions of sociology to a liberal arts education
- apply the sociological imagination to her/his own life
The role of theory
- define theory and explain its role in building sociological knowledge
- compare and contrast basic theoretical orientations
- show how theories reflect the historical and cultural contexts in which they were developed
- describe and apply some basic theories and/or theoretical orientations to at least one aspect of society
The role of evidence and qualitative and quantitative methods in sociology
- identify major methodological approaches and explain the role of methods in building sociological knowledge
- compare and contrast the basic methodological approaches for gathering and analyzing data
- design a research study in a chosen area and explain why various decisions were made
- critically assess a published report and suggest how the study might have been improved
Basic concepts in sociology
- define, give examples, and demonstrate the relevance of these basic concepts: culture, social structure, social institution, status and role, socialization, deviance and social control, social stratification, social change
The relationships between individuals and society
- explain sociologically the development of the self and how social factors influence individual behaviors, attitudes and values
- explain how individuals, groups and organizations influence society
- distinguish sociological approaches to understanding the self from psychological, economic, and other approaches
The diversity of American society and other societies
- describe and explain the significance of variations by race, ethnicity, class, gender, age, disability, and sexual orientation
- describe and explain the dynamics of prejudice, discrimination, oppression, and inequality based on race, ethnicity, class, gender, age, disability, and sexual orientation
- discuss the social, economic, political, and moral importance of reducing the negative effects of social inequalities
- compare and contrast social and cultural patterns in the U.S. and other societies
One or more areas of study in sociology, in depth
- summarize basic questions and issues in the area(s)
- compare and contrast basic theoretical orientations as applied to the area(s)
- summarize current research in the area(s)
- suggest policy implications of research and theory in the area(s)