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)