The College of Arts and Sciences: Sociology

An understanding of the history and cultures of global societies is critical to professional success.  The different programs offered by the Department of History and Social Sciences provide students with the context to critically examine the politics, laws, culture, and current events of countries around the world.

For more information about the History program, or other programs in the Department of History and Social Sciences, contact Professor Gregg Carter, Department Chair, at gcarter@bryant.edu.

Bachelor of Arts with a major in Sociology

Sociology is the study of society and human social interaction.  The study of Sociology provides students with a deep understanding of the sociological perspective, its theoretical foundations, and its methods.

Students can select from one of two content tracks: Service Learning, and Social Research.

Content track in Service Learning

The Service Learning content track builds upon the sociology core with an emphasis on community. Service learning presents students with the opportunity to apply classroom theories to unscripted problems in real-life settings. Bringing their experiences back to the classroom for reflection, discussion and debate, students make powerful connections between theory and practice, as they see first-hand the workings of culture and society.

In this way, sociological understanding informs students’ service, and service strengthens their understanding. Every student is encouraged to develop a personal philosophy of service to guide his or her decisions in work and in life.

For more information about the Service Learning content track, contact Sandra Enos, associate professor, at senos@bryant.edu.

Content track in Social Research

The Social Research content track builds upon the sociology core with an enhanced focus on social research methods. Courses within the major are designed to lead to a substantial, individual research project for the student’s capstone experience.

Through a combination of traditional sociology courses and individual research under the close supervision of a member of the sociology faculty, students become skilled at conceptualizing problems, designing research, and analyzing data. Students develop a deep understanding of social systems, and they can think analytically, communicate effectively, and solve problems in a variety of settings.

Minor in Sociology

Students develop a sophisticated sense of the ways in which individual behavior is the product of social experience. Such study helps students gain insight into their own society and culture and provides a critical understanding of the global community.

Download a .pdf of the curriculum requirements

Minor in Sociology & Service Learning

Through service in the community, students who focus on Service Learning will develop a sophisticated sense of the ways in which individual behavior is the product of social experience. They also gain insight into their own society and culture, as well as an appreciation of the global community. 

In addition to the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements, students must complete the following:

Service Learning Content Track:

• Principles of Sociology
• Community Engagement and Service Learning
• Research Methods
• Social Theory: The Study of Isms and Phobias
• Sociology and Service Learning Capstone I
• Five Social Science Electives (at least three in Sociology)
• At least one of the following:
  • Sociology and Service Learning Internship: Field Study
  • Sociology and Service Learning Capstone II
  • Sociology and Service Learning Leadership Practicum
• At least two of the following:
  • Contemporary Social Problems - Service Learning Option
  • Gender, Illness, and Health - Service Learning Option
  • Urban Sociology - Service Learning Option
  • Globalization and Childhood - Service Learning Option
  • Sociology of the Family - Service Learning Option
  • Sociology of Sport - Service Learning Option
  • Sociology of Work - Service Learning Option

Social Research Content Track:

• Principles of Sociology
• Community Engagement and Service Learning
• Statistics II
• Research Methods
• Social Theory: The Study of Isms and Phobias
• Sociology Capstone I
• Four Social Science electives (at least two in Sociology)

The Sociology minor requires:

• Principles of Sociology
• Two sociology courses
• One 400 level sociology course

The Sociology and Service Learning minor requires:

• Community Engagement and Service Learning
• Principles of Sociology
• At least one additional sociology course that has the Service Learning (SL) designation
• One 400 level sociology course

For complete course descriptions, please refer to the course catalog. Courses are listed in alphabetical order.

Opportunities After Graduation

The analytical and interpretative skills offered by the study of Sociology are the foundation for career success in a range of professions, including:

• Criminal justice
• Law
• Counseling
• Social Service
• Marketing
• Public Relations
• Public Policy
• Non-profit management

Students are also well-prepared to continue their study in graduate school.

Faculty

Gregg Lee Carter, Professor and Chair, Department of History and Social Sciences
Ph.D., Sociology, Columbia University
M.Phil., Columbia University
M.A., Sociology, Columbia University
B.A., History and Psychology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Academic Interests: Gun Control; conflict management; social movements; sociology of work; quantitative sociology

Sandra Enos, Associate Professor
Ph.D., Sociology, University of Connecticut
M.A., Sociology, Brown University
B.A., Sociology, Rhode Island College

Academic Interests: Organizational sociology; pedagogy of service-learning; non-profits and philanthropy; sociology of children and childhood

Michael J. Fraleigh, Assistant Professor and Sociology Coordinator
Ph.D., Sociology, Stanford University
B.A., Sociology, University of Montana

Academic Interests: Service learning; education & employment; social psychology; sociology of the family

Judith McDonnell, Associate Professor
Ph.D., Sociology, Brown University
M.A., Sociology, Brown University
B.A., Human Development and Family Studies, Cornell University

Academic Interests: Brazilian immigrant women; racial and ethnic identity and inequality; residential segregation; urban sociology