DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY

The Department of Sociology offers coursework leading to two degrees; the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Master of Arts (M.A.). A minor in Sociology is also offered for students pursuing undergraduate degrees in departments where they are required to declare a minor. Interested students may secure information from the Department of Sociology office located in the Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs building.

Students interested in the Master of Arts Degree in Sociology should refer to the Graduate School Bulletin of Texas Southern University.

The mission of the Department of Sociology at Texas Southern University is to become a nationally recognized leader in the Urban Sociological training of students who will enter graduate/professional school or career oriented professions.  Students are trained with a special emphasis on sociological theory, methodology, and the substantive areas of social inequality and urban sociology.  The major in Sociology will demonstrate how this discipline advances scientific knowledge, demonstrate an understanding of sociological theory and methodology, and be able to successfully complete a scientific research project.  Within the curriculum students will be challenged to develop their critical thinking skills, to utilize technology in the acquisition and analysis of data, and to participate in service learning activities in the in the Houston metropolitan community. 

Upon completing this program, the Sociology major will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the following:

1.  The discipline of Sociology and its role in contributing to our understanding of social reality, such that the student will be able to: (a) describe how Sociology differs from and is similar to other social sciences; (b) describe how Sociology contributes to a liberal arts understanding of social reality; and (c) apply the sociological imagination, principles, and concepts to his/her own life

2.  The role of theory in Sociology, such that the student will be able to: (a) define theory and describe its role in building sociological knowledge; (b) compare and contrast basic theoretical orientations; (c) show how theories reflect the historical context of times and cultures in which they were developed; (d) describe and apply some basic theories or theoretical orientations in at least one area of social reality  

3.  The role of evidence and qualitative and quantitative methods in Sociology, such that the student will be able to: (a) identify basic methodological approaches and describe the general role of methods in building sociological knowledge; (b) compare and contrast the basic methodological approaches for gathering data.  (c) design a research study and explain why various decisions are made; and (d) critically assess a published research report and explain how the study could have been improved

4.  The technical skills involved in retrieving information and data from the internet and using computers appropriately for data analysis.  The Sociology major should also be able to do (social) scientific technical writing that accurately conveys data findings and to show an understanding and application of principles of ethical practice as a sociologist.

5.  In-depth knowledge of at least two specialty areas within Sociology, such that the student will be able to: (a) summarize basic questions and issues in the areas; (b) compare and contrast basic theoretical orientations and middle range theories in the areas; (c) show how Sociology helps the understanding of the area; (d) summarize content research in the area; and (e) develop specific policy implications of research and theories in the areas.  

SOCIOLOGY FACULTY

Dr. Betty B. Cox (University of Houston)

Research/Teaching Areas: Sociology of Education, Ethnic Minorities and

Environmental Sociology

 Dr. Cecile E. Harrison (University of Texas – Austin)

Research/Teaching Areas: Urban Sociology, Social Organization and Social Psychology

 Dr. Kenneth W. Jackson (University of Chicago)

Research/Teaching Areas: Statistics, Research Methods and Inequality

 Professor Bonnie James (Texas Southern University)

Research/Teaching Areas: Sex/Gender, Inequality and Urban Sociology

 Dr. E. Dianne Mosley (Texas Woman’s University)

Research/Teaching Areas: Research Methods, Social Organization and Sociology of

Mental Health

Dr. L. Alex Swan (University of California – Berkeley)

Research/Teaching Areas: Clinical Sociology, Theory and Inequality

Dr. Earl Wright II, Department Chairperson (University of Nebraska – Lincoln)

Research/Teaching Areas: Historical Sociology, Urban Sociology and Sex/Gender

     SOCIOLOGY MAJOR

The major in Sociology requires a total of thirty six (36) semester credit hours in Sociology courses.  Only grades of “C” or better are accepted (grades of “C-“ are unacceptable).  First-time degree seeking students pursuing this degree must declare a minor in a second academic discipline.  Once admitted to the University, Sociology majors are assigned a faculty advisor who will advise them of the curriculum courses that are required to receive the B.A. degree in Sociology.  The faculty advisor should be consulted in the selection of a required minor for the B.A. in Sociology.  The Department of Sociology must have a current address and telephone number of each student on file.  Students can be assured of confidentiality by completing, and updating when needed, a Student Information Data Form that is available in the office of the Department of Sociology located in the Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs building.

Students interested in seeking the undergraduate degree (B.A. in Sociology) or the Sociology minor must first gain admission to the University, satisfy ASSET requirements, satisfy deficiencies assessed at the time of admission through the General University Academic Center (GUAC), and petition the Department for admission as ASSET requirements are completed.  Students must schedule at least two academic conferences a semester for course approval and status verification for progress toward graduation.  In no case will students qualify for graduation at the undergraduate level with fewer than 124 semester credit hours satisfactorily completed.  An exit examination is required of all Sociology candidates for the B.A. degree in Sociology.

REQUIRED COURSES FOR SOCIOLOGY MAJOR

For the minor in Sociology, 21 semester credit hours beyond freshman courses SOC 157 and SOC 158 are required, through enrollment in the following three-credit courses for a total of 12 credits: SOC 254, SOC 354, SOC 357, and SOC 359. An additional 9 credits must be approved by a Sociology Faculty advisor or the Department Chairperson. Students pursuing the minor in Sociology, while seeking undergraduate degrees in other departments, must earn grades of “C” or better (grades of “C-“ are unacceptable) in all courses related to the Sociology minor.

REQUIRED COURSES FOR SOCIOLOGY MINOR

Sociology majors and all interested students are encouraged to become members of The Sociology Scholars Association and to participate in the Spring and Fall semester Sociology Lecture Seminars.  The Department of Sociology strives to enhance the student’s college experience by providing the opportunity to develop leadership skills, participate in research oriented forums, strengthen interpersonal communication skills, and make contributions to the community by participating in service-oriented projects.

Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD) is an international academic Sociology honor society and an integral component of the Department of Sociology at Texas Southern University.  The purpose of this honor society is to promote scholarship, both at the graduate and undergraduate levels.  Sociology Faculty members are diligent in encouraging all sociology majors to excel in their academic studies.  To become a member of AKD, a student must be an officially declared Sociology major or have a serious interest in Sociology within an official program of the University; has to have at least junior standing; have maintained a 3.0 in Sociology courses; have accumulated the equivalent of an overall grade point average of 3.0 by a four point scale, and shall rank in the top 35% of their class in general scholarship; and must have completed at least four regular courses in sociology prior to initiation.  Graduate students need to complete at least one-half year of course work in sociology while maintaining at least a 3.0 grade point average.  The Honor Society’s focus promotes the scientific study of society through research and service to mankind.

USEFUL LINKS

Alpha Kappa Delta Honor Society                               www.alpha-kappa-delta.org

Association of Black Sociologists                                  www.blacksociologists.org

American Sociological Association                                www.asanet.org

Association of Social and Behavioral Scientists              www.asbsofjcs.org

Southern Sociological Society                                       www.msstate.edu/org/sss

Southwestern Sociological Association                          www.swsociology.org

In summary, interested students must first gain admission to the University; meet their ASSET responsibility; fulfill prerequisites referenced above; and petition the Department for admission.  To ensure proper progression toward graduation, students are provided comprehensive advisement by a Sociology Faculty member, and an exit examination is required of graduating seniors.   For further information regarding the Sociology major or minor requirements, contact the Department at (713)-313-7250.

SOCIOLOGY COURSE   DESCRIPTIONS

SOC 141                     Texas: A Multicultural Society                                  (3)
Study of selected ethnic groups and their contributions to the development of Texas and the nation. Three hours of lecture per week.

SOC 157                     Introduction to Sociology                                           (3)
Presentation of basic concepts and processes in the sociological analysis of micro and macro socio-cultural systems. Three hours of lecture per week. Listed as SOCI 1301 in the Texas Common Course Numbering System.

SOC 158                     Contemporary Social Issues                                      (3)
Selected current social issues discussed from the perspective of contemporary theories of social problems. Three hours of lecture per week. Listed as SOCI 1306 in the Texas Common Course Numbering System.

SOC 211                     Social Adjustment to College                                     (1)
Designed to help students develop the practical knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential for a successful and rewarding college experience. One hour of lecture per week.

SOC 221                     Sociology of Human Sexuality                                    (3)
Examination of the physiological, sociological, and psychological variables that influence human sexuality both within and outside the confines of the institution of marriage. Three hours of lecture per week. Listed as SOCI 2306 in the Texas Common Course Numbering System.

SOC 238                     Introduction to Anthropology                                    (3)
General introduction to anthropology and the subdisciplines of anthropology, including a general introduction to the major topical areas within each anthropological subdiscipline. Three hours of lecture per week. Listed as ANTH 2346 in the Texas Common Course Numbering System.

SOC 254                     Black Perspectives in Sociology                                (3)
Presentation of the works and critical analysis of a variety of issues that concern the group life of African Americans. Three hours of lecture per week.

SOC 257                     Sociology of Education                                               (3)
Critical analysis of the character and nature of education in complex societies: relationship to political, economic, and cultural processes; impact on individual and community behavior and development; the learning process; and the classroom as a social system. Three hours of lecture per week.

SOC 322                     Social Psychology                                                       (3)
Basic concepts of social psychology with emphasis on the interrelations among individuals, society, and its sociocultural subsystems. Three hours of lecture per week.

SOC 331                     Sociology of the Family                                               (3)
Presentation of theoretical perspectives that influence family studies and a discussion of the forces external and internal to the family that impact its structure, process, and function. Emphasis placed on Black families and the establishment and development of a family unit. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: SOC 157.

SOC 335                     Race and Ethnicity                                                      (3)
Presentation and discussion of the nature and character of society and the presence of racial and ethnic groups within the social order. Three hours of lecture per week.

SOC 337                     Urban Sociology                                                          (3)
Designed to take stock of the knowledge accumulated regarding the social and psychological consequences of community life. Examination of the historical background of cities and the three main sociological theories of urbanism with speculations about the urban future. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: SOC 322.

SOC 344                     Social Stratification                                                     (3)
Examination of the various types of social stratification and their effects on human behavior and life chances. Three hours of lecture per week.

SOC 351                     Criminology                                                                (3)
Study of the causes of crime; the social, economic, and political context of the development of law; and the development of crime control strategies and penology. Three hours of lecture per week.

SOC 354                     Sociological Statistics                                                 (3)
Descriptive and simple inductive statistics, selected mathematical topics, and orientation to computer applications in the analysis of sociological data. Two hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: SOC 157 and SOC 158.

SOC 357                     Sociological Theory                                                    (3)
Study of selected social theories and their major contributions to the field of Sociology. Three hours of lecture per week.

SOC 359                     Sociological Research                                                (3)
Study of quantitative and qualitative research techniques for data collection and analysis. Two hours of lecture and one hour of laboratory per week.

SOC 435                     Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice              (3)
Discussion of the major theoretical notions which attempt to explain juvenile delinquency; the development of the juvenile justice system; and various strategies of delinquency, including diversion programs. Three hours of lecture per week.

SOC 438                     Collective Behavior and Social Movements             (3)
Study of human societies and culture.  Emphasis placed on ethnographic anthropological research.  Three hours of lecture per week.  Prerequisite: SOC 238.

SOC 450                     Seminar in Methodology                                            (3)
Consideration of the requirements specified by the scientific method and the hazards encountered when this method is not followed. Examination of common purpose of research, alternative research designs, sampling, and several techniques for collecting data. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: SOC 157, SOC 354, and SOC 359.

SOC 452                     Sociology of Work      (3)
This course examines the sociological dimensions of work and occupations. Specific topics may include: the organizational context of work, occupational and labor market structures, job satisfaction, industrial relations, technological change, and the effects of gender, age, race/ethnicity on how work and employment are experienced. Three hours of lecture per week.

SOC 456                     Independent Study                                                     (3)
Independent study in theoretical and applied sociology designed to allow juniors and seniors to work independently on topics of special interest not covered in depth in course offerings. Work may be done in a tutorial relationship with an individual faculty member or in a seminar. Prerequisites: SOC 357 and SOC 359.

SOC 457                     Modern Sociological Theory                                      (3)
Critical analysis and evaluation of the major theoretical perspectives (structural functionalism; conflict Marxian; and symbolic interactionism, exchange, and ethno-methodology) that dominate the field of sociological explorations. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: SOC 157 and SOC 357.

SOC 458                     Applications of Sociology                                           (3)
Designed for seniors who will demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the discipline of sociology by developing a publishable work applying sociological knowledge and experience systematically to a specific social issue under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisites: SOC 157, SOC 354, and SOC 450.

SOC 460                     Women in Society                                                       (3)
Examination of changing gender roles and the effects on the social and cultural status of women. Three hours of lecture per week.