Master of Arts in 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.
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, show an understanding
of sociological theory and methodology, and demonstrate how to successfully complete
a scientific research project. Within the curriculum students will be challenged
to develop their critical thinking skills, utilize technology in the acquisition
and analysis of data, and participate in service learning activities in the Houston
metropolitan community.
Upon completing this program, the Sociology major will be able to demonstrate an
understanding of the following:
- 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.
- 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; and (d) describe and
apply basic theories or theoretical orientations in at least one area of social reality.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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 Issues, 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. Mxolisi Siwatu (Howard University)
Research/Teaching Areas: Medical Sociology and Urban Sociology
Dr. Brittany Slatton (Texas A&M University)
Research/Teaching Areas: Sex/Gender Issues and Inequality
Dr. L. Alex Swan (University of California – Berkeley)
Research/Teaching Areas: Clinical Sociology, Theory and Inequality
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 Student Academic
Enhancement Services Center, and petition the Department for admission as ASSET requirements
are completed. Students must schedule at least two academic conferences per 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
| SOC 157 |
SOC 221 or SOC 257
|
SOC 359
|
SOC 458
|
|
SOC158
|
SOC 354
|
SOC 450
|
300 or 400 ELECTIVE
|
|
SOC 254
|
SOC 357
|
SOC 457
|
300 or 400 ELECTIVE
|
For the minor in Sociology, 21 semester credit hours beyond the two freshman courses,
SOC 157 and SOC 158, are required. This is 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
| SOC 157 |
SOC 354
|
200 ELECTIVE
|
|
SOC 158
|
SOC 357
|
300 or 400 ELECTIVE
|
|
SOC 254
|
SOC 359
|
300 or 400 ELECTIVE
|
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 at least junior academic standing; has maintained
a 3.0 in Sociology courses; has 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 his or her
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 humankind.
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.
