Sociology

Robert Kaufman, Chair
709 Gladfelter Hall
215-204-7979
robert.kaufman@temple.edu

Anne Shlay, Undergraduate Chair
755 Gladfelter Hall
215-204-7931
anne.shlay@temple.edu

Sharon Smith, Administrator

2nd Floor, Anderson Hall

215-204-7763

sasmith@temple.edu

713 Gladfelter Hall
215-204-1494
www.temple.edu/sociology

Undergraduate majors can complete the general Major in Sociology or specialize in the Health Track in Sociology.  The sociology department offers three programs for non-majors: a minor in sociology, a minor in the sociology of health, and a certificate in health research. 

Sociology is the study of human behavior in the context of the groups, organizations, institutions, and societies in which it occurs.  The sociology department offers courses covering a wide range of topics, including: contemporary social issues, race and racism, sexuality and gender, health and health care, education, urban life, organizations, family, political life, law, international development and globalization.  The sociological perspective pays close attention to diversity in culture, values, and human experience.

Majoring in sociology prepares students for many careers and graduate programs by providing both a broad sociological perspective and specific research, statistical and analytic skills.  Students gain experience in fieldwork and interviewing; they develop, administer and analyze surveys and statistics; and they write research reports.  Sociology provides an excellent background for students planning to begin their careers upon graduation as well as those planning to pursue graduate education.  Recent graduates have gone to work and graduate school in the areas of law, medicine, business, non-profits, community planning, social work, market research, and education.  Students who are interested in a career in the health field can pursue a special sociology major focused on health-related coursework.  The Health Track in Sociology prepares students for graduate studies in leading medical, dental, nursing, public health, and physical and occupational therapy programs as well as graduate programs in sociology and related fields. 

Student Organizations

Sociology majors are invited to participate in the Sociology Undergraduate Majors and Minors Association (SUMMA), which hosts academic, community service, and social events throughout the year.  The department sponsors the Annual Student Research Conference in which students can present their work.

Awards

Awards available to sociology majors include the Robert K. Merton Award, the Sociology Prize, the Benjamin and Irma Robboy Award, and the Othella Vaughn Award.

Distinction in the Major

To receive Distinction in the Major, a student must have a minimum grade point average of 3.5 in all sociology courses and a minimum overall grade point average of 3.25.

Summary of Degree Requirements

1. University Requirements:

• Math 0701 (4sh) and/or English 0701 (4sh), if required by placement testing.
• All Temple students must take a minimum of two writing-intensive courses as part of the major. Sociology 3396 and 4096 fulfill this requirement for this major.
• Students must complete requirements of the General Education (GenEd) Program. See the General Education section of the Undergraduate Bulletin for more details.

2. College of Liberal Arts Requirements:

• Completion of a minimum of 123 credits, including: 90 credits in CLA/CST courses, 45 credits of which must be at the upper level (numbered 2000-4999). Of that, 6 credits must be outside the student's major division (e.g. Social Sciences or Humanities).
• A minimum GPA of 2.0, cumulatively, in all College of Liberal Arts coursework and in the major

3.  Foreign Language/Global Studies Requirements:

1) All students must complete the second level of a foreign language;

2) All students must complete at least one course from the GenEd World Society category; and

3) All students must complete one of the following options:

• Third level of a foreign language;
• Demonstrated proficiency in a foreign language;
• A second General Education World Society course;
• Study Abroad at an approved program; or
• Take one Global Studies course from the list on the CLA College Graduation Requirements page.

4. Major Options: Sociology or Health Track in Sociology (42 s.h.)

Sociology Major Requirements: 

• Eleven courses in Sociology
• Specifically required courses: Sociology 3201, 3396, 3261, & 4096
• Sociology 4001 OR 4002
• Sociology electives:
  • One course numbered below 3000 (except Sociology 1167)
  • One course at any level
  • One course numbered 2000 or higher
  • Three courses numbered 3000 or higher
• Two courses at the 2000 level or higher selected from cognate disciplines (see listing below)
  

Health Track in the Sociology Major Requirements:

• Eleven courses in Sociology
• Specifically required courses: Sociology 3201, 3396, 3261, & 4096
• Sociology 4001 OR 4002
• Sociology electives:
  • One course at any level
  • One course numbered below 3000 (except Sociology 1167)
  • One 2000 level course selected from Sociology 2522, 2530, 2552, 2553, 2572
  • Two courses at the 3000 level selected from Sociology 3511, 3521, 3530, 3546, 3559, 3582
  • One course at the 3000 level in Sociology
• Two health-related courses in cognate disciplines selected in consultation with a faculty advisor

5. General electives vary according to a student's individual program of study. Consult your academic advisor for more information.

Requirements for the Major in Sociology

The major requires a minimum of eleven Sociology courses, including a sequence of research methods courses, a sociological theory course, the writing capstone, and six electives at various levels.

All Temple students must take a minimum of two writing-intensive courses. The specific writing-intensive courses required for this major are listed below and are identified by "WI" in the Attribute column.

Requirements for the Health Track in Sociology

The health track in Sociology requires a minimum of eleven Sociology courses, including a sequence of research methods courses, a sociological theory course, the writing capstone, and six electives at various levels.  For Health Track majors, one 2000-level elective and two 3000-level electives designated as health-related Sociology electives must be taken.  Additionally, two 2000+-level electives from outside Sociology and designated as health-related electives must be taken. All Temple students must take a minimum of two writing-intensive courses. The specific writing-intensive courses required for this major are listed below and are identified by "WI" in the Attribute column.

Requirements for the Minor in Sociology

The minor in sociology requires a minimum of six courses.

Requirements for the Minor in the Sociology of Health

The minor in the sociology of health requires a minimum of six courses, three of which are health-related.  This program is not open to Sociology majors or Health Track in Sociology majors.

Requirements for the Certificate in Health Research

The certificate in health research requires five courses, including a health-related sequence and research methods. This program is not open to Sociology majors or Health Track in Sociology majors.

Suggested Semester-by-Semester plan for the Sociology Major

Suggested Semester-by-Semester plan for the Health Track in Sociology