Sociology

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

708 Gladfelter Hall

215-204-7763

sasmith@temple.edu

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, housing, organizations, family, political life, popular culture, immigration, 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 and Opportunities

Sociology majors and minors are encouraged to participate in the Sociology Organization for Undergraduate Leadership (SOUL), 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

Sociology majors graduate with distinction in the major if they have a GPA of 3.5 or higher in the major and a minimum cumulative GPA 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 (Gen Ed) 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).
• For Social Science majors, 6 upper level credits must be taken in the Humanities Departments (English, French, German, Greek and Roman Classics, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese (only available at our Japan campus), Philosophy, Religion, Russian, and Spanish), Art History, or any department in the College of Science and Technology.
• A minimum GPA of 2.0, cumulatively, in CLA/CST 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 1176, 3201, 3261, 3396, & 4096
• Sociology 4001 OR 4002
• Sociology electives:
  • Two Sociology electives numbered 2000-4999
  • Three Sociology electives numbered 3000-4999
• Two courses at the 2000 level or higher selected from the following cognate disciplines: African American Studies, American Studies, Anthropology, Asian Studies, Criminal Justice, Economics, Environmental Studies, Geography and Urban Studies, History, Jewish Studies, Latin American Studies, Political Science, Psychology, and Women's Studies
  

Health Track in the Sociology Major Requirements:

• Eleven courses in Sociology
• Specifically required courses: Sociology 1176, 3201, 3261, 3396, & 4096
• Sociology 4001 OR 4002
• Sociology electives:
  • Three Sociology electives at the 3000 level, two of which must be health-related courses selected from Sociology 3511, 3521, 3530, 3546, 3559, 3582
  • Two courses numbered 2000 or higher, one of which must be a health-related course selected from Sociology 2522, 2530, 2552, 2553, 2572 (or an additional health-related course as noted above)
• 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 Introduction to Sociology, a sequence of 3 statistics and research methods courses, a sociological theory course, the writing capstone, and five 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 Introduction to Sociology, a sequence of statistics and research methods courses, a sociological theory course, the writing capstone, and five electives at various levels, three of which are designated as health-related.  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