Program Overview
Through a flexible curriculum, hands-on learning experiences, and expert faculty, the program prepares graduates for diverse careers in research, social work, consulting, and more. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and engagement with real-world social challenges.
Program Outline
- It offers a broad scope of study with applications in research, theory, law, and social policy.
- The program is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies towards specific interests.
- It emphasizes hands-on learning through opportunities like individual research projects and internships.
Objectives:
- Enhance understanding of social relationships, social organization, and factors influencing them.
- Equip students to analyze contemporary social issues like race relations, healthcare, gender dynamics, and modern families through a sociological lens.
- Foster critical thinking and analytical skills for research, interpretation, and evaluation of social phenomena.
- Encourage engagement in research and internship experiences to bridge academic learning with professional aspirations.
Description:
The Sociology program at the University of Hartford goes beyond textbook knowledge. It delves into real-world issues, encouraging critical analysis and engagement with the complexities of modern society. The program equips students with the tools to understand social structures, interpret data, conduct research, and contribute meaningfully to addressing social challenges. It covers topics like:
- Social Origins and the Self
- Social Processes
- Class and Stratification
- Power and Politics
- Education
- Organizations and Families
- Research Methods and Analysis
- Contemporary Social Issues
Structure and Schedule:
The Sociology BA requires completion of 36 credits. This includes 5 core courses (18 credits), foundation-level courses (18 credits), and an elective course. Students can tailor their studies by choosing courses from a variety of offerings, including:
- Sexuality and Social Conflict
- Sociology of Health and Illness
- Urban Sociology
- Social Relations
- Public Opinion
- Political Sociology
- Applied Research Internship The program offers a flexible schedule with courses available throughout the day, evening, and online.
Individual Modules:
Each course within the program delves into specific subject areas. Here are a few examples:
Introduction to Sociology:
- This course examines social origins, basic processes of social interaction, class and stratification, power structures, education, organizations, and families.
Methods of Social Research:
- This course focuses on sampling methods, measurement techniques, survey design and analysis, secondary data analysis, and observation techniques.
Sociological Theory:
- This course explores key theoretical frameworks in sociology and their application to research.
Statistical Analysis
- This course equips students with the ability to use basic statistical concepts and procedures to interpret social data.
Assessment:
Methods:
- The assessment methods in the program vary based on the individual courses.
- They may include a combination of:
- Exams and quizzes
- Essays and research papers
- Presentations
- Class participation
- Project work, including individual research projects and internship experiences
Criteria:
Assessments are based on the student’s ability to:
- Demonstrate understanding of key sociological concepts and theories.
- Apply these concepts to analyze social phenomena critically.
- Effectively conduct research and interpret data using appropriate methods and tools.
- Communicate findings clearly and concisely in both written and oral formats.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- The Sociology program employs various teaching methods to engage students and promote active learning. These methods include:
- Lectures and discussions
- Group projects and collaborative learning
- Simulations and case studies
- Field trips and observation exercises
Faculty:
- The program is led by experienced professors with expertise in various fields of sociology.
- Faculty members are actively engaged in research and bring real-world insights into the classroom.
- Students have opportunities to interact closely with faculty through small class sizes, office hours, and individual research mentorship.
Unique Approaches:
- The Sociology program at UHart emphasizes engaged learning beyond traditional classroom lectures.
- Students are actively involved in research projects, participate in internships, and have opportunities to work with community organizations.
- This hands-on approach bridges academic learning with professional experiences, preparing graduates for successful careers.
Careers:
Career Paths and Opportunities:
- Sociology graduates pursue diverse career paths in both the public and private sectors.
- Some of the potential fields of employment include:
- Consulting
- Research
- Social Work
- Human Resources
- Public Relations
- Law
- Many graduates also choose to pursue advanced degrees in related areas for further specialization.
Other:
Student Testimonial:
- The program's impact is evident in student testimonials, showcasing how it fosters a deeper understanding of societal structures and personal self-awareness: > "Sociology has allowed me to study race, gender, class, and inequality, all of the things most subjects stay away from. "