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Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Engage in the study of humans in their individual and collective aspects as well as their economic, social, political, and religious activities. Tackle such areas as social issues, cross-cultural perspectives, community, aging and family. Learn how to statistically measure and analyze sociological data to further understand the laws governing human behavior in social contexts. Courses are listed in the order in which you will take them for the program.
Below you will find the courses for this program beginning with the introductory courses. You have choices in this program to take a standard program following the major course requirements or you may choose to add a specialization to your program. Please note that you must complete the major course requirements' capstone course before you can begin any specialization. Each specialization consists of four (4) courses, each worth three (3) credits. Courses are listed in the order in which you will take them for the program.
Introductory Courses:
Depending on the number of credits transferred in, you may be required to take one or both of Ashford University's introductory courses: EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education and PSY 202 Adult Development and Life Assessment. If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable credits, you are required to successfully complete EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education. as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 Adult Development and Life Assessment as your first course.
EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education
This course is designed to help adult learners beginning their university studies to achieve academic success. Students will explore learning theories, communication strategies, and personal management skills. Adult learners will develop strategies for achieving success in school and work. Students will also be introduced to the University�s institutional outcomes and learning resources.
PSY 202 Adult Development & Life Assessment
This course presents adult development theory and links theoretical concepts of life and learning through a process of psychometric assessment and reflection. Both classical and contemporary adult development theories are examined. These theories then provide the paradigm for self-analysis and life learning, including a plan for personal, professional and academic learning.
Major Course Requirements:
(36 semester credits, all classes are 3 credits. Courses are listed in the recommended sequence.)
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology
This introductory course presents basic concepts, theories, and research in sociology. Group organization, sex and gender, marriage and the family, sports as a social institution, and collective behavior are among the topics considered.
SOC 203 Social Problems
Drugs, poverty, illiteracy, homelessness, AIDS, undocumented aliens, single-parent families, urban and farm crises, and racial and environmental issues are examined. Possible causes and remedies are scrutinized.
SOC 315 Cross-Cultural Perspectives
Culture and politics in Europe, Latin America, the Arab world, India, East Asia, and other areas are examined. Emphasis is on viewing the world from the diverse perspectives of other cultures and political systems. Topics and regions vary.
SOC 305 Crime & Society
The course considers the basic sociological theories and research findings concerning crime. The punishment and corrections process, organized crime, corporate crime, the police, the courts and the impact of crime on the victim are examined.
SOC 308 Racial & Ethnic Groups
The course considers major racial and ethnic groups, especially African Americans, Asian Americans, ethnic Whites, Hispanics, and Native Americans. The focus is on the traits of each group and its pattern of adaptation to the larger society.
SOC 312 Child, Family, & Society
This course provides an overview of the child (infant through elementary) and the reciprocal relationships children develop with their family, their school, and the world in which they live. Theories pertaining to the roles and relationships within and between families, schools, and communities are introduced with an emphasis on enabling students to identify family needs and concerns and to use a variety of collaborative communication and problem-solving skills to assist families in finding the best available community resources to meet these needs. Students themselves explore various community resources that further the development of the child's potential.
PSY 325 Statistics for the Behavioral & Social Sciences
Descriptive and inferential statistics are investigated and multiple techniques for statistical analysis are introduced in this course. Formulas for presenting and evaluating data are explored in accordance with generally accepted protocol for statistical analysis.
PSY 326 Research Methods
Research Methods is an introduction to the foundations of research methodology, design and analysis. Basic principles of qualitative and quantitative research are explored and evaluated. Understanding the results of statistical analysis as it applies to research is a focus of this curriculum.
SOC 304 Social Gerontology
The course focuses on social stereotypes and prejudice against the aged, discrimination, friends and family, care giving, living environments, demography, senior political power, legislation, elder abuse, and death and dying.
SOC 320 Public Policy & Social Services
An examination of public policies and the social services they mandate. The major focus is on American government policy at all levels and the detailed content of social services. Some considerations of other nations and international agencies is offered. Policies and services pertaining to a variety of areas, including urban life, poverty, health care, substance abuse, children, the aged, unemployment, and mental health are studied.
SOC 331 Social Justice & Ethics
This course examines the foundations of social justice theory and their application to criminal justice theories and practice. Issues such as poverty, social policy, diversity, welfare, and alternative social programs provide students with a working understanding of the interrelation and copasetic relationship between social and criminal justice issues. Students will also understand ethical applications for both social justice initiatives as well as the ethics of criminal justice policies and initiatives.
SOC 490 Social Science Capstone
This course requires students to reflect upon and synthesize the major insights gained in their study of the social sciences. A substantive paper is developed which requires students to critically analyze their experiences and knowledge in order to build leaders in the interdisciplinary field of social science.
Specializations
You may also choose to delve deeper into other areas of sociology when you add a specialization to your degree program. A specialization consists of four (4) courses, each worth three (3) credits. These courses are taught online as part of your degree program.
Political Science & Government
POL 319 State & Local Government
This course examines the structure and processes of state and local governments and their related current problems and issues. There is a focus on the effect of Federalism and its effect on States.
POL 310 Environmental Policies
Environmental Policies examines the political, social, and economic implications of environmental policy in the United States and the global environment. It, also, explores ways in which policy decisions can serve to protect the environment.
POL 355 International Relations
The course in international relations is the study of relations between different nations of the world with an emphasis on understanding the political implications of international security matters and the international political economy. The topical emphasis on nationalism, diplomacy, conflict, international organizations and actors, human rights, political economy, and key global issues offers insights into the principles of identity, cooperation, and the use of power in an international context.
POL 411 Political Behavior
Students will study political behavior as it relates to campaigns and elections in the United States. Selected course themes include political communication, participation, voting, and elections.
If this program sounds like it will fit your personal and professional goals, contact us at 866-711-1700 to learn more, or click here to request additional information.