Oct 11, 2024  
Undergraduate Record 2007-2008 
    
Undergraduate Record 2007-2008 [ARCHIVED RECORD]

Sociology


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Requirements for Major


Sociology majors are required to complete thirty credits in the program approved by a member of the Undergraduate Studies Committee.  These thirty credits may include courses taken before declaring the major. These thirty credits may include courses taken before declaration but may not include courses used to fulfill area requirements in the College of Arts & Sciences.

Before declaring a sociology major students must complete SOC 101-Introductory Sociology and one other sociology course for a total of six credits with at least a “C” or better in each course. Prospective majors are also urged to take SOC 302-Introduction to Social Theory and/or SOC 311-Introduction to Social Statistics before declaring.

Four core courses are required of all sociology majors as part of the thirty credit program and should be completed within two semesters. They are:

  • SOC 101-Introductory Sociology
  • SOC 302-Introduction to Social Theory
  • SOC 311-Introduction to Social Statistics
  • SOC 312-Sociology Research Workshop

All majors must also complete nine credits (3 courses) at the 400 or 500 level. The remaining minimum seven credits (normally 3 courses) can be taken at any level; however, only 3 credits of SOC 497-Special Studies in Sociology and only 3 credits of SOC 480, 481, 482 Undergraduate Internship Program may be included in the thirty-hour major requirements.

A grade of “C” or better is required in every course counted toward the major. Students receiving grades of “C-” or lower in three courses, or falling below a 2.000 GPA in the department will not be permitted to continue as a major. Students receiving less than a “C” in a required course must retake the course and receive a grade of “C” or better.

With approval of the Undergraduate Studies Committee, up to six credits (2 courses) of course work in related fields may be used to fulfill the thirty credit requirement as elective credit (any level). These two courses should fulfill a concentration or study objective and should be completed with a “C” or better. Only sociology courses can be used to satisfy the course requirements at the 400 or 500 levels.

Exceptions to any of these requirements will be made only upon a written petition to the Undergraduate Studies Committee.

Requirements for Minor


Students wishing to minor in sociology are required to complete eighteen credits (6 courses) in the program. No more than three credits of SOC 497 (Special Studies in Sociology) and three credits of SOC 480, 481, 482 (Undergraduate Internship Program) may be included in the eighteen credits requirement for the sociology minor. No courses taken outside of the Department of Sociology are accepted towards the sociology minor. As a part of the eighteen credits for the minor students should complete SOC 101 (Introductory Sociology) and six credits (2 courses) at the 400 or 500 level. The remaining nine credits (3 courses) can be taken at any level.

Distinction and Prizes


In order to provide an enriched academic experience for highly motivated students, the Department of Sociology participates in the college’s Distinguished Majors Program (DMP). To qualify sociology majors should be highly motivated and have a cumulative GPA of 3.400 or higher. Students who qualify should sign up for the DMP by the end of their second year but no later than the first semester of their third year.

All DMP students in Sociology are to complete regular major requirements as well as the following. DMP students should be sure to take at least one 400-level sociology course designated DM. There is one offered each semester. DMP students are urged to take at least one 500-level sociology course during their fourth year. All DMP are to complete the yearlong course (SOC 498-Distinguished Majors) in their fourth year, in which they will research and write their DMP thesis.

Successful completion of the DMP requirements makes a student eligible for graduation with distinction, high distinction or highest distinction. The instructor of SOC 498 and the distinguished majors thesis advisor determines the level of distinction and the course grade after the review of the required thesis.

The department annually awards the Commonwealth Prize for the best undergraduate paper in sociology.

Undergraduate Internship Program


The Undergraduate Internship Program is a joint project of the sociology department and the Center for Public Service, which grants course credit for supervised fieldwork in a wide range of local government, voluntary, and business organizations. Regular class meetings, in which interns analyze their experiences under faculty supervision, are required.

Facilities


The department is located on the fifth floor of Cabell Hall.

Research


In addition to encouraging independent student projects, the department has occasional opportunities for students to work as paid assistants on faculty research projects. Inquiries should be addressed to the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Additional Information


For more information, contact a member of the Undergraduate Studies Committee, Department of Sociology, 539 Cabell Hall, P.O. Box 400766, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4766; (434) 924-7293.
soc-undergraduatestudies@virginia.edu; www.virginia.edu/sociology.

Course Descriptions


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