Department of Sociology
Important Note: This is the archived version of the 2013–2015 Undergraduate Catalog. The information on these pages was archived on August 6, 2013 and will not be updated as requirement and/or program changes are approved. Please see www.uic.edu/ucat for the most up-to-date requirements.
BA with a Major in Sociology Minor in SociologyDistinction
Special Programs in Sociology
- Research Skills
- Area of Concentration
- Course Credit for Paid Work
- Independent Study and Research Projects
- Preprofessional Preparation
- Critical Thinking and Communication
4112 Behavioral Sciences Building (BSB)
(312) 996–3005
brisman@uic.edu
http://sociology.las.uic.edu
Administration: Head, Barbara Risman
Associate Head and Director of Undergraduate Studies, Nilda Flores-Gonzalez
Assistant to the Head: Tara Gordon
Sociology is the study of social life, including individuals, groups, organizations, institutions, and societies. Sociologists investigate the social causes and consequences of human behavior and interaction, such as inequality, poverty, discrimination, and urbanization. While offering a general sociology curriculum, the program specializes in the study of race, ethnicity, and gender; work, organizations, and the economy; and urban sociology. Students majoring in Sociology will gain an understanding of, and the ability to use, key sociological theories, methodologies, and analytical skills in building sociological knowledge.
A major in Sociology will prepare students to undertake graduate studies in sociology, and other fields such as other social sciences, social work, law, urban planning, and public health. It is also an excellent preparation for a wide variety of occupations in business and industry, the justice system, community and social services, government, education, social justice, and research.
The Department of Sociology offers programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Sociology. Students are encouraged to follow a general sociology curriculum or to specialize in race, ethnicity, and gender; work, organizations, and the economy; or urban studies. A minor in Sociology is also offered.
To earn a Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Sciences degree from UIC, students must complete University, college, and department degree requirements. The Department of Sociology degree requirements are outlined below. Students should consult the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences section for additional degree requirements and college academic policies.
| BA with a Major in Sociology Degree Requirements | Hours |
| Major Requirements | 33 |
| General Education and Electives to reach Minimum Total Hours | 87 |
| Minimum Total Hours—BA with a Major in Sociology | 120 |
General Education
See General Education and Writing-in-the-Discipline in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences section for information on meeting these requirements.
Major Requirements
| Courses | Hours |
| One course from the following: | 3 |
| SOC 100—Introduction to Sociology (3)ab | |
| SOC 105—Social Problems (3)ab | |
| SOC 201—Introductory Sociological Statisticsc | 4 |
| Three additional 200-level coursesd | 9 |
| SOC 300—Introduction to Sociological Research Methods | 4 |
| SOC 385—Introduction to Sociological Theorye | 3 |
| SOC 490—Senior Research Experiencef | 4 |
| Two additional 400-level coursesd | 6 |
| Total Hours—Major Requirements | 33 |
a This course is approved for the Understanding the Individual and Society General Education category.
b This course is approved for the Understanding U.S. Society General Education category.
c SOC 201 also fulfills the LAS Quantitative Reasoning requirement.
d Independent study courses (SOC 296, 298, 496, 499) can be taken for up to 8 hours of credit, but only 3 hours of 296 and 298 and 3 hours of 496 and 499 can count toward the required elective credit at the 200- and 400-level respectively.
e SOC 385 fulfills the Writing-in-the-Discipline requirement.
f SOC 490 can be repeated with departmental approval and, when taken a second time, will count as one of the two 400-level electives required for the major.
To view a recommended plan of study for the major in Sociology, please visit the LAS website http://www.las.uic.edu/students/prospective-undergraduate/degree-programs/four-year-model-plans.
Students from other disciplines who want to minor in Sociology must complete 15 semester hours as outlined below.
| Required Courses—Sociology Minor | Hours |
| One course from the following: | 3 |
| SOC 100—Introduction to Sociology (3) | |
| SOC 105—Social Problems (3) | |
| Three courses at the 200- or 300-level | 9 |
| One course at the 400-level | 3 |
| Total Hours—Sociology Minor | 15 |
To be considered for Distinction, students must obtain a 3.00/4.00 overall GPA, plus the following:
- 3.50/4.00 GPA in the major for Distinction;
- 3.75/4.00 GPA in the major for High Distinction;
- 3.75/4.00 GPA in the major, SOC 499, and completion of a senior thesis for Highest Distinction.
Note: The GPA will be calculated using all of the credits that are being applied to the degree—from UIC and from any transfer institution.
The Sociology program offers courses in which students can develop their research skills. Students can take courses such as Introductory, Intermediate, and Advanced Statistics, as well as learn about various research methods (such as Ethnography, Survey, Census) in introductory and more advanced research methods courses.
The Sociology program offers a general sociology curriculum with an emphasis in the study of race, ethnicity, and gender; work, organizations, and the economy; and urban sociology. Students who want to specialize in any of these areas select relevant courses at the 200- and 400-level.
Cooperative education combines work experience with academic courses. Co-op placement possibilities include a wide range of professional, managerial, and technical positions in firms, not-for-profit organizations, and government agencies.
Independent Study and Research Projects
Students can gain research experience by working with a faculty member on an ongoing research project or conducting their own independent research project. Students who want to graduate with the Highest Departmental Distinction must complete SOC 499 and write a senior thesis based on a research project.
Majoring in Sociology can provide students with an excellent preparation for admission to professional and graduate programs in medicine, health, law, urban planning, social work, education, and business.
Critical Thinking and Communication
Sociology develops skills in analyzing, synthesizing, generalizing, and communicating information and knowledge. Courses stress both logical and data analysis as well as careful and thoughtful reading, discussion, and writing. Sociology’s subject matter includes relationships among economic, political, cultural, and social factors and explores the impact of physical and biological forces on individuals and society. This inclusive framework and general training lies at the heart of a liberal education for lifetime learning.
