Sociology is the study of social relationships among people, institutions, and organizations. It is a discipline that uses the methods of science to explore the concerns and affairs of society and culture. Sociologists examine how groups and institutions are created, maintained and transformed and how group life shapes individual members of society. Sociologists describe, interpret, understand, and predict human interactions, social processes and trends. Sociologists enhance community life and ameliorate social problems, and guide other forms of social change. This major is under the auspices of the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice.

 

Sociology allows us to develop the sociological imagination and tools necessary to see ourselves within the social context. Sociology takes the blinders off and broadens our vision to see the world as a social system. Sociology explores the interaction between society and the individual. Christian sociologists ask these questions: What areas of our social world need radical transformation? How can we act as Christ that would help change the social ills around us? What happens when cultural expectations contradict our Christian values? 

 

If you are interested in working in social settings, you need a sociological perspective. If you want to understand the power structure in your community in order to do God’s work, you need a sociological perspective. If you want to understand why your father/mother, husband/wife, son/daughter, brother/sister, friend/foe interact as they do, you need a sociological perspective. If you want to understand why people and society are they way they are - you need a sociological perspective!

 

The Sociology major at Nyack is a rigorous program of study that retains enough flexibility to accommodate students with diverse career goals and plans. It insures that all students are trained in the major theoretical and methodological traditions of Sociology, and permits considerable variation in students who are considering graduate studies in sociology and related social science disciplines. The Sociology major provides a strong liberal arts education for undergraduates interested in the study of contemporary society and social problems.

 

Students who major in Sociology enroll in a central core of sociology courses and may choose one of six concentrations. The central core cultivates knowledge and understanding of social systems at all levels from interpersonal through global. Students learn life-structuring impact of social class, gender, ethnicity, religion, race, and other social categories. Each student learns the principles underlying social order, social structural causes of social issues, and social change. The core curriculum of sociology   emphasizes the utilization of the scientific method in testing theory and developing practical knowledge across the discipline. Classroom experience focuses on solution-centered analysis of important contemporary issues. Students are required to participate in a senior internship in paid or un-paid off-campus experiences under supervision. The internship allows students to integrate prior course knowledge with work experience in their possible career interest.

 

This major is offered at the Rockland Campus.