Starting in Fall 2008, the Department has adopted a new core curriculum.  For starters, students must now earn a grade of C or better in all core courses in order to graduate.  The biggest change is in the research methods sequence.  Starting in Fall 2008, students students will be required to take SOCL 209: Social Research Methods (Methods 1).  Students in the Sociology major (both tracks) will also be required to take SOCL 309: Advanced Research Methods (Methods 2).

Frequently Asked Questions:

I am a returning student, and my arrow sheet says I should take SOCL 309 but not SOCL 209 - what should I do?  You should take SOCL 209  as SOCL 309 has become Methods 2.  See the Department Secretary for a course substitution.

I am a Criminal Justice or Gerontology student planning to attend graduate school - can I take Methods 2? Methods 2 is open to any student who passed Methods 1 with a grade of C or better.

I am a Criminal Justice or Gerontology student planning to attend graduate school - should I take Methods 2?  Graduate education typically requires a hefty dose of research and you should consider talking Methods 2 to prepare you for graduate school experience.

What year should I take SOCL 209 and why?  The Department learned several years ago that students perform better on term papers and similar assignments after taking Research Methods, so SOCL 209 is designed for students in their second-semester Freshman or Sophomore years.  It is not recommended that you take SOCL 209 in your senior year unless absolutely necessary.

What does the Department-wide core curriculum look like?

SOCL 100: Introduction to Sociology - You should take this class early because all other classes, including Criminal Justice and Gerontology, require this course.

SOCL 209: Social Research Methods - You should take this class in your Freshman or Sophomore year, but only after taking SOCL 100

SOCL 313: Theories & Perspectives - You should take this course in your Junior Year

Major Specific Courses:  Certain courses are also listed as "core" in the Sociology - Human Services, Criminal Justice, and Gerontology Studies majors.  You should consult your arrow sheet and discuss these with your advisor.