Sociology

Overview

Sociology is a multi-faceted discipline represented at Hunter College by a range of scholars who use diverse methods from field research to quantitative analysis and theoretical inquiry. Precisely because sociology is a broad-based discipline that encompasses theory, methods of observation, and research, sociology is both practically useful in analyzing contemporary issues and academically fascinating. The study of sociology also meets four important goals of Hunter College overall: acquisition of conceptual and analytic skills, development of intellectual and personal growth, widening students’ outlook by understanding U.S. as well as global culture and values, and generating new knowledge to address local and international needs and issues. A major in sociology provides the undergraduate with the opportunity to gain a distinct intellectual perspective and a method of inquiry. By continually testing conventional wisdom against evidence, the study of sociology encourages the development of critical judgment. By routinely considering the matrix of social and cultural facts, such study can lead students to an understanding of the conditions under which social facts emerge, and the consequences they have for individuals, groups, societies and social institutions. It can also help students better understand their own roles in the array of social institutions in which they are entwined.

What can I do with my degree in Sociology?

Our courses provide a foundation for the student who desires to pursue advanced graduate studies in sociology leading to teaching positions. The department offers a wide range of specialties offering students flexibility in their choice of PhD programs. A major in sociology also helps to prepare students for many careers: social research, marketing, media, and other fields in the private sectors, as well as law, civil service and public policy, social work, the health professions, personnel work and other human-service areas. Majors are encouraged to develop skills in observation, interviewing, and other data-collection techniques; data processing; statistical and content analysis; and trend analysis — all marketable skills in many career lines.

Programs and Courses

Programs and Courses in Sociology

Administration and Faculty

Chair:

Erica Chito-Childs
1622A West
(212) 772-5635
echitoch@hunter.cuny.edu

Department Office:

1622 West
(212) 772-5585
fax: (212) 772-5645
http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/sociology
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Advising Office:

Mark Halling: Day Adviser
Michael Wood: Evening Adviser
1619 Hunter West
(212) 772-5576
Fax: (212) 772-5645
E-mail: socadvis@hunter.cuny.edu

Honors

In order to graduate with departmental honors in sociology, students must have a 3.0 GPA overall and a 3.5 GPA in sociology; at least 21 of the credits toward the major should have been courses taken at Hunter College.

Students must complete either an Honors Seminar

SOC 47300 - Honors Seminar

or an Honors Independent Study

SOC 47100 /SOC 47200 - Honors/Independent Study

SOC 42500 - Seminar in Selected Problems of Sociology

Additional Information

Students whose GPAs are within this range are urged to consult their adviser before planning senior year programs of study, since honors seminars are generally offered only once per year, usually in the fall semester. In addition, students qualifying for departmental honors are eligible for membership in Alpha Kappa Delta, the International Sociology Honor Society. See adviser for more information.

Internships

Provided students secure approval of a full-time faculty member, internships can be carried out for 3 to 6 credits in the areas of marketing, media, and politics, with other areas provided faculty supervision can be secured. Interested students must meet the requirements listed under the SOC 49800 entry.

Awards

The Department of Sociology offers four prestigious awards to outstanding students in sociology and applied social research. Once a year at the end of the spring term the Benjamin Ringer Award, carrying a cash stipend of $100, is granted for the best undergraduate paper in the areas of ethnic and race relations. The endowed Rosalyn Tough Award is granted with a tuition remission to one outstanding sociology student. Two Suzanne Keller Awards with a stipend of $250 each are granted at the end of the academic year. One goes to the graduating sociology major with the best academic record. The second Keller award is given to the best BA/MS graduate entering the field of applied social research. For more information about the awards contact the departmental advisers.

Faculty

Sociology Faculty

HEGIS Code: 2208