Sociology: Human Services

Sociology is not just about studying society, but improving upon it for all concerned.

The human services concentration allows students to better understand how various institutions within society differentially impact various groups and to develop skills to improve the outcomes for everyone. Emmanuel students learn about the development of public policy, the importance of advocacy and the role of social work in society, focusing specifically on how these processes and institutions impact the most marginal members of society.

Major Requirements

View the 2022-2023 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Requirements for B.A. in Sociology with a Concentration in Human Services

Six sociology core courses

  • SOC1101 Introduction to Sociology: Analysis of Society in Global Perspective (SA) (SS)
  • SOC2103 Qualitative Methods
  • SOC2104 Quantitative Methods (SS)
  • SOC3101 Theories of Society
  • SOC4194 Internship in Sociology
  • SOC4999 Seminar in Sociology OR SOC4988 Community Action Research 

In addition to the following requirements for concentration:

  • SOC1111 Introduction to Social Work
  • SOC2201 The Practice of Social Policy

Three electives must be chosen from the following (one of which must be 3000-level):

  • SOC2105 Race, Ethnicity and Group Relations (SA) (SS) (DM)
  • SOC2115 Family and Gender Roles
  • SOC2123 Health Care: Systems, Structures and Cultures
  • SOC2127 Social Class and Inequality (SA) (SS)
  • SOC2200 Drugs and Society 
  • SOC3201 Worlds in Motion: Causes and Consequences of Migration
  • SOC3207 Juvenile Delinquency and Youth at Risk
  • SOC3210 Family Violence

Recommended Courses:

  • PHIL1205 Health Care Ethics (M) (ER)
  • PSYCH3601 Counseling Theories and Techniques

Learning Goals & Outcomes

At the completion of the Sociology major, the student will:

  • Demonstrate an appreciation of the sociological perspective and the sociological imagination in our understanding of social reality.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of sociological theories, paradigms, and concepts.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of sociological research methods.
  • Acquire intellectual and professional skills. 
  • Apply sociological concepts to micro and macro issues of inequality, diversity, and globalization.
  • Develop an appreciation of social justice concerns.

Explore Emmanuel

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For Nadel, the stage is her “second home,” and the community she’s found within Emmanuel’s Theater program, a second family. While she originally thought she would pursue college theater as a hobby, she soon realized the work would define her student experience and provide a foundation for life beyond Emmanuel.

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Gianna Kittle '20: Advocating for Justice

Prior to coming to Emmanuel, Gianna had never heard of the field of sociology, but was very familiar and passionate about issues of crime and justice. Her time at Emmanuel helped her to not only put a name—but also, a purpose—to that passion.

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Jake Hill '20: Seeing Citizenship with a Capitol C

Growing up in a suburban town outside of Boston, going to college in the city had always been a goal for Jake. After touring Emmanuel's campus he felt it had the perfect mixture of “small campus feel and big city appeal.”

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Melissa Duffy '20: Artist and Appreciator

When Melissa started at Emmanuel, she chose what she believed to be two separate and distinct majors—studio art and history—to fulfill her both her personal and professional interests.

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Featured Faculty: Petros Vamvakas

Petros Vamvakas is an Associate Professor of Political Science and Chair of the Latin American Studies, Middle East Studies and Peace Studies Programs. His work focuses on security and democratization, as well as issues related to identity and race in politics throughout the Americas. As part of his teaching, he has escorted groups of students to Crete, Greece, and will be bringing a group of students to Cuba.

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