Sociology

How and why people act represents a fascinating puzzle, with pieces of class, gender, race, religion and others joining together to play significant roles.

The study of sociology prepares students to critically analyze the key institutions that comprise society and the dominant social and demographic issues that confront the world in the 21st century. Emmanuel students study in a vibrant and diverse urban setting, equipping them for careers in an interconnected global society, with a commitment to social justice.

Major Requirements

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

Requirements for B.A. in Sociology

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 

Electives

  • Five additional sociology courses, at least one of which is a 3000-level.

Minor Requirements

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

Requirements Minor in Sociology:

  • SOC1101 Introduction to Sociology: Analysis of Society in Global Perspective (SA) (SS)
  • SOC2103 Qualitative Methods OR SOC2104 Quantitative Methods*
  • SOC3101 Theories of Society
  • Three additional sociology courses with two at the 2000-level or above

*SOC2104 has a prerequisite of either MATH1117 Introduction to Statistics, MATH1118 Introduction to Statistics with R, MATH2113 Statistics with R or PSYCH2802 Methods and Statistics II

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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Nadel Henville '22: Creating Community Takes Center Stage

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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