Sociology Curriculum Goals
A student who has majored in sociology at Loras College will complete her or his program possessing
     a) fundamental skills which are important for their lives as active learners,
         reflective thinkers, ethical decision-makers, and responsible contributors 
         in their diverse professional, social, and religious roles.
     b) a base of knowledge for understanding society, social processes, and social
         organizations in a changing world.

Knowledge and Intellectual Competencies - Students majoring in sociology:
          1. understand how institutions and organizations work, including the
              interdependence of social systems and conflicts of interest within and   
              between social units.
          2. recognize causes and consequences of inequality rooted in social class,  
              gender, and race/ethnicity.
          3. understand the role of theory in sociology, including an ability to a) define  
              theory and describe its relationship to sociological knowledge and research
              b) compare and contrast basic theoretical orientations c) identify
              assumptions underlying particular theoretical orientations or arguments d)
              apply the major theoretical perspectives of the discipline.
          4. understand sociological research methods and demonstrate basic  
              proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research skills by engaging in
              research that requires gathering, analyzing, interpreting, and reporting
              original data. 
           5. comprehend the sociological approach to the analysis of values including
               understanding how personal and cultural values result from social forces   
               and structures.

Objectives and Skills - Students majoring in sociology can:
          1. apply sociological understandings as they relate to practical, everyday
              situations.
          2. read critically and think independently about social issues.
          3. communicate ideas clearly and effectively in writing.
          4. critique social science research by identifying strengths and weaknesses of
              the methodology and of the data analysis.
          5. read and interpret research reports including measures of association, 
              significance tests, tables, graphs, charts, and diagrams.
          6. undertake original sociological research. This includes definition of the
              problem, review of the literature, development of a research 
              design, gathering of data, and analysis of that data in a meaningful report.
          7. situate personal experiences in a social context by actively employing the
              sociological imagination.
          8. contribute to community through professional and personal service (not for
              profit organizations, service occupations, volunteer work).