The sociology major consists of the following courses:
- Introduction to sociology
- Social problems
- Sociological research methodology
- Sociological theory
- Statistics and computers
The requirements for sociology majors at Canisius allow students the opportunity to easily minor or double major in other disciplines to broaden their experience and prepare for any number of exciting careers. Examples of second areas of study include criminal justice, communication studies, computer science, history, English, psychology, political science or pre-law.
Many sociology classes offer service-learning, where students go out into the community to participate in volunteer activities as part of their coursework. Urban sociology, an elective sociology course, includes a service-learning component. Students can either participate in the Alternative Spring Break trip or work with a local organization. The primary goal of service-learning projects is to link community work and experience to the material studied in class.
To find out more about the field of sociology, try these links:
- America Sociological Association -- http://www.asanet.org/index.ww
- Society for the Study of Social Problems -- http://www.sssp1.org/
- Eastern Sociological Society -- http://www.essnet.org/
- Alpha Kappa Delta (International Sociology Honor Society) -- http://www.alpha-kappa-delta.org/
Many of the department’s majors find it desirable to combine Sociology with a major in another department. Recent examples have included biology, history, psychology, political science, modern languages and communication studies. The sequence of courses for dual majors is the same as for regular majors. To provide for maximum flexibility of scheduling, students interested in dual majors should consult with a member of the department to arrange their individual schedules.
Minor in Child, Family and Community Studies
An interdisciplinary social science minor in Child, Family and Community Studies is offered through the departments of psychology and sociology, anthropology and criminal justice. It is intended for students seeking a deeper understanding of the dynamics of family relations and the interaction of the family with society. Its mission is to prepare undergraduate students for careers and future graduate studies in the fields of education, social work and social services. Embedded within the interdisciplinary focus of the minor is an emphasis on creating reflective and compassionate practitioners who are committed to the Jesuit ideal of men and women for others.
Prerequisite courses (2 of the following):
| Credits | |||
| PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology | (3) | ||
| PSY 102 Introduction to Psychology | (3) | ||
| SOC 110 Introduction to Sociology | (3) | ||
| COM 204 Interpersonal Communication | (3) |
Prerequisite courses (2 of the following):
| Credits | |||
| PSY 334 Child, Family and Community | (3) | ||
| COM 304 Family Communication | (3) | ||
| CRJ 337 Violence in the Family | (3) |
One course from each of the following areas:
Children:
| Credits | |||
| PSY 203 Developmental Psychology | (3) | ||
| PSY 307 Adolescent Psychology | (3) | ||
| PSY 384 Child Psychopathology | (3) | ||
| EDE 273 Human Growth and Development: Birth through Childhood | (3) | ||
| EDU 351 Human Growth and Development: Pre-Adolescence and Adolescence | (3) | ||
| EMC 352 Human Growth and Development: Middle Childhood | (3) |
Family:
| Credits | |||
| CRJ 354 Juvenile Delinquency | (3) | ||
| SOC 333 Foundations of Social Gerontology | (3) | ||
| SOC 372 Sociology of Mental Illness | (3) | ||
| PSY 382 Drugs and Behavior | (3) | ||
| SOC 390 Marriage and Family | (3) | ||
| EDY 313 Family and Community Involvement in Early Childhood | (3) |
Community:
| Credits | |||
| COM 101 Communications in Contemporary Society | (3) | ||
| SOC 255 Introduction to Human Services | (3) | ||
| PSY 370 School Psychology | (3) | ||
| PSY 321/SOC 321/GRN 321 Ethics & Human Services | (3) | ||
| SOC 341 Race and Ethnic Relations | (3) | ||
| SOC 350/GRN 350 Programs and Policies for the Aging | (3) | ||
| SOC 340 Sociology of the City | (3) | ||
| Service Learning: 20 hours required for minor. | (3) | ||
| TOTAL: (7 courses) | (21) |