Sociology

Mission

Sociology is the study of society using the scientific methods of enquiry.  Sociology majors in U Mass Lowell get the opportunity to understand the nature of social life, the forces that shape and influence it, both in the US and other societies of the world.  The sociological perspective allows students majoring in the field to understand the connection between the personal and the social; the individual is not an autonomous actor free from the forces of society both temporally and spatially.  The sociology program of study introduces/exposes students to a variety of substantive fields within the discipline of sociology allowing them to develop substantive knowledge and critical thinking skills useful in understanding the problematic nature of social problems rooted in the structure of society and find ways to address these to build and contribute towards a just society and culture.  Students learn about the major theoretical traditions and methodological approaches of discovery of knowledge in the field.  The Sociology program can be used as a stepping stone to different career paths such education, law, health, politics, business and mass media.  The department of sociology is committed to providing its majors and other students a vibrant education that fits in with the mission of the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

Requirements of the Major

Learning Outcomes

Sociology majors upon completing the program of studies will be able to:

  1. Use a sociological perspective to understand the world around them and locate the interplay between structure, culture and human agency.
  2. Explain and critically evaluate the relevance of important sociological concepts to social phenomenon such as poverty and inequalities of class, race, ethnicity and gender.
  3. Demonstrate knowledge of major theoretical traditions in the field and their impact on empirical inquiry.
  4. Develop competency in the use of methods and tools in sociological research.
  5. Conduct independent sociological inquiry using sociological perspective.
  6. Demonstrate critical thinking, communication (verbal and written) and analytical skills.
  7. Critically assess information about the social world we live in for formulating constructive programs of social change.