UNLV Sociology Department

Dr. Jennifer Keene is the coordinaror for the UNLV Sociology Department graduate program. She may be contacted at:

The foundation of the Department of Sociology undergraduate program is built around five required sociology courses: a 100-level Introduction to Sociology or Social Problems course; two 400-level research methods and statistical analysis courses; and two 400-level social theory courses (classical and modern social theory). In addition to fulfilling these core requirements, students are also required to complete an additional 19 credits in sociology, chosen from the broad range of classes offered.In addition, all sociology majors must maintain a GPA of 2.50 in all sociology courses taken after completion of their first 12 credits in sociology.Students are also required to broaden their sociology curriculum with an additional 24 credits that are in related areas and selected in consultation with the students advisor. Students also have the option of taking an Internship or an Independent Study, although they must have written consent of the instructor and have earned 9 credits in sociology courses.

The undergraduate sociology curriculum is designed to provide students with a rigorous and meaningful sociological experience. The core theory and methods course curriculum is sequenced, allowing students to build upon and expand their knowledge in a coherent and systematic fashion.Other sociology courses provide students with a rigorous and demanding examination of major areas within sociology--in particular, the department's key substantive areas include: sociology of work and leisure; aging studies, race and ethnic relations, gender studies, crime and juvenile delinquency, urban studies, and sociology of medicine, health, and mental illness.

The department offers a capstone course to give sociology majors are provided with the opportunity to synthesize their learning by using social theory, research methods, and substantive course materials to conduct an original project on the topic of their choice.

Sociology faculty typically require coursework that requires students to complete library-based research projects and internet projects. In addition, a number of faculty are now providing students with course web sites designed as skill-driven pedagogical tools. We are committed to meeting community and regional needs, increase diversity, and enhance our national reputation.

Sociology 101 and 102, Introduction to Sociology and Social Problems, can be used to satisfy the university's core requirement in the social sciences. Although these courses service both majors and non-majors, instructors offering this course maintain quality and rigor.

Objectives of the Undergraduate Program

The department's undergraduate program has five explicitly stated degree objectives: the sociology graduate should have knowledge of

4. Show evidence of the development of a sociological imagination by applying sociological knowledge in their own projects--whether intellectual, personal, and/or political, and

5. Exhibit confidence in expressing ideas orally and in writing as evidenced by successful completion of the sociology curriculum (see Appendix C, degree objectives and assessment.

Independent Research and Field Experience

Currently the Department of Sociology offers Independent Study (where students meet regularly with faculty members on a project of their own choosing). It does not offer individual study (where students do not meet with faculty members). Our field work in sociology course (Sociology 305, 306) is specifically geared toward the planning and execution of a field-based research experience. Although traditional seat time is not required, students are required to work under faculty supervision. The students receive 4 credits for this experience past field-base experiences have been extremely rigorous.

How Long Does it Take to Complete a Degree?

The sociology undergraduate program can be completed in four years (including the required university and College of Liberal Arts requirements). The core required courses are rigorous and substantive. The majority of our courses are planned for both optimal learning and accessible scheduling. We are moving toward a more student-centered program through the introduction of new classroom pedagogies (i.e., use of technology and the internet, smaller class sizes for required courses, more field-based learning experiences).We are also very sensitive to the needs of a urban student population. Required core courses are scheduled at different time periods each semester to ensure all students the opportunity to enroll in these courses and successfully complete their Bachelor degrees.

Advising

All undergraduate advising for the College of Liberal Arts in done in the Wilson Advising Center (WAC). The center is staffed by a Director, two professional academic advisors, an office manager and three graduate students. All WAC staff, except graduate students, work full-time. The Center is open Monday-Thursday from 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. and on Fridays from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The center is also open from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays. The Center advises all sociology undergraduate students.

The Wilson Advising Center provides sociology students with the following services:

1. Asks students about any immediate questions he or she may have and the main reason for the appointment;

2. Brings up any pressing problems, inconsistencies or obstacles which may affect a student's registration or graduation (e.g., holds, probation contracts, incorrect classes, discrepancies in transfer work, duplicated courses, etc.);

3. Does a general run-through of the degree progress worksheet, including information on general degree requirements (both in terms of numbers of credits and content of courses needed), previous and future work which applies, rulings on questionable classes, needed course descriptions or petitions, an explanation of credits (especially quarter-system transfer credits), and an estimate or actual count of the courses needed to graduate;

4. Explains any unusual or misunderstood situations on the worksheet (e.g., non-degree applicable credits);

5. Discusses any new transcript work submitted or courses in progress which have not yet been added to the worksheet, the reasons why the worksheet does not show these possibility of minors or dual majors or dual baccalaureates;

6. Evaluates the possibility of minors or dual majors or dual baccalaureates;

7. Discusses credit or GPA requirements needed to maintain or attain financial aid or other outside standards;

8. Gives general graduate school information and/or referrals to computers or on-line sources;

9. Gives referrals to other offices or organizations as needed.

Undergraduate Program Coordinator

Overview of the Undergraduate Program

Objectives of the Undergraduate Program

Independent Research and Field Experience

How Long Does it Take to Complete a Degree?

Advising