Majors and Minors
Sociology Major
As a Sociology major at Otterbein University students have the
opportunity to investigate diverse areas within sociology such as
poverty, inequality, criminology, global and community development,
family studies, social movements, and race and ethnicity. As they design
and develop their curriculum in the program, our courses enable the
development of the knowledge, skills and hands-on experience necessary
for diverse careers or continued studies.
A major in Sociology is uniquely flexible in that students can easily
complement this major with another major and/or minor offered at
Otterbein University. The study of sociology and cultural anthropology
guarantees the kind of broad knowledge and skill set that enables
students to prepare for a number of careers in a rapidly changing job
market.
Our Sociology majors can elect to study the field broadly or choose
among our four areas of concentration: Global Sociology and
Anthropology, Criminology, Human and Community Services, and Family
Studies.
Minors
Sociology
A minor in Sociology at Otterbein University allows students to enhance
their undergraduate experience through a variety of courses that
complement many other majors. A Sociology minor can help students who
seek to investigate topics in further depth such as family, criminology,
human and community service or global justice. Acquiring a background
in this field can help students to better prepare for graduate studies
or a career in a related field.
Requirements:
A minor in Sociology consists of 4 Sociology (or SOAN) courses (4-4
credit hour courses) in Sociology that includes SOCL 1000, at least 8
credit hours at the 3000 or 4000 level and at least one course at the
4000 level.
Cultural Anthropology
A minor in Cultural Anthropology at Otterbein University provides a
cross-cultural perspective on social life and social issues, as well as
training students with the analytical tools to understand issues of
cultural perspective, ethnicity, global change, and inequality. This
minor will complement not only the sociology major, but majors in many
other fields including health professions, psychology, and education.
Requirements:
A minor in Cultural Anthropology consists of 4 Cultural Anthropology (or
SOAN) courses (4-4 credit hour courses) that includes ANTH 1000, and a
minimum of 8 credit hours at the 3000 or 4000 level.
Concentrations
Global Sociology and Anthropology
Students with an interest in global issues, including diversity and
cultural change, political conflict, and structures of global
inequality, development and poverty, can fulfill a concentration in
Global Sociology and Anthropology.
The Global Sociology/Global Anthropology concentration is a supported by
a wide variety of courses in both disciplines. Students in this course
of study will look closely at critical global issues such as
transnational migration, race and ethnicity, economic globalization and
growing inequality, environmental danger and sustainability, as well as
social movements and social change.
This concentration involves hands-on learning as well as intellectual
challenges as students apply theories and readings to current events and
problems. Students may select four courses from a variety of class room based,
service learning and travel offerings that provide deeper understanding
of - and engagement with - the challenges and forces of change faced by
our globalizing world in the 21st century. Students can pursue a course
of study tailored to their specific interests.
A concentration in this area requires an interdisciplinary approach.
Students must take at least two cultural anthropology classes (ANTH) and
at least two sociology courses (SOCL). Check the course catalog (linked
at right) for more details about the requirements, as well as course
descriptions.
Criminology
Students with an interest in the justice system, law enforcement, and legal studies can choose a Criminology concentration.
The Criminology concentration focuses on exploring the social bases for
the commission of crime, the definitions of behaviors as crimes, and
society’s reactions to those behaviors.
Through course work, field trips, and guest speakers, students
experience not just the academic view but also the professional view of
those working in the field.
Students who have chosen this concentration can augment it with
psychology, political science, or other courses, and have done their own
research through independent studies and received internships with many
different kinds of criminal justice agencies.
Check the course catalog (linked at right) for more details about the requirements, as well as course descriptions.
Human
and Community Services
Those interested in a career in human services, whether in the public,
private, or non-profit sectors, may consider a concentration in Human
and Community Services.
The Human and Community Service concentration (HACS) is a practical
course of study that immerses students in the study of human services to
analyze issues and strategize solutions for the challenges faced by
communities locally and globally.
This three-course concentration allows students first to familiarize
themselves with the challenges communities face, as well as the myriad
of ways groups and organizations attempt to meet those challenges.
Next, students enter a service learning setting to work in the community
or with an organization on specific issues of interest to the student.
Lastly, the focus shifts to study service provision management and administration from the business perspective. With the limited commitment required, this concentration is designed not
only as a stand-alone concentration but also as an easy combination
with other concentrations in the department. It can also enhance the
social and cultural skills of students majoring in other departments,
pursuing certification programs, or working in interdisciplinary
programs.
Check the course catalog (linked at right) for more details about the requirements, as well as course descriptions.
Family Studies
Students with an interest in gender studies and the sociology and anthropology of the family can elect Family Studies.
Family forms are changing rapidly while remaining the basic institution of societies worldwide.Our family studies concentration provides a sociological perspective for
understanding the global diversity of family life. We examine
contemporary and traditional U.S. families from different cultures
including but not limited to African American, Asian American, Arab
American, Jewish American and Latino families. A cross cultural, global
and dynamic point of view utilizing culturally oriented theoretical
frameworks help examine issues related to gender, class, race,
ethnicity, and sexual orientation.
Students work independently with the guidance of their professors on
major research projects, internships and service learning projects. This
three-course concentration requires that students take two core courses
and choose one electives.
Check the course catalog (linked at right) for more details about the requirements, as well as course descriptions.