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Sociology Department Core Values & Learning Outcomes

The core values of the Sociology Department are placed squarely within a liberal arts tradition that strives to foster social awareness and a global perspective. The department's purpose is to (a) foster an academic understanding of social contexts, issues, theories and methods, (b) cultivate students' abilities to succinctly and clearly express this knowledge in oral and written form, and (c) provide opportunities for students to utilize these acquired skills in an applied context. This sociological education will help students to develop a perspective that emphasizes critical inquiry and reasoning to address challenging social problems. Ultimately, it cultivates values that will shape students into life-long active, responsible and informed members of the greater community.

Student Learning Outcomes for Majors

Sociology

1. Recognize and be able to apply the sociological imagination to interpret contemporary social situations and/or social issues.
2. Identify and use sociological theories and/or concepts to analyze and explain social behaviors, social structures, social processes, groups and/or societies
3. Describe racial/ethnic/cultural diversity and patterns of interaction within contemporary societies
4. Explain the processes of contemporary globalization and internationalization.
5. Utilize appropriate social scientific methods to compile and interpret data.
6. Express ideas and arguments succinctly and clearly in oral and written form.
7. Appreciate the value of diversity in our society.
8. Affirm the value of sociological thinking in making choices relating to self, others and social issues.

Sociology with a Specialization in Social Work and Social Policy

1. Recognize and be able to apply the sociological imagination to interpret contemporary social situations and/or social issues.
2. Identify and use sociological theories and/or concepts to analyze and explain social behaviors, social structures, social processes, groups and/or societies.
3. Describe racial/ethnic/cultural diversity and patterns of interaction within contemporary societies.
4. Recognize the major characteristics of social work and how they may impact the design, organization and operation of a service delivery system.
5. Utilize appropriate social scientific methods to compile and interpret data.
6. Express ideas and arguments succinctly and clearly in oral and written form.
7. Apply appropriate social work skills in different contexts.
8. Appreciate the value of diversity in our society.
9. Affirm the value of sociological thinking in matters relating to self, others and vulnerable populations.

Criminology

1. Recognize and be able to apply the sociological imagination to interpret contemporary social situations and crime issues.
2. Identify and use sociological and criminological theories and/or concepts to analyze and explain crime and other social behaviors, social structures, social processes, groups and/or societies.
3. Recognize the connection between criminological theories and social policies developed to address crime within society.
4. Describe racial/ethnic/cultural diversity and patterns of interaction within contemporary societies.
5. Utilize appropriate social scientific methods to compile and interpret data.
6. Express ideas and arguments succinctly and clearly in oral and written form.
7. Appreciate the value of diversity in our society.
8. Affirm the value of sociological thinking in matters relating to self, others and crime issues.

Assessment

For well over 12 years, our department has engaged in on-going assessment of our programs. We conduct focus groups with graduating seniors, evaluate our curriculum, keep in touch with our alumni, discuss ways to improve our programs and meet changing demands, and revise our curriculum and courses in response to these assessment activities.

You can find more information about assessment activities at Butler and specific information about the assessment of the Sociology and Criminology majors at the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment.