Lakeland College

Sociology

Combining scientific and humanistic perspectives, Lakeland's sociology program explores the various ways that human beings live and work together in groups. Whether looking at families or mobs, governments or religions, the student of sociology examines the social and structural factors that influence human behavior and group dynamics.

The sociology major and minor familiarize students with the dynamic operations of social systems. They introduce students to a unique way of thinking about and researching human behavior, by examining the underlying social roots of thought and action. The study of sociology promotes a student's ability and desire to think critically about the problems, benefits, and values of social systems. While opening one's mind to new ideas and new ways to see the world, these thinking and research skills also open doors to careers in law, public policy administration, human development, criminal justice, marketing, business, and journalism.

Students who major in Sociology will be able to:

• use the central concepts of the discipline to understand the structures, functions, and institutions of human societies;
• conduct social research appropriate to the field of sociology, including statistical evaluation of the findings from quantitative measures;
• analyze social theories relevant to the practice of sociology and apply those theories critically and reflectively to our contemporary world; and
• make ethically sound social decisions based on a full understanding of the dynamics of and influences upon various groups.