BA (Hons) in Sociology
Validated by The Open University, UK
Introduction to the Major in Sociology
Sociology is the study of institutions, groups and social roles and how these connect to individual lives. It combines:
- Scientific rigor grounded on systematic methodologies;
- Theoretical sophistication demonstrated by powerful theories, which challenge common social perceptions;
- Openness because it welcomes dialogue with other disciplines;
- Relevance because it facilitates the evaluation of opportunities and constraints in the societies in which we live.
In conjunction with Anthropology, Sociology deepens understanding of the cross-cultural links among societies and thus appreciation of cultural diversity.
What You Will Study
Balancing the best values of the US system of liberal arts education with the student-centered approach of the British educational system, the Sociology program offers a solid curriculum with a diversity of courses in the following areas:
Classical and Contemporary Sociological Theory • Quantitative and Qualitative Methods • Globalization and Migration • Family, Gender and Health • Social Movements • Media and Film • Deviance and Crime • Science and Technology • Urban Sociology and the Environment • Modern Greek Society and Culture
The Sociology program is creatively complemented by a cluster of Anthropology courses.
Career/Graduate Study Opportunities
The subject-specific skills acquired in Sociology enable graduates to build a robust degree, flexible enough to enable them to pursue challenging career paths. As successful holders of advanced degrees, sociology graduates can pursue career paths in academia internationally, with emphasis on teaching and research. Outside academia, sociological knowledge of working with diverse groups is essential. With this knowledge Sociology graduates:
- can enter corporate, non-profit and government organizations (i.e. business, human resources, policy consultants) across local, regional, national and international environments;
- can practice sociology as counselors and program directors in social service agencies (social policy, social work, health-care, law and criminology, psychology, education).
- can experience the applicability of sociology in journalism and in other aspects of media (e.g. ethnographic filmmaking).
Generally, sociology degrees provide students with a rich reserve of knowledge and critical skills, valued across the professional spectrum. In many occupational sectors sociology’s relevance to the understanding and analysis of action in complex social environments and organizations proves the ‘advantage’ Sociology graduates can demonstrate.