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Sociology
First Year Advising 2008-2009

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Liberal Arts
The department offers a standard major and minor in Sociology. Sociology is the study of social causes and consequences of human behavior. Students in sociology explore group relationships, social change, urban and rural life, contemporary social issues and social movements. Students planning to enter degree programs in sociology should be concerned about social problems and issues. They should be intellectually curious, enjoy working with people and welcome the challenge of understanding the behavior of groups and individuals. Writing and communicative abilities are important. Sociology majors find employment in a variety of settings such as non-profit agencies, businesses, social service agencies and state or federal government offices. Enrolling in a graduate program in sociology is also an option following graduation.

The department also offers an interdisciplinary minor in family studies. Students in the family studies program consider issues and problems confronting contemporary families. The program fosters the personal and social development of the student, as well as provides a foundation for graduate studies in the field.

Early Adolescence/Adolescence
The department offers a major and minor in Sociology for Early Adolescence/Adolescence Teaching. To be certified to teach sociology at the middle or secondary level, one must obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Education. For information on obtaining an education degree, see the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

COURSE SELECTION
UW-Eau Claire respects individual differences. This guide complements rather than substitutes for individual advising.

STRATEGIC COURSE SELECTION

1. It is a good idea to avoid heavy combinations of laboratory and/or studio courses in a single semester.
2. Be aware of the ways in which some courses meet more than one university, college or major requirement.
3. Be alert for possible redundancy in certain course selections. For example, an education major should not select Psyc 100 (Introduction to Psychology) for General Education IIIE because Psyc 261 (Psychological Development and Classroom Processes) is a foundation course in the Education major, and Psyc 261 also counts as a General Education IIIE course.
4. Try to arrange a course schedule that gives you blocks of time for preparation.

ESSENTIAL COURSES

• Students interested in the Sociology major or minor are urged to enroll in Soc 101 (Introduction to Sociology) as soon as possible. Soc 101 is a prerequisite for most other sociology courses. Since demand for Soc 101 is high, students must be persistent in their efforts to enroll in the course early in their academic career.

• Soc 101 and the math competency requirement must be completed before taking Soc 331 (Sociological Data Analysis).
• Sociology majors should enroll in Soc 331 no later than the first semester of their junior year. Soc 331 is a prerequisite for Soc 332 (Methods of Social Research). Soc 331 is only offered in the fall; Soc 332 is only offered in the spring.

GENERAL EDUCATION
Students who major in Sociology may select the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree for the liberal arts. Refer to the Catalogue where this information will be found in the College of Arts and Sciences section. Students who major or minor in Sociology for Education will follow the General Education requirements for Secondary Education. Refer to the Catalogue under the School of Education, College of Professional Studies.

• Meet the departmental adviser at least once early in the semester to get acquainted. Arrange for another appointment in plenty of time to discuss course-selection options prior to the registration period for the next semester.
• Join the Sociology Organization for Students(SOS).
• Refer to the Sociology Web site for current events in the Department.

TYPICAL SCHEDULE
Try to enroll in Soc 101 in the first semester. In subsequent semesters, take a couple of sociology courses along with General Education courses and other University requirements each semester. In the junior year, take Soc 331 in the fall and Soc 332 in the spring.

MINORS
Two minors are available: Sociology, Liberal Arts and Sociology, Early Adolescence/Adolescence Teaching.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If a student isn't able to get into a course, the student should go to the appropriate department office to see if there is a waiting list for the course. It also is a good idea to consult with program assistants in department offices about seats reserved for majors, pre-assignment procedures and possible overload opportunities.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

http://www.uwec.edu/soc/

Department Office
Schneider Social Science 440
UW-Eau Claire
Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004
(715) 836-2720

To learn how to declare this major, visit http://www.uwec.edu/registrar/chgofmajor/procedures/index.htm

Academic requirements change every year. For the most current information, refer to your catalogue and degree audit.