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Sociology

Sociology studies social systems, institutions, structures, cultures, interaction, processes, and problems. It attempts to explain how puzzling social phenomena arise from understandable social action and interaction and how social forces shape individuals, groups, and nations. Sociology’s aim is to provide an understanding of the significant social influences on various segments of society (persons, groups, and institutions).

At Holy Names University, the Sociology major and minor offer a wide variety of courses that are designed to expand students’ understanding of complex social forces, issues, and trends within the United States and globally. Students learn to think objectively and analytically about many aspects of contemporary and past societies, including current issues concerning race, class and gender. Students learn how societies and groups function, how social forces influence individuals and groups, and how sociological skills can be applied to everyday life and work. Many courses are interdisciplinary, linking Sociology with history, psychology, and political science. Courses emphasize critical thinking, writing, ethical reasoning, and research skills. Majors are encouraged to learn through internships as well as in the classroom.

  • Curriculum
  • Careers & Outcomes
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Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Preparation for the Major

  • SOCI/ANTH 5 Culture, Experience, and Society
    or PSCI 6 World Politics and Geography
  • PSYC 1A Fundamentals of Psychology
  • SOCI 1 Introduction to Sociology
  • SOCI/PSYC 63 Statistical Methods

Requirements for the Major (27 upper-division units)

Sociology
  • SOCI 166 (W)/
  • PSCI 102 (W) Comparative Political Systems
    or PSYC 114 Comparative Revolutions
International Affairs
  • SOCI 102(W) The Global Perspective
  • SOCI/PSYC 108(W) Field Methods
  • SOCI 165 Racial and Ethnic Issues
  • SOCI 169 Power and Powerlessness
Public Policy
  • SOCI 160 The City: Power, Politics and Change
    or SOCI 162 Contemporary Social Problems
    or SOCI 163 Images of Deviance and Social Control
Social Issues and Services
  • SOCI 130 Contemporary Families or SOCI 147 Gender Issues
Race and Ethnic Relations (choose one)
  • SOCI 172 African American Communities and Experiences
  • SOCI 174 Asian American Communities and Experiences
  • SOCI 177 Latino/Hispanic Communities and Experiences
  • SOCI 179 U.S. Cultural Experiences: Special Topics
Applied Sociology
  • SOCI 196 Field Research and Internships

The Minor

Minor must include SOCI 1.

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The Sociology major prepares students for work in social service agencies, business, research, and for graduate work in sociology, social work, public administration, and law. Sociology graduates may become specialists in public relations, communications or personnel management in all types of organizations.

There are countless careers in which this degree would serve as strong preparation. Students who study any social science find themselves well prepared for jobs in numerous fields due to their understanding of individuals and society. Our graduates have pursued careers in business and human service agencies, with disabled children, minority youth, and the elderly.

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Charles Sarno, PhD
Boston College
Assistant Professor of Sociology
510-436-1256
sarno@hnu.edu

Christine Nahuanani Patrinos, snjm, PhD
University of Hawaii
Assistant Professor of Political Science
510-436-1027
patrinos@hnu.edu

Adjunct Faculty

Martivón Galindo, PhD candidate
University of California, Berkeley
Assistant Professor of Spanish
510-436-1318
galindo@hnu.edu

W. Scott Haine, PhD
University of California, Berkeley
Lecturer in European history
510-436-1543
haine@hnu.edu

Maureen Hester, snjm, PhD
St. Louis University
Professor of Psychology
510-436-1069
hester@hnu.edu

Martin Lampert, PhD
University of Southern California
Associate Professor of Psychology
510-436-1532
lampert@hnu.edu

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