Programs of Study

 

Sociology

The tutorial program in sociology is designed for the qualified undergraduate who desires an accelerated and personalized course of study centered on a series of tutorials in core areas of sociology. The program is designed to provide the student with 1) a broad general knowledge in several areas of the discipline; 2) special skills in analyzing, generating and defending approaches to the subject matter of sociology; and 3) an opportunity to pursue in-depth research on a topic of interest to the student, leading to the preparation of a thesis. The tutorial program in Sociology-Criminology allows the student with a specific interest in the study of crime and its consequences to pursue this interest in depth. Although the core of the program is similar to the traditional sociology major, the emphasis can be shifted to the more specialized area of criminology.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Close interaction with working sociologists on the faculty is central to the student's education throughout the period of study. The tutorial program aims to give the student thorough preparation for advanced training in sociology, criminology, allied fields, or public service careers. Primarily a liberal studies program in conception, the tutorial program introduces the student to basic research findings, thought processes, analytic skills and current theoretical questions in sociology/sociology-criminology.

TUTORIALS

A broad exposure to current research and theoretical materials is provided by the tutorials; comprehension will be assessed through written assignments, seminar meetings, and/or examinations. The faculty tutor meets at least weekly with the student for discussion and to plan the direction of further study. During the first year students complete tutorials in three areas: on tutorial in a comprehensive introduction to sociology; a tutorial on social institutions; and one tutorial of social psychology, deviance, social inequality, or social change. During the second and third years students take tutorials in methods and theory, as well as a tutorial in an area such as social psychology, deviance, social inequality, social change or other areas of interest. Students in the sociology-criminology track take tutorials such as deviance, criminology, juvenile delinquency, corrections, or policing. The fourth year is devoted to the development of a thesis. Normally background work for the thesis is done during the Fall Quarter, followed by continuing research and writing in the Winter and Spring Quarters. With the agreement of a faculty member, and with the authorization of the program director, a student may take additional specialized tutorials during the second and third years of the program.

TOPICS FOR ADVANCED TUTORIALS

Specialized advanced tutorials may often be arranged in many substantive areas such as:

Sociological Theory
Social Psychology
Criminology
Qualitative Methods
Sociology of Violence Against Women
Feminist Theory
Gender
Gender and Development
Family Sociology
Sociology of Development
Crime and Delinquency
Political Sociology
Sociology of Sports
Sociology of Mental Illness
Race and Ethnic Relations
Social Inequality
Poverty
Media Studies
Social Movements
Sociology of Education
Sociology of Vice/Policing
Collective Behavior
Law and Society
Urban Sociology
Social Change

COLLATERAL REQUIREMENTS

While the basic goal of the program is acquisition of sociological knowledge, students are also expected to develop one or more "tool skills" and to choose collateral courses in other social sciences, humanities or natural sciences. "Tool skills" include preparation in a foreign language and/or mathematics, statistics or computer science. Collateral courses may be undertaken in such fields as anthropology, economics, geography, philosophy, history, linguistics, psychology, or political science. Thesis courses should be started as early as possible. Additional electives may be chosen by the student in consultation with the Director of Tutorial Studies in Sociology.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants are selected by the Sociology Director of Studies and the Honors Tutorial College on the basis of superior academic ability and the potential for self-motivated undergraduate study and research. A high school class rank in the upper 10 percent, high scores on standardized tests (a minimum combined score of 1300 on the SAT or an ACT composite of 30), are generally required for entry as a freshman. Two teacher recommendations are optional. A student currently enrolled at Ohio University may apply before the beginning of the fourth quarter of study. A college grade point of 3.5 is required, along with personal interviews.

GRADING

Designed to provide students with a broad exposure to current research and theoretical materials, the tutorials may include written assignments, seminar meetings, and/or examinations. Weekly individual meetings with faculty tutors are also required. In the fourth year, students are expected to write a thesis in place of the comprehensive examination. The thesis will reflect an ability to work with theoretical and methodological issues as well as ability to work with a substantive area.

APPLICATIONS

The deadline for applications for admission is December 1. Interviews are held in January.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information, please contact:

Debra Henderson
Director of Tutorial Studies in Sociology/Sociology-Criminology
Ohio University
Bentley Annex 137
Athens, OH 45701-2979
(740) 593-1382
henderd2@ohio.edu
Additional information can be found online at http://www.cas.ohiou.edu/socanth/.