Welcome to the Sociology Program at Westfield State College
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Sociology Major • Sociology Minor • Sociology Minor Online • Gerontology Minor • Faculty • Course Listings • Links Professor Smith's How to do: a Presentation • a Poster • a Publication • Graduate School
The department is small and vibrant with four full time faculty who are engaged in varied scholarly and personal interests, and also representing several cultures. Faculty in the department offer their expertise through the college's general education courses and upper level courses. Consequently the caliber of students who are drawn to the discipline is high as evidenced in those who make the Dean's List; who gain admission into the Alpha Kappa Delta International Honor Society; who work in collaboration with our faculty; and those who make news on campus. If you want to know more about our program, visit us in Parenzo Hall 105.
A major in Sociology gives students the knowledge and skills that provide an excellent foundation for careers in community organizations, business, and government agencies, as well as the grounding for graduate work in sociology or a related field. Students learn how individuals behave in organizations, families, and communities, and develop a sense of the contexts in which social policy decisions are made and carried out. Students also acquire a sense of history and different ways of life.
Degree Requirements Students seeking a B.A. in Sociology must complete twelve Sociology courses, including Principles of Sociology, Introduction to Research Methods, Sociological Theory, and Senior Thesis/Internship. The remaining eight electives are chosen from a list of courses that cover many topics, including:
The "Senior Thesis/Internship," which concludes work in this major, gives students an opportunity to write an original research paper or to gain hands-on experience in one of a variety of government, business, and service settings. In either case, students apply the knowledge and skills learned in earlier course work.
Many students choose to minor in Sociology, combining it with such majors as Social Work, Criminal Justice, Psychology, or Education. To satisfy the requirements for a minor in Sociology, students must take Principles of Sociology and five upper-level Sociology courses, no more than two of which may be "200-level" courses.
Gerontology Minor Coming Soon!
Professor
Zengie
Mangaliso, Ph.D., Chair, Department of Sociology and
Social Work & Sociology Faculty
Associate Professor
Tian-Jia (T.J.)
Dong, Ph.D. Sociology Faculty
Assistant Professor
Tamara L. Smith,
ABD, Sociology Faculty & Coordinator of Gerontology Minor
Assistant Professor
Gabriel Aquino,
ABD, Sociology Faculty
Professor
Kate Bagley,
M.S.W., Ph.D., J.D., Sociology Faculty Retired
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Website created by Gabriel Aquino, please forward all concerns and comments to gaquino@wsc.ma.edu
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Professor Kate Bagley Retires
Kate Bagley retired at the end of May 2008 having been at the college and department for 28 years. Throughout her tenure, she served in various capacities including chairing the department and overseeing some of the major changes in its curriculum; and coordinating the college's Women's Studies program. A sociologist with legal training, throughout the years students benefited from her course on the Sociology of Law, which she taught along with Sociology of Gender, and Sociology of Religion. Professor Bagley earned an M.S.W., a Ph.D., and a J.D., giving the department a breadth of knowledge that will truly be missed.
Upon her retirement, a "Dr Kate Bagley" student award has been established in recognition of her contributions to the department. The department and sociology students wish her well in her future.
AKD Award Ceremony
Students in the News
Professor Dong's New Publication
New Opportunities for Sociology Majors |
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This page was last updated 07/02/2008