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SOCIAL THEORY, SOCIAL STRUCTURE AND CHANGE
Social Theory, Social Structure and Change encompasses a variety of academic disciplines. Students who choose to develop a concentration in this area explore theories, methods and problems addressed by such fields as sociology, political science and anthropology. Students may choose to work within the boundaries of a single academic discipline or may engage in a study which crosses disciplinary lines, such as criminal justice. Concentrations in areas such as women’s studies, communications, ethnic studies and African-American studies which necessarily rely upon a dominantly social (rather than literary, artistic, historical or psychological) perspective also belong in this area of study.
In formulating their degree programs, students should address the following developmental goals which define the aims of study in this area. Concentrations in Social Theory, Social Structure and Change should be planned to develop:
- a broad social perspective. Students should be familiar with institutions, systems of belief, cultural patterns, or political and economic structures of society and how these are interrelated.
- a historical perspective. Students should be able to locate social issues within a historical context, and appreciate the forces which bring about change in values, ideas, customs, institutions, or political and economic systems.
- a comparative perspective. Students should examine the similarities and differences between one set of social rules, institutions, mores, political or economic structures and others of the same or different times, places, cultures, nations and states. Students should be able to address themselves to the causes of such differences or similarities and to evaluate their significance. A comparative perspective also includes understanding of race, class and gender within social groups.
- a theoretical perspective. Students should be able to identify, understand and use general theories and conceptual schemes to define and approach their chosen topics, questions or problems.
- critical ability. Students should learn to analyze, criticize and evaluate key concepts, assumptions and theories of their particular field of study. This requires development of writing abilities and research skills appropriate to their interests.
Students may meet these objectives in many ways; these may include thematic, issue or problem-oriented studies which need not be focused on a single objective, but can respond to a number of the aims described above. In order to assist those faculty who review the programs, students should describe their research and thinking concerning their concentration studies in regard to these objectives in their degree program rationales.
Students who plan disciplinary approaches to fields within this area of study will be expected to be aware of the standard expectations for academic study within that field.
Revised: February, 1993
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