Sociology: Law and Society, BA
The Sociology major helps students identify and explain patterns of social life and human behavior by emphasizing how large-scale social phenomena (such as class, race, and gender inequality) affect the everyday experiences of individuals and vice versa. The major prepares students for a career in a variety of fields such as law, medicine and healthcare, marketing, education, scholarly and applied social research, social work, demography, journalism and media, management in the public and private sectors, administration, and government. The program offers comprehensive advising and significant research and independent study opportunities. Our program is dedicated to nurturing a strong community of scholars, helping them grow academically and professionally under the large-scale mission of the College of Arts & Sciences.
Sociologists study institutions, and among the most important is the law. This concentration examines issues such as: What is deviance and how do we define it? What is the relationship between the law and other social institutions? The concentration is suitable for students with a variety of interests, but may be especially well-suited to those interested in careers in law and criminal justice.
The minimum total course units for graduation in this major is 34. Double majors may entail more course units.
A minimum of 11 course units must be in Sociology.
For more information: https://sociology.sas.upenn.edu/content/concentrations-sociology-law-and-society
For information about the General Education requirements, please visit the College of Arts & Sciences Curriculum page.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| College General Education Requirements and Free Electives | ||
| Foundational Approaches + Sectors1 + Free Electives | 20 | |
| Major Requirements | ||
| Introductory Course | ||
| SOCI 1000 | Introduction to Sociology | 1 |
| Sociological Theory | ||
| Select 1 course unit in Sociological Theory | 1 | |
| Social Research Methods | ||
| SOCI 2000 | Sociological Research Methods | 1 |
| Select 1 course unit in Advanced Research Methods | 1 | |
| Select 1 course unit in Statistics | 1 | |
| Law & Society Concentration | ||
| Select 3 course units in Concentration | 3 | |
| The Law in our Lives | ||
| Deviance | ||
| Law and Society | ||
| Fair Housing, Segregation and the Law | ||
| Social Problems and Public Policy | ||
| Race, Science & Justice | ||
| The US and Human Rights: Policies and Pratices | ||
| Race, Rights and Rebellion | ||
| Criminology | ||
| Criminal Justice | ||
| Law and Social Change | ||
| Culture on Trial: Race, Media & Intellectual Property | ||
| Additional SOCI Courses | ||
| Select 4 course units in SOCI Free 2 | 4 | |
| SOCI or Related Courses | ||
| Select 2 course units in SOCI or Related | 2 | |
| Research Poster | ||
| Complete Research Poster | ||
| Total Course Units | 34 | |
- 1
You may count no more than one course toward both a Major and a Sector requirement. For Exceptions, check the Policy Statement.
- 2
Students are encouraged to take some courses outside of their concentration.
Honors
Applicants must have an overall GPA of 3.3 and a GPA of 3.5 in the major.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| SOCI 4100 | Thesis Workshop I | 0.5 |
| SOCI 4101 | Thesis Workshop II | 0.5 |
| SOCI 4998 | Honors Independent Study (Or Approved Course) | 1 |
| Senior Thesis | ||
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.