Sociology: Structures of Opportunity and Inequality, 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.
What is the balance of individual self-determination and institutionalized constraint in shaping people’s lives? Social institutions such as the educational system and the economy sort people and distribute rewards, but their workings are profoundly shaped by persistent inequalities of class, ethnicity, gender, age, race, and nationality. How and why do such inequalities persist? How might opportunities be more fairly distributed? What sorts of individual and collective action affect existing structures of constraint?
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/structures_opportunity_inequality
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 units in Statistics | 1 | |
| Structures of Opportunity and Inequality Concentration | ||
| Select 3 course units in Concentration | 3 | |
| Race and Ethnic Relations | ||
| Social Stratification | ||
| Class Matters: Poverty, Prosperity, and the American Dream | ||
| Discrimination: Sexual and Racial Conflict | ||
| Work in a Changing World - The Sociology of Work | ||
| Sociology of Gender | ||
| Social Movements | ||
| The History & Theory of Community Organizing | ||
| 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 | .5 |
| SOCI 4101 | Thesis Workshop II | .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 2023 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.