Department of Sociology, Gerontology, and Gender Studies

This department has three independent academic programs.  The main contact person is listed below for each academic program.

Sociology / Gerontology

Ann Strahm, Ph.D., Program Director and Department Chair

Professors: Schoenthaler, Sniezek, Strahm, Nakano, Strangfeld
Associate Professors: Jordan, Kincaid, Laus, Schafer, Whitmer 
Assistant Professors: Houa, Ljubinkovic, Mora, Winters
Lecturers: Burdsall, Cabral, Davidson, Dutta Hazarika, Fleenor, Jean, McKoon, Morgan, Olave, Orleans

Office: Bizzini Hall 213
Phone: (209) 667-3408

Programs

• Sociology B.A.  with concentrations in Human Services; Criminology and Society; Social Justice; and General Major 
• Gerontology Minor  
• Sociology Minor  
• Gerontology/Geriatrics Graduate Certificate  
• Sociology Concentration - Liberal Studies   
• Social Sciences B.A.  with a concentration in Sociology
• Teaching Credentials: Sociology majors interested in a Social Sciences - Single Subject Matter Preparation  for a single subject credential should review the subject matter preparation program requirements for the Social Sciences B.A. degree. 

Gender Studies

Betsy Eudey, Ph.D., Program Director

Professors: Eudey, Cotten
Lecturers: Baldridge, Hontalas, Kiel

Office: Bizzini Hall 107B
Phone: (209) 664-6673

Programs

It is possible to complete the major requirements in a hybrid or online format.

• Gender Studies B.A.  with concentrations in History, Society, and Inequality; Culture, Ideology, and Representation; and Ethnicity, Nationality, and Sexuality.
• Gender Studies Minor  
• Social Sciences B.A.  with a concentration in Gender Studies

Program Learning Outcomes

Sociology Program Learning Outcomes

Sociology majors will:

1. Achieve knowledge competency in sociology.
2. Achieve an awareness of the diversity of social institutions, social forces, and structural forms found in contemporary societies both locally, regionally, nationally and global
3. Understand the sociohistorical and theoretical groundings of sociology as a field of study and practice and apply these theories to social phenomena.
4. Demonstrate personal transformation as a result of sociological knowledge acquired through the sociology major.
5. Develop facility for critical thinking, with the ability to separate fact from fallacy, myth from reality.
6. Learn to analyze the complexity of society and social structure, particularly questions of social control and power relations.
7. Learn analytical skills and research methodologies, including statistical computer applications, appropriate to the practice of sociology methodologically.
8. Develop and apply a sociological perspective professionally and as an active participant in society.
9. Communicate effectively in both written and oral form.
10. Develop an increased appreciation for human diversity.
11. Develop the ability to apply a sociological imagination to one’s personal life.

Gender Studies Program Learning Outcomes

Gender Studies majors will:

1. Demonstrate proficiency in the discipline of Gender Studies, including knowledge of research methods and major theoretical and historical approaches to feminist, queer, trans, and masculinity theories.
2. Explain how human subjectivity is constituted by multiple identities (e.g., gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality, nationality, etc.) that are intricately interwoven and shaped by systems of privilege and inequality (patriarchy, heterosexism, nationalism, white supremacy, etc.), which are also interlocking.
3. Analyze the material realities of gender-based power relations and inequalities and analyze strategies of resistance and transformation aimed at realizing social change and social justice.
4. Analyze sex, gender and sexuality movements, processes and systems that affect people across transnational contexts.
5. Engage in intersectional analysis of the cultural production of representations and objects.
6. Develop the intellectual skills and competencies necessary to participate effectively in society and the world.