1. Students will understand the sociological perspective, a distinctive analysis of the ways people think, feel, and behave that focuses on how they are situated in historically, culturally, and socially specific environments.
2. Students will understand key questions addressed by the discipline and the ways in which social structure and social interaction shape human behavior. 3. Students will develop the skills necessary to read and evaluate social science research in an intelligent and critical manner.
4. Students will understand the role of theory in the construction of sociological inquiry. Majors will demonstrate a solid grasp of the central ideas of major classical and contemporary theorists.
5. Students will understand sociological methods of research. Majors will achieve a solid understanding of the full research process including conceptualization, operationalization, data collection, analysis, consideration of ethical issues, and presentation of results. Sociology honors students will demonstrate their understanding of the research process via completion of a senior thesis.
Programs of Study and Courses for Liberal Arts and Sciences Students 
