A Closer Look
Classes in PC's sociology department will challenge you to increase your awareness of the complexities of different societies. The curriculum is designed to stimulate your intellectual growth and prepare you to participate in the local, national and world communities.
If you choose to be a sociology major, you won't be limited to one occupation after graduation, but rather a variety of career choices. Many sociology graduates specialize in the wide-ranging field of human services, serving as social workers, youth services coordinators, probation officers, state law enforcement officers, mental health counselors, medical technologists and hospital administrators.
Some graduates work in social research positions in government and industry while others have taken jobs in the fields of business, personnel management, teaching and journalism. Some even continue their education and become lawyers, ministers or social service agency administrators. Students may choose courses to pursue various interests such as social/human services, global studies/international issues, administrative or criminal justice, or graduate studies.
DEPARTMENTAL HIGHLIGHTS
Sociology majors frequently present the results of their research at conferences and symposiums. Seven sociology majors (pictured below) presented papers at the 2009 Carolina Undergraduate Social Science Symposium in April.
(From left to right) Alex Snoddy, "The Lasting Effects of Disruption on a Child"; Elizabeth Rentz, "Attitudes toward Abortion"; Tishe Sanders, "Attitudes toward America's Homeless"
(From left to right) Elizabeth Ann McLean, "Variables that Influence the Success of Women in the Workforce"; Terrance Butler, "Race and Attitudes toward Integration"; Morgan Bennight, "Declining Marriage Rates"
Antoine Carter "Race is an Issue"
The student presenters pictured on the campus of the University of South Carolina Aiken.
Three other sociology majors presented at the 2009 Honors Day Symposium held on the Presbyterian College Campus. Shelby Whitlow presented a paper entitled "A Study on the Differences of Risk Taking Behaviors between Males and Females," Haley Harper spoke on "Views on Same Sex Relations," and Colt Marcengill reported on his research on "Relationships between Income and Child Abuse."
During the 2007-2008 academic year, seven senior majors presented at the Carolina Undergraduate Social Science Symposium held at the College of Charleston on April 18. Students presenting and their paper titles included: Elizabeth Bomar "Marital Status and the Use of Spanking," Meg Saunders "The Effects of Religiosity When Looking at Race," CJ Brooks "The Influence of Television on Political Interest and Voting Behavior," Shannon Cherry "Social Class and Charitable Behavior," Katie Guthrie "Social Class and Divorce Rates," Meredith Sawyer "The New Age Working Mom," and Rachel Dewyngaert "Patterns within Premarital Cohabitation and Divorce.”
In addition to presenting at this annual symposium held on college and university campuses throughout South Carolina, sociology majors have competed successfully in the student paper competition accompanying this event. In 2008, Shannon Cherry’s paper tied for the first place award (pictured on the right receiving her award). In 2006, Emily Smith won first place for her paper “Gender Role Attitudes and Women’s Work Status,” which reported on her honor’s research project. Julia Baarcke received the first place award in 2005 for her research on “The Influence of Parents on their Children’s Occupational Choice.”
Emily Smith with the certificate for first place in the 2006 Carolina Undergraduate Social Science Symposium.
Julia Baarcke receives the award for best paper from Dr. Lisa Eargle, Francis Marion University, at the 2005 Carolina Undergraduate Social Science Symposium.
Four senior majors presented at the sixth annual Honors Day Symposium held April 28, 2008, in the James Thomason Library on the PC campus. Jodi Palmer Southerland (shown to the left) presented on “The Impact of Number of Children on Marital Happiness”; Shannon Cherry discussed “Social Class and Charitable Behavior”; CJ Brooks considered “The Influence of Television on Political Participation and Voting Behavior”; and Rebekah Livingston presented on “Social Inequality of Education.”
Jennifer Lukridge participated in the first Big South Undergraduate Research Conference in 2007. For her paper "An Observer's Impact on Stop Sign Behavior," she was named to the "All Conference Research Team." She also presented at the 2007 Honors Day Symposium (pictured to the right) held on the Presbyterian College campus as did several other sociology students.
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Call our office at 1-800-960-7583. An admissions counselor will be glad to help you arrange a visit and meet with faculty, sit in on a class, or stay overnight in a dorm.
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