2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]


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Sociology (B.S.) - Teaching Specialization



Program Coordinator/Contact

Mary Emery, Department Head
Department of Sociology and Rural Studies
Hansen Hall 004
605-688-4132
E-mail: mary.emery@sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu/sociology-rural-studies
Click here for additional information.   

Program Information

Sociology majors often make strong teachers because of their understanding of how people behave and interact. Students in this specialization gain mastery of sociology by studying and applying contemporary sociological theory and research to social issues such as globalization, social inequality, diversity, family, religion, or population. Additionally, students complete pedagogy courses to prepare for employment in middle school or senior high level teaching.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students majoring in Sociology will:

  • develop skills in applying the Sociological Imagination to understanding and addressing social issues.
  • develop the ability to apply critical thinking skills to understanding society, social structures and the interaction of people and groups within a social context.
  • develop and implement a sociological practice by identifying career, civic, and volunteer opportunities, and developing capacity to apply sociological principles, methods, and theories to alleviating social problems and addressing social issues at the micro and macro levels.
  • demonstrate writing and speaking skills that communicate professionally with clients, professionals, funders, and employers.
  • develop the skills and understanding to apply sociological theories to current and past social problems and public issues.
  • develop and apply skills in collecting and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data.
  • understand and apply basic ethical principles in the study of society and in applying sociological approaches.

Academic Requirements

  • A minimum GPA of 2.2 and at least a C in all major courses is required.
  • A Grade of C or better in all major courses.
  • No SOC class may be used for the major AND the CJUS minor.

Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure

Accreditation

National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education Programs (NCATE)
South Dakota Department of Education

Certification and Licensure

With this major and the accompanying teacher education coursework required for teaching licensure, candidates are eligible to take the Praxis content tests, and apply for a teaching license in South Dakota. Students are required to take the PRAXIS II content test, as well as the PRAXIS II Principles of Learning and Teaching test. The minimum score for the Praxis II PLT must be obtained for teaching licensure and varies by state.

Course Delivery Format

The program offers coursework on campus, on-line, and at attendance centers around the state.

Requirements for Sociology Major - Teaching Specialization: 120 Credits


Bachelor of Science in Arts and Sciences

System General Education Requirements


College of Arts and Sciences Requirements


Bachelor of Science Requirements: 13+

  • Natural Sciences  Credits: 10+
    • Any two lab sciences.
    • Coursework must include 2 prefixes.
    • MATH and STATS courses do not count toward the science requirement.
  • AIS 211 - South Dakota American Indian Culture and Education (COM) Credits: 3  
  • One declared minor outside of the major prefix OR a second major OR a teaching specialization. The minor may be a traditional minor within one department or it may be interdisciplinary involving more than one department. The minor can be in a different college. The minor must be declared no later than the student’s third semester of enrollment.
  • Capstone course in the major discipline
  • Upper division coursework Credits: 33

System General Education and/or major coursework may satisfy some or all of the above requirements. Consult program advisor for details. See the College of Arts and Sciences for additional information about Bachelor of Arts specifications.

Teaching Specialization Requirements


Additional Requirements


  • Students must also receive a “C” grade or better in  ,  , and   or higher.
  • There are GPA requirements for entry into and continuation within the teacher education program. For additional information please consult the Secondary Education Handbook.

Electives


Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Total Required Credits: 120