Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY, ANTHROPOLOGY AND SOCIAL WORK

Chair: J. Steven Picou (251) 460-6347

Graduate Coordinator: Roma S. Hanks

Professors: Daley, Fornaro, Gartman, Johnson, Moberg, Picou, Thomas, Waselkov

Associate Professors: Hanks, Matre

Assistant Professors: Carr, Flynn, McAdory

Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work web site
http://www.southalabama.edu/syansw

UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES

Sociology is the scientific study of human social patterns and processes. Broad questions which are addressed include: how are patterns (institutions, group structures and procedures) derived, maintained and changed; how do patterns interrelate and what are the implications of these patterns for the human condition?

Anthropology is the study of human biological and cultural variation, both past and present. It seeks to establish principles and generalizations about societies and their cultures, and to increase understanding among people.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MAJOR IN SOCIOLOGY

A minimum of 35 semester hours in Sociology, including SY 109, SY 376, SY 381 and SY 382. All sociology majors are also required to take AN 100 or 101, and ST 210. At least 17 of the 35 semester hours required for a major must be taken in upper division courses (300-400 level). SY 375 is recommended for students contemplating graduate work. No more than six semester hours of Directed Studies may be used in meeting the major requirements. Students pursuing a degree in Sociology also must have a minor in another discipline.

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR SOCIOLOGY MAJORS

General Education Requirements for Sociology majors are specified in the College of Arts and Sciences section. Note that Area IV is partially satisfied by the major requirements specified above.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR IN SOCIOLOGY

A minimum of 18 semester hours in Sociology, including SY 109. No more than six semester hours of Directed Studies may be used in meeting the minor requirements.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MAJOR IN ANTHROPOLOGY

A minimum of 34 semester hours in Anthropology, including AN 100, AN 101, AN 210, AN 454, a 300 or 400 level Archaeology course, and a 300 or 400 level Cultural Anthropology course. Majors must complete 15 of the 34 semester hours required in Anthropology at the 300 level or above. All Anthropology majors are also required to take SY 109. Students pursuing a degree in Anthropology also must have a minor in another discipline.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ANTHROPOLOGY DEPARTMENTAL HONORS PROGRAM

Students will work with a faculty mentor from the Anthropology Program and two other faculty members while pursuing an Honors Senior Thesis. Students must apply for the program, during any year of attendance at the University.

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR ANTHROPOLOGY MAJORS

General Education Requirements for Anthropology majors are specified in the College of Arts and Sciences section. Note that Area IV is partially satisfied by the major requirements specified above, and that Area V is partially satisfied by AN 210.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR IN ANTHROPOLOGY

A minimum of 18 semester hours in Anthropology, including AN 100 and AN 101.

GRADUATE STUDIES

The Master of Arts degree program in sociology provides the student with training in advanced methods of sociological analysis and increased knowledge of specialized areas in sociology. The student may choose either the basic research or the applied research program. The basic research program is designed to prepare students for admission to doctoral programs in sociology. The applied research program is designed for students whose current situations or immediate goals involve careers in teaching, government, industry or social services. The program offers specialized training in a number of areas of sociology, including Applied, Maritime, Environmental, Family Studies, Criminology and Gerontology. Students may be enrolled in the University's Gerontology Certification program while pursuing the M.A. in sociology.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION

Students are admitted each semester. The following criteria supplement the Graduate School criteria (see Categories of Admission).

REGULAR ADMISSION

1.	Undergraduate major in a social science from an accredited institution of higher education.
2.	"B" average in undergraduate courses in social science theory, research methods, and statistics.
3.	Score of 1000 or better on the verbal and quantitative subtests of the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination.
4.	Submission of a statement of purpose, written by the applicant, which provides a brief intellectual autobiography of the student, an indication of special areas of interest within sociology, and a description of career goals. Statement should be typed, single spaced, and 1 to 1.5 pages in length.
5.	Submission of recommendation that documents the student's ability and willingness to work cooperatively and productively with faculty, students and staff.

PROVISIONAL ADMISSION

Applicants who do not meet all the requirements for full standing may be admitted provisionally. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5 and submission of GRE scores are required for provisional admission to the program. Admission decisions are based on the applicant's entire application package. Applicants with lower GPA's or GRE scores below 1000 may be admitted only when other outstanding credentials warrant exception.

Students meeting requirements for Provisional Admission will be required to remove all deficiencies in undergraduate theory, methods, and statistics before change of status to Regular Standing is considered. Provisional students will be eligible for Regular status after accruing a minimum of nine (9) semester hours of course work taken at the University of South Alabama for graduate credit toward a degree requirements, provided at least a "B" average is maintained in all such work attempted. Per Graduate School and Departmental requirements, no more than 15 semester hours of graduate credit earned as a Provisional Admission student may be approved for change of status to Regular Admission. The Provisional student who does not have the required "B" average upon completing 15 semester hours of graduate credit will be subject to dismissal from the graduate program and the Graduate School. Undergraduate courses in sociological theory and/or methods may be required upon Provisional Admission to the Sociology master's program. These courses are considered by the Department to be remedial and will not satisfy requirements for the master's degree.

NON-DEGREE ADMISSION

Students holding baccalaureate degrees from accredited institutions of higher education who are not interested in earning graduate degrees in Sociology or who need to complete prerequisites for particular graduate degree programs may enroll as Non-Degree graduate students. A suitable background for the courses to be taken is expected, i.e., at least one undergraduate course (or equivalent) in sociological theory and at least one undergraduate course (or equivalent) in sociological research methods. Because of limited class size and resources, the Sociology Department may limit the enrollment of Non-Degree students. After admission, permission to enter each course is obtained from the Graduate Director/Coordinator in the Department. Unless a non-degree applicant's academic record demonstrates prior mastery of sociological theory and methods, a minimum of one graduate-level sociological theory course and one graduate-level sociological methods course must be taken while pursuing non-degree studies at USA.

Non-Degree students subsequently seeking admission into Sociology master's program must submit a formal application through the Office of Admissions to the Graduate Director/Coordinator of the Department. Students may be subject to further conditions, such as the completion of necessary undergraduate background courses and/or specific graduate-level courses. The student's record in graduate courses taken while in the Non-Degree status may be applied toward a graduate degree if the student is later admitted to a graduate program of study. Please refer to the Graduate School Requirements for non-degree admission.

ACADEMIC STANDARDS

Any student who receives two grades lower than "B" in graduate courses will be recommended to the Dean of the Graduate School for academic dismissal. Provisionally admitted or non-degree students must meet the conditions stated in their admission letter.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS, BASIC RESEARCH PROGRAM

1.	A minimum of thirty-six semester hours beyond the bachelor's degree with a grade of "A" or "B". At least twenty-five of these hours must be in sociology.
2.	Completion of core requirements: SY 500, SY 505, SY 506, SY 508 and SY 509. SY 505 may be waived for students based on extent of background in undergraduate sociology and performance on a diagnostic test. If waived, student will be required to complete one additional elective course (three hours) in sociology.
3.	Successful completion of a comprehensive written examination in theory and methods in the semester immediately following completion of core courses. For full time students, comprehensive exams will normally be taken in their third full semester. Comprehensive exams typically will be scheduled during the first month of classes in Fall and Spring semesters. If the student fails the examination, it may be retaken during the next scheduled exam period. The comprehensive examination may be taken no more than two times.
4.	Completion of SY 594, a directed studies course focused on the area of research interest and resulting in a thesis prospectus. This course must be taken after the comprehensive written exam.
5.	Completion of a thesis representing original research. Six semester hours will be granted for the thesis.
6.	An oral defense of the thesis.

BASIC RESEARCH PROGRAM SUMMARY

Core Courses (SY 500, SY 505, SY 506, SY 508 and SY 509)	........................................................	15
Directed Study (SY 594)	........................................................	3
Thesis (SY 599)	........................................................	6
Elective Courses (400 level or higher as approved by the graduate advisor). As many as twelve semester hours my be at the senior (400), undergraduate level.	........................................................	12
Total Credit Hours	........................................................	36

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS, APPLIED RESEARCH PROGRAM

1.	A minimum of thirty-six semester hours beyond the bachelor's degree with a grade of "A" or "B". At least twenty-five of these hours must be in sociology.
2.	Completion of core requirements: SY 500, SY 505, SY 506, SY 508 and SY 509. SY 505 may be waived for students based on extent of background in undergraduate sociology and performance on a diagnostic test. If waived, student will be required to complete one additional elective course (three hours) in sociology.
3.	Completion of SY 512 (Applied Sociology) and SY 596 (Internship).
4.	Successful completion of a comprehensive written examination in theory and methods in the semester immediately following completion of core courses. For full time students, comprehensive exams will normally be taken in their third full semester. Comprehensive exams typically will be scheduled during the first month of classes in Fall and Spring semesters. If the student fails the examination, it may be retaken during the next scheduled exam period. The comprehensive examination may be taken no more than two times.
5.	Completion of Sociology Internship (SY 596), in which a student spends 200 hours working in a local agency under an on-site supervisor and with a USA faculty member as academic supervisor.
6.	Completion of Applied Research Project (SY 595). Prerequisites: Pass in comprehensive exam and approved research proposal.
7.	An oral presentation of the Applied Research Project in a professional forum (such as a professional meeting, a university lecture, or community or agency presentation).

APPLIED RESEARCH PROGRAM SUMMARY

Core Courses (SY 500, SY 505, SY 506, SY 508 and SY 509)	........................................................	15
Applied Sociology (SY 512)	........................................................	3
Internship (SY 596)	........................................................	3
Research Paper (SY 595)	........................................................	3
Elective Courses (400 level or higher as approved by the graduate advisor). As many as twelve semester hours may be at the senior (400), undergraduate level.	........................................................	12
Total Credit Hours	........................................................	36

SOCIAL WORK

The Social Work program, leading to the Bachelor of Social Work Degree will begin operation in the Fall Semester 2005. The program is currently seeking candidacy status from the Council on Social Work Education. For updates on the social work program, admission, and curriculum requirements, go to:
http://www.southalabama.edu/socialwork/

DESCRIPTIONS OF ALL SOCIOLOGY (SY) COURSES

DESCRIPTIONS OF ALL ANTHROPOLOGY (AN) COURSES

DESCRIPTIONS OF ALL SOCIAL WORK (SW) COURSES

College of Arts and Sciences