Course descriptionThe Sociology Field Group (our name for "departments") is a dynamic, diverse, and distinctive group of faculty, students, and alumni. We take pride in our teaching, devoting attention to students' learning, developing ways of integrating students in community programs and research experiences.
In spite of our small size, we offer a wide range of classes! Find out more about our major, what courses you need to complete an undergraduate degree in sociology, and the kinds of courses you can take even if you decide not to major in sociology.
Most of our sociology courses are organized in two broad categories: foundation courses that are fundamental to the discipline of sociology (Category A) and courses that address social issues and social policies (Category B). Courses numbered over 100 are considered upper division courses and they have prerequisites or require the permission of the instructor [see individual course descriptions]. Another set of courses (Category C), open only to senior majors, is designed to allow students to practice the craft of sociology by engaging in an original research project (quantitative, qualitative, and/or theoretical). Students will normally complete the research as part of the requirements of the Senior Seminar (199a). Another option is to complete a research project or thesis as an Advanced Independent Research Study (199b) under the direction of a Pitzer sociology faculty member.
Requirements for the Major
Students who wish to graduate with a full major in sociology must satisfactorily complete
a minimum of ten graded courses:
1. The introductory course: Sociology 1
2. One theory course: Sociology 110 or 112 [students who are considering graduate
work in sociology or a related field such as social work are strongly encouraged to
take both theory courses]
3. Two methods courses: Sociology 101 and Sociology 102 [students in the Ontario
Program may use the methods course taught in that program in place of Sociology
102 and any Statistics course can be used to fulfill Sociology 101]
4. Two other courses from Category A
5. Three courses from Category B, two of which must be upper division
6. One course from Category C
Independent studies cannot be used to fulfill these requirements.
Minor: Students who wish to graduate with a minor in sociology must satisfactorily
complete six graded courses:
1. Intro course-Sociology 1
2. One theory course: Sociology 110 or 112
3. One methods course: Sociology 101 or 102 [If a student has already taken a
statistics course in another field, then either the qualitative course (102) or any
other sociology course should be substituted]
4. Two courses from Category A
5. One course from Category B
Independent studies cannot be used to fulfill these requirements.