Culminating Experience

Below is a list of culminating experience courses for Sociology majors.

91. Sociological Imagination

(course syllabus - Lively)

SOCY 91 is offered in the spring term

C. Wright Mills described "the sociological imagination" as that quality of mind with the ability to grasp the interplay of biography and history, of self and social structure, of private troubles and public issues. As we venture into the 21st century, various issues of class, race and gender inequalities and conflicts appear to dominate popular discourse and policy debates. This capstone seminar will explore current substantive and theoretical expressions of the sociological imagination for providing critical assistance in understanding some of the major social issues of our time. The seminar is designed to emphasize critical discussion through active participation and class presentations. Each student will complete a significant intellectual project which reflects her or his own sociological analysis about an important social issue. Open to senior sociology majors, and others only by permission of the instructor. Prerequisites are SOCY 1 or 2, 10, 11 , 15 or 16. Dist: SOC; WCult: W. 

back to top

92. Community-Engaged Research Practicum

(course syllabus) Houle

SOCY 92 is offered in the winter term.

Sociologists have a dual commitment to adequately understand society through rigorous observation and to better the society they live in. In this capstone course, we will work together as a class to answer a research question that helps a community partner address key social problems in the Upper Valley and offer solutions to these problems. We will draw upon shared knowledge of sociological research and theory accumulated over your Dartmouth career and seek out new knowledge, perspectives, and methods that help us answer our research question and better the community. As a capstone course, it is expected that students will take the lead during class meetings as well as in research design, execution, and analysis. Faculty will play an advisory role, providing methodological and substantive guidance along the way.

back to top

98. Honors Thesis

All Terms: Arrange

Open only to, and required of all, Sociology honors majors, this course involves independent work under the direction of a faculty adviser, culminating in the preparation and presentation of an honors thesis. Sociology honors majors normally take SOCY 98 & 99: SOCY 99 during the last term in residence and SOCY 98 during a preceding term. Exceptions to this pattern are, however, permitted if circumstances warrant. Honors students are normally expected to publicly present their thesis to the Department during the term in which it is completed. By permission of a Sociology faculty member prior to registration.

back to top