Sociology
“How does social context shape individual stories, and what sociological theories and methods can help describe and explain these stories? Off-campus study offers students a vivid place to ask complex questions about our social world, and to apply what they're learning first-hand to their own stories and to diverse local and global contexts.”
—Michelle Janning, Raymond and Elsie Gipson DeBurgh Chair of Social Sciences and Professor of Sociology
Study abroad can help Sociology students:
- Gain primary research skills from field studies or work with primary sources
- Develop a global perspective
- Gain awareness of the major discipline from a different scholarly tradition
- Expand cross-cultural communication and problem-solving skills
- Prepare for an increasingly diverse and international workplace
- Improve foreign language skills
How does a semester or year of study abroad help students in Sociology prepare for graduate school or various career opportunities?
- Studying abroad allows students to become involved in either a major research project of some kind and/or a focused internship. In both of these cases, the student is able to apply the concepts and textbook principles of the discipline to a real-life, applied setting.
- Foreign language skills and intercultural understanding developed during study abroad can increase opportunities to work with diverse populations in the workplace.
- Studying abroad helps students develop a comparative perspective based on immersion and appreciation of another culture and/or a different setting (e.g. U.S. urban environment).
As a general rule of thumb, the Sociology Department recommends the following for students who wish to study abroad:
Sociology majors who wish to study abroad should take SOC 117 Principles of Sociology in their first or second year.
- The following required courses for the major should be taken at Whitman:
- SOC 117 Principles of Sociology
- SOC 207 Social Research Methods
- SOC 251 Social Theory
- SOC 490 Current Issues in Sociology
- SOC 492 Thesis or SOC 498 Honors Thesis
- SOC 207 Social Research Methods and SOC 251 Social Theory (required classes) must be taken on campus at Whitman. SOC 207 is offered every semester, and SOC 251 is offered three times every two years. This should allow students to study abroad either in the fall or the spring semester, though students should talk with their Sociology Major Advisor about planning courses during their junior year.
- Sociology-Environmental Studies majors should consult either the Environmental Studies advising page or the Environmental Studies webpage for further details.
Which requirements can Sociology majors fulfill while studying abroad?
- Elective major credit
- Research and/or experience that can help students develop ideas for the senior thesis
- General Studies distribution credit
- General degree credit
Major Credit Limitations
- The maximum number of credits that can be applied to the Sociology major from off-campus studies (including AP credit, IB credit and credits from other U.S. institutions) is 8 credits with the approval of your Major Advisor.
Minor Credit Limitations
- A minimum of three-fifths of the specific course and credit requirements for the minor must be completed in the on-campus program of the college.
What are the types of study abroad programs recommended by the Sociology Department?
- Direct enrollment in a foreign university with local students
- Field study program with opportunities to engage in independent or collaborative research with the local community
- Program that offers an opportunity for an internship or community-based learning embedded in an academic course as part of an off-campus program in the U.S. or overseas
Which partner programs are recommended by the Sociology Department?
Many study abroad programs offer sociology and sociology-related coursework. Therefore, Sociology majors can choose from a wide range of partner programs depending on their academic goals and which cultures/societies they wish to learn about. In particular, the department recommends that majors consider the following options:
- AU Washington Semester Program (USA)
- DIS Copenhagen (Denmark)
- Programs in Latin America and Spain that enhance Spanish language skills
Students pursuing the Sociology+French major might consider the following options:
- IES Nantes French Language Immersion and Area Studies
- IES Paris French Studies
- Middlebury Paris
- Middlebury Cameroon
Students interested in studying abroad should attend a Study Abroad First Steps Meeting in the fall of their second year, discuss their interests with their Major Advisor and schedule an appointment with a Study Abroad Advisor.
Office of Global Programs
- Email or call to schedule a virtual advising appointment
- 509-527-4992
Office of Global Programs
- Email or call to schedule a virtual advising appointment
- 509-527-4992