/ Sociology and Social Work Department

Courses

Our sociology courses teach you to understand how human beings relate to each other, using theoretical models and carefully gathered data. In social work courses, we also study human behavior, but focus on changing and improving lives so people can reach their full potential.

We provide students with a variety of courses in our two disciplines, which act as separate degree programs but share a lot of similar ideologies. And we see a lot of Hope’s students — Sociology 101 fulfills the Social Science I, global learning domestic and cultural diversity requirement of general education. Since there is no anthropology department at Hope, our programs offer a chance to study the theory of human behavior in our societies and practically apply our understanding to make real change.

Sociology Courses

For a complete list of the requirements for a sociology major, visit the course catalog.

Social Work Courses

Admission to the social work program is competitive and not guaranteed. To apply, you must complete SWK 241 in the spring semester of your freshman year or the fall semester of your sophomore year. View our degree programs for more information.

For a complete list of the requirements for a social work major, visit the course catalog.

General Education Requirements

A few of our courses meet the general education requirements for all Hope students, including your Global Learning Domestic (GLD), Global Learning International (GLI), Social Science 1 (SS1) courses and Social Science 2 (SS2) courses.

View full descriptions of the following courses in the catalog. To see course details, including dates, times and professors, please use the Registrar's course scheduler.

  • Sociology and Social Problems: SOC 101Our introductory class in sociology is unique, in that it counts toward the fulfillment of two general education requirements: GLD and SS1.
  • Cultural Anthropology: SOC 151This course meets the GLI and SS1 requirements, and is a study into the historical trends in anthropology.
  • Off-campus study — Off-campus programs in the U.S. and abroad can meet requirements and enhance your educational experience. Visit our Special Programs and Opportunities page for more information.

Special Courses

Our specialty courses are great for sociology and social work majors and non-majors alike. If you’re interested in these subjects and want to specialize your major, or merely want to supplement your own studies, these courses offer a chance to try something new.

View full descriptions of the following courses in the catalog. To see course details, including dates, times and professors, please use the Registrar's course scheduler.

  • Race and Ethnic Relations: SOC 269   This course meets the SS2 requirement and offers an assessment of the American experience in light of broader global trends.
  • Sociology of Gender I and II: SOC 271 and 272 — These two courses examine the different roles prescribed to individuals on the basis of sex.
  • Social Psychology: SOC 280 — This course follows the specific study of how people think about, influence and relate to each other.
  • Urban Sociology: SOC 312 — How do social forces create and shape cities? This course focuses on the study of cities and urbanization.
  • Sociology of Education and Childhood: SOC 365 — This course focuses on the organizational and occupational sides of schools, teaching and children.
  • Sociology of Religion: SOC 341 — This course introduces students to major theoretical approaches being used to study religion and the sociological explanations of our beliefs, affiliations and practices.
  • Medical Sociology: SOC 333 — An introduction to the sociological study of health, illness and medicine, this course is a great elective for those pursuing the health professions.