Catalog 2022–2023

Sociology

Social Sciences Division Office :
Office: University Classroom Building (UCB), Room 308
Tel: (808) 932-7100

Department Chair: Lindy Hern
Email: lshern@hawaii.edu
Website: hilo.hawaii.edu/depts/sociology/

Professor Emeritus:

  • Marilyn Brown, Ph.D.

Associate Professors:

Assistant Professor:

Sociology students develop a critical understanding of social events and processes, resting on an underlying appreciation of social theories and the insights these yield about the structure of societies, the processes embedded in these structures, the nature of social change, and how all of these affect people in their everyday lives. Sociology majors and minors should also develop basic skills in sociological research including quantitative and qualitative methods. In-depth courses of specific social groups such as indigenous communities, genders and sexualities, and race and ethnicity should create an understanding of the interconnectedness of social events and processes as well as how social research informs us to develop an understanding of society. Both major and minor options are organized around basic courses in statistics, research methodology, and theory.

Mission

The mission of the UH Hilo Sociology program is to provide students with the basics of theoretical and applied sociology. These basics include the application of sociological theory and research methods to the understanding of social processes, organizations, groups, and institutions.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation students should possess the following knowledge, perspectives and skills:

Knowledge: Students will correctly identify and critically discuss:

  • The major theoretical paradigms in Sociology
  • The Sociological Perspective in placing behavior in social contexts
  • The relationship of Social Structure to Social Process
  • The interconnectedness of the various Social Institutions and how their organizational structure influences each other

Skills:

  • Students will formulate basic research designs and discuss validity and reliability in social research
  • Students will correctly conduct basic data analysis and recognize fundamentals in identifying patterns in data
  • Students will conduct academic research and correctly compose a literature review
  • Students will compose research paper with the standard elements (theory, design, methodology, findings, and discussion)

Capstones:

  • All majors are required to do three 400 level seminars, each of which should require a research paper that demonstrates the knowledge, perspectives and skills of the discipline
  • Seminar students are also expected to be able to engage fully in discussions of topics and theories within the selected area of study.

Prospects for Graduates

Graduates of the UH Hilo Sociology program are prepared to contribute to the operation and administration of both public and private social service agencies. They enter into a wide range of work roles, including family planning and counseling, law enforcement and corrections, case work, disability examiner, public relations, and more. The major also provides an excellent foundation for those who wish to continue their academic careers in a variety of fields including elementary and secondary education, social work, law, criminal justice, psychology, public health, and of course sociology.

The major and minor programs are designed to furnish students with skills, knowledge, and a scientific perspective useful in a large number of diverse occupations-especially those pertaining to the human services, social scientific research, planning, law, business, and public administration. The major program also provides excellent preparation for graduate work in sociology, social work, and public health as well as the other social sciences. A comprehensive advising program is available to assist students to match their personal interests and career objectives with the necessary courses and practical experiences.

Special Aspects of the Sociology Program

The program has two main options for students who want to apply what they are learning in the local community. For those interested in careers in social services or other applied Sociology fields, the internship program provides a supervised field experience working with professionals in the community. Students gain first-hand knowledge of the specific work situation, including its demands and rewards. At the same time they contribute to the work of the agency in which they are placed, making contacts and earning trust which often stand them in good stead when they are ready to seek employment locally. The Department also offers a research practicum in which students participate in a substantial research project. The practical application of research skills creates a better understanding of the strengths and limitations of social research, broadening the contribution the student will be equipped to make in both social service and more traditional academic careers.

The UH Hilo Sociology Club is strong and active. It organizes both social events and community service projects, providing a context both for building social ties among students and developing a fuller understanding of the community. Non-majors are welcome.

Curricula