THE SOCIOLOGY HONORS PROGRAM
THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY
THE SOCIOLOGY HONORS PROGRAM
honors ...
(1) an academic distinction conferred on a superior student
(2) a course of study for superior students supplementing or replacing a regular course
Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition
The honors option in Sociology offers outstanding students an opportunity to...
- move from studying sociology to doing sociology,
- add distinction to their studies in Sociology by undertaking advanced work beyond that required of all Sociology majors,
- develop research skills that will be evidenced in an honors thesis.
Earning Honors in Sociology
Students in the Honors Program earn a total of 34 credits. To graduate with Honors in Sociology you must:
1. Complete 3 credit-hours work in a graduate level course;
2. Complete a major research project - to which you devote at least 3 credit-hours in each of two semesters (for 6 credits total) which results in an honors thesis/research report that is:
- presented to the Department at the annual Seniors Research Presentation Seminar,
- submitted for possible publication in a refereed profressional journal.
3. Attend the annual meeting of a professional association such as the American Sociological Association, North Central Sociological Association, or Midwest Sociological Association.
4. Participate in any group meetings of Sociology Honors students.
Graduating with Honors in Sociology requires careful planning with the advice of both the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) and individual faculty advisors. It is best to begin working on the requirements of the honors option by the beginning of your junior year. A capstone project will often require preliminary/preparatory work in your junior year. It is never too early in your Sociology major to meet with the DUS about your interest in the honors option.
Eligibility for the Honors Program in Sociology
Outstanding Sociology majors will be invited to participate in the Honors Program in Sociology by the DUS on the recommendation of the DUS and/or a member of the faculty. Interested students may also initiate their own inquiry into the honors option by consulting with the DUS or a faculty member. Continued participation is subject to review by the DUS.
The courses required in the honors option have the following individual requirements:
- Registration for any graduate level methods, stats, or seminar course and for Analysis of Collective Contention I and II requires the approval of the respective instructors.
- Registration for Soc 48009 Sociology Honors Capstone Project requires that students find an individual faculty advisor willing to supervise their project, a formal application, and the approval of the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
The Value of the Honors Program in Sociology
In Student's Own Words...
Doing sociology is seeing the whole world through a sociological perspective. Everything is data and everything is fascinating. Amanda Bradley '08 (Major: Sociology; Minor: ROS2)
I have really enjoyed the opportunity to do my own research through the Honors program because it has allowed me to integrate my interest in sociology with my other interests in Public Health and medicine. Emily Cooperstein '08 (Major: Sociology and ALP2)
A few years ago I never would have pictured myself doing sociology research, especially for an honors thesis. It seemed so daunting and impossible at the time... What I have learned is that research is not "nerdy" or boring, but is just taking something that you already love to learn about to a higher level so that you can maximize your knowledge about it. Now, doing research for me is really enjoyable and exciting--I feel like I am working towards making a contribution to knowledge. Valerie Garcia '08 (Major: Sociology; Minor: LAST)
Participating in the honors program has given me the opportunity to devote a considerable amount of time to my own research. This research is fulfilling in that I am able to concentrate on a topic I am truly interested in while working with an adviser who is supportive in all areas of the research project. I would certainly recommend the honors program to any student interested in learning about and actually doing an in-depth research project. Katie Miller '08 (Major: Sociology)
The honors program has been a great opportunity to both apply sociology to the real world as well as prepare for graduate school. I know many grad schools look for individuals who have done research as an undergrad, and I think doing my own project has really improved my chances of getting into the top programs. Tony Salpino '08 (Major: Sociology)
The honors option provided me the invaluable opportunity to do my own research and to work on faculty research projects. This exposure intensified and solidified my desire to pursue sociological research as my own vocation. The honors option also increased my ability to network within the department. I have met some wonderful people-fellow undergraduates, graduate students, and professors- who have challenged me to think more critically about the social world and have supported me in my own research and life goals. Sarah Van Mill '08 (Major: Sociology; Minor: International Peace Studies)