Introduction
Addressing the biggest issues facing the world, sociology challenges us to consider them from a new standpoint and to improve the mechanisms of society. We offer a comprehensive degree curriculum. The BA degree in Sociology is a general degree in sociology without an area of specialization. Our degree in sociology provides students with theoretical and methodological tools and essential insights for understanding human social life and institutions.
Students develop a sociological imagination, which involves an understanding of connections between social structure and individual experiences. They develop an appreciation of social theory and research, including the ability to distinguish various theoretical perspectives, identify different modes of inquiry and critically evaluate information. All students take basic courses in social institutions, theory, and methods. Students also gain expertise in social issues pertaining to gender, family, education, religion, science and technology, and media. Also, the courses deeply explore the social issues of Iranian culture and society in specialized courses. Our high achieving students get scholarships for master’s degrees both abroad and in the BIHE master’s program.
We are a medium-sized department which gives us the benefits of scale – in terms of the variety of teaching concerns – nevertheless allows us to be small enough to maintain a warm and welcoming environment. Our teaching staffs work with students in the classroom as well as in online sessions. There are small class sizes, a variety of learning possibilities, such as day and evening class, both in-person and on-line.
Vision
We believe that education is the main agency to change the way society works. The Department of Sociology is committed to providing a teaching and learning environment in which students are encouraged to think and analyze critically. A sociological vision illustrates how personal preferences and individual fates are formed by social forces.
Mission
Our program challenges students to conduct independent research and to take advantage of opportunities for such research in areas like economy and organizations, diversity and inequality, and social problems and public policy. In addition to developing students’ ability to critically analyze and understand social patterns, the major is relevant to professional careers in education, social work, journalism, non-governmental organizations, and social research. It also provides training for advanced graduate work in sociology and related fields.
Goals and Objectives
The program intends to create a platform for the emergence and development of academic skills (such as presenting a scientific article, participating in scientific seminars, etc.) as well as writing articles for journals in the field of social sciences.
It intends to aid its graduates in:
- acquiring knowledge and insight in the fields of sociology and its theoretical foundations
- gaining the knowledge of sociology and its relationship with other sciences
- gaining insight and deep knowledge of sociological issues (social sensibility)
- becoming familiar with research skills and methods in social sciences
- understanding Iranian society and becoming familiar with Iranian social issues and the possibility of participating in solving them
- developing analytical and critical thinking skills and the ability to develop questioning and problem-solving skills
- acquiring skills in statistical analysis in the field of social research and demography
- increasing the ability to cooperate with non-governmental organizations
- developing the capability to continue education in postgraduate courses in a wide range of social sciences and humanities
Admission
Candidates must hold a 12-year high school diploma in order to take the entrance exam. All majors are welcome to apply for the program.
Curriculum
For a full-time student, it takes a minimum of 4 years to complete the program. To complete degree requirements, students will study 144 credits altogether including compulsory and optional modules in addition to 21 credits of core curriculum and 12 credits of EFL (English as a Foreign Language). The number of courses in each semester is flexible and depends on the student’s choice.