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Sociology AOC

“Be the Change You Wish to See in the World.” Gandhi
Sociology is a field where you can explore "why" people think and act the way they do related to structural, cultural, historical, economic, and social influences. These larger forces shape our thinking and how we act. When we understand them, we can find answers to some of the world's most challenging problems. We also focus on building personal and civic awareness skills so you can apply your knowledge to solutions! Sociology classes are designed to support your career goals, deepen your awareness of yourself and others, and build easy transfer paths to universities.
Questions?
Professor of Sociology & Faculty Director of the College to Community Partnership Center
301-784-5306
Location: HUMANITIES (H) 48
What will you learn?
  • Develop the ability to think critically, and ethically, use public dialogue skills, and enact your core values of empathy and compassion as it relates to human interaction.

  • Explore your own career passions related to social issues (ex. mental health, homelessness, bullying, addiction, etc.) while researching and analyzing social problems.

  • Find out what drives cultural, political, economic, and social issues at the local, state, national and global level.

  • Learn why diversity matters, how to listen to perspectives different than your own, and to promote democratic values and principles.
  • See how sociology can support you in the workforce; help with opening your own business; and work to address challenges in your community.
  • Find out more at Sociology at Work and the American Sociological Association
What will you do?

Complete your A.S. degree program requirements at ACM, or prepare for transfer to a four year university or college. 

  • Associates Degree:
  • Direct Service in a Nonprofit Organization
  • Youth and Elderly Support Services
  • Community Organizing
  • Business Development
  • Bachelors Degree:
  • Government and Nonprofit Careers
  • Research and Marketing Jobs
  • School and Community Counselors 
  • Executive Director / Grant Writer
  • Prison and Corrections Jobs
  • City and County Government Leaders
  • Graduate / Doctorate Degree:
  • Teaching 
  • International Positions
  • Social Science Researcher

Why ACM?

Discover what others are saying about ACM Sociology – click an image below.


Program Details
Sociology students learn how to communicate with diverse groups of people, think critically and creatively about real world problems, reason ethically and analytically, gather research and interpret it, engage productively in teamwork, be empathetic and understanding of other people's point of view, and problem-solve community issues. This helps build confidence and develop the skills you will need to respond effectively to community challenges. A famous sociology graduate to learn from is Amanda Gorman, the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history, as well as an award-winning writer and cum laude graduate of Harvard University, where she studied Sociology.

Discover more...

Program Goals & Learning Outcomes
Program Goals
  • Understand and articulate the sociological perspective as it relates to human interactions and how our personal experiences are shaped by history.
  • Analyze, research, and report on social issues (ex., environment, education, poverty, globalization, mass incarceration, war, etc.) in written, oral and technological formats.
  • Build sociological knowledge by applying critical thinking and ethical reasoning.
  • Identify and discuss structural, economic, cultural, global, political and historical forces that influence human behaviors.
  • Engage in community, diversity, and civic engagement projects that build sociological skills and solution-focused frameworks.
  • Develop sociological knowledge, skills, cultural awareness, and personal and civic responsibility, that can be applied in transfer programs and various occupations.
  • Utilize critical thinking skills to analyze race, ethnicity, class, age, and gender inequalities and social injustices.
Student Learning Outcomes
  • Critically analyze social issues along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, age, gender, and class.
  • Research and gather data related to social problems and report your findings in written, oral, technological and in discussion formats in class.
  • Develop an awareness of personal and civic responsibility within assignments and service learning / civic engagement / diversity activities.
  • Engage in community, diversity, and civic engagement projects that build sociological skills and solution-focused frameworks.
  • Analyze social institutions and how they influence individual experiences and collective actions (i.e. family, education, work and economy, state, public policy, media, language, and culture).

Meet the Faculty

Our experienced, knowledgeable faculty are excited to share their expertise with you and prepare you to succeed in the diverse, dynamic field of Sociology.

Dr. Diane S. McMahon 
dmcmahon@allegany.edy
Professor, & Faculty Director, College to Community Partnership Center 

301-784-5306
Humanities 48

B.A. Carlow University
Masters Public Administration and Masters of Public and International Affairs,  University of Pittsburgh 
PhD. in Sociology, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Rick Layman 
rlayman@allegany.edu
Professor

301-784-5151
Humanities 13

B.S., M Ed., Frostburg State University
Ed D., West Virginia University

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