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Urban and Community Studies

Cities are systems where individual and social behaviors collide in ways that can be beautiful and productive, disturbing and violent, frequently all at once. How do urban communities manage these realities? And how should cities work?

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Degree Types
Minor
Institution
Complementary Programs
Sociology
Psychology
Heart
Distinctive Requirements
Colloquium

Offered as a minor in McDaniel’s Sociology department, Urban and Community studies explores the many facets of urban reality. At McDaniel, Sociology coursework takes a scientific, humanistic, and cross-cultural approach when investigating the structure of groups, organizations, and societies. It also analyzes the relationships that unite societies in the world system. Topics of interest to Sociology include community life, family patterns and relationships, social change, social movements, intergroup relations, race, gender, social class, the environment, and technology.

Future Career Paths

Recent graduates of the Sociology department are:

  • Law Enforcement Specialists at all levels
  • Teachers
  • Account Executives
  • Financial Advisors
  • Global Client Operations Supervisors
  • Human Resources Administrators

McDaniel students have recently been employed by:

  • The FBI
  • Booz Allen Hamilton
  • BlueCross BlueShield
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • Social Security
  • Armed Forces (all branches)

Distinctive Courses

SOC 2205 - Criminology

A study of the theoretical aspects of criminal behavior and crime causation; the measurement of crime and crime statistics as well as techniques of crime prevention and societal reaction to crime.

SOC 2307 - Beyond the 9 to 5: Work in the 24/7 Global Economy

A look into the sociological study of work and occupations in the new 24/7 global economy, especially the analysis of the meaning of work, the role of large corporations, and the rampant growth of mass consumerism (the "work-and-spend cycle"). Students will examine work patterns over time, the complications of balancing work and family life, and the effects of technological innovation on the nature of work. We will also consider the class, race, and gender variations in work populations and settings as well as variations in the types of work people do. McDaniel Plan: Social, Cultural, and Historical Understanding.
 


 

SOC 3303 - Urban Sociology

This course studies the ecology of social processes, organization and problems of the urban community. Hence it undertakes an overview of the evolution of cities in the US and recent and contemporary local and global patterns of urbanization. Evaluates social, economic and political forces that shape cities by examining social issues in the urban setting: immigration, ethnic, cultural and class diversity; cross-cultural and international comparisons; population and environmental concerns. Also studies social planning by examining major concerns of urban residents and the role of local, state and federal governments in addressing these concerns.

SOC 3429 - Race and Ethnic Relations in the U.S.

A comparative approach to race and ethnic relations in the United States. The course compares and contrasts the experiences of multiple racial and ethnic groups. Special attention is paid to issues of privilege and power and the underlying historical and contemporary symbolic and structural factors affecting both intra and inter-group interactions.

Urban and Community Studies Program Requirements

Urban and Community Studies Minor
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Special Opportunities

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Internships

Internships can spark a passion you’ll pursue for a lifetime, which is why we strongly encourage Sociology students to pursue one in their time here at McDaniel. Recent internship placements include:

  • Maryland State Police Forensic Lab
  • National Security Scholarship Program
  • Baltimore City Police
  • Carroll County Detention Center Pre-Trial Services
  • Emergency Management Homeland Security Prince Georges County Youth
  • Voices for Children Carroll County, MD
  • Abused Persons Program, Montgomery County

The McDaniel Commitment in Action

The McDaniel Commitment—a series of opportunities guaranteed to all students—provides enhanced mentoring and coaching, and ensures every undergraduate student completes at least two meaningful experiential learning opportunities.

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Study Abroad

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Internships

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Research

Sara Raley

Professor Spotlight Sara Raley Associate Professor

Professor Raley, whose research and teaching interests include family, gender, sexuality, demography, and child well-being, regularly teaches Introduction To Global Societies and the Sociology Of Sexuality, Gender and Society, and helped develop the popular sophomore interdisciplinary studies course, South Park and Contemporary Issues, which she team teaches with Philosophy senior lecturer Josh Baron.

Related Programs

Psychology Criminal Justice Political Science Economics Sociology School Counseling, M.S.
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Keep in Touch

Tell us a little about yourself and we'll share updates & information. (We'll also make sure you don't miss any important deadlines.)

Keep in Touch
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See Yourself Here

Take your first steps on the Hill! Visiting campus is one of the best ways to determine if McDaniel is right for you.

Visit McDaniel
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