Requirements and Courses

“… the science of association is the mother science; the progress of all the others depends on the progress of that one.”
—Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America (1840)

Overview of Sociology Requirements

Courses Required for the Major
Bard sociology students discussing Islamic jurisprudence.
Photo by Eliza Watson '21

Courses Required for the Major

100-Level Sociology Course (ideally SOC 101, Introduction to Sociology)
SOC 205, Introduction to Research Methods
SOC 213, Sociological Theory
Sociology Elective
Sociology Elective
Sociology Elective
300-Level Seminar
300-Level Seminar
Senior Project I & II

Please see the College Catalogue for a list of recent courses in the program, divided into 100-level introductory courses, 200-level classes, and advanced 300-level seminar courses for moderated students.

Moderation and Senior Project Guidelines

Moderation Requirements

Sociology Moderation Guide
Bard College Moderation

Requirements

  • Before Moderation:
    Students planning to moderate in sociology are required to pass the following three courses by the end of the semester of Moderation, which is often the second semester of the sophomore year:
    1. 100-level course in sociology (ideally SOC 101, Introduction to Sociology, but other courses at the 100-level count)
    2. SOC 205, Introduction to Research Methods (usually in the fall semester of the sophomore year)
    3. SOC 213, Sociological Theory (usually in the spring semester of the sophomore year)
  • For Moderation:
    Students submit the two essays about past and future work that Bard requires for Moderation and a 10-page sociology paper (or two five-page papers). Papers should be from sociology courses and represent your strongest work. The Program recommends revising existing papers before submitting them for Moderation.

    This site has directions to set up and schedule a moderation board.
     

Senior Project and Graduation

Senior Project Guidelines

(student handbook)

  • Other Required Courses:
    • Before graduation, students must take three electives of any level and two 300-level seminars.
    • After moderation, students must take two 300-level advanced seminars in sociology.
  • Senior Project:
    Each student will write a Senior Project that is based on their own original sociological research.

    This site offers directions to second semester juniors on how to apply for a Senior Project advisor and for seniors who need to set up a Senior Project board.
     

Current Courses in Sociology

  • Current Courses
    View the sociology course list for the current semester. You may also browse the College Catalogue for courses that are offered periodically, but not necessarily this semester.
    Sociology Courses This Semester
    College Catalogue

Joint Majors and Concentrations

Students may arrange a joint major in Sociology and another program, such as History or Psychology, or with a concentration, for example Africana Studies or Gender and Sexuality Studies. The requirements for Moderation and course work will include those listed above as well as the requirements for the joint program selected.