Examination results are evaluated by the instructor. At the junior level Sociology students are required to take an additional research methods and theory course, which prepares them to take their senior seminar. The average GPA in 100-level courses is 2.03. As the course number increases, grades increase commensurately until we approach an average 3.0 GPA in most 400 level courses. We feel we have a good and consistent track on our grading.
Permanent faculty teach to the same set of grading standards.
Occasionally adjunctions will give higher grades. Sociology and Justice Studies students share a number of courses, and there is considerable overlap between the two options. In many instances students start in one option and change to the other. Sociology courses incorporate a writing component and students are obliged to participate in classroom discussions and presentations. Examination of grades assigned in upper division Sociology courses between 1986-1996 indicates the option has maintained consistent grading standards while raising performance expectations in both written and verbal participation.