The many elements and considerations in planning for a community, a state or a nation. The human, the economic, the ecological. Students will be expected to undertake a social planning project. A basic knowledge of statistics and the use of statistical data is desirable. This course will engage students in the research process from conceptualization to study design, data collection, and analysis.
Specific methods covered are surveys, observation, focus groups, and secondary data analysis.
Program evaluation and policy relevance will be stressed. Intensive study of a number of readings on applied areas of sociological concern. The Comprehensive Project based on the Internship experience is written up during this course. Application of sociological perspective to the problems and structure of institutions is developed, under the supervision of a faculty member. Students should get faculty supervisor's approval of placement before the course begins.