UT Sociology Advising

Sociology Undergraduate Essay Contest

2009-03-17T13:10:00.000-05:00

Sociology Undergraduate Essay Contest

$400 CASH
Multiple Prizes!

10-15 PAGES (excluding references)
12 PT FONT
DOUBLE-SPACED
SOC-RELATED

Submissions due:
Wednesday, March 25 by 5:00 P.M.
in the AKD Box of the 3rd floor Sociology Dept. Office

Winners to be announced at the AKD Honors Banquet
Finalists will present on April 14 – Everyone be prepared!

Contest Sponsored by Alpha Kappa Delta

Questions/concerns? Feel free to e-mail us at akdsociology@gmail.com!

Free LSAT Seminar and Pizza

2009-02-09T15:27:00.001-06:00

FREE LSAT SEMINAR and PIZZA

The Plan II Pre-Law Society is hosting a free LSAT seminar for all UT students interested in applying to law school. Trent Teti, founder of Blueprint Test Preparation and LSAT guru, will discuss the format of the LSAT, cover real sample problems, and teach the best methods for tackling this difficult test. The LSAT is the single most important factor in law school admissions, so don't miss this free opportunity to learn more!

Meeting information:
Thursday, February 12th
MEZ B0.306 (basement of Mezes Hall)
5:00 - 6:30 PM
FREE PIZZA!

REU Program in Minority Group Demography

2009-02-09T15:16:00.003-06:00

*** Information session Wednesday 11 Feb at 5:00 pm in BUR 128, sponsored by AKD. ***

DISCOVER DEMOGRAPHY
Population Research Center
The University of Texas at Austin

Summer 2009 Research Experience for Undergraduates

The Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program in Minority Group Demography offers undergraduates interested in social science research an opportunity to acquire advanced research skills and hands-on experience at The University of Texas at Austin.

Summer 2009 REU Program Highlights:

--10 weeks on the UT Austin campus engaged in academic coursework and applied research apprenticeships, focusing on the social scientific study of minority group experience in the U.S.

-- Earn 3 hours college credit for an upper-division sociology course on the methods and materials of demographic research, the scientific study of human populations

-- Gain valuable professional experience by writing a scholarly paper and presenting it at a professional conference in the fall semester following the REU program

-- Benefits include tuition for the 3-hour course, on-campus housing and meals, books, and a $4,000 stipend

Qualifications and Applications:

-- Sophomore or Junior standing

--Preference given to students with junior standing and/or sociology majors/honor program students

-- Applicants must submit an REU application form, resume, college transcripts, and one letter of recommendation from a university faculty member

REU Program information and application materials are available on the

UT Population Research Center (PRC) website

Summer 2009 Application Deadline: February 27, 2009

REU Contact:
REU Program Coordinator
Population Research Center
The University of Texas at Austin
1 University Station, G1800
Austin, TX 78712
(512) 471-5514
training@prc.utexas.edu

Submit to Undergrad Research Journal

2009-01-27T11:53:00.003-06:00

Note: the following is not an announcement for Sociological Insight (our national Sociology Journal whose deadline is Jan. 26th) but instead is for the UT undergrad research journal. Sociology majors are strongly encouraged to submit papers to both publications.

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Deadline for submission to the Undergraduate Research Journal is approaching quickly. The deadline is February 20th. Please send in all submissions and accompanying paperwork by this date.

We are seeking submissions from all colleges and disciplines on campus. Submissions may be products of coursework, independent study, supervised research, senior theses, etc. Past [within one year of graduation] or current full or part-time undergraduate students in good standing at the University of Texas at Austin are invited to submit their articles to the URJ for review.

All articles must be submitted in a sealed manila envelope to Becky Carreon in SSB 4.206. Name, telephone number, email address, "URJ Sumission", and the current date must be written legibly on the front of the envelope. The envelope must contain all of the following:

Electronic copy of the manuscript (floppy disk or cd, clearly labeled with name
of author)
2 hard copies of the manuscript
Cover letter
Research Supervisor Release form
Student Release form

Instructions for submission can also be found at our website.

Sociology Organizations Meeting

2009-01-27T11:50:00.002-06:00

Curious about AKD? Want to get published? Interested in meeting other SOC majors?

Then come to the Spring 2009 Sociology Student Organization Meeting!

Tuesday, February 3rd, 5:00 pm
BUR 216

Meet fellow SOC majors and learn about Spring 2009 activities & exciting leadership opportunities in the following Sociology student organizations:

* Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD), the Sociology Honors Society
* Sociology In Action (SIA), the organization for all Sociology majors
* Sociological Insight (SI), the new national student Sociology journal edited by UT students

Everyone is welcome!

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Alpha Kappa Delta is an international honors society for sociology majors.
The requirements to join are 3.0 gpa both overall and in sociology, upper
division standing (60+ hours), and 12+ hours in sociology coursework (although students who do not yet meet these requirements may get involved early!). Members get a lifelong membership to AKD, an invitation to the Spring Banquet, honors cords, and much more. We aim to promote sociology as a major, to promote socialization within the major, and to help students learn how to utilize their sociology degree. AKD needs members to help us design a t-shirt and come up with creative ways to promote our future events - such as the Sociology Jeopardy Bowl.

Sociological Insight (SI) is a peer-reviewed journal aimed at promoting undergraduate scholarship in the social sciences. Insight is the only undergraduate research journal in the U.S. which publishes top sociological work from the U.S. and abroad. It has enlisted around 40 Consulting Editors and undergraduate reviewers. Moreover, Insight publishes book reviews, especially of books written by UT sociology professors. All submissions that are accepted for publication are entered into a paper contest with monetary awards given to the authors of the top three papers. Parallel to its goals of professionalizing undergraduate scholarship, Insight also designs workshops that train SI reviewers and editors. The first issue of Sociological Insight will be printed in May 2009.

Sociology in Action (SIA) is an organization open to ALL students interested in sociology. They will be planning various social events including regularly hanging out over coffee, and may plan opportunities to get involved in community projects. They are looking for people interested in planning events, assisting with publicity, and just hanging out!

Liberal Arts Scholarships deadline 3/1/09

2009-01-21T15:49:00.000-06:00

The College of Liberal Arts is now accepting applications online for
Merit-based competitive scholarships. The deadline is March 1, 2009.

Eligibility criteria:

* Students must be officially enrolled in the College of Liberal Arts with at least 30 UT hours.

* GPA of at least 3.7 at time of application.

* Enrolled full-time during period of award (graduating no sooner than Fall
2009)

For more information and application, go to http://www.utexas.edu/cola/scholarships/merit/

Free Study and GRE classes at UTLC

2009-01-21T15:48:00.001-06:00

The UT Learning Center is offering free study prep and GRE courses this spring.

We have a Secrets of Academic Success class for all majors and one for Natural Science students in particular. Both meet in Jester A309. The general class meets Monday and Wednesdays from 3:00-4:00 and runs from 2/9-2/25. The Natural Science class meets Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30-4:30 and runs from 2/3-2/9,.

In the class students will learn about effective time management, note-taking, reading strategies, and test preparation. We’ll give them a lot of great advice about how to get the results they want in class.

Our GRE prep classes are available for currently enrolled UT students. The Verbal class meets on Monday and Wednesday and runs from 2/2-2/18; the Math class meets on Tuesday and Thursday and runs from 2/3-2/26; the Writing class meets twice, on 2/23 and 2/25.

We also offer math and science refresher classes and math final exam reviews.

For more information or to register for these courses, visit our web site at http://www.utexas.edu/student/utlc/classes/ or visit us in person in Jester A332 to sign up.

Undergraduate Research Fellowships (deadline 2/9)

2009-01-13T14:52:00.004-06:00

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS FOR SPRING 2009

The Office of the Vice President for Research is now accepting applications for Spring 2009 Undergraduate Research Fellowships. The Undergraduate Research Fellowship program provides support for specific scholarly research projects conducted by full-time UT undergraduate students enrolled in any department. These fellowships are intended to cover costs associated with academic research projects proposed and written by student applicants and undertaken with the supervision of a university tenured or tenure-track faculty member, lecturer, senior lecturer or full-time research scientist/engineer. Some restrictions apply.

Spring 2008 Deadline: Monday, February 9, 2009

Undergraduate Research Fellowship information and applications are available online at:
http://www.utexas.edu/research/admin/awards/

UD SOC UT Extension (Evening) course

2009-01-13T14:49:00.001-06:00

The following is a SOC course being offered through University Extension.

Keep in mind that this course can count towards your SOC major, full-time status for Financial Aid (if you contact fin aid to let them know) and your UT GPA, but it does NOT count as an in-residence course.

For more information on the course and how to sign up (you register and pay separately), go to http://www.utexas.edu/ce/uex/classroom/ .

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Creativity and Creative Sociology

SOC. 321K Spring 2009
Time: M W 6-8:30 p.m.

Mehdi Haghshenas, Ph.D.
Office Hours: MW 10-11 & by appt. (Burdine230A)
Phone: 232-6306

Course Description:

What a piece of work is man! How noble in reason! How infinite in faculty! in form and moving how express! How admirable in action! How like an angel in apprehension! How like a god! The beauty of the world! The paragon of animals! And yet, to me, what is this quintessence of dust?
--Hamlet

Creative impulse within a society is the heartbeat. Most of us live and work in a functional world that leaves us little or no room for imagination, appreciation, and interconnection. And yet no one can deny that our society is driven by creativity. Creativity is an essential ingredient in science, business, the arts, and other dimensions of human life.

OBJECTIVES

This course will introduce you to different aspects of creative insights, human consciousness and perspectives, social processes, and invention of reality. We will bring the intellectual abilities and intuitive inclinations together as a complementary process. The course pursues and encourages elements of self-realization and creativity at the individual, organizational, societal, environmental, and cosmic levels. Artistic films, documentaries, and other media will be presented as technical methods of representation of "social reality" and sociocultural phenomena. During the course, students will learn critical thinking methods through diverse and interconnected perspectives, improvisations, visual materials, and student-focused activities. No technical aspects will be emphasized.

Reading Requirements

(1) A selection of articles has been prepared in a packet.
(2) Otis Carney. 2002. Wars R’ Us: Taking Action for Peace.
(3) Paulo Coelho.1995. The Alchemist: A Fable About Following Your Dream
(4) Joseph Campbell. 2004. Pathways to Bliss: Mythological and Personal Transformation

A few new (non-SOC) courses for the Spring

2009-01-13T14:48:00.000-06:00

The following are three newly-added courses in other departments that might be of interest to you.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

On Praxis: Scholarship and Activism
Instructor: Eric Tang, Ph.D. – Visiting Assistant Professor
Semester: Spring 2009
AFR 374D & ANT 324L
Unique Number 34988
TTH 12:30 – 2:00 EPS 1.128

Description
This course explores the intersection of scholarship with an array of community-based forms of knowledge: community organizers, advocacy, service and other grassroots modes of civic participation. As a course requirement, students will conduct an internship assignment with a community-based organization in Austin, developing a research project that analyzes the internship experience. It examines the way in which community-based knowledge (or organic intellectualism)—particularly as it is shaped within communities facing social inequities—informs accepted theories of how the world works. Course readings and discussions will be historical and methodological. Historically, we will review key social movement theories by situating them in mass movements that have shaped the 19th and 20th centuries: history of community organizing, the rise of Civil Rights and new social movements, the rise of autonomous movements in the age of neoliberalism. Methodologically, we will sound off on several recurring contradictions that complicate the relationship between scholarship and activism: objectivity versus accountability, the appropriation of ideas, illegitimate versus legitimate forms of knowledge, and the professionalization of activism.

Required Texts:
Charles R. Hale, ed., Engaging Contradictions: Theory, Politics, and Methods of Activist Scholarship (Berkeley, University of California Press, 2008).

INCITE! Women of Against Violence, ed., The Revolution Will Not Be Funded: Beyond the Non-profit Industrial Complex. (Boston, South End Press, 2007).

Harold Cruse, The Crisis of the Negro Intellectual (New York, New York Review of Books Press, 1967).

Booth, Wayne C., et al. The craft of research. (Chicago)

Smith, Linda Tuhiwai, Decolonizing methodologies: research and indigenous peoples
(Zed)

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Third Wave Feminism and the UT Campus
Instructor: Ana Ixchel Rosal
WGS 301
Unique No: 47792
Gearing, Room 127
T, Th 3:30-5

Description:

The history of the women's movement in the US is often described as a series of “waves:” the first wave gave us the vote, the second wave is the Women’s Liberation Movement of the 1970s and its aftermath, and the Third Wave is today’s feminism. The purpose of this class is to explore the tenets of Third Wave Feminism and engage the greater campus community in dialogue about the issues affecting women today. Students will analyze writings from the Third Wave movement through discussion and reflection papers. Students will also collaborate to design and implement a community engagement project with the goal of positive change on the UT campus. Community engagement projects may take any of a number of forms (for example, teach-ins, radio shows, education campaigns, etc.) and will address themes inspired by our reading (for example, reproductive rights, women and body image, violence against women, or others).

Possible Text/Readings:

Jennifer Baumgardner and Amy Richards, Grassroots: A Field Guide for Feminist Activism

Rebecca Walker (editor), To Be Real: Telling the Truth and Changing the Face of Feminism

Vivien Labaton and Dawn Martin (editors), The Fire This Time: Young Activists and the New Feminism

Jennifer Baumgardner and Amy Richards, Manifesta: Young Women, Feminism, and the Future.

Daisy Hernandez and Bushra Rehman (editors), Colonize This: Young Women of Color on Today’s Feminism

Assignments:

25% of grade is based on class discussion

25% of grade is based on reading discussion questions

10 % of grade is based class presentation

30% of grade is based on campus action/project

10% of grade is based on final paper

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ANS 347K / Government 347K
Government and Politics in South Asia
Professor Sarada Balagopalan
Spring 2009

Readings include:
Chatterjee, Partha (2004) The Politics of the Governed: Popular Politics in Most of the World. Columbia University Press.

Ludden, David (2002) India and South Asia: A Short History. Oxford: OneWorld Publishers

Moon, Vasant (2000) Growing Up Untouchable in India. Maryland: Rowman and Littlefield Publishers.

The idea of South Asia often evokes paradoxical responses given the vast complexity of ethnicities, religious groups, political formations and types of government that characterize this region. Yet the issues that dominate this region – for example religious fundamentalism, economic liberalization, assertion of identity-based politics, increasing use of state violence – also echo across state borders marking this region as distinct and worthy of greater analytical attention. This course introduces students to the complex workings of contemporary politics through a focus on several key issues that signify this changing landscape in the Indian context. These include secularism and the rise of right-wing religious identities; neoliberalism and the politics of development; and electoral politics and identity-based assertions. The course will also have a special focus on education as a crucial and highly contested space that provides rich insights into the ways in which contemporary economic, social and cultural conflicts get reflected in everyday lives of marginal communities. Through having the student combine academic readings with autobiographical tracts, works of fiction as well as documentary films, this course will provide a critical understanding of contestations over power and politics in India.

Tell us about awards!

2008-12-17T15:54:00.000-06:00

Dear SOC Majors,

The Advisors, Faculty and Staff want to congratulate all our seniors
and we wish you all the best!!!

For all our continuing students, may you all have a wonderful winter
break and a happy holiday season. We'll see you in January!

If you are a SOC major who has had a significant academic
accomplishment during the fall semester (this includes graduating and
continuing students) we want to know about it!!

If you have received awards, scholarships, presented papers, or made
any life changing discoveries that will improve mankind, please let
me know. We really want to share your good news!

Please email Debbie (dcr@mail.utexas.edu) with any information. We look forward to hearing from you.

Cookies and Coffee Break with Sociology in Action!

2008-12-05T15:34:00.001-06:00

Sociology in Action will be providing cookies, cake and coffee that you can enjoy while you are studying (or taking a study break) between 1:00 and 3:00 this Monday, December 8th. Please feel to drop by any time and between 1:00 and 3:00 and relax with a snack in the Texas Union in the African American Culture Room, 4.110.

Summer Research Opportunity at the University of Maryland - College Park

2008-12-05T15:31:00.003-06:00

The University of Maryland, College Park is sponsoring a summer research opportunity intended for undergraduate students. This program is geared at rising juniors and seniors who are interested in pursuing a doctorate in the social, behavioral and economic sciences immediately following the completion of the Bachelors degree. All students are eligible; however, we highly encourage those from under-represented populations to apply (i.e. African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians, Alaska Natives,
Native Hawaiians, or other Pacific Islanders).

We expect 10-12 scholars to participate in the upcoming eight-week experience (from June 1- July 24, 2009). Events and activities will include lab and research experiences, didactic science lectures, and opportunities for professional development, mentoring, and networking. Accepted students will be provided round-trip airfare, meals, room and
board and a $2,700 stipend. The application deadline is February 13, 2009.

If you are interested in learning more, visit the website at http://www.bsos.umd.edu/diversity/summer-research-initiative.aspx or email sri@bsos.umd.edu.

[note: this is similar to, but not the same as, the UT Austin REU program which will be announced soon. We do, however, encourage UT SOC majors to apply to this program as well as our own.]

Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U)

2008-12-01T11:29:00.000-06:00

Dear UT Longhorn,

We are proud to announce that the second annual Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) meeting will be held here at The University of Texas at Austin, February 13-15, 2009. To apply to attend CGI U 2009, visit http://www.cgiu.org/ then click the "Apply Now" button. Now you are ready to complete your application. The allotted spaces are already filling up, so please act quickly.

Hosted by President Clinton in conjunction with The University of Texas at Austin Student Government, the 2009 meeting will focus on education, energy and climate change, global health, peace and human rights, and poverty alleviation. All attendees will be asked to make a Commitment to Action--a concrete pledge to make a difference within any of these five areas. CGI U is ational and international in its scope. Student commitment makers from across the country and globe will be in attendance.

Visit http://www.cgiu.org/ to learn more. There is no cost to apply to or attend the Clinton Global Initiative University. The final application deadline is December 12, 2008. Applications are being processed as they are received, so be sure to apply as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

Soncia Reagins-Lilly, Dean of Students
Keshav Rajagopalan, Student Body President
The University of Texas at Austin

Claim Credit By Exam Credit now!

2008-12-01T11:25:00.000-06:00

This is the final week (December 1-7) to petition for Credit-By-Exam credit for the Fall Semester 2008. If you would like test credit applied to your fall 2008 transcript, you must petition for the credit on or before December 7, 2008.

http://www.utexas.edu/academic/mec/cbe/petitionpage.html

Please direct any questions about the actual process of claiming credit to Mellanie C. Patterson at the Division of Instructional Innovation and Assessment, 512-232-2653. However, if you’re not sure if you should claim the credit or have other questions about your degree, feel free to let us know in Sociology.

Sociological Insight

2008-11-25T11:05:00.001-06:00

Dear Sociology Majors,

Would you like to publish your academic work in a fully refereed research journal? Sociological Insight, the University of Texas at Austin's Undergraduate Research Journal, is seeking original manuscripts for publication in its May 2009 issue. Manuscripts can be on any topic within the social sciences, and must be limited to 4000-7000 words. Sociological Insight will be awarding cash prizes to the best three papers: $300 for 1st Place, $100 for 2nd Place, and $50 for 3rd Place.

The deadline for submission is January 26, 2009. Please visit http://www.sociologicalinsight.org to view the submission guidelines and to access other information (e.g. how to become an undergraduate reviewer) about Sociological Insight.

Please direct any questions you may have to sociologicalinsight@austin.utexas.edu.

Mazen Elfakhani
Editor-in-Chief
Sociological Insight

Sociology Grad School Meet & Greet

2008-11-19T14:12:00.002-06:00

Are you interested in attending graduate school? Want some advice from a graduate student who already went through the process? Interested in getting the inside scoop on what grad school is really like?

AKD is hosting the first ever GRAD SCHOOL MEET AND GREET for all SOC students.

You'll have opportunities to ask broad questions as well as specific, personal ones of our amazing graduate students in the Department of Sociology. Staff and faculty will also be available to answer questions about the application process.

Free Pizza will be provided!

When: Monday, Nov. 24th 1:00-2:00 pm
Where: Texas Union Chicano Culture Room (4.206)

Sponsored by Alpha Kappa Delta, the Sociology Honors Society

FREE PIZZA!

Questions? Contact AKD at akdsociology@gmail.com.

Global Opportunities on Campus: Discussions on Nuclear Proliferation and Microfinance

2008-11-12T13:30:00.002-06:00

Sociology majors may be interested in the two events listed below, both co-sponsored by UT’s Global Leadership Center, an agency of Student Government and Senate of College Councils.

Thursday November 20, 2008:

The Strauss Center for International Security and Law will host a conference on 'Reducing Nuclear Threats: Nonproliferation Challenges for the Next Administration'. This event will feature three panel discussions and will end with an address by Senator Sam Nunn, the chairman and the CEO of the Nuclear Threat Initiative. The conference will begin at 1:00 and will be held in the 10th floor auditorium at the LBJ Library. Click here for more information about the event, including the panel topics and speakers. Please direct inquiries to glc.austin@gmail.com .

Monday November 24, 2008:

The RGK Center for Philanthropy and Community Service and the Global Leadership Center are proud to host Matt Flannery, the Founder and CEO of Kiva.org. Kiva is an enterprise that allows individuals to use the internet to lend money to microfinance organizations in the developing world. To date, this non-profit organization has given nearly $44 million to entrepreneurs in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and S.E. Asia. The event will begin at 5:30 pm on Monday, November 24, 2008 in the Texas Union's Santa Rita room. Please direct inquiries to glc.austin@gmail.com

Sociology Internship Seminar

2008-10-29T14:25:00.002-05:00

Consider registering for the Sociology Internship Seminar which will be offered in the spring. Internships give you an opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in your classes in a professional setting. They address the question of what you can do with your Sociology degree and are therefore very helpful in terms of easing the transition from college to the workplace.

This is what Sociology majors have had to say about the seminar:

“This class has made me confident in my degree choice and its applicability to the workplace.”

“A true necessity for the transfer from college to career.”

“This course has really helped me find my niche, especially at a time when I was beginning to worry about my future and what I’d do with a Sociology degree.”

“After discussing internship experiences, I feel like I have a deeper understanding of what lies ahead after college.”

“This class helped me get a foothold into the professional world.”

Please feel free to touch base with Dr. Green (pennygreen@mail.utexas.edu) if you have any questions.

________________________________

Course Information

Semester: Spring 2009
Course Number: SOC 350M
Course Title: Sociology Internship Seminar (45730)
Time and Place: TTH 3:30-5:00; Burdine 128
Instructor Name: Dr. Penny A. Green

Description:

This course provides an opportunity for you to apply the knowledge and skills learned in your sociology and other Liberal Arts classes by serving as an unpaid intern in an agency, organization, or business in the Austin area. As an intern, you’ll work under the supervision of someone at your agency/organization/business for a minimum of 130 hours during the semester (approximately 10-12 hours per week). The internship will provide a substantive educational experience that will enable you to utilize your academic training in a real world setting.

You’re ultimately responsible for securing your own internship, although the instructor is available suggest possibilities and help you contact people. The sooner you get started, the better. You’re strongly encouraged to discuss your proposed internship with the instructor, as she has to approve all placements. You’ll work with your instructor and supervisor to complete a service learning agreement outlining your learning objectives, duties, and responsibilities.

As part of the internship, you’ll attend a seminar aimed at helping you utilize sociological knowledge to analyze your field experiences. An important objective is cultivating the “sociological imagination” and learning to use it in an applied setting. The seminar will also provide a forum where your can discuss your field experiences, including problematic ones, with your peers and the instructor. Several representatives from community organizations will address the seminar.

Required Readings:

Required and optional readings will be made available in a packet and/or on Blackboard.

Attendance Policy:

You’re allowed two (2) absences without penalty during the semester. If you miss more than two classes, your semester grade will be reduced by one percentage point for each absence beyond the two allowed. There are two exceptions to this policy. One concerns absences for religious holidays, assuming advance notification is given. The second involves internship related absences. If you’re absent due to an exceptional internship requirement, and if you bring a note from your supervisor, I won’t count the absence. But as a general rule, your supervisor needs to understand that regular seminar attendance is expected.

Grading Policy:

5 Journal Assignments (2-3 pages) 25% Final Paper (8-10 pages) 40%
Seminar participation 15% Oral Paper Presentation 10%
Supervisor’s Evaluation 10%

The FABULOUS Liberal Arts

2008-10-27T09:40:00.003-05:00

Liberal Arts Council is hosting Liberal Arts Week October 27-31.

Monday, October 27

Kick Off Rally
West Mall
10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Kick off Liberal Arts Week 2008 with members of the Liberal Arts Council. Free t-shirts will be available.

Hosted by the Liberal Arts Executive Board. Contact Lawson Bishop for additional information.

Cash in with LACS
FAC 18
11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Liberal Arts Career Services would like to invite students to an open house to meet their staff and learn more about the services provided. Refreshments will be served.

Hosted by the Student Affairs Committee. Contact Nikki Lockhart for additional information.

Tuesday, October 28

Royal Flush Picnic
South Mall
11 a.m.-2 p.m.

LAC invites first-year students to get to know the college and its resources, as well as network with established students over some great food and weather!

Hosted by the First-Year Experience Committee. Contact Trevor Templeton for additional information.

Wednesday, October 29

Gambling the Vote: A Closer Look at the 2008 Election
WEL 2.224
7-8 p.m.

LAC invites students to participate in a panel discussion concerning the 2008 Presidential race featuring Dr. Sean Theriault, Dr. Paul Adams, and Dr. Andrew Karch. Tiff’s Treats will be served.

Hosted by the Academic Affairs Committee. Contact Tressa Westerman for additional information.

Thursday, October 30

Cash in Your Chips for UNICEF
West Mall
11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Join LAC on the West Mall as we volunteer for “Trick or Treat for UNICEF.”

Hosted by the Campus & Community Focus Committee. Contact Carl Thorne-Thomsen for additional information.

Join AKD!

2008-10-27T09:37:00.000-05:00

Want to join Alpha Kappa Delta, (AKD), the Sociology Honors Society?

Help us plan activities, get honors cords, plan and participate in the Spring Honors banquet!

This is your last chance to join for Fall 2008!

MANDATORY AKD membership meeting:
Thursday, November 6th, 5:00PM in BUR 208

We still have a few leadership positions available.

If you have any questions about AKD please email us at AKDSociology@gmail.com.

SOC Prerequisites

2008-10-24T16:27:00.001-05:00

We've had a number of students uncertain about SOC prereqs so we thought we should give you all a heads-up.

First of all, SOC 302/317L/317M/379M are NOT prereqs for the majority of upper division SOC courses. If you're not sure, just click the prereq link in the course schedule.

However, SOC does enforce the UD standing prereq on our UD (320-379) courses in two ways.

Some UD classes have the prereq system set on "enforcer," meaning the system will look to see if you will have 60 hours at the end of the semester; if not, it will block you from adding the class.

Other UD classes will only have the prereq system on "informer," meaning you will get a message saying you may not meet prereq, but the system will allow you to register for the course. For these courses, as long as you will have 50+ hours completed, you will be allowed to take the class. We do drop students with less than 50 hours (even 49!) because we have just 10 hours of leeway on these classes.

If you try to register for a class for which you think you meet all prereqs but the system still blocks you, please come by our office for assistance. Occasionally the system does block people without rhyme or reason.

SiA Movie Night features SICKO

2008-10-21T08:28:00.001-05:00

This month Sociology In Action presents "SICKO" as part of their monthly movie nights.

Sicko is Michael Moore's documentary comparing the highly profitable American health care industry to other nations, and HMO horror stories.

Thursday, October 23 at 6:00pm
Gearing 105

Movie is FREE and open to the public. All are welcome!

For more information on how to get more involved in the Sociology majors organization Sociology in Action, please email SociologyinAction@gmail.com .

Major Extravaganza

2008-10-20T09:47:00.001-05:00

Liberal Arts Council will be holding a "MAJOR EXTRAVAGANZA!" on Wednesday, October 29th from 11am-2pm on the South Mall.

At this event there will be information on majors, internships, careers and study abroad opportunities for Liberal Arts majors.

Spring Registration is Oct. 27 - Nov. 7

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If you would like to meet with an advisor in Sociology before registration, we recommend that you schedule an advising appointment ASAP by calling us at (512) 232-6344 (if you don't speak to someone when you call, please call back rather than leaving a voicemail). Appointment slots are limited, so call us soon!

Once you make an appointment, please write down your appointment. We have had several no-shows, and students who miss appointments during this busy period may not be able to reschedule during the same week.

For students who cannot meet with us before your registration time: go ahead and register for what you think you want to take, and we will review your schedule when come in for advising later on.

Also as a friendly reminder, early voting for the Nov. 4th election begins TODAY in Texas. If you are registered to vote in Travis Co. you may vote at the FAC on campus.

McCain v. Obama: Competing Visions for America

2008-10-17T14:58:00.003-05:00

http://www.robertstrausscenter.org/events/view/64

The Robert S. Strauss Center for International Security and Law and
the Center for Politics and Governance invite you to McCain v. Obama:
Competing Visions for America, a discussion of foreign and domestic
policy, with panelists Harold Ford, Jr., Lee Feinstein, and Tod
Lindberg on Thursday, October 23, 2008, at 6:00 pm in the LBJ Library
Atrium, 10th Floor. Refreshments will be served, and parking is
available in the LBJ Library lot on Red River Street.

This town hall-style debate with prominent supporters of John McCain
and Barack Obama will examine the competing visions the two
presidential candidates have for foreign and domestic policy. Dr.
James M. Lindsay, Director of the Strauss Center, and Veronica
Stidvent, Director of the Center for Politics and Governance, will
moderate the debate, asking questions of the panelists before opening
the floor to audience members. The panelists are:

Harold Ford, Jr., Chairman, Democratic Leadership Council and formerU. S. Representative from Tennessee;
Lee Feinstein, former Director of National Security for HillaryClinton for President and Visiting Fellow in the Foreign PolicyStudies Program at the Brookings Institution; and
Tod Lindberg, Editor, Policy Review.

The Robert S. Strauss Center for International Security and Law
engages the best minds in academia, government and the private sector
in developing practical solutions to the pressing problems of an
increasingly globalized world. For more information on the Strauss
Center, please visit www.RobertStraussCenter.org.

The Center for Politics and Governance is committed to developing new
approaches to political institutions that will foster creative
policymaking. Our areas of focus are the effect of campaign politics
on policy, the changing demographics of the American electorate,
ethical leadership, and the role of the media and emerging
technologies. For more information, please visit
www.utexas.edu/lbj/cpg.

Deadline Day!

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The deadline to Q-Drop, withdraw, change a course to or from pass/fail, and to apply to graduate is 5 p.m. on October 22nd, 2008.

To do all of the above other than apply for graduation (in most cases - see * below), you need to go to GEB 2.200. Please bring a photo ID with you. (Note that there is no refund for dropping or withdrawing this late in the semester.)

Q-Dropping
You must get your professor's permission to drop the course, and may also need the permission of an academic advisor and/or the International Office, depending on your situation. After obtaining all required signatures, please return the form to our office.

There is a new academic Q-drop policy for all undergraduate students who entered any publicly funded Texas institution of higher education in Fall 2007 or later. Students under this policy are allowed only six academic Q-drops.

Withdrawing
You may be required to get the approval of the Office of Student Financial Services, a Student Division academic advisor, or the International Office. You will be advised whether these signatures are necessary when you pick up the form. After obtaining all required signatures, please return the form to our office.

Changing a course to or from pass/fail
When you pick up the form, you will be advised of the conditions for changing the grade status of a course to or from pass/fail. In certain situations students may need to see a Student Division academic advisor before changing a course to pass/fail.

Applying to Graduate
Students may apply online to graduate by going to: http://www.utexas.edu/cola/graduation/

* If you are graduating with majors in two colleges, you will need to apply in person with a Student Division academic advisor. Other situations may require that you apply in person, so please call our office or come in if you have any problems applying online.

The Student Division is located in Gebauer 2.200. Their phone number is 512-471-4271. Our front desk is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Their advising hours are as follows, but are subject to change:

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Registration advising

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Registration advising is happening now!

Advising is not required in Sociology unless you are new to the major or on scholastic probation.

However, we are happy to meet with Sociology majors as needed. Please call us at (512) 232-6344 during our regular advising hours (9-12 and 1-4) to schedule advising appointments. Priority for advising will be given to students with appointments over walk-ins, so if you want to make sure to see an advisor before your registration time, contact us now!

You may wish to view your audit online before scheduling an appointment. We also recommend you review the Spring course schedule before meeting with us.

The Student Journal of Latin American Studies at UT

2008-10-14T10:09:00.002-05:00

*Come learn about the Student Journal of Latin American Studies*

General Information Session

Date: Thursday, Oct 16th, 2008
Time: 5 p.m.
Location: Parlin Hall 308 (PAR 308)

The Student Journal of Latin American Studies at UT invites graduate and
undergraduate students from all colleges to attend a general information
session to learn more about the journal, how to get involved, and
getting your work published.

SJofLAS has been established in order to increase student involvement in
Latin American research topics and to further connect the work for
graduate and undergraduate students across the world.

Check it out at http://studentjournaloflas.blogspot.com/

If you have any questions please contact us at SJofLAS@gmail.com.

Pre-Graduate School Internships

2008-10-13T08:28:00.004-05:00

Consider a Pre-Graduate School Internship!

The objective of the IE Pre-Graduate School Internship is to connect undergraduates with faculty and veteran graduate students in their field of study to explore those unique aspects of graduate study that make it distinct from the undergraduate experience (e.g., conducting research, writing for scholarly audiences, participating in seminars, serving as teaching and research assistants, publishing articles in professional journals, becoming members of scholarly organizations and learned societies, preparing for an academic or professional career, etc.). In most cases the intern will work primarily with the graduate mentor and secondarily with a faculty supervisor.

Internship activities include but are not limited to: observation of undergraduate teaching done by graduate student teaching assistants, attending graduate classes, seminars and departmental research colloquia, undertaking a research project (similar to what you might engage in as a graduate student), attending meetings of graduate professional organizations, journal groups, lab sessions and other academic gatherings for graduate students and faculty, discussing your discipline, graduate study and career development with faculty and graduate students, observing graduate student/faculty interactions (where permitted), attending state, regional or national conferences run by the discipline's professional organizations. There are, of course, many other possibilities; you and your mentor/supervisor should work out the specific details of your internship.

To participate and earn academic credit (CMS 164M, 264M or 364M), you must currently be a UT-Austin undergraduate and plan on undertaking the internship prior to graduation. Participation is contingent upon finding a graduate student mentor and/or faculty member willing to supervise in your chosen field of study. The internship is open to undergraduates in all UT colleges and schools.

More about the internship as well as how to sign up.

Read an article describing the program.

Liberal Arts Research Awards

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The College of Liberal Arts is now accepting applications online for undergraduate research scholarships. The deadline is October 27, 2008.

Eligibility criteria:

Students must be officially enrolled in the College of Liberal Arts with at least 15 UT hours.
GPA of at least 3.2 at time of application
Enrolled full-time during period of award

Advising Expo Week!

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Advising Expo Week is Oct. 13-17.

The University-wide Advising Fair will be Wednesday, October 15, 10am - 2pm on the South Mall. Sociology advisors as well as advisors from all over campus will be there to answer your questions.

There are a number of related events happening throughout the week (see the Facebook group for a list of all events). We suggest the following:

MONDAY, OCTOBER 13

How To Choose A Major
11:00am, FAC 419
Presented by David Spight, Assistant Dean for Advising for The School of Undergraduate Studies.

Undergraduate Research at UT: General Information Session
3:00pm-4:00pm, FAC 33
Advisors will meet with you to discuss your interests and strategies for getting involved.

PreMedical/PreDental Information Session
4:00pm-5:00pm, PAI 3.02
An introduction to Health Professions Office services and the academic and non-academic requirements for admission to medical and dental schools.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14

Bridging Disciplines Programs Information Session
11:00am-12:00pm, FAC 1
Learn more about the BDPs! Meet with BDP Advisors! How can you benefit from the BDPs? How do you choose the right BDP for your interests? How can a BDP complement your degree plan? What is the application process for the program? How can I write a successful BDP application essay?

BEVOnomics: Money Management Workshop
12:00pm-1:00pm, SSB G1.310 (Glenn Maloney Room)
Presented by the Office of Student Financial Services. Lunch is provided, but please bring your own drink.

2008 Election Panel
4:00pm, BAT 5.108
Dr. Daron Shaw and Dr. Sean Theriault will lead a discussion about the 2008 Elections three weeks before Americans choose their president and Congress. They will discuss the current status of the key states and races and make their predictions for what will happen on election night in November. In addition, there will be time allotted for audience questions and comments.

Semester in Los Angeles Information Session
4:00pm, CMA 5.160
Open to all UT students with an interest in media and entertainment.

Decoding Your Degree Audit (So You Can Graduate On Time!)
5:00pm-6:00pm, BRB 1.120
The Interactive Degree Audit (IDA), which contains your official academic record, is a useful tool to track your progress towards graduation, but only if you know how to use it! This interactive session will review the IDA layout, its contents, and highlight some areas that may surprise you.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15

Liberal Arts Career Expo
11:00am-3:00pm, Texas Union Ballroom
Take advantage of this opportunity to launch your career or find an internship. Come professionally dressed and bring several copies of your resume.

Undergraduate Research at UT: General Information Session
2:00pm-3:00pm, FAC 33
Advisors will meet with you to discuss your interests and strategies for getting involved.

BEVOnomics: Money Management Workshop
3:00pm-4:00pm, SSB G1.310 (Glenn Maloney Room)
Presented by the Office of Student Financial Services.

Business Foundations Program Information Session
3:00pm-4:00pm, UTC 3.122

UT in D.C./Archer Program Information Session
3:00pm, FAC 4
Live, learn and intern in Washington, D.C. earning in-residence UT credit! See http://www.utexas.edu/ugs/utindc for more details.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16

BEVOnomics: Money Management Workshop
10:00am-11:00am, SSB G1.310 (Glenn Maloney Room)
Presented by the Office of Student Financial Services.

Career Exploration Center Services
12:00pm-1:00pm, JES A115 (Career Exploration Center)
An overview of what the CEC can do for you; who we serve, what we do, and how we can help you achieve your career goals.

Learn how University Extension can help you graduate on time
2:00pm-3:00pm, CBA 4.344
Prizes and snacks will be given out!

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Spring 2009 Registration 10/27-11/7

Spring 2009 Course schedule

Registration times and bars

View your degree audit

Sociology degree plans and information

Area C & D Alternatives lists (for students in catalogs earlier than 2008-10)

Online registration

For registration advising, Sociology Advisors will be advising students on an appointment basis. To schedule an appointment please call 232-6344. If no one answers, please try back later as we cannot make appointments via voicemail or email.

Advising is not required for Sociology majors unless you are on scholastic probation or recently declared the major, but all students are welcome to come in for assistance. Because of the high volume of student traffic during this time, we may ask you to return later to discuss graduate school, careers, etc. Before you come in for advising, review the course schedule and choose courses you think you would like to take. You should also take the time to review your online degree audit or the degree plan to see if you have any questions or concerns.

If you are on scholastic probation or have an advising bar due to a GPA of 2.0 or lower, prior to being advised we will require you to complete the Academic Intervention Self-Assessment form.

If you’re considering applying to the Sociology Honors program for Spring 2009, we will continue to accept applications through the end of registration, November 7th.

Sociology enforces prerequisites, including Upper Division standing. Students must have at least 50 hours of credit to enroll in SOC courses numbered 320-379, and for some classes the system will enforce the prerequisite at 60 hours. If you are blocked from registering for a SOC course for which you meet prereqs, please stop by our office for further assistance.