Department of Sociology

This department encompasses three degree areas as well as multiple classes related to the study of sociology, economics and social work. When a student completes one of the three degree areas offered in this department, he/she will be prepared to move on to a four year institution to complete the course of study. Students will also be prepared to enter the work force in an entry level position related to that course of study.

Sociology is the systematic study of human society and social institutions. As a social science, it has developed broad perspectives and formulated methods of social investigation based on sound scientific theories. Sociology begins for the most part with the assumption that we are inherently social animals shaped by our social environment and that individual behavior results from the social constraints found in every society. The social institutions such as family, religion, politics, education, sports, media, and health care are complex creations which must be investigated and understood in order to function properly and for the good of all. To study sociology is to study all of the histories, complexities, intricacies of society in general and the interaction between people and these institutions in particular. Sociologists and those utilizing sociological knowledge and methodologies are in a position to contribute to society by developing and enriching their own personal and professional life. Sociology can provide the necessary foundation to those aspiring to pursue a career in the field of public administration, private and public enterprises, human relations, community development, social work, education, child care and law.

Economics is a multifaceted discipline in the family of social sciences and is concerned with scarcity of resources (its central assumption) and all of the problems resulting from that condition. In general, economics is the study of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. One of its central assumptions is that the world is a world of finite resources. Economics has evolved to include a set of principles, methods and theories so as to provide answers to the following questions: What shall we produce? How shall we produce? How much shall we produce? For whom shall we produce? Attempting to answer these questions requires “technical capital” (knowledge, skills, methodologies), and “cultural capital” (a sense of priorities, awareness, and direction) at both the individual and the organizational levels. Furthermore, the productivity of individuals as well as the organization is contingent upon the acquisition of an adequate amount of these variables. Economics at both levels is well equipped to aid individuals in acquiring the technical and the cultural capitals in order to make the interaction between the two more fluid, productive, amicable, and innovative. Economics can provide the necessary foundation to those aspiring to pursue a career in the fields of business, finance, education, health care, insurance, stock markets, government, international business, and public administration, among others.

Social Work students planning a career in social work are able to transfer into one of the colleges or universities offering a four-year degree program by following the course suggestions below. The general education and pre-social work distribution requirements vary greatly among colleges, so students should check with the social work advisor for the requirements of the college to which they are planning to transfer.

Daryl Long
Associate Professor – Department Coordinator
dlong@kckcc.edu
913-288-7320

Andres Cantillo, Ph.D
Associate Professor
acantillo@kckcc.edu
913 288-7315

Emily Morrow, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
emorrow@kckcc.edu
913-288-7136