Sociology
Sociology
Overview
The founding fathers of Sociology, at the time of their writings, were concerned with finding solutions to the problems of their societies. Auguste Comte (1798-1857), for example, showed concern for the social crises and political upheavals which pervaded the French society during his time. He was, therefore, pre-occupied with attempting to develop a discipline which would adopt the methods used in the natural sciences in the study of society. This science of society (Sociology) was to use systematic methods of empirical investigation, theoretical thinking and logical assessment of argument to develop bodies of knowledge about particular subject matters in society. Using these scientific methods, Sociology studies human behaviour, the patterns of interaction and relations in a social context. The essence is to be able to interrogate social phenomena, understand societal problems and proffer solutions to them, based on knowledge gained and using the sociological imagination.
Here, at Covenant University, we are set to produce sociologists who are expert thinkers able to use their theoretical and empirical knowledge of societal events and of social phenomena in providing solutions to the myriad social problems Nigeria and Africa in general. These problems include: poverty, crime, unemployment, juvenile delinquency, urban congestion and the development of slums, rapid population growth rate, social deprivation, health problems including those of HIV/AIDS, to mention but a few.
The Sociology Department of Covenant University is set to raise a new generation of leaders who are equipped with sociological knowledge by which practical solutions could be proffered to the myriad problems, thereby restoring the dignity of the Nigerian and that of the black man in general.
Introduction
The Department of Sociology runs a 4-year or an eight-semester degree programme that leads to the award of an Honours Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Sociology. The four year programme involves coursework that comprises both sociology and other prescribed subjects. In the final year, students are expected to carry out an independent research that will lead to the submission of a project report based on such research.
Justification for the Programme
The problems that characterize human societies today are multiplex and so can be studied from different perspectives. In a fast evolving society such as Nigeria, the problems that confront the nation, although multifaceted, are predominantly social in nature. Consequently, to best understand and address these social problems, a segment of the population must be trained formally to acquire the requisite skills to interrogate and analyze effectively those social problems that are impede a healthy growth and development and be able to proffer solutions to them.
The Sociology programme, therefore, is imperative in that it will help to inculcate in students who enroll for the programme, a disciplined intellectual quest for knowledge that would facilitate the process of growth and development of the Nigerian society.
Vision
To develop a human resource base equipped with cutting-edge leadership skills driven by the desire to attain a better society.
Mission
To provide qualitative education through quality teaching and learning methods that will inculcate in our students the capacity to engage in integrated life-applicable and life-transforming research targeted at solving such societal problems as poverty and hunger; unemployment; illiteracy; gender inequality; high infant, child and maternal mortality as well as reproductive health challenges including HIV/AIDS. This is with the aim of improving the quality of life of the average Nigerian and that of the black man in general.
Philosophy and Objectives
Philosophy
The philosophy of the Sociology Programme of the College of Development Studies of Covenant University is anchored on the imperativeness of transforming Nigeria and Africa as whole into an independent entity both in knowledge acquisition and its application. This transformative role is only attainable by placing sociology in the context of and applying it to those conditions militating against the development of Africa as opposed to the armchair theorizing of the discipline in the West. The programme is, therefore, structured to provide an in-dept and holistic insight into the understanding of human interactions and behaviour patterns, which cut across all spheres of society. This is with the desire of producing a crop of graduates equipped with appropriate knowledge to make their contribution to the development of Nigeria, Africa and the global community.
It is to address leadership challenges and development issues such as diversification of the economy based on the principle of comparative advantage, self-reliance, industrialization, anchored on education and technological innovativeness.
A new society envisioned whose hallmark includes, political freedom, guaranteed human rights and self respect that will not only ensure the satisfaction of peoples’ basic needs but also recognize people as the agents, means and ends of development.
Objectives
- To ensure that students are equipped with a sound scientific research base and theoretical foundation to enable them to develop social policies that will move society forward.
- To provide the basis for a better understanding and interpretation of human social life and events around us.
- To sensitize students and to develop in them a disciplined intellectual quest for knowledge that would change and accelerate the pace of growth and development of the society.
- To relate all studies and activities of students to the social, cultural, political and economic needs of the people of Nigeria.
- To ensure that students are mentally productive, leading to self-reliance and the development of potentials.
- To demonstrate an understanding of the historical origin and development of Sociology and the role it plays in addressing issues of societal development.
- To demonstrate an understanding of the theories and models of Sociology and an appreciation of the strengths and limitations of these models in the development of the society at large.
- To provide models that will clarify the underlying nature of social problems, their dimensions and how best to remedy them.
Research & Development
Research Clusters
- Research cluster on “The Determinants of Young People’s Attitude towards HIV Voluntary Counselling and Testing in Nigerian Cities”. The team members include: Dr. P. A. Edewor (Team Leader), Dr. O. A. Adekeye, Mrs. T. O. George and Miss. E. A. Idowu.
- Town and Gown Consultative Approach to Poverty Reduction in Ota (TAGCAPRIN) funded by Covenant University Centre for Research and Development (CUCERD).” The team members include: Dr. K. O. Olayiwola, (Team Leader), Dr. I.O. Omoregbe, Dr. I.O. Ogunrinola, Dr. P.O. Alege, Mrs. T. O. George, Mr. Evans Osabuohien, Mr. Moses Duruji, Mr. K.O. Adetiloye, Mr. Folarin Sheriff, Mr. Henry Okodua, Mr. Lanre Amodu, Mrs. Matthew and Miss Tope Adeoye.
- Towards Effective Service Delivery of Nigeria’s Primary Education System: The Role of Non-State Actors. A collaborative research funded by Africa Economic Research Consortium (AERC) Nairobi, Kenya. Mrs. T.O. George, (Team Leader), Dr. K. O. Olayiwola, Mr. M. Adewole, and Mr. E. Osabuohien.
Linkages & Collaborations
The Department is actively involved in the linkage programme between Covenant University and Fayetteville State University, USA. The Faculty members in the Department (Dr. P. A. Edewor and Dr. E. A. Asakitikpi) participated in the teaching of Soc 122 – Introduction to African Society and Culture – to three International Students on the Exchange Programme from Fayetteville State University between 9th June and 20th June, 2009.
Admission Requirements
Candidates seeking admission into Sociology at the undergraduate level must have obtained credit level passes in at least five (5) subjects at the SSCE/GCE/NECO O/Level in not more than two (2) sittings. The five (5) credit passes must include Mathematics, English Language, three (3) of the following subjects: History, Government, Economics Christian Religion Knowledge, Geography, Civic Education or Literature in English.
Staff & Personnel
Sociology
