Evolving a developmental curriculum in sociology: The Santa Clara experience

Sociology students at Santa Clara University are expected to learn to do fo ur things in developmental stages: recognize basic concepts to cultivate so ciological perspective, apply sociological concepts, interpretive framework s, and analytical tools to real world problems (fostering greater commitmen t to life-long learning about one's community and the world at large), offe r explanations extending one's own thinking, sensibly gather data to test t hose explanations (providing the tools for a culture of inquiry and evidenc e), and envision how sociology can be used for organizational effectiveness and improvement of community outcomes (empowering our students for lives o f constructive involvement). A variety of assessment strategies are proving vital. Broad stakeholder input was used when clarifying program objectives . Deliberations about how to change our program are being stimulated by per formance problems in internships and on major papers. We have learned that developmental goals are not readily achieved without changes throughout the program's curriculum, and implementation has been incremental, initial cha nges have increased the confidence of graduating seniors, and job placement has improved.