Sociology Department
Goals
Sociology is the science of society. Sociological consciousness provides a valuable perspective on society and the principles that influence human behavior, the processes of group life, and the interrelationship between the individual and society.
Sociology provides students with background and basic learning for a variety of interests, graduate study, and professional degree programs through its general analyses of society’s trends and its specific insights into major topical concerns (economy, family, government, industry, medicine, etc.).
The sociology program consists of three components that are generated in a dynamic interaction between faculty and students:
- sociological content and research findings
- research designs
- research implementations through internships and service learning
Courses
SOC 101 — Intro Sociology (SS) (3 credits)
The study of society and social institutions with a focus on race, ethnicity, gender, social class, sexuality, deviance, culture, subcultures, work, families, social change, education, and much more.
SOC 202 — Cont Social Org (SS) (3 credits)
An analysis of structure and processes within contemporary organizations including the nature, environment, effectiveness, and theory of organizations; focus on power, conflict, resolution, communication, change, innovation, and centralization.
SOC 205 — Native American Culture (SS) (3 credits)
Comparative and social-cultural study of Native American cultures. Included are analysis of customs, social structures and processes, and social change.
SOC 207 — Introduction to Archaeology (CD) (3 credits)
An overview of the branch of anthropology that investigates ancient societies through the material remains they have left behind. Students will learn that archaeologists do detailed, systematic detective work aimed at answering questions about human behavior. We will study archaeological goals, methods, and theories, and review famous discoveries.
SOC 250 — Sociology of Education (CD) (3 credits)
This course examines the educational institution and the roles schools play in societies. Topics will include social mobility, cross-cultural perspectives on education and learning, the dynamics of race, class and gender in education, inequality, discrimination, and the rise of the modern school system, both within the United States and cross-nationally.
SOC 260 — Sociology of Higher Ed (CD) (3 credits)
This course examines historical, social, cultural, and environmental issues in higher education. Emphasis is given to the changing nature of higher education, technology, social movements, campus cultures, diversity and multicultural issues. Students will critically engage with theory and challenges facing different student and professional populations within higher education.
SOC 277 — Hip-Hop in Society (CD) (3 credits)
This seminar examines the socio-cultural historical development of hip-hop culture from the 1970s to present day. It explores how hip-hop became a global social movement with an emphasis on gender, sexuality, politics, and women's roles as change agents.
SOC 280 — Sexuality and Gender (CD) (3 credits)
This course examines the relationship between sexuality, gender, and identity. It considers sociological theories about sex and gender and how our social institutions influence our ideas about sex and gender. We will study how cultural views of sex, sexual identities, gender, intimacy, and marriage have changed over time.
SOC 288 — Youth/Music/Subculture (CD) (3 credits)
This course will consider the place of youth in bringing about cultural change. We will explore the worlds of youth subcultures and ?scenes.? In doing so, we should gain an understanding and appreciation for the work done by those who dwell on the fringe of accepted norms.
SOC 302 — Topic: (3 credits)
An analysis of specific sociological topics that have developed as strong theoretical and research areas of current inquiry, including adolescence, gender roles, work, sport, leisure, literature, sex, sociology of knowledge, educational systems, media, and popular culture.
SOC 303 — Social Problems (SS) (3 credits)
An examination of social problems in contemporary society, such as poverty, homelessness, substance abuse, violence, and crime. Additional topics may include problems with environment, education, health care, technology, and media.
SOC 304 — Sociology of Deviance (SS) (3 credits)
Deviance as a social process with concentration on selected cases of individual and group pathologies including mental illness, sexual behavior, and drug behavior.
SOC 307 — Soc of Family (SS) (3 credits)
Sociological analysis of variations in marital and family structures: past, present and future. Special attention is given to courtship and parenting patterns in industrial society.
SOC 308 — Women in Society (CD) (3 credits)
This course explores the status of women in American society. Forms of gender-based inequality are examined. The process of gender socialization and conceptions of femininity and masculinity are considered. Attention is paid to media impact on gender and sexuality. The changing roles of women in non-Western societies are also studied.
SOC 310 — Social Theories (H) (3 credits)
The social theories of representative social thinkers; study of the leading developments in sociological theory both classical and contemporary.
SOC 312 — Social Stratification (SS) (3 credits)
An appraisal of theory and research in social stratification; examination of the hierarchal ranking, particularly in the United States. Focus on social inequality and poverty.
SOC 313 — Social Interaction (SS) (3 credits)
The sociology of everyday life. The study of social interaction, identity, self-concept, emotions and culture. The microsociological perspective of inequality, power relations, status, and group processes.
SOC 314 — Urban Sociology (SS) (3 credits)
Culture of cities, ecology of the city. Social changes and effects on urban institutions. Problems facing urban dwellers. City planning, resettlement and theories of the city of the future.
SOC 317 — Cultural Anthropology (SS) (3 credits)
Study of humanity and culture from the beginnings in the Stone Ages. Fundamentals of primitive community life. Analysis of individual cultures; the simpler cultures; representative cultures of the main ethnic areas.
SOC 320 — Research Methods (3 credits)
An introduction to social research methods. Basic elements of the logic of research design, problems of measurement, methods for determining casual relationships, and various types of research design and methodology are presented, including sampling, questionnaire construction, and data collection methods. Junior or Senior standing.
SOC 321 — Applied Research (3 credits)
Prerequisite Take SOC*320
Students will be given an opportunity to apply the information obtained from SOC 320 and to experience the use of a number of different data collection methods. The class will conduct a complete evaluation study and/or a survey research study.
SOC 322 — Sociology of Aging (SS) (3 credits)
This course addresses the study of aging as a cultural, social, psychological, and biological process. Various theories of aging will be presented and discussed, with an emphasis on aging in contemporary American society.
SOC 323 — Religion and Society (SS) (3 credits)
This course looks at the social contexts and correlates of the various forms of religious expression throughout history: creeds, codes, cults, and organizational structures. This course may be used to fulfill a religious studies requirement for students majoring in sociology and social work.
SOC 325 — Race and Ethnicity (SS) (3 credits)
An introduction to the study of ethnic and racial relations. Emphasis is given to an understanding of social factors as possible bases for prejudice and discrimination, and on social, cultural, and structural influence on ethnic and minority relations, with particular emphasis on conditions in the United States.
SOC 326 — Sociology of Health (SS) (3 credits)
A survey of theory and research concerned with medical care as a social institution. The relation of social factors to illness, and social processes involved in medical education.
SOC 328 — Social Change (SS) (3 credits)
An introduction to sociological theories of social change, including an analysis of the problems of coping with life in a rapidly changing world.
SOC 336 — Political Soc (SS) (3 credits)
This course looks at the relation of social structure to political organization and participation, with special attention to the implications of empirical research on power, voting, and alienation.
SOC 337 — Juvenile Justice (SS) (3 credits)
The history and current status of attempts to explain juvenile delinquency. The nature and extent of delinquency and the manner in which juveniles are handled through the judicial process. Innovations in the treatment and punishment of delinquency will be assessed in terms of their effectiveness and social consequences.
SOC 375 — Community Correction (SS) (3 credits)
An examination of the history, philosophy, and functioning of community-based correctional programs. Each of the various types of programs, including probation and parole, will be discussed and evaluated. The legal right of ex-offenders will also be discussed.
SOC 403 — Honors Thesis I (3 credits)
Individual research of a substantive nature pursued in the student's major field of study. The research will conclude in a written thesis or an original project, and an oral defense.
SOC 404 — Honors Thesis II (3 credits)
Individual research of a substantive nature pursued in the student's major field of study. The research will conclude in a written thesis or an original project, and an oral defense.
SOC 431 — Seminar Black Family (3 credits)
Prerequisite Take SOC*231 SOC*232
This seminar sequence investigates the four social factor areas that impact upon the African-American family: unemployment, teen pregnancy, education, and moral values. Participants will demonstrate research and scholarship skills, strong concern for the black family, and strong commitment to change the negative conditions affecting the black family. SOC 431 is designed to develop research designs and SOC 432 is designed to implement the research designs. Students who complete this sequence will be prepared as a cadre of social change agents to help effect solutions to the problems impacting upon the contemporary black family. Instructor permission required.
SOC 432 — Seminar Black Family (3 credits)
Prerequisite Take SOC*231 SOC*232
This seminar sequence investigates the four social factor areas that impact upon the African-American family: unemployment, teen pregnancy, education, and moral values. Participants will demonstrate research and scholarship skills, strong concern for the black family, and strong commitment to change the negative conditions affecting the black family. SOC 431 is designed to develop research designs and SOC 432 is designed to implement the research designs. Students who complete this sequence will be prepared as a cadre of social change agents to help effect solutions to the problems impacting upon the contemporary black family. Instructor permission required.
SOC 450 — Senior Seminar (WI) (3 credits)
Required of senior (junior by permission only) sociology majors. An integrative, reflective capstone course to synthesize major theoretical and empirical elements of key substantive issues in sociology.
SOC 493 — Sociology Internship/Co-op (6.00 credits)
A junior or senior work-study program providing relevant employment experience. The objective of the program is to integrate classroom theory and practical work experience, thus lending relevancy to learning and providing the student with a realistic exposure to career opportunities. Students interested in taking an internship/co-op should talk to their adviser.
SOC 494 — Sociology Co-op (6.00 credits)
A junior or senior work-study program providing relevant employment experience. The objective of the program is to integrate classroom theory and practical work experience, thus lending relevancy to learning and providing the student with a realistic exposure to career opportunities. Students interested in taking an internship/co-op should talk to their adviser.
SOC 495 — Sociology Internship/Co-op (6.00 credits)
A junior or senior work-study program providing relevant employment experience. The objective of the program is to integrate classroom theory and practical work experience, thus lending relevancy to learning and providing the student with a realistic exposure to career opportunities. Students interested in taking an internship/co-op should talk to their adviser.
SOC 496 — Sociology Internship/Co-op (3 credits)
A junior or senior work-study program providing relevant employment experience. The objective of the program is to integrate classroom theory and practical work experience, thus lending relevancy to learning and providing the student with a realistic exposure to career opportunities. Students interested in taking an internship/co-op should talk to their adviser.