Courses

Major theoretical models and research methodologies used by sociologists in examining the institutions of societies and the everyday lives of individuals. Topics include social stratification, ethnic relations, race, poverty, gender roles, the family, population, and urban/suburban communities. Study Area III.

SOC 111 Social Problems

Conditions or patterns of behavior that are considered to be harmful to society or its members, about which it is considered that something should be done. Included as possible topics are sexism, physical and mental health, drug and alcohol abuse, inequality, discrimination, environmental problems and abuses of power. Study Area III.

SOC 210 Sociological Inquiry

Prereq. SOC 110.

Exposes students to the sociological imagination, the link between theory and methods, how evidence is assembled to produce explanations of social phenomena, and the impact of sociological knowledge on public policy and culture.

SOC 212 Race, Class, and Gender

Sociological definitions of race and gender at academic and experiential levels; the interrelationships of these social characteristics as they affect individual consciousness, group interaction, and access to institutional power and privileges in the United States (previously SOC 112). Study Area III

SOC 232 City and Suburban Life

Prereq. SOC 110.

An examination of the development of preindustrial cities and how they differ from modern urban areas. Research on differences between suburban and urban life will be explored as well as contrasting lifestyles which coexist within urban areas. Post-World War II policies which helped to lead many of today's problems will be identified and discussed (Previously titled Cities and Urban Lifestlyes).

SOC 233 The Family

The family in its social context, including cross-cultural perspectives and theories of family structure and change. The contemporary American family and its emerging alternatives will be studied, with special reference to the family life cycle, and current issues in family studies. Study Area III.

SOC 234 The Social Construction of Self and Society

Prereq. SOC 110.

Symbolic interactionism and social constructionist theories are used to explore the making of meanings and identities by individuals, groups, and institutions, and the influence of these constructions on society.

SOC 240 Sociology of Gender

Sociological and feminist perspectives on gender, sex roles and institutional sexism. Physiology versus sex-role socialization; gender and social institutions (family, poverty, rape, and violence, health, crime, and deviance, work, language, and the media.) Sexism as it effects men. The Women's Movement. Study Area III

SOC 300 Sociological Theory

Prereq. SOC 210.

Examines the work of Marx, Weber, Durkheim, Goffman, and selected other social theorists. Discussion of theories within their historical context (formerly SOC 217).

SOC 310 Research Methods

Prereq. SOC 210.

Examines scientific method as used in sociology. Topics include inductive and deductive reasoning, quantitative and qualitative research designs, measurement, sampling, methods of data collection, and analysis strategies (formerly SOC 222).

SOC 312 Class, Power, and Status

Prereq. SOC 110 and 212.

Examines theories and forms of class inequality and social stratification within society. Assesses the consequences of class and status inequality on prospects for social change, the degree of political influence, institutional structures, opportunities for mobility and life chances.

SOC 322 Race and Ethnic Relations

Prereq. SOC 110 and 212.

Selected minority groups, their history, social and interactional patterns and position in the social structure of the United States. The nature of social inequality and its relationship to minority group status (previously SOC 231).

SOC 336 Sociology of Deviance

Prereq. SOC 110.

Deviance as types of persons and behaviors which violate the norms of a social group, as well as attempts to control or limit such persons or behaviors. A historical and cross-cultural perspective will be used to analyze a variety of deviant types of individuals and behaviors.

SOC 340 Aging in American Society

Prereq. SOC 110.

Analysis of demographic changes, role shifts, age stereotyping, institutionalization and their implications for the treatment and status of the elderly. Exploration of the processes of aging in the later years, and the impact of the same on people's lives (previously titled Sociology of Aging).

SOC 350 Gay and Lesbian Communities

Prereq. SOC 110.

Examines the history and structure of American gay and lesbian communities. Questions the social forces that have contributed to the formation, growth, and consequences of such communities. Topics such as the gay and lesbian civil rights movement, the role of organizations, and the development of gay and lesbian identity are addressed.

SOC 400 Topics in Social Theory

Prereq. SOC 210 and SOC 300.

Selected topics in social theory. May be repeated with different topics for up to 6 credits.

SOC 410 Quantitative Analysis

Prereq. SOC 310 and STAT 215.

Analysis of quantitative data using computer applications to test hypotheses and to complete a research project.

SOC 412 Qualitative Analysis

Prereq. SOC 310.

Intensive exposure to participant observation, in-depth interviewing, and content analysis. Emphasis on the collection, coding, and interpretation of primary data. Additional focus on the ethics and politics of qualitative research designs.

SOC 425 Information, Images and Inequality

Prereq. SOC 110

Examines the new forms of property, value, social control, identity formation, social relations and class inequities that have emerged with the information age and the electronic marketplace. Presents a political economy of virtual reality

SOC 426 Sociology of Revolution

Prereq.: SOC 110 and three additional credits in Sociology

Examines major theoretical perspectives used by sociologists to interpret and explain revolutions. Emphasis on bourgeois, socialist, nationalist, populist, and post-modern revolutions.”

SOC 427 American Poverty and Social Welfare

Prereq.: SOC 110

Overview of how poverty is measured and understood, and how it has changed over time. Explores the emergence and development of the American welfare state.

SOC 428 Globalization and Its Discontents

Prereq.: SOC 110

Exposes students to the political, cultural, and economic processes of globalization. Social consequences of globalization are examined, including its impact on the state, production, and the movement of people.

SOC 429 Animals and Society

Prereq.: SOC 110

Using Symbolic Interaction as the main theoretical perspective, this course explores the social relationship between humans and animals and examines the social meanings which shape the role and status of animals in society.

SOC 433 Independent Studies in Sociology

Prereq. Permission of instructor.

Advanced study and projects in sociology of special interest to students under the supervision of one or more department members. May be taken for 1, 2, or 3 credits.

SOC 440 Death and Dying: Sociological Implications

Prereq. SOC 110.

The different cultural, social and historical perspectives on death and their impact on social roles and institutional change. The problems faced by the health care profession in meeting the needs of the terminally ill and the bereaved. Student will be required to have a field experience with a terminally ill patient and/or bereaved family.

SOC 444 Sport and Play in Society

Prereq. SOC 110 and 3 additional credits in Sociology.

Examines the institution of sport from social, political, economic, and cultural perspectives. Substantive topics may include: sexism and racism in sport; sport and the mass media; deviance in sport; sport and social mobility; and the relationship of sport with religious, political and economic structures.

SOC 445 The Social Construction of Sexuality

Prereq. SOC 110 and 3 additional credits in Sociology or permission of instructor. Explores how sexuality is constructed in American culture in the 21st century. Criticizes common assumptions that naturalize sex and sexuality to investigate the complex and changing social contexts of sexualities.

SOC 450 Social Justice and Civil Society

Prereq. SOC 110. Examination of situational contexts, institutional structures, and cultural differences on social justice concerns in a civil society. Particular emphasis on distributive, procedural, interactive, and/or organizational justice. Analysis of criteria used to assess fairness and examination of responses to real and/or perceived injustices.

SOC 452 Organizations, Occupations and Work

Prereq. SOC 110 and 3 additional credits in Sociology.

Systematic study of large scale, bureaucratic organizations with emphasis on relations among the organization's members, the organization as a social entity, and its social and physical environment (formerly titled Complex Organizations).

SOC 455 Men, Masculinity and Manhood in American Society

Prereq. SOC 110.

Overview of Men's Studies with an emphasis on the historical conceptualizations of masculinity and masculine identity and its social construction. Special topics to be covered include men's socialization; men and relationships, sex and friendships; men and power/violence; fatherhood; and depictions of men in the mass media.

SOC 460 Social Movements and Collective Action

Prereq. SOC 110 and 3 additional credits in Sociology.

Goals, composition, and impact of collective efforts to address an injustice or achieve social change are considered in historical and cultural context. Emphasis on recent American movements in opposition to government policies, established elites, and dominant cultural norms, which may include the Civil Rights Movement, the women's movements, the peace movement, and the environmental movement.

SOC 478 Current Topics in Sociology

Analysis and evaluation of special topics in the general field of sociology. Topics will vary from year to year. This is not a seminar. If topics differ, may be taken more than once.

SOC 482 AIDS in the United States

Prereq. SOC 110 and 3 additional credits in Sociology.

Considers HIV and AIDs from social, political, economic and cultural perspectives and examines the social transformation of AIDS as a disease, a moral question, and cultural/political tool. Current issues in health care provision, funding, research and drug testing, policy development, community responses, and education will be considered along with the impact of AIDS on the poor, women of color, gay men and lesbians, adolescents, and children.

SOC 484 Sociology of Music

Prereq.: SOC 110

Examines the ways in which people use music to define social rituals, build collective identities, and make meaning of our everyday lives. Emphasizes how music relates to core sociological concepts, including norms, power, inequality, and social change

SOC 485 Ads, Fads, and Consumer Culture

Prereq.: SOC 110

Examination of the socio-cultural causes and consequences of consumption and consumer behavior including; socially-constructed motives, meanings, and outcomes of shopping, and the role of advertising and market research.

SOC 490 Community Intern Experience

Prereq. Sociology major with 2.70 GPA or higher and two letters of recommendation addressing academic ability and maturity. Taken concurrently with SOC 491.

Accepted students are assigned to work in either a profit or non-profit community-based organization for 6 to 8 hours per week. The internship experience is offered every spring semester. Students interested in an internship for Spring 2008 should speak with Professor Mary Erdmans before September 30, 2007.

SOC 491 Intern Seminar and Research

Prereq. Sociology major with 2.70 GPA or higher and two letters of recommendation addressing academic ability and maturity. Taken concurrently with SOC 490.

Assigned readings and research projects related to work assignment of SOC 490. The internship seminar is offered every spring semester.

SOC 495 Passages and Prospect

Prereq. 27 credits in Sociology or permission of Department Chair.

This one-credit capstone seminar examines sociologists in American society and the influence of the discipline on social policy. Student portfolio review explores academic achievements, sociological understanding and career alternatives.