Sociology (SOC)

SOC 110. Introduction to Sociology. 3 Credits.

A systematic examination of the social components of human behavior, including the norms, laws, cultural patterns, and economic forces that organize everyday life. Students will analyze theories of society, the structure of social institutions, social conflict and stratification, as well as social interactions among diverse groups of people. F,S,SS.

SOC 115. Social Problems. 3 Credits.

A sociological analysis of major social problems in America. F,S.

SOC 250. Diversity in American Society. 3 Credits.

Students will explore diverse American identities through the intersections of race, ethnicity, gender, social class, sexual orientation, age, and disability status. Theories of intergroup relations, prejudice and discrimination are covered. F,S.

SOC 252. Criminology. 3 Credits.

This course provides an in-depth investigation into the major criminological theories that explain the causation, occurrence and development of criminal behavior. Crime typologies and the social correlates of crime and victimization are discussed. Provides an explanation of the methods criminologists use to study crime trends and criminal patterns of behavior. F,S.

SOC 253. Delinquency and Juvenile Justice. 3 Credits.

This course focuses on theoretical explanations for the causes, dynamics, and consequences of juvenile delinquency. Students will explore a justice system specifically designed to handle American youth and will be introduced to basic terminology relating to juvenile delinquency and the juvenile justice system. F,S.

SOC 301. Basic Sociological Theory. 3 Credits.

A survey of the main trends in the history of sociological thought. Basic concepts and frames of reference central to sociological theory and analysis are emphasized. F,S.

SOC 306. Social Change and Social Movements. 3 Credits.

The focus of this course is on social change in American society in the context of current environmental and social problems. Topics include definitions of social change, patterns and causes of social change, theoretical explanations for social change, contemporary social movements and the theoretical explanation for their origins and planned social change strategies. S.

SOC 309. Selected Topics. 1-4 Credits.

Selected topics in sociology taught at the junior level. Repeatable to 40 credits with different topics. Repeatable to 40.00 credits. On demand.

SOC 323. Sociological Research Methods. 3 Credits.

This course explores various facets of the sociological research process. The main focus is on the design and implementation of quantitative research, with attention also given to other types of research, including qualitative research and content analysis. F,S.

SOC 326. Sociological Statistics. 3 Credits.

This course introduces students to calculation and application of basic statistical techniques employed by sociologists. Students perform statistical analyses of real data sets using SPSS software. Prerequisite: MATH 93 or MATH 98 or any higher mathematics course. F,S.

SOC 331. Community Sociology. 3 Credits.

This course addresses one of the most fundamental concepts in human relationships: community. What is community? How is community related to the physical environment and place? Who defines community? These are some of the core questions of both urban and rural sociology that we will address in this course. On demand.

SOC 335. Families in a Changing Society. 3 Credits.

An exploration of how family forms, norms, and theories have changed over time; the social forces that influence families at each of the major life stages (such as courtship, marriage, parenthood, old age); how statuses such as race, class, gender, and sexuality influence a person's opportunities for family formation and experiences within families; and the social policies that help or hinder family functioning. F.

SOC 340. Sociology of Gender. 3 Credits.

This course is a sociological exploration of how gender dynamics have changed across time and vary globally. How gender creates barriers and opportunities - for both men and women - across multiple facets of social life is emphasized. S.

SOC 352. Aging and Society. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the multidisciplinary study of aging as a lifelong process. Biological, psychological, and sociological theories are reviewed to understand human development over the life course, including the transitions of marriage, work, retirement, and death. Demographic and social structural influences are also discussed in order to examine the effect of an aging population on society. F,S.

SOC 354. Medical Sociology. 3 Credits.

An examination of the social contexts of health and health care, including the political, economic, and environmental circumstances that shape illness and access to care. This includes a focus on medical institutions as social systems affected by social movements and social change, as well as the social forces that shape patient-provider interactions and the quality of care received. Implications for public policy and practice are considered. On demand.

SOC 355. Drugs and Society. 3 Credits.

Social factors affecting use and control of self-administered psychoactive drugs, including alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana and more illicit substances. Topics include social definitions, causes, controls and consequences of drug problems. F,S.

SOC 361. Social Psychology. 3 Credits.

The study of individual behavior in its social context: how the individual acts upon the social environment, is acted upon by the environment, and interacts with other individuals. Prerequisite: SOC 110. S.

SOC 397. Cooperative Education. 1-6 Credits.

A practical work experience with an employer closely associated with student's academic area. Repeatable to 12 credits. Repeatable to 12.00 credits. S/U grading. F,S,SS.

SOC 400. Internship in Sociology. 1-5 Credits.

A learning experience in a selected community agency or organization determined by the student's area of interest. The student will select a Sociology professor to oversee the internship, and it is with this professor that the student will complete a contract for the course prior to enrolling. Fieldwork is under the supervision of agency personnel. Two to three hours per week are required in the field per credit hour for each week of the semester. Prerequisite: Instructor approval. Repeatable to 5.00 credits. S/U grading. F,S.

SOC 407. Political Sociology. 3 Credits.

Sociological analysis of political and parapolitical groups; voting behavior; political socialization process; power elites, societies and systems of government; power structures. On demand.

SOC 409. Selected Topics in Sociology. 3 Credits.

Topics in sociology taught at the senior level. Repeatable to 6 credits with different topics. Repeatable to 6.00 credits. On demand.

SOC 420. Sociology of the Body. 3 Credits.

The central theme of this course is how societies seek to exert control over people's bodies. An intersectional approach is embraced to examine how embodied actors encounter social institutions and interact in small-group settings. Students apply sociology of the body concepts to explore the many ways in which social contexts and social norms operate to influence the presentation of bodies, the treatment of bodies, the differential valuing of bodies, and bodily outcomes across gender and race/ethnicity. S, odd years.

SOC 431. Workplace Dynamics. 3 Credits.

This course focuses on understanding contemporary workplace dynamics, informed by how the organization of work has changed across time. Theories underlying the organization of work are examined, with an emphasis on how workplaces are shaped by larger social forces, how they shape society, and how they intersect with other organizations. The course concludes with an exploration of diversity in the workforce, especially the ramifications of social class, gender, and race/ethnicity in organizational settings. S, even years.

SOC 435. Racial and Ethnic Relations. 3 Credits.

A survey of major USA racial and ethnic groups, the histories of their social encounters, and the theoretical perspectives associated with their experiences. On demand.

SOC 436. Social Inequality. 3 Credits.

An examination of various forms and modes of portraying human inequality. An investigation of the role of inequality in human affairs, its measurement and significance. F.

SOC 437. Population. 3 Credits.

A basic consideration of formal and social demography. The determinants and consequences of population change. On demand.

SOC 450. Deviant Behavior. 3 Credits.

This course examines the nature, types and societal reactions to deviant behavior; special emphasis on the process of social typing, regulation of deviance, deviant subcultures, and identities. F.

SOC 475. Sociology Capstone. 3 Credits.

This course is a culminating experience for Sociology majors. Building on work in the major, students write an empirical research paper and present their findings to the Department. Prerequisite: SOC 301, SOC 323, SOC 326 and second semester junior standing. F,S.

SOC 489. Senior Honors Thesis. 1-15 Credits.

Supervised independent study culminating in a thesis. Total not to exceed fifteen credits. Prerequisite: Consent of department and approval of the Honors Committee. F,S.

SOC 492. Research Experience in Sociology. 1-5 Credits.

Students enrolled in this practicum work on a research project under the direction of one or more faculty. The practicum is designed to provide hands-on research and/or statistical experience for those enrolled. Repeatable for a maximum of 10 credits. Repeatable to 10.00 credits. S/U grading. F,S.

SOC 494. Readings in Sociology. 1-5 Credits.

Designed for students who want instruction in subjects not covered adequately in usual course offerings. Specific arrangements must be made with the instructor prior to registration. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Repeatable to 10.00 credits. F,S.