SOC 1010 Introduction to Sociology (3)
Designed to give students a foundation for all future sociological studies. Develops an understanding of the role of social organization on human interaction. Introduces definitions, terms, and concepts used in sociological literature.
SOC 1020 Social Problems (S) (3)
This course examines current cultural and social aspects of problems such as poverty, racial and gender inequality, crime, health and illness. The course examines ties between these social problems and their connection to the broader structural issues of inequality.
NOTE: SOC 1010 or 1020 is prerequisite for entering any Sociology upper-division course.
SOC 2000 Computer Applications for Sociology (3)
The course is a survey of computer applications in sociology, intended to familiarize students with basic computer usage and how social scientists use programs for teaching and research. The primary focus will be on the organization, presentation and analysis of sociological data.
SOC 2200 The Sociology of Popular Culture (3)
Using general theories of the nature of social and cultural structures, this course provides a sociological analysis of every day American culture. Examining popular culture such as print, media, television, sport, and other aspects of a consumer-driven culture helps understand prevailing values and anticipate changing norms and behaviors.
SOC 2370 Gender Roles (3)
An introduction to the field of gender studies with a focus on sex role behavior from several theoretical perspectives. Emphasis is on recent sociological research as well as cross-cultural and historical analysis of women and men in society.
SOC 2600 Marriage and Family (3)
This course focuses on the family as a key societal institution and explores the changes taking place in contemporary marriage patterns. We will examine the various components of the family, the variations of contemporary families and experiences of families of different social classes and ethnicities. We will also explore the realities of marital power, domestic work, child-rearing, family violence, and overall family changes.
SOC 2630 Race and Ethnic Relations (3)
A study of the ethnic patterns in contemporary American society. Emphasis is placed on contemporary theories of race and ethnic relations, the problems of prejudice and discrimination, and myths concerning group differences, and contemporary issues and dilemmas of inter-group relations.
SOC 3000 Social Stratification (3)
Analysis of implications of class and status distinctions for individuals and social groups and of the manner in which social power develops and is carried out in a society.
SOC 3010 Origins of Human Society (3)
A sociological/anthropological introduction to the cultural and social origins of human society. Basic theories and principles of sociology and cultural anthropology are emphasized along with competing contemporary theories of human origin.
SOC 3100 Social Policy (3)
An array of social welfare policies and programs in the United States will be discussed and evaluated. This course will focus on the sociopolitical context in which various social policies are developed. Specifically, this course examines conflicts and controversies in the policy decision making process and policy implications with an emphasis on policy effects on women, racial minorities and the poor. A comparative perspective is introduced to effectively understand and evaluate these social policies.
SOC 3300 Sociology of Education (3)
Analyzes the school as a social organization. Among topics considered are power and control in the school classroom organization and procedures and their relation to learning; roles of educators; and relations between school and community.
SOC 3350 Social Psychology (3)
This course provides students with a systematic introduction to sociological social psychology. Both sociological and psychological approaches are considered, before specifically addressing the theoretical and empirical studies of symbolic interactionism, ethnomethodology, and postmodern social psychology. Prerequisite: SOC 1010.
SOC 3500 Deviance (3)
This course is an exploration of social deviance as evidenced in subcultures in American society. It is designed to apply major criminological and deviance theories to modern day deviant groups, while contextually examining the construction of deviant identities in relation to mainstream values.
SOC 3550 Body and Society (3)
Sociological studies of the construction of the body and routine bodily experience in everyday life are discussed. Emphasis is placed upon the analysis of identities, sexualities, embodiment, beauty, disease, and technology.
SOC 3610 Juvenile Delinquency (3)
This course is an exploration of past and current delinquency theories, trends and issues. Topics included in this course are an extensive review of theory, female delinquency, gangs, the juvenile justice system, police and juveniles, the role of family, peers, schools, and drugs on delinquency and juvenile corrections today.
SOC 3700 Crime and Society (3)
This course is a survey and exploration of crime including a review of classic and contemporary criminological theories, trends in crime, and a brief historical overview. Specific topics will include property crimes, violent crimes and hate crimes, white-collar crimes, organized crime and police discretion. The criminal justice system will be explored as a process, focusing on the U.S. correctional system today, the prison system, and alternatives to prison.
SOC 3800 Urban Sociology (3)
History of the rise of urban/industrial societies. Examination of the social and economic structures and organization of modern cities. Emphasis on urban social ecology and modern urban social conditions. (Every other year)
SOC 3850 Sociology of Religion (3)
This course focuses on religion as a key societal institution and uses theoretical perspectives of classical and contemporary sociologists to analyze the role of religion in society. The intersection of religion with race, class, and gender, is explored. Additional topics considered are the relationship of religion to science, the media and politics.
SOC 3900 Social Change (3)
Theories of change in relation to empirical studies at both the community and societal level. Emphasis will be upon recent research in modernization of communities and societies.
SOC 4000 Political Sociology (3)
The course is a survey of sociological approaches to power, government and politics. It will identify key concepts and theories; analyze substantive issues; and consider current research. Contemporary issues and problems will be examined as well. The course will focus on in-class discussion and a student term paper. Can also be counted as a Political Science credit.
SOC 4100 Sociology of Health & Medicine (3)
A course exploring the social construction of health, illness, and healing. Current issues surrounding alternative health care, nutrition, mind/body relationships, and societal change will also be examined. Must be upper division student. Prerequisites: SOC 1010 or SOC 1020.
SOC 4500 Global Issues in Sociology (3)
Global issues in sociology addresses the globalization of cultures and societies. We will explore global events along with the trends, and issues that are contributing to international inequalities. Specifically, the course focuses on the global impact of the culture of capitalism. This includes: capitalism and the nation-state, population growth, hunger, poverty, disease, exploitation of the environment, and the changing status of indigenous groups through a global economy. The emphasis of this course will be developing a global perspective of the contemporary world. The course will consider the interrelations between imperialism, colonialism, post-colonialism, regionalism, and globalism.
SOC 4620 Environmental Sociology (3)
This course is an exploration of the interconnectedness between the social world of humans and the biophysical world in which they exist. Topics include population growth, land and resource development, identity attachments to the land, the impact of environmentalism and environmental justice issues today.
SOC 4700 Special Topics (1-3)
From time to time faculty will offer a course pertaining to a special area of interest or particularly timely topic under this course number. Both the class schedule and handouts in the department office will provide further information as to what is being offered under this special topics title.
SOC 4780 Social Theory (3)
This course provides an introduction to the major strands of social theory of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. Emphasizes the contributions of individual thinkers from each of the key traditions--conflict, functionalist, interactionist, structuralist, feminist, post-modernist/post-structuralist.
SOC 4800 Sociological Field Practicum (1-5)
Designed to provide students with an opportunity to apply major sociological theories and concepts within an applied sociological career field. Practical work experiences will be analyzed from a critical, theoretical and/or conceptual sociological framework so that students can see the significance of these ideas in a variety of social work settings, and practice utilizing these important sociological insights for future careers in the discipline. (P/F)
SOC 4810 Social Statistics (3)
An introduction to statistical procedures used in sociological research. Designed to teach students the methods used in making scientific predictions through the use of averages, variation and the testing of hypotheses. Prerequisites: SOC 1010 or 1020 plus permission of instructor.
SOC 4890/5890 Sociological Internship (3-12)
Internship provides a procedure for students to be socialized into the practice of the discipline of sociological research, teaching, and realities of the everyday practice of sociological professionals. Students will be provided with opportunities to assist in research projects, classroom teaching preparations, and gain experience as teaching assistants. (P/F)
SOC 4990 Applied Research Methods (3)
This course 1) prepares the student to apply sociological training and research methods to various social issues and settings; 2) puts students in the field to actively employ research methodologies and strategies in evaluating a variety of social issues. Prerequisite: SOC 1010, or 1020. Co-requisites: SOC 4780 plus permission of instructor.
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