SOC - Sociology

SOC 101 Understanding Society: An Introduction to Sociology

An introduction to the theories, scientific methods, and findings of sociology concerning group behavior, society, culture, social institutions, and social change. Students learn how social patterns and structures shape individuals’ experiences of the world and how our lives in turn shape society. Special attention is paid to social and cultural diversity in the U.S., including class, race, ethnicity, and gender.

3

SOC 214 Research Methods: Design

This course introduces students to the power of social science research by learning how social scientists make observations, collect data to answer research questions, and prepare reports. Students will learn the epistemology of social science, the basics of research design, measurement, and different methods of qualitative and quantitative observation.

3

Prerequisites

MTH 161 and SOC 101 or SW 101 or instructor permission

Cross Listed Courses

SW 214

SOC 215 Research Methods: Analysis

This course extends beyond MTH 161 to highlight the statistical methods used in the field of Sociology. Students will learn to analyze survey research data using SPSS software, interpret their findings, and report them appropriately. Students will become more critical consumers of scientific literature and information in their daily lives.

3

Prerequisites

SOC 101; MTH 161; SOC 214 or SW 214; or instructor permission

SOC 305 Sociology of Crime and Justice

A systematic and in-depth review of criminal justice in America from a sociological perspective. Course evaluates the historical development of policing, the judiciary, and corrections, and examines the culture and organizations of criminal justice institutions. Significant attention is paid to examining public policy issues in criminal justice.

3

Prerequisites

SOC 101 or PSY 101

SOC 325 Power, Oppression, and Critical Consciousness

This course engages questions of diversity and difference through a critical, interdisciplinary social science lens. Drawing on critical theory and practice perspectives from social work, sociology, and other fields, we examine how social forces operate to marginalize or advantage individuals and groups. Students will learn how to engage models for liberation and anti-oppressive practice across interpersonal, institutional, and societal levels.

3

Prerequisites

SW 101 or SOC 101 or instructor permission

Cross Listed Courses

SW 325

SOC 333 Social Class and Inequality

Examination of inequality in the distribution of wealth, power, and prestige. Focus will be on stratification within societies and on the nature, extent, and significance of inequality of wealth and power between societies.

3

Prerequisites

SOC 101

SOC 336 Race and Racism in the United States

This course introduces concepts and theories in the sociology of race and racism to develop racial literacy. The course examines how race and racism structure everyday life and shape the life chances of individuals and groups. The course emphasizes historical and contemporary race relations in the US, but comparative analyses of race and racism are also explored.

3

Prerequisites

SOC 101

SOC 339 Sociology of the Family

This course examines the family through a sociological lens. We consider how the form and function of family has changed over time, including how race, class, gender, and sexuality structure legal definitions and practices within the family. Readings explore diversity in family formation and inequalities in family life.

3

Prerequisites

SOC 101

SOC 344 Sociology of Deviance

Study of behavior which differs from cultural expectations. This course is concerned with social deviance and will consider the history of the concept of deviance, the legal aspects, social aspects, deviant subcultures, self images, social organization, causes of deviance, and strategies for response.

3

Prerequisites

SOC 101

SOC 346 Sociology of Policing

Course examines current issues related to the accountability of the police to the community and the political process.

3

Prerequisites

SOC 101 or PSY 101

SOC 347 Crime and Justice in Film

Survey of how the American criminal justice system has been portrayed in cinema during the latter half of the 20th century. The course uses select films to underscore significant theoretical debates and policy developments in criminal justice.
3

SOC 357 Perspectives on Gender and the Body

This course will help students critically analyze biopsychosocial and cultural meanings of gender and body image, change (i.e., disability, illness, aging), and variations through interdisciplinary lenses. Students will explore the social construction of gender and the body as well as the consequences that differing meanings of “gender” and “body” can have on individuals in our society.
3

Prerequisites

SOC 101 or permission of instructor

Cross Listed Courses

SW 357

SOC 360 Criminology

Criminology is the body of knowledge regarding delinquency and crime as social phenomena. Includes the development of a body of general and verified principles and of other types of knowledge regarding process of law, crime, and reaction to crime. Focus is on the adult offender.

3

Prerequisites

SOC 101

SOC 371 Social Psychology

Psychological behavior of an individual as a member of a group; the influence of culture and society on attitudes, personality, and behavior; the dynamics of group interaction.

3

Prerequisites

SOC 101

Cross Listed Courses

PSY 371

SOC 380 Sociological Theory

Comprehensive study of sociological theories from the late nineteenth century to the present; the relationship between theory and research. Required of majors in sociology.

3

Prerequisites

SOC 101; SOC 214 or SOC 215

SOC 391 Seminar

Credit arranged.

Variable

SOC 392 Seminar

Credit arranged.

Variable

SOC 431 Mapping Social Problems

This course emphasizes a spatial approach to the study of social problems. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, students will gain experience in making maps, obtaining data, and uncovering spatial patterns (e.g., "hot spots" of criminal activity or residential segregation) to inform public policy.

3

Prerequisites

SOC 214, PSY 214, or SW 214, SOC 215 or PSY 215 or permission of instructor.

SOC 432 Gender and Violence

The course explores the way gender is associated with violence as well as the roots and manifestations of gender-based violence. Particular attention will be paid to sexual assault, prostitution and domestic violence. Students will be able to explain and apply theories of violence and will have a choice of actively working to reduce violence or conducting a research project to better understand violence.

3

Prerequisites

SOC 214, PSY 214 or SW 214 or permission of instructor.

SOC 435 Technology & Society

Examines the interplay between new technologies and social problems. Includes: social media and disinformation, digital surveillance and the state, ethical dilemmas with IVF and surrogacy, biases in search algorithms, and racial and gender underrepresentation in Silicon Valley. Students participate in original research and are introduced to qualitative/textual analysis research methods. Emphasis will be placed on the design and use of digital technologies.

3

Prerequisites

SOC 101; SOC 214 or SW 214; or instructor permission

SOC 436 Women and Work

This course examines “work” as a site of uneven power for women, and interrogates the contexts of paid and unpaid labor across different social contexts. Additionally, the course explores how race, class, gender, citizenship status, and geography intersect to produce constrained agency for women laboring under global capitalism. This advanced course in sociology provides enhanced training in qualitative research methods.

3

Prerequisites

SOC 101; SOC 214, SW 214, or PSY 214; SOC 215 or PSY 215; or instructor permission

SOC 437 The Social Construction of Health & Illness

The course examines how social, cultural, and institutional factors shape our experiences and understandings of health, illness, and healthcare. Drawing on sociology, public health, and other fields, we learn how social inequality affects medical care and health outcomes, and how the pharmaceutical industry, government agencies, the medical institution, and other organizations shape health beliefs and practices.

3

Prerequisites

SOC 101; SOC 214, SW 214, or PSY 214

SOC 438 Juvenile Delinquency

Analysis of theories and research concerning the nature, extent, course, and control of juvenile criminal and antisocial conduct.
3

Prerequisites

SOC 101 or PSY 101; SOC 214, PSY 214 or SW 214; SOC 215 or PSY 215.

SOC 453 Psychosocial Aspects of Sport Activity

This course will engage psychological and sociological perspectives toward understanding sports and physical activity as both personal engagements and social phenomena. Topics will include sport-based youth development, mental health and physical activity, performance enhancement, and sport and social issues. The course will emphasize reflective, analytic, critical, and interdisciplinary perspectives based on engaging with scholarly readings and material.
3

Prerequisites

SOC 101 or PSY 101

Cross Listed Courses

PSY 453

SOC 455 Black Feminist Thought

This course explores Black feminist perspectives with an eye to the intersections of race, gender, class and sexuality in the United States context. It centers theories, experiences, and subjugated knowledges of Black Womyn and provides an overview of the evolution of Black feminist thought from antebellum through the 21st century. Students engage texts on topics from violence to media/art to queerness.

3

Cross Listed Courses

SW 455

SOC 463 Children, Youth and Society

This course is about child and youth development as embedded in social and cultural contexts. The particular emphasis will be on early childhood through the transition into adulthood, and on thinking about childhood and youth as social phenomena. The course is reading/discussion intensive and involves a community-based learning project.

3

Prerequisites

SOC 101

Cross Listed Courses

PSY 463

SOC 468 Comparative Health and Social Issues in Ecuador

Students will spend six weeks engaging in services in Quito, Ecuador.  The focus is on issues impacting mental, physical, and spiritual well-being of individuals/communities in Ecuador and services designed to address these issues & work for social/economic justice.  Comparisons are made to systems in the U.S.  Approval of Studies Abroad Director required.

3

Prerequisites

SOC 101, SPN 301, SPN 302 or equivalent

Cross Listed Courses

SW 468, SPN 468

SOC 490 Directed Study

Credit arranged. Guided inquiry by special arrangement with sociology faculty.

variable

SOC 491 Sociology Seminar

Credit arranged.

Variable

Prerequisites

SOC 214, PSY 214, or SW 214 or permission of instructor.

SOC 492 Sociology Seminar

Credit arranged.

Variable

Prerequisites

SOC 214, PSY 214, or SW 214 or permission of instructor.

SOC 493 Research

Participate directly in the research process with a faculty member. Before enrolling, a student must consult with a faculty member to define the project. Course is graded A-F.

Variable

SOC 494 Research

Participate directly in the research process with a faculty member. Before enrolling, a student must consult with a faculty member to define the project. Course is graded A-F.

Variable

SOC 497 Sociology Internship

Students will gain practical field experience through an internship with a community-based organization, government office, or human services agency. Internships are individually arranged by students with support from the Career Education Center. Students will supplement the internship with a classroom seminar focused on professional development and integrative learning. Sociology majors may take up to 6 credits of internships.

3

Prerequisites

SOC 101 or instructor permission

Cross Listed Courses

SOC 497C, SW 497

SOC 497C Criminology Internship

Students will gain supervised in-field experience in some aspect of the criminal justice system, including work in corrections, law enforcement, local police, court room proceedings, or policy and legislation. Internships are individually arranged by students with support from CAS and the instructor. Criminology track students only.

3

Prerequisites

SOC 101 or instructor permission

Cross Listed Courses

SOC 497

SOC 498 Senior Project

Advanced analysis, integration, application, and criticism of the field of sociology. Students will complete a senior project. Sociology majors only.

3

Prerequisites

SOC 214 and SOC 380, or permission of instructor.

SOC 499 Senior Thesis

Research, study, or original work under the direction of a faculty mentor, leading to a scholarly thesis document with a public presentation of results. Requires approval of thesis director, and department chair.

1

Prerequisites

SOC 214 and SOC 380. Senior standing; 3.0 G.P.A. in the thesis area, or good standing in the honors program.