SOC - Sociology

An introduction to the structure, function and development of human societies. Emphasizes the nature and meaning of culture, socialization, social institutions, social inequality and social change.

This course introduces students to the field of sociology, a discipline that broadens our awareness of the social world. Sociology is introduced as a way of knowing and a body of knowledge. Students will learn to identify and investigate solutions to local and global social issues, conflicts, and problems by applying sociological theories and methods in theoretical and concrete ways. This course includes inquiry into a range of issues and institutional contexts, such as education, religion, politics, health, popular culture, deviance, families, race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality.

This course challenges students to re-examine their values about the diversity of marriages and families in America. The class consists of an overview of the processes of family formation, maintenance and dissolution.

This course examines the social contexts of health, illness and health care.  Specifically, the class consists of an overview of the subjective experience of health and illness; the political, economic, and environmental circumstances that impact health; and the societal forces that shape medical systems and people’s responses to illness.

The course relies on a variety of sociological perspectives to examine the role of popular culture in contemporary society, with a particular emphasis on mass media and its role as an agent of socialization. Students learn how to be critical consumers of media images.

An exploration of sex and the interactions among and between people and institutions that form the boundaries through which sexualities are understood in the United States.

This course examines the social construction of sports as well as the impact of sports upon society. Specifically, the class consists of an overview of the social experience and patterning of sports; the political, economic, and environmental circumstances that impact sports; and the societal forces that shape sporting systems and events as well as people's responses to and interpretations of sports.

This course is the travel portion of Sociology of Sport. Students in this course will travel to a different country where they will take part in and explore sport through the lens of tourism. The focus of the course is on how international sport tourism is effecting people, cultures, and the environment in various parts of the world.

This course examines the social psychological development of children. Specifically, the class consists of an overview of the bio-social-psychological experiences of early human development; the processes, norms and agents that contribute to the socialization of children within specific social, historical, medical, and political contexts; and the ways societal forces shape the meaning and experience of childhood in contemporary societies.

Special courses may be offered each year.

A comparative study of intergroup relations, social conflict and modes of adjustment in the United States and elsewhere. Examines prejudice and discrimination, their sources, their consequences and potentials for change.

This class examines the impact of globalization on family life in the U.S., other industrialized countries, and the developing world. The class consists of an overview of the relationship between globalization and work-family issues, gender, migration, poverty and inequality, and the status of women, children and the elderly.

An examination of religion from a social scientific perspective. A sociological history of religion, major sociological theories of religion, and religion's relation to various aspects of social life and inequality (race, class, and gender) are explored.

A historically situated, cross-national examination of the ways in which our political, cultural, economic, and social systems reflect and perpetuate economic stratification. Emphasis is placed on the role of personal, cultural, organizational, and institutional forms of racism and sexism (and their various intersections) that perpetuate economic inequality. Possibilities of positive and sustainable social, political, and cultural change are also reviewed.

This course examines deviance from a critical, sociological perspective.  The social construction, political nature, and social control of deviance are investigated.  Major sociological theories of deviance, as well as their social policy implications, are analyzed.  The development, management and cessation of deviant roles, identities, and careers are also explored.

The course is designed to provide students with an overview of the field of population studies, also known as demography. In this course, we will examine the causes and consequences of population growth, size, and composition related to changes in health and mortality, fertility, migration, and family and household structure. Students will also be introduced to basic demographic measures, methods, and sources of data.

Gender is explored as a central, organizing concept in society. The course focuses on the social construction of gender and the effect of gender-role differentiation on social institutions including the family, politics and the economy as well as the impact of social change and the women’s movement on gender roles in contemporary society.

Focuses on the application of a sociological perspective to the analysis, design, and implementation of interventions that assist individuals, couples, families, small groups, organizations, and communities. Primary emphasis is based upon students learning and practicing basic skills used in sociological practice.

A review of the types of human societies throughout history, with a particular emphasis on the recent phenomenon of economic, political, cultural and ideological globalization. Students evaluate whether humankind is better off today than in earlier generations.

Using a micro-sociological approach to social psychology, this class examines the ways in which people's "humanness" (e.g., thoughts, embodiment, feelings, positionality, interpretations, meaning-making, performances, subjectivities, identities, interactions, and lived experiences) shape and are shaped by social forces (i.e., culture, history, and social structure). This involves an overview and critical analyses of concepts, theories, epistemologies, and methods/methodologies central to the principles, processes, and practices of a sociologically informed social psychology.

A survey of major trends in social thought. Interpretive skills, logic, good writing, and critical thinking will be emphasized in a review of the major classical and contemporary schools of sociological thought.

An introduction to statistics, covering the basics of probability and a variety of statistical tests, from t-tests to regression. The course is taught using examples from the social sciences and has a heavy emphasis on applied data analysis. Students will get hands-on experience analyzing data.

This course enables students to build skills in exploratory and inductive research methods, including field work, interviewing, content analysis, and focus groups. Emphasis is placed on ethical and responsible research and data analysis methods.

Applies the scientific method to the analysis of society. Includes elements in scientific logic, problem formation, research design, methods of data collection and analysis, and interpretation of data.

A series of directed readings and short research projects on a topic of interest to the student. Materials covered must be different from those included in current courses. Independent studies may be taken with any full-time professor in the sociology area. Subject matter must be determined through student-faculty consultation.

Involves a major research paper planned and written with possible publication in mind. A senior thesis can be written under the guidance of any full-time professor in the sociology department. Subject matter must be determined through student-faculty consultation.

Demonstrates to students how sociological knowledge or research tools can be used to enhance the quality of social life. Students will delve into the varieties of applied sociology including: program evaluation and implementation, needs assessment, social impact assessment, policy analysis, focus group research and action research.

The practice experience provides students with supervised work experiences where they learn how to ethically and professionally apply sociological theories and methods under faculty supervision. Students will choose among four types of practice: 1) internship, 2) research project, 3) community service commitment, or 4) independent study for practice. Students will complete 160 practice hours total, meet biweekly with their faculty supervisor, apply sociology to their experiences through varied assessments, and submit a portfolio at the semester’s conclusion. Students who choose to practice in an internship or community service setting will also be supervised by members affiliated with their site.