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.

Examines the relationship between social issues and the mobilization of social protest and social movements. Surveys several 20th-century social movements, including the labor, civil rights, anti-war, women's, farm workers and gay rights movements.

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.

This course enables students to develop practical skills in designing and completing qualitative research projects.  Different qualitative approaches are examined, focusing upon the use of interviews, “cultural artifacts,” and participant observation.  Major course topics include research design, fieldwork and data collection, data coding and analysis, the presentation of findings, and the common challenges and ethical issues of qualitative research.

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.

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 class examines how people and the social forces that impinge on them affect one another's thoughts, feelings and behavior. The class consists of an overview of major theories and research streams in micro-level sociological analysis, and explorations of various sub-fields in this area of sociology.

Demonstrates to students why social scientific research is a legitimate and profound way of knowing; helps students to understand how researchers move from concept to variable to measurement, and how data are collected, entered into the computer and analyzed.

Special courses may be offered each year.

This course challenges students to consider the social issues associated with physical aging; to seek out answers to the question, "How can we improve the quality of life for older Americans?" Students can participate in an optional service learning component.

Designed to provide students an opportunity to apply sociological theories and tools while serving in the community. Students spend 5-10 hours each week in supervised community service. The variable credit allows students to take two community placements, if they so desire. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

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.

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.

Focuses on the three dominant lines of division in modern American society: class, race and gender. Covers the nature of human inequality, its origins and its modern manifestations. Examines theories of social inequality and attempts made to eliminate it.

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.

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.

Statistics useful for data analysis and understanding are covered, including most nonparametric and parametric statistics that involve most bivariate and multivariate analyses.

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 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.

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.

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.