Catalog 2021-2022

SOC - Sociology

SOC 100 Introduction to 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.

Credit Hours: 4
(IG) (NW) (SS)

SOC 202 Marriages and Families

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.

Credit Hours: 4
(SS)

Prerequisites

SOC 100

SOC 205 Medical Sociology

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.

Credit Hours: 4
(SS)

Prerequisites

SOC 100

SOC 210 Sociology of Popular Culture

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.

Credit Hours: 4
(SS)

Prerequisites

SOC 100

SOC 215 Sociology of Sexualities

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.

Credit Hours: 4
(SS)

Prerequisites

SOC 100

SOC 216 Sociology of Sport

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.

Credit Hours: 2-4
(SS)

Prerequisites

SOC 100

SOC 216A Sociology of Sport--Abroad

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.
Credit Hours: 2
(SS)

Prerequisites

SOC 100

SOC 240 Sociology of Childhood

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.
Credit Hours: 4
(SS)

Prerequisites

SOC 100

SOC 290 Special Studies

Special courses may be offered each year.

Credit Hours: 2-4
(SS)

Prerequisites

SOC 100

SOC 306 Racial and Ethnic Relations

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.

Credit Hours: 4
(SS)

Prerequisites

SOC 100

SOC 307 Families in Global Perspective

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.

Credit Hours: 4
(IG) (NW) (SS) (W)

Prerequisites

SOC 100

SOC 308 Sociology of Religion

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.

Credit Hours: 4
(SS)

Prerequisites

SOC 100

SOC 313 Social Stratification

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.

Credit Hours: 4
(SS)

Prerequisites

SOC 100

SOC 315 Sociology of Deviance

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.

Credit Hours: 4
(SS)

Prerequisites

SOC 100

SOC 316 Population and Society

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.
Credit Hours: 4
(SS)

Prerequisites

SOC 100

SOC 320 Sociology of Gender

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.

Credit Hours: 4
(SS) (W)

Prerequisites

SOC 100

SOC 325 Clinical and Counseling Sociology

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.

Credit Hours: 4
(SS)

Prerequisites

SOC 100

SOC 330 Global Sociology

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.

Credit Hours: 4
(IG) (SS)

Prerequisites

SOC 100

SOC 340 Social Psychology: A Sociological Approach

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.
Credit Hours: 4
(SS)

Prerequisites

SOC 100

SOC 344 Sociological Theories

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.
Credit Hours: 4
(SS) (W)

Prerequisites

SOC 100

SOC 355 Introductory Data Science

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.

Credit Hours: 4
(SS) (W)

Prerequisites

SOC 100

SOC 365 Qualitative Research Methods

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.

Credit Hours: 4
(SS) (W)

Prerequisites

SOC 100

SOC 375 Research 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.

Credit Hours: 4
(SS) (W)

Prerequisites

SOC 100

SOC 450 Independent Study

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.

Credit Hours: 2-4
(SS)

Prerequisites

Completion of 20 hours of sociology, minimum 3.0 GPA, and consent of instructor.

SOC 451 Senior Thesis

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.

Credit Hours: 4
(SS)

Prerequisites

Completion of 28 hours of sociology, minimum 3.25 GPA, and consent of instructor.

SOC 460 Applied Sociology

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.
Credit Hours: 4
(SS)

Prerequisites

SOC 344, SOC 375, junior or senior standing.

SOC 480 Practice Experience

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.
Credit Hours: 4
(SS)

Prerequisites

SOC 344, SOC 375, sociology majors only, junior or senior standing.