SOC - Sociology

An introduction to the institutions, functions, development, and social construction of human societies. Emphasizes the nature and meaning of culture, socialization, social institutions, social inequality and social change. Explores sociology as a discipline, including learning to see with the sociological imagination, understanding and comparing sociological theories, and learning about sociological research methods. Special attention paid to socialization, interaction, and inequality from cross-cultural and global perspectives, social class and social structure, and the institutions of education, religion, government, and economy.

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.

An exploration of sexuality and the interactions among and between people and institutions that form the boundaries through which sexualities are understood in the United States and cross culturally. Considers the development of sexuality in a social context; examines the social, as opposed to psychological and/or biological, characteristics of sexuality. Includes an emphasis on sexuality as a site of inequality and oppression. Emphasis on how sexuality intersects with other identities such as race and ethnicity, sex/gender, age, socioeconomic class, ability, and nationality.

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.

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.

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.

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.