Offered by
Department of Sociology, Geography and Earth Science
College of Natural and Social Sciences
SOC Courses
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- SOC 100GS - Introduction to Sociology - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
The development of social systems, group formations and types of social organizations, and
the nature of cultural and subcultural variations.
- SOC 124GS - Social Problems - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
An overview of issues confronting American society that have possible adverse social
consequences. Students select a broad cross section of social problems for study and
discussion. A theoretical approach/background is offered as a basis for examination of the
problems chosen.
- SOC 201 - Social Inequality - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
An examination of the American social class system and its impact on the lives of the
members of society. Theories of the development of social classes are offered as a basis
for class discussions. Alternative social class systems are examined along with the
American system. The course concentrates on power relationships, ownership of assets, and
the impact of class membership on values, beliefs, attitudes, life styles and life
chances.
- SOC 225 - Global Cultures and Diversity - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
This course acquaints the student with a broad range of cultural, racial, and social
groups which are recognized as different by the community. It focuses on the causes of the
differential treatment, the problems created for these groups and the community, and
suggests some solutions that practicing social workers and human service professionals
will find useful in dealing with these groups.
- SOC 237 - Sociological Inquiry - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
Systematic treatment of the design and conduct of social research and of the logical
foundations of empirical research. Includes guided practice in the collection and analysis
of data and an individual experience in the formulation and design of a research project.
(Offered in the Fall semester.)
- SOC 250GS - Anthropology - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
Reviews the physical evolution of humans and the origins of culture. The concepts of
culture and cross-cultural comparison are utilized to understand the various ways of life
humans have created throughout history.
- SOC 275 - Social Psychology - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
Group influences on individual behavior, including role theory, socialization, personality
development, and attitude change.
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- SOC 300 - Sociological Theory - 3 hours
- Prereq: SOC 100GS or a 200-level SOC course or permission
This course develops analytical approaches to the examination and use of sociological
theory in social systems. Basic comprehension of the various paradigms and schools of
thought are examined as well as critiques using classical, contemporary, and emerging
theoretical writings. Evaluation of the application of social theories is also attempted.
(Offered in the Fall semester.)
- SOC 310 - Introduction to Social Demography - 3 hours
- Prereq: SOC 100GS or SOC 124GS or by permission
This course will introduce the basic concepts of social demography. The class will familiarize students with important theoretical
perspectives, current patterns in global population and data sources to examine these patterns. The major demographic processes -
fertility, mortality and migration - will be discussed in detail. The class will conclude by examining changes in family and urban
structures.
- SOC 335 - The Aged in American Society - 3 hours
- Prereq: SOC 100GS or SOC 250GS or permission
This course examines the contributions of sociological theory to gerontology, including
such major perspectives as structural functionalism and conflict. Material presented will
create an awareness of the influences of older people. Topics to be covered include:
Socialization for the role of aged persons, social experiences of the elderly, political
and social participation of the elderly, and economic status of the elderly.
- SOC 340 - Sociology of the Holocaust - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
The Sociology of the Holocaust familiarizes students with a basic history of the Holocaust, and the social, political, and economic
conditions that created a climate in which it could occur. Sociological principles and concepts are applied to the historical events
that make up the Holocaust. Ethical issues and imperatives raised by the Holocaust are considered. Finally, questions are raised
about how and why the Holocaust should be remembered.
- SOC 349 - Sociology of Work - 3 hours
- Prereq: SOC 100GS or permission of instructor
An understanding of the present design of the American labor process will be achieved
through a socio-historical analysis of the workplace. By placing work in its social
context, we can better understand the gender and ethnic dynamics within the workplace.
Such programs as employee involvement will be analyzed within a social context.
- SOC 360 - Criminology - 3 hours
- Prereq: SOC 100GS or SOC 124GS or SOC 250GS or permission
The nature of crime; its types, distribution and trends. Theories of causation. Analysis
of law enforcement, law and the courts, treatment modalities, and post-release situation
of ex-offenders.
- SOC 363 - Juvenile Delinquency - 3 hours
- Prereq: SOC 100GS or SOC 124GS or SOC 250GS or permission
Examines types, distribution and trends of delinquent conduct. Theories of causation;
public reaction to delinquency. Detection and referral; the juvenile court; personnel,
processing and disposition; treatment and aftercare.
- SOC 369 - Sociology of Gender - 3 hours
- Prereq: SOC 100GS or SOC 250GS or permission
A course designed to increase knowledge regarding the initial development of sex-roles,
socialization for behavior that is "appropriate" to gender, and the satisfaction
of personal needs through interaction with societal groups. The intention is to raise
student consciousness of expanding options for future family life, occupational choices
and social relationships.
- SOC 370 - Sociological Research - 3 hours
- Prereq: SOC 237 or permission of the instructor
A sociological research project will be undertaken by the class in order to master the basic components of research. The project will be
defined at the beginning of the semester and may have components of quantitative and/or qualitative methods.
- SOC 380 - Sociology of Sexuality - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
This course is designed to explore the social bases of human sexual interaction. Though we may perceive sex to be a natural and
biologically driven behavior, it is in fact, largely shaped by social norms, values, and expectations. Therefore, over the course of
the semester, we will examine the variety of human sexual behaviors, as well as the social context in which these behaviors occur and
develop.
- SOC 410 - Globalization and Development - 3 hours
- Prereq: SOC 225 or SOC 310*
This course is designed to explore globalization and development. The class will introduce students to important perspectives regarding
globalization and development. The current trends emphasizing globalization in international dialogue will be examined. Relevant case
studies will be utilized to further the understanding of the processes involved in globalization and development.
- SOC 420 - Race and Minority Relations - 3 hours
- Prereq: SOC 100GS or SOC 250GS or permission
Examines the history and status of minority groups in society, the relationship between
minority groups and the dominant group, focuses on the causes of intergroup conflict and
suggests solutions to intergroup problems.
- SOC 430 - Sociology of Family - 3 hours
- Prereq: SOC 100GS or SOC 250GS or permission
A sociological analysis of the family as a social unit. Topics focus on historical
changes, cultural patterns, social class influences, group processes, institutional
aspects, contemporary social changes and the future of the family. The evolving role of
women will be examined for its impact on the family.
- SOC 440 - Sociology of Education - 3 hours
- Prereq: SOC 100GS or SOC 250GS or equivalent or permission of instructor
A systematic study of the social organization of the formal socialization process, the larger societal and organizational contexts of
the socialization process, and the sociocultural forces and conflicts among social groups in relation to the process. Analysis of the
adolescent as a client, the social organizations of the school, and the consequences and outcomes for participants in the schooling
process are examined. Contemporary trends, cross-cultural comparisons, and critiques of research findings and reports are examined
from the sociological perspective.
- SOC 442 - Sociology of Religion - 3 hours
- Prereq: SOC 100GS or SOC 250GS or permission
Examines religion as a social phenomenon and attempts to relate it to other aspects of
human social life. Topics considered include the dilemmas of belief and
institutionalization, religious movements, religion and change, secularization, and the
future of religion.
- SOC 461 - Deviance and Social Control - 3 hours
- Prereq: SOC 100GS or SOC 250GS or permission
The philosophical assumptions embedded in the theories of deviance are examined and
applied in the critical reading of deviance texts. A basic question explored is who and
what is defined as deviant by each of the sociological perspectives. Through this
examination we will investigate who controls social behavior and the basis of control
contained within the theories.
- SOC 462 - Sociology of Health and Illness - 3 hours
- Prereq: SOC 100GS or SOC 250GS or permission
This course provides an introduction to the field of medical sociology with attention to
physical as well as mental illnesses. The emphasis will be upon the influence of social
factors in becoming ill and social factors which influence treatment. Topics to be covered
will include: Social epidemiology, health and illness behavior, the health professions,
health care institutions, and alternative systems of health service.
- SOC 468 - Senior Seminar - 3 hours
- Prereq: 18 hours completed SOC coursework
Seminar serves as a capstone for the general degree option in sociology. The philosophical
underpinnings of the basic issues in sociology will be examined. Students come to see how
the pieces of sociology form a cogent whole.
- SOC 471 - Special Topics in General Sociology - 3 hours
- Prereq: SOC 100GS or SOC 250GS or permission
Special topics of current research by Sociology faculty actively involved in research projects.
- SOC 472 - Special Topics in Globalization - 3 hours
- Prereq: SOC 124GS or SOC 250GS or permission
This course will allow faculty to offer advanced courses in the globalization emphasis.
- SOC 475 - Internship - 1-6 hours
- Prereq: 12 hours of sociology or permission of instructor
This course is designed to give the student experience in a work situation within his/her
area of specialization and interest.
- SOC 488 - Research Seminar in Sociology - 3 hours
- Prereq: SOC 237 or permission
Group investigations of sociological problems.
- SOC 490 - Directed Research - 1-3 hours
- Prereq: SOC 237 or permission
Independent original research under the direction of a Sociology faculty member.
Permission and a contract specifying topic and requirements are necessary before
enrollment for the course.
- SOC 499 - Directed Readings - 1-3 hours
- Prereq: SOC 300* or two 300- to 400-level sociology courses; permission of instructor
Independent readings on advanced or contemporary sociological topics, to be selected in
consultation with and directed by a Sociology faculty member. A contract specifying
readings and requirements for the course is necessary before enrollment for the course.
* This course is the immediate prerequisite. Other preparation is required prior to this immediate prerequisite.
