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 124 - 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 188GS - General Studies Portal - 3 hours
- Prereq: freshman or sophomore standing
Students analyze critical issues confronting individuals and society in a global context as they pertain to the discipline in
which the Portal course is taught. The Portal is intended to help students succeed in their university education by being
mentored in process of thinking critically about important ideas and articulating their own conclusions. Students may take the
Portal in any discipline, irrespective of their major or minor. Satisfies the General Studies Portal course requirement.
Students may take their Portal course in any discipline. Students who transfer 24 or more hours of General Studies credit to UNK
are exempt from taking a portal course.
- 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 210GS - Participating in a Democratic Society - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
The primary focus of the course is to engage students in questions of democracy. Students will learn how to become informed
citizens by learning how to gather and analyze information, examining the various perspectives of arguments, and studying
contemporary social movements.
- 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 124 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 - The Holocaust - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
This course 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. Several disciplinary perspectives are applied to analyzing 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 124 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 124 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 124 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: either SOC 300* or two 300- to 400-level sociology courses AND 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.
