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SOCIOLOGY
Social Sciences
SOCI A100 Introductory Sociology 3 crs.
This introductory course focuses on the key concepts, theories, and methods that sociologists use to understand the social world. Readings, lectures, videos, and presentations are used to examine the role that culture, socialization, social inequality, and social institutions (e.g., family, education, government, economy, religion) play in shaping human behaviors and human interactions.
SOCI A200 Cultural Anthropology 3 crs.
This course is an introduction to cultural anthropology, which seeks to explain how and why peoples’ behaviors are both similar and different by studying their social, symbolic, and material lives. The course examines the relationships between culture and economic systems, social structures, politics, and the environment.
SOCI A215 Criminal Behavior 3 crs.
This course is a critical examination of the nature and extent of deviant and criminal behavior in complex, industrial societies. Particular attention will be given to the causes and consequences of criminal and deviant behavior.
SOCI A216 Law and Social Control 3 crs.
This course is an introduction to law and legal institutions as formal mechanisms for controlling deviant and criminal behavior. While emphasis will be placed on the social processes whereby laws are enacted, administered, and enforced and on the social institutions created to detect, process, punish, and treat law violators, the course also examines the relationship between law and non-legal forms of social control.
SOCI A220 Social Protest Movements 3 crs.
This course is a historical and sociological analysis of some of the major social movements and collective protests of the 20th century. Particular emphasis is given to understanding the Civil Rights and New Left movements of the 1960s, as well as the linkages of the Old Left, labor, prohibition, conservative, and feminist movements of the past and present.
SOCI H233 Honors Social Science: Planet Earth Blues 3 crs.
Common Curriculum: University Honors Program
This course is a critical examination of the core biophysical, cultural, economic, and sociopolitical roots of our global environmental crisis. Students will be introduced to many of the most pressing environmental problems facing the planet today–including population growth, energy use, climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity decline–and the extent to which these problems relate to larger global issues concerning development, globalization, social inequality, and human rights concerns.
SOCI A235 Applied Sociology 3 crs.
This course introduces students to the scientific discipline of sociology. Students will be exposed to key concepts, theories, and methodological approaches used by sociologists to understand the social world. The focus of the course will be on the application of the sociological perspective and tools of the discipline. Within this context, students will be exposed to the diversity of perspectives surrounding the conceptualization and practice of applied and clinical sociology today. The course will provide students with skills to understand and work for social change in ways they deem appropriate. The course will be divided into the following three major sections: 1) exploring the work of applied sociologists in diverse settings and the nature of their contributions across substantive areas of the discipline; 2) understanding the nature of evaluation research including the comprehensive range of activities involved in designing, implementing, and assessing the utility of social programs; and 3) introducing and applying diverse models of policy analysis that can be employed to explore selected social welfare issues.
SOCI A240 Sociology of the Family 3 crs.
This course explores the impact of social changes on family structures. Throughout the course, the sociological perspective is employed to focus on the link between larger social forces and their impact on intimate relationships. An emphasis is placed on the interactive relationships which exist between gender, race, social class, age, and sexual orientation and the constraints they impose on individuals and families.
SOCI A250 The Sociology of Gender 3 crs.
This course focuses on the constraints that the social construction of gender imposes on both men and women in our gender-stratified society. The emphasis of this course will be on developing a critical, empirically-based understanding of the structural and historical foundations affecting males and females in society.
SOCI A255 Human Sexuality 3 crs.
This course will examine the social, psychological, and biological dimensions that are reflected in the expression of human sexuality. Included topics will be the development of gender roles, reproductive facts, psychological implications, and value structures involved in decision-making about sexual behavior and life style.
SOCI A260 Women in Latin America 3 crs.
This course examines the social-structural context, daily realities, and contributions of Latin American women in the economy, politics, and the arts, with an emphasis on the 20th century. In so doing, the course also aims to convey a more thorough understanding of contemporary Latin American societies.
SOCI A270 Sociology of Popular Culture 3 crs.
This course explores the social, cultural, and political implications of popular culture. Focusing on television, advertisements, magazines, movies, and music, the course examines how popular culture may reinforce gender, race, class, and generational divisions in American society, as well as how individuals and audiences may use, and manipulate, popular culture in order to challenge those divisions.
SOCI A305 Social/Political Inequality 3 crs.
The unequal distribution of wealth and power, both globally and within the U.S., are examined. This course covers such topics as Third World underdevelopment, the social and political consequences of economic globalization, class conflict, and racial and gender inequality.
SOCI A310 Social Policy 3 crs.
This course is an analysis of specific social policy developments in the U.S. Consideration of contemporary and futuristic social policies are examined.
SOCI A315 Delinquency and Justice 3 crs.
This course is an examination of the nature and extent of juvenile delinquency in American society. Topics include theories of causation; juvenile justice policy; the evolution of the juvenile justice system; and methods of institutional correction and treatment.
SOCI A333 Correctional Institutions 3 crs.
A sociological analysis of the history, ideology, and social structure of correctional systems in the U.S. Includes an examination of sociolegal aspects of punishment ideologies, the social organization of prisons and incarcerated communities, the management and control of inmates, prison litigation, and the various alternatives to imprisonment such as jails, probation, intermediate sanctions, parole, and capital punishment.
SOCI A335 Research Methods and Techniques 4 crs.
This course introduces the basics of social science research methods commonly used in sociology. Topics include, among others, data collection, sampling, research design, social measurement, field research, interviewing techniques, and secondary data research. Students attend a weekly computer lab session that focuses on applying the principles of research methods in a research project.
SOCI A336 Social Statistics 4 crs.
This course is a general introduction to the fundamentals of applied descriptive and inferential statistical procedures for data analysis in the social and behavioral sciences. Students completing this course are expected to have mastered these fundamental procedures and be able to apply them in the analysis of data. Students demonstrate their mastery and application of these procedures during a weekly lab period.
Prerequisites: SOCI A335, MATH A115.
SOCI A337 Ethnographic Methods: Fieldwork Abroad 3 crs.
We are often so immersed in the task of living, that we rarely take the time to reflect on the social and cultural rules and patterns that govern our lives. Ethnography is the art of careful observation and analysis of everyday life. We will learn practical tools for carrying out participant observation, keeping field notes, interviewing, and analyzing data and we will put these tools into practice each day at designated field sites abroad.
SOCI A345 Sociological Theory 3 crs.
This course covers the elements of theory construction including the role of deductive reasoning and the relationship between research and theory. Major theorists and theories will be studied for their strategies, purposes, and formats. Also included is a review of modern sociological paradigms and current controversies in the field.
Prerequisite: SOCI A100.
SOCI A365 The Sixties 3 crs.
This course offers a social history and a critical analysis of one of the most turbulent, complex, and watershed decades in U.S. history. From the Cold War of the 1950s to the end of the Vietnam war in 1975, the major people, events, ideas, music, protests, struggles, and innovations of the era are examined through readings, film, and multimedia.
SOCI A400 Third World Repression/ Revolution 3 crs.
This course examines sociological perspectives on the causes and outcomes of revolution in the Third World (Asia, Africa, and Latin America). Special attention is given to the cultural politics of revolution, including the role of art, film, literature, and education in forging new national identities, ideologies, and practices.
SOCI A416 Gender, Law, and Social Control 3 crs.
This course offers a critical examination of the relationships between law, social control, and gender inequality in the U.S. While a number of theoretical approaches are discussed in this course, we primarily examine the various substantive issues of law and gender from a feminist perspective. Gender is the primary organizing variable for the course materials, but at each stage we consider the intersections between gender, class, and race. Topics covered include: core concepts of law, legal systems, crime, social control, the social construction of gender, feminist theory and feminist jurisprudence, gendered patters of criminal offending and victimization (with particular attention to intimate partner violence, rape, and child sex abuse), issues in family law, reproduction, and gendered patterns of sentencing and punishment.
SOCI A495 Special Project arranged
This project focuses on the creative or productive efforts of one or more students. A special project is distinguished from a research project in its lack of the historical or experimental method and perspective characteristics of research.
Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
SOCI A496 Seminar/Workshop arranged
A seminar is a supervised group of students sharing the results of their research on a common topic. A workshop is a supervised groups of students participating in a common effort.
SOCI A497 Internship/ Practicum 3 crs.
This course is a required senior seminar for sociology majors designed to link sociological knowledge gained in the major with "real" world experiences. It involves supervised participation in a community field placement for a minimum of 100 hours during the semester and the successful completion of a comprehensive research paper.
SOCI A499 Independent Study arranged
SOCI W140 Development of Social Thought 3 crs.
Common Curriculum: Behavioral/Social Sciences Pre-modern
This course reviews the major theoretical sources and historical contexts of the Western ideas of society, culture, and human nature by tracing the development of scientific sociology. The course considers the contributions sociology has made in dealing with the issues of objectivity and the separation of fact from value and human beings’ general understanding of themselves and their social existence.
SOCI X132 Social Problems 3 crs.
Common Curriculum: Behavioral/Social Sciences Modern
This Common Curriculum course focuses on sociological approaches to understanding and resolving many of the most pressing social problems facing our global and national societies. Readings, lectures, and films expose students to a variety of perspectives on issues such as poverty, homelessness, inequality, and welfare reform; racism, sexism, and discrimination against gays and lesbians; Third World underdevelopment and immigration; population growth and environmental destruction; crime and criminal justice; and AIDS and public health care.
SOCI X134 Social Policy and the Christian 3 crs.
Common Curriculum: Behavioral/Social Sciences Modern
This course is a critical analysis of Christian social teachings as they attempt to assess and direct Christian responsibility in formulating social policies and influencing social practices.
Prerequisite: RELS T122.
SOCI X135 Environment and Society 3 crs.
Common Curriculum: Behavioral/Social Sciences Modern
This course explores the relationship of humans and their societies to the natural environment. Integrating both scientific and philosophical viewpoints, this course focuses on introducing students to the basic concepts, ecological philosophies, political strategies, and social history of the U.S. environmental movement.
SOCI X136 Global Environmental Crisis 3 crs.
Common Curriculum: Behavioral/Social Sciences Modern
This course is a general exploration of the major ecological problems facing the planet today and their relationship to globalization trends and patterns of social inequality. Topics such as global warming, ozone destruction, acid rain, declining energy resources, overpopulation, hunger, soil erosion, deforestation, species extinction, solid and hazardous wastes, and general pollution issues are critically examined.
SOCI X140 Global Sociology 3 crs.
Common Curriculum: Behavioral/Social Sciences Modern
The course examines colonial and post-colonial relationships between countries at different levels of social and economic development, with a focus on the impact of globalization. We explore the challenge of resolving international differences over issues like women’s rights, human rights, the environment, religion, and traditional culture.
SOCI X145 Peoples of Latin America 3 crs.
Common Curriculum: Behavioral/Social Sciences Modern
This Common Curriculum course offers an interdisciplinary introduction to modern Latin America–its social, economic, political, and cultural structures and practices. The course aims to help students develop the analytical skills necessary to better understand and appreciate the region’s rich diversity and complexity, including its relationship to the U.S. and world-system.
SOCI X150 Encountering the Caribbean 3 crs.
Common Curriculum: Behavioral/Social Sciences Modern
Caribbean societies are varied in their social, political, and cultural characteristics, but united by their history of colonialism and struggles for national independence and political and economic autonomy. This course examines the social, cultural, political, and economic factors that have shaped Caribbean societies.
SOCI X152 Violence and Society 3 crs.
Common Curriculum: Behavioral/Social Sciences Modern
In the light of the alarming prevalence of violence in our country and in our world, this course addresses possible causes, various contexts, and positive solutions regarding this important phenomenon. Interdisciplinary insights and literature will be reviewed and discussed.
SOCI X155 Race and Ethnic Conflict 3 crs.
Common Curriculum: Behavioral/Social Sciences Modern
This course is an overview and analysis of the dynamics of racism, prejudice, and discrimination against minorities, as well as the historical and sociological basis for racial and ethnic tensions in the U.S. Extensive attention is given to the immigration experiences of all the major ethnic groups that comprise contemporary American society.
SOCI C100 Introductory Sociology 3 crs.
This course is an introduction to the sociological perspective with consideration given to the concepts of society and culture. General survey of relevant theory and research gives the student an understanding of the sociologist’s approach to human behavior.
SOCI C205 Social Work and Drug Abuse 3 crs.
This course explores psychoactive drug use and abuse from historical, psychological, and sociological perspectives. Special attention will be paid to such topics as the criminalization of drugs, the impacts of drug use on the criminal justice system, and the nature of drug treatment, testing, and education in contemporary society.
SOCI C210 Social Psychology 3 crs.
This course is a survey of major social psychological theories and topics, with special emphasis on socialization, processes of social perception, and patterns of social interaction, including affiliation, aggression, and intergroup cooperation.
SOCI C255 Human Sexuality 3 crs.
This course will examine the social, psychological, and biological dimensions that are reflected in the expression of human sexuality. Included topics will be the development of gender roles, reproductive facts, psychological implications, and value structures involved in decision-making about sexual behavior and life style.
SOCI C305 Stratification and Power in the U.S. 3 crs.
The unequal distribution of wealth and power in this country and in the world and its causes and consequences will be examined in this course. A study of political and economic power and powerlessness, this course covers such topics as poverty, homelessness, class conflict, and racial and gender inequality.
SOCI C360 Sociology of Health and Illness 3 crs.
The sociological and psychological aspects of physical and mental health and illness, the relationship between disease and environment, and the impact of health on society.
SOCI C365 Social Problems 3 crs.
This course is a survey and analysis of social problems including war, under- and over development, the ecological crisis, population and its control, intergroup conflict, violence, disease, and despair.
SOCI C367 Institution of the Family 3 crs.
This course examines both sociological and psychological aspects of the American family with particular emphasis in its changing nature. Special topics examined include the family life cycle, stress and conflict, divorce and disorganization, changing roles of children, and changing social attitudes and behaviors. Other cultures are explored.
SOCI C368 Sociology of Youth and Adolescence 3 crs.
This course explores the world of adolescence, that period of development in individuals marked by major physiological, psychological, and social changes. All aspects of adolescence are covered including maturational and intellectual changes, peer, family and school life, and various problems related to youth.
SOCI C375 Continuity and Change in Modern Society 3 crs.
This course is an examination of the nature of social organization with particular reference to differentiation, social stratification, and issues of continuity and change in social institutions including the identification and analysis of major trends in modern society.
SOCI C380 Violence and Society 3 crs.
This course addresses the general topic of violence in America including crimes of violence, interpersonal violence, violence in the family, adolescent violence, political violence, community violence, and organizational violence. Perpetrators and victims are studied, and positive solutions to violence are offered. The course has an interdisciplinary focus.
SOCI C410 Sociology of Work and Occupation 3 crs.
Development and place of occupations and professions of modern life; personal recruitment; education and careers; social relationship and the work role are looked at in this course.
SOCI C475 Asylums, Stigmas, Etc. 3 crs.
This course is a survey of the major works of the late sociologist Erving Goffman. Course content deals with the interaction rituals in which individuals engage in a variety of environments, ranging from total institutions to more common places such as work or business. The dramaturgical or "life is a theatre" method is examined in Goffman’s work.