Courses and Descriptions

100-Level Courses
Socl. 100 S/lntroduction to Sociology
The course introduces the basic concepts, principles, and major areas of sociology. Topics include the nature of society,
social organizations, and major social institutions. Credits: 3(3-0)

200-Level Courses
Socl. 201 Black Women in American Society
An examination of the status of black women, focusing on the themes of gender, race, and class. The experiences
of black women will be explored from an historical and cross-cultural perspective, from slavery through the present.
Prerequisites: Any 100-level Sociology course or permission of instructor. Credits: 3(3-0). Offered when the demand is sufficient

Socl. 209 The American Criminal Justice System
An analysis of the social construction of crime, followed by consideration of the policies, roles and practices of the
primary crime control agencies (police, courts, punishment). The functions and interrelations of each component of the
criminal justice system are examined, as is the role of criminal justice in society. Issues in public policy and the
evaluation of crime control measures are emphasized. Prerequisite: Any 100-level Sociology course or permission
of instructor. Credits: 3(3-0).

Socl. 210 Sociology of the Family
This course analyzes the family as a social institution and social system, including its relationship to other social
systems such as the economy and gender. Topics include families in the U.S. and other societies, the history of the family,
diversity in family composition, racial, ethnic, and social class variations in family
culture and structure, family social policy and legal issues, and contemporary controversies concerning the family.
Prerequisite: any 100-levelSociology, course or permission of instructor. Credits: 3(3-0).

Socl. 211 R/Statistics for Social Research
Data presentation, descriptive statistical analysis, and basic inferential techniques. Theoretical and methodological
issues, as well as statistical applications are studied. Students are trained to develop quantitative analysis skills
and an ability to use statistics in social science disciplines and day-to-day life. (Students may not receive credit
for more than one 200-level statistics course, including credit for more than one of the following courses:
Econ. 202, Math 242, PlSc. 25l, Psyc. 250, and Socl. 21l.) Prerequisite: Math 110 or
three years of high school mathematics including intermediate algebra. Credits: 3(3-0).

Socl. 212 Sociological Research
The design and implementation of empirical research in sociology with an emphasis on quantitative methodology.
Examines the logic of social inquiry and the uses and problems of various research designs and methods of data
collection. Provides background necessary to evaluate research in social science, experience in conducting
sociological research, and an introduction to computer methods of data analysis. Particular emphasis is on analysis
of available data, and survey research. Prerequisites: Socl. 100 or permission of instructor. Credits: 3(3-0).

Socl. 213 Sociology of Medicine
Presents social and cultural factors influencing health and illness. Looks at the roles of health care professionals,
patients, and medical settings in our society. Discusses the relationships between the current health care system
and the political and economic systems. Credits: 3(3-0). Offered every fall

Socl. 215 Women and the Law
This course examines the legal issues that are of particular importance to women. It includes discussion of law
regarding marriage and divorce, reproduction and contraception, employment, education, sexual conduct, prostitution,
pornography, rape, and family violence. The usefulness of legal change for promoting change regarding gender roles
will be discussed. There will be some historical and cross-cultural analysis, but primary focus will be on modern
U.S. society. Credits: 3(3-0). Offered when demand is sufficient

Socl. 217 U/Urban Sociology
Social aspects of cities are studied, including the origins and development of cities, the emergence of suburbs,
urban ways of life, characteristics of cities in the U.S., contemporary urban problems, and urban policy.
Prerequisite: any 100-level Sociology course or permission of instructor. Credits: 3(3-0). Offered every spring

Socl. 218 Environmental Sociology
This course deals with the application of social science theory and methods to the study of the relationship
between humans' natural and social environments. Topics include an analysis of the historical context of
perceived tensions between these two environments, sociological criteria for assessing environmental crisis,
and the environmental social movement. Additionally, select environmental problems will be used as a
vehicle from which to explore the nature of sociology's contributions to the resolution of environmental crisis.
Credits: 3(3-0). Offered once a year

Socl. 220 U/Inequality, Class, and Poverty
Inequalities in social prestige, political power, and economic rewards are examined. Topics include the origins
of stratification, classical theories of stratification, inequality in the United States today, life styles of social classes,
social mobility, and the persistence of poverty. Credits: 3(3-0).

Socl. 225 Sociology of Gender
This course introduces students to the sociological study of gender in contemporary U.S. society by examining
the social structural bases of gendered behavior and gender inequality. Topics include gender socialization,
differentiation, and stratification. The course examines gender in institutional structures including the economy,
education, law and the family. Historical and cross-cultural variations in gender are explored as well as variations
by race, ethnicity, social class and sexual orientation. Prerequisite: any 100-level Sociology course or
permission of instructor. Credits: 3(3-0). Offered every spring

Socl. 230 S/U/Race and Ethnicity
Given the projection of dramatic transformations in the racial and ethnic composition of the United States
during the 21st century, it is important to have a historical and sociological grasp of how racial and ethnic
relations have been shaped in the past and of what lessons we can learn and apply to the future of American.
This course introduces sociological concepts and theories in the study of race and ethnicity, provides a broad
historical understanding of how different groups were assimilated into or segregated from the American society,
and examines contemporary issues on race and ethnicity, such as affirmative action and bilingual education,
that define political and cultural discourse of our everyday lives. This course will also compare and contrast
the race relations of the U.S. with those of other societies. Credits: 3(3-0). Offered every fall.

Socl. 240 S/Sociology of Religion
The course examines the relationship between religion and society.
Topics include theoretical explorations into the nature, origins, and functions of religion; interpretations of the
place of religion and ritual in social life; analyses of interaction between religion and the other institutions of
society, especially economics and politics; and examination of
religious change, conflicts over religion, and social movements that have religious bases.
Credits:. 3(3-0). Offered when demand is sufficient.

Socl. 241 S/The Individual and Society
Major social psychological approaches to understanding the relationship between individuals and
their social contexts are reviewed. Basic social psychological processes such as language, socialization,
the self, and face-to-face interaction are discussed. Credits: 3(3-0). Offered every fall

Socl. 250 Sociology of Deviance
This course is an inquiry into the social construction of deviance. Emphasis is placed on how behavior
comes to be defined as deviant and the interests advanced by these definitions, as well as on societal
responses to deviance, causes of individual involvement in deviant behavior, and deviance designations
as a form of social control. Prerequisite: Any 100-level Sociology
course or permission of instructor. Credits: 3(3-0).

Socl. 260 Population Studies
A general survey of the field of population studies, including the nature of demographic data and
problems in their collection, review of historical and current data, and various forecasts of the future
population of the world and of selected areas. Population policies, social factors which influence
changes, and social norms which result from demographic structure and changes are stressed. Special
attention is given to American population structure. Prerequisite: any 100-level Sociology course or
permission of instructor. Credits: 3(3-0). Offered when demand is sufficient

Socl. 265 Classical Sociological Theory
Students will become familiar with the basic theoretical position and concepts of Marx,
Durkheim, and Weber. Students will develop critical reasoning skills so that they can distinguish
between the conflict orientationm functionalist orientation, and the interpretive orientation to is
given to social reality. Prerequisite: Socl. 100 or permission of instructor. Credits: 3(3-0).

Socl 281: Selected Topics (Subtitle)
An intensive study of a topic in sociology not covered in depth in other courses or,
alternatively, an attempt to integrate two or more paradigms or converging
perspectives in the field to be studied. (May be taken for credit no more than twice)
Prerequisite: any 100 level sociology course or permission of the instructor. (Some
topics may require additional prerequisites.) Credits: 3(3-0).
Offered when demand is sufficient.

Socl. 290 Sociology of Work
This course examines the nature of work, its history, and how it affects our lives. Issues include
changes in the structure and organization of work and the labor market, inequality in the workplace,
workplace democracy, unions, work networks, work and leisure, and family work. Additionally,
specific occupations will be examined. Prerequisite: any 100-level Sociology course or
permission of instructor. Credits: 3(3-0). Offered every spring

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Socl. 314 Illness, Self, and Society
Examines health and illness as social phenomena. Focuses on how individual experience with
illness is influenced by social context. Topics include the social construction of health and illness,
the experience of acute and chronic diseases, the nature and role of social support, and the self
and illness.Prerequisite: any 100-level Sociology course or permission of instructor.
Credits: 3(3-0). Offered when demand is sufficient.

Socl. 316 Juvenile Delinquency
An analysis of the major theoretical and policy issues concerning juvenile delinquency. Topics include
the history of childhood and adolescence in Western society; the definition, extent, and measurement
of delinquency; and explanation of delinquency. Prerequisite: any 100-level Sociology course or
permission of instructor. Credits: 3(3-0). Offered Spring, odd years.

Socl. 325 Global Social Change
The course explores the meaning, causes and consequences of globalization and the mechanisms
by which social change occurs. Starting with the formation of global society since the 19th
century, this course analyzes contemporary global processes of economic, political and cultural
change. Topics include the global economy, international organizations, global popular culture,
and global social movements focusing on human and women's rights, ethnic identity, the
environment, and democracy. Prerequisite: any 100-level Sociology course or permission
of instructor. Credits: 3(3-0). Offered when demand is sufficient.

Socl. 333 Sociology of Education
An examination and analysis of the relationship between the educational institutions of American
society and other major institutional structures such as the economy, family, and the political system.
Consideration of how American Education affects and reflects race, class, and gender divisions.
May also consider cross-cultural differences in educational systems.. Prerequisite: any 100-level
Sociology course or permission of instructor. Credits: 3(3-0). Offered every spring.

Socl. 335 Organizations and Society
This course examines the structures and processes of organizations as well as relations of people
within organizations. Issues include a critical analysis of bureaucracy and scientific management,
contemporary management structures, difference and inequality between and within organizations,
and alternative organizational forms. Prerequisite: any 100-level Sociology course.
Credits: 3(3-0). Offered every fall

Socl. 340 Social Movements
Both elementary forms of collective groups and varieties of social movements that affect
social change are analyzed. The focus is on structural and normative considerations.
Prerequisite: any 100-level Sociology course or permission of instructor. Credits: 3(3-0).
Offered when demand is sufficient

Socl. 347 Criminology
An intensive examination of theoretical perspectives on crime, with specific attention to the
exceptionally high rates of crime in the United States relative to similar nations. This involves
systematic consideration of individual, group, organizational, societal, and cultural contributions
to criminality. The origins of criminal law and patterns of criminal law enforcement are also considered.
Finally, the relationship between crime and punishment is analyzed. Prerequisite: any 100-level
Sociology course Credits: 3(3-0). Offered every fall

Socl. 352 Aging and Society
The course analyzes ways in which the experience and meaning of aging are influenced by the social context.
Theories of aging, methodological issues in research on aging, and demographic characteristics of the aged
are examined, along with the following topics as they relate to aging: socialization, economics, health,
social relations, housing, retirement, institutionalization, and public policy. Prerequisite: any 100-level
Sociology course or permission of instructor.Credits: 3(3-0). Offered once a year

Socl. 354 Political Sociology
This course studies power in contemporary society. It examines the nature, organization,
distribution, determinants, and consequences of power. Emphasis is placed upon theories
of social, political, and economic power; studies of power relationships,
decision-making processes, and political participation. . Prerequisite: any 100-level
Sociology course or permission of instructor.Credits: 3(3-0). Offered when demand is sufficient

Socl. 356 The Social Self
An investigation of the self from a sociological perspective. The course includes topics such
as the social sources of the self, the role of the self in social interaction, the relationship between
changes in society and changes in self, and problems with the self in contemporary society.
Prerequisite: any l00-level Sociology course or permission of instructor.Credits: 3(3-0).
Offered spring, even years

Socl. 358 Sociology of Emotions
This course examines how emotions and emotional culture are an important influence on social
behavior, how social institutions shape human emotions, how emotions vary historically and
cross-culturally, and how particular emotional norms disadvantage particular categories of people.
Prerequisite: any 100-level Sociology course or permission of instructor. Credits: 3(3-0).
Offered when demand is sufficient

Socl. 361 Field Research Methods
Techniques of social research conducted in natural settings, including observation, interviewing,
and unobtrusive methods, are examined and skills in using them are developed. Procedures for
analyzing information obtained and for presenting findings are addressed. Prerequisite: any 100-level
Sociology course or permission of instructor. Credits: 3(3-0). Offered every fall

Socl. 365 Contemporary Sociological Theory
The course introduces students to the main traditions in sociological theory that developed in
in the 20th century. Students will evaluate functionalist theory, conflict theories, and micro-
sociological theories. Prerequisite: Socl. 265 or permission of instructor. Credits: 3(3-0)

Socl 376 Senior Seminar:Selected Topics in Sociology
This course can be taken to meet the senior seminar
requirement in Sociology. It is an intensive study of a topic in
Sociology not covered in depth in other courses or, alternatively,
an attempt to integrate two or more paradigms or converging
perspectives in the field to be studied. Students are expected to
produce a research paper and present findings.
Prerequisites: 21 hours in Sociology. Credits: 3(3-0)

Socl 377 Senior Seminar:Internship
This course can be taken to meet the senior seminar
requirement in Sociology. The internship is designed to
provide students with some practical experience working in one
of a wide range of public sector organizations within the local
community. Students will also need to meet academic requirements
which include readings, participation in a seminar, writing of a research
paper and the presentation of findings.
Prerequisites: 21 hours in Sociology. Credits: 3(3-0)

Socl 378 Senior Seminar:Study Abroad
This course can be taken to meet the senior seminar
requirement in Sociology. It is designed for upper level Sociology
majors and is conducted in an international setting. Location and
topics will vary from year to year. Students are expected to produce
a research paper and present findings.
Prerequisites: 18 hours in Sociology. Credits: 3(3-0)

Socl 379 Senior Seminar:Senior Thesis
This course can be taken to meet the senior seminar
requirement in Sociology. Students are expected to prepare
an original research paper on a specific sociological issue under
the supervision of a faculty advisor.
Prerequisites: 21 hours in Sociology. Credits: 3(3-0)

Socl. 390 Selected Topics: (Subtitle)
An intensive study of a topic in sociology not covered in depth in other courses or, alternatively,
an attempt to integrate two or more paradigms or converging perspectives in the field to be studied.
(May be taken for credit no more than twice.) Prerequisite: any l00-level Sociology course or
permission of instructor. (Some topics may require additional prerequisites.)
Credits: 3(3-0). Offered when demand is sufficient

Socl. 391 Senior Thesis
The student will prepare a lengthy, original paper on a specific sociological issue under the
supervision of a faculty advisor. Prerequisites: senior standing, minimum 3. GPA in the major;
approval of Department Chairperson. Credits: 3(3-0). Offered by individual arrangement

Socl 395 Internship
The internship is designed to provide students with some practical experience working in one
of a wide range of public sector organizations within the local community. Students will also
need to meet academic requirements, which may include readings, a written report, participation
in a seminar, and/or oral presentation. Credits may range from 3-15 hours per semester. (Note:
Students may present no more than 15 hours of internship credit toward the baccalaureate degree.)
Prerequisites: 6 hours in sociology; minimum 2.75 GPA; and approval by both the agency
supervisor and Sociology Department internship coordinator. Offered by individual arrangement

Socl. 395 Internship: Social Science Lab Assistant
Field Responsibilities
Social Science Lab Assistants may be asked to do any of the following:
a. attend selected class meetings of courses using the lab
b. make presentations, demonstrations for students in the lab
c. keep lab hours to assist students who are having trouble
d. hold review sessions prior to exams

Note: Students are expected to be in the lab seven hours per week. Times to be arranged.

Academic Responsibilities
Social Science Lab Assistants will participate in a weekly one-hour seminar.
Reading assignments will be related to lab activities and to the general topic of "computers and society."

Internship applications can be picked up in the Sociology Department office, Sturges 122
 

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