Sociology

Faculty

Pamela J. Forman, Chair

Kati Barahona-López
Melissa Bonstead-Bruns
Margaret L. Cassidy
Jeff S. Erger
Peter Hart-Brinson
Jianjun Ji
Tarique Niazi
Kathleen A. Nybroten

SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology (3 crs)

Introduces students to sociological perspectives of human social behavior, social structures, interaction, socialization, culture, institutions, and social change.

Attributes: GE IIIF Social Science-Sociology, LE-K2 Social Sciences, LE-R1 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

SOC 164 Family and Intimate Relationships (3 crs)

• Credit may not be earned in both SOC 164 and WMNS 164.

An introduction to dating, cohabitation, family formation, and marriage. Addresses the family as a social institution as well as changes in families. Attention to current issues in relationships and families.

Attributes: GE IIIF Social Science-Sociology, LE-K2 Social Sciences

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

SOC 202 Sociology of Gender (3 crs)

• Credit may not be earned in both SOC 202 and WGSS 202.

Explores sexism and cisgender privilege in social institutions in the U.S. and globally using a social constructionist and intersectional approach.

Attributes: GE IIIF Social Science-Sociology, LE-R1 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

SOC 242 Contemporary Social Problems (3 crs)

Sociological perspectives are applied to the identification, analysis, explanations, and solutions to social problems of contemporary American society.

Attributes: GE IIIF Social Science-Sociology, LE-R3 Civic and Environmental Issues

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

SOC 291 Special Topics--Issues in Sociology (3 crs)

• A sum total of nine credits of SOC 291 and SOC 491 may be counted toward the major and six credits toward the minor. Topic must differ to repeat.

A close examination of a topic selected because of special interest on the part of students or faculty. Sample topics include: Sociology of Sport, Environmental Sociology, and Sociology of Youth.

Repeat: Course may be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

SOC 301 Environmental Sociology (3 crs)

Prerequisite: SOC 101

• No credit if taken after SOC 491 when offered as Environmental Sociology.

The course reviews sociological theories that explain environmental changes; it concentrates on sociological causes, consequences, and responses to such environmental challenges as climate change, ozone depletion, acid rain, land-air-water pollution, deforestation, desertification, and interstate and intrastate conflicts.

Attributes: GE IIIF Social Science-Sociology, LE-K2 Social Sciences, LE-R3 Civic and Environmental Issues

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

SOC 304 Sociology of the Middle East (3 crs)

Prerequisite: SOC 101

• No credit if taken after SOC 491 when offered as Sociology of the Middle East.

The course reviews the relationships among the state, society and the environment in the Middle East. It examines the region's security, resources, challenges, conflicts and potential peace-making from an ecological perspective.

Attributes: GE IIIF Social Science-Sociology, LE-K2 Social Sciences, LE-R2 Global Perspectives

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

SOC 310 Principles of Demography (3 crs)

Size, composition, and spatial distribution of human populations; changes resulting from demographic and other social processes; consequences for human welfare, implications for population policies.

Attributes: GE IIIF Social Science-Sociology

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

SOC 312 Race and Ethnicity in the U.S. (3 crs)

Prerequisite: SOC 101

Causes and consequences of prejudice, racism, and discrimination. Examination of minority status of African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian Americans. Contrast to European ancestry groups.

Attributes: Cultural Diversity 3 cr., GE IIIF Social Science-Sociology, LE-DDIV Design for Diversity, LE-R1 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

SOC 314 Social Class and Inequality (3 crs)

Prerequisite: SOC 101

Examination of the extent, causes, impact, and theoretical explanations for social inequality with an emphasis on social class; includes examinations of power relations, social mobility, poverty, race, and gender.

Attributes: Cultural Diversity 1 cr., GE IIIF Social Science-Sociology, LE-DDIV Design for Diversity, LE-R1 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity, Undergraduate/Graduate Offering

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

SOC 316 Sociology of Family (3 crs)

Prerequisite: SOC 101.

• Credit may not be earned in both SOC 316 and WMNS 316.

Examines research and theory on families in the U.S. Emphasis on variations in families, recent changes, and prospects for the future.

Attributes: GE IIIF Social Science-Sociology, LE-R1 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

SOC 317 Sociology of Food and Agriculture (3 crs)

Prerequisite: SOC 101

The prevalent industrial food and agricultural systems have caused massive ecological transformations, which in turn have imperiled the sustainability of food and agricultural systems. This dysfunction is the result of an unsustainable relationship between ecosystems and social systems, which need to be understood, and replaced with sustainable alternatives. This course is an attempt to help young scholars become food-smart and agriculture-wise.

Attributes: LE-K2 Social Sciences, LE-R3 Civic and Environmental Issues

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

SOC 321 The Individual in Society (3 crs)

Prerequisite: SOC 101

Ethnomethodological, symbolic interactionist, and other microsociological approaches to the social psychological study of the individual in interaction and society. Topics covered include identity, reasoning, emotion, gender differences, and face-to-face interaction.

Attributes: GE IIIF Social Science-Sociology

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

SOC 328 Sociological Data Analysis (3 crs)

Prerequisite: Completion of Liberal Education Skills Outcome 2 (S2) course; SOC 101. Limited to sociology majors and minors, and criminal justice majors.

Attention to statistical description, statistical inference, graphic presentation, and interpretation of results. Use of basic SPSS skills for analyzing sociological data. Covers univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis.

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

SOC 330 Sociological Theory (3 crs)

Prerequisite: SOC 101. Limited to sociology majors and minors.

Part I of the theory-methods sequence. Reviews sociological theory from classical through contemporary times. Examples of modern research are used to serve as a foundation for student work developing theoretically grounded research questions.

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

SOC 332 Sociological Research Methods (4 crs)

Prerequisite: SOC 330. Limited to sociology majors and minors or Social Studies, Broadfield Teaching Sociology emphasis majors

• Criminal justice majors may enroll if they have completed CRMJ 301.

Part II of theory-methods sequence. Covers principles, techniques, and practice of scientific research, with emphasis on quantitative survey methods.

Attributes: LE-S3 Creativity

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 2

SOC 351 Sociology of Deviance (3 crs)

Prerequisite: SOC 101

Sociological perspectives are used to enhance the understanding of deviance as human behavior in the social context. The causes and consequences of the various forms of deviance are examined. Social action programs to control, manage and prevent deviance are presented, analyzed, and evaluated.

Attributes: GE IIIF Social Science-Sociology

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

SOC 360 Sociology of Culture (3 crs)

Prerequisite: SOC 101

Analysis of the symbolic dimension of social life, focusing on the arts, music, media, language, religion, cognition, subcultures, and inequality.

Attributes: LE-I1 Integration

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

SOC 364 Social Gerontology (3 crs)

Prerequisite: SOC 101

Focuses on the social aspects of aging. Examines research and theories in the field, social structural influences on the aging process, and the social experiences and relationships of older people.

Attributes: GE IIIF Social Science-Sociology, Undergraduate/Graduate Offering

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

SOC 366 Society in Contemporary China (3 crs)

Prerequisite: SOC 101

This course provides an in-depth perspective on contemporary Chinese society including its governmental hierarchy, modernization drive, regionalism and social issues, as well as the social context in terms of history, culture, religion, and ecological and demographic constraints.

Attributes: Foreign Culture

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

SOC 395 Directed Studies (1-3 crs)

Prerequisite: Six credits in sociology. Minimum resident GPA of 2.50.

Consent: Department Consent Required

Directed study of a sociological problem approved by the supervising instructor and department chair.

Repeat: Course may be repeated

SOC 399 Independent Study - Juniors (1-3 crs)

Consent: Department Consent Required

An intensive study of a sociological topic resulting in a quality paper or report.

Repeat: Course may be repeated

SOC 405 Sociology of Work and Occupations (3 crs)

Prerequisite: SOC 101. Credit may not be earned in both SOC 385 and SOC 405.

The course will provide an in-depth look at the nature of work and occupations including the general history of work, the basic types of work and structure of occupations, current employment trends, issues of inequality and work, problems of work/life balance, and policy issues associated with work.

Grading Basis: A-F Grades Only

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

Seminar Hours: 3

SOC 410 Sociology of Education (3 crs)

Prerequisite: SOC 101

Education as a social process and institution. Examines key theoretical and research contributions, social inequality, and public policy.

Grading Basis: No Auditors

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

Seminar Hours: 3

SOC 415 Social Movements (3 crs)

Prerequisite: SOC 101. No credit if taken after SOC 491 with the same topic.

The course examines past and contemporary efforts by people to bring about or resist social change. Topics include the origins of social movements, their members, resources, and tactics, and causes of success or failure.

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

SOC 419 Gender and Power (3 crs)

Prerequisite: SOC 101 or WGSS 100

• Credit may not be earned in both SOC 419 and WGSS 419.

Sociological analysis of gender oppression and cisgender privilege in interactions, organizations, and institutions. Examines national and global gender inequities.

Attributes: Cultural Diversity 1 cr.

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

SOC 426 Sociology of Sexualities (3 crs)

Prerequisite: SOC 101

• Credit may not be earned in both SOC 426 and WGSS 426.

Using a sociological framework this course critically examines how society influences sexual beliefs, behaviors, and identities. The relationship between sexuality and the social institutions of family, education, government, medicine, religion, and media is studied.

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

SOC 490 Sociology Capstone (3 crs)

Prerequisite: SOC 332. Limited to sociology majors. Minimum of 18 credits of sociology.

This course enables majors to integrate the skills and knowledge obtained through the major and their coursework. Students synthesize basic research and applied components of the discipline.

Attributes: LE-I1 Integration, Capstone Course

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

SOC 491 Special Topics (3 crs)

Prerequisite: SOC 101. Minimum junior standing.

• A sum total of nine credits of SOC 291 and SOC 491 may be counted toward the major and six credits toward the minor.

Intensive study of a topic selected because of special interest on the part of students or faculty. Topics include: Gender and Work, Medical Sociology, Marital Adjustment, and Divorce.

Repeat: Course may be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

SOC 492 Honors Seminar in Sociology (1 cr)

Prerequisite: Limited to sociology majors. Resident, total, and departmental GPAs of 3.50 or higher, and acceptance of student into Honors Program.

Consent: Department Consent Required

Design and reports of in-depth original study of selected sociological problems by students in Honors Program.

Repeat: Course may be repeated

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 2

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

SOC 496 Research Apprenticeship in Sociology (1-3 crs)

Prerequisite: 3.00 GPA in sociology courses with a minimum of six credits.

Consent: Instructor Consent Required

Qualified students, supervised by faculty, engage in collaborative research with faculty. Research apprenticeship activities may include interviews, observations, and questionnaire construction; variable measurement; data collection, coding, analysis; secondary data analysis; interpretation of data.

Repeat: Course may be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits

Grading Basis: A-F Grades Only

SOC 497 Student Academic Apprenticeship in Sociology (1-3 crs)

Prerequisite: Minimum of 15 credits in sociology; 3.00 GPA in SOC courses; completion of the course (or equivalent) in which assisting with a minimum of a B+.

Consent: Instructor Consent Required

Qualified students, supervised by faculty, facilitate teaching and learning in a specific course or courses. Teaching apprenticeship activities may include holding discussion/review sessions; class presentations; tutoring individual students; answering student questions.

Repeat: Course may be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits

Grading Basis: A-F Grades Only

SOC 498 Sociology Internship (1-6 crs)

Prerequisite: 12 credits in sociology. Formal application with the instructor and department chair must be completed before registering for the course.

Consent: Department Consent Required

A field experience course which integrates principles of sociology with work in an organization. Joint supervision by instructor and field representative.

Attributes: Service-Learning, Full 30 Hours, Internship

Repeat: Course may be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits

SOC 499 Independent Study - Seniors (1-3 crs)

Consent: Department Consent Required

An intensive study of a sociological topic resulting in a quality paper or report.

Repeat: Course may be repeated

SOC 514 Social Class and Inequality (3 crs)

Prerequisite: SOC 101

Consent: Department Consent Required

• Dual-listed with SOC 314. Credit may not be earned in both courses.

Examination of the extent, causes, impact, and theoretical explanations for social inequality with an emphasis on social class; includes examinations of power relations, social mobility, poverty, race, and gender.

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

SOC 564 Social Gerontology (3 crs)

Prerequisite: SOC 101

Consent: Department Consent Required

• Dual-listed with SOC 364. Credit may not be earned in both courses.

Focuses on the social aspects of aging. Examines research and theories in the field, social structural influences on the aging process, and the social experiences and relationships of older people.

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

SOC 791 Current Topics in Sociology (3 crs)

Prerequisite: SOC 101

Consent: Department Consent Required

Areas of contemporary concern to faculty which develop general social understanding and enrich the lives of professionals, graduate students, and other interested adult members of the community.

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

SOC 797 Independent Study (1-3 crs)

Consent: Department Consent Required

Individual project under the direction of a faculty member.

Repeat: Course may be repeated

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option