Courses

101 Introduction to Sociology 4 hours

Introduction to the sociological perspective, utilizing concepts from sociology, anthropology, and social psychology, together with the philosophy and methodologies of the behavioral sciences. Prerequisite to all other sociology courses. (F,S)

139, 239, 339, 439 Special Topics Credit arr.

232 Social Problems and Social Planning 3 hours

An analysis of the research concerning such major social problems as alcoholism, mental illness, delinquency, and crime. The work of private and public agencies concerned with the reduction of such problems. Prerequisite: 101. (F)

242 Sociology of Gender 3 hours

Examines the gendered structure of our everyday lives; makes gendered assumptions and practices explicit; and uncovers the impact of gender in the social world. Emphasis on historical and cross cultural constructions of gender that provide alternatives to gender inequality and a basis for social change. Prerequisite: 101. (Same as women’s studies 242.) (F)

301 Research Methodology 3 hours

Emphasis on alternative research approaches to the understanding of social phenomena, with reference to the classical research monographs and problems encountered while engaged in research. Statistics are used as tools in the research process, and students are encouraged to register for 350. Prerequisites: 101 and junior standing. (S)

345 Race, Class, and Gender in Contemporary Society 4 hours

An assessment of how race, class, and gender influence the attainment of societal honors, rewards, and power in the United States today. Similarities and differences in social structures and ideologies of modern society are emphasized for race, class, and gender. Prerequisite: 101. (S)

347 Sociology of the Family 4 hours

Consideration of the historical and cultural foundations of the insitution of marriage and the family. Emphasis on cross-cultural trends as they relate to the family, including socialization practices, changing status of women, and dating patterns. Prerequisite: 101. (F)

350 Social Statistics 4 hours

A first course in statistics which introduces descriptive and inferential statistical tools as they apply to the social sciences. Prerequisites: 101, mathematics 110 or above. (F)

353 Sociology of Criminal and Deviant Behavior 4 hours

A theoretical analysis of the relationship of deviant behavior and subcultures to community standards of conventional behavior as expressed in law and norms, as well as an analysis of the extent, distribution, and character of crime and delinquency. Prerequisite: 101. (S)

356 Environmental Sociology 3 hours

Emphasis on understanding the relationships between society and environment. Assessment of how social organization and social structure shape and are shaped by what we call “nature” or the “environment,” with a focus on how distribution of power as well as construction of meaning and symbols affect ideas about nature and human-nature interactions. The course will also focus on the study of social processes such as culture, community, social institutions and the various forms of social inequalities to understand environmental problems. Prerequisite: 101. (S)

358 Social Psychology 3 hours

A study of the relationship between the individual and society and the interactions produced. Emphasis on research in the areas of self, identity, symbolic interaction, and social movements. Prerequisite: 101. (S)

395 Independent Study 1–4 hours

468 Gender, Globalization and Development 3 hours

In this course we will examine the phenomena of globalization and development from a sociology of gender perspective. We will focus on the global intersections of contemporary societies and cultures and the gendered dynamics therein. Questions we will raise include: How does globalization affect women and men’s lives? How is power distributed, and how does this impact development processes? What impact do gender dynamics play in the social institutions of development: economic, political and cultural. Prerequisite: 101. (J)

469 Sociology of Mental Health and Mental Illness 3 hours

An examination of abnormal mental behavior in terms of both causes and treatment. A particular focus will be on how group, cultural, and societal factors influence causality and treatment approaches. Prerequisite: 101. (F)

472 Seminar in American Social Institutions 3–4 hours

An examination of selected major social institutions in American society (family, education, religion, politics, or industry). Prerequisite: 101. (F,J,S)

476 Seminar in Social Thought and Theory 2–4 hours

Reading and discussion of the works of such prominent theorists as Durkheim, Spencer, Simmel, Veblen, Merton, Parsons, and others. Application of classical theory to the understanding of substance areas in sociology. Prerequisite: 101. (S)

490 Senior Project 1–4 hours

493 Senior Honors Project 3 hours

A year-long independent research project. Applications are completed on the “Honors Program” form available at the registrar’s office, requiring the signatures of a faculty supervisor, the department head, the honors program director, and the registrar. Interdisciplinary projects require the signatures of two faculty supervisors. The project must be completed by the due date for senior projects. The completed project is evaluated by a review committee consisting of the faculty supervisor, another faculty member from the major department, and a faculty member from outside the major department. All projects must be presented publicly. Only projects awarded an “A- or A” qualify for “department honors” designation. The honors project fulfills the all-college senior project requirement.