Sociology

253.535.7595

www.plu.edu/sociology/sociology-program/

soci@plu.edu (Sociology)

Sociology is a social science that examines the processes and structures which shape social groups of all sizes, including families, workplaces, and nations. The study of sociology provides students with unique analytical tools for understanding themselves and others in a changing world. Sociology has broad appeal to those who are interested in developing skills in research, critical thinking, and writing. Some of the practical pursuits enabled by sociological training are in the areas of program development, counseling, research, criminal justice, management, and marketing. The academic preparation is especially valuable to those interested in pursuing degrees in law, public administration, social work, or any of the social sciences.

The Sociology curriculum is especially suited to accommodate special interests. Students may pick from among a variety of electives to complete their degree or concentrate their electives in topics of particular interest to them, Family/Gender, Crime/Deviance, or Inequality. Students may opt to complete academic internships as part of their elective coursework within the major. Students majoring in social work, business, nursing, education, and psychology find the sociology minor particularly useful for broadening their understanding of social rules and relationships, programs and solutions, and continuity and change.

BACHELOR OF ARTS

General Major
40 semester hours, including:

  • SOCI 101, 232, 240 or 296, 330 or 336, 413 or 440, 496, 499, STAT 233
  • Plus: 8 semester hours of SOCI electives

Requirements for those majoring in both sociology and social work
80 semester hours including:

  • SOCW 245, 250, 350, 360, 460, 465, 475, 476, 485, 486, and 499
  • SOCI 101, 232, 496, 499
  • 16 elective credits (recommended courses include: SOCI 240, 296 and 330)
  • STAT 233 for Sociology and Social Work majors
  • BIOL 111 and PSYC 101

MINOR
20 semester hours, including:

  • SOCI 101
  • 16 semester hours of sociology chosen in consultation with the department
  • STAT 233 may be included in the minor
  • Sociology minors are required to attain a minimum grade of C- in sociology classes

Continuation Policy

To remain in the major, students must: maintain a minimum 2.50 overall grade point average, and maintain a minimum 2.50 grade point average in sociology courses.

Transfer Student Policy

The department accepts, for transfer credit from another college or university, only those courses equivalent to SOCI 101 (Introduction to Sociology) and SOCI 240 (Social Problems). If students wish to have additional courses considered for transfer to either their major or minor requirements, they must first meet with the department chair. The student should bring to this initial meeting the following:

  • College/university transcripts
  • College catalogs
  • Course syllabi and other supporting materials (from the term when the course was completed)
  • Completed coursework (exams, papers)

Declared majors/minors will be required to fill out one petition per transfer course.

HONORS IN SOCIOLOGY

Departmental honors are awarded by vote of the sociology faculty to outstanding majors. Criteria for selection include a high grade point average, election to Alpha Kappa Delta International Sociology Honor Society, and exceptional performance in senior seminar. The departmental honors designation will appear on the transcript of a student graduating with a sociology major.

Prerequisite Note: SOCI 101 or consent of instructor is prerequisite to all 300- and 400-level courses.

Sociology (SOCI) Undergraduate-Level Courses

SOCI 101 : Introduction to Sociology - A, SO

An introduction to the discipline of sociology. Features an analysis of contemporary American society with emphasis on the interconnections of race, class, and gender. Sociological concepts include socialization, social roles, stereotypes, power, and stratification. (4)

SOCI 190 : Inquiry Seminar - F

A four-credit seminar to introduce students to the methods and topics of study within a particular academic discipline or field. Students practice the academic skills that are at the center of the General Education Program. (4)

SOCI 226 : Delinquency and Juvenile Justice

An examination of juvenile delinquency in relation to the family, peer groups, community and institutional structure. Includes consideration of processing the juvenile delinquent by formal agencies of control. (4)

SOCI 232 : Research Methods - SO

An overview of the methods to explore, describe, and analyze the social world. General issues in the design and implementation of research projects, as well as specific issues that arise in conducting interviews and field observations, constructing and administering surveys, analyzing existing data, and planning program evaluations. Required for junior sociology and social work majors. Prerequisite: SOCI 101. Instructor consent is required. (4)

SOCI 240 : Social Problems - A, SO

Critical examination of poverty, discrimination, drugs, crime, homelessness, violence, and family breakdown. Course addresses contemporary social problems, an analysis of their social roots, and an evaluation of the policies designed to eradicate them. (4)

SOCI 287 : Special Topics in Sociology

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

SOCI 288 : Special Topics in Sociology

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

SOCI 289 : Special Topics in Sociology

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

SOCI 291 : Directed Study

To provide individual undergraduate students with introductory study not available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as DS: followed by the specific title designated by the student. (1 to 4)

SOCI 296 : Social Stratification - SO

An examination of the forms, causes, and consequences of social stratification. The course focuses on inequality based on class, race, and gender, exploring how and why individuals have different access to society's valued resources, services, and positions, and the consequences of these opportunities (or blocked opportunities) for different groups of people. (4)

SOCI 330 : The Family

An examination of the institution of the family from historical, multi-cultural, and contemporary perspectives, with emphasis on how families and family life are affected by social forces such as the economy, race and ethnicity, religion, and law. Topics include: relationships, love, authority, conflict, sexuality, gender issues, child rearing, communication patterns, and violence in the context of family life. Prerequisite: SOCI 101 or consent of instructor. (4)

SOCI 332 : Race and Ethnicity - A, SO

A critical examination of racial/ethnic structures and inequalities in the United States. The course will explore the social construction of race and ethnicity, the development of racial and ethnic identities, and how race and ethnic inequalities shape social institutions, such as the economy, families, education, and politics. Prerequisites: SOCI 101 or consent of instructor. (4)

SOCI 336 : Deviance

A general introduction to a variety of nonconforming, usually secretive, and illegal behavior, such as corporate crime, drug dealing, prostitution, industrial spying, child abuse, and suicide, with emphasis on the conflict of values and life-experiences within a society. Prerequisite: SOCI 101, SOCI 201, or consent of instructor. (4)

SOCI 377 : Oaxacan Society - C, SO

A three-part sociological examination of Oaxacan institutions and society. The course begins with the study of the family, gender roles and sexuality. It continues with an in-depth analysis of the complex system of the "Law of Traditions and Customs" that yields a political, social and cultural organization that is unique to the Oaxacan context and in which the intersection of gender and ethnicity has unique implications. the course concludes with a critical examination of social problems in contemporary Oaxaca and an evaluation of approaches to them. Taught off campus as part of PLU Fall Semester Program in Oaxaca. (4)

SOCI 387 : Special Topics in Sociology or Criminal Justice - SO

Selected topics as announced by the department. Prerequisite: Departmental consent. (1 to 4)

SOCI 388 : Special Topics in Sociology

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

SOCI 389 : Special Topics in Sociology

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

SOCI 391 : Sociology of Religion - SO

An investigation of the American religious scene with particular emphasis on the new religious movements, along with attention to social settings and processes which these new religions reflect and produce. Prerequisite: SOCI 101, one religion course, or consent of instructor. Cross-listed with RELI 391. (4)

SOCI 394 : Gender and Violence

An examination of gendered violence in American society. Focal topics ill vary by semester and may include sexual violence, intimate partner violence, stalking, or masculinity and violence. The course will address how violence is gendered, theoretical explanations of gendered violence, and the response of the criminal justice system. Prerequisite: SOCI 101 or consent of instructor. (4)

SOCI 413 : Criminological Theory

An examination of criminal behavior in contemporary society in relation to social structure and the criminalization process with particular attention to the issues of race, gender, and class. Prerequisite: SOCI 101 or 336 or consent of instructor. (4)

SOCI 440 : Gender and Sexuality - A, SO

An analysis of sexuality and gender from individual and cultural perspectives. Gender stereotypes and socialization; transexuality and cross-gender systems; communication and relationships; sexual attitudes, behaviors, and lifestyles; work and family issues; violence; gender stratification and feminism. Prerequisite: SOCI 101 or WMGS 201, or consent of instructor. Core course for Women's and Gender Studies minors. (4)

SOCI 487 : Special Topics in Sociology

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

SOCI 488 : Special Topics in Sociology

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

SOCI 489 : Special Topics in Sociology

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

SOCI 491 : Independent Study

Readings or fieldwork in specific areas or issues of sociology under supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite: Departmental consent. (1 to 4)

SOCI 495 : Internship

Students receive course credit for working in community organizations and integrating their experiences into an academic project. Placements are usually arranged by the student and may include the public school system, private and public social service organizations, criminal justice system agencies, local and state governmental agencies, and businesses. Departmental consent is required. (1 to 4)

SOCI 496 : Major Theories

An analysis of influential sociological theories of the 19th and 20th centuries with attention to the classic theories of Marx, Durkheim, and Weber, to the recent contemporary schools, and to the underlying patterns of thought which both unite and divide the sociological tradition. Required for senior majors. Prerequisites: 16 hours of sociology including SOCI 101 and 232, senior status, declared major or minor. Instructor consent is required. (4)

SOCI 499 : Capstone: Senior Seminar - SR

Students design and carry through an independent research project involving the collection of data and the analysis of findings. Students demonstrate their mastery of the field by relating their research to the existing body of sociological literature and knowledge. Required for senior majors. Prerequisites: SOCI 232, 496; STAT 233; senior status; declared major or minor. (4)