SOCI 101: Introduction to Sociology – A, S2
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 232: Research Methods – S2
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, junior status. Instructor consent is required. (4)
SOCI 240: Social Problems – A, S2
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 296: Social Stratification – S2
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. Prerequisite: SOCI 101 or 240. (4)
SOCI 326: Delinquency and Juvenile Justice – S2
An examination of juvenile delinquency in relation to the family,
peer groups, community and institutional structure. Includes
consideration of processing of the delinquent by formal agencies of
control. Prerequisite: SOCI 101 or consent of instructor. (4)
SOCI 330: The Family – S2
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 PSYC 335 or consent of instructor. (4)
SOCI 336: Deviance – S2
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 or consent of instructor. (4)
SOCI 351: Sociology of Law – S2
An examination of the social control of law and legal institutions;
the influence of culture and social organization on law, legal change,
and the administration of justice. Includes examples of how law
functions within the major theoretical models. Prerequisite: SOCI 101 or
consent of instructor. (4)
SOCI 387: Special Topics in Sociology – S2
Selected topics as announced by the department. Prerequisite: Departmental consent. (1–4)
SOCI 391: Sociology of Religion – S2
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 or one religion course or consent of instructor. Cross-listed with RELI 391. (4)
SOCI 413: Crime and Society – S2
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: Sex, Gender and Society – A, S2
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 491: Independent Studies
Readings or fieldwork in specific areas or issues of sociology under
supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite: Departmental consent.
(1–4)
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. (1–4)
SOCI 496: Major Theories – S2
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. Prerequisite: 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)
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