Undergraduate Catalog 2024-2025

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Department of Sociology

SOC 100 Principles of Sociology

Overview of basic theories, methods, concepts and issues central to the discipline of sociology. Examine the relationship between social behavior and society.
3

Course Attribute

LAB3Soc&BehSci-HumBeh,Cult,Soc and GT Human Behavior & Soc Sys

SOC 120 Introduction to Family Studies

Survey the characteristics, issues and problems of the family as a social institution. Topics discussed include: marital satisfaction, conflict, mate selection, alternatives and social change.
3

Course Attribute

LAB3Soc&BehSci-HumBeh,Cult,Soc and GT Human Behavior & Soc Sys

SOC 170 Social Problems

Analysis of selected social problems, both domestic and global. Exploration of why social problems occur, how different value premises and theoretical perspectives lead to distinctive ways of addressing social problems. Issues such as poverty, crime, homelessness, intergroup conflicts are examples of the types of issues examined.
3

Course Attribute

LAB3Soc&BehSci-HumBeh,Cult,Soc and GT Human Behavior & Soc Sys

SOC 195 Sociology Topics

Topics which are not regularly offered in the program focus on expertise of available instructors and the needs and interests of students. Access online course list. Open CRN link to view syllabus and evaluation method. S/U or letter graded.
1- 3

SOC 215 Human Behavior and Environment

Explore the interaction and reciprocal relationship between humans and the environment. Examine how humans modify the environment and how the environment influences behavioral response and societal decisions. Understand environmental problems and consider alternative behavior models and possible solutions.
3

Mutually Exclusive Course

Credit allowed for only one of these courses: SOC 215 and ENST 215

SOC 221 Sociology of Gender

Examine gender stratification and social inequality. Topics include cultural definitions of masculinity and femininity, socialization and social change.

3

Offered

Generally offered Fall, Spring, and/or Summer - Check with department/school for next offering

Course Attribute

LAB3Soc&BehSci-HumBeh,Cult,Soc and LAMS-Multicultural Studies and GT Human Behavior & Soc Sys

SOC 222 Sociology of Popular Culture

Examines sociological perspectives, theories, and research on popular culture in society. Focus on people, activities, organizations, and institutions involved in production of popular culture.
3

SOC 231 Introduction to Sociological Practice

This course explores how sociological skills are applicable to a variety of careers. Students will be introduced to the sociology major requirements, including preparation for the senior seminar research project.
3

Prerequisites

SOC 100 with a minimum grade of D-

SOC 235 Social Change in a Global Context

This course includes a survey of the major economic, political and social forces that have shaped the modern world. The course will provide an introduction to theories of social change as well as a discussion of contemporary issues in a globalizing context.

3

Offered

Generally offered Fall, Spring, and Summer Annually

Course Attribute

LAB3Soc&BehSci-HumBeh,Cult,Soc and LAIS-International Studies and GT Human Behavior & Soc Sys

SOC 237 Sociology of Race, Racism, and Power

Examine intergroup relations and the dynamics of power relating to race, ethnicity, and intersecting social forces that have produced conflict and inequality. Explore the persistent impact in American society.
3

Course Attribute

LAB3Soc&BehSci-HumBeh,Cult,Soc and LAMS-Multicultural Studies and GT Human Behavior & Soc Sys

SOC 240 Gender, Race, Class, and Sexuality

This course examines multiple and shifting categories of gender, race, class, and sexuality in feminist perspective, investigating how they contribute to our understandings of systems of privilege and inequality.
3

Mutually Exclusive Course

Credit allowed for only one of these courses: SOC 240 and GNDR 240

Course Attribute

LAB3Soc&BehSci-HumBeh,Cult,Soc and LAMS-Multicultural Studies and GT Human Behavior & Soc Sys

SOC 247 Social Deviance

Study social deviancy, particularly in terms of types, sources, functions, dysfunctions and social control mechanisms that operate relative to those departures from conformity.
3

SOC 275 Society & Mental Health

Sociological perspectives on mental health. Examine conceptual models of mental health, social epidemiological help-seeking behavior, social impacts of treatment, mental health delivery systems and social policy issues.
3

SOC 278 Sociology of Emotions

Examines sociological perspectives, theories, and research on emotions. Focus on the social definitions and relationship between social structure; and emotional socialization, emotion rules, management, and performance rituals in everyday life.
3

SOC 295 Contemporary Social Issues

Investigation and analysis of a specific social problem or issue. S/U or letter graded.
1- 3

Course Attribute

Variable Title Course

Repeatable Status

ST - Repeatable under different subtitles with no limits on the number of times it can be repeated

SOC 300 Social Theory

This course will examine classical and contemporary social theorists that have contributed to sociological knowledge historically and at present. Students will learn how to apply social theories to a variety of contemporary research topics. Theories covered will include: conflict, functionalism, symbolic interactionism, social ecological theory, feminist theories, queer theory, critical race theory, and others.

3

Prerequisites

(SOC 100 or SOC 120 or SOC 170 or SOC 221 or SOC 235 or SOC 237 or SOC 240 with a minimum grade of D-)

Offered

Generally offered Fall and/or Spring Annually

SOC 304 Sociology of Sex Trafficking & Sex Work

Examination of sex trafficking & sex work as social issues. Students will apply both sociological theory and methods to analyze these issues in the context of global trends and policies.
3

Prerequisites

(SOC 100 or GNDR 101 or SOC 240 or GNDR 240 with a minimum grade of D-)

SOC 305 Sociology of Disability

An introduction to the sociology of disability. Examines different models of disability; the social construction and reality of being disabled; and recent legislation regarding persons with disabilities.
3

SOC 310 Social Research Methods

Introduces and applies the methods of social research design, sampling, quantitative and qualitative data collection, measurement, and analysis.

3

Prerequisites

SOC 231 with a minimum grade of D-

Corequisites

SOC 311

Offered

Generally offered Fall and/or Spring Annually

SOC 311 Social Research Methods Lab

(2 laboratory) Continued instruction of research methods for the social sciences. Students learn to analyze and interpret and analyze data for a variety of qualitative and quantitative techniques.

1

Prerequisites

(SOC 100 and SOC 231 with a minimum grade of D-)

Corequisites

SOC 310

Offered

Generally offered Fall and/or Interim Annually

SOC 315 Gender & Aging

This course examines the social construction of gender within the context of aging in America. We will examine social issues such as masculinity, femininity, class inequality, race/ethnicity and sexuality as they relate to aging, generational differences, and the life course.
3

SOC 323 Gender in Popular Culture

Students will engage in an analysis of how gender and sexuality operate in the media and pop culture and examine how these representations affect identity formation.
3

Mutually Exclusive Course

Credit allowed for only one of these courses: SOC 323 and GNDR 320

SOC 324 Issues in the Family

Examine theoretical perspectives and research issues in the family. Analyze current issues in the family studies areas. Possible topics: singlehood, prenuptial contracts, dual career households, divorce, parenting, cohabitation, custody arrangements.
3

Prerequisites

SOC 120 with a minimum grade of D-

SOC 325 Sociology of Work and Occupations

History of occupational structures as well as the future of work and occupations. Topics include occupational choice, socialization, managing workers, feelings about work and deviance at work.
3

SOC 326 Sociology of Childhood and Adolescence

Examine the societal definition of childhood and adolescence and how social institutions influence socialization.
3

Prerequisites

SOC 100 with a minimum grade of D-

SOC 332 Social Psychology

Examine the relationships between individuals and social systems. Focus on language interaction, self-conceptualizing behaviors and change. Review dominant social psychological theories and issues.
3

Prerequisites

SOC 100 with a minimum grade of D-

SOC 333 Social Class and Inequality

Presents a critical analysis of the realities of America's open-class system, making use of current theoretical perspectives and systematic research. Examines cross-cultural perspectives of stratification.
3

Prerequisites

SOC 100 with a minimum grade of D-

SOC 340 Juvenile Delinquency

Study the history of juvenile law, enforcement structures and explanations for the emergence of delinquency. Study the American juvenile legal system and its major problems.
3

SOC 346 Criminology

Survey criminal behavior generally, including theories of causation, types of crime, extent of crime, law enforcement, criminal justice, punishment and treatment.
3

SOC 347 Sociology of Corrections

Survey of the history and structure of punishment in Western societies. Review of the major philosophies and practices of modern corrections.
3

SOC 360 Environmental Justice

Examination of the unequal distribution of environmental risks and benefits across populations, the environmental justice movement, environmental policies and regulatory practices.
3

Mutually Exclusive Course

Credit allowed for only one of these courses: SOC 360 and ENST 360

SOC 366 Sociology of Religion

This course takes a theoretically informed, sociological approach to understanding how religions operate as a major social institution in society. Drawing on both macro and micro level theories and empirical evidence, this course evaluates the role of religion from antiquity to modern day.
3

Prerequisites

(SOC 100 or SOC 170 with a minimum grade of D-)

SOC 372 Bodies and Power

We examine the body as object and subject of shifting race, gender, class and sexual meanings and as the product of complex social processes, including culture, medicalization, objectification, commodification and globalization.
3

Mutually Exclusive Course

Credit allowed for only one of these courses: SOC 372 and GNDR 372

SOC 375 Sociology of Health and Illness

Sociological perspective on the mutual relationships between health care and society. Covers social factors in illness, illness behavior, sick role, health care providers and health care policies.
3

SOC 377 Self in Modern Society

Examine interrelationship between self and society in the modern world. Focus on sociological theories and research that analyze social influences on the self and response of self to these influences.
3

SOC 378 Sociology of Education

Systematically attempt to relate sociological concepts to the educational institution. Focus on an analysis of social processes and patterns involved in the educational system.
3

SOC 388 Global Immigration

Enables students to critically and sociologically analyze trends, causes, and consequences of global immigration. Expands students' perspectives on citizenship, as well as immigrant and refugee experiences.
3

SOC 395 Topics in Sociology

Offerings focus on sociological topics not regularly offered in the program. Topics focus on expertise of available instructors and the specific needs of students. S/U or letter graded.
1- 3

Course Attribute

Variable Title Course

Repeatable Status

ST - Repeatable under different subtitles with no limits on the number of times it can be repeated

SOC 400 Senior Seminar

Students examine a specific topic developed by the faculty member teaching the course. Students will apply research methods training and theoretical analysis to a research project culminating in a poster and oral presentation, as well as a written paper.

3

Prerequisites

(SOC 300 and SOC 310 and SOC 311 with a minimum grade of D-)

Offered

Generally offered Fall and/or Spring Annually

Major/Minor Restriction

Include Sociology Major(s)

Class Restriction

Include Junior and Senior

Course Fee

Course Fee Required

SOC 414 Masculinities

A sociological analysis not just of men, but of masculinities. We will address debates about meanings of masculinity, historical variations, and how these definitions involve both male and female bodies.
3

Mutually Exclusive Course

Credit allowed for only one of these courses: SOC 414 and GNDR 414

SOC 422 Directed Studies

Individualized investigation under the direct supervision of a faculty member. (Minimum of 37.5 clock hours required per credit hour.)
1- 3

Prerequisites

SOC 100 with a minimum grade of D-

Special Notes

Maximum concurrent enrollment is two times.

Course Attribute

Variable Title Course

Repeatable Status

Course is repeatable with no limitations

SOC 423 Violence and the Family

Examine major issues in family violence such as defining family violence, comparing types of explanations from different disciplines and translating social science perspectives to policy and social service delivery systems.
3

Prerequisites

SOC 100 with a minimum grade of D-

Class Restriction

Include Junior and Senior

SOC 432 Social Psychology and Group Dynamics

Evaluate how group processes enhance, limit and define social interaction. Study the major theories of group dynamics. Analyze and discuss issues, trends, paradigms and applications.
3

SOC 444 Sociology of Law

Study of the social origins, functions and administration of law in society. Focus on the social organization of law, inequality in the legal system, and how civil and criminal law structure society.
3

Class Restriction

Include Junior and Senior

SOC 448 Issues in Social Policy

Survey the history of social policy development and contemporary social change and social trends. Study research in social policy and analyze application and implementation.
3

Class Restriction

Include Junior and Senior

SOC 450 Family Theories

Course examines theories of family development, interaction and change. Students apply theoretical frameworks to current research, and consider the explanatory value of theory for research methods and real-world application.
3

Prerequisites

SOC 120 with a minimum grade of D-

SOC 457 Sociology of Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Study entrepreneurship and innovation sociologically. Discuss how inequality, capital and globalization affect entrepreneurial success and failure and discover the social sources of innovation.
3

Class Restriction

Include Junior and Senior

SOC 460 Sociology of Disasters

Determinants and consequences of behavior and response to environmental extremes, technological emergencies, and acts of mass violence.
3

Mutually Exclusive Course

Credit allowed for only one of these courses: SOC 460 and ENST 460

Class Restriction

Include Junior and Senior

SOC 471 Sociology of Aging

Survey theories and research on the social aspects of aging with emphasis on later maturity and old age.
3

Prerequisites

SOC 100 with a minimum grade of D-

Class Restriction

Include Junior and Senior

SOC 474 Sociology of Sport

Introduction to the sociological study of sport. Focus on sports as social and cultural phenomena, we use sociological concepts and critical thinking to examine the impact of sports on social structure and institutions.
3

Prerequisites

SOC 100 with a minimum grade of D-

SOC 479 The Community

This course focuses on local, national and international communities. Major theories and empirical evidence will guide understanding of how communities work, their impact on individuals, and how they are constructed.
3

Class Restriction

Include Junior and Senior

SOC 491 Sociology Internship

Provides students with the opportunity to study and gain experience by working with a community agency or group. Internship placement must be arranged and approved prior to the beginning of the course. Credit is given only for work completed during the semester enrolled. S/U graded.
3- 9

Class Restriction

Include Junior and Senior

Repeatable Status

Course is repeatable with a maximum of 9 credit hours

SOC 495 Special Topics in Sociology

Scheduled on a semi-regular basis to explore special areas in sociology and carries a subtitle for each offering. Check department office for topics currently planned.
1- 3

Prerequisites

SOC 100 with a minimum grade of D-

Course Attribute

Variable Title Course

Repeatable Status

ST - Repeatable under different subtitles with no limits on the number of times it can be repeated

SOC 496 Study Abroad Experience

Scheduled on a semi-regular basis as an experiential approach to studying special areas in sociology and carries a subtitle for each offering. Check department office for topics currently planned.
3

Course Attribute

Variable Title Course

Repeatable Status

ST - Repeatable under different subtitles with no limits on the number of times it can be repeated

SOC 497 Special Topics in Inequality

Students will examine a specific topic developed by the faculty member teaching the course. This course will examine inequality and its implications for various contemporary issues.
3

Prerequisites

SOC 100 with a minimum grade of D-

Course Attribute

Variable Title Course

Repeatable Status

ST - Repeatable under different subtitles and course may be repeated 3 times