Sociology courses

An introduction to sociology, its major concepts, tools and perspectives. This course provides an understanding of societies, of culture, of major social institutions such as the family, religion, and education, of social inequality, and of social change.(4 credits)

A discussion of myths and facts leading toward an understanding of many social problems, such as sexual deviance, drugs and alcohol, health care and illness (physical and mental), crime and delinquency, violence, wealth and poverty, inequality of opportunity, work, aging, sex inequality, racial minorities and discrimination, education, family problems, war, pollution, ecology and population. Emphasis is placed upon difficulties in defining, critiquing and proposing meaningful solutions.(4 credits)

An introduction to demography and human population studies. Comparisons and contrasts between the population of the United States and other developed countries and that of less developed countries. Interrelations of population, technology and resource use. Uses of demographic knowledge and research in business, teaching and government.(2 credits, alternate years, consult department)

This course involves the study of the way individuals think about, influence and relate to one another. Topics include: attitude change, social thinking, conformity, obedience, persuasion, prejudice, aggression, altruism, roles, norms and environmental influences on social behavior. The major aim of the course is to encourage an appreciation of the relationship between personal and situational determinants of social behavior.Prerequisite: PSY111, 221, or SOC101.(4 credits)

This class focuses on a sociological understanding of deviance. We will explore how both culture and structure may shape the prevalence, definition and reaction to deviance. Various theoretical perspectives will be examined and discussed to see how deviance may be both understood and even perhaps predicted. Finally, a number of more "concrete" areas will be examined, to both see how the theory holds up in real life, and to deepen the understanding of deviance and attempts at social control of deviance. (4 credits)

A study of selected topics in sociology which are not adequately covered in other courses. Offered as a response to student or faculty needs or interests. Possible topics include: social change, social reform movements, the sociology of unconventional lifestyles, sociology of women, sociology of education, medical sociology, sociology of war and terrorism, and native American issues.(2 or 4 credits, non-yearly, consult department)

An introduction to the study of humanity across time and space, comparing societies and cultures to identify likenesses and differences. The study of anthropology develops an appreciation for the diverse ways human beings have approached universal situations: relationships between individuals and groups, adaptations to physical and economic environments, approaches to the infinite. Western and non-Western cultures are studied, ethnographic fieldwork goals and techniques discussed, and problems of ethnocentrism and culture change addressed.(4 credits)

A study of the development of, issues in, and new directions for, the American criminal justice system. Each step of the system is critiqued in terms of intended and unintended consequences as well as official and operative goals, and is related to a detailed discussion of various correctional treatment programs: prisons, halfway houses, group homes, community-based treatment programs, probation, parole and others. Those in the criminal justice career concentration should take SOC218 first. Prerequisite: recommend general education writing requirement. (4 credits, alternate years, consult department)

A study of racial and cultural minority groups in the United States and other societies emphasizing value systems, power relationships, forms of social organization, and cultural contributions. This course helps students develop an understanding of, appreciation for, and capacity to relate effectively with minority groups. Appreciation for heterogeneity is stressed. In-depth treatment of Hispanics and Hispanic culture in the United States. Prerequisite: recommend general education writing requirement. (4 credits)

Evolution of and debates concerning community and non-community based correctional programs, relationships between correcting, reforming, rehabilitating, and punishing, tensions between protection of public safety and rights of the accused, evaluation of incarceration, probation, parole, diversion, alternate and restorative justice programs, issues in "proactive" and "reactive" debate. Prerequisites: SOC218 and 303. Recommend general education writing requirement. (4 credits, alternate years, consult department)

An examination of the topic of gender, predominately using a sociological perspective. The study of gender from a sociological perspective develops an appreciation for how social structure, institutions and culture shape gender roles and the lives of those who play these roles - at the same time that gender roles shape culture, institutions and social structure. Attention will also be given to the "inherent or constructed" debate about gender roles, the role of the media in shaping gender, and the intertwining of gender and family, politics, work and religion.(4 credits, alternate years, consult department)

A sociological examination of the meaning and function of religion in human society. Gives attention to the development of religious organizations, the relationship of religion to class and politics, the nature of the sacred, dimensions of religiosity, and denominational diversity and evangelicalism in the United States. Prerequisite: recommend general education writing requirement. (2 credits, alternate years, consult department)

This course surveys the historical development of American Indian peoples, particularly during the period of contact and conquest by Euro-Americans and particularly in the trans-Mississippi West region of what became the U.S. Topics include pre-contact life, oral literature, Indian accommodation and selective adaptation to Euro-American societies, Spanish, French and U.S. Indian policies, Native American religion, Christian mission work among American Indians, activism by and on behalf of American Indians, and reservation life. Prerequisite: recommend general education writing requirement. (4 credits, alternate years, consult department)

A comprehensive introduction to sociological research methods with emphasis on survey research. An opportunity for sociology majors or others to apply this methodology in the conduct of major research in an area determined in consultation with the instructor. Finished research reports will be considered for presentation at various sociological association meetings. Prerequisites: SOC101 or equivalent. Recommend general education writing requirement, (4 credits, alternate years, consult department)

An in-depth study of the philosophical foundations of the social and cognitive sciences. Issues discussed include, e.g., a) laws and explanations in social science, b) objectivity and values in the social sciences, c) rationality, d) relations between different social sciences and the physical sciences, e) philosophy of mind.Prerequisites: at least one philosophy course. PHI202 or 342 may prove helpful, but not required.(4 credits, alternate years, consult department)

An overview of ethnographic methods, goals, and the theoretical assumptions underlying them. Ethnography, the description and analysis of human life or culture, is based on qualitative fieldwork. The goal is to understand the "native's'' point of view, to learn from people rather than study them. Students will have an opportunity to practice fieldwork methods and write a brief ethnography. Prerequisite: recommend general education writing requirement. (4 credits)

The study of major theories and theorists, addressing such theories as functionalist, conflict, social exchange, symbolic interactionist, ethnomethodological/ phenomenological, and sociobiology. Emphasis is placed on how various perspectives impact and alter our understanding of reality, of causation, of the past, present and future. Prerequisites: SOC101, sociology major or permission of instructor. Recommend general education writing requirement. (4 credits, alternate years, consult department)

(4 credits may apply toward the major)