The objectives of the sociology major are to teach the student the nature and functions of the social order and the social process essential to personality development. By studying our complex and changing society in depth, individuals can better accept, modify or oppose social forces in the light of their own values. The sociology major seeks to:
Major (35 hours)
Required: (11 hours)
SOC 152 Introduction to Sociology (3)
SOC 264 Sociological Theory (3)
SOC 362 Methods of Social Research (3)
SOC 466 Senior Seminar (2)
Elective: (24 hours)
SOC 162 Anthropology (3)
SOC 185 Women in Society: Contemporary Issues (3)
SOC 208 Sociology of the Family (3)
SOC 225 Race and Ethnicity in American Society: History and Current Realities (3)
SOC 242 Social Problems & Public Policy (3)
SOC 258 Social Psychology (3)
SOC 275 Criminology (3)
SOC 284 General Statistics (3)
SOC 315 Political Economy (3)
SOC 320 Family Violence (3)
SOC 330 Social Justice and Social Change (3)
SOC 335 Sociology of Religion (3)
SOC 385 Sociology Practicum (3)
SOC 390 Independent Study (1-3)
Minor (20 hours)
SOC 152 Introduction to Sociology (3)
SOC 264 Sociological Theory (3)
SOC 362 Methods of Social Research (3)
SOC 466 Senior Seminar (2)
Remaining electives (minimum 9 hours, 3 courses) from sociology or cognate disciplines.
Courses
SOC 152 Introduction to Sociology (3)
What sociologists do and how they think; the study of the interaction of individuals and groups with their physical and social environment; consideration of basic concepts, theories, and major principles of explanation used by sociologists.
SOC 162 Anthropology (3)
The comparative study of culture and the development of human beings with an emphasis on primitive societies, past and present.
SOC 185 Women in Society: Contemporary Issues (3)
This course examines the roles, status, and contributions of women in social institutions including the family, work place, health system, politics, religion, and education. While the course focuses on American society, international perspectives are introduced. The course utilizes guest speakers with expertise in appropriate areas. Examples of topics include the contemporary women's movement (1960-present), the roles of women in changing family structures, the "feminization of poverty," the impact of changing laws regarding domestic violence, the status of women in organized religion, and special concerns of women of color. This course is also listed as SWK 185. This course is the core course in the Women's Studies minor.
SOC 208 Sociology of the Family (3)
A study of modern marriage and family institutions in the context of radical social change; topics include the social regulation of mate selection, kinship relationships and sexual behavior, evaluation of research findings, and emerging trends. This course may be taken as part of the Women's Studies minor.
SOC 225 Race and Ethnicity in American Society: History and Current Realities (3)
A course studying the data, causes, and social patterns of differences due to race and minority status as well as the means available to achieve a less-prejudiced social order. Interdisciplinary sources are used.
SOC 242 Social Problems and Public Policy (3)
An investigation into the relationship between social structure and the development of popular beliefs and social scientific theory about social problems, from social pathology to "blaming the victim" myths; special attention to conceptual materials relating to public administration, law, and social research and planning. Topics include violence in American culture, criminal justice, poverty, racial and ethnic minority status, and others. This course may be taken as part of the Peace and Conflict Studies minor.
SOC 258 Social Psychology (3)
The psychological study of individuals in relation to groups and society. This course offers insight into the dynamic interaction between persons and their social environment and various social problems related to such interaction. Topics include group dynamics, attitude development and attitude change, aggression and violence, and helping behavior. Prerequisite: PSY 110 or permission of instructor. This course is also listed as PSY 258. This course may be taken as part of the Peace and Conflict Studies minor.
SOC 264 Sociological Theory (3)
An examination of basic intellectual traditions and paradigm regarding society, including normative beliefs and values, as well as scientific theories of social relations and culture from the 18th century to the present. Emphasis on selected early and contemporary theorists. Prerequisite: SOC 152.
SOC 275 Criminology (3)
A social-scientific, theoretical survey of the nature of crime, including causal factors and theories and procedures in prevention and treatment; evaluation of basic assumptions and philosophies of corrections. Prerequisite: SOC 152. This course is also listed as CRJ 275.
SOC 284 General Statistics(3)
A study of applied statistics for sociology and other social, behavioral, or natural sciences. This course covers descriptive statistics and statistical inference for parametric and non-parametric situations (z- and t-tests, analysis of variance, correlation, linear regression, and chi-square), including related computer applications. Prerequisites: MAT 100 or MAT 105 or placement into MAT 114. This course is also listed as PSY 284 and EBA 284.
SOC 315 Political Economy(3)
This course has two basic objectives: (1) to give the student, from a sociological perspective, an overview of how political forces shape national and global economies, and; (2) to introduce the student to some key theories and comparative analytical tools to deepen their understanding of how and why national policies impact poverty rates, wealth distribution, ecological sustainability, health, and education. Prerequisite: SOC 152. This course may be taken as part of the Peace and Conflict Studies minor.
SOC 320 Family Violence (3)
Violent family life has largely been hidden from public analysis. In this class we critically examine the emergence of intimate violence as a social problem, are exposed to experiences of persons involved with family violence, explore various explanations for violence in families, and analyze various prevention and policy measures. In each of these cases, attention is paid to the impact (or non-impact) of demographic factors, such as ethnicity, race, and religion, on the occurrence and effect of intimate violence. This course is also listed as CRJ 320. This course may be taken as part of the Women's Studies minor.
SOC 330 Social Justice and Social Change(3)
This course begins with a history of social justice and social change as concepts in the field of sociology and then sees how this foundation influenced contemporary social justice practitioners and theorists. Particular attention is given to social movements, the role of organizing, and civil society. Theory is integrated into practical social justice methodologies and community-based learning. Particular attention is paid to issues of power and powerlessness in domestic and/or international contexts. Prerequisite: SOC 152. This course may be taken as part of the Peace and Conflict Studies minor.
SOC 335 Sociology of Religion (3)
Social and cultural interpretations of religious institutions and the relation of the social order, the changing situation of religious belief and experience, cultic expression, ecclesiastical organization, professional and lay religious roles, ethical behavior, and impact of religious institutions and belief on public life. Prerequisite: SOC 152 or PSY 110.
SOC 362 Methods of Social Research (3)
The nature of the scientific method and research as applied to the analysis and interpretation of both quantitative and qualitative data. An introduction to the basic techniques of social research as well as statistics and the interpretation of research results. Use of computer-based data analysis techniques. Prerequisite: SOC 152 or completion of the introductory course in one of the social science disciplines.
SOC 385 Sociology Practicum (2-3)
A supervised work/study social science placement in a setting consistent with the student's interest and career goals. Prerequisite: junior or senior status in sociology, permission of faculty supervisor. May be repeated for a total of 6 hours with 3 hours credited to the completion of the Sociology major.
SOC 390 Independent Study (1-3)
By arrangement.
SOC 466 Senior Seminar (3)
An examination of theoretical problems, strategies and controversies in modern approaches to intellectual and social problems in American culture; review of contemporary thinkers in light of classical theoretical statements.
