Sociology (SOC)

SOC 210. Introduction to Sociology. 3 Hours.

An introduction to the sociological perspective, focusing on the interrelations of individuals, groups, and institutions in modern society.

SOC 215. Social Problems. 3 Hours.

An examination of the question of what constitutes a social problem, along with a focus on one or two social problems such as war, poverty, inequality and consumerism.

SOC 220. Sociology of Criminal and Deviant Behavior. 3 Hours.

An application of the sociological perspective to an understanding of criminal and deviant behavior and to attempts to control such behavior.

SOC 230. Urban Sociology. 3 Hours.

The class examines life and human interactions in metropolitan areas. It focuses on the structures, processes and changes in urban areas and the problems cities face.

SOC 240. Race and Ethnic Relations. 3 Hours.

An examination of the history, major issues, and sociological dimensions of race and ethnic relations in the United States, with a view to meeting the challenges of our increasingly multicultural society.

SOC 250. Sex & Gender Across Cultures. 3 Hours.

Debates over gender and human sexuality in western societies generally assume that there are only two gender roles, male and female, and only two types of sexuality, heterosexual and homosexual. Some nonwestern culture have a far broader range of both gender roles and sexualities. This class examines gender roles and human sexuality primarily in nonwestern cultures, and explores what these cultures have to teach us about gender and sex in our society. Successful completion of this course satisfies the Cultures and Peoples requirement for graduation.

SOC 280. Selected Topics in Sociology. 1 to 4 Hours.

Introductory-level independent research or exploration in topics not offered in the regular department courses.

SOC 302. Environmental Sociology. 3 Hours.

An examination of the increasing impact of human beings on the natural world, focusing especially on how social and cultural factors affect our willingness or unwillingness to conserve and protect the natural world.

SOC 305. The Sociological Wisdom of Martin Luther King, Jr.. 3 Hours.

A thorough examination of the life and writings of Martin Luther King, Jr., emphasizing the sociological implications of his message.

SOC 306. Life & Times of Malcolm X. 3 Hours.

A sociological and historical examination of the life of Malcolm X and his place in the Civil Rights struggle.

SOC 307. W.E.B. DuBois and the Development of Black Sociology. 3 Hours.

A thorough examination of the life and work of W.E.B. DuBois and his influence on the development of a distinctly black sociology.

SOC 315. Sex, Gender and the Family. 3 Hours.

Examines the relationship between biological sex and gender, diversity and changes in gender roles and in families, and how these relate to larger changes in societies and cultures.

SOC 320. Social Psychology. 3 Hours.

An examination of the relationship of the individual to groups and society, focusing on both experimental studies under controlled conditions and nonexperimental studies in natural settings.

SOC 330. Social Research. 3 Hours.

An introduction to the methods and techniques of collecting and analyzing social data.

SOC 340. The Development of Sociological Theory. 3 Hours.

A review and analysis of the history of social thought leading up to and focusing especially on the development of modern sociology in the 19th and 20th centuries.

SOC 450. Capstone. 3 Hours.

Designated primarily for seniors completing the major in Sociology to review and integrate what they have learned in their studies in the major and to design and execute a research project on a topic of their choice.

SOC 480. Advanced Topics in Sociology. 1 to 4 Hours.

Advanced-level independent research or exploration in topics not offered in the regular department courses.