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 Ethnicity. 3 Hours.

An examination of the history, major issues, and sociological dimensions of race and ethnic relations in the United States, which are both fundamental elements of social stratification.

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 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 326. Social Inequalities & Stratification. 3 Hours.

The course focuses on a basic and broad understanding of the sociology of inequality and stratification. It examines inequality in the United States as it relates to class, race, gender, nativity, sexual orientation, and health.

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 346. Globalization & Society. 3 Hours.

This course focuses on the various ways in which globalization is conceptualized using a sociological perspective. Topics addressed may include development theories, cultural change, unequal exchange, capital and labor flows, environmental justice, transnational corporations, and sources of resistance and alternative visions. Additionally, class structure, racism, and sexism will be investigated at the global level. Successful completion of this course satisfies the Cultures and Peoples requirement for graduation.

SOC 406. Social Movements. 3 Hours.

An examinationof some of the core theories and concepts related to social movements (the collective attempts to effect change) with an emphasis on the Middle East and North African region, including: resource mobilization, political opportunity/process, framing, new social movements, cultural approaches, and transnational advocacy. Successful completion of this course satisfies the Cultures and Peoples requirement for graduation.

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.