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• Sociology

Undergraduate Sociology

2010 Fall Term

Class Schedule

PRINCIPLES OF SOCIOLOGY (GS)

SOCIOLGY 240

This course introduces students to the ways in which sociologists use theory and research to study human group behavior and the processes by which people build, maintain, and change their institutional arrangements and relationships with one another. The course will focus on five areas of inquiry: social structure, interaction, and change; inequality and diversity; family and health; crime, criminal justice, and law; and global comparative.

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SOCIAL PROBLEMS (GS)

SOCIOLGY 250

This course examines various theoretical explanations of contemporary social problems such as crime, drug use, poverty, discrimination and environmental pollution. The impact of social problems on different groups in society and the role of social movements, government, and social policy are considered.

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INTRODUCTION TO FAMILY STUDIES (GS)

SOCIOLGY 252

This course emphasizes the influence of gender, race/ethnicity, and class on family and marriage in comtemporary U.S. society. It introduces students to theories and research that explain social forces affecting family commitments, and familiarizes them with varying social and cultural patterns of family formation.

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RACE AND ETHNIC RELATIONS (DV)(GS)

SOCIOLGY 265

This course examines relationships between racial minorities and the majority group in the United States in their socio-historical contexts. Early histories of relations between minorities and the majority as well as present relations will be addressed. Questions raised include whether American society should attempt to minimize differences between minorities and the majority, whether to blend or maintain group identities, and how we should address existing barriers and inequalities. Relationships and differences among minority groups will also be examined.

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THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY: A SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE (DV)(GS)

SOCIOLGY 270

This course provides lower level undergraduate students with systematic sociological understanding of the historical and current experiences of African American people.

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INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINOLOGY (GS)

SOCIOLGY 276

An introduction to the field of criminology through examination of theories and patterns of criminal behavior, the operation of the criminal justice system, and the politics of crime control policy.

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SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH AND ILLNESS

SOCIOLGY 310

This course examines the sociocultural aspects of health and illness, the patient-practitioner relationship, the socialization of health practitioners, the social organization of health care services, and the role of ethics in medical decision-making. It analyzes the problems and inequities in our present system of health care delivery in the United States, with particular emphasis on the sexism, racism, and classism in policy and practice. It analyzes alternative models of health care delivery, and discusses modifications in policy and practice necessary to bring about change.

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INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIOLOGY

SOCIOLGY 319

This course examines the economic and political structures that have induced natural environmental degradation throughout the world and highlights the impact of collective social actors mobilizing to influence the process of environmental policy formation in order to address environmental and technological risks.

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SOCIOLOGY OF NEWS AND THE MASS MEDIA

SOCIOLGY 337

Sociology of News and the Mass Media examines the emergence of news organizations and the mass media as specialized subsystems within modern society and explores the interrelations between them and other social institutions and their impact on modern culture.

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SOCIAL MOVEMENTS AND COLLECTIVE BEHAVIOR

SOCIOLGY 340

An examination of the causes and consequences of social movements and collective behavior, including such phenomena as riots; fads; panic; trade unions; reform, revolutionary, and liberation movements; utopian communities.

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CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE SOCIETY

SOCIOLGY 350

This course examines contemporary Japanese society. It includes a study of social institutions, processes, and culture of Japan. the course examines following areas: (a) culture (beliefs, customs, social identity); (b) social institutions (family, religion, education, work, media); (c) societal processes (socialization, deviance, urbanization); (d) inequalities (gender, income, race-ethnic, region); and (e) the politics, economy, and international position of Japan.

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SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY

SOCIOLGY 355

An examination of the process and results of human interaction with an emphasis on attitudes and attitude change, society and personality, inter-group relations and processes of socialization.

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POLITICAL SOCIOLOGY

SOCIOLGY 356

An analysis of the impact of social cleavages and cohesions on the operation of political institutions; the composition and behavior of power elites; the social bases of political power; and the social functions of electoral behavior. (Offered jointly with Political Science.)

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JUVENILE DELINQUENCY

SOCIOLGY 370

A study of the incidence of delinquency, theories and findings regarding causation, and the policies designed for treatment and prevention of delinquency.

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SOCIOLOGY OF HOMICIDE

SOCIOLGY 371

This course will provide an in-depth look at homicide as a social and legal category and at the social psychological variables that affect it. Various types of homicide will be examined in American society and in a global context. Forensic issues will be addressed along with political and social issues.

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SOCIOLOGY OF POLICE AND COURTS

SOCIOLGY 374

A sociological analysis of the development and behavior of the police, lawyers, prosecutors and judiciary in society and their role in social control.

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SOCIOLOGY OF PUNISHMENT AND CORRECTIONS

SOCIOLGY 378

The critical analysis of probation, parole, halfway houses, jails and prisons. Their origins in and possible function for the larger society will also be examined. Field trip is required.

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WOMEN AND CRIME

SOCIOLGY 379

This course examines the frequency and nature of female offending and female victimization; the frequently blurred boundaries of female victimization and criminalization; and the role of criminal law, police, and courts in the processing of female victims and offenders.

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SOCIOLOGY OF GLOBALIZATION

SOCIOLGY 385

A survey course designed to critically examine the sociological theories of change. Also examines contemporary empirical developments and their relevance for social policy. Illustrations will be drawn from work done in the developing countries.

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THE HOLOCAUST: NAZI GERMANY AND THE GENOCIDE OF THE JEWS

SOCIOLGY 388

This course will examine the origins, implementation, and legacies of the Nazi Holocaust against the Jews. It is intended to help students gain an appreciation of the importance of the Holocaust to the Jewish experience, while understanding that other groups also were victimized. (Offered jointly with religious studies).

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RACE AND ETHNICITY IN COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE (DV)

SOCIOLGY 391

An examination of the circumstances under which racial and ethnic groups receive privileged or disadvantaged social locations. Particular consideration is given to theories of racial and ethnic inequality and the processes that form the structures of differential and unequal relations in society. A cross-national comparison of social construction of race and ethnicity will provide additional context of understanding patterns and theories of race and ethnic relations.

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SOCIAL THEORY: CLASSICAL AND CONTEMPORARY PERSPECTIVES

SOCIOLGY 473

An examination of classical and contemporary social thought. The connections between early major European and contemporary U.S. and international theorists will be emphasized to analyze key areas of sociological inquiry. The course will map important theoretical camps in sociology as well as conduct analysis of contemporary and historical issues using social theory.

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METHODS OF SOCIAL RESEARCH

SOCIOLGY 476

To acquaint the student with research methods in sociology and the social sciences; the foundation of sociology in science; the role of theory in research; construction of the research design; sampling, data gathering techniques, and analysis and interpretation of data.

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SOCIOLOGY IN PRACTICE

SOCIOLGY 478

This course will examine the ways in which sociology can be applied in both academic and non-academic settings and the various alternative careers open to sociology students. Special attention will be given to the ethical issues involved in sociological research and practice and to the impact of sociology and sociologists upon the decision making process in both the public and private sectors. This course is required for Sociology majors who are planning to take the Applied Sociology SOCIOLGY 493.

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APPLIED SOCIOLOGY

SOCIOLGY 493

This course involves a supervised internship in a public or private organization. Through on campus seminars and written assignments on the intern experience, students learn how sociology can be applied to solve social problems. Repeatable for a maximum of 6 credits in degree.

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INDEPENDENT STUDY

SOCIOLGY 498

Study of a selected topic or topics under the direction of a faculty member. Repeatable.

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SENIOR HONORS THESIS

SOCIOLGY 499

The senior honors thesis is a unique requirement of the Honors Emphasis major which is designed to recognize a student's exceptional dedication and ability. Student will complete a substantial research project in their senior year. Results must be written up as a thesis, presented in a seminar, and defended orally.