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• Undergraduate Spring 2008
• Sociology

Undergraduate Sociology

2008 Spring Term

Class Schedule

INTRODUCTORY SOCIOLOGY

SOCIOLGY 140

The study of human social relations with emphasis on culture, socialization, social structure and change, and the major social institutions.

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SOCIAL PROBLEMS

SOCIOLGY 250

The study of specific social problems, ttheoretical explanations of their existence, and strategies for effecting change.

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MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY

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

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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INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINOLOGY

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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SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

SOCIOLGY 301

Students in this course will learn about the knowledge creation process by reading original research monographs. In addition, students will gain "hands-on" experience in posing sociological questions and in trying to answer those questions through the analysis of computer-based data sets such as the General Social Survey.

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SOCIOLOGY OF SPORT

SOCIOLGY 312

This course will examine the social/cultural history of sports, how sociological theories may be used to understand sport, the complex gender issues surrounding sport, the link between racism and sports, and the link between violence and sports.

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SOCIOLOGY OF GENDER

SOCIOLGY 345

This course will analyze gender as a process and as a social institution. It will examine how we can experience gender in ways that maintain existing gender relations or in ways that challenge them.

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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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SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION

SOCIOLGY 353

A study of the function and forms of religious groups in primitive and contemporary societies as well as theoretical examination of religion as a basic social institution. (Offered jointly with Religious Studies.)

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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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SOCIOLOGY OF LAW

SOCIOLGY 365

An introduction to the interdependence of law and society through an analysis of legal concepts and organization from a sociological view.

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SOCIOLOGY OF TERRORISM

SOCIOLGY 373

This course will examine Terrorism as a weapon of power, a forensic issue, and a social phenomenon. Types of Terror, types of groups and governments involved in terrror, and the people who become terrorists will be examined. Theories of political policy, group dynamics, and individual predilections will be evaluated so that terrorism can be understood and combated.

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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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ORGANIZATIONS AND SOCIETY

SOCIOLGY 380

An examination of the growth and role of organizations in society with specific attention to American society.

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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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AFRICAN AMERICAN FAMILIES

SOCIOLGY 392

This course will survey the historical development of the Afro-American Family from Africa to modern times. Significant events (e.g., the slave trade, slavery, and migration) will be scrutinized in order to ascertain their role in shaping the contemporary Black Family life. Other important social and economic forces will be illuminated to assess their impact. The latest body of literature models, paradigms, hypotheses, and statistical findings will be critically examined to enhance understanding of modern day Black Family premarital and marital relations, adaptive patterns, and dislocations. (Offered jointly with Afro-American Studies.)

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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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EXCHANGE STUDY

SOCIOLGY 497

Variable topics.

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INDEPENDENT STUDY

SOCIOLGY 498

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