Sociology
Sociology means the study of society, or of social things. It is a scientific approach to understanding human groups and human interaction. From families to neighborhoods to nation-states, human life is spent in the company of others. The theories and methods of sociology provide a means to analyze the social nature of human existence. Training in sociology is useful preparation for careers in business, law, government, ministry, medicine and many more.
Sociology (SOC)
SOC 1305 Introduction to Sociology (3)
An introductory survey course including basic concepts in the field of sociology, the relationship of the individual to culture, groups, and major social institutions. Particular attention is given to an examination of contemporary social issues through a sociological lens.
SOC 1306 Social Problems (3)
An analysis of current social problems with emphasis on sociological aspects of problems in education, family life, religion, and other social institutions.
SOC 3305 Introduction to Gerontology (3)
An examination of aging in relation to sociology, psychology, biology, law, political science, literature, religion, recreation, and health. Special emphasis is placed on seeking ways to improve the quality of life for persons over thirty-five.
SOC 3309 Religion and Society (3)
Historical and contemporary issues concerning the complex relationship of religion and society; and religion's propensity to alternately legitimate the status quo and promote social change.
SOC 3311 The Sociology of Race and Ethnicity (3)
Dynamics of race and ethnicity and their interrelationship in society.
SOC 3318 Mexican-Americans in U.S. Society (3)
Race relations theories are applied in the analysis of Mexican-American history, education, acculturation economics, identification, politics, and strategies for social change.
SOC 3322 City and Community (3)
Relationship of social structure, inequality, and social patterns to human settlement in urban and rural areas.
SOC 3330 Women in American Society (3)
An examination of the sociological meaning of women's roles in comparison with men's roles in our society, along with social forces that mold the lives of women. The women's movement and changes in the legal, economic, social, educational, and political arenas as they affect women are investigated. The status of women in the context of contemporary society is explored.
SOC 3354 Marriage and the Family (3)
Contemporary family lifestyles are presented from a sociopsychological viewpoint with stress on personal awareness, growth, and satisfaction in interpersonal relations. Topics include dating, mate selection, communication, sexual adjustment, parenting, cohesion and adaptability, and divorce.
SOC 3355 Introduction to the Economics of Poverty and Discrimination (3)
Cross-listed as ECO 3355
See ECO 3355 for course information.
SOC 3360 Juvenile Delinquency (3)
Pre-requisite(s): SOC 1305 A study of delinquency in a changing society, with emphasis on social causes and methods of control
SOC 3365 Population Geography (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Upper-level standing; or consent of instructor
Population patterns, emphasizing fertility, mortality, and migrations in various regions.
SOC 3372 Population Health (3)
Analysis and evaluation of socioeconomic status, gender, race, ethnicity, and age as major determinants of individual differences in health and well-being in the United States.
SOC 3402 Social Statistics (4)
Cross-listed as ANT 3402
Pre-requisite(s): One course in the formal reasoning distribution list (MTH 1301, MTH 1320, MTH 1321, PHI 1306, or STA 1380) and SOC 1305, ANT 1306, or ANT 1404
An introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics for social science majors. Development of skills in research data analysis.
SOC 4303 Applied Sociology (3)
Field experience in applied social research: theory construction, population and sample identification, data collection, statistical analysis, and research report presentation.
SOC 4309 Social Psychology (3)
Causes and the effects of human interaction. The importance of others in determining one's perception, attitudes, motivation, pattern of communication, and behavior-such as altruism, affiliation, aggression, conformity, and achievement is examined.
SOC 4310 Death and Dying (3)
Significant issues in the rapidly growing field of death awareness. Specifically, the interactions between the dying individual, family, friends, and professionals are analyzed in terms of process. Major emphasis is placed on the social aspects of dying and the different settings in which deaths occur.
SOC 4312 Philanthropy, Civil Society, & the Public Good (3)
Cross-listed as PPS 4310
Pre-requisite(s): Upper-level standing
The role of philanthropy and civil society in public problem solving with an introduction to ethics and importance of financial giving and community investments. Students will spend significant time outside class working with foundations and nonprofits.
SOC 4315 Sociology of Education (3)
Structure and functioning of the social organization of the school in light of the goals to be achieved. The interrelationships of education with other institutions will be examined. Consideration will also be given to social psychological processes as they operate in the school setting.
SOC 4320 Culture, Personality and Identity (3)
Cross-listed as ANT 4320
See ANT 4320 for course information.
SOC 4322 Stratification in Society (3)
Various forms, effects, and origins, of systems of distribution of social resources. Focus on economics, power, status, and identity.
SOC 4325 Sociology of Religion (3)
Ways in which religion influences society, culture, and personality and, conversely, how the latter affect religion.
SOC 4331 Social Demography (3)
Cross-listed as ENV 4331
Statistical study of human populations, including human population, size, growth, density, and distribution.
SOC 4335 Sociology of Law (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Upper-level standing
A sociological examination of the role of law in society with an emphasis on the relationship between law and other social institutions and how our legal system attempts to solve particular social problems.
SOC 4340 Ethnicity and Aging (3)
Cross-listed as GRT 4340, SWO 4340
See SWO 4340 for course information.
SOC 4352 Criminology (3)
Pre-requisite(s): SOC 1305
Crime, criminals, and the correctional system in America. Emphasis is given to the effects of crime on the social order.
SOC 4353 Sociology of Medicine (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Upper-level standing; or consent of instructor
A sociological examination of health, illness, and the social organization of medical care in the United States. Consideration is given to race, class, gender, and age as factors influencing health, illness, and the delivery of medical care.
SOC 4355 Economics of Poverty and Discrimination (3)
Cross-listed as ECO 4355
See ECO 4355 for course information.
SOC 4357 Health Inequalities in America (3)
Pre-requisite(s): SOC 1305 and upper-level standing, or consent of instructor This course is designed to inform students about the ever-changing distribution of health across race/ethnicity, gender, age, region, and other demographic indicators
SOC 4360 Social Problems in Modern Society (3)
Pre-requisite(s): SOC 1305 and upper-level standing or consent of instructor
Sociological perspective on defining "social problems" for the United States, examining their causes and consequences, and possible solutions. Includes case studies of contemporary issues, such as income inequality, violence, health disparities, and climate change.
SOC 4366 Social Movements (3)
Contemporary social change as an outcome of the economic, political, and social processes involved in the development of post-industrial society.
SOC 4381 Methods of Social Research (3)
Basic methods and techniques used in social research.
SOC 4391 Social Theory (3)
Social theory from its origins in philosophy to current efforts at theory construction. Particular schools are critically evaluated, and recent convergences in social anthropology, sociology, and social psychology are noted.
SOC 4393 Sociology of Aging (3)
See SWO 4393 for course information.
SOC 4395 Aging and Mental Health (3)
See SWO 4395 for course information.
SOC 43C9 Senior Colloquium (3)
Culminating course integrating methods, theory, and topical knowledge of sociology. Special emphasis on the application of sociology into post-graduate life.
SOC 4V70 Special Topics in Sociology (1-3)
Pre-requisite(s): SOC 1305, upper-level standing, and consent of instructor; SOC majors only
Designed for students who wish to study with a professor in an area of sociology not covered by regular course offerings. Students will contract with professor regarding study and number of semester hours. May be repeated for credit up to a total of six semester hours, provided topic is different. For sociology majors with upper-level standing only.
SOC 4V9R Research (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of the instructor
Undergraduate research undertaken with the supervision of a faculty member. May be taken for a maximum of 6 hours.