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)
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.
An analysis of current social problems with emphasis on sociological aspects of problems in education, family life, religion, and other social institutions.
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.
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.
Dynamics of race and ethnicity and their interrelationship in society.
Race relations theories are applied in the analysis of Mexican-American history, education, acculturation economics, identification, politics, and strategies for social change.
Relationship of social structure, inequality, and social patterns to human settlement in urban and rural areas.
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.
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.
See ECO 3355 for course information.
Population patterns, emphasizing fertility, mortality, and migrations in various regions.
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.
An introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics for social science majors. Development of skills in research data analysis.
Field experience in applied social research: theory construction, population and sample identification, data collection, statistical analysis, and research report presentation.
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.
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.
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.
See ANT 4320 for course information.
Various forms, effects, and origins, of systems of distribution of social resources. Focus on economics, power, status, and identity.
Ways in which religion influences society, culture, and personality and, conversely, how the latter affect religion.
Statistical study of human populations, including human population, size, growth, density, and distribution.
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.
See SWO 4340 for course information.
Crime, criminals, and the correctional system in America. Emphasis is given to the effects of crime on the social order.
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.
See ECO 4355 for course information.
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.
Contemporary social change as an outcome of the economic, political, and social processes involved in the development of post-industrial society.
Basic methods and techniques used in social research.
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.
See SWO 4393 for course information.
See SWO 4395 for course information.
Culminating course integrating methods, theory, and topical knowledge of sociology. Special emphasis on the application of sociology into post-graduate life.
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.
Undergraduate research undertaken with the supervision of a faculty member. May be taken for a maximum of 6 hours.