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)  
Cross-listed as GRT 3305, SWO 3305  

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)  
Pre-requisite(s): SOC 1305 or 1306 or consent of instructor  

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)  
Pre-requisite(s): SOC 1305, 3402 and consent of instructor  

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 4311  Sociology of Sport  (3)  
Cross-listed as HP 4372  

See HP 4372 for course information.

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)  
Pre-requisite(s): SOC 1305, 3402; and three semester hours of mathematics  

Basic methods and techniques used in social research.

SOC 4391  Social Theory  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): Senior status and SOC 1305, 3402, and 4381, or consent of instructor  

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)  
Cross-listed as GRT 4393, SWO 4393  

See SWO 4393 for course information.

SOC 4395  Aging and Mental Health  (3)  
Cross-listed as GRT 4395, SWO 4395  

See SWO 4395 for course information.

SOC 43C9  Senior Colloquium  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): SOC 1305, 3402, 4381, 4391 and senior standing  

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.