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Courses in sociology (designated SOCY) may be applied as appropriate, for example, toward:
- the general education requirement in the behavioral and social sciences;
- a minor in sociology;
- a major in social science; and
- electives.
An introduction to the fundamental concepts and principles of sociology. Topics include the study of cultures, patterns of social values, social institutions, stratification, and social change. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BEHS 102 or SOCY 100.
An exploration of various personal, institutional, cultural, historical, and global problems that confront American society today. Problems range from drugs, divorce, crime, mental illness, and alienation in modern society to the environment and national and global economic and political conflicts. Special attention is paid to issues of technology and social change. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: SOCY 105 or SOCY 210.
A survey of the social structure and organization of American society, with special reference to recent social changes. The character, structure, values, and ideology of American social movements are examined from a sociological perspective. Topics include urban demographic changes and other population trends, as well as changes in the conduct of work, family life, and recreation.
Prerequisite: SOCY 100 or SOCY 243. A study of the family and population dynamics. Discussion covers issues of fertility (such as teenage pregnancy, the timing of parenthood, and the determinants and consequences of family size) as they relate to family behavior (such as marital patterns, the use of child-care options, and the relationship between work and the family). Issues of policy as related to demographic changes in the family are also considered.
Prerequisite: SOCY 100. An inquiry into the institutional bases of gender roles and gender inequality, cultural perspectives on gender, gender socialization, feminism, and gender-role change. Emphasis is on contemporary American society.
Prerequisite: SOCY 100. A study of major theoretical approaches to sociology, including functionalism, conflict, and symbolic interactionism. Original works of major theorists are examined in historical perspective.
Prerequisite: SOCY 100. A study of social demography. Topics include types of demographic analysis, demographic data, population characteristics, migration, mortality, fertility, population theories, world population growth, and population policy.
Prerequisite: SOCY 100. An exposition of basic social processes in the relations of ethnic groups, immigrant groups, African Americans, and Native Americans in the United States, and of ethnic minorities in Europe.
Prerequisite: SOCY 100. An exploration of current theories of the genesis and distribution of deviant behavior. Topics include definitions of deviance, implications for a general theory of deviant behavior, labeling theory, and secondary deviance.
Prerequisite: SOCY 100. An examination of the family as a social institution. Its biological and cultural foundation; its historical development, changing structure, and function; the interaction of marriage and parenthood; and the disorganizing and reorganizing factors in current trends are explored.
Prerequisite: SOCY 100. An overview of social change and its effects on the growth of military institutions. Topics include the structure of complex formal military organizations, the sociology of military life as a distinct cultural ethos, and the interrelations of military institutions, civilian communities, and society. Military service is evaluated as an occupation or a profession.
A study of the problem of violence within families, especially against women and children. Causes and treatment of family violence are covered from the point of view of both victim and victimizers. Assignments include advanced reading and research. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: SOCY 198E or SOCY 498E.
Return to subject area index.Last updated: 17 July 2008