Sociology
Courses in sociology (designated SOCY) may be applied as appropriate (according to individual program requirements) toward
- the general education requirement in the behavioral and social sciences;
- a major in social science;
- a minor in sociology or women's studies; and
- electives.
SOCY 100 Introduction to Sociology (3)
An introduction to the basic concepts, theoretical perspectives, and research methods in sociology. The objective is to apply sociological imagination, perspectives, and research to uncover patterns of social behavior. Topics include culture, socialization, groups, deviance, stratification, institutions, and social change. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BEHS 102 or SOCY 100.
SOCY 105 Introduction to Contemporary Social Problems (3)
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.
SOCY 300 American Society (3)
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.
SOCY 313 The Individual and Society (3)
Prerequisite: SOCY 100. An examination of changing concepts of the interaction between the individual and society. The objective is to analyze the roles of the individual and society in the creation of and change in persistent social problems, such as poverty and social inequality. Analysis employs the framework of classical functional, conflict, and social constructivist theories, as well as the context of rapidly changing communication technology and globalization and their impact on the individual. Topics include the construction of social order; the role of trust in social interaction; and work, power, social organization, and the social self. Selected readings are taken from the sociologies of work, gender, modernity, postmodernism, globalization, and social change. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BEHS 312, SOCY 311, or SOCY 313.
SOCY 325 The Sociology of Gender (3)
Prerequisite: SOCY 100. An inquiry into how gender is socially constructed and reconstructed in contemporary society. The aim is to assess the interaction between gender and other social identities.
SOCY 403 Intermediate Sociological Theory (3)
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.
SOCY 423 Minorities in the United States (3)
Prerequisite: SOCY 100. An examination of basic social processes in the relations of minority groups in the United States. The aim is to analyze current and historical events and use sociological tools to critically evaluate ethnic and racial issues.
SOCY 424 Race and Ethnic Relations (3)
Prerequisite: SOCY 100. An analysis of race- and ethnic-related issues in society. The goal is to examine, analyze, project future trends in, and communicate effectively about minority-majority issues. Discussion covers the impact of inequality, prejudice, and discrimination on minority/majority relations. Topics include theories of race relations; the historical emergence, development, and institutionalization of racism; effects of racism; conflicts that are racially and ethnically based; and contemporary issues.
SOCY 426 Sociology of Religion (3)
A survey of the varieties and origins of religious experience and religious institutions. The role of religion in social life is explored.
SOCY 427 Deviant Behavior (3)
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.
SOCY 432 Social Movements (3)
Prerequisite: SOCY 100. An examination of movements that seek change in the social and political structure of society. Topics include the origins, tactics, organization, recruitment, and success of such movements. Case studies feature movements in the areas of labor, civil rights, feminism, the environment, student and neighborhood activism, and gay rights.
SOCY 443 The Family and Society (3)
Prerequisite: SOCY 100. An examination of the family as a social institution. Topics include the family's biological and cultural foundation; its historic development, changing structure, and function; the interaction of marriage and parenthood; and the disorganizing and reorganizing factors in current trends.
SOCY 462 Women in the Military (3)
A cross-national analysis of past, present, and future trends in women's roles in the military. Topics include the effects of cultural forces, national security, technological changes, demographic patterns, occupational structures, labor shortages, and considerations of efficiency and rationality on women's roles in the armed forces.
SOCY 464 Military Sociology (3)
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 interrelationships of military institutions, civilian communities, and society. Military service is evaluated as an occupation or a profession.
Last updated: 5 July 2011