SOCIOLOGY
Professor Weiss; Associate Professors Dunn, K.L. Hoffman, O'Toole;
Assistant Professors Berntson, Mehrotra,Wolfe; Part-time Senior
Lecturer Brogan; Part-time Lecturer Evans
A major in sociology requires a minimum of 11 units,
including:
SOCI 101 Introduction to Sociology
SOCI 250 Social Theory
SOCI 351 Research Methods
SOCI 352 Data Analysis
SOCI 453 Seminar
Six additional units in sociology, at least two of which must
be at or above the 300 level.
Sociology 416 (Community Internship) may not be used to
satisfy the 300/400 level requirement.
Sociology 101 or permission of the instructor is the minimal
prerequisite to all other sociology courses, with the exception
of Sociology 102. Sociology 101 and one 200-level sociology
course are the minimal prerequisites to Social Theory and to
all 300- and 400-level sociology courses. Students majoring in
sociology are encouraged to take Sociology 250 in the
sophomore year. Sociology 351 and 352 are strongly
recommended for the junior year, prior to enrolling in
Sociology 453 in the senior year.
Majors are encouraged to take at least one course in each of
the other social sciences in fulfilling Centers of Distinction
and elective requirements, and, especially for those
anticipating graduate study, to take Statistics 101 as one of the
mathematics Centers of Distinction requirements.
Concentration in Information Analysis
Associate Professor Dunn, Coordinator
The concept of the information analyst blends the traditional
liberal arts education with some specific skills in the
acquisition, analysis, and dissemination of information. It calls
attention to skills that sociology majors already learn and
provides additional coursework in areas related to the
collection, analysis, and communication of information.
Sociology majors may earn a concentration in information
analysis by successfully completing the seven one-unit
courses listed below.
SOCI 351 Research Methods
SOCI 352 Data Analysis
CPSC 101 Introduction to Computers
COMM 219 Journalism
or
COMR 410 Community Research Practicum
or
SOCI 406 Independent Study and Research
PHIL 122 Logic
SOCI 421 The Information Society
Recommended: STAT 101 Introductory Statistics
Minor in Sociology
A minor in sociology requires six units in Sociology,
including: Sociology 101; Sociology 250 or 351; and four
units of sociology electives of which at least two units must
be at the 300 or 400 level. SOCI 416 (Community
Internship) may not be used to satisfy the 300/400 level
requirement.
101 Introduction to Sociology
An introduction to the field of sociology with an emphasis on
the study of social groups and how they influence human
behavior and society. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
102 Anthropology
An introduction to cultural anthropology with an emphasis
on the description and analysis of the variations in customs,
habits, values, and social organization of primitive and non-
Western societies. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
215 Social Movements
Study of the social and political context of social movements.
Topics include conditions hindering of facilitating
movements, organization, participation and recruitment,
framing, tactics and strategies, influence of the state and other
movements, and social change. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
223 Ethics and Medicine
An examination of ethical issues in medicine and the moral
principles that might be employed to resolve ethical
dilemmas. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
(Cross-listed with Philosophy 223.)
224 Race and Ethnicity
A study of racial, religious, and nationality minority groups in
the United States. Topics include prejudice, racism, and
discrimination; immigration and assimilation; and current
public policy issues. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
226 Sociology of the Family
An analysis of the contemporary American family with
comparisons from other cultures. Topics include choice of
marriage partner, family life cycle, marital and parent-child
relationships, and alternative life styles. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
227 Medical Sociology
An analysis of cultural, social, and social-psychological factors
affecting health status and the response to disease; the
distribution of disease in society; the cost and utilization of
medical services; the relationship between physicians and
patients; and problems in the medical care system. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
229 Sociology of Gender
An introduction to a critical approach to examining the social
construction of gender.Topics include perspectives on gender
inequality and the role of social institutions such as family,
economy, media, etc. in creating the experience of gender in
society. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
234 Social Problems
An exploration of the interconnectedness of many of our
society's most pressing social issues that contextualizes them
in patterns of social organization at global, societal, and local
levels. This course provides a conceptual frame of reference
for defining and analyzing major contemporary social
problems.(1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
235 Social Psychology
A study of the influence of people on each other's behavior,
including attitude change and social interaction. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
236 Popular Culture
An analysis of popular culture as a reflection of society, a
factor in socialization, and an economic institution. Topics
include popular music, television and films, comics and
cartoons, and sports and games. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
237 Deviant Behavior
An examination of the concept of deviance and the various
sociological perspectives on deviant behavior. Sociological,
biological, and psychological theories of causation are used to
study behaviors such as drug addiction and alcoholism,
deviant sexual behavior, and mental illness. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
238 Juvenile Delinquency
An analysis of the nature and types of juvenile offenses,
sociological theories of delinquency and causation, and
an examination of the juvenile justice system. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
239 Aging and Society
An examination of the aging process, both for individuals and
the nation, as it influences and is influenced by the social
context. Topics include socialization, economics, health, social
relations, housing, retirement, institutionalization, and policy. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
241 Introduction to Social Welfare
Analysis of the historical development, structure, and
functions of contemporary social welfare agencies.
Observation of local agencies. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
250 Social Theory
An examination of the ideas and important contributions of
the major sociological theorists to the discipline of sociology.
(1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Sociology 101 and one 200-level sociology course.
260, 261 Selected Topics in Sociology
An examination of special topics in sociology, with topics
selected on the basis of faculty and student interest. ( 1 / 2 , 1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
324 Social Stratification
An analysis of the distribution of power, prestige, and wealth
in the United States and the societies of other countries.
(Topics include social classes and their effects on behavior
and social mobility.) (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
325 Sociology of Communities
A study of community life, including theoretical and
methodological approaches to both rural and urban
communities.Topics include social relationships in
community, community structure and organization, historical
development of urban community, urbanism as a way of life,
the impact of social change on community, comparative
communities, and social planning in communities. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
327 Sociology of Religion
An examination of the relationship between religion and
society.Topics include definitions and theories of religion;
analysis of historical and contemporary religious groups; the
influence of religion on attitudes and behaviors; and the role
of religion in social change. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
334 Criminology
An analysis of the nature, types, and distribution of criminal
behaviors with a focus on crimes against persons and
property, organized crime, and white-collar crime. Programs
for crime prevention, punishment, and rehabilitation are
examined. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
335 Population and Society
An analysis of size, composition, and distribution of human
populations. Social consequences and policy implications of
population dynamics are emphasized for the U.S., selected
other countries, and the world. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
336 Work and Occupations
An examination of the contemporary work structure,
corporate culture, and occupational ethnographies.
Topics include work values, occupational socialization,
professionalism, bureaucratization, and conflict and
change in the workplace. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
337 Environmental Sociology
An examination of the interrelationships between societies
and their environments, and an analysis of sociological aspects
of environmental problems. This course will focus on the
population and organizational aspects of environmental
problems as well as elements of social change involved with
environmental social action. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Environmental Science 200 or Sociology 101 and one
200-level Sociology course.
351 Research Methods
An examination of the research techniques used by
sociologists. Attention is given to research design, survey
research, sampling, field research, experimental research, and
the ethics of research. Understanding the basics of research
and mastery of research skills are both emphasized. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite or co-requisite: Sociology 250.
352 Data Analysis
An examination of the basic skills involved in the analysis of
social research data, including an introduction to
the computer. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Sociology 351.
360, 361 Selected Topics in Sociology
An examination of special topics in sociology, with topics
selected on the basis of faculty and student interest. ( 1 / 2, 1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Sociology 101.
395, 396 Henry H. Fowler Public Policy Seminar
A seminar taught with a scholar-statesperson that deals with a
policy issue of public significance. (Made possible by the
Henry H. Fowler Endowment. Open to selected students
with department permission.) (1, 1 / 2 )
405, 406, 407 Independent Study and Research
A supervised research project or extensive literature review.
( 1 / 2 , 1, 1 / 2 )
Prerequisite: Written proposal approved by the department.
416 Community Internship
Practical experience in a social service agency, correctional
facility, health institution, business, or other community
setting in which sociology is applied. May not be used to
fulfill the 300-level or above requirement for the major or
minor. (1)
Prerequisite: Written proposal approved by the department.
421 The Information Society
An examination of theory, research, and debate concerning
the nature of and change in information in contemporary
society.Topics covered will include traditional and critical
theory, information theory, theories of mass communication
and mass society, innovation and diffusion as well as postindustrial
and post modern perspectives. Media ethics, privacy
controversies, and policy implications are also considered. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
429 Gender Violence
An exploration of the complex interrelationships among
gender, sexuality, and violence.Topics include the historical,
cultural and social-structural bases of gender violence,
including sexual harassment, rape, domestic violence, and the
use of gender violence in war; and current and potential
responses to gender violence in communities, organizations,
and public policy. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Sociology 250.
453 Seminar
A capstone course for the sociology major that includes an
in-depth review and analysis of major themes within
sociology. (1)
Prerequisite: Sociology 352.
495, 496, 497 Honors Project
A program of independent study culminating in a paper,
artistic creation, or performance.
Prerequisites: To qualify for consideration to receive honors in the
major, a student in his/her senior year or in the Summer prior to the
senior year, must work under the guidance of his/her committee.A
written proposal and application must be approved by the committee
and department.A minimum GPA of 3.4 in the major is required.
495 Honors Project is prerequisite for 497 Honors Project. ( 1 / 2 , 1, 1 / 2 )