SOCIOLOGY

Professor Weiss; Associate Professors Dunn, K.L. Hoffman, O’Toole; Assistant Professors Berntson, Mehrotra, Wolfe; Senior Lecturer Brogan; 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 lifestyles. (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.

315 Political Sociology

An analysis of power, politics, the state, and international entities from a sociological perspective. Topics include power and authority, political and economic systems, inequality, political parties, social movements, nation-states, and globalization. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Sociology 101 or instructor’s permission.

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)