SOCIOLOGYProfessors O’Toole, Weiss; Associate Professors Dunn, K.L. Hoffman, Mehrotra; Assistant Professors Berntson, Sarabia; Teaching Associate Brogan; Lecturer Matzner A major in sociology requires a minimum of 11 units, including:
SOCI 101 Introduction to Sociology Six additional units in sociology, at least 3 of which must be at or above the 300 level. At least one of these three upper level units must be at the 400 level. Honors Project (SOCI 495, 496, 497) and Independent Study and Research (SOCI 405, 406, 407) may count for the 400-level elective. 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 Sociology 251, which begins the core sequence in the major. Sociology 251 (or permission) is prerequisite to Sociology 252 and Sociology 252 (or permission) is the prerequisite to Sociology 353. The completion of all required core courses and senior status are prerequisites to Sociology 454. Students majoring in sociology are encouraged to take Sociology 251 and 252 in the sophomore year. Sociology 353 is strongly recommended for the junior year, prior to enrolling in Sociology 454 in the senior year. The prerequisite for all 300-level courses will be SOCI 101 and one 200-level sociology course, or permission of the instructor. The prerequisite for all 400-level courses is SOCI 353 or permission of instructor. 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 six one-unit courses listed below.
SOCI 251 Research Methods Recommended: STAT 101 Introductory Statistics Minor in Sociology A minor in sociology requires six units in Sociology, including: Sociology 101; Sociology 251 (or any other social science methods course such as CJUS/I.R./POLI 340 or PSYC 200), SOCI 353, and 3 additional units in Sociology, with at least one 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) 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) 215 Social Movements
Study of the social and political context of social movements. Topics include conditions hindering or facilitating movements, organization, participation and recruitment, framing, tactics and strategies, influence of the state and other movements, and social change. (1) 223 Ethics and Medicine
An examination of ethical issues in medicine and the moral principles that might be employed to resolve ethical dilemmas. (1) 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) 226 Intimate, Marital, and Family Relationships
An analysis of intimate, marital, and family interaction patterns in contemporary American society, with a focus on the social institutions and structures that shape them. Topics include courtship and dating, cohabitation, selection of long-term partners and issues related to marital and parent-child relationships. Multiple family structures such as nuclear families, egalitarian marriages, gay and lesbian relationships, single parenting, and stepfamilies are examined. (1) 229 Sociology of Sex and Gender
An introduction to a critical approach to examining the social construction of sex and gender. Topics include analysis of sex/gender systems, perspectives on gender inequality and the role of social institutions such as family, economy, media, etc. in shaping multiple experiences of gender and the characteristics of gender relations in society. (1) 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) 235 Social Psychology
A study of the influence of people on each other’s behavior, including attitude change and social interaction. (1) 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) 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) 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) 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) 241 Introduction to Social Welfare
Analysis of the historical development, structure, and functions of contemporary social welfare agencies. Observation of local agencies. (1) 251 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) 252 Data Analysis
An examination of the basic skills involved in the analysis of social research data, including an introduction to the computer. (1) 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) 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) 323 Health, Illness and Healing
An analysis of the social context of health, illness, and healing including the influence of the social environment on disease and illness patterns, interaction among health care providers and patients, and types of health care systems. Special focus is given to social inequalities in the American health care system. (1) 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) 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) 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) 334 Criminology
An analysis of the social causes of crime and criminal behavior with a focus on drug, property, white collar and violent crime. Theoretical explanations of criminal behavior and a critique of selected aspects of the American criminal justice system are discussed. Programs for crime prevention and rehabilitation are examined. (1) 335 Global Population Problems
An analysis of population structure and dynamics as influenced by cultural, political, economic, and environmental factors. This course focuses attention to the social determinants of population problems, while exploring their consequences and policy implications for individuals, their societies, and the world. (1) 336 Organizations, Occupations, and Work
An examination of the centrality of work in the lives of individuals and in the development of societies. Topics include organizational structures, corporate cultures, worker identities and activities, workplace stratification, and conflict and change in organizations. (1) 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) 353 Social Theory
An examination of the ideas and important contributions of major sociological theorists to the discipline of sociology. (1) 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) 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) 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) 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) 424 Gender and Development
An examination of how gender relations in a society influence and are in turn reshaped by economic development. Topics include the theoretical and practical issues in gender and development, the processes and impacts of globalization, gender planning, and women’s grassroots social and political movements. (1) 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) 437 Crowds, Panics, and Disasters
An analysis of emergent, comparatively unstructured, and spontaneous collectivities and social processes within societies. The course gives special attention to social behavior during normative breakdowns, crisis situations, and periods of dissent. Group behavior during riots and disasters is examined, along with the dynamics of panics and rumor. (1) 454 Senior Seminar
A capstone course for the sociology major that includes an in-depth review and analysis of major themes within sociology. (1) 495, 496, 497 Honors Project
A program of independent study culminating in a paper, artistic creation, or performance.
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