 Sociology Courses
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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.
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.
223 Ethics and Medicine
An examination of ethical issues in medicine and the moral principles that
might be employed to resolve ethical dilemmas.
224 Minority Peoples
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.
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.
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.
229 Sociology of Gender
This course will introduce a critical approach to examining the social
construction of gender. It explores several different perspectives on gender
inequality and the role of social institutions such as family, economy,
media, etc. in creating the experience of gender in society.
234 Social Problems as Social Movements
A survey of major social movements that define social conditions as problematic.
Emphasis on the theories, stages, and types of movements as well as the
relationship between social problems and movements.
235 Social Psychology
A study of the influence of people on each other's behavior, including
attitude change and social interaction.
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.
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 addition
and alcoholism, deviant sexual behavior, and mental illness.
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.
239 Aging and Sociology
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.
241 Introduction to Social Welfare
Analysis of the historical development, structure, and functions of contemporary
social welfare agencies. Observation of local agencies.
250 Social Theory
An examination of the ideas and important contributions of the major sociological
theorists to the discipline of sociology.
260, 261 Selected Topics in Sociology
An examination of special topics in sociology, with topics selected on
the basis of faculty and student interest.
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.
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.
326 Comparative Corrections
An exploration of philosophies, rationales, and models of adult correction.
Historical and existing correctional systems in select countries, e.g.,
the U.S., Canada, England, France, Japan, Mexico, Sweden, and the former
U.S.S.R. will be examined.
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.
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.
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.
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.
337 Environmental Sociology
An examination of the interrelationships between societies and their environments,
and an analysis of the sociological aspects of environmental problems.
The focus of the course is on population and organizational aspects of
environmental problems as well as elements of social change involved with
envrionmental social action.
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.
352 Data Analysis
An examination of the basic skills involved in the analysis of social research
data, including an introduction to the computer.
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 select students with department permission.)
405, 406, 407 Independent Study and Research
A supervised research project or extensive literature review which results
in a monograph. Prerequisite: Permission required prior to enrollment.
416 Community Internship
Practical experience in a social service agency, correctional facility,
health institution, business, or other community setting in which sociology
is applied. Prerequisite: Permission required prior to enrollment.
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 post-industrial and postmodern perspectives. Media ethics, privacy controversies,
and policy implications will also be considered.
454 Seminar
Advanced study of selected topics in sociology with emphasis on the preparation
and presentation of a seminar paper.
495, 496, 497 Honors Project
A program of independent study culminating in a paper, artistic creation,
or performance. To qualify for consideration to receive honors in 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 department. A minimum GPA of 3.4 is
required.