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Course Descriptions—Sociology (SOCY)

SOCY 100 Introduction to Sociology (3)

An introduction to the fundamental concepts and principles of sociology. Topics include the study of cultures, patterns of social values, social institutions, stratification, 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 312 Family Demography (3)

Prerequisite: SOCY 100 or SOCY 243. A study of the family and population dynamics. Discussion covers issues of fertility (such as teenage pregnancy, the timing of parenthood, and the determinants and consequences of family size) as they relate to family behavior (such as marital patterns, the use of child-care options, and the relationship between work and the family). Issues of policy as related to demographic changes in the family are also considered.

SOCY 313 The Individual and Society (3)

Prerequisite: SOCY 100. An examination of changing concepts of the interaction between the individual and society. Analysis employs the framework of classical functional, conflict, and social constructivist theories, as well as the context of rapidly changing communication technology and globalization. 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, postmodernism, globalization, and human rights. Persistent social problems, such as poverty and social inequality, are analyzed. 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 the institutional bases of gender roles and gender inequality. Topics include cultural perspectives on gender, gender socialization, feminism, and genderrole change. Emphasis is on contemporary American society.

SOCY 398 Special Topics in Sociology (3)

Prerequisite: SOCY 100. A study of topics of special interest.

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 410 Social Demography (3)

Prerequisite: SOCY 100. A study of social demography. Topics include types of demographic analysis, demographic data, population characteristics, migration, mortality, fertility, population theories, world population growth, and population policy.

SOCY 423 Ethnic Minorities (3)

Prerequisite: SOCY 100. An exposition of basic social processes in the relations of ethnic groups, immigrant groups, African Americans, and Native Americans in the United States andethnic minorities in Europe.

SOCY 424 Sociology of Race Relations (3)

Prerequisite: SOCY 100. An analysis of race-related issues, focusing mainly on American society. Topics include the historical emergence, development, and institutionalization of racism; the effects of racism on its victims; and conflicts that are racially based.

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 428 Global Perspectives on Migrants and Refugees (3)

Prerequisite: SOCY 100. A sociological exploration of global migration including study of migrants and refugees, legal and illegal immigration, politics and laws, and the role of the global economy in generating population flows.

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 461 Industrial Sociology (3)

A study of the sociology of human relations in American industry and business. Topics include complex industrial and business organizations as social systems and social relationships within and between industry, business, community, and society. Students may receive credit only once under this course title.

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.

SOCY 473 Sociology of Urban Environments (3)

Prerequisite: SOCY 100. A study of the rise of urban civilization and metropolitan regions. Topics include ecological process and structure, the city as a center of dominance, social problems, control, and planning.

SOCY 486A Internship in Sociology Through Co-op (3)

Prerequisite: Formal admission to the Co-op program (program requirements are listed on p. 247). An opportunity to combine academic theory with new, career-related experience in sociology. At least 12 hours per week must be devoted to new tasks for a minimum of 180 hours during the Co-op session; four new tasks must be delineated in the Learning Proposal; and the course requirements must be completed. May be repeated upon approval of a new Learning Proposal that demonstrates new tasks and objectives related to sociology and that continues to advance application of academic theory in the workplace. Students may earn up to 15 credits in all internship coursework through Co-op toward a first bachelor’s degree and up to 9 credits toward a second bachelor’s degree. Co-op credits may not be used for general education requirements and, unless otherwise specified, no more than 6 Co-op credits may be used in the academic major and minor (combined).

SOCY 486B Internship in Sociology Through Co-op (6)

Prerequisite: Formal admission to the Co-op program (program requirements are listed on p. 247). An opportunity to combine academic theory with new, career-related experience in sociology. At least 20 hours per week must be devoted to new tasks for a total of 300 hours during the Co-op session; five to eight new tasks must be delineated in the Learning Proposal; and the course requirements must be completed. May be repeated upon approval of a new Learning Proposal that demonstrates new tasks and objectives related to sociology and that continues to advance application of academic theory in the workplace. Students may earn up to 15 credits in all internship coursework through Co-op toward a first bachelor’s degree and up to 9 credits toward a second bachelor’s degree. Co-op credits may not be used for general education requirements and, unless otherwise specified, no more than 6 Co-op credits may be used in the academic major and minor (combined).

SOCY 498 Selected Topics in Sociology (1-3)

Prerequisite: SOCY 100. An advanced study of topics of special interest in sociology. Assignments include advanced reading and research.