Graduate Courses

Note to Prospective Students: The course catalogue does not offer descriptions of courses held under the category of "Graduate Seminar." These comprise many of the Sociology Departments courses.

SOC 501, 502 Research Design and Statistics

A review of the main statistical techniques used in sociological research. Discussion of and practical experience in the design of sociological research. These two courses must be taken in the same academic year.
3 credits each semester

SOC 503 Multivariate Analysis of Social Data

The general linear model and multivariate analysis, including dummy variable analysis, multiple covariance, multivariate analysis of variance, and factor analysis.
Prerequisite: SOC 502 or permission of instructor
3 credits

SOC 504 Logic and Practice of Sociology

This course provides an introduction to the logic of empirical research in sociology. It takes an overview of both quantitative and qualitative methods, inductive and deductive reasoning, and the process of theory construction and testing, with an emphasis on research design and the logic of causal analysis. Topics covered include survey research, participant observation and field methods, the comparative method, experimental and quasi-experimental design, content analysis, and the logic of multivariate analysis
3 credits

SOC 505, 506 Sociological Theory

A review of the intellectual development of the discipline, its epistemological foundations, current major theoretical orientations,and newly developing perspectives.
3 credits each semester

SOC 508 Experimental Methods

The design, conduct, and analysis of laboratory and field experiments.
3 credits

SOC 509 Field Work

Practicum in field interviews and observations; problems of rapport,reliability, and validity.
3 credits

SOC 510 Historical Methods in Sociology

Major approaches and philosophical problems of and methods used in historical sociology. Topics covered include causal analysis, macro sociological comparisons, case-oriented vs. variable-oriented approaches, ideal types, comparative typologies, narrative, and issues of significance and objectivity. Special attention is given to the problem of concept formation.
3 credits

SOC 511 Population Analysis

A survey of demographic theory and research. Determinants and consequences of population size, growth rates, composition and spatial distribution, family formation, fertility, mortality,and migration.
Prerequisite: One course in statistics
3 credits

SOC 512 Global Sociology, Identities, and Organizations in Global Perspective

This course examines how increasing global integration impacts human society. It reviews the broad trends that foster globalization in the economic, political, cultural, and social spheres, as well as the consequences global change has had on how individuals and communities identify themselves and how they organize for collective goals. Core issues on the global agenda such as conflict, environment, technological and economic development, demographic change, gender, and human rights will be addressed; research methods for the study of global society will be introduced.
3 credits

SOC 513 The Metropolitan Community

Determinants and consequences of the growth of urban settlements.Their demographic composition and spatial structure. Problems in metropolitan community organization.
3 credits

SOC 521 Social Interactions

The study of interaction in formal and informal settings. The reciprocal influence among group structure, norms, and interactive processes. A prior course in social psychology is assumed.
3 credits

SOC 522 Socialization and the Self

Socialization as a continuous process throughout the life cycle.Social and cultural sources of identity. Self-other systems asa form of social control. A prior course in social psychology is assumed.
3 credits

SOC 523 Sociology of Education

Relationships between education and other institutions. Internal dynamics of the school and the classroom.
3 credits

SOC 531 Stratification

Causes and consequences of the unequal distribution of wealth,power, prestige, and other social values in different societies.Changes in the stratification system as a result of industrialization and revolution.
3 credits

SOC 532 Complex Organizations

Division of labor, communication, and decision making in large and formally administered organizations, such as industrial concerns,governmental agencies, political parties, trade unions, schools,hospitals, and prisons.
3 credits

SOC 541 Conflict and Violence

Conflict and violence as related to social change. Examination of community controversies, social movements, uprisings, and war.
3 credits

SOC 542 Deviance

Survey of recent research literature on various kinds of deviance(crime, delinquency, and morally stigmatized behavior). Controversial issues in theory and research methods.
3 credits

SOC 545 Social Movements and Collective Behavior

Unorganized collectives and their role in change. Studies of specific social movements and other collective behavior episodes.
3 credits

SOC 546 Sociological Perspectives on American Society

Analysis of American social structure. Political and economic institutions and their bearing on social problems. Students attend the lectures of CES 581 (consult Continuing Education bulletin)and a supplementary seminar.
4 credits

SOC 549 Social Change

The image of technological, generational, and cultural forces on social organization from historical and comparative perspectives.
3 credits

SOC 555 War and the Military

A comparative and historical study of the social organization of war and the military; causes, conduct, and consequences of war
3 credits

SOC 556 Political Sociology

The study of political institutions and of the politically relevant actions and attitudes of individuals and groups. Particular stress will be placed on the reciprocal relationship between social movements and political institutions.
3 credits

SOC 561 Sociology of Intellectual Life

A comparative and historical analysis of the social conditions leading to the development of intellectual professionals.
3 credits

SOC 562 Sociology of the Arts

The relations between social structure, social change, and the development of major art forms.
3 credits

SOC 563 Sociology of Science

The relations between science and society; social influences on the choice of problems and methods; the social organization of scientific research.
3 credits

SOC 564 Communications

The social organization of the communications industry; the effects of mass communication.
3 credits

SOC 571 Sociology of Health and Medicine

Social factors in health and illness; the socialization of health practitioners; the social organization of hospitals, clinics,and other facilities.
3 credits

SOC 590 Independent Study

Intensive reading, under supervision of one or more instructors,of material not covered in the formal curriculum.
Variable and repetitive credit

SOC 591, 595 Special Seminars

Topics to be arranged. The seminar will be built around actual research activities of students and faculty. The following topics have been covered: Microsociology; Advanced Topics in Marxist Theory; Sociology of Emotions; Historical Methods; Ethnic Relations;Biosociology; Comparative Stratification; Max Weber; Science of Sociology and Everyday Life; Methods of Behavioral Observation;Social Structure; Sociology of the Family; Cognitive Sociology;Sociology of Work; Economic Sociology; Sociology of Gender; Sociology of Culture; Development of Capitalism; Film as a Sociological Research Tool; The Three Faces of Social Psychology; A Structural Approach to Organizational Behavior; Professionals and Professionalism;Sociology of Modernity; Research Support in Sociology; Sociology of Sexual Behavior; Global Sociology; Gender and the Law; Poverty and Homelessness.
3 credits each semester

SOC 598 Research

Execution of a research project under the supervision of one or more faculty members.
Variable and repetitive credit

SOC 603 Advanced Topics in Quantitative Analysis

Mathematical and statistical methods in the analysis of quantitative data.
Prerequisites: SOC 501 and 502 and 503
3 credits

SOC 604 Advanced Topics in Qualitative Analysis

The use of personal documents, official records, field observations,and interviews.
3 credits

SOC 606 Sociological Theory Construction

Modes of conceptualization and theory construction. Problems in developing a theory.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
3 credits

SOC 691 Practicum for Teaching and Graduate Assistants

Individualized supervision of initial (first two semesters) teaching assistance. Discussion, examination construction, student consultation,and grading. Register for section of supervising instructor.
3 credits each semester

SOC 692 Practicum in the Teaching of Sociology

The exploration of teaching goals, processes, and outcomes. Practice lectures are videotaped and discussed; classroom visits; planning,outlining, selection of course material; writing of syllabus for Introductory Sociology section to be taught as SOC 693 in following semester.
Fall, 3 credits

SOC 693 Practicum for Graduate Teaching Interns

Supervised teaching of a section of Sociology 105 using the outlines,materials, and techniques developed in SOC 692. Includes weekly meetings of all persons registered for SOC 693 and observation of classes by both faculty and fellow graduate students.
Prerequisite: SOC 692
Spring, 3 credits

SOC 699, SOC 700, SOC 701 Dissertation Research

Variable and repetitive credit