Course Catalogue

Undergraduate courses
Graduate courses

Undergraduate courses

SOC 105-F Introduction to Sociology

A general introduction to the science of sociology. This course emphasizes sociological theory and methods. Students are taught what is unique about the way in which sociologists analyze human behavior and society. Differences between the sociological perspective and perspectives of other social sciences are emphasized. There is also a heavy emphasis on the types of methods and data that sociologists use to test the validity of their ideas. May not be taken for credit in addition to SOC 106.
3 credits

SOC 106-F Introduction to Sociology: Honors

An enriched introduction to the sociological perspective with an emphasis on how sociologists develop and test their hypotheses about human behavior. This course requires more reading and covers more complex topics than SOC 105, providing an introduction to sociology in greater depth. May not be taken for credit in addition to SOC 105.
Prerequisite: Priority given to Honors College and Honors Program students, Presidential Scholars, and Freshman Scholars
3 credits

SOC 200-F Medicine and Society

An examination of some traditional concerns of the humanities and social sciences as they occur in basic health care and its delivery. Practicing physicians or other health care professionals present clinical cases to emphasize such topics as allocation of scarce resources, issues of dying and refusing treatment, confidentiality, and cultural factors and disease. Discussion focuses on the social, historical, ethical, and humanistic import of the cases. Crosslisted with HMC 200.
3 credits

SOC 201 Research Methods in Sociology

Methods of collecting and analyzing empirical data to test sociological hypotheses. Emphasis is on multivariate analysis of tabular and statistical data. Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106.
3 credits

SOC 202-C Statistical Methods in Sociology

An introduction to the use and interpretation of statistical methods in social research; descriptive and inferential statistics. May not be taken for credit after AMS 102, ECO 320, POL 201, PSY 201, 203.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; satisfaction of entry skill in mathematics requirement
3 credits

SOC 204-F Intimate Relationships

The dynamics of forming, maintaining, and dissolving intimate relationships. Attention is focused on dating, partner selection, sexuality, marriage, divorce, and remarriage. Crosslisted with WST 204.
3 credits

SOC 243-F Sociology of Youth

Adolescent socialization; age structures and intergenerational conflict; peer groups and youth subcultures.
3 credits

SOC 247-K Sociology of Gender

The roles of women and men in American society; changing relations between the sexes; women's liberation and related movements. Crosslisted with WST 247.
Prerequisites: Completion of D.E.C. categories I and J strongly recommended
3 credits

SOC 264-J Introduction to Middle Eastern Society

A broad survey of society, politics, and culture in Islamic Middle East and North Africa. The course includes an examination of Middle Eastern social structure, culture, and religion. Social stratification and the relationship between the pastoral/nomadic, agrarian, and urban sectors of Middle Eastern societies are analyzed. The major patterns of social change, modernization of states, and political revolutions in the 20th century are also studied.
3 credits

SOC 268-F Theory and Practice in Student Leadership

Leadership theory, leadership qualities, and group dynamics are explored with an emphasis placed on experiential learning and group observation. Effective communication skills, understanding group dynamics, and appreciating cultural diversity are topics of significant relevance.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106
3 credits

SOC 302-K American Society

Intended for students who wish to look at American society through the eyes of the sociologist. Included in the course is the sociological view of American social structure in terms of power and patterns of inequality, the legal system, ethnic and cultural pluralism, social mobility, and urban problems.
Prerequisites: Upper-division standing; completion of D.E.C. categories I and J strongly recommended
3 credits

SOC 303-F Social Stratification

Theories of social stratification; patterns of differentiation in wealth, prestige, and power; social mobility; power structures and elites.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences
3 credits

SOC 304-F Sociology of the Family

A historical and cross-cultural analysis of the family as a major social institution in society; the demography of contemporary American families; selected policy issues involving the family. Crosslisted with WST 304.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences
3 credits

SOC 309-F Social Conflicts and Movements

An examination of aggregate phenomena, revolutionary and counterrevolutionary programs and organizations. Historical and cross-cultural examples are emphasized.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences
3 credits

SOC 310-K Ethnic Relations

The comparative experience of ethnic and other minority groups withing the United States, including formation, migration, and conflict; prejudice, discrimination, and minority self-hatred.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences; completion of D.E.C. categories I and J strongly recommended
3 credits

SOC 315-H Sociology of Technology

Social systems and the various "tools" they develop to shape their environment. Concentration on technologies of highly developed, modern societies and on ethical issues involved in attempts to guide the development and effects of these technologies. Consideration is given to the role of technology in all societies, from the simplest to the most developed.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences; one D.E.C. category E course
3 credits

SOC 320-F Population and Society

Sources and consequences of changes in population size and composition; the "demographic explosion."
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences
3 credits

SOC 323-K Urban Society

The emergence of cities and the process of urbanization; an examination of urban structure; the consequences of the urban milieu for interpersonal relations and institutions.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences
3 credits

SOC 336-F Social Change

Development and modernization are studied in a historical and comparative perspective that emphasizes the universality of social change in human societies. The approach is macrosociological, focusing on broad patterns of change in economic, social, and political organization in the modern era. Revolutions as dramatic instances of socio-political change receive particular attention.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences
3 credits

SOC 337-F Social Deviance

Competing theories of the nature of social deviance; stigmatizing, labeling, and application of informal social controls; technical, legal, and ethical issues related to "non-victim" crimes.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences
credits

SOC 338-F The Sociology of Crime

The application of formal social control to criminally prosecutable offenses; the relationship of law and society; the criminal justice system.
Prerequisites: SOC 337
3 credits

SOC 339-F Sociology of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse

An examination of the sociological literature on alcoholism and drug abuse. Topics include addictive careers, the epidemiology (spread) of abuse, history of attempts to control alcohol and drugs, treatment approaches, and policy alternatives.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences
3 credits

SOC 341-F Historical Sociology

Sociological theories and methods applied to the study of historical phenomena such as revolutions, migration, and industrialization.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences; a history course is also recommended
3 credits

SOC 344-F Environmental Sociology

Analysis of how populations gain sustenance from their environments through organization, information, and technology. Evolution of technology and its ecological consequences for population growth, urbanization, social stratification, environmental destruction, and the quality of life. Problems in managing the human environment and communities.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences
3 credits

SOC 351-F Sociology of the Arts

Theories on the arts and society; the social role of the artist; processes of cultural production. Examples are drawn from one or more of the arts, including literature and the visual and performing arts.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences
3 credits

SOC 352-F Sociology of Religion

The ways in which sociocultural processes affect and are influenced by religious belief systems and organizations; changing structures and functions of religious institutions.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences
3 credits

SOC 355-H Social World of Humans and Animals

Comparison of basic social processes in human and animal groups. Topics covered include dominance, hierarchies, the distribution of scarce resources, cooperation,and the division of labor.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; one D.E.C. category E course in biology
3 credits

SOC 356-F Political Sociology

Social structure and processes as they affect, and are affected by, political behavior and organization; the sociology of power, authority, and legitimacy.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences
3 credits

SOC 361-F Historical Development of Sociological Theory

Main currents in the development of modern sociology, with an emphasis on Marx, Weber, and Durkheim, among other leading theorists.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences
3 credits

SOC 362-F Contemporary Sociological Theory

A systematic treatment of the dominant general orientations in sociology including structural-functional analysis, symbolic interactionism, and modern versions of Marxism.
Prerequisites: SOC 361
3 credits

SOC 364-J Sociology of Latin America

A survey of Latin American societies, social structures, and processes of social, political, and economic change. Topics include social stratification; occupational structure; demographic characteristics; the state; class structure; military intervention in politics; conditions for democracy, political stability, and revolution; policy making; and popular social movements.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences
3 credits

SOC 365-J Introduction to Afridan Society

Examination of the ways that the slave trade and colonization affected African societies’ incorporation into the world economy as well as the development of their social and political institutions. The nature of African institutions, organizations, belief and value systems before the colonial impact and how these histories were understood and experienced by African men and women are considered. The historical continuities and discontinuities in contemporary African societies as well as the effects of globalization and modernization in Africa are examined. This course is offered as both AFS 365 and SOC 365.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or AFS 101 or 102 or POL 101 or 103 in the social sciences
3 credits

SOC 371-K Gender and Work

Gender differences in work force participation and occupational attainment, with an emphasis on the United States. Covers such topics as historical changes in work force participation; economic, legal, and social factors affecting employment; career options; and pay equity. Readings and lectures focus on the historical and contemporary experience of American men and women, including differences by ethnicity and class. Crosslisted with WST 371.
Prerequisites: WST/SSI 102, WST 103, SOC 105, or SOC 106; two other courses in the social sciences; completion of D.E.C. categories I and J strongly recommended
3 credits

SOC 373-F Collective Behavior

Major unstructured social phenomena--such as mob violence, panics, fads and fashions, and public opinion--as the outcome of collective problem-solving activity.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences
3 credits

SOC 378-F War and the Military Topics

The causes and origins of wars, and the impact of war on social change. Topics covered may include issues of military organization, recruitment, training, morale, war planning, and the integration of women, gays, and minorities in the military. Crosslisted with HIS 378.
Prerequisites: One History course or SOC 105 or 106
3 credits

SOC 380-F Social Psychology

Individual and social factors in human behavior; the structure of personality; identity development; communication processes; and attitudes.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106 or PSY 103; two other courses in the social sciences
3 credits

SOC 381-F Sociology of Organizations

Bureaucracy as a form of organization; the structure of relations between and within organizations.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences
3 credits

SOC 382-F Small Groups

The structure and functioning of face-to-face groups in field and laboratory settings.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences
3 credits

SOC 384-F Sociology of the Life Course

Change and stability of individuals through the life course (from childhood to old age) in the context of social structure and interactional processes. Covers such topics as socially structured periods and transitions in the life course; identity formation; continuity and change; life crises; changing roles and transitions.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences
3 credits

SOC 386-J State and Society in the Middle East

State building and modernization in the Middle East during the last century and a half are studied in the context of the Middle Eastern social structure and institutions. The analysis of political change--reform and revolution--in the Middle East is viewed form a socio-historical perspective.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences
3 credits

SOC 387-F Sociology of Education

Educational institutions as social systems; social patterns in the life cycles of students and teachers; class and ethnic factors in educational development.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences
3 credits

SOC 390-F, 391-F, 392-F, 393-F, 394, 395-H, Special Topics

Lectures on topics of current sociological interest, which are announced before the start of the term. May be repeated as the topic varies.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences
Schedule to be announced, 3 credits each

SOC 447 Independent Readings

Selected readings, usually in a special area, to be arranged by the student and the instructor. May be repeated. A total of no more than six credits of SOC 287, 447, 487, and 488 may be counted toward the major. A maximum of three credits may be taken with any one faculty member in any one semester.
Prerequisites: Written permission of instructor and director of undergraduate studies
1 to 6 credits

SOC 475 Undergraduate Teaching Practicum I

Work with a faculty member as an assistant in one of the faculty member's regularly scheduled classes. The student is required to attend all the classes, do all the regularly assigned work, and meet with the faculty member at regularly scheduled times to discuss the intellectual and pedagogical matters relating to the course. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading only.
Prerequisites: Upper-division standing; 12 credits of sociology; permission of instructor and director of undergraduate studies
3 credits

SOC 476 Undergraduate Teaching Practicum II
The continuation on a more advanced level of training in the techniques of organization and management in the teaching of sociology courses. Students assume greater responsibility in areas as leading discussions, analyzing results of tests that have already been graded, and observing teaching methods. The course in which a student is permitted to work as a teaching assistant is different from the course in which he or she previously served. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading only.
Prerequisites: SOC 475; permission of instructor and director of undergraduate studies
3 credits

SOC 487 Independent Research
Designing and carrying out a research project selected by the student and arranged by the student and the instructor. May be used for URECA projects associated with faculty research. May be repeated. A total of no more than six credits of SOC 287, 447, 487, and 488 may be counted toward the major.
Prerequisites: Written permission of instructor and director of undergraduate studies. For URECA projects, permission of URECA coordinator required instead of that of the director of undergraduate studies.
1 to 6 credits

SOC 488 Internship

Participation in local, state, and national public and private agencies and organizations. Students are required to submit written progress reports and a final written report on their experience to the faculty sponsor and the department. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading only. May be repeated. A total of no more than six credits of SOC 287, 447, 487, and 488 may be counted toward the major.
Prerequisites: Twelve credits in sociology; permission of instructor, department, and Office of Undergraduate Studies
3 to 12 credits

SOC 495, 496 Senior Honors Project I, II

A two-semester project for candidates for the degree with honors in sociology, arranged in consultation with the director of undergraduate studies. The project involves independent readings or research and writing a paper under the close supervision of an appropriate faculty member on a suitable topic selected by the student.
Prerequisite to SOC 495: Admission to the sociology honors program
Prerequisite to SOC 496: SOC 495
3 credits each semester

 

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, consequently see Courses Offered for more complete descriptions.

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