The Specifics

Major in Sociology

30 hours in sociology are required for the major, including SOC 201, 311, 423, and 424. At least one course must be taken in the area of social change selected from the following: Urban Sociology (310), Sociology of Aging and the Life Course (325), World Population Issues (360), or Social Movements (366).

 

At least two courses must be taken in the area of social and cultural variations selected from the following: Sociology of the Contemporary South (303), Social Inequality (362), Sociology of Gender (363), Race and Ethnic Relations (364), and Third World Underdevelopment and Politics (370).

 

Majors must also complete a paper portfolio containing at least three papers at least one of which must be a research paper with data analysis and at least one must present different viewpoints on various issues.

 

An academic advisor will work closely with the student in the selection of other departmental courses to complete the major. Specific course work is recommended for students pursuing various interests. For example, students interested in social/human services might chose from SOC 206, 302, 303, 309, 310, 325, 360, 362, 363, and 364.

 

Students interested in global studies/international issues might include courses such as SOC 206, 310, 326, 360, 362, 366, and 370. Those wanting to pursue applied administrative or criminal justice positions might want to take 206, 302, 303, 305, 309, 310, 326, 360, 362, 363, and 364.

 

Students planning to pursue graduate studies might include 311, 312, 326, 360, 362, 442, 446, or 448 to pursue studies in an area of interest.

Additionally, students pursuing graduate studies in sociology might want to take an additional statistics course (e.g., STAT 319 0r 320).

 

Course Descriptions

Sociology (SOC)

201. Introductory Sociology (3)

Overview of structure and dynamics of human societies. Topics include culture, social organization, institutions, communities, social stratification, population, and social change. (Fall and Spring) Professors Alphonso and Freymeyer

206. Social Problems (3)

Problem areas in our society, including medical care, poverty and dependency, crime, alcoholism, sexual deviancy, race relations, and environmental concerns. (Spring) Professor Alphonso

207. Introduction to Anthropology (3)

Study of people as cultural being. Includes recent findings of physical anthropology and archaeology as well as in-depth study of selected non-literate societies. (Spring) Professor McKelvey

258. Special Topics (1-6). See page 37 in Book of Majors.

302. Marriage and the Family (3) (Prereq: SOC 201 or consent of the instructor)

A sociology of the family, including those in other cultures. A functional study of marital problem-areas, including sexuality, parenthood, and aging. (Spring) Professor Alphonso

303. Sociology of the Contemporary South (3) (Prereq: SOC 201 or consent of the instructor)

An examination of continuity and change in the subculture of the American South. Consideration will be given to regional identity, stereotypes, and images and to institutions found in the contemporary South. Also includes discussion of the South’s future as a distinctive region. (Fall, alternate years) Professor Freymeyer

305. The Sociology of Religion (3) (Prereq: SOC 201 or consent of the instructor; cross-listed with religion)

A sociological approach to the study of religion, its institutional forms, aims, and impact on society. Attention is given to the theories of the sociology of religion and the interaction of religion and society, especially the impact of social change upon religion. Special emphasis is given to religion in contemporary America. (On demand)

309. Criminology (3) (Prereq: SOC 201 or consent of the instructor)

Crime, delinquency, and correction in American society. Police and legal problems. (Spring) Professor McKelvey

310. Urban Sociology (3) (Prereq: SOC 201 or consent of the instructor)

The human community as unit of social organization. Topics include historical development of cities, development of suburbs, urbanism as a way of life, metropolitan dynamics, and urban problems. Consideration of urban areas throughout the world. (Fall, alternate years)Professor Freymeyer

311. Sociological Theory and Social Policy (3) (Prereq: SOC 201 or consent of instructor)

An examination of the major theorists of the classical period of sociology and the major theoretical perspectives that have emerged in the contemporary period. The course analyzes the social foundations of the various perspectives and focuses on the implications of the various theories for social policy. (Spring) Professor McKelvey

312. Social Psychology (3) (Prereq: SOC 201 or PSYC 201; cross-listed with psychology)

A study of the relation of the individual to the social group. Emphasis on social factors in perception, motivation, emotion, crowd behavior, and prejudice. (Spring) Professor Frey (Psychology)

318. Medical Sociology (3) (Prereq: Soc 201 or consent of the instructor)

A study of health and illness from a sociological perspective. The course addresses such topics as public health and illness, roles of health professionals and paraprofessionals, health care structures and costs, comparative health care systems, and ethical issues facing the medical community. (Not currently offered)

325. Sociology of Aging and the Life Course (3) (Prereq: SOC 201)

A study of the social phenomenon of aging. Special attention is given to social roles of the elderly in the family, economy, community, and religion. Further consideration will be given to special problems facing the elderly such as health, care giving, and poverty and to exploring the role of the state in helping older adults. (Fall) Professor Alphonso

326. Sociology of Work and Occupations (3) (Prereq: SOC 201)

A study of sociological perspectives on the changing nature and organization of work and the economy within American society and globally. Inequalities on the basis of gender, age, race, and social class are explored. Work structures, types of occupations, and global capitalism are also considered. (Spring) Professor Alphonso

360. World Population Issues (3) (Prereq: SOC 201 or consent of instructor)

Analysis of human population, its size, distribution, structure, and change from the social demographic perspective. Topics include fertility, mortality, migration, population trends, and population issues and policies. (Spring) Professor Freymeyer

361. Sociology of Formal Organizations (3) (Prereq: SOC 201 or consent of instructor)

Study of the processes, goals, internal structures, management, and environmental relations of large organizations including corporations, bureaucracies, and voluntary associations. Includes review of research findings, theory, and applications pertaining to formal organizations. (Not currently offered)

362. Social Inequality (3) (Prereq: SOC 201 or consent of instructor)

Examination of social inequality in American society from a sociological perspective. Topics include class divisions, unequal access to goods and services, means utilized to maintain social inequality and the dynamics of gender inequality. (Spring, alternate years)Professor McKelvey

363. The Sociology of Gender (3) (Prereq: SOC 201)

A sociological analysis of the development and role of gender in human society. The course addresses how gender is socially constructed and the key issues for men and women that emerge in diverse social environments such as the home and workplace and in educational, religious, and political institutions. (Fall) Professor Alphonso

364. Race and Ethnic Relations (3) (Prereq: SOC 201 or consent of the instructor)

An examination of sociological perspectives on majority-minority relations and of the histories and cultures of particular racial and ethnic groups in the United States, including Afro-Americans, Native Americans, Mexican-Americans, Puerto Ricans, Chinese-Americans and Japanese-Americans. (Spring, alternate years)Professor McKelvey

366. Social Movements (3) (Prereq: SOC 201 or consent of instructor)

A study of the general characteristics of social movements. Two or more particular movements such as the African-American movement, Third World national liberation movements, the women’s movement, and the ecology movement will be discussed. (Spring, alternate years) Professor McKelvey

370. Third World Underdevelopment and Politics (3) (Prereq: SOC 201 or PLSC 200 or consent of instructor; cross-listed with political science)

An examination of the political, economic, and social factors that have led to the present state of underdevelopment in the Third World. Social scientific theories of underdevelopment and the role of the political system in the process of development are analyzed. The particular cases of Central America and East Africa are examined. (Spring) Professor McKelvey

398. Honors Research (3-6). See page 44.

Available for students during the junior and senior years with approval of the departmental faculty. Students with a 3.20 GPA in all courses and a 3.40 GPA in major courses may undertake an honors research program. Oral and written presentations of the results of the project will be required. Students who successfully complete the departmental honors research program will graduate with honors in the major discipline. (Fall or Spring, or Fall and Spring)

423. Research Methods (3) (Prereq: Consent of instructor)

Research methods in the social sciences including causal analysis, sampling, scale construction, research designs, data analysis, and research proposals. (Fall)

424. Field Inquiry in Sociology (3) (Prereq: SOC 423)

Students design and execute research projects under supervision. Introduction to data analysis and computer usage. Final paper must be presented orally. (Spring)

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