Course Descriptions
1305 Introduction to Sociology
An introductory survey course including basic concepts in the field of sociology, the relationship of the individual to culture, groups, and major social institutions. Particular attention is given to and examination of contemporary social issues through a sociological lens.
1306 Social Problems
An analysis of current social problems with emphasis on sociological aspects of problems in education, family life, religion, and other social institutions.
3305 Introduction to Gerontology
(Cross-listed as GRT 3305 and SWO 3305)
An examination of aging in relation to sociology, psychology, biology, law, political science, literature, religion, recreation, and health. Special emphasis is placed on seeking ways to improve the quality of life for persons over thirty-five.
3309 Religion and Society
(Cross-listed as REL 3340)
Historical and contemporary issues concerning the complex relationship of religion and society; and religion’s propensity to alternately legitimate the status quo and promote social change.
3311 The Sociology of Race and Ethnicity
Dynamics of race and ethnicity and their interrelationship in society.
3318 Mexican-Americans in U.S.
Society Race relations theories are applied in the analysis of Mexican-American history, education, acculturation economics, identification, politics, and strategies for social change.
3322 City and Community
Relationship of social structure, inequality, and social patterns to human settlement in urban and rural areas.
3330 Women in American Society
Prerequisite(s): SOC 1305 or 1306 or consent of instructor.
An examination of the sociological meaning of women’s roles in comparison with men’s roles in our society, along with social forces that mold the lives of women. The women’s movement and changes in the legal, economic, social, educational, and political arenas as they affect women are investigated. The status of women in the context of contemporary society is explored.
3354 Marriage and the Family
Contemporary family life styles are presented from a sociopsychological viewpoint with stress on personal awareness, growth, and satisfaction in interpersonal relations. Topics include dating, mate selection, communication, sexual adjustment, parenting, cohesion and adaptability, and divorce.
3355 Introduction to the Economics of Poverty and Discrimination
(Cross-listed as ECO 3355)
This course develops and applies basic economic concepts to questions of poverty, inequality, and discrimination in the United States, and to global poverty issues. Special attention will be paid to the contribution economic principles can make to understanding family structure, participation in the labor force, and gender and racial discrimination. Attention will also be paid to evaluating public policies designed to ameliorate poverty and discrimination, including social insurance, welfare programs, minimum and living wage laws, and equal opportunity policies. No previous knowledge of economics is necessary; all necessary economic principles will be developed in this class. (Will not count toward a major in economics.)
3360 Juvenile Delinquency
Pre-requisite(s): SOC 1305
A study of delinquency in a changing society, with emphasis on social causes and methods of control.
3365 Population Geography
Prerequisite(s): Upper-level standing; or consent of instructor.
Population patterns, emphasizing fertility, mortality, and migrations in various regions.
3372 Population Health
Analysis and evaluation of socioeconomic status, gender, race, ethnicity, and age as major determinants of individual differences in health and well-being in the United States.
3402 Social Statistics
(Cross-listed as ANT 3402)
Pre-requisites: One course in the formal reasoning distribution list (MTH 1301, MTH 1320, MTH 1321, PHI 1306, or STA 1380) and SOC 1305, ANT 1306, or ANT 1404
An introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics for social science majors. Development of skills in research data analysis.
4303 Applied Sociology
Prerequisite(s): SOC 1305, 3402 and consent of instructor.
Field experience in applied social research: theory construction, population and sample identification, data collection, statistical analysis, and research report presentation.
4309 Social Psychology
Causes and the effects of human interaction. The importance of others in determining one’s perception, attitudes, motivation, pattern of communication, and behavior-such as altruism, affiliation, aggression, conformity, and achievement is examined.
4310 Death and Dying
Significant issues in the rapidly growing field of death awareness. Specifically, the interactions between the dying individual, family, friends, and professionals are analyzed in terms of process. Major emphasis is placed on the social aspects of dying and the different settings in which deaths occur.
4311 Sociology of Sport
(Cross-listed as HP 4372)
A course that studies the interaction of various social influences such as the mass media, economics, race, gender, religion, group behavior, politics, and education on sport.
4315 Sociology of Education
Structure and functioning of the social organization of the school in light of the goals to be achieved. The interrelationships of education with other institutions will be examined. Consideration will also be given to social psychological processes as they operate in the school setting.
4320 Culture, Personality and Identity
(Cross-listed as ANT 4320)
A thorough investigation of the relationship between the individual and culture/society, with emphasis on the “culture and personality” school of contemporary humanistic social science.
4322 Stratification in Society
Various forms, effects, and origins, of systems of distribution of social resources. Focus on economics, power, status, and identity.
4325 Sociology of Religion
Ways in which religion influences society, culture, and personality and, conversely, how the latter affect religion.
4331 Social Demography
(Cross-listed as ENV 4331)
Statistical study of human populations, including human population, size, growth, density, and distribution.
4335 Sociology of Law
Prerequisite(s): Upper-level standing.
A sociological examination of the role of law in society with an emphasis on the relationship between law and other social institutions and how our legal system attempts to solve particular social problems.
4352 Criminology
Pre-requisite(s): SOC 1305
Crime, criminals, and the correctional system in America. Emphasis is given to the effects of crime on the social order.
4353 Sociology of Medicine
Prerequisite(s): Upper-level standing; or consent of instructor.
A sociological examination of health, illness, and the social organization of medical care in the United States. Consideration is given to race, class, gender, and age as factors influencing health, illness, and the delivery of medical care.
4355 Economics of Poverty and Discrimination
(Cross-listed as ECO 4355)
Prerequisite(s): Upper-level standing
This course develops and applies basic economic concepts to questions of poverty, inequality, and discrimination in the United States, and to global poverty issues. Special attention will be paid to the contribution economic principles can make to understanding family structure, participation in the labor force, and gender and racial discrimination. Attention will also be paid to evaluating public policies designed to ameliorate poverty and discrimination, including social insurance, welfare programs, minimum and living wage laws, and equal opportunity policies. No previous knowledge of economics is necessary; all necessary economic principles will be developed in this class. (Will not count toward a major in economics.)
4357 Health Inequalities in America
Pre-requisite(s): SOC 1305 and upper-level standing, or consent of instructor
This course is designed to inform students about the ever-changing distribution of health across race/ethnicity, gender, age, region, and other demographic indicators
4360 Social Problems in Modern Society
Pre-requisite(s): SOC 1305 and upper-level standing, or consent of instructor
Sociological perspective on defining "social problems" for the United States, examining their causes and consequences, and possible solutions. Includes case studies of contemporary issues, such as income inequality, violence, health disparities, and climate change.
4366 Social Movements
Contemporary social change as an outcome of the economic, political, and social processes involved in the development of post-industrial society.
4381 Methods of Social Research
Prerequisite(s): SOC 1305, 3402; and three semester hours of mathematics.
Basic methods and techniques used in social research.
4391 Social Theory
Prerequisite(s): Senior status and nine semester hours in sociology including SOC 1305 and 3402.
Social theory from its origins in philosophy to current efforts at theory construction. Particular schools are critically evaluated, and recent convergences in social anthropology, sociology, and social psychology are noted.
4393 Sociology of Aging
(Cross-listed as SWO 4393 and GRT 4393)
Prerequisite(s): Upper-level standing.
Impact of aging upon individuals and society, as well as the reactions of individuals and society to aging. Social gerontology is the principal focus of attention of the course.
4395 Aging and Mental Health
(Cross-listed as SWO 4395 and GRT 4395)
Prerequisite(s): Upper-level standing.
Mental health needs and related problems of aging individuals with considerable discussion of approved mental health treatments for such persons.
43C9 Senior Colloquium
Prerequisite(s): SOC 1305, 3402, 4381, 4391 and senior standing.
A final overview of the major works of theory and research in sociology, including all subfields, and involving all sociology professors.
4V70 Special Topics in Sociology 1 to 3 sem. hrs.
Prerequisite(s): SOC 1305; and consent of instructor.
Course for students who wish to study with a professor in an area of sociology not covered by regular course offerings. Students will contract with professors regarding study and the number of semester hours. May be repeated for credit up to a total of six semester hours, provided the topic is different. For sociology majors only.
4V9R Research 0 to 3 sem. hrs.
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of the instructor. Undergraduate research undertaken with the supervision of a faculty member. May be taken for a maximum of 6 hours.