Sociology Faculty

Matthew L. Lindholm
Leretta Smith  

The sociology program provides learning experiences that prepare students to:

  • understand the basic assumptions, guiding questions, concepts, theories and methods of sociology
  • apply the sociological imagination to questions about society and one’s self
  • grasp the complexity and diversity found in human societies

Programs Offered

Major

Minor

Courses

SOC 111  -  Human Society,  4 credits.  

An introduction to sociology as a disciplined way of studying social and cultural aspects of human behavior. Students will be introduced to and apply the concepts, theories and methods of sociology that are used to analyze social structure and social processes.

Frequency: Every Semester  
Core designations: U.S. Cultural Diversity U, Social Science S  
SOC 199  -  Exploration Seminar,  0 credits.  
Frequency: Not offered on a Regular Basis  
Repeatable: Yes  
SOC 214  -  Social Problems,  4 credits.  

An introduction to research methods and theories of sociology used to analyze and address major social problems in the United States. Some comparisons are made to problems and mitigation efforts of other countries. Public and private efforts to address social problems are evaluated and new approaches considered. Recent topics have included inequality, education, race, sexuality, crime, alcohol and drugs.

Frequency: Every Year - First Semester  
Core designations: U.S. Cultural Diversity U, Social Science S  
SOC 217  -  Cultural Anthropology,  4 credits.  

An exploration and comparison of cultural variations associated with the geographic and historic specifics of human societies. A study of species/culture development, emphasizing linguistic, technological, ideological and institutional systems. This course can also count toward the global studies program.

Frequency: Every Year - Second Semester  
Core designations: International-Global Prspct G  
SOC 228  -  Research Methods and Statistics,  4 credits.  

An introduction to beginning-level statistical and research skills in sociology and social work. Students will design and implement a research project that involves hypothesis formation, data collection, and computer-assisted data analysis. Prerequisite: high school higher algebra or consent of instructor. This course can also count toward the global studies program.

Frequency: Every Year - Second Semester  
SOC 231  -  Sociology of Families,  4 credits.  

An examination of families from a sociological perspective, which includes an appreciation of families as an institution in society. We will explore how families have changed throughout U.S. history and how families are shaped by gender, race, and social class. The topics of sexuality, marriage, cohabitation, parenting, domestic violence, and divorce are also examined within the context of families.

Frequency: Every Year - First Semester  
Core designations: U.S. Cultural Diversity U  
SOC 300  -  May Seminar,  4 credits.  
Frequency: May Seminar  
Prerequisites: SOC 328 or SOC 111  
SOC 306  -  London: The Global City,  4 credits.  

London was central in the formation of modern global networks 500 years ago and is central to global political, economic, and cultural processes today. Students explore these processes first-hand with native Londoners, government officials, community organizations, and business people; a trip to Paris provides a comparison. With faculty guidance students develop projects using qualitative or quantitative methods on social processes specific to global cities.

Frequency: Not offered on a Regular Basis  
Core designations: International-Global Prspct G, Social Science S  
SOC 312 / BUSN 312 / ENVR 312  -  Global Development Issues,  4 credits.  

Students are introduced to the social scientific approaches used to understand how demographic, institutional, cultural, economic and ecological factors influence, and are influenced by, societal development. Comparative case studies enable students to understand the structure and dynamics (e.g., population change) of human populations as they relate to socioeconomic development. This course can also count towards the global studies program and the environmental and sustainability studies Program.

Frequency: Every Year - First Semester  
Core designations: International-Global Prspct G, Social Science S  
SOC 315  -  Political Sociology,  4 credits.  

An introduction to the sociological study of the organization of power and authority in three primary spheres: corporations, the state, and civil society. Particular attention is given to how competing group contend for the use of natural resources and the environment. Topics include protest and political participation, social movements, elections, lobbying, and institutions of elite power. This course can also count toward the environmental and sustainability studies program.

Frequency: Not offered on a Regular Basis  
SOC 317  -  Gender, Self and Society,  4 credits.  

An examination of the social, historical and psychological aspects of gender and human behavior. The course explores how gender has influenced our lives since industrialization. Research on socialization, moral and intellectual development, intimate relationships, sexuality, family life, and education will be examined. This course can also count toward the women's studies program.

Frequency: Every Year - First Semester  
Prerequisites: SOC 111  
Core designations: U.S. Cultural Diversity U  
SOC 322  -  Crime, Deviance, and Social Control,  4 credits.  

A sociological study of crime and deviance. This includes the social and legal processes involved in defining crime and deviance, characteristics of crime types, sociological theories of crime and deviance, and an introduction to the criminal justice system.

Frequency: Every Year - Second Semester  
Core designations: U.S. Cultural Diversity U, Social Science S  
SOC 328  -  Class, Race, and Ethnicity,  4 credits.  

An examination of the distribution of social, political and economic power in society. The perspectives used to analyze inequality are also discussed and used to examine various types and outcomes of inequality, including racial and ethnic inequality, prejudice and discrimination. This course can also count toward the global studies program.

Frequency: Every Year - Second Semester  
Core designations: U.S. Cultural Diversity U, Social Science S  
SOC 332  -  Society and Human Sexuality,  4 credits.  

The course examines the origin of sexual values and practices in various cultures. The primary focus is on sexual attitudes and behavior in the American culture. Human sexuality is discussed relative to the human life cycle, changing gender roles, mass media, the economic system, laws and other areas. This course can also count toward the women's studies program.

Frequency: Every Year - Second Semester  
SOC 338  -  Sociology of Religion,  2 credits.  

This examination of the general relationships between religion and society will center on how religion molds society and, in turn, how society molds religion.

Frequency: Not offered on a Regular Basis  
Prerequisites: SOC 111  
SOC 339  -  Urban Communities,  4 credits.  

This course is organized around the following questions. What is unique about the experience of living in cities? How do cities grow and change and with what consequences? Why do patterns of inequality persist in cities, limiting opportunities for some while enhancing life chances for others? How do urban communities differ in the extent to which they value sustainability and justice? This course can also count toward the global studies program and the environmental studies program.

Frequency: Every Year - Second Semester  
Core designations: U.S. Cultural Diversity U, Social Science S  
SOC 351  -  Aging in Society,  4 credits.  

An examination of the sociological, psychological and biological aspects of human aging. Students will be introduced to theories of aging and current research on aging in human societies.

Frequency: Every Year - First Semester  
Core designations: U.S. Cultural Diversity U, Social Science S  
SOC 356  -  Social Change in Theory & Practice,  4 credits.  

This course explores the theory and practice of social change drawing on classical and contemporary sociological theories. What are the basic dynamics of social change and power in today's world? Who effects change and how do they do it? Topics typically include conflict, authority, globalization, gender, race, sexuality, and social construction. Students develop case studies to inquire into dynamics of social change. Examples may include global environmentalism, religious and political movements (e.g. GLBT+ Pride and global Islam).

Frequency: Every Year - First Semester  
Core designations: Social Science S  
SOC 380  -  Special Topics,  0-4 credits.  

Courses covering various topics of interest in this particular discipline are offered regularly. Contact department or program chair for more information.

Frequency: Not offered on a Regular Basis  
Repeatable: Yes  
SOC 390  -  Academic Internship,  1-8 credits.  
Frequency: Not offered on a Regular Basis  
Repeatable: Yes  
SOC 480  -  Independent Study,  1-4 credits.  

This course provides an opportunity for individual students to conduct in-depth study of a particular topic under the supervision of a faculty member. Contact the department or program chair for more information.

Frequency: Not offered on a Regular Basis  
Repeatable: Yes  
SOC 487  -  Directed Research,  1-4 credits.  

This course provides an opportunity for individual students to conduct research in a specific area of study, completed under the direction of a faculty mentor. Specific expectations of the research experience to be determined by the faculty. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

Frequency: Not offered on a Regular Basis  
Repeatable: Yes  
SOC 490  -  Practicum,  1-2 credits.  

A course involving the student in some applied endeavor. Offered only by special arrangement and permission of the department.

Frequency: Not offered on a Regular Basis