SOC - Sociology

An introduction to the theories, scientific methods, and findings of sociology concerning group behavior, society, culture, social institutions, and social change. Students learn how social patterns and structures shape individuals’ experiences of the world and how our lives in turn shape society. Special attention is paid to social and cultural diversity in the U.S., including class, race, ethnicity, and gender. 

This course introduces students to the power of social science research by learning how social scientists make observations, collect data to answer research questions, and prepare reports. Students will learn the epistemology of social science, the basics of research design, measurement, and different methods of qualitative and quantitative observation.

Introduction to psychological and sociological research with emphasis on quantitative methods. Topics include sampling, hypothesis testing, statistical analysis, and computer usage.

A systematic and in-depth review of criminal justice in America from a sociological perspective. Course evaluates the historical development of policing, the judiciary, and corrections, and examines the culture and organizations of criminal justice institutions. Significant attention is paid to examining public policy issues in criminal justice.

Drawing on critical theory and practice perspectives, this course examines how social forces operate to marginalize non-dominant groups and introduces methods for dismantling oppressive systems.  Students will engage models for liberation and anti-oppressive practice across interpersonal, institutional, and societal levels. Special emphasis will be placed on addressing white supremacy, heterosexism/cis-sexism, ableism, and their intersections. 

Examination of inequality in the distribution of wealth, power, and prestige. Focus will be on stratification within societies and on the nature, extent, and significance of inequality of wealth and power between societies.

This course introduces concepts and theories in the sociology of race and racism to develop racial literacy. The course examines how race and racism structure everyday life and shape the life chances of individuals and groups. The course emphasizes historical and contemporary race relations in the US, but comparative analyses of race and racism are also explored.

This course examines the family through a sociological lens. We consider how the form and function of family has changed over time, including how race, class, gender, and sexuality structure legal definitions and practices within the family. Readings explore diversity in family formation and inequalities in family life.

Study of behavior which differs from cultural expectations. This course is concerned with social deviance and will consider the history of the concept of deviance, the legal aspects, social aspects, deviant subcultures, self images, social organization, causes of deviance, and strategies for response.

Course examines current issues related to the accountability of the police to the community and the political process.

Survey of how the American criminal justice system has been portrayed in cinema during the latter half of the 20th century. The course uses select films to underscore significant theoretical debates and policy developments in criminal justice.

This course will help students critically analyze biopsychosocial and cultural meanings of gender and body image, change (i.e., disability, illness, aging), and variations through interdisciplinary lenses. Students will explore the social construction of gender and the body as well as the consequences that differing meanings of “gender” and “body” can have on individuals in our society.

Criminology is the body of knowledge regarding delinquency and crime as social phenomena. Includes the development of a body of general and verified principles and of other types of knowledge regarding process of law, crime, and reaction to crime. Focus is on the adult offender.

Psychological behavior of an individual as a member of a group; the influence of culture and society on attitudes, personality, and behavior; the dynamics of group interaction.

Comprehensive study of sociological theories from the late nineteenth century to the present; the relationship between theory and research. Required of majors in sociology.

Credit arranged.

Credit arranged.

This course emphasizes a spatial approach to the study of social problems. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, students will gain experience in making maps, obtaining data, and uncovering spatial patterns (e.g., "hot spots" of criminal activity or residential segregation) to inform public policy.

The course explores the way gender is associated with violence as well as the roots and manifestations of gender-based violence. Particular attention will be paid to sexual assault, prostitution and domestic violence. Students will be able to explain and apply theories of violence and will have a choice of actively working to reduce violence or conducting a research project to better understand violence.

Topics include the origin and development of cities; the social-psychological consequences of living in the urban environment; the social problems associated with urbanization in both industrial and third world cities; and the future of cities.

This course examines “work” as a site of uneven power for women, and interrogates the contexts of paid and unpaid labor across different social contexts. Additionally, the course explores how race, class, gender, citizenship status, and geography intersect to produce constrained agency for women laboring under global capitalism. This advanced course in sociology provides enhanced training in qualitative research methods.

Analysis of theories and research concerning the nature, extent, course, and control of juvenile criminal and antisocial conduct.

This course will engage psychological and sociological perspectives toward understanding sports and physical activity as both personal engagements and social phenomena. Topics will include sport-based youth development, mental health and physical activity, performance enhancement, and sport and social issues. The course will emphasize reflective, analytic, critical, and interdisciplinary perspectives based on engaging with scholarly readings and material.

This course introduces students to the field of gerontology. The course examines the aging process and its impact upon the individual, the family, and society. The course also covers various social, cultural, political, and economic issues for older adults in our society.

This course is about child and youth development as embedded in social and cultural contexts. The particular emphasis will be on early childhood through the transition into adulthood, and on thinking about childhood and youth as social phenomena. The course is reading/discussion intensive and involves a community-based learning project.

Students will spend six weeks engaging in services in Quito, Ecuador.  The focus is on issues impacting mental, physical, and spiritual well-being of individuals/communities in Ecuador and services designed to address these issues & work for social/economic justice.  Comparisons are made to systems in the U.S.  Approval of Studies Abroad Director required.

Guided inquiry for superior students by special arrangement with the sociology faculty.

Credit arranged.

Credit arranged.

Participate directly in the research process with a faculty member. Before enrolling, a student must consult with a faculty member to define the project.

Participate directly in the research process with a faculty member. Before enrolling, a student must consult with a faculty member to define the project.

Students will gain practical field experience through an internship with a community-based organization, government office, or human services agency. Internships are individually arranged by students with support from CAS and the Instructor. Students will supplement the internship with a weekly classroom seminar focused on professional development and integrative learning. Sociology majors may take up to 6 credits of internships.

Students will gain supervised in-field experience in some aspect of the criminal justice system, including work in corrections, law enforcement, local police, court room proceedings, or policy and legislation. Internships are individually arranged by students with support from CAS and the instructor. Criminology track students only.

Advanced analysis, integration, application, and criticism of the field of sociology. Students will complete a senior project. Sociology majors only.

Research, study, or original work under the direction of a faculty mentor, leading to a scholarly thesis document with a public presentation of results. Requires approval of thesis director, and department chair.