SOC-2010: Introduction to Sociology (3 hours)

An introduction to the basic concepts, theories, methods and findings of sociology necessary for analysis of social groups, organizations and institutions. IAI: S7900.

SOC-2020: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3 hours)

A comparative analysis of the way people from various cultures solve problems in living, with special emphasis on marriage, class, politics, gender and religion.Cross-listed: ATH-2020 .IAI code: S1901N.

SOC-2030: Marriage and the Family (3 hours)

Cross-cultural, historical and institutional analysis of marriage and family. Diversity in family patterns and functions. Sociological theories and current research involving topics such as love, mate selection, marital adjustment, child rearing and divorce. Replaces: SOC-4420. IAI: S7902.

SOC-2040: Race, Ethnicity, and Racism in the U.S. (3 hours)

This course examines race and ethnic relations in various types of societal settings, with special emphasis given to prejudice, discrimination, race and the immigration experience of persons and communities from Europe and the developing world. Replaces: SOC-4610. Cross-Listed: CRJ-2040. IAI: S7903D.

SOC-4030: Probation, Parole and Re-entry (3 hours)

A theoretical, historical and empirical analysis of probation, parole and re-entry in the U.S. Sociologically examines development of community-based correctional programs, focusing on the effectiveness of probation, parole and intermediate sanctions on recidivism and re-entry. Cross-Listed: CRJ-4030.

SOC-4115: Sociological Theory (3 hours)

This course teaches students how to interpret and apply sociological theory as well as how to develop their own theoretical explanations of social life. It explores key, classical theories that form sociology’s intellectual foundation and trains students to identify, comprehend and critique models of society that continue to shape the discipline of sociology. Students also learn how to modify these models of society and use them to create novel concepts and arguments that explain recent social developments in the United States. Prerequisite: C or higher in SOC-2010.

SOC-4205: Technology, Society, & the Future (3 hours)

Technology is advancing at an accelerating pace and fundamentally changing the way we work, play, love, and learn. This course critically examines how recent technological changes affect our lives today and how they may impact the future of our relationships, the workplace, communities, and social institutions.

SOC-4215: Pop Culture, Media, and Consumption (3 hours)

This course introduces students to major sociological theories of popular culture, media, consumption and its effects. It will explore the social context of how popular culture and media is produced, consumed and interpreted, and how this has changed in the digital age.

SOC-4320: Juvenile Delinquency (3 hours)

Defining delinquency; nature and frequency; theoretical explanations; juvenile law, courts and corrections; preventing delinquency. Field Trip: Required. Cross-Listed: CRJ-4320.

SOC-4370: Globalization & Social Change (3 hours)

This course introduces students to the major sociological theories of globalization, and its causes and consequences for culture and society. Students will engage in sociological analysis of contemporary issues affected by globalization.

SOC-4510: Law and Society (3 hours)

Law as a social construction. Sociological perspectives on law. The relationship between law and other social institutions. Law and morality. Law and equality. Cross-Listed: CRJ-4510.

SOC-4520: Criminological Theory (3 hours)

Scientific investigation of crime using past and current theoretical perspectives. Analysis of crime, criminal behavior and societal response to crime. Cross-Listed: CRJ-4520.

SOC-4530: Sociology of Corrections (3 hours)

History, organization, functions and effectiveness of various correctional programs. Field Trip: Required. Cross-Listed: CRJ-4530.

SOC-4540: Sociology of Policing (3 hours)

A theoretical, historical, and empirical analysis of U.S. policing from a sociological perspective. Examines police history, past and current philosophies of policing, including the increased militarization of the police, police structure, police ethics and officer relationship to local community, media and broad criminal justice functions. Course will also look at the intersection of race, class and gender on police training and practices. Cross-Listed: CRJ-4540.

SOC-4550: Theories in Policing (3 hours)

Examines past and current philosophies of policing, such as traditional, community and intelligence-led policing, with a focus on militarization of police policies and practices. Cross-Listed: CRJ-4550.

SOC-4560: Legal Parameters of Policing (3 hours)

By using case law and other legal resources, students will gain considerable knowledge as to the law, its interpretation, and its impact on individual and institutional police behavior. Investigates police work as an amalgam of constitutional parameters and discretionary practices taught within the academy and on the job. Cross-Listed: CRJ-4560.

SOC-4570: Community-Police Relations (3 hours)

This course will help students to critically analyze current policing practices and community-led efforts toward crime control and police relations, especially with the role media plays in the depiction of the problem. Cross-Listed: CRJ-4570.

SOC-4620: Social Inequality: Class, Status and Power (3 hours)

A theoretical and empirical analysis of the unequal distribution of wealth, power and prestige. Cross-Listed: CRJ-4620.

SOC-4630: The City: Conflict & Change in Urban Communities (3 hours)

An examination of cities and suburbs from a sociological perspective, with special emphasis upon urban ecology, lifestyles and problems, urbanization patterns, urban planning. Field Trip: Required. Cross-Listed: CRJ-4630.

SOC-4645: American Social Movements (3 hours)

This course introduces students to major theories of social movement formation and development with a particular emphasis on American activism, including case studies of the civil rights movement, the animal rights movement, the contemporary women’s movement, and other recent forms of activism.

SOC-4650: Gangs and Society (3 hours)

A theoretical, historical and empirical analysis of gangs from a sociological perspective. Examines gang structure, relationship to local networks, social control agents and the intersection of race, class and gender. Cross-Listed: CRJ-4650.

SOC-4720: Social Research Methods (3 hours)

An introduction to research methods for studying social phenomena. Includes introduction to computer-aided statistical analysis of data and qualitative data assessment techniques. Cross-Listed: CRJ-4720. Prerequisite: C or higher in SOC-4115 and Junior standing.

SOC-4740: Human Rights in the Contemporary Era (3 hours)

This course examines the rise of the concept of human rights and engages students in sociological analysis of contemporary human rights issues both local and global. (Not open to students who have taken SOC 4640: Globalization and Human Rights). Cross-listed: CRJ-4740.

SOC-4910: Special Topics in Sociology (3 hours)

An in-depth study of a topic relevant to a current topic in the discipline or a topic of interest that is not addressed in other departmental courses. The course may be repeated for credit so long as the topic is different.

SOC-4920: Directed Research (3 hours)

Design, implementation and completion of student research project. Faculty mentoring required. Participation in seminar meetings required. Prerequisite: C or higher in SOC-4720.

SOC-4950: Independent Study in Sociology (1-6 hours)

Supervised practice within an agency or organization, providing student with an applied sociological experience. Prerequisite: Minimum of 15 credits in courses with an SOC prefix.

SOC-4990: Internship in Sociology (3 hours)

Supervised practice within an agency or organization, providing student with an applied sociological experience. Prerequisite: Junior standing and department consent.