Sociology Courses

SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology

3-0-3
Credit Hours: 3

Sociology is the study of human group behavior and society. This course includes analysis of topics such as culture, socialization, social groups and social institutions, stratification, the family, gender relations, race and ethnicity, minorities, social deviance, social change and technology, the urban community, population and the environment. Both Western and non-Western cross-cultural comparisons are provided throughout the course.

Offered Online: Yes
General Education Fulfillment: Cultural Analysis and Interpretation

SOC 101H - Introduction to Sociology (Honors)

3-0-3
Credit Hours: 3

This course explores the social nature of humans and the social world in which they live and includes an analysis of such topics as culture, socialization, social groups and social institutions, stratification, the family, gender relations, race and ethnicity, minorities, social deviance, social change and technology, the urban community, population and the environment. Students will examine current theoretical debates within sociology, competing theoretical perspectives, and research methods that sociologists use to explain how social systems function. Both Western and non-Western cross-cultural comparisons are provided throughout the course. As an Honors course, there is particular emphasis on interpretation of texts and writing. 

SOC 105 - Health and Society

3-0-3
Credit Hours: 3

This course focuses on the analysis of health, disease, and the health care delivery system in the United States. It examines the relationship between health and various social factors, the interaction between patients and health care professionals, as well as some contemporary biomedical and health care issues. Continuing attention is given to the role of technology in the nature and definition of health, illness and health care in our society.

Offered Online: Yes
General Education Fulfillment: Cultural Analysis and Interpretation

SOC 115 - Gender and Society

3-0-3
Credit Hours: 3

This course takes a sociological approach to the study of gender within the United States. Students will explore basic theories of gender and examine gender as it operates in various areas of social life, including, but not limited to, the family, work, the economy, medicine, education and sexuality. Attention will be given to both historical changes and cross-cultural variations in gender, as well as how gender is experienced in relation to race, ethnicity, social class and sexual orientation. 

Offered Online: Yes
General Education Fulfillment: Cultural Analysis and Interpretation
Prerequisite:

ENGL 101 with a grade of "C" or better

SOC 212 - Sociology of Families

3-0-3
Credit Hours: 3

Critical, sociological analysis of intimate, personal interactions, relationships, roles and social selves as major features of the dominant patterns of marriage and family in the United States. Cross-cultural comparisons and the historical development of marriage and family structures are also discussed. 

Offered Online: Yes
Prerequisite:

SOC 101 or ANTH 112

SOC 215 - Criminology

3-0-3
Credit Hours: 3

Examination of the contemporary and historical nature and extent of crime. Specific attention is given to various forms of crime in our society, including white collar crime, delinquency, organized crime and violent crime. Contemporary theories and research related to crime causation and the methods, past and present, of dealing with offenders; the police, courts and prisons also are discussed. 

Offered Online: Yes
Prerequisite:

SOC 101 or ANTH 112

SOC 230/POLS 230 - Activism & Movements

3-0-3
Credit Hours: 3

This course introduces students to the elements involved in political activism, social movements, interest groups, party activity, and institutional transformation. The course will explore political activism and methods of political activity historically through various eras of American history. The course will engage specific social movements within each era, examining the underlying causes for their collective action in light of concepts such as power, organization, justice, and the common good.

Prerequisite:

SOC 101 or POLS 101; ENGL 101

SOC 231 - Social Problems

3-0-3
Credit Hours: 3

This course examines contemporary social problems from a sociological perspective, exploring how members of society determine what are social problems and how these perceptions vary from society to society and over time. The problems examined in this course are related to economic inequality, racial and ethnic inequality, inequalities based on gender, sex, and sexuality, and inequalities related to environmental hazards and climate change.

Offered Online: Yes
Prerequisite:

SOC 101 or ANTH 112

SOC 233 - Race, Ethnicity and Social Inequalities

3-0-3
Credit Hours: 3

Examination of the historical and present position of various racial and ethnic groups within our society, as well as women and other marginalized groups. Emphasis is on the diversity of American racial and ethnic groups and the description and explanation of historical, social, economic, and structural inequalities that exist within and among them. General attention is also given to the analysis of the social and cultural causes of prejudice and discrimination.

Offered Online: Yes
Prerequisite:

SOC 101 or ANTH 112