Minor
Sociology
The mission of the Sociology minor is to develop understanding of the sociological perspective, social structures, social institutions, processes of social change, knowledge of the methods of social research, and some of the theoretical ideas that inform and guide the discipline.
The program helps to prepare students for graduate study and occupations utilizing sociological perspectives and methods. Students who intend to teach Sociology (Social Studies) in high school should refer to the School of Education for information on the Secondary Teacher Certification program.
Majors, Minors and Certificates
Courses
SO101: Introduction To Sociology
Credits 3An introduction to the major concepts, theories, methods, and perspectives in sociology as well as a survey of some areas of sociological investigation such as the social nature of personal identity as mediated through the influences of race, class, gender, national culture, and the forces of social change. Addresses GLE Learning Outcomes Social Sciences (SS), Inquiry & Analysis (IA) and Information Literacy (IL).
SO203: Community Organization and Advocacy
Credits 3An examination of the theory and practice of grassroots community organizing for progressive social change and the development of skills in community-building and social activism. Students will study historical, contemporary, and cross-cultural case studies of community organizing and learn from their own efforts to bring about societal change. Prerequisite: SO101.
SO205: Racial Inequality
Credits 3An analysis of the problems and possibilities created by racial and ethnic diversity in American society with emphasis given to structural and ideological factors underlying racial and ethnic inequalities. Prerequisite: SO101.
SO220: Families in Society
Credits 3Examination of the current state of the American family and its symbolic importance in American culture. Investigation of the impact of social diversity on variations in family structure, mate selection and the formation of families, relationships among family members, and the interaction between family and society. Addresses GLE Learning Outcomes Social Sciences (SS), Information Literacy (IL) and Critical Reading (CR).
SO223: Power, Privilege and Justice
Credits 3An examination of the way groups, or categories of persons, have different access to economic resources, status, and power in society, and the resulting consequences. Prerequisite: SO101
SO227: Research Workshop
Credits 1An introduction to computer applications and resources that support research and writing in the social sciences. Students will practice data file management, data graphing and charting, citation and reference management, and techniques of procuring social science research and data.
SO230: Sport in Society
Credits 3There is more to sport than that which occupies our attention viewing or participating in competition, training alone or training and bonding with teammates, pouring over team stats, building fantasy teams or watching SportsCenter. The organization of sport reflects, and contributes to, the organization of society. This course will apply the sociological imagination to the study of sport to enable us to better understand the significance of sport and the nature of contemporary U.S. society. Addresses GLE Learning Outcomes Social Sciences (SS), Critical Thinking (CT), and Ethical Reasoning (ER).
SO240: Religion in Society
Credits 3This course is an introduction to the sociological study of religion. Religion is one of the most powerful, deeply felt, and influential forces in human society. The course examines the meanings that religious practice and values have for individual believers, and studies the dynamic interplay of religion with other aspects of society. Using examples primarily from America, Europe and the Middle East with emphasis on Judaism, Christianity and Islam, the course focuses on the how religion is constituted and politically managed in the context of secular, modern societies and how people are remaking religion in new ways to meet their needs for meaning. Addresses GLE Learning Outcomes Social Sciences (SS), Inquiry and Analysis (IA) and Critical Reading (CR).
SO299: Independent Study In Sociology
Credits 3Offers an opportunity to explore an area of study not included in the catalog listing of approved courses. The topic of an Independent Study should be selected and carefully designed by the student and faculty sponsor, and must meet with the approval of the Dean or their designee. Normally, the student will be expected to have a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 and possess the appropriate background and interest to pursue the proposed area of study. A “Proposal for Independent Study” form may be obtained from the Registrar’s website. Independent Study courses are assigned numbers of 299, 399 or 499, depending on the level of the course.
SO318: Social Science Research Methods
Credits 3An introduction to the social science research procedures that collect data which are easily subject to statistical handling. It is designed to provide instruction and practice in methodological skills that include research design, techniques of data gathering, procedures for data analysis, and strategies for writing up of research findings. Prerequisite: SO227. Note: Extensive statistical analysis and writing course.
SO335: Introduction To Social Theory
Credits 3An introduction to the major theorists whose writings and conceptual frameworks inform sociological thinking, this course will enable you to appreciate the plurality of perspectives within sociological theory and to apply these ideas to many sociological topics and to think analytically about the many occurrences in daily life beyond the classroom. Prerequisite: SO101.
SO350: Law in Society
Credits 3Examines social scientific understanding of how law is structured, how law functions as a social institution, and how legal institutions interact with other institutions such as the economy, family, and criminal justice system as well as with issues of race, class, and gender. The course also explores how legal institutions use social scientific knowledge. Additionally, attention is aimed at fostering an appreciation of how legal institutions and their functions vary historically and cross-culturally. Prerequisite: CJ212.
SO400: Readings in Sociology
Credits 1 5Readings in Sociology (1-5 credits). An opportunity for scholarly and professionally focused independent reading and discussion with a faculty member. Prerequisites: SO101 or permission of instructor.
SO450: Special Topics in Sociology
Credits 3Seminars are offered which encourage in-depth exploration of a limited or specialized area within sociology beyond the competency of an introductory level. Prerequisites: SO101, and one additional 200 level or higher Sociology course.