SOC – Sociology
Courses Offered
Lower Divison | Upper Divison | Graduate
Lower Division
SOC 101 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY (3-0-3)(F,S)(DLS). An introduction to groups, organizations, and societies, and their impact on human behavior. Emphasis is on sociological perspectives, concepts, methods, and applications in areas such as organization, socialization, inequality, institutions, intergroup relations, change, etc.
SOC 102 SOCIAL PROBLEMS (3-0-3)(F,S)(DLS). A study of problems that arise due to breakdown of norms and value consensus in society, the causes and solutions to these problems. The student is challenged to continually reexamine his/her own values in reference to the problems under consideration.
SOC 121 DATING AND MARRIAGE (3-0-3)(S). An informative study and discussion of mate selection, marital relationships and adjustments, parenthood and related subjects, each exploited at length in popular culture but usually ignored as a serious subject of academic examination. The course will emphasize factual knowledge, self understanding, and a sociological perspective on marriage in a changing society.
SOC 201 THEORIES OF SOCIETY (3-0-3)(F/S)(CID). Introduction to the major analytical and interpretive theories of society, history, and human behavior, with an emphasis on the common theoretical concerns of the specific disciplines within the social sciences. PREREQ: SOC 101.
SOC 210 COMPUTER APPLICATIONS IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (3-0-3)(F/S). The objectives of this course are (a) to develop an understanding of computer applications of social science data, and (b) to provide students an experience in the collection and analysis of social data with increased ease via the computer.
SOC 230 INTRODUCTION TO MULTI-ETHNIC STUDIES (3-0-3)(F/S)(DLS). This course views majority and minority relations and confronts, challenges, and motivates students to know themselves better and understand some societal problems: for example, racism, prejudice, etc. The course deals with the degree to which ethnic relations involve questions of economic and political power and the distribution of the power. It looks at American society’s institutional role in maintaining and perpetuating systematic inequality.
SOC 290 SOCIAL CONFLICT AND PEACEMAKING (3-0-3)(F). An introductory survey course covering broadly the kinds of conflict that occur between persons, groups, organizations, and societies, with attention to why these conflicts arise, and a range of peaceful solutions to conflicts using nonviolent, nonadversarial methods. The course ranges from inner personal conflict to the international nuclear arms race.
Upper Division
SOC 301 SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY I (3-0-3)(F). Examination of the development of sociological theory from its philosophical precursors through the first decades of the twentieth century. PREREQ: SOC 101.
SOC 302 SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY II (3-0-3)(S). Examination of the development of sociological theory in the twentieth century and of the state of sociological theory today. PREREQ: SOC 301.
SOC 305 RACIAL AND CULTURAL MINORITIES (3-0-3)(S)(CID). Comparative study of inter-ethnic relations. Problems and possibilities of genocide, oppression, integration, pluralism and equality. PREREQ: SOC 230 and upper-division standing.
SOC 306 SOCIOLOGY OF AFRICAN AMERICANS (3-0-3)(F/S). Examination of the African American presence and experience in the contemporary United States will emphasize political, socio-economic, and cultural issues. Sociological and other perspectives will be introduced which offer promise in reconciling problems that separate peoples.
SOC 307 THE ASIAN AMERICAN SOCIAL EXPERIENCE (3-0-3)(F/S)(Alternate years). Examination of the Asian presence and experience in the United States emphasizing current social, economic, political, and cultural issues.
SOC 310 ELEMENTARY SOCIAL STATISTICS (3-0-3)(F/S). The application of measurements to social research data. Basic statistical measures, and techniques for their application, meaning, and use in research. Recommended for majors to be taken in the junior year and followed by SOC 311. PREREQ: SOC 101, high school algebra, and upper-division status.
SOC 311 SOCIAL RESEARCH (3-0-3)(F,S)(CID). Introduction to the design of sociological research and the statistical analysis of social data. PREREQ: SOC 101 and SOC 310.
SOC 312 POPULATION DEMOGRAPHY (3-0-3)(F/S). Techniques and methods for analyzing population growth, trends, and movement as reflected in actuarial data, birth-death rate; mobility, fertility and fecundity as these affect the societal patterns, especially planning for human service programs.
SOC 320 RADICAL SOCIOLOGY (3-0-3)(F)(Alternate years). Analysis of contemporary radical power theory and its application in the study of modern socioeconomic problems. This course will examine issues of social importance from the perspective of conflict theory, neo-Marxian and Elitist theory. PREREQ: SOC 101 and upper-division standing.
SOC 330 SOCIOLOGY OF VIOLENCE (3-0-3)(F)(Alternate years). The incidence of deliberate injury of one human by another is analyzed in terms of social and cultural patterns that act to produce, alter, or discourage acts of violence. The various forms violence may take are examined from a sociological perspective. PREREQ: SOC 101 and upper-division status.
SOC 331 DEVIANT BEHAVIOR (3-0-3)(F)(Alternate odd years). Analysis of behaviors which violate the norms of society, and the causes of and solutions for these forms of behavior. The challenge for students is to decide where the problem lies with those labeled deviant or with those doing the labeling. PREREQ: SOC 101 and upper-division status.
SOC 332 INTRODUCTION TO MEXICAN-AMERICAN STUDIES (3-0-3)(F). Social, historical, and political experiences of Mexican-Americans. Attention is given to history, culture, identity, and contemporary issues of Mexican-Americans. PREREQ: SOC 102 or SOC 230 or PERM/INST.
SOC 333 CONTEMPORARY ISSUES OF CHICANAS/CHICANOS (3-0-3)(S). Comparative analysis of contemporary socioeconomic and political issues confronting Mexican Americans in U.S. society. Topics include study of community, gender, labor, immigration, heterogeneous identity, environmental justice, and social change. Special attention given to comparing the Mexican American experience with other racial-ethnic groups. Institutional and social responses to contemporary issues will also be examined. PREREQ: SOC 230 or SOC 332 or PERM/INST.
SOC 340 SOCIOLOGY OF THE FAMILY (3-0-3)(F/S). An analysis of courtship, marriage, kinship, and family patterns in the United States and selected societies. Theories and facts about the relationships of these patterns to the larger society. PREREQ: SOC 101 and upper-division status.
SOC 351 SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS (3-0-3)(F)(Alternate years). Comparative analysis of the ways societies organize behavior around those values deemed necessary for survival, including family, religion, economy, government, etc. PREREQ: SOC 101 and upper-division standing.
SOC 361 SOCIOLOGY OF WORK (3-0-3)(F/S)(Alternate even years). The social organization of work is examined in historical and contemporary perspectives. PREREQ: SOC 101 and upper-division standing.
SOC 362 (CJ 362) CORRECTIONAL THEORY AND PRACTICE (3-0-3)(F/S). The historical development, processes, and methods of operating the adult correctional system. Detailed study of the philosophy and development of treatment strategies in local, state, and federal correctional institutions. May be taken for CJ or SOC credit, but not both. PREREQ: Upper-division criminal justice standing.
SOC 370 SOCIOLOGY OF LAW (3-0-3)(S)(Alternate years). Law enactment, enforcement, and adjudication are studied as social acts with social consequences. Theories and practices of legal action are reviewed as emerging from and impacting on the social structure. PREREQ: SOC 101 and upper-division standing.
SOC 371 (GENDER 371) THE SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY OF GENDER (3-0-3)(F/S)(Alternate years). Multinational social psychological research and theories are used to explore the processes by which societies apply gender definitions, social change, institutional policies, and relationships between women and men. May be taken for GENDER or SOC credit, but not for both. PREREQ: PSYC 101 or SOC 101, and upper-division standing.
SOC 380 POLITICAL SOCIOLOGY (3-0-3)(F)(Alternate years). A survey of research literature and theory in political sociology, including attitudes, values, power structure, parties, and political participation in the U.S. This course will examine the pluralistic nature of society from the sociological perspective. PREREQ: SOC 101 and upper-division standing.
SOC 390 (COMM 390)(DISPUT 390) CONFLICT MANAGEMENT (3-0-3)(F/S). Examination of the causes of conflict, conflict management theory, and conflict management techniques applied in interpersonal, intergroup, organizational, and community settings. Discussion and skill development through experiential learning will focus on such conflict management techniques as interpersonal management, mediation, arbitration, negotiation, and reconciliation. May be taken for credit in COMM, DISPUT, or SOC but not for more than one department. PREREQ: COMM 101 or SOC 290, upper-division standing.
SOC 395 THE SOCIOLOGY OF PEACE AND WAR (3-0-3)(S). This course will focus on resolving violent conflicts between nations. It will survey the interpretations of sociologists and others in two basic areas: (1) the relationship between the enabling institutions of war and the nature and evolution of modern societies, and (2) emergent proscriptions, strategies, and social movements which invoke actions, attitudes, and ways of life directed towards creating a more peaceful future. PREREQ: SOC 101 and upper-division standing.
SOC 403 SOCIAL CHANGE (3-0-3)(F/S)(Alternate years). Social factors which generate innovation, influence its acceptance or rejection, and determine its effects on society. Planning, collective behavior, diffusion, conflict, and other efforts to create change. PREREQ: SOC 101 and upper-division standing.
SOC 407 SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION (3-0-3)(F/S)(Alternate years). Social science perspectives on religion. Religion viewed as human activity influencing and being influenced by social organization and social conditions.
SOC 410 ADVANCED SOCIAL STATISTICS (3-0-3)(S). The methods of nonparametric statistics in the analysis of sociological data are examined in-depth with application to research. PREREQ: SOC 101 and SOC 310 or equivalents as determined by consultation with department chair.
SOC 412 QUALITATIVE SOCIAL RESEARCH METHODS (3-0-3)(F). An intensive course in interpretive social science, covering the practice of field work ethnography, the use of computers in qualitative research, techniques of qualitative data analysis, and the writing of qualitative research reports. PREREQ: SOC 101 and upper-division standing.
SOC 415 JUVENILE DELINQUENCY (3-0-3)(S). Social causes of juvenile delinquency. Solutions that are discussed arise from theories which suggest changing society more than the individual delinquent. Positive and negative activities of the juvenile justice system are also reviewed. PREREQ: SOC 101 and upper-division standing.
SOC 417 CRIMINOLOGY (3-0-3)(F). An examination of the social and intellectual heritage of criminological theory. The student is challenged to understand crime as a sociological problem which is “explained” by theories that can be tested scientifically and evaluated critically. PREREQ: SOC 101 and upper-division standing.
SOC 421 SOCIAL INEQUALITY (3-0-3)(S)(Alternate years). How inequalities of wealth, income, and prestige occur. How such inequalities affect behavior, personal philosophy, and life chances. Arguments for and against more equality will be examined in relation to issues such as: constraint and mobility; education and opportunity; consumerism and poverty; public policy and the politics of wealth and welfare. PREREQ: SOC 101 and upper-division standing.
SOC 425 URBAN SOCIOLOGY (3-0-3)(F/S). Examination of urban processes with a comparative examination of metropolitan and other urban communities. Emphasis is on urbanization and the institutions and policies shaping metropolitan life.
SOC 431 (PSYC 431) SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY (3-0-3)(S). The primary focus is the individual; the unit of analysis, the interpersonal behavior event. A study of individual motives, emotions, attitudes, and cognitions with reference to interactions with other human beings. May be taken for either psychology or sociology credit, but not for both. SOC 101 and a course in statistics or research design are strongly recommended. PREREQ: PSYC 101, SOC 101, and upper-division standing.
SOC 435 DRUGS IN SOCIETAL CONTEXT (3-0-3)(F/S). This class applies the sociological perspective on social problems to drug use. It examines how different social groups use drugs, attempt to control and prohibit the use of drugs, and the societal effects of using and controlling the use of drugs.
SOC 440 ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIOLOGY (3-0-3)(F/S). Sociological approach to the study of environmentalism, social implications of environmental policy, environmental conflicts, and the distributive justice nature of environmental issues.
SOC 471 (GENDER 301) FEMINIST THEORY (3-0-3)(F/S). Students encounter new perspectives by examining major theories directly useful to scholars in search of understanding and explaining gender relations. May be taken for GENDER or SOC credit, but not for both. PREREQ: GENDER 300 and upper-division standing, or PERM/INST.
SOC 472 SOCIOLOGY OF AGING (3-0-3)(F/S). The study of aging and age cohorts as they relate to and interact with social structures and processes with an emphasis on the later stages of aging. Topics include ageism within social institutions, the effects of age cohorts on work, education and medicine, and the boomer age cohort. PREREQ: SOC 101 and upper-division standing.
SOC 480 SEMINAR IN MULTI-ETHNIC STUDIES (3-0-3)(F/S)(FF). A capstone course for majors. Through advanced interdisciplinary reading from the social sciences as they pertain to ethnic issues in the United States, students will gain an appreciation of other cultures, examine complex ethnic issues and explore strategies to reduce interethnic tensions.
SOC 481 SOCIOLOGY OF GENDER AND AGING (3-0-3)(F/S). A sociological examination of the myths and stereotypes that impact men and women as they age. The course will explore research efforts focused on aging in a gendered society and examine the myths and stereotypes; seek to discover the source of cultural beliefs, social structures of gendered identities, and how gender stratification creates disadvantage for older men and women. PREREQ: SOC 101 and upper-division standing.
SOC 487 (POLS 413) ORGANIZATIONAL THEORY AND BUREAUCRATIC STRUCTURE (3-0-3)(F/S). Sociopolitical analysis of theories and concepts of complex social organizations, their application to public administration, and the inter-relationship between political science and sociological organizational theory. May be taken for SOC or POLS credit, but not for both. PREREQ: senior standing, PERM/INST.
SOC 490 SENIOR PRACTICUM (V-V-3)(F/S). A course where senior sociology majors complete experiential learning at sites selected in consultation with advisor and/or internship coordinator. Students meet weekly with internship coordinator or designee to discuss academic relatedness and progress of experiential learning. PREREQ: Senior sociology major with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
SOC 493 INTERNSHIP (V-V-V)(F/S). Upper-division students may select an internship program in consultation with department faculty and internship coordinator. The intent of the internship is to provide an experiential learning experience for students in a variety of settings in the community or on campus. PREREQ: upper-division standing and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better.
SOC 498 SOCIOLOGY SEMINAR (3-0-3)(F/S)(FF). The capstone course for the sociology major. Intensive study of selected problems in sociology. PREREQ: Senior standing in Sociology Major.
SOC 499 SENIOR SEMINAR IN MEXICAN-AMERICAN STUDIES (3-0-3)(F/S). As the culminating course for the Mexican-American Studies minor students will examine advanced theoretical and research issues concerning Mexican-Americans in a seminar setting. One objective will be for students to utilize their previous course work in the minor to enable them to read specialized studies in specific topics and case studies such as the dropout problem facing Mexican-American students; the role of fundamentalist religions in the Mexican-American community; and employment patterns of Mexican-Americans. The primary objective of the readings and class discussions will be to integrate the diverse course materials from the previous required classes in this minor.