Students will understand their personal life in relation to broader social structures and change. This awareness is accomplished through the application of the sociological perspective to human interactions, relationships, groups, and social institutions.
Every Fall and Spring in person, Summer online
A sociological examination of family dynamics with emphasis upon the development of the self, interaction patterns in mate selection, marriage and parenthood; and the effects of social class and ethnicity upon the family. The focus is upon contemporary American society with attention to historical and cross-cultural comparisons.
Every Spring
In addition to a thorough examination of theoretical perspectives on aging, the course will also address other social dimensions of the aging experience. Special emphasis will be devoted to social roles and life events while exploring the interrelatedness of aging and social institutions (health, politics, economics, religion, and family).
Spring, odd years
A survey of the relationship between social cultural backgrounds and medical and health practices. Topics include the socio-cultural context of illness; role of medical specialists in modern society; and the hospital as a social organization.
Every Fall
Introduces student to the problems of crime and delinquency, especially the nature and extent of crime, theories of criminal behavior and social response to crime.
Spring, odd years
Examines the various ways in which gender is a basic component of social organization in contemporary and traditional societies and the ways in which this aspect of society is currently undergoing change.
Spring, odd years
An anthropological study of diverse cultures, past and present, focusing upon technologies and structure, kinship and family patterns, political relations, religious concepts, and artistic forms. SOCI 270 or 271 may be counted toward a SOCI major, but not both courses.
This course explores the dynamics of multicultural society. It takes a dual focus - one detailing the subjective processes of identity construction among diverse racial and ethnic groups and the other examining the experiences and consequences of discrimination and oppression. Particular attention will be paid to contemporary issues of multiculturalism.
Spring, even years
Examples of possible topics courses: Rural Studies; Human Communities; Sociology of Religion; Social Change.
Individualized study in Sociology.
Instructor Permission
An examination of the social processes and structures related to deviation from the norms of society. Attention will be focused on the following kinds of questions: How and why do certain persons and kinds of behavior come to be designated as deviant? What are the consequences of these processes? What methods are used to prevent and/or control deviance and what are the consequences of these methods?
Fall, odd years
This course presents an "institutional" approach to Native American (specifically Lakota) society from pre-European contact to the present. It explores Lakota social institutions (political, economic, family, religious, and educational systems) prior to European contact, and examines the impact of non-Indian structures on the historical development of Lakota social institutions. This course fulfills the State of South Dakota's teacher certification requirement.
Every Fall and Spring in person, Summer online
We will explore the ways that social categories of race and gender influence how medical knowledge is produced, interpreted, and experienced. Medical Sociology is a vast field of study; accordingly, this course focuses on a selection of key themes and the ways that gender and race are enmeshed in these themes. In particular, we will examine the differing ways that: genetic research, "physician-patient" dynamics, health outcomes, and illness, are part of cultural processes in contemporary society. Discussion and critical analysis of these topics are based primarily on monographs and academic literature from: sociology, medicine, epidemiology, medical anthropology, and ethics case studies.
Occasionally
An examination of social stratification which primarily explores the intersection of social class, race-ethnicity, and gender. Primary emphasis is on the system of stratification within the United States. Students will understand how these inequalities interact by exploring historical and contemporary realities of these inequalities from the voices of marginalized groups. Students will also examine classical and contemporary theoretical explanations and current solutions offered for social inequalities.
Every Spring
An interdisciplinary approach to basic social science research methods. The course introduces students to the several research methodologies used within the social sciences. Students participate in all stages of a research project.
Every Spring
This course presents a survey of the major European and American social theorists and theories of the late 19th and 20th centuries. Theories are tools that help sociologists understand their lives, communities, and place in history. The goal is to help students develop both an appreciation for the ideas of specific "great thinkers" and develop their skills in thinking theoretically. The course emphasizes the theoretical knowledge, application, and development.
Every Fall
Internship in Sociology related field.
Examples of possible topics courses: Rural Studies; Human Communities; Sociology of Religion; Social Change.
Individual research project to earn Sociology Department Honors.
Individualized study in Sociology. Instructor permission required.