2023-2024 Undergraduate General Catalog


300

SOCI 312 Deviance and Social Control

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?

Credits

3

Offered

Fall, odd years

SOCI 320 Native American Social Systems (PW)

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.

Credits

3

Cross Listed Courses

NAST 320

Offered

Every Fall and Spring in person, Summer online

SOCI 330 Race and Gender in Medicine and Health

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.

Credits

3

Offered

Occasionally

SOCI 340 Social Inequality

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.

Credits

4

Offered

Every Spring

SOCI 350 Social Science Research Methods (W)

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.

Credits

4

Cross Listed Courses

GOVT 350; PSYC 350

Offered

Every Spring

SOCI 360 Sociological Theory

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.

Credits

4

Offered

Every Fall

SOCI 395 Internship

Internship in Sociology related field.

Credits

3

SOCI 397 Topics:

Examples of possible topics courses: Rural Studies; Human Communities; Sociology of Religion; Social Change.

Credits

3

SOCI 398 Honors in Sociology

Individual research project to earn Sociology Department Honors.

Credits

3

SOCI 399 Independent Study

Individualized study in Sociology. Instructor permission required.

Credits

3