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
Previously: SOCI 110
Popular culture informs and expresses our humor, politics, fears, and fantasies; it reveals the lines of solidarity and exclusion in our social groups. Drawing on a variety of sociological perspectives, this course examines pop culture phenomena from sports fans to social media influencers to the Marvel Comics Universe. Particular attention is paid to cultural production, fandom, and celebrity culture. At the end of this course, students will be able to critically examine objects of popular culture, the processes by which these objects are created and disseminated, and the many ways consumers respond to and interact using these objects.
What is justice? What makes a social movement successful? How can we involve ourselves in social change? This course will explore these questions alongside approaches to the pursuit of social justice. We will examine a broad range of processes such as individual action, community-action research, social movements, public policy, and more. The course materials will encourage students to consider differing perspectives as to what social justice is, and the ways we choose to pursue it. We will study methods of resistance as well as transformative visions of possibility.
J-Term
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.
Every other Spring, odd years
Previously: SOCI 260
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?
Every other Fall, odd years
Previously: SOCI 312
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
Previously: SOCI 210
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
Previously: SOCI 230
Examples of possible topics courses: Rural Studies; Human Communities; Sociology of Religion; Social Change.
Previously: SOCI 297
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
Previously: SOCI 340
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.
Every other Spring, even years
Previously: SOCI 280
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
Previously: SOCI 330
Internship in Sociology related field. Additional fees may apply.
Every Fall and Spring
Previously: SOCI 395
Examples of possible topics courses: Rural Studies; Human Communities; Sociology of Religion; Social Change.
Previously: SOCI 397
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
Previously: SOCI 360
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
Previously: SOCI 350, GOVT 350, PSYC 350
Many of the urgent social problems dominating headlines in our public discourse emerge in the interactions between families, community structures, and social institutions. This course combines critical discussion, community partnership, and applied research to equip students to systematically analyze diverse families’ experiences with a variety of community-based issues. Based on this analysis, students will learn how to develop ethical and effective solutions to the pressing problems communities face. Specific topics will vary based on local opportunities and student interest, but possible topics include intimate partner violence, community policing, opioid addiction, labor rights, food security, and foster care.
Every other Fall, odd years
Individual research project to earn Sociology Department Honors.
Every Fall and Spring
Previously: SOCI 398