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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Internship in Sociology related field.  Additional fees may apply.

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

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.

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.

Individual research project to earn Sociology Department Honors.