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.