Sociology (SY) (SY)
SY 109 Introductory Sociology 3 cr
Sociology is the scientific study of social behavior and social phenomena. This course is a survey intended to introduce students to the major concepts, issues, theory, methods and substantive findings of the discipline. Topics may include the impact of social structures on behavior and opportunity, inequalities, socialization, culture, religion, crime and deviance, the family, modernity, and globalization. Core Course.
SY 112 Social Problems 3 cr
A study of persistent and recurring social conditions and individual and group behaviors that are contrary to the expressed norms of community members and that community members strive to control through collective action. Core Course.
SY 200 Sex, Power, & Politics 3 cr
An analysis of social patterns in sexual identifies, behaviors, and desires, including an introduction to history of sexuality, contemporary theories of sexuality, and the politics of sexuality today.
SY 212 Field of Social Welfare 3 cr
A survey of the field of social welfare and of social-work functions. Rise, development, and present organization of social welfare agencies and the social services. Brief introduction to the techniques of the social-work profession.
SY 220 Marriage and the Family 3 cr
The organization, function, and present status of the family, primarily in the United States. Problems of mate selection, marital adjustment, and parent-child relations treated on the basis of recent and current social change.
SY 241 Criminology 3 cr
The nature and causation of criminal behavior. Evaluation of theories and research.
SY 242 Corrections 3 cr
Administration of criminal justice in American society. Federal state and local prison systems; management and treatment of criminals; history of punishment; jail detention, probation and parole; prison activities; rehabilitation.
SY 290 Special Topics - 3 cr
Selected topics in sociology. May be taken for a maximum of nine hours credit when the subject matter varies.
SY 305 Sociology of Sport 3 cr
Addresses the issues of rise and development of Sport in North America and relates these developments to other societal structures and processes.
Prerequisite: SY 109 (may be taken concurrently) Minimum Grade of D
SY 312 Social Work Applications 3 cr
Focus is on the application of social-behavioral science orientations to the amelioration of social problems and public policy issues.
SY 315 African American Families 3 cr
The study of family structure, mate selection, marital and other romantic interaction, parenting and kinship among African Americans.
SY 319 Sociology of Drugs 3 cr
This course examines social, historical, cultural, and political factors that shape ideas about drugs and views on drug use, drug treatment, and drug policy.
SY 340 Juvenile Delinquency 3 cr
A study of the nature, extent, treatment, and prevention of delinquent behavior among youth in the United States and other urban industrial societies.
SY 350 Evolutionary Sociology 3 cr
This course considers social behavior and social phenomena as manifestations of the observable properties of the organisms that make up societies (i.e. 'human nature'). The core of the course will involve constructing a brief but sound model of human behavior and then seeing how well that model can help explain a spectrum of behavior and phenomena. In addition, we will consider different religious, cultural, and scientific views on human nature, as well as some of the classic philosophical debates (e.g. nature/nurture) that revolve around questions of human nature.
SY 352 World Religions 3 cr
This course is an introduction to the religions of the world. It is divided into three basic units: Indigenous Religions (of Africa, North America, and Oceania); Eastern Religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, Jainism) and Western Religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam). The emphasis is on grasping the core principles of each tradition, seeing the ways in which religion meets basic human needs, and religion as a cultural artifact that borrows, adapts, and changes over time. Course is identical with PHL 352 and REL 352. Credit cannot be received for both SY 352 and PHL 352 or REL 352.
SY 360 Soc of Work and Occupations 3 cr
Examines work, occupations and careers in modern societies. Course topics include: the evolution of work, the meaning of work, the demography of work, unions, jobs, occupations, professions, industries, classes, unions, technology and alienation, labor market segmentation, nonstandard and contingent work, work and the family, work and economic inequality, job satisfaction and organizational commitment.
SY 372 Social Gerontology - W 3 cr
Sociological aspects of aging in contemporary American society. Within its parameters are related problems of economics, health, and social contacts.
SY 381 Research Methods 3 cr
The goal of this course is to provide you with a foundation in social science research methods. The course will cover basic concepts used in social science research, sampling, survey instrument construction, observational and experimental research designs, and qualitative research. In addition to providing you with a foundation in research methods, SY 381 and SY 382 will give you the computing skills needed to create and analyze quantitative data using SPSS and EXCEL.
Prerequisite: SY 109 Minimum Grade of D
SY 382 Research Analysis 3 cr
This course, along with SY 381, provides a foundation in social research methods and statistics. In this course you will develop a mastery of descriptive and inferential statistics, basic probability theory, and significance testing. The computer lab portion of this course will continue to build upon the research and skills you acquired in SY 381.
Prerequisite: SY 109 Minimum Grade of D
SY 390 Special Topics 1-6 cr
Special topics courses are classes that are not part of the sociology curriculum, and so may be offered irregularly, or even only once, but for which students receive credit as a junior-level (upper division) elective.
SY 394 Directed Studies 1-3 cr
Field or library pursuits through which special interests or needs of the student may be pursued on an individual, supervised, or tutorial basis. No more than six hours may be used in the degree. Arrangements must be made with the instructor prior to registration. Requires permission of Department Chair.
SY 401 Disasters and Society 3 cr
The Sociological examination of natural, technological, and human-initiated disasters. The social impacts of disasters will be reviewed through case-studies of major twenty-first century catastrophes and issues of community vulnerability, resiliency and recovery will be addressed.
SY 406 Sociological Theory 3 cr
An exploration of the role of theorizing, with introduction and application to major paradigms of social explanation from the 18th Century to today.
Prerequisite: SY 109 (may be taken concurrently) Minimum Grade of D or SY 112 (may be taken concurrently) Minimum Grade of D
Cross-Listed: SY 376
SY 407 Social Research Design 3 cr
This course provides an introduction to sociological and social science methodology, including epistemology, research ethics, observational and experimental designs, survey and qualitative methods of data collection, comparative and historical research, and program evaluation.
SY 408 Industrial Sociology 3 cr
Examines the historical development and contemporary structure of American industry as social choices shaped by contending forces; also explores alternative industrial futures.
Prerequisite: SY 109 (may be taken concurrently) Minimum Grade of D
SY 409 Social Research Analysis 3 cr
This course provides instruction in quantitative analysis in sociological and social science research. It provides instruction in basic and inferential statistics including, descriptive statistics, probability, confidence intervals, one and two sample significance tests, Chi Square tests of independence, and an introduction to bivariate linear models. the course also provides computer instruction in the use of SPSS software.
SY 411 Population - W 3 cr
An introduction to the study of human populations: population growth and decline; fertility, mortality, and migration; characteristics of populations; population, food and economic development; demographic analysis; population policies.
SY 412 Applied Sociology - W 3 cr
A survey of the specialties and techniques of professional sociologists, including the kinds of social problems and how these problems are addressed.
SY 413 Qualitative Inquiry 3 cr
This course surveys forms of qualitative inquiry: ethnography and participant observation, focus groups, in-depth interviews, narrative inquiry, case study, historical research, and oral history.
SY 415 Soc of Mental Health-Illness 3 cr
A sociological analysis of mental health and illness including social epidemiology, effects of social integration and support, labeling mechanisms, social evolution of treatment systems, and cultural factors in the recognition and diagnosis of disorders.
SY 418 Adv Family Studies 3 cr
This course examines interaction patterns in different types of family structure, with emphasis on marital adjustment, parent-child interaction, and sibling interactions.
SY 420 Sociology of Religion 3 cr
The study of religion is at or near the core of sociology. This course is an exploration of the sociological dimensions of religion within the classical theoretical traditions of Durkheim, Weber and Marx, augmented with more recent theory and research. We consider the definition, functions and origins of religion, the role of beliefs and rituals in it, the interaction of religion with other aspects of society, and secularization of the future of religion, among other topics.
SY 421 Social Stratification - W 3 cr
This course introduces students to the patterns and processes of inequality in its major forms. It includes discussions of social class, sex, race, ethnicity, and policy. Additionally, this course satisfies the University's writing requirement. As such, students will acquire knowledge through writing assignments and will demonstrate mastery of new information in written form.
SY 425 Urban Sociology - W 3 cr
The study of urbanization and urban ways of life. Emphasis is given to relationships between urbanization and changes in the social organization of urban areas. Urban problems and planning are analyzed in terms of social change at the structural level.
Prerequisite: SY 109 (may be taken concurrently) Minimum Grade of D
SY 426 Social and Cultural Change 3 cr
This course is designed to familiarize students with major theories and processes of social and cultural change, the factors influencing social and cultural change, diffusion of innovations, and adoption of new ideas and practices.
Prerequisite: SY 109 (may be taken concurrently) Minimum Grade of D or SY 112 (may be taken concurrently) Minimum Grade of D
Cross-Listed: AN 426
SY 428 Gender and Society 3 cr
Description and analysis of gender roles and inequality in contemporary Western societies in cross-cultural and historical context.
SY 430 Sociology of Culture 3 cr
Examines the major perspectives in the sociology of culture, with emphasis on the problems of culture in modern and post-modern societies.
SY 435 Health Disparities Life Span 3 cr
This course examines differences in health status across the life span. The course will focus heavily on racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in health applying a social determinants' of health framework. Issues that will be considered include how income, education, neighborhood conditions, access to health care, and other community factors shape opportunities to be healthy. The course is cross-listed as SY 435 and GRN 435 and has been approved as an elective for the Undergraduate Certificate in Gerontology and the interdisciplinary minor in Gerontology.
Prerequisite: SY 109 (may be taken concurrently) Minimum Grade of D or SY 112 (may be taken concurrently) Minimum Grade of D
Cross-Listed: GRN 435
SY 440 Deviance and Social Control 3 cr
The study of societal norms and their violation. Focus on social construction, control, condemnation and accommodation of deviant behavior.
SY 445 Majority-Minority Relations-W 3 cr
The study of relationships between 'majorities' and 'minorities' in society. This course will explore the macro- social forces that bring these relationships about and the institutional setting where different group members come into contact with each other. A variety of key concepts and theories surrounding majority and minority relations will be defined and analyzed. Historical and current case studies will be examined to illustrate the development of these relations.
SY 447 Sociology of Law 3 cr
Overview of predominant theoretical approaches, classical and contemporary, in legal sociology, and their application. Undergraduates require permission of instructor.
Prerequisite: SY 109 Minimum Grade of D
SY 455 Self and Certainty 3 cr
This course explores the complex relationship between the individual and the groups they are a part of, with a special emphasis on the challenges of identity and knowledge in modern society. Draws primarily upon the work of classical social psychologists like Mead, Berger & Luckman, Foggman and Simmel, as well as modern extensions of their work.
SY 458 Crowds Riots Soc Movements - W 3 cr
A survey of the theoretical and historical foundations of collective behavior, riots, and social movements. A variety of situations and behaviors will be analyzed including social movement participation; growth and organization; strategies, tactics, and consequences for participants and society.
SY 459 Medicine and Society 3 cr
The sociological study of medical care, with topics ranging from the micropolitics of doctor-patient communication through macro-level investigation of comparative health care systems.
SY 460 Social Organization - W 3 cr
This course provides the student with a comprehensive behavioral science approach to understanding modern social organizational trends.
SY 467 Environmental Sociology 3 cr
This course will cover topics such as public awareness and the social construction of environmental issues, especially acid rain, biodiversity, biotechnology and technological disasters.
SY 472 Sociology of Aging and Family 3 cr
The class focuses on sociological theories of family and aging and the linkages of families and their aging members with organizations that deliver services, including: government agencies, healthcare organizations, legal services, corporations/businesses, and religious organizations.
SY 475 Dev of Sociological Theory 3 cr
The development of theories in sociology, as related to social thought, institutions, and theories of social progress.
SY 490 Special Topics 1-3 cr
A sociological examination of advanced topics. This course may be taken for a maximum of 9 hours credit when the subject matter varies. Prerequisite: Upper division status.
SY 492 Seminar - W - 3 cr
Selected topics in sociology for students with junior or senior standing. Note: SY 492 is not intended for graduate students.
SY 494 Directed Studies 1-3 cr
Designing a study, carrying out the research, and writing the result of a thesis. No more than six hours credit may be applied to major. Prerequisites: Requires upper division status and permission of department chair.
SY 496 Sociology Internship 3-6 cr
Provides an opportunity to combine academic principles with practical experience in an agency dealing with human relationships. Specifics of the assignment result from a mutual agreement among student, faculty supervisor and agency. Course may be repeated for a maximum of six hours of credit. The 3-hour internship requires 100 contact hours: the 6-hour internship requires 200 contact hours. Requires permission of Faculty Supervisor and Department Chair.
SY 499 Honors Research Hours-H 1-3 cr
This course awards hours of course credit within the SY department to University and/or Departmental Honors students who are working with a research mentor in the SY department on a thesis or capstone project of appropriate scope.
SY 500 Orientation 1-3 cr
Introduces students to graduate study in sociology by providing information about applicable academic degrees, career opportunities, and professional activities in the discipline.
SY 501 Disasters and Society 3 cr
The sociological examination of natural, technological, and human-initiated disasters. The social impacts of disasters will be reviewed through the case-studies of major twenty-first century catastrophes and issues of community vulnerability, resiliency, and recovery will be addressed.
SY 505 Adv Principles of Sociology 3 cr
Systematic review and integration of major propositions, concepts, and research data from various fields of sociology. Development of a comprehensive orientation for the description and explanation of social phenomena.
SY 506 Sociological Theory 3 cr
An exploration of the role of theorizing, with introduction and application to major paradigms of social explanation from the 18th Century to today.
SY 507 Social Research Design 3 cr
Advanced treatment of topics in sociological methodology, including: logic of scientific explanation; experimental, quasi-experimental, survey and qualitative research designs; and research ethics.
SY 509 Social Research Analysis 3 cr
This is an applied course in the application of data analysis and statistical methods in social research. The course covers basic regression models with limited and categorical independent variables. It assumes knowledge of basic and inferential statistics. The course includes weekly instruction in data analysis and statistical computer use. This course is usually taught in the Spring semester.
SY 511 Introduction to Population 3 cr
An introduction to the study of human populations: population growth and decline, fertility, mortality and migration: characteristics of populations: population, food and economic development: demographic analysis: population policies. Students will be able to substantively analyze in any discussion of past and future population problems and its related factors that affect different societies.
SY 512 Applied Sociology 3 cr
A survey of the specialties and techniques of professional sociologists and the conditions under which sociological knowledge is applied to social problems, the kinds of problems addressed, and the degree of effectiveness of applications. A variety of methods will be discussed including social impact analysis, program evaluation, needs assessment, and social indicators. Requires SY 508 and SY 509 or instructor's permission.
Prerequisite: SY 508 Minimum Grade of B and SY 509 Minimum Grade of B
SY 513 Qualitative Inquiry 3 cr
This course surveys forms of qualitative inquiry: ethnography and participant observation, focus groups, in-depth interviews, narrative inquiry, case study, historical research, and oral history.
SY 515 Soc of Ment Health and Illness 3 cr
A sociological analysis of mental health and illness including social epidemiology, effects of social integration and support, labeling mechanisms, social evolution of treatment systems, and cultural factors in the recognition and diagnosis of disorders.
SY 518 Advanced Family Studies 3 cr
This course examines interaction patterns in different types of family structure, with emphasis on marital adjustment, parent-child interaction, and sibling interactions.
SY 520 Sociology of Religion 3 cr
An analysis of religion as a social institution with emphasis on modern western societies. Topics include the function of religion for societies and individuals, changing patterns of religious belief and practice, and the relationship between religion and other social institutions.
SY 521 Poverty, Inequal/Social Stat 3 cr
A sociological approach to the study of class, status, power and poverty with a particular emphasis on American society. Students will present material in the classroom and conduct an advanced research project in the area of social inequality.
SY 523 Aging in American Society 3 cr
The role of the elderly in today's society, problems, adaptability, crises, functions. Comparisons with youth and working adults. Survey of social programs and resources in formal and informal support networks.
SY 528 Gender and Society 3 cr
Description and analysis of gender roles and inequality in contemporary Western societies in cross-cultural and historical context.
SY 530 Sociology of Culture 3 cr
This course will introduce students to the major perspectives in the field of the sociology of culture. Particular attention will be given to each perspective's diagnosis of the problems of culture in modern and postmodern capitalist societies.
SY 535 Health Disparities Life Span 3 cr
The main purpose of this seminar is to provide students with an understanding of how social factors contribute to racial/ethnic, socioeconomic and gender disparities in health and health care. We will examine how dyadic relationships such as interpersonal forms of discrimination, marriage, and social ties may contribute to health disparities. We will also examine the ways in which neighborhood and community context, as well as inequalities in socioeconomic status materially shape health and access to health care services. The course is cross-listed as SY 535 and GRN 435/535 and has been approved as an elective for the Undergraduate/Graduate Certificate in Gerontology and the interdisciplinary minor in Gerontology.
Cross-Listed: GRN 535
SY 540 Deviance and Social Control- 3 cr
Deviance includes acts that violate norms. Social control is the groups' efforts to induce people to conform to these norms. This course includes discussions of what actually is deviance, how things become deviant, and how sociologists explain deviance. Several weeks are devoted to talking about specific forms of deviance, ranging from alcohol and drugs to mental illness. The last part of the course is spent discussing elite deviance.
SY 547 Sociology of Law 3 cr
Overview of predominant theoretical approaches, classical and contemporary in legal sociology, and their application in empirical studies engaging legal phenomena.
SY 550 The Community 3 cr
An advanced consideration of the concept of community.
SY 555 Self and Certainty 3 cr
This course explores the complicated relationship between individuals and the groups they are part of, with a special emphasis on the challenges of identity and knowledge in modern society. Draws primarily upon the work of classical social psychologists like Mead, Berger, Luckmann, Foggman and Simmel as well as modern extensions of their work.
SY 559 Medicine and Society 3 cr
The sociological study of medical care, with topics ranging from the micropolitics of doctor-patient communication through macro-level investigation of comparative health care systems. Explores extant research methods and theories of medical sociology to prepare graduate students to do sociological research in health care settings.
SY 565 Maritime Sociology 3 cr
Provides a sociological assessment of the relationship between human communites, technology, and marine resources.
SY 566 Soc Impact Assess Coast Enviro 3 cr
This course will provide a general introduction to the various frameworks used in social impact analysis.
SY 567 Environmental Sociology 3 cr
This course will cover topics such as public awareness and the social construction of environmental issues, especially acid rain, biodiversity, biotechnology, and technological disasters.
SY 572 Sociology of Aging-Family 3 cr
The class focuses on sociological theories of family and aging, and the linkages of families and their aging members with organizations that deliver medical and social services, with government bureaucracies, the legal system, corporations and businesses, and religious organizations.
SY 590 Sp Top - 3 cr
Selected topics in graduate sociology. Course may be repeated for different topics.
SY 591 Papers & Presentations Seminar 1-2 cr
A self-directed studies course, guided by graduate faculty mentors, to develop and enhance the career and scholarly interests, and professional socialization, of advanced master's students through written work and presentation opportunities.
Prerequisite: ASSY P
SY 592 MA Practicum Report Proposal 3 cr
Based on student work in a local agency (in conjunction with course co-requisite SY 596, Sociology Internship) to generate a practicum report proposal (directed by a member of the sociology graduate faculty) that the student must formally defend.
Prerequisite: SY 596 (may be taken concurrently)
SY 593 Master's Practicum Report 3 cr
SY 594 Directed Studies - 1-3 cr
Field or library projects through which special interests of the student may be pursued on a tutorial basis with a graduate faculty member. Arrangements must be made with the professor prior to registration. Permission of the Department Chair is required.
SY 595 SY Research Apprenticeship 1-3 cr
Students pursue research-related interests as directed by, and with prior approval from, a member of the graduate faculty.
SY 596 Sociology Internship 3-6 cr
Relates the student's classroom studies to occupational and professional experiences in an approved community agency that culminates with a written report. Requires permission of the Graduate Coordinator and Department Chair as well as proof of insurance. The 3 hour internship requires 100 contact hours; the 6 hour internship requires 200 contact hours.
SY 597 Sociology Teaching Apprentice 1-3 cr
The student will work directly with a member of the Sociology faculty to learn pedagogy, innovation in teaching, and course content that will equip the student for future teaching assignments.
SY 598 Master's Thesis Proposal 3 cr
Focused on a specialized subject area of research interest in sociology (directed by a member of the sociology graduate faculty) to generate a thesis proposal that the student must formally defend.