Sociology (SY) (SY)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The nature and causation of criminal behavior. Evaluation of theories and research.
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.
Selected topics in sociology. May be taken for a maximum of nine hours credit when the subject matter varies.
Addresses the issues of rise and development of Sport in North America and relates these developments to other societal structures and processes.
Focus is on the application of social-behavioral science orientations to the amelioration of social problems and public policy issues.
The study of family structure, mate selection, marital and other romantic interaction, parenting and kinship among African Americans.
This course examines social, historical, cultural, and political factors that shape ideas about drugs and views on drug use, drug treatment, and drug policy.
A study of the nature, extent, treatment, and prevention of delinquent behavior among youth in the United States and other urban industrial societies.
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.
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.
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.
Sociological aspects of aging in contemporary American society. Within its parameters are related problems of economics, health, and social contacts.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
An exploration of the role of theorizing, with introduction and application to major paradigms of social explanation from the 18th Century to today.
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.
Examines the historical development and contemporary structure of American industry as social choices shaped by contending forces; also explores alternative industrial futures.
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.
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.
A survey of the specialties and techniques of professional sociologists, including the kinds of social problems and how these problems are addressed.
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.
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.
This course examines interaction patterns in different types of family structure, with emphasis on marital adjustment, parent-child interaction, and sibling interactions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Description and analysis of gender roles and inequality in contemporary Western societies in cross-cultural and historical context.
Examines the major perspectives in the sociology of culture, with emphasis on the problems of culture in modern and post-modern societies.
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.
The study of societal norms and their violation. Focus on social construction, control, condemnation and accommodation of deviant behavior.
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.
Overview of predominant theoretical approaches, classical and contemporary, in legal sociology, and their application. Undergraduates require permission of instructor.
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.
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.
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.
This course provides the student with a comprehensive behavioral science approach to understanding modern social organizational trends.
This course will cover topics such as public awareness and the social construction of environmental issues, especially acid rain, biodiversity, biotechnology and technological disasters.
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.
The development of theories in sociology, as related to social thought, institutions, and theories of social progress.
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.
Selected topics in sociology for students with junior or senior standing. Note: SY 492 is not intended for graduate students.
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.
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.
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.
Introduces students to graduate study in sociology by providing information about applicable academic degrees, career opportunities, and professional activities in the discipline.
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.
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.
An exploration of the role of theorizing, with introduction and application to major paradigms of social explanation from the 18th Century to today.
Advanced treatment of topics in sociological methodology, including: logic of scientific explanation; experimental, quasi-experimental, survey and qualitative research designs; and research ethics.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This course examines interaction patterns in different types of family structure, with emphasis on marital adjustment, parent-child interaction, and sibling interactions.
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.
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.
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.
Description and analysis of gender roles and inequality in contemporary Western societies in cross-cultural and historical context.
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.
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.
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.
Overview of predominant theoretical approaches, classical and contemporary in legal sociology, and their application in empirical studies engaging legal phenomena.
An advanced consideration of the concept of community.
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.
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.
Provides a sociological assessment of the relationship between human communites, technology, and marine resources.
This course will provide a general introduction to the various frameworks used in social impact analysis.
This course will cover topics such as public awareness and the social construction of environmental issues, especially acid rain, biodiversity, biotechnology, and technological disasters.
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.
Selected topics in graduate sociology. Course may be repeated for different topics.
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.
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.
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.
Students pursue research-related interests as directed by, and with prior approval from, a member of the graduate faculty.
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.
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.
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.