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Sociology

SOCI 101 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours GER 3

This course is an introduction into the sociological study of society by exploring fundamental social theories and research methods used by sociologists to examine the interactions between social structures and individuals. The goal of the course is to gain a basic knowledge of sociological concepts and techniques, with a focus on the cultivation of the sociological imagination. Students examine concepts such as culture, social structures and institutions, social processes of socialization, stratification, and change, deviance, race, ethnicity, and gender. Three hours lecture per week.

SOCI 105 AMERICAN SOCIAL PROBLEMS

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours GER 3

A sociological perspective on the origin, nature, impact and policies which address contemporary problems. Emphasis will be placed on institutional/macro sociological analysis interrelationships, and the global context of American problems. Three hours lecture per week.

SOCI 205 SOCIAL DEVIANCE AND CONTROL

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours GER 3

Social deviance is the study of actions, attitudes and attributes which are disvalued and violate societal norms. Deviance includes such state-sanctioned activities as criminal behavior and delinquency to a range of actions and attitudes that challenge the normative order of society. This course will provide a detailed examination of the general theories, and range of empirical data, that attempt to explain the existence and occurrence of deviance. Three hours lecture per week.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Sociology (SOCI 101) or permission of instructor.

SOCI 210 SOCIOLOGY OF THE FAMILY

Fall, 3 credit hours GER 3

The study of family as a key social unit with the emphasis on structure, functions, problems and future of the institution. Cross-cultural comparisons, the relationship between the family and other institutions, and family-related policies also will be discussed. Three hours lecture per week.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Sociology (SOCI 101) or permission of instructor.

SOCI 250 SOCIOLOGY OF THE MASS MEDIA

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

The course will begin by exploring the component and the basic concepts of mass media. Special emphasis is on the social construction power of the mass media. The positive role of the mass media will be explored as well as the negative impact. The social control function of the mass media will be explained. The course is aimed at providing a critical assessment of the social construction power of the mass media with an emphasis on images, content and context as presented in the mass media. The course will explore the images of various segments of American society as presented in the mass media including racial/ethnic groups, gender and sexual orientation, age and class. Three hours lecture per week.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Sociology (SOCI 101) or permission of instructor.

SOCI 300 RACE AND ETHNIC RELATIONS: AMERICAN AND GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

Spring, 3 credit hours

This course provides an overview and critical assessment of racial and ethnic relations. The student will be exposed to theories and research that explore the nature of ethnic stratification, incorporation, exclusion, and identity. Focusing on the United States, the course will survey key institutions and identify issues that reflect on inclusion/exclusion/identity. In addition, the course will briefly overview critical issues in racial and ethnic relations from a global context. Three hours lecture per week.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Sociology (SOCI 101) or permission of instructor.

SOCI 305 GENDER IN THE MEDIA

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

The course will begin by reviewing the components and the basic concepts of mass media. The course will focus on the power of social construction of the mass media in creating appropriate images of masculinity and femininity including sexual orientation. The course will survey the various theoretical traditions coming from sociology, psychology and gender studies exploring gender dynamics as portrayed in the media. The course will examine research exploring the impact and the ideological consequences of the power of the mass media within the arena of gender dynamics. Three hours lecture per week.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Sociology (SOCI 101) (with a grade of C or better) and junior level status with a GPA 2.00, or permission of instructor.

SOCI 313 WOMEN AND AGING

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

This course provides an extensive exploration of the impact of aging on women. Topics include the social construction of older women; historical and theoretical perspectives on midlife and older women; relationships with family and friends; racial, ethnic, and demographic issues; spirituality; economic issues; and living arrangements and care giving. Three hours lecture per week.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Sociology (SOCI 101). Additionally, students must have at least junior level status or permission of instructor.

SOCI 320 SOCIOLOGY of HEALTH, ILLNESS and HEALTH CARE

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

Using the sociological perspective, this course explores how social factors such as age, gender, social class and race/ethnicity influence personal experiences of health, illness, and health care utilization. This course will challenge assumptions about health, illness and health care. Topics include the social construction of illness and health, a critique of the ‘sick role’, the meaning and experience of disability, chronic pain and chronic illness, an exploration of health care systems in the developed and developing worlds, and the challenges and opportunities facing both consumers and providers of health care in the 21st century. Three hours lecture per week.

Prerequisites: Junior level status; Introduction to Sociology (SOCI101) or Introduction to Gerontology (HLTH 104 / SOCI104) or permission of instructor.

SOCI 291-295, 391-395, OR 491-495 SPECIAL TOPICS IN SOCIOLOGY

Fall/Spring, 1-4 credit hours

An introductory or more advanced exploration of subjects not covered or only partially covered by other courses in sociology.