Sociology

Courses in sociology (designated SOCY) may be applied as appropriate, for example, toward:

the general education requirement in the social and behavioral sciences;
a minor in sociology;
a major in social science; and
electives.

SOCY 100 Introduction to Sociology (3)
An introduction to the fundamental concepts and principles of sociology. Topics include the study of cultures, patterns of social values, social institutions, stratification, and social change. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BEHS 102 or SOCY 100.

SOCY 105 Introduction to Contemporary Social Problems (3)
An exploration of various personal, institutional, cultural, historical, and global problems that confront American society today. Problems range from drugs, divorce, crime, mental illness, and alienation in modern society to the environment and national and global economic and political conflicts. Special attention is paid to issues of technology and social change. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: SOCY 105 or SOCY 210.

SOCY 300 American Society (3)
A survey of the social structure and organization of American society, with special reference to recent social changes. The character, structure, values, and ideology of American social movements are examined from a sociological perspective. Topics include urban demographic changes and other population trends, as well as changes in the conduct of work, family life, and recreation.

SOCY 325 The Sociology of Gender (3)
Prerequisite: SOCY 100. An inquiry into the institutional bases of gender roles and gender inequality, cultural perspectives on gender, gender socialization, feminism, and gender-role change. Emphasis is on contemporary American society.

SOCY 403 Intermediate Sociological Theory (3)
Prerequisite: SOCY 100. A study of major theoretical approaches to sociology, including functionalism, conflict, and symbolic interactionism. Original works of major theorists are examined in historical perspective.

SOCY 410 Social Demography (3)
Prerequisite: SOCY 100. A study of social demography. Topics include types of demographic analysis, demographic data, population characteristics, migration, mortality, fertility, population theories, world population growth, and population policy.

SOCY 423 Ethnic Minorities (3)
Prerequisite: SOCY 100. An exposition of basic social processes in the relations of ethnic groups, immigrant groups, African Americans, and Native Americans in the United States, and of ethnic minorities in Europe.

SOCY 427 Deviant Behavior (3)
Prerequisite: SOCY 100. An exploration of current theories of the genesis and distribution of deviant behavior. Topics include definitions of deviance, implications for a general theory of deviant behavior, labeling theory, and secondary deviance.

SOCY 443 The Family and Society (3)
Prerequisite: SOCY 100. An examination of the family as a social institution. Its biological and cultural foundation; its historical development, changing structure, and function; the interaction of marriage and parenthood; and the disorganizing and reorganizing factors in current trends are explored.

SOCY 461 Industrial Sociology (3)
A study of the sociology of human relations in American industry and business. Topics include complex industrial and business organizations as social systems and social relationships within and between industry, business, community, and society. Students may receive credit only once under this course title.

SOCY 464 Military Sociology (3)
Prerequisite: SOCY 100. An overview of social change and its effects on the growth of military institutions. Topics include the structure of complex formal military organizations, the sociology of military life as a distinct cultural ethos, and the interrelations of military institutions, civilian communities, and society. Military service is evaluated as an occupation or a profession.

Last updated: 15 August 2007