The language of sociology, the sociological perspective, and basic areas of sociological inquiry. Topics include: culture, socialization, self and society, social stratification and social class. The family, religion, polity, community organization, collective behavior, mass culture, social order and social change.
3 hr./wk.
Provides a basic framework for sociological investigation and some knowledge of the institutions which constitute the fabric of society. The emphasis will be on concepts, hypotheses and theories which explain social behavior. Although social problems of contemporary relevance are often discussed, the focus of most of the material is on sociological problems and on analytical issues in the study of society.
3 hr./wk.
The logic and practice of the major qualitative research methods in sociology: field observation; participant observation; qualitative interview; thematic content analysis of sociological documents. Students design and carry out projects to gain mastery of these methods.
3 hr./wk.
An introduction to statistical theory and techniques as utilized by sociologists. This course covers descriptive and inferential statistics. Credit given for only one of the following courses: SSC 31100, Eco 20150, PSY 21500, SOC 23100, MATH 20900.
SOC 10500.
3 hr./wk.
The meaning and relevance of "the Scientific Method" as a canon guiding the logic of research in sociology. Historical perspective and method of social research in the recent past. Survey research, sampling, questionnaire construction analysis, and hypothesis- testing; community study, field observation, unstructured interviewing, participant observation, control of bias.
4 hr./wk.
Involves, according to student's choice, either: (1) placement in special agency (welfare, poverty, urban planning, police, detention) where a student learns by working directly with clients under close supervision of the agency; or (2) carrying out a research project in the student's area of interest. In either case, the student meets regularly with a faculty member of the Social Research Laboratory. No more than six credits in any one department and no more than nine credits total will be permitted in the following courses: ANTH 13300-13600, ASIA 20402-20404, BLST 20000-20400, PSY 23300-23600, SOC 23300-23600. These credits count towards total credits needed for graduation, but do not count as credits needed for the major in Sociology.
Credits
3 cr. Maximum: 6 cr. cumulative.
2 hr./wk., 1 cr.; 4 hr./wk., 2 cr.; 6 hr./wk.
The roots of modern sociology in the ideas of nineteenth and early twentieth century theorists, such as Marx, Weber, Durkheim, Simmel, Veblen and Cooley, with emphasis on the intellectual and social context and current relevance of the concepts and propositions they developed.
4 hr./wk.
Modern sociological theory and practice. Contemporary theorists such as Parsons, Merton, Homans, Dahrendorf and others show how conceptualization and theory building proceeds in understanding self, society, class, power and alienation in the modern world.
3 hr./wk.
The relevance of biological and social factors (and the interaction of the two) are examined in an attempt to understand the variations and universalities of personality. Psychological and social theoretical views are presented, as are current works in socialization theory.
3 hr./wk.
This course will introduce students to contemporary theories in criminology. It also will discuss the societal implications of criminal justice policies, situate those policies in their social and historical contexts, and delineate key criminological concepts within those policies.
3 hr./wk.
This course looks at the historical origins and contemporary state of juvenile justice in America. Topics include creation/evolution of the juvenile court, the changing notions of adolescence and youth, and issues such as diversion. The course goal is to illustrate the complex web of individual, cultural and social factors underlying the causes of and judicial responses to juvenile delinquency.
3 hr./wk.
Youth considered as a stage in socialization, a stratum, a demographic group with its own subculture, and as a force for change. Implications for education, mental health and urbanization.
3 hr./wk.
Introduction to principles of group work, case work, and community action. Primarily designed for those planning a career in Social Work. Concurrent field work required (see description of Social Research Laboratory).
3 hr./wk.
Origins and growth of social welfare theory and practice. Impact of industrialization and urbanization. Trends in social legislation. Current issues and concepts. Social agencies and social work as a profession.
Minimum of 2 electives in Sociology. Concurrent field work required (see description of Social Research Laboratory).
3 hr./wk.
This course critically considers how some actions or groups come to be understood and shaped as “deviant.” It situates such labels of deviance within their broader historical and social context and the resulting consequences of those labels for individuals and society more broadly.
3 hr./wk.
The character of mass society in comparison with earlier forms. "High" culture and "pop" culture and the mass media of communications. Social effects of the mass media and the problem of public control.
3 hr./wk.
Nature and origins of the modern city, and of community life within and in relation to the metropolis. Urbanization as a process. Types of cities and urban communities. The changing nature of contemporary cities, urban development and the dilemmas of growth.
3 hr./wk.
This course introduces students to classical and contemporary theories of social stratification along multiple dimensions of inequality. It emphasizes inequality along class, race, and gender within and across generations, time periods, and places.
3 hr./wk.
Analysis of human relations from both social- structural and social-psychological standpoints. Prejudice and discrimination; their consequences for both minority and majority group members. Theoretical, historical, cross-cultural approaches. Examination of public and private organizations engaged in intergroup relations. Case materials from social action programs in the United States and other nations.
3 hr./wk.
The origins and career of "social pathology" as a sensitizing concept. The interrelationship between social issues, and social problems, and public policy. The problem of bias in defining a social problem and in devising a strategy for meliorative intervention. Case studies with contemporary relevance. Role of voluntary agencies, mass media and legislative bodies in identifying social problems.
3 hr./wk.
This course introduces students to three key population-level processes: fertility, mortality, and migration. It covers factors related to changes in the size and characteristics of populations from a comparative international perspective. Students learn basic methods to measure population dynamics and how demographic processes are intertwined with global inequality and contemporary policy debates.
3 hr./wk.
Theories of institutional change in the past and present. How culture, social structure, and political, economic and technological factors are interrelated. Case studies of change in Western Europe and in developing countries today.
3 hr./wk.
Theories of the polity and political behavior in sociological perspective. Types of government and of political order viewed comparatively and historically, and in relation to economic and social-psychological factors. Legitimation and subversion (counter-legitimation) as social process. Social movements. Analysis of contemporary issues.
3 hr./wk.
An examination of the major controversial issues of the day: abortion, homosexuality, capital punishment, and the like.
3 hr./wk.
Examination of the socialization process of childhood, the familial environment of the child, influence of the peer group, the development of the self and values. Major psychological and sociological theories will be examined in the light of empirical evidence.
3 hr./wk.
Sociological explanations of how and why husband/wife, parent/child, and other family relationships have varied, historically and today, in the United States and around the world. How sociological research can contribute to understanding and making informed choices and decisions in family life.
3 hr./wk.
Major processes of change today in Latin America, Asia and Africa. Theories of development as applied to industrialization and changes in occupational structure; urbanization, internal migration and population growth; national integration; changes in the class structure; revolution and reform.
3 hr./wk.
Mass movements for reform, revolution and renovation. Socialism, communism, fascism, and the forces that brought them into being, natural history and internal dynamics of the type they represent. Contemporary case materials.
3 hr./wk.
This courses examines health, illness, disability, and medicine from a social perspective. Topics may include: epidemiology, historical transitions in population health, social and cultural analysis of health and disease, medicine as profession and work practice, health policy, and the nature and role of health-related knowledge in professional and popular contexts.
3 hr./wk.
The social bases for the function and impact of religion in contemporary society.
3 hr./wk.
This course examines the changing U.S. city with a focus on New York City. Beginning with an overview of U.S. urban politics and policy, we explore the impact of economic, political, demographic and social trends on our cities; then examine several contested policy issues-housing, economic development, education and/or welfare. How and why have national problems become identified as "urban" problems? Is the city a viable problem-solving unit? What are the respective roles of public and private sectors? We will address these questions through critical reading, discussion and writing.
3 hr./wk.
A description and explanation of male/female values, power, conflicts, and achievements of families from various ancestral origins. Included will be elite and minority families and old and new immigrant families from Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
3 hr./wk.
This course will examine the new immigration to the U.S. in the light of the old, searching for similarities that link this latest wave to the turn-of-the-century experience, and for the differences that make the post-1965 immigration distinctive.
3 hr./wk.
Approval of Dean and Department Honors Supervisor required. Apply no later than December 10 in the Fall term or May 1 in the Spring term.
Credits
Credit flexible but usually 3 credits per term.
The student will pursue a program of independent study under the direction of a member of the Department with the approval of the Department Chair. Credit may be from 1-4 credits, as determined before registration, by the instructor, with the approval of the Chair.
See Department for information.
Credits
Hours and Credit TBA.
3 hours
This practicum introduces students to accepted interviewing techniques with individuals and groups using both structured and unstructured questionnaires, reviews current federal regulations concerning the protection of human subjects and their informed consent, provides observations of good interviewing and recording techniques, and examines the theory and practice of focus groups. The use of translation and translators and other practical cultural and ethical issues are discussed. Students gain an understanding of the function of interviews conducted in the social sciences and in a variety of professional settings including social work, human resources, health and human services and journalism. Training and supervision in structured interviews with volunteer research subjects will be provided. Advanced students may conduct supervised focus groups.
4hr/wk
This course is an introduction to the sociological study of organizations. This course has two main objectives. First, this course examines the literature on formal organizations, with a focus on understanding the consequences of different organizing practices for organizations' members and society. Second, this course prepares students to undertake research and critical analysis of organizations, with the aim of helping students apply theoretical concepts to organizations that they have observed. To accomplish these objectives, course readings include both an overview of major theoretical perspectives, as well as excerpts of primary research. In addition, the class will discuss strategies for conducting organizational research, and students will conduct a research project comparing organizations' methods of controlling members and organizations' impact upon society.
4 hr./wk.
This course introduces students to U.S. housing policy with a special emphasis on three areas – housing affordability, housing segregation, and GIS methods to study housing and neighborhoods. Weekly reaction papers; four data analysis assignments; final policy report and oral presentation.
3 hr./wk.
This course examines the nature of inequality in the contemporary U.S. with some reference to other times and places. Students are introduced to key scientific breakthroughs that are foundational to our current understanding of the causes and consequences of poverty. Essay exams, an Op-Ed, policy report and classroom presentations.
3 hr./wk.
Homelessness is about improvisation; about creating dwellings where they are not meant to be. This course will explore the causes of homelessness; the demographic make-up and subjective experiences of homeless individuals and families; and policies designed to reduce homelessness in America.
3 hr./wk.
This course introduces the sociological study of how the practices and forms of nonprofit organizations and voluntary associations shape activism and vice versa. These forms of collective action coordinate activities towards advancing particular causes, enacting public policy, such as providing services, or enhancing fellowship amongst members. This course also prepares students to undertake research and critical analyses of such collective action, with the aim of helping students apply theoretical concepts about organizing practices and institutional environments to groups or organizations.
3 hr./wk.
Surveys this transformative interdisciplinary field, informed by critical approaches to race, gender and sexuality, which offers an approach to disability as a social, political, and cultural category and a personal identity and lived experience. Readings include current and historical material, theoretical and empirical, from the social sciences, humanities, and arts.
3 hr./wk.
Examines the structures, processes and interactions that make up contemporary globalization in the economy, politics, culture, media, social movements, civil society, migration, and the environment. It considers debates about the historical emergence of globalization and its causes and consequences in everyday life and emphasizes the importance of understanding race, class, gender and other categories of oppression and how they are deployed through power relations in the global order.
3 hr./wk.
Provides a deep understanding of the ways that African-Americans have been the object of sociological study and producers of sociological knowledge. By exploring historical and contemporary phenomena, students will develop a critical understanding of the social location of African-Americans in employment, education, residence, culture, politics and other areas of society. (Cross-listed with Black Studies.)
3 hr./wk.
3 hr./wk.
Sociological analysis of contemporary and historical research about work and its social-organizational context, explanations for the degree of meaning, satisfaction, and autonomy people find in their work, and the implications of particular workplace practices. Requirements can include class discussions of required readings, homework, essay exams, oral presentations, and research project.
3 hr./wk.
Sociological analysis of how work and family can affect life chances, reinforce gender roles and cultural stereotypes, and widen inequality. Examines how public policy and workplace practices can affect individuals' experiences with work and family. Requirements can include class discussions of required readings, homework, essay exams, oral presentations, and research project.
3 hr./wk.
Race and ethnicity are key dimensions of stratification in society. This course examines competing theories and definitions of race and ethnicity. Using case studies, it looks at the social construction of race and ethnicity in different societies around the world during different eras.
3 hr./wk.
3 hr./wk.
This course looks at theories about law, the practical application of law in the justice system, and peoples' own perceptions of the law. It explores how those aspects of law often differ from one another and considers the implications of those gaps in understandings. Typically one term paper of 12-15 pages, two essay exams, and one oral classroom presentation.
3 hr./wk.
3 hr./wk.
3 hr./wk.
3 hr./wk.
3 hr./wk.
3 hr./wk.
3 hr./wk.
This course examines psychoactive drug use in social and historical context, and includes both illegal and medical drug use. Topics may include: varying patterns of use, addiction and treatment, epidemiology, drug policy and enforcement, drug markets, prescribing practice, and very basic pharmacology (how drugs work in the body).
3 hr./wk.