Sociology Courses
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology
Introduction to the basic concepts, theories and methods of sociology, emphasizing the
significance of the self and culture, social process and organization, and forces of social
stability and change. 3 credits, SS
SOC 125 American Society in the Contemporary World
Explores contemporary U.S. society in an international and comparative context.
Focuses on social structure and institutions, cultural values, the forces of change and
the web of relations among countries. 3 credits, SS
SOC 130 Contemporary Social Problems
Sociological analysis of the nature, extent, causes and potential solutions to selected
major social problems such as poverty and wealth, racial and gender discrimination,
crime and violence, drug abuse, family problems, quality of education, inadequate
health care, population problems, inter-group conflict and threats to the environment.
3 credits, SS
SOC 160 Sociology of Human Sexuality
Sociological overview of issues in human sexuality. Course is based on sociological
investigations of the origins, nature and biosocial consequences of varying customs
and ideals of human sexuality. Among topics that may be covered are: sex and
family life, contraception, abortion and social power, violations of sexual norms and
ideas about sexual propriety, origins and impact of sexual liberation movements,
socio-sexual aspects of epidemics, sociological interpretations of sexual dissatisfactions.
3 credits, SS
SOC 220 Sociology of Marriage and the Family
Marriage and the family as social institutions in a changing world. Historical changes
and societal variations in family patterns. Changes over the life cycle. Explores the
sources and consequences of a variety of family forms. Not recommended for first-
semester freshmen, except with consent of instructor. 3 credits, SS
SOC 231 Crime and Criminal Justice
Explores the nature of crime and reviews ideas about definitions, causes, and solutions.
Includes an introduction to the day-to-day functioning of the criminal justice system,
the police, lawyers, courts, and correctional personnel. Not recommended for first-
semester freshmen, except with consent of instructor. 3 credits, SS
SOC 234 Sociology of Race and Ethnicity
The experience of American racial, religious, ethnic and nationality groups. The nature
of inter-group relations in the United States. Relationship of inter-group dynamics to
social change, and to basic ideological, technological, and institutional structures and
processes. Emphasis on social conflict over the distribution of economic and political
power, family patterns, housing, education and access to the legal system. Not
recommended for first-semester freshmen, except with consent of instructor. 3 credits,
SS/ES
SOC 238 Sociological Perspectives on Gender (Same as WOM 138)
A sociological examination of roles assigned to women and men in society, including
the experiences of marriage, parenthood, employment and occupational attainment.
Pays particular attention to gender role socialization and its cultural reinforcement, to
patterns of gender relations and to ongoing changes. Not recommended for first-
semester freshmen, except with consent of instructor. 3 credits, SS
SOC 246 Juvenile Delinquency
Examines the theories of the nature, causes, consequences, and prevention of
juvenile misbehavior through examination of historic changes in the definition and
frequency of juvenile offenses. Controversies over the practice of distinguishing
juvenile crime and misbehavior from adult crime. Controversies over the treatment
and punishment of juveniles, in connection with the activities of juvenile courts,
parents and school officials, local communities, police departments, politicians,
networks of attorneys and treatment personnel, and correctional authorities. Prereq:
sophomore standing or consent of instructor. 3 credits, SS
SOC 250 People, Organizations and Society
Role of organizations, such as business, government, education and religion in
American society. Impact of organizations on members and clients, the internal
dynamics of organizations, and the interchange between organizations and their
environment, including the society as a whole. Prereq: sophomore standing. 3
credits, SS
SOC 270 Introduction to World Population
Determinants and consequences of populations size and growth. Changing levels of
fertility, mortality, and migration rates and patterns and their social and economic
implications. Examination of population policy in countries at various stages of
economic development; e.g., international labor migration, China's one-child policy,
U.S. immigration laws, euthanasia policy in the Netherlands, controversies over
international aid for population regulation, influence of world religions on population
policy. Not recommended for first-semester freshmen, except with consent of
instructor. 3 credits, SS
SOC 275 Sociology of Religion
A sociological approach to the study of religion, its institutional forms, aims, and impact
on society. Attention is given to the theories of the sociology of religion and to the
interaction of religion and the social, political, and economic structures of society.
Special emphasis is given to those religions that influence U.S. society. Not recom-
mended for first-semester freshmen, except with consent of instructor. 3 credits, SS
SOC 285 Sociology of Health and Illness
Sociological perspectives on health and illness, with special attention to changes in
patterns of illness and death as they relate to broader socio-economic changes and to
changes in the orientation and organization of health care providers. Among major
topics that the course covers are: competing theories of disease and death trends;
social circumstances under which epidemics emerge and are curbed; public health and
medical center models of providing health care and preventing disease, injury, and
death; organization of health care providers; comparisons among health systems. Not
recommended for first-semester freshmen, except with consent of instructor. 3 credits,
SS
SOC 291 Selected Topics in Sociology
A specific topic in an instructor's area of special competence. When offered, the
particular topic is indicated in the campus timetable. A prerequisite or consent of
instructor may be required. 1-3 credits, associate degree designation may be specified
depending on topic
SOC 299 Independent Reading in Sociology
A prerequisite or consent of instructor may be required. 1-3 credits, associate degree
designation may be available
SOC 335 Introductory Social Psychology
Introduction to the general area of social psychology with focus on social interaction
and sociology's contributions to the study of small groups and subcultures; topics
include socialization, motivation, attitudes, values, communications, leadership.
Prereq: previous sociology course or consent of instructor. 3 credits, SS
SOC 355 Sociology of the Environment
Explores the socio-cultural foundations of our relationship with the natural environment.
Examines the relationship between environmental degradation and social, political, and
economic structures. Explores beliefs and values about the environment and their
expression in various forms of environmentalism and environmental movements. Also
analyzes the presentation of environmental issues in cultural, political and scientific
domains. Prereq: previous sociology course or consent of instructor. 3 credits, SS
SOC 357 Methods of Social Inquiry
Scientific methods and their application in the analysis of society, procedures in testing
social theory, problem definition, hypothesis construction, and collection and evaluation
of data. Prereq: previous sociology course or consent of instructor. 3 credits, SS