Sociology(M,m)

The Sociology program provides students with a solid foundation of substantive sociological knowledge, emphasizing sociological theory and research methodology. The general emphasis program leads students to study mainstream areas of sociological inquiry, such as institutions and social inequalities. The criminology emphasis program, also based on sociological theory and research methodology, includes courses in criminology and criminological theory as well as juvenile delinquency. Students who complete a major in sociology will have an enhanced understanding of human aggregate behavior, skills in utilizing and evaluating social research, improved communication and interpersonal skills, and a broadened understanding of how social-structural processes and forces influence human behavior and patterns of contemporary thought. Majors in sociology are prepared to enter a wide array of career opportunities in human social services, in addition to positions in law enforcement, juvenile delinquency programming, parole, probation, and corrections, career opportunities are available in areas such as community development; public policy; human resources; demographic research; and sales, marketing, and management. The program provides a solid foundation for graduate study.

SOCI 101 – Intro to Sociology

3 credit hours

Examines the social processes and structures which shape both individuals and groups of all sizes, including friends, families, corporations and nations. Provides students with interpretive tools for understanding themselves and others in a changing world.

SOCI 123 – Sociology of Contemporary Issues

3 credit hours

Investigates current social problems with an analysis of causative factors and possible solutions. Topics covered will vary.

SOCI 335 – Social Research Methods

3 credit hours

Presents the detailed logic underlying research design, data collection, and data analysis in sociological studies. The course addresses both quantitative (e.g., survey) and qualitative (e.g., participant observation) dimensions of research, and special emphasis is placed on research ethics.

Prerequisite: MATH 105 or consent of instructor

SOCI 350 – Sociological Theory

3 credit hours

An integrative seminar focusing on the central issues and selected problems faced by major social thinkers and others in the study and understanding of the social world.

Prerequisite: SOCI 101 or SOCI 123 and twelve hours of other Sociology courses, or consent of the instructor

SOCI 390 – Sociology Practicum

3 credit hours

A capstone seminar course in sociology research methodology, theory, and practice involving 100 hours of relevant service learning. Regardless of emphasis area, majors will be involved in research integrating knowledge of their discipline with critical reflection on their service learning experiences.

Pick one of the two

SOCI 217 – Ethnic & Race Relations

3 credit hours

Explores the historic and current problems faced by ethnic and racial minority groups in American society and beyond; the causes and consequences of prejudice and discrimination and the nature of current minority-majority interaction.

Same as PLSC 217

SOCI 219 – Sex & Gender in Society

3 credit hours

A sociological exploration of the changing roles of men and women. Examination of formation of male and female identity; problems encountered between men and women; interpersonal, romantic, and work relationships; and the implications of changing sex roles for major social institutions.

Complete 12 credit hours of SOCI here are some example classes.

SOCI 212 – Religion and Society

3 credit hours

This course approaches religion as one of society’s institutions. It will focus on the practices, social structures, historical backgrounds, development, universal themes and the roles of religion in society. Emphasis will be placed on the dialectical relationship between society and religion.

Same as RELI 212

SOCI 218 – Juvenile Delinquency

3 credit hours

An investigation of youth as both offenders and victims of crime; theories of juvenile delinquency; youth programs related to crime; the role of the school, the family, and the police; child abuse, runaways and street kids; juvenile gangs; the juvenile justice system; juvenile corrections, and an evaluation of preventive programs.

SOCI 220 – Social Organization

3 credit hours

A study of organizational society, its formal and informal structure, the development of bureaucracy, and the use and misuse of power.

HIST 221 – Women in American History

3 credit hours

Examines the political, economic, social, and cultural history of American women.

Same as PLSC 221/SOCI 221

PLSC 331 – Law and Society

3 credit hours

Evolution of law and legal institutions; theory of law and jurisprudence; use of law and the legal system for the development of public policy. Offered odd years.

Same as SOCI 331
Prerequisite: PLSC 125 or consent of instructor

SOCI 211 – Introduction to Criminology

3 credit hours

Analyzes the meaning, identification and causes of crime and the role of social institutions in the control of crime and the correction of criminals.

SOCI 218 – Juvenile Delinquency

3 credit hours

An investigation of youth as both offenders and victims of crime; theories of juvenile delinquency; youth programs related to crime; the role of the school, the family, and the police; child abuse, runaways and street kids; juvenile gangs; the juvenile justice system; juvenile corrections, and an evaluation of preventive programs.

SOCI 328 – Criminology Theory and Practice

3 credit hours

An analysis of the patterns and causes of criminality and the operational practice of the law enforcement and criminal justice systems. Crime, as a form of social deviance, is examined in relation to the cultural and social control systems of society. Offered every spring.

Prerequisite: SOCI 101, 123, or consent of instructor

Complete 9 credit hours of SOCI here are some example classes.

SOCI 212 – Religion and Society

3 credit hours

This course approaches religion as one of society’s institutions. It will focus on the practices, social structures, historical backgrounds, development, universal themes and the roles of religion in society. Emphasis will be placed on the dialectical relationship between society and religion.

Same as RELI 212

SOCI 218 – Juvenile Delinquency

3 credit hours

An investigation of youth as both offenders and victims of crime; theories of juvenile delinquency; youth programs related to crime; the role of the school, the family, and the police; child abuse, runaways and street kids; juvenile gangs; the juvenile justice system; juvenile corrections, and an evaluation of preventive programs.

SOCI 220 – Social Organization

3 credit hours

A study of organizational society, its formal and informal structure, the development of bureaucracy, and the use and misuse of power.

HIST 221 – Women in American History

3 credit hours

Examines the political, economic, social, and cultural history of American women.

Same as PLSC 221/SOCI 221

PLSC 331 – Law and Society

3 credit hours

Evolution of law and legal institutions; theory of law and jurisprudence; use of law and the legal system for the development of public policy. Offered odd years.

Same as SOCI 331
Prerequisite: PLSC 125 or consent of instructor

Sociology – Criminology COMBODownload
Sociology – General COMBODownload

SOCI 101 – Intro to Sociology

3 credit hours

Examines the social processes and structures which shape both individuals and groups of all sizes, including friends, families, corporations and nations. Provides students with interpretive tools for understanding themselves and others in a changing world.

SOCI 123 – Sociology of Contemporary Issues

3 credit hours

Investigates current social problems with an analysis of causative factors and possible solutions. Topics covered will vary.

SOCI 335 – Social Research Methods

3 credit hours

Presents the detailed logic underlying research design, data collection, and data analysis in sociological studies. The course addresses both quantitative (e.g., survey) and qualitative (e.g., participant observation) dimensions of research, and special emphasis is placed on research ethics.

Prerequisite: MATH 105 or consent of instructor

SOCI 350 – Sociological Theory

3 credit hours

An integrative seminar focusing on the central issues and selected problems faced by major social thinkers and others in the study and understanding of the social world.

Prerequisite: SOCI 101 or SOCI 123 and twelve hours of other Sociology courses, or consent of the instructor

Social & Behavioral Sciences

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