Sociology Courses
|
|
Mark S. Warner, Dept. Chair, Dept. of Sociology & Anthropology (101 Phinney Hall 83844-1110; phone 208/885-6751).
Soc 101 Introduction to Sociology (3 cr)
Gen Ed: Social Science, American Diversity
Basic theories, concepts, and processes involved in scientific study of society; includes socialization process, social inequality, the family, religion, deviance, population, the environment, and social change.
Soc 200 (s) Seminar (cr arr)
Soc 203 (s) Workshop (cr arr)
Soc 204 (s) Special Topics (cr arr)
Soc 209 Alternatives to Violence (ATV) Training (2 cr)
Participation in the training for ATV advocates that includes background information on domestic violence and sexual assault (36 hours) and entry-level techniques of working with victims; requires service in the agency for the duration of the year. Graded P/F. Limited enrollment.
Prereq: Permission
Soc 230 Social Problems (3 cr)
Gen Ed: Social Science, American Diversity
Contemporary social issues and personal deviations; crime and delinquency, poverty and wealth, drugs, sexual variations, racism, sexism, and the environment.
Soc 260 Intro to Deviance and Crime (3 cr)
Introduction and overview as to the way in which sociologists understand crime, justice, deviance and conformity. Topics include explanations of deviance, prostitution, drugs, organized crime, street crime, white collar crime etc.
Prereq: Soc 101
Soc 299 (s) Directed Study (cr arr)
Soc 301 Introduction to Diversity and Stratification (3 cr)
Gen Ed: Social Science, American Diversity
Same as Anth 301. An interdisciplinary and historical study of diversity and stratification in a cross-cultural global context. The course examines multiple forms of diversity and stratification including, but not limited to, culture, class, race/ethnic, gender/sexuality, religious diversity, and political ideology in an effort to raise students' ability to interact with and understand others in our increasingly multicultural world. May include service learning.
Prereq: Soc 101
Soc J311/J514 Development of Social Theory (3 cr)
Soc 311 same as RelS 311. Development of social theory from classical roots through contemporary schools; biographical accounts and original works in sociological theory. Additional projects/assignments required for graduate credit.
Prereq: Soc 101
Soc 313 Collective Behavior (3 cr)
Analysis of such episodes of behavior as riots, demonstrations, panics, hysteria, as well as interaction of sociological, political, and communication processes involved in public acceptance of fashion, fads, and ideology in a mass society.
Prereq: Soc 101
Soc 315 Community Service Learning (1-4 cr, max 4)
Directed community service, requiring 67 to 140 hours, with concurrent seminar that integrates service experience with theories of human behavior.
Prereq: Soc 101, Soc 230, and sociology major, or Permission
Soc 316 Explore Mentoring & Leadership (3 cr)
See Intr 316.
Soc 325 Family, Violence, and Society (3 cr)
Sociological analysis of the family, its relationship to other social institutions, and the ways that the family is intersected by conflict, violence and systems of justice. Special attention is given to exploring the causes and impacts of family violence, strategies for its prevention, treatment of those abused, and intervention strategies for abusers.
Prereq: Soc 101
Soc 330 Juvenile Delinquency (3 cr)
Extent, causes, and control of juvenile delinquent behavior.
Soc 331 Criminology Theory (3 cr)
Review and assessment of common explanations of crime, deviant behavior and control. May include field trips.
Prereq: Soc 101
Soc 332 Sociology of Punishment (3 cr)
This course will provide an introduction to the history of criminal punishment, as well as the moral rationales for criminal punishment. The remainder of the course will focus on contemporary issues in crime, criminal punishment and imprisonment. Throughout the course, particular attention will be given to the ways that decisions about punishment affect and are affected by American culture and social structure. May include field trips.
Prereq: Soc 101
Soc 333 Elite and White Collar Crime (3 cr)
The costs, causes, and control of crime by and against businesses and other organizations; the relationship between trust and white collar crime; the impact of the media in shaping perceptions of white collar crime.
Prereq: Soc 101
Soc 334 Police and Social Control (3 cr)
History, development, and role of the police as a component of the justice system, with particular attention to the relationship of the police to community, society, and related institutions of social control; societal control of the police as well as the influences of social change and urban decay and disorder on methods of policing. May include field trips.
Prereq: Soc 101
Soc 335 Terrorism, Society and Justice (3 cr)
Analysis of the concepts, issues and dilemmas related to domestic and international terrorism. Terrorist tactics within the context of the global world-system is considered. Examines counterterrorist strategies and the media and government response to terrorism.
Soc 336 Comparative Criminal Justice Systems (3 cr)
Gen Ed: Social Science, International
Comparative study of justice systems in selected foreign countries. (Alt/yrs)
Prereq: Soc 101
Soc 337 Violence and Society (3 cr)
Explores the sources and types of violence, victims of violence, impact of firearms on violence, responses to violence by intergovernmental, national criminal justice systems, and non-state actors, and ways to reduce violence in society.
Prereq: Soc 101 or Instructor Permission
Soc 338 Regulation of Vice (3 cr)
This course explores the intersection of morality, law, and criminal justice through the examination of "vice" crime, such as illegal drug use, gambling, and sex work. The goal of the class is to explore the socially constructed nature of vice and examine the different socio-legal strategies that have been mobilized to control vice, such as criminalization, decriminalization, regulation, and harm reduction. The class will pay particular attention to the intended and unintended consequences that different social control schemes can have on the lives of racial and ethnic minorities, the poor, and urban communities.
Prereq: Soc 101 or Instructor Permission
Soc 339 Crime and the Media (3 cr)
Same as JAMM 339. Critical evaluation of the media portrayals of crime and the criminal justice system; analysis of how the media help to shape public understanding and public policy.
Soc 340 Social Change & Globalization (3 cr)
Gen Ed: Social Science, International
Social change is a central area of study in sociology. Original studies tried to explain the reason for, and impact of, the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century. Globalization is among the key social phenomena instructing contemporary discussions in social change. This course introduces students to various discussions of social change, from the Industrial Revolution to Globalization. Through case study analysis, Globalization will be explored in examining the increased role of international organizations (such as, the IMF, World Bank, WTO, and OECD) in globalizing capital markets and trade; the social and psychological conditions of conflict (such as the state of war in the contemporary landscape, genocide, and impoverishment); and the role of diversity (social and environmental) in proposing alternatives to globalization. Recommended Preparation: Soc 230.
Prereq: Soc 101
Soc 341 Science, Technology, and Society (3 cr)
This course situates science and technology in the social context. The course draws from Sociology of Science and Science and Technology Studies to examine the nature of scientific expertise, processes of knowledge creation, interrelationship between science and technology, impacts of science and technology on society, and science policy. Students will develop the ability to ask important questions about how the human world affects science and technology -- and how science and technology affects the human world
Soc 343 Power, Politics, and Society (3 cr)
Gen Ed: Social Science, International
Examines the relationship between political and social institutions, the distribution of power and authority in society, the origins and expansion of the modern state, social and cultural basis of political behavior, and characteristics of transnational and global governance. Recommended Preparation: Soc 230.
Prereq: Soc 101or Instructor Permission
Soc 344 Urban Sociology (3 cr)
This course seeks to explore the city over time, examining in detail the economic, social, cultural, and political forces that shape the city and its character. It is an interdisciplinary course drawing not only from the fields of urban sociology and criminology, but also of literature, cultural studies, planning, and philosophy. In this course we will explore the following questions: What processes underlie urban growth patterns? What are the roles of political action, economic forces, and culture (i.e. ideology, consumption, and preferences) in shaping urban forms? How do these urban forms influence and shape the experiences of different social groups? How do processes related to increasing economic globalization create "global cities"? And how do these processes influence and help to create patterns of crime and urban inequality?
Prereq: Soc 101 or Instructor Permission
Soc 345 Extremism and American Society (3 cr)
This course explores sociological perspectives on extremism in American society. We will consider the socio-structural factors that contribute to a rise in extremist activism, that motivate people to join these organizations, and that provide political opportunity for organizational growth. The class will also explore the historical and contemporary circulation of extremist discourse and ideology in more mainstream spaces. Finally, the course will examine the impact these organizations have on broader society: culture, ideology, political discourse, etc. To accomplish this, the course will focus on case studies of past and current reactionary groups, including hate groups (KKK, neo- Nazi), militia and patriot groups (Posse Comitatus), terrorist groups, and other examples of extremism.
Prereq: Soc 101 or Instructor Permission
Soc 346 Responding to Risk (3 cr)
This course uses risk as a paradigm for a sociological analysis of agency and structure. Students are introduced to various theories and frameworks for modeling risk. The course investigates risk in individual and group behavior, decision making in situations of risk, and risk in the workings of social institutions and social practices, within the areas of crime and deviance, science and technology, health, and the environment.
Prereq: Soc 101 or Instructor Permission
Soc 350 Food, Culture, and Society (3 cr)
Gen Ed: Social Science, American Diversity
Same as Anth 350. Examines the structural and cultural implications of eating and producing food in a global world. Utilizing a social scientific framework, it explores the history of particular foods and examines how food systems are racialized, classed and gendered. Primary foci include the social history of food holidays and taboos, the relationships between food and identity, the impact of agricultural production practices on food systems and food security, and forms of resistance to these impacts. Recommended Preparation: Anth 220 or a 200-level sociology course. May include field trips.
Prereq: Soc 101
Soc 400 (s) Seminar (cr arr)
Prereq: Soc 101
Soc 403 (s) Workshop (cr arr)
Prereq: Soc 101
Soc 404 (s) Special Topics (cr arr)
Prereq: Soc 101
Soc 411 Quantitative Social Science Methods (3 cr)
This course introduces students to social science research methods that collect quantitative data. It will discuss research design and ethics, data collection processes, and data analysis. Students recommended to take this course no later than their junior year.
Prereq: Soc 101 or Instructor Permission
Soc 413 Qualitative Social Science Methods (3 cr)
This course introduces students to different methods of collecting qualitative data. Qualitative methods include interviews, focus group interviews, participant observation and ethnography. Students will learn qualitative research design and ethics, data collection processes, and strategies for data analysis. Students recommended to take this course no later than their junior year.
Prereq: Soc 101 or Instructor Permission
Soc 415 Citizen’s Police Academy (3 cr)
Offered only in the spring term, students are acquainted with the activities of a local police department in a community-learning style course. This experience is an opportunity for applied learning in the field. Limited space available. Instructor permission required. Pass/fail only.
Soc 420 Sociology of Law (3 cr)
The course examines law creation and law enforcement in their social, political, and economic context. Discussions include the major theories of the role of law and functioning of the modern state, and through the use of historical and contemporary case studies students will evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of these theoretical perspectives.
Soc 423 Sociology of Prosperity: Social Class and Economics in the 21st Century (3 cr)
Gen Ed: Social Science, American Diversity
For centuries people have puzzled and argued about the question, "What makes us prosperous?" Along with the different answers, people have also derived different ways to gauge societies’ successes and failures at attaining prosperity. This class looks at some of the main ways people have cleverly answered questions about prosperity and how it can be measured. In doing so, we will develop our own measures for understanding how prosperous the US and other societies are. One common measure of prosperity is to examine the social stratification, namely the degree to which social classes experience unequal life chances. We will consider our own ideas about what prosperity is, how it can be encouraged, and what needs to change.
Prereq: Soc 101 or Instructor Permission
Soc 424 Sociology of Gender (3 cr)
Gen Ed: Social Science, American Diversity
Historical and comparative analysis of the various roles, statuses, and life opportunities of men and women; emphasis on how gender roles develop in society and their effect on social structure, social institutions, and interpersonal interaction.
Prereq: Soc 101 and a 3 cr lower-division Soc course, or Soc/Anth 301
Soc 425 Society and Popular Culture (3 cr)
See Anth J425/J525.
Soc 427 Racial and Ethnic Relations (3 cr)
Gen Ed: Social Science, American Diversity
Same as Anth 427. Examination of the social construction of racial categories and meanings; theories of race relations; historical and contemporary experiences of racial/ethnic groups in the U.S.; contemporary issues and debates.
Prereq: Soc 101 and a 3 cr lower-division Soc course, or Soc/Anth 301
Soc 431 Personal and Social Issues in Aging (3 cr)
Gen Ed: Social Science, American Diversity
Social, psychological, and physical impacts of aging on the individual and on society.
Prereq: Soc 101
Soc 439 Inequalities in the Justice System (3 cr)
Gen Ed: Social Science, American Diversity
Critical focus on the issues of race, class, and gender and their consequences for the operation of the justice system; the role of the justice system in the history and experience of various minorities, theories of minority crime, and issues of selective enforcement, sentencing disparity, and disproportionate incarceration; the role of gender considered through the examination of offenders, victims, and criminal justice professionals.
Prereq: Soc 101 and a 3 cr lower-division Soc course, or Soc 301/Anth 301
Soc 450 Dynamics of Social Protest (3 cr)
Gen Ed: Social Science, American Diversity
Examines the conditions under which social protest occurs, social movement dynamics and processes, and the state’s response to political dissent. Addresses how political, organizational, and cultural dimensions shape social movement development, strategies and tactics, and individual participation. Applies sociological theories and concepts to several U.S. and international movements including civil rights, women’s, environmental, antiwar, and global justice movements. Recommended Preparation: Soc 230.
Prereq: Soc 101
Soc 460 Capstone: Sociology in Action (3 cr)
Gen Ed: Senior Experience
Sociology in Action is designed to provide the resources and guidance necessary for sociology seniors to complete an independent or collaborative research project.
Prereq: Soc 101 and Senior Standing and Major in Department of Sociology and Anthropology; or Permission
Soc 461 Capstone: Justice Policy Issues (3 cr)
Gen Ed: Senior Experience
Justice Policy Issues is designed to provide the resources and guidance necessary for sociology seniors to complete an independent or collaborative policy-oriented research project.
Prereq: Soc 101 and Senior Standing and Major in Department of Sociology and Anthropology; or Permission
Soc 465 Environment, Policy, and Justice (3 cr)
The "environment" in modern times has been treated as something separate from human communities, yet our experiences and common understandings of progress and prosperity are integrally tied to our daily interactions with the environment. Environmental and human disasters in recent years have further reminded us of the importance of seeing our dependence on environmental health. This course surveys different perspectives surrounding environmental issues and society’s connection to them. Courses will slightly differ in emphasis depending on the instructor, allowing opportunities to explore more deeply how social philosophies, policies, and criminological dimensions can be linked to studying environment.
Prereq: Soc 101 or Instructor Permission
Soc 468 Capstone: Applied Sociology (3 cr)
This course offers sociology seniors the opportunity to pursue applied approaches to sociology. Opportunities include qualified internships or faculty directed projects
Prereq: Soc 101 and Senior Standing and Major in Department of Sociology and Anthropology; or Permission
Soc 495 (s) Practicum in Tutoring (1 cr, max 2)
Tutorial services performed by advanced students under faculty supervision. Graded P/F.
Prereq: Soc 101 and Permission
Soc 498 (s) Internship (1-6 cr, max arr)
Supervised professional field experience in human service organizations. Graded P/F.
Prereq: Soc 101 and departmental major and Permission
Soc 499 (s) Directed Study (cr arr)
Intended to accommodate a wide variety of sociological topics.
Prereq: Soc 101 and Permission
Soc 501 (s) Seminar (cr arr)
Subjects normally offered: sociological research, social problems, and social theory.
Prereq: Permission
Soc 502 (s) Directed Study (cr arr)
Subjects normally offered: sociological theory, human ecology, and race relations.
Prereq: Permission
Soc 504 (s) Special Topics (cr arr)
Soc 514 Social Theory (3 cr)
See Soc J311/J514.