SOCI Sociology
SOCI 1101 Introduction to Sociology
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
A survey of the discipline of sociology. Topics include sociological theory, methods, and selected substantive areas.
SOCI 2000 Global Sociology
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Exploring the global world through a sociological lens. Topics include: globalization, global inequalities, international conflict, social institutions, and world-wide environmental crises.
SOCI 2130 Introduction to Gerontology
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
This is a comprehensive introduction to the field of gerontology meant to assist students in the application of an aging perspective for any discipline or major. The course includes a focus on the social, psychological, biological, policy, and humanities perspective of the aging experience.
SOCI 2232 Introduction to Social Services
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
This course is designed to introduce students to the field of social services, including the history of the profession and its knowledge, skill and value base. Students will gain an understanding of various careers within social services and the settings in which they are practiced. They will gain an understanding of micro, mezzo, and macro type agencies.
SOCI 2434 Social Data Analysis
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
This course will teach students the skills to make them better consumers of data related to social issues. Students will learn to perform univariate and bivariate analyses using a data analysis program, and will learn to write and read research reports.
SOCI 3094 Selected Topics in Sociology
1-3 Credit Hours. 1-3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
This course covers various substantive topics, theoretical issues, or sociological problems not otherwise offered in the sociology curriculum. Possibility to repeat with different topics.
SOCI 3135 Aging
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
This course examines the impact of an aging population upon society and the effects of the socially-defined experience of aging upon the individual. Special attention is given to economic factors, retirement, lifestyle options, health, death, and widowhood.
SOCI 3231 Practice Skills
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
An examination of the knowledge, skill and value base for working in the social services. The emphasis is on preparation for practice in social services settings.
Prerequisite(s): SOCI 2232.
SOCI 3232 Human Behavior and the Social Environment
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
This course covers theories of human development across the lifespan through various perspectives and within different cultural and sociological contexts.
SOCI 3233 Aging Programs and Policies
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
This course is designed to familiarize students with current programs and policies for older adults. Familiarity with these programs and policies requires an understanding of the social policy process and the role of norms, values and beliefs in that process. The course will move from an understanding of demographic trends to an understanding of policy development for the aging community and then focus on the programs that exist to support our aging society at the local, state and federal levels.
SOCI 3235 Race and Ethnicity
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
This course is a survey of the major concepts and theories in the study of racial and ethnic relations in the United States. The situations and experiences of various racial and ethnic groups are considered.
Prerequisite(s): SOCI 1101.
Cross Listing(s): AAST 3235.
SOCI 3250 Sociology of Education
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Examination of the organization and role of educational institutions in contemporary society, including contributions to both social mobility and the preservation of the prevailing social order.
SOCI 3330 Exploring Popular Culture
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Examination of popular culture using mass media, technology, and language to explore a given era. Comparisons of lifestyles, gender roles, attitudes towards various groups, and the national and regional mood of the times.
SOCI 3333 Deviance
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Nature of deviance, social behavior that departs from that regarded as normal or socially acceptable within a society or the social context, with a focus on sociological deviance. Deviance is revealed as complex social processes, cultural arrangements, and cultural adaptations.
SOCI 3335 Social Change
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Discussion of theories and causes of social change in contemporary or historical perspective.
SOCI 3336 Social Problems
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Sociological examination of contemporary social problems with an emphasis on their causes, consequences, and possible solutions.
SOCI 3338 Sociology of the Life Course
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
The course uses sociological theories, perspectives, and conceptual frameworks to analyze aging-related social issues. It examines the social forces that shape the diverse experiences of aging for individuals throughout the life course. Emphasis is placed on structural issues such as age stratification, the life course, and societal aging as a force in social change.
SOCI 3339 Sociology of Sexuality
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Examines the social construction of sexuality, including social influences upon sexual scripts and normative ideas regarding human sexuality.
SOCI 3431 Sociological Theory
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Introduction to social theory from the classical to the contemporary. Major theoretical fields, theorists, and issues are covered. Required of all Sociology majors.
Prerequisite(s): SOCI 1101.
SOCI 3434 Methods of Social Research
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
This course will cover both quantitative and qualitative research designs in sociological research.Required of all Sociology majors.
Prerequisite(s): SOCI 1101.
SOCI 3435 Environmental Sociology
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
This course focuses on the interconnectedness of human societies and the natural environment and explores contemporary (and often controversial) environmental issues.
SOCI 3451 Service Learning and Civic Engagement
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0-18 Lab Hours.
An experiential learning course that connects sociological concepts and theories to community service. Includes field experiences.
SOCI 3490 Comparative Societies, Politics and Institutions
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
On-site examination of society and social institutions of other countries. Course intended for study abroad programs only.
SOCI 3510 Gender, Violence And Society
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Study of the family as an institution that may produce violent individuals. Correlates of family violence, theoretical explanations, impact on public policy, effects on victims and society.
SOCI 3520 Sociology of Tourism
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Sociological examination of tourism and the tourism industry. Emphasis on the social construction of cultural significance and meaning, from historical sites and monuments to theme parks and vacation destinations, from the collective and social memory to the impact of tourism on development, and culture.
SOCI 3531 Introduction to LGBT Studies
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
An introduction to the questions, topics, and theories which characterize the field of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Studies.
SOCI 3600 Media And Society
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Study of media's impact on society and the social construction of reality.
SOCI 3700 Sociology of Tourism
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Sociological examination of tourism and the tourism industry. Emphasis on the social construction of cultural significance and meaning, from historical sites and monuments to theme parks and vacation destinations, from the collective and social memory to the impact of tourism on development, and culture.
SOCI 4131 Sociology of Terrorism
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
International and domestic terrorism undertaken for political purposes in liberal states. Primary focus on state-sponsored international terrorism, American domestic revolutionary terrorism, and the dilemmas of counter- terrorism in a democracy.
SOCI 4132 Sociology of Community
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
This course focuses on community life in the United States. Community is viewed as a social entity and an arena of social interaction. Urban, rural, and alternative communities in the U.S. are investigated to uncover their patterns of interaction and organization.
SOCI 4133 Sociology of Religion
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
This course involves the sociological study of religion focusing on the human (especially social) aspects of religious belief and practice. Various religious groups will be examined to identify how they organize their collective religious expressions.
SOCI 4134 Sociology of Childhood
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
This course focuses on childhood as a social phenomenon. Childhood is viewed as a social construction, and particular attention is paid to the cultural context in which childhood has flourished, the role of children's culture in society, and social problems that are associated with childhood.
SOCI 4135 Death and Dying
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
This course examines sociocultural dimensions of death, dying, bereavement, grief, and mourning, including cross-cultural comparisons and social patterns in historical perspective.
SOCI 4137 Social Movements
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
This course focuses on the sociological study of social movements and extra institutional political conduct. Key theories and research methods used will be reviewed.
SOCI 4138 Sociology of the Family
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
This course investigates the various links between families and the larger society and how family life is impacted by broad political, economic, and technological changes. The course will also examine the internal dynamics of family life such as intimacy, marriage, and parent/child relationships.
SOCI 4139 Medical Sociology
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
This course provides an overview of the field of medical sociology. Topics covered include social and cultural factors related to health and illness, health disparities, sociological models of health and illness, the sick role, chronic illness, physician patient relationship, historical and emerging health care policies, and the social organization of health care institutions, medical careers, and health care.
SOCI 4231 Child Welfare and Family Services
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Comprehensive study of current philosophy and practice in the various fields of child welfare, including family income maintenance programs, child protective service, adoption, foster care, institutional placement of children, home based services, family preservation, early childbearing, guardianship and custody, the family and the courts, and child advocacy.
SOCI 4232 Social Welfare Policy and Services
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
An analysis of American social welfare policy. Covers programs and policies under public, voluntary, and proprietary auspices in the areas of income maintenance, mental health and substance abuse, health care, child welfare, nutrition, housing, and employment.
SOCI 4332 Sociology of Gender
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Examines the social construction of gender and gender inequality in society.
SOCI 4334 Organizations, Work, and Technology
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Examines organizations with an emphasis on the workplace. The course will explore relations within and between organizations using both classical and contemporary sociological and organizational theories. The course will examine how technology and the increasingly global economy influence these relations.
SOCI 4335 Self and Society
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Explores the relationship between the self and society (the individual and the social milieu) using social psychological and/or symbolic interactionist perspectives. Content includes origins of the self and how it is shaped by society, formation of norms, identity management, socialization, interpersonal influence, and role behavior.
SOCI 4338 Sport, Culture, and Society
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Examines sport as a social institution, focusing on cultural values related to sport, stratification within and among sports, and issues of power and inequality pertaining to sport.
Cross Listing(s): WGST 4338.
SOCI 4431 Inequality
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Examines the sociological approaches and theories of stratification and structured inequality, and analyzes the causes and consequences of economic, political, and social inequality.
SOCI 4433 Program Evaluation
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Explores what it means to live in a society in which accountability is a thematic issue and policy and program benefits which accrue from well-designed evaluations, and proposals. Evaluation research and grant development issues, including basic design and use considerations are discussed.
SOCI 4450 Sociology of Nationalism
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Various theories of nationalism and their social, historical, economic, and cultural contexts. Cultural, ethnic, and national identity and conflict are the focus. Ethnic, religious, civic, economic, and anti-colonial nationalism are examined in a global perspective.
SOCI 4630 Senior Seminar
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
A capstone course which involves original student research. The scope, theme, and requirements of the research will be determined by the instructor. Required of all senior majors.
SOCI 4790 Internship
3-9 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
This course is an educational placement to provide qualified students the ability to apply classroom knowledge in a professional setting, which is appropriate for their academic background and career objectives. Internships provide students with learning experiences in order to enhance their academic preparation and increase their professional skills. Students complete tasks at their internship site in addition to course assignments relating their internship experience to academic research/knowledge and previous coursework.
Prerequisite(s): Sociology major and SOCI 1101 and departmental approval.
SOCI 4810 Independent Study
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
A directed study on a pre-approved topic in a field of special interest taken under the supervision of a faculty member.
Prerequisite(s): Department approval.
SOCI 4900 Directed Individual Research
3 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Directed research on a pre-approved topic in a field of special interest, taken under supervision of a faculty member.
Prerequisite(s): Department approval.
SOCI 6135 Aging
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Examines the impact of an aging population upon society and the effects of the socially defined experience of aging upon the individual. Special attention is given to economic factors, retirement, life-style options, health, death, and widowhood.
SOCI 6136 Death and Dying
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Examines sociocultural dimensions of death, dying, bereavement, grief, and mourning, including cross-cultural comparisons and social patterns in historical perspective.
SOCI 6139 Sociology of Health Care
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Analyzes health and illness from a sociological perspective. Attention will be given to health care institutions, roles, beliefs, and practices as well as newly emerging roles.
SOCI 6235 Race and Ethnicity
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
A survey of the major concepts and theories in the study of racial and ethnic relations in the United States. The situations and experiences of various racial and ethnic groups are considered.
SOCI 6434 Research Design & Method
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Study of the role of theory, research design, sampling, measurement and instrumentation, data collection, and ethical related to sociological research.
SOCI 6435 Soc. Quantitative Analysis
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Study of the techniques and statistics necessary to design and interpret quantitative sociological research.
SOCI 6436 Qualitative Research Methods
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Analysis and practice of qualitative methodology in sociology. Includes participant observation, interviews, case studies, content analysis and other innovative techniques.
SOCI 6631 Seminar in Self and Society
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Examination of social psychological theory and research with emphasis upon the sociological perspective. Both structural and symbolic interactionist theories are explored.
SOCI 6632 Seminar in Social Change
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Examines sociological approaches to and theories of change and analyzes causes and consequences of long-term structural transformation.
SOCI 6633 Seminar in Social Stratification
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Examines several different approaches, methods, and data sources from the research specialty area of inequality. Introduces student to themes that are used to organize and differentiate theories of social stratification. Some familiarity with quantitative methods and empirical research will be prerequisites to successful performance in the course.
SOCI 6634 Seminar in Social Organization
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Examination of theories of social organization and their application at both the micro and macro levels of analysis in groups, organizations, and societies.
SOCI 6635 Sociology of Gender
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Examines the social construction of gender and gender inequality in society.
SOCI 6637 Social Theory
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Examines the role of theory in the scientific endeavor and explores a number of theoretical perspecitves, including structural functionalism, conflict, feminist, exchange, rational choice, symbolic interaction, and the current debates over modernity and postmodernity.
SOCI 6638 Proseminar in Social Science
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Introduces students to the foundations and controversies in social scientific research.
SOCI 7091 Selected Topics in Sociology
1-3 Credit Hours. 1-3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
In-depth examination of selected topics of contemporary interest and relevance to Sociology. Topics will vary and course may be repeated as topics change.
Cross Listing(s): SOCI 7091S.
SOCI 7100 Critic Think & Meth Of App Res
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Examines concepts and methods used in social science research with particular emphasis on the
philosophy of science; presuppositions; aims and history of procedures and methods; research techniques; sources; bibliography and presentation and publication of investigative results.
SOCI 7433 Program Evaluation
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Explores what it means to live in a society in which accountability is a thematic issue and policy and program benefits which accrue from well-designed evaluations, and proposals. Evaluation research and grant development issues, including basic design and use considerations are discussed.
SOCI 7434 Quantitative Research Design
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Study of the role of theory, research design, sampling, measurement and instrumentation, data collection, and ethical issues related to social scientific research.
SOCI 7435 Seminar on the Rural South
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Examines the lifeways, traditions, and social organization of rural society in the American South. Uses the dynamics of class, race and gender to understand the social structure and legacies of rural southern communities.
SOCI 7436 Qualitative Research Design
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Analysis and practice of qualitative methodology in social science. Topics may include participant observation, ethnographic methods, interviews, case studies, content analysis, archival research and other innovative techniques.
SOCI 7437 Statistics for Social Science
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Study of the techniques and statistics necessary to design and interpret quantitative social scientific research.
SOCI 7638 Social Theory
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
This course examines the role of theory in the scientific endeavor and explores a number of theoretical perspectives, including structural-functionalism, conflict, feminist, exchange, rational choice, symbolic interaction, and the current debates over modernity and postmodernity.
SOCI 7790 Practicum
1-9 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Designed as an educational placement to give graduate students a practical experience in a vocationally-appropriate setting.
SOCI 7891 Independent Study in Sociology
1-3 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Independent examination of graduate course topics offered in the sociology curriculum of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology following guidelines of the College of Graduate Studies.
SOCI 7892 Directed Research in Sociology
1-3 Credit Hours. 1-3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Participation in an independent or group research project. More than three hours of credit for directed research may be earned, but only three hours may be applied to the completion of minimum hours required for the M.A. in Social Science degree.
SOCI 7990 Applied Monograph
1-6 Credit Hours. 1-6 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
A document of thesis quality and rigor which presents research and systematic observations from a practicum or field internship experience of no less than one semester. As a substitute for the traditional thesis, this option must be approved by the sociology graduate faculty of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology.
SOCI 7999 Thesis
1-6 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Research thesis.
SOCI 8891 Independent Study in Sociology
1-3 Credit Hours. 1-3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Independent examination of graduate course topic offered in the sociology curriculum of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology following guidelines of the College of Graduate Studies. Designed for graduate students beyond the master's level.
SOCI 8892 Directed Research in Sociology
1-3 Credit Hours. 1-3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Participation in an independent or group research project. Designed for students participating in programs of study beyond the master's level.