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Sociology Courses
SOC 100. LAW AND SOCIETY (3) (PLS 100)
An introductory, interdisciplinary examination of law as a social institution. Focus is on the origin, history, and philosophy of legal systems from an international perspective, as well as the relationship in the United States between common law and statutory law, federal and state law, the courts and legislative bodies, and the courts and the executive branch of government. Exploration of the legal profession, its history, practice, goals, and place in American society. Prerequisite: SOC 106 or ANT 107.
SOC 106. THE SOCIOLOGICAL IMAGINATION (3) (GEN. ED. #9 AND #10)
The sociological perspective focuses on the link between individual experience, the current social context, and the past. Exploration of this link and examination of cultural variations in social interaction and the development of self, the formation of families and communities, the processes that produce conformity or deviance, and the conditions that lead to conflict and social change through selected readings, case studies, novels, and films. Tracing of changes in work, marital relationships, religious practices, and political participation. Uses theories and methods of sociology to explore the influence of race, class, gender, ethnicity, and age on the human experience.
SOC 210. DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIOLOGICAL THOUGHT (4)
This course introduces students to a wide range of classical and contemporary sociological theories, beginning with the study of theory in the historical context of its development. Examines the work of Marx,Weber, Simmel, Durkheim, Mead, and DuBois. Applies classical and contemporary social theory to current issues. Explores recent modifications to mainstream sociological theory, including critical theory and feminist critiques of the classical theorists’ work. Required of all department majors and for writing proficiency in the major. Prerequisite: SOC 106 or ANT 107 or permission of the instructor.
SOC 216. DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL CHANGE IN COSTA RICA (4) (PSC 216)
This course examines the particular development path and processes of social change in Costa Rica with an emphasis on the post-WorldWar II paradigm that gave rise to the social-democratic structure of Costa Rican society. Drawing on the body of literature from Latin-American theorists, students will explore notions of exceptionalism, myth-making and myth-breaking, conservation and the Green Republic, and the rise of ecotourism in Costa Rica. Prerequisite: 100-level course in a social science.
SOC 217. METHODS OF SOCIAL RESEARCH (4)
Concepts and methods of social science research, both quantitative and qualitative. Research methods, research design, and statistical analysis of data. Ethics in social research. Training in the selection of appropriate research designs for a variety of sociological problems. Major data sources and methods of data collection. Use of statistics in analyzing and presenting data. Exercises in design, data collection, and statistical analysis. Three hours lecture, two hours laboratory. Required of all department majors. Open to other students by permission of the instructor. Prerequisites: SOC 106 and one 200-level course in sociology or anthropology.
SOC 220. COMPARATIVE RACE AND ETHNIC RELATIONS (4)
Race and ethnicity in comparative perspective. Origins, processes, and consequences of antagonistic relations between racial and ethnic majority and minority groups. Social causes of prejudice and discrimination. Prerequisite: SOC 106 or ANT 107.
SOC 221. COURTSHIP, MARRIAGE, AND FAMILY (3)
The family as a social institution. Internal dynamics of family and relations of family to society. Examination of family cycle, structure, sex roles, conflict, divorce functions, change, and alternate family forms. The American family in historical and comparative contexts. Prerequisite: SOC 106 or ANT 107 or one 200-level social science course.
SOC 225. FROM WOMB TO TOMB: PERSPECTIVES ON THE LIFECOURSE (3)
A consideration of historical and cross-cultural perspectives on the life course ranging from birth to death. Special attention given to the social construction of childhood, the status of the elderly, and other current debates such as fetal personhood. Prerequisite: SOC 106 or ANT 107.
SOC 228. SOCIAL PROBLEMS (3)
A critical examination of social problems in contemporary America and the theoretical and practical approaches to their solution. Special emphasis on problems generated by social and technological change and by the accompanying stress placed on individuals, institutions, societies, and the environment. Prerequisite: SOC 106 or ANT 107.
SOC 230. SOCIAL WORK (3)
Examination of the concept of human services and the fields of practice in which they are delivered. Explores the social worker’s role in delivering services, the problems experienced by recipients, and the issues addressed by social service workers. Overview of the history of social work and its place in American society provides the framework for an analysis of the individual, family, and community as levels of intervention. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor.
SOC 231. CHILD WELFARE (3)
Exploration of the issues related to children who have social service needs, highlighting the role of the social worker and the response of child welfare agencies. Specific topics include child abuse and neglect, foster care, adoption, impact of family violence on childhood development, and teen suicide. Special attention is given to the role of professionals such as doctors, lawyers, psychiatrists, and counselors in addressing issues of child welfare. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of instructor.
SOC 240. THE SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION OF HUMAN SEXUALITY (3)
This course examines the construction of sexual behavior and its meanings in the last half of the 20th century from multiple perspectives. Emphasis on the changing nature of beliefs and behaviors in the United States. Critical methodology and theory guide the course through the development of multiple frameworks, including discourse analysis. Prerequisite: SOC 106 or ANT 107 or one 200-level social science course.
SOC 245. WEALTH, POWER, AND PRESTIGE (3)
Exploration of the origins, nature, and functions of social inequality, focusing on the processes that produce and maintain inequalities in wealth, power, privilege, and prestige in modern societies. Comparative analysis of objective and subjective consequences of class and caste stratification systems. Relative impact of class, race, gender, or ethnic differences on life opportunities. Prerequisite: SOC 106 or ANT 107 or one 200-level social science course.
SOC 250. CRIMINAL JUSTICE (3)
Examines the criminal justice system and provides an overview of basic issues in the sociological study of crime and corrections. Relying on the premise that law, crime, and the institutions of social control can be understood only as part of the larger social context, explores crime in the streets, the business world, and the family. Theories on the origin of crime, the causes of criminal behavior, and the evolution of criminal law provide the framework for discussion of special topics that include the demography of crime, women in the criminal justice system, domestic violence and the law, and the criminology of drunken drivers. Course assignments include a visit to a prison and/or a ride with a police officer. Not open to students who complete SOC 280. Prerequisite: SOC 106 or ANT 107 or sophomore standing.
SOC 260. DEVIANCE AND SOCIAL CONTROL (3)
Exploration of particular kinds of rule-violating behavior such as insanity, crime, and sexual deviance; stigmatization and labeling; the creation and maintenance of deviant identities; consequences of social control of deviants for individual liberties and for society. Prerequisite: SOC 106 or ANT 107.
SOC 262. INDIANS IN THE UNITED STATES (3) (HIS 262) (PCE 262) (GEN. ED. #4)
Using comparative analysis of indigenous and non-indigenous societies, this course will examine indigenous forms of government and social structure pre-1942 to the present. Prerequisite: one course in history, peace studies, or sociology, and sophomore standing.
SOC 265. HEALTH AND ILLNESS (3)
Examination of illness, health, and the organization of medical care from a sociological perspective, focusing on the medical system as a social institution and the history of public health and medicine. Specific topics include the reciprocal roles of patient, practitioner, and ancillary health care personnel and the social and cultural factors affecting etiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Prerequisites: SOC 106 or ANT 107 or sophomore standing.
SOC 270. SOCIOLOGY OF GENDER ROLES (3) (WS 270)
Assessment of changing roles of men and women in modern societies. Review of theories explaining gender differences as a basic mechanism of social organization. Impact of gender roles on love relationships, family, work, and political reality. Prerequisite: SOC 106 or ANT 107 or sophomore standing.
SOC 271. PROTEST! LEGACY OF THE SIXTIES (4) (GEN. ED. #4)
An examination of protest movements in the United States during the 1960s. Films, music, literature, and firsthand reports are used to depict the mood and legacy of the time. Explores the struggles for civil rights; black power; women’s liberation; the New Left and anti-war protest; and the broader countercultural rebellion as reflected in psychedelics, the hippie phenomenon, and revolutionary activity. These subjects form the backdrop for consideration of recent protest activity. Prerequisite: SOC 106 or ANT 107 or sophomore standing.
SOC 272Y. INTENSIVE COURSE ABROAD
Courses include a pre-departure or post-departure discussion or both in the fall or spring term and a three-week intensive course abroad in the winter or summer.
INEQUALITY AND SOCIAL POLICY IN SOUTH AFRICA (6) (PSC 272Y) (GEN. ED. #3)
A detailed introduction to South African social and political history, culture, and contemporary society. The semester course is followed by a three-week intensive experience in South Africa.
SOC 272Y. IDENTITY TRANSFORMATIONS IN CONTEMPORARY PUERTO RICAN FAMILIES (8) (GEN. ED. #3) (SP 272Y)
This interdisciplinary course builds Spanish language skills into the curriculum of sociology through a seven-week preparatory program in the fall (two credits); a three-week immersion experience in Puerto Rico in January (four credits); and a seven-week, post-program course in the spring (two credits). This course will expose students to contemporary issues surrounding Puerto Rican families and gender relations through historical readings, literary works, and primary data collection (interviews and observations) on the island. Prerequisites: SP 130, FRO 140, or equivalent, and SOC 106.
SOC 274. WOMEN AND WORK: A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE (3) (WS 274)
Explores the experiences and opportunities of working women in the United States and selected countries. Examines work-related problems, including pay inequities, occupational segregation, and the gender imbalance in work and home responsibilities. Personal narratives, fiction, poetry, film, and recent research provide the framework for examining the ways in which class, race, ethnicity, and national origin influence women’s work. Prerequisite: SOC 106 or ANT 107, or sophomore standing.
SOC 280. CURRENT THEMES IN SOCIOLOGY (3-4)
Critical analysis of substantive issues in the field of sociology. Topics are determined by interests of the instructor and students and are announced one semester in advance. May be repeated for credit if the topic is different. Prerequisites: SOC 106 or ANT 107 and one 200-level social science course, or permission of the instructor.
SOC 283. TOPICS IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (4) (PSC 283)
Targeting social science majors, this course will be team-taught by Monteverde Institute’s (MVI) and visiting faculty, with topics reflecting the expertise of visiting faculty and MVI’s thematic foci of water, ecotourism, land use planning and development, community health, and tropical ecology and biodiversity. In addition, students will learn social science research methodologies applicable to their research projects. Prerequisites: one 200-level course in social sciences. Methods course encouraged.
SOC 285. COMPARATIVE/HISTORICAL SOCIOLOGY: SELECTED TOPICS (3-4)
Topics in comparative/historical sociology. Focus varies according to current debates in the field, as well as interests of instructor and students. Topic announced one semester in advance. Topics include the sociology of development. May be repeated for credit if the topic is different. Prerequisites: SOC 106 or ANT 107 and one 200-level social science course, or permission of the instructor.
SOC 290. INTERNSHIP IN SOCIOLOGY (3-4)
Faculty-directed, off-campus experience in administration, research, and service with private institutions, community organizations, agencies, or government, and (occasionally) independent professionals. Graded pass/no pass. Prerequisite: SOC 106 and one 200-level course in sociology. Preliminary application and interview required. Students must enroll in SOC 298 concurrently with SOC 290.
SOC 293. INTERNSHIP IN SOCIAL WORK (3-4)
Development of a knowledgeable base and beginning skills in the use of one-to-one relationship in a structured, well-defined social-agency setting. Seminars geared to needs of students; readings relevant to problem area. Several hours weekly in field assignment. Graded pass/no pass. Prerequisites: SOC 106 or ANT 107 and one of the following: ED 101,103; PSY 220, 230; SOC 230, 231. Students must enroll in SOC 298 concurrently with SOC 293.
SOC 298. RESEARCH WRITING AND COLLOQUIUM (1)
Students discuss independent research projects and internships and explore various styles of sociological and anthropological writing. Issues addressed include voice, strategies for communicating research, and writing for different audiences. Required for students working on independent research and internships. May be repeated once. Graded pass/no pass.
SOC 299. INDEPENDENT WORK (1.5-4)
An independent research project and presentation of findings or a special program of directed readings. Students arrange individually with any member of the department. Students must enroll in SOC 298 concurrently with SOC 299. Prerequisite: sophomore standing.
SOC 350. SEMINAR: QUALITATIVE METHODS (4)
The course provides a foundation in the use of qualitative methods of inquiry, including indepth interviewing, narrative research, participant observation, and content analysis. Students develop class projects demonstrating the design, analysis, and presentation of qualitative studies. Prerequisites: SOC 210, two 200-level courses in sociology, and junior standing.
SOC 381. SEMINAR: COMMON SENSE(S)
This seminar in cognitive sociology examines how the social influences our senses or the ways we take in the world around us. Special attention will be given to the processes of perception, classification and boundary creation, time reckoning, identity formation, and collective memory. Course materials will draw from the fields of sociology, psychology, economics, literature, and other related areas. Prerequisites: SOC 210 and junior standing.
SOC 384. SEMINAR: SOCIOLOGY OF MASCULINITIES (4)
This course examines men’s lives and the construction of multiple masculinities in contemporary American culture. Special attention will be given to men’s movements, media representations, sex, friendship, violence, and sports. Prerequisites: SOC 210 and junior standing.
SOC 387. SEMINAR: SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY (4)
Drawing on historical and contemporary theories of symbolic interaction and dramaturgical schools of thought, this course examines the relationship between the individual and society. Explores the role played by race, ethnicity, class, and gender in shaping lives and forming personal and collective identities. Prerequisites: SOC 210, two 200-level courses in sociology and/or psychology, and junior standing.
SOC 389. SEMINAR: SOCIOLOGY OF MENTAL HEALTH (4)
This course examines the way people define mental health, the causes and consequences of mental health problems, and how institutions respond to mental illness. Specific issues explored include the social construction of mental disorder, depression, medicalization of life problems, and the social consequences of mental health problems. Prerequisites: SOC 210 and 217.
SOC 392. SEMINAR: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (4)
This course systematically examines the social character and causes of domestic violence, with special attention given to intimate partner violence, child abuse, and courtship violence. Students explore the social, historical, and political processes that influence domestic violence. Includes a required service-learning component. Prerequisites: SOC 210 and 217 or 350.
SOC 393. SEMINAR: SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF SELECTED TOPICS (4)
A critical examination of theoretical and methodological contributions of classic and contemporary work in the field. Topics selected according to current debates in the field. Topics include domestic violence, poverty and social welfare, and issues in mental health. May be repeated for credit if the topic is different. Prerequisites: SOC 210 and junior standing or permission of the instructor.
SOC 399. ADVANCED INDEPENDENT WORK (3)
Library research, directed readings, original research, and other advanced work pursued under the supervision of a member of the department. Prerequisites: junior or senior sociology or sociology/anthropology major and permission of instructor. Students must enroll in SOC 298 concurrently with SOC 399.
SOC 389 Shope (MS Word)
SOC 392 Shope (MS Word)
SOC 393 Shope (MS Word)
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