Sociology Courses
COURSE NUMBERCOURSE NAMEDEPARTMENTCREDIT HOURSYEARCOURSE DESCRIPTION
GEO 220Human World GeographyEducation3FreshmanExplores the nature of human social behaviors through the study of diverse focus countries" recognizing recurring patterns in behavior and the forces that shape them. Students will understand how people as well as countries communicate ideas and attempt to solve problems. This course is taught through a lens of current events in the 21st century examining various diverse regions around the globe and how the cultures within those regions live and interact. Human elements of population cultural inheritance and accomplishments are studied as these interrelate with the physical elements. Education majors will create a project using the five themes of geography (location, place, human/environmental interaction, movement and regions). Fulfills diversity and human behavior exploratory requirements."
NPL 222Social Problems and Nonprofit ResponsesSociology4SophomoreAn analysis of the nature, causes and responses to social and cultural problems such as hunger, homeless, illiteracy, drug addiction, or domestic violence. Attention will be paid to framing of these phenomena as problems. Will also address major role of the nonprofit sector in alleviating these problems with attention to effectiveness of service programs. Spring, even. No pre-req.
NPL 230Introduction to NonprofitsSocial Sciences4SophomoreThis course provides an overview of the nonprofit sector in American society. Attention will be given to the widely varied roles that nonprofit organizations play in responding to social issues and the interplay between nonprofits, business and government in this broad mission. Students will be introduced to the functions and operation of a nonprofit organization including program development and measurement, fundraising, volunteer management, board governance and management of staff and finances. Fall.
NPL 315Nonprofit Leadership CapstoneSociology4JuniorThis course provides an integrative experience linking the student?s leadership skills and liberal arts preparation to the learning in her/his major field of study. Specifically, the capstone experience will involve direct student participation working with a non-profit organization and that organization?s board. Students in the course must develop a project(s) to be carried out with the non-profit. The project will culminate with a public event or presentation. The capstone project must be reviewed and approved by the course instructor and at least one representative of the Engaged Learning Team. Total course experience brings opportunity to think independently, lead responsibly, and serve with integrity. Same as NPL/LEA/LA 315. Satisfies Civic Learning exploratory requirement. Prerequisite: NPL/SOC 230 and all other LA courses. Spring, odd academic years.
NPL 485Communications Consulting ProjectSociology3SeniorAn examination of the ways in which students can apply their skills in the workplace and serve their communities. Students will work in teams on a communications consulting project for a local nonprofit or similar organization. Special emphasis given to professional development skills, particularly communication, project management, and consulting. Same as ENG 485. Prereq: LA 201 and senior standing, or instructor permission.
SOC 118Introduction to SociologySociology4FreshmanMethods, theories, principles, and concepts that have resulted from the scientific analysis of human interaction. Emphasis is given to the structural and cultural aspects of society and to the complex ways in which various environments influence human development and behavior. Not an appropriate exploratory course for junior and senior non-majors. Prerequisite for most other courses in sociology. Satisfies social sciences exploratory requirement. Fall and spring.
SOC 210Criminal JusticeSociology4SophomoreHistorical and philosophical background, structure, functions, and operation of the criminal justice system in the United States. Introduction to and principles of formal behavior control mechanisms. Satisfies the diversity and civic learning exploratory requirements. Fall.
SOC 220GerontologySociology4SophomoreAn analysis of the process of aging, which will utilize social, psychological, and structural approaches to gain an understanding of the unique problems which confront the elderly in modern society. Course goals also include the development or refinement of specific skills and techniques for studying or working with older adults through a substantive experiential learning component. Same as PSY 220. Prerequisite: PSY 117 or SOC 118. Spring, odd academic years.
SOC 221Marriage and the FamilySociology4SophomoreThe institutions of marriage and family are explored. Special consideration is given to the social, cultural, and economic forces that influence trends in family structure and family functioning. Cross-cultural and subcultural comparisons are often made to show the socially constructed aspects of family. Prerequisite: SOC 118. Fall, odd academic years.
SOC 222Social Problems and Nonprofit ResponsesSociology4SophomoreAn analysis of the nature, causes and responses to social and cultural problems such as hunger, homeless, illiteracy, drug addiction, or domestic violence. Attention will be paid to framing of these phenomena as problems. Will also address major role of the nonprofit sector in alleviating these problems with attention to effectiveness of service programs. Spring, even. No pre-req.
SOC 224Basic Applied StatisticsSociology3SophomoreAn introduction to statistical reasoning for the natural and social sciences using the computer as a tool to analyze data. Probability concepts, sampling theory, hypothesis testing, estimation, chi-square, t-test, analysis of variance, correlation and regression, and some non-parametric tests are included. Minitab or another statistical package will be used. Same as MAT 224. Students cannot receive credit for both. Prerequisite: CMP 130, LA 103, MAT 131, MAT 135, MAT 181 or placement in MAT 135/181. Fall and Spring.
SOC 227Inquiry in the Social SciencesSociology3SophomoreThis course will introduce students to qualitative and quantitative research. Students will learn to ask and answer questions as a social scientist and apply these skills to explore a contemporary topic. Students will also learn how to format research papers and analyze data. Students should take this course before taking advanced social science research courses. Prerequisites: POL 110 or POL 120 or POL 130 or SOC 118 or consent of instructors. Spring.
SOC 230Introduction to NonprofitsSociology4SophomoreThis course provides an overview of the nonprofit sector in American society. Attention will be given to the widely varied roles that nonprofit organizations play in responding to social issues and the interplay between nonprofits, business and government in this broad mission. Students will be introduced to the functions and operation of a nonprofit organization including program development and measurement, fundraising, volunteer management, board governance and management of staff and finances. Fall.
SOC 240Sociology of SportSociology4SophomoreIn this course, students will: (1) study the history of sports; (2) examine how people use sports to socialize adults and children; (3) investigate corruption in sports (e.g., cheating, gambling, and winning at all costs); and (4) study stratification in sports, particularly racial, class, and gender inequalities in American athletics. By taking this critical approach, students will learn about progress, inside and outside of sports. On demand.
SOC 315Nonprofit Leadership CapstoneSociology4JuniorThis course provides an integrative experience linking the student?s leadership skills and liberal arts preparation to the learning in her/his major field of study. Specifically, the capstone experience will involve direct student participation working with a non-profit organization and that organization?s board. Students in the course must develop a project(s) to be carried out with the non-profit. The project will culminate with a public event or presentation. The capstone project must be reviewed and approved by the course instructor and at least one representative of the Engaged Learning Team. Total course experience brings opportunity to think independently, lead responsibly, and serve with integrity. Same as NPL/LEA/LA 315. Satisfies Civic Learning exploratory requirement. Prerequisite: NPL/SOC 230 and all other LA courses. Spring, odd academic years.
SOC 319Gender and SexualitiesSociology4JuniorThis course provides an overview of theoretical and empirical work in the sociology of sex, gender, and sexuality. The course will also address various facets of the subject including ways that social, cultural, and legal status influence individual experiences and outcomes. Attention is paid to the social construction/control of gender, transgender, and multiple sexualities. Same as WST 319. Prerequisite: SOC 118. Fall, even academic years.
SOC 321CriminologySociology4JuniorA study of the social, cultural, and psychological process involved in the creation of deviance; attention is given to the nature of criminal law, to the various forms of social control which society uses in its attempts to cope with and prevent crime, and to the consequences of social typing on those so typed. Prerequisite: SOC 118 or consent of instructor. Spring.
SOC 323OrganizationsSociology4JuniorAn introduction to the study of formal or complex organizations; the variables which affect the structure of formal organizations; types of organizations, the relationship between formal and informal organization and alternative organizations. Prerequisite: SOC 118 or consent of instructor. Spring.
SOC 325Power, Wealth, and PovertySociology4JuniorAn examination and analysis of major concepts, theories, methods, and research findings in the field of social stratification. Stratification is presented as a result of unequal distribution of everyday life necessities such as social and political power, land, food, and shelter. Prerequisite: SOC 118. Spring.
SOC 330Global TransformationsSociology4JuniorThis course examines the historical, political and economic factors contributing to globalization, as well as the social consequences of recent political, economic and environmental change. It focuses in particular on how new forms of global production and networking are transforming the traditional role of the nation-state, creating new dynamics of wealth distribution in the global economy, influencing international migration patterns. Additionally, it examines the way in which globalization processes are generating new sources of social conflict and collective action, including transnational social movements. Satisfies international exploratory. Spring, odd. Prerequisite: SOC 118.
SOC 340CorrectionsSociology4JuniorHistory, philosophy, practice, and evaluation of noncustodial and custodial sanctions in formal social control systems. This course studies a wide range of correctional treatments such as diversion programs and restorative justice, probation/parole and intermediate sanctions, incarceration, and the death penalty. Special attention will be given to juvenile corrections and cross-cultural perspectives. Prerequisite: SOC 210 or SOC 321. Fall.
SOC 422Sociological TheorySociology4SeniorA consideration of the nature and purpose of sociological theory and its relationship to empirical research. The course will consider the theories of major sociological thinkers, past and present. Students should take this course during the junior year. Prerequisite: A minimum of nine semester hours in upper level sociology courses or instructor?s consent. Fall.
SOC 425Research Methods ISociology4SeniorAn introduction to the design and methods employed in modern sociological research. Students are required to plan a research project and to conduct an intensive review of the literature on that topic. Prerequisites: seniors with at least 12 hours of sociology or consent of instructor. Fall.
SOC 427Research Methods IISociology4SeniorContinued consideration of the design and methods employed in modern sociological research begun in SOC 425. Students are required to carry out the research project proposed in SOC 425, under the supervision of the instructor. Prerequisites: PSY 224; SOC 422, and 425. Spring.
SOC 499Senior Competency PracticumSociology0SeniorStudents are required to take a written exam which consists of three essay questions on application of sociological concepts, sociological theory, and social methods, as well as additional three questions in more specified areas of sociology such as organizations, social psychology, marriage and family, stratification, etc. A grade of C- or better is required for graduation.
WST 101Introduction to Women`s StudiesHistory4FreshmanAn overview of major issues raised by the range of women?s situations and experiences in Western and non-Western societies. An examination of analytical perspectives that feminist critics in a variety of disciplines use to explore these issues. Satisfies social sciences exploratory requirements. Spring, even academic years.
WST 236Gender and Sexuality in LiteratureEnglish4SophomoreReading and analysis of selected works through the lens of gender and sexuality. Same as ENG 236. Fall, even academic years. Satisfies diversity exploratory.
WST 319Gender and SexualitiesSociology4JuniorThis course provides an overview of theoretical and empirical work in the sociology of sex, gender, and sexuality. The course will also address various facets of the subject including ways that social, cultural, and legal status influence individual experiences and outcomes. Attention is paid to the social construction/control of gender, transgender, and multiple sexualities. Same as SOC 319. Prerequisite: SOC 118. Fall, even academic years.
WST 332History of Women in the United StatesHistory4FreshmanThis course will survey the history of women in the United States from the colonial era through the civil rights movement of the 1950s ??60s. The course will focus especially on the role of women in various social movements including: the movement to abolish slavery, the fight for women?s suffrage, reformist movements of the early twentieth century and the modern feminist movement. Students will have the opportunity to pursue a research paper on the social issues addressed in the life/work of an activist of their choosing. Same as HIS 332. Satisfies social sciences exploratory requirement. Prerequisites: HIS 120, HIS 121, or consent of instructor. Fall, odd years.

r. 12-20-21