Sociology

SOCL 110 SOCIOLOGY OF POPULAR CULTURE - 5 hrs
A sociological examination of a wide variety of popular art forms with a major emphasis on the mass media (sports, advertising, music, and popular fiction). The course addresses the relationship between cultural norms and values, and the major theories used to obtain and analyze these art forms.

SOCL 120 INTRODUCTORY SOCIOLOGY - 5 hrs
An introduction to major social institutions such as family, education, politics, religion, economy and work, and health and medicine. A study of basic types of inequality such as by class, race, gender, age and sexual orientation. A review of basic interaction types in groups and organizations. Also featured are sociological theories, research methods and critical analysis of United States society.

SOCL 130 INTRODUCTION TO BLACK STUDIES - 5 hrs
Effective Autumn Quarter 2008, this course becomes BLST 100 and is housed under Black Studies.  Please click the Black Studies link for the course description.

SOCL 190 SOCIOLOGY OF WOMEN - 5 hrs
Women in society will be examined and discussed through a series of lectures, readings, guest speakers, and films. The feminist, theoretical and sociological study of women, their lives, and life choices will allow students to examine their own societal and cultural expectations.

SOCL 210 SOCIAL PROBLEMS - 5 hrs
Sociological approaches to the study of selected social problems in American society and the global community. Includes critical analysis of the political economy, institutional and individual sources of inequality and deviance. Topics range across such issues as environmental degradation, racism, sexism, homophobia, poverty, health care crises, immigration and substance abuse. Observation and research in the field are encouraged. Prereq: SOCL 120

SOCL 220 SOCIOLOGY OF DEVIANCE - 5 hrs
This course introduces students to the scientific study of norm-violating behavior. Included will be discussions of the deviance-defining process, theories of deviant behavior, and some exploration of specific deviant behaviors and deviant subcultures. Prereq: SOCL 120.

SOCL 230 FEMINIST PERSPECTIVES IN SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY - 5 hrs
Focus of the understanding and application of feminist theories which explore socially constructed realities of sexuality, reproduction and motherhood, concepts of beauty, work, employment, and the impact of sexism, racism and classism on behavior and personality. Seminar format. Prereq: SOCL 120 or permission of the instructor.

SOCL 260 SOCIOLOGY OF THE BLACK EXPERIENCE - 5 hrs
A sociological study of the social, cultural and political interactions of African Americans and the African American community with other segments of America�s diverse, multi-cultural and pluralistic society and of the African diaspora.

SOCL 295 ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIOLOGY - 5 hrs
Constructs a framework for the study of how cultures and societies influence, and in turn are shaped, by the natural environment. This course examines the natural environment as it relates nationally and globally to culture, societal organization, and social, economic and political policies. Prereq: SOCL 120 and ENST 101; or permission of instructor.

SOCL 300 RACIAL AND ETHNIC RELATIONS - 5 hrs
A study of racial and ethnic relations in United States society. Unique histories of numerous cultural groups. Theories and cultural dynamics of prejudice and intergroup relations. Patterns of discrimination in law, education, employment, housing, health and the media. Prereq: SOCL 120 and junior standing or permission of the instructor. Prior completion of SOCL 210 is recommended.

SOCL 310 CRIMINOLOGY - 5 hrs Types of criminal behavior, theoretical explanations of crime and societal response to crime will be explored. Prereq: SOCL 120. Prior completion of SOCL 210 is recommended.

SOCL 325 SOCIOLOGY OF FAMILY DIVERSITY 5 hrs
Seminar on the diversity of contemporary families including theory and research requirements. The links between families and work, and changing family composition and gender patterns analyzed. Films, speakers for gay lesbian, Asian, Africa American, Arab, etc. may be included. Prereq: SOCL 120 or permission of the instructor.

SOCL 330 RESEARCH METHODS FOR THE SOCIAL SCIENCES - 5 hrs
A study of basic quantitative and qualitative methods used in contemporary research in social sciences. The course covers research design, methods of data collection, sampling techniques, probability theory, data analysis, ethical issues in research, and writing the research report. Prereq: SOCL 120 and MATH 230.

SOCL 360 DIMENSIONS OF BLACK INTELLECTUAL THOUGHT - 5 hrs
This advanced course in Black Studies addresses the black experience from a critical perspective. Analysis of theoretical ideas applicable to the work of black scholars will be included. Critical skills will be used to challenge thinking about difference. Research materials will be applied to awareness about global relations, and roles in these relations.

SOCL 380 URBAN SOCIOLOGY - 5 hrs
A study of the development of cities and the nature of social life in contemporary urban society. A focus on problems and solutions characteristic of diverse metropolitan communities in the U.S. and around the world. The course includes field trips and the opportunity to do scholarly research. Prereq: SOCL 120. Prior completion of SOCL 210 is recommended.

SOCL 385 GLOBAL SOCIAL CHANGE - 5 hrs
Studies international aspects of social change such as globalization, environmental issues, social movements and the increasing gap between First, Second and Third world countries. Special attention is devoted to theoretical perspectives that illuminate and explain change. Case studies incorporate current events around the world. Prereq: SOCL 120 or permission of instructor.

SOCL 390 INDEPENDENT STUDY - 1-5 hrs
This course is designed to enable students to engage in individual study and research in a subject area already familiar through previous course work. During the first week of the course, and in consultation with the instructor, students prepare a prospectus on previous related academic work, or special area of interest, specific research topic, and an outline for proposed research report. The course may be repeated on a different topic in a subsequent term. Prereq: SOCL 120 and 210, permission of the instructor, and a Sociology course in the area of the student�s independent study.

SOCL 410 INEQUALITY AND POVERTY - 5 hrs
Critical examination of contemporary issues of poverty and inequality in the U.S., including understanding of causes and consequences of social class, ethnic, racial, religious and gender stratification. Theoretical implication of research on poverty and inequality, and strategies to deal with homelessness, unemployment, world hunger and plight of refugees will be explored in a seminar format. Observations and research in the field are encouraged. Prereq: SOCL 120 or permission of the instructor.

SOCL 412 CLASSICAL SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY - 5 hrs
Provides a descriptive and analytical survey of the intellectual traditions influential in the discipline of sociology from its origin to the present. Particular emphasis is placed upon the lives and works of Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim and Max Weber. Prereq: SOCL 120. Open to juniors and seniors only.

SOCL 415 JUVENILE DELINQUENCY - 5 hrs
This course explores the unique position of juveniles within the context of crime and criminal justice. Topics to be covered include changing expectations of adolescents, the development of the juvenile justice system and comparison with the adult criminal justice system, and a discussion of the rehabilitative philosophy of juvenile corrections. Class activities may include field trips to juvenile justice facilities. Prereq: SOCL 120 and 310, or permission of instructor.

SOCL 420 CONTEMPORARY SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY - 5 hrs
Examines the state of contemporary social theory as it is influential in sociological research. Special emphasis is given to applying theories in order to understand contemporary social issues such as feminism, technology and society, inequality, and post-industrialism. This course is especially recommended in addition to SOCL 412 for those planning to attend graduate school. Prereq: SOCL 120. Open to juniors and seniors only. Prior completion of SOCL 412 is recommended.

SOCL 440 DEPARTMENTAL SEMINAR ON SPECIAL TOPICS - 5 hrs
This course may be devoted to a special topic of sociology including women in film, global feminist issues, migration of refugees, criminal justice issues or sociology of the African American culture. Different topics of sociology are discussed along with relevant recent research and theory. Occupational opportunities may be discussed, and guest speakers representing the scheduled areas of specialization may be invited. This course is to be taught on an occasional basis, depending on student and faculty interest. Prereq: SOCL 120 or permission of instructor. Repeatable to a maximum of 15 credits.

SOCL 470 SOCIOLOGY OF GENDER - 5 hrs
Seminar on the social and cultural norms governing gender relations, forms of sexism in a variety of cultural and social groups explored, and unequal consequences of genderdized social expectations. The course will explore changing roles of men and women�s sexuality in education, politics, religion, occupations, family life, and guest speakers, films, research and theory will be included.. Prereq: SOCL 120 or permission of the instructor.

SOCL 490 INTERNSHIP - 5-15 hrs
This course is intended for senior majors in sociology and related fields. It provides opportunities for practical and/or theoretical work in areas of sociology, supervised by a department faculty member, and as appropriate, by a member of an off-campus organization. Requirements are completion of SOCL 320 and 330, above average academic record, fairly clear vocational goals, and permission from a sociology faculty member in response to a written proposal submitted at least one term in advance. Students are encouraged to take part in designing an individualized internship experience around preferred areas of concentration they chose for themselves. Internships may be extended for two terms.

SOCL 498 CAPSTONE FIELD EXPERIENCE - 5 hrs
Students will secure and complete an internship meaningful to their interests. In addition to conforming to college internship requirements established by the college, (see internship packet), students will produce a minimum of a 10 page research paper that integrates their intern experience with the essential knowledge they have gained from sociology, as well as relevant knowledge gained from other disciplines. The final project allows students to apply disciplinary knowledge to the issues relevant to the intern experience in a manner that indicates the student is capable of critical integration, synthesis and analysis of ideas and practical experience. Prereq: SOCL 120, MATH 230, SOCL 330, SOCL 412 or SOCL 420. Senior standing preferred or permission of the instructor.

SOCL 499 CAPSTONE RESEARCH EXPERIENCE - 5 hrs
Students will complete a 5-hour independent research project on a topic meaningful to their interests. Students are required to complete a minimum of a 20-page research paper that examines a social problem, policy or some aspect thereof. Students will conduct library research, as well as interviews with relevant professionals, individuals and organizations. Students may construct their own research tools, such as surveys, secondary data analysis or observations to support their research. It is expected that the projects will demonstrate the essential knowledge students have gained from sociology, as well as relevant knowledge gained from other disciplines. The paper should evidence an integration of theory and research. It should apply disciplinary knowledge to the relevant issues in a manner that indicates the student is capable of critical integration, synthesis and analysis of ideas in a practical manner thereby evidencing some mastery of the discipline. Prereq: SOCL 120, MATH 230, SOCL 330, SOCL 412 or SOCL 420. Senior standing preferred or permission of the instructor.