SOCI Course Descriptions

Provides an introduction to basic concepts, theoretical principles and research methods of sociology and applies these tools to the analysis of human societies, including the study of social structures and institutions such as the family and religion, culture, social interaction, groups, social inequality, deviance and social change. prerequisite: eligibility for WRIT 100. [SOSC]

Provides an examination of deviance and social control in a societal context. Emphasis is placed on what, how and why certain forms of behavior come to be defined as deviant, the regulation of such behavior and the ways in which deviants are labeled and treated. Major theories of deviance will be used to examine such topics as sexual expression, drug use and addictions, mental and physical health, aggression and violence, suicide, religious cults, cyber-activities, homelessness and elite deviance. prerequisite: eligibility for WRIT 100

A study of factors contributing to the disintegration of social living. Topics studied include juvenile delinquency, sexual adjustment, poverty, personal disorganization, changing worker-management roles and migration.

A study of the contem porary American family in terms of its historical background, the impact of the 20th-century culture and significant factors that influence marital relations and family living.

An ecological approach to urban society emphasizing the dynamics of urban regions as demonstrated in their growth and structure. The values and methods people have employed to achieve desired ends are examined in the light of modern industrialization and communication. Special emphasis is given to factors of race, housing, planning and organization.

The dynamics of human population as affected by environmental factors with special emphasis on those individual living habits and practices that alter one’s physical environment.

Examination of theories of social organization and social change with particular attention to leading contributors to social thought in the Western world, their work, their social setting and the relation of their study to subsequent social thought.

Structure and function of modern social theory. Functional conflict, interaction and exchange theories are compared with structure and function of modern social theory and with paradigms for examining institutional and organizational norms in society. prerequisite: SOCI 310

Concepts of community are examined and applied to the delivery of human services. Perspectives are developed by which community organizations may be analyzed. Organizational techniques and the roles of voluntary community organizations are discussed.

Examines the sources and dynamics of poverty in contemporary society from a sociological perspective. Human service, income and job programs designed specifically to address the needs of the poor are reviewed and critiqued. Special attention is given to groups disproportionately found in poverty, such as the young, the old and the disabled.

A study of racial and ethnic minority groups in modern America together with the social and cultural contributions of minority groups in American life. Problems of accommodation, assimilation, segregation and institutional racism as these affect minority groups and American culture as a whole.

Emphasis is placed on the meaning of work, economic and occupational systems, changes within occupational structure and the causes of these changes. Major themes are social theory and productive systems, occupational associations and trade unionism, occupational mobility and social power, the structure of industry and the labor market and interrelationships between industry and the wider community.

An analysis of the correlates of class, mobility, status, power and conflict.

An examination of the cultural, biological, psychological and historical development and interdependence between male and female sex roles. Topics include the influence of heredity and environment, stereotypes and stigmas, and the position of men and women within such institutional areas as law and education, religion, health, the economy and the political system.

An exploration of the nature of information and its organization, control and use in our society. Topics include the relation of information to public policy decision-making, issues related to privacy and access, and the use of information as a form of power in societal institutions.

An advanced interdisciplinary seminar that focuses on important books or issues and encourages independent thinking, clear presentation and an understanding of the content and methods of various disciplines. The course is team taught; subject and instructors may change from semester to semester. prerequisite: 3.3 GPA or recommendation of the student’s major division chair and permission of the instructor

Directed individual instruction in an advanced project of the student’s choice; the project must be academically related to this discipline. Each student works closely with a faculty director who guides his/her progress. The project must be of honors quality and must be finally approved by both the faculty director and a second faculty member. Course is eligible for a continuing studies grade. prerequisite: 3.3 GPA and permission of both the Denit Honors Program director and the faculty director

Intensive exploration of topics in sociology of mutual interest to faculty and students. Content varies according to the concurrent interests of faculty and students. The subject studied appears under the Topics heading in the class schedule. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.

Group and individual study of the major contributors to sociological thought. Theorists are studied in the context of their historical situation and the social problems current during their lifetimes. Stratification, power, functionalism and systems theory are studied in relation to actual methods. prerequisite: SOCI 310

Provides students with the opportunity to pursue a research topic or special project in sociology. Each student works closely with a faculty member who helps set goals, develop a course plan and guide progress. The project must be carefully planned and have approval of the instructor involved and of the program director. prerequisite: permission of both the instructor and the program director