Sociology

Micro sociological analysis of contemporary societies, with emphasis on interactionist and phenomenological viewpoints. Topics for analysis include culture, race, small group behavior, socialization, and various forms of social interaction. Scheduled fall of odd years.

Sociological principles and concepts used in the study and analysis of the community. The social, economic and political issues and challenges faced in fostering and maintaining community spirit and organization. Scheduled spring of even years.

An analysis of the American legal system as it has affected women from the 18th century to the present. Course content is applicable for any student with an interest in the law. Topics include constitutional protections for equality, Title VII (including sexual harassment and sex discrimination), reproductive rights, domestic violence, and Title IX (educational and sports equity). Cross-listed as WMS 504 and EDL 550.

Intergroup relations involving races, religious groups, and nationalities. Societal impact of prejudice, discrimination and segregation. Scheduled irregularly.

Theory and data on the social construction of gender. Advanced exploration of identity formation, social change and persistence, interactive patterns and inequalities. Impact of gender on the individual and society. Scheduled irregularly. Cross listed as WMS 515.

Explores the intersection of race, class, and gender in social relations. Uses a wide variety of theoretical perspectives to investigate the ways that race, class, and gender are intersected and the impact this interrelationship has on the experiences and opportunities of individuals and their social location. Cross-listed as WMS 529. Scheduled irregularly.

Explores sociological perspectives on religion as a source of both social change and resistance to social change. Religious influences on policy and discourse nationally and globally are examined, along with sociological models of religious experience, identity, affiliation and structure. Scheduled irregularly.

Sociological theory and data on the causes, persistence and possible prevention of crime, the changing social dimensions of crime, legal and political agendas, and the socialization and role enactment of being a criminal. Scheduled irregularly.

Explanations of deviance: mental illness, alcoholism, drug addiction, sexual deviations, family disruptions, suicide, crime and delinquency, and discrimination. Scheduled irregularly.

Analysis of the logic of scientific investigation of social phenomena; theory construction, and the relation between theory and research with samples from studies in sociology. Survey of major procedures and principle techniques of empirical work, and practical familiarity with some phases of research process.

The design and execution of qualitative research. Topics include observational and interviewing techniques, analytic induction, analysis of material culture and ethics in social research. Students complete an ethnographic study of a public setting. Scheduled spring of odd years.

Sociological theories applied to one or more consequential social issues, such as discrimination, global inequality, and emerging current events. Theoretical perspectives may include functionalist, conflict, interpretive and critical traditions. Emphasis is placed on research considerations implicit within these traditions.

Examination of the nature of knowledge as transmitted by educational and related institutions. How education and knowledge are enacted within a socio-cultural system, and influenced by social class, politics, religion and ethnicity. Topics include the school as an agent of socialization and stratification, as well as school organization and reform. Scheduled irregularly.

For thesis students only. Development of thesis proposal. Awlays scheduled.

For thesis students only. Implementation of research design from approved thesis proposal and written presentation of findings. Always scheduled.

With permission of the department. Not to be taken in lieu of thesis seminar. Always scheduled.