Sociology
Gregory Adams
CHAIRPERSON
Engleman C 011
(203) 392-5675 – Fax (203) 392-7087
adamsg1@SouthernCT.edu
Department Secretary: (203) 392-5680
Gregory Adams, Associate Professor
Alan Brown, Assistant Professor
Jessica Kenty-Drane, Associate Professor
Cassi Ann Meyerhoffer, Assistant Professor
MAJORS IN SOCIOLOGY
The Sociology Department offers courses of study leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree, the Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Criminology and Criminal Justice, and the Bachelor of Science degree in sociology (required for certification) in secondary education. The curriculum is designed to equip students with a broader and deeper understanding of human diversity. The concentration in Criminology and Criminal Justice is designed to prepare students for the range of issues faced by those working in criminal justice policy and within the criminal justice system. Students are rigorously trained in theory and research methods. The degree program in sociology prepares students for employment in the professional and private sector and pursuit of higher degree programs.
Students wishing to declare a sociology major must apply for admission into the department. Applications are available in the Sociology Department. All majors in sociology must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.5. A grade of "C" or better is required in all core sociology courses. Sociology majors are strongly encouraged to take at least one W course in sociology.
Bachelor of Science Degree (Secondary Education)
Sociology secondary education majors who successfully receive the B.S. degree will be recommended for Initial Teacher Certification in History and the Social Sciences. Certification in History and the Social Sciences requires 18 credits in History in addition to HIS 490, HIS 494, and HIS 496. Certification candidates are also required to pass HIS 110 or HIS 111 or HIS 112. Passing Praxis® II is one of the prerequisites for Student-Teaching and the Student-Teaching Seminar.
The specific professional requirements for Initial Teaching Certification in Connecticut are listed in the secondary education section of the School of Education.
The department offers the following:
Sociology, B.A.
Sociology, B.S. - Concentration: Criminology and Criminal Justice
Sociology 7-12, B.S.
Minor in Sociology
SOC 100 - Introduction to SociologyStudy of the structures and processes of society with emphasis on American institutions and the socio-cultural context of human behavior and its consequences. Examination of population, urbanization, social stratification, social conflict, and social change. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Fall 2017 |
SOC 102 - Critical Thinking: Exploring Social IssuesTraining in how to construct critical thinking arguments on social issues, utilizing sociological theory and data. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Fall 2017 |
SOC 201 - Social StatisticsPrinciples and problems of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting statistical data applied to the field of sociology. Prerequisite(s): 3 credits in social science. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Fall 2017 |
SOC 203 - Social OrganizationsEssential concepts on social organizations, including ways in which social organizations are shaped by the larger society, as well as ways in which social organizations impact the larger society. Includes analysis of private, public, for-profit, and non-profit organizations across social institutions and domains, and how organizational processes contribute to a group’s success or failure. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Summer 2016 |
SOC 211 - Social Problems in the U.S.Analysis of major current social problems in the United States. The definition of, causes for, and sociological theories related to such important problems as: dependency, juvenile delinquency, criminal justice, drugs, migration, population increase, mass communication, environmental pollution, family disruption, mental illness, and prejudice. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Fall 2017 |
SOC 215 - Women in SocietyProblems of women’s roles in society. Comparative perspectives on the status of women across social institutions. An exploration of feminism and consideration of its goals and methods. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Fall 2017 |
SOC 216 - Men’s StudiesSociological research in men’s studies.Theories of masculinity, male socialization, interactive patterns, intimacy patterns, and roles in the family. Data and discourse on change and persistence of male roles in society. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Fall 2016 |
SOC 218 - Sociology of American JewryStudy of contemporary American Jewish life and society from a sociological perspective. Pluralism, sociohistorical development, religious ritual, and gender issues as shapers of the American Jewish community. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Fall 2014 |
SOC 219 - Sociology of Modern IsraelThe social factors, pre-statehood through the present, that have influenced the emergence of Israeli society as a new social and cultural entity in the Middle East. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Fall 2017 |
SOC 235 - Environmental SociologyStudy of how social structure, behavior, attitudes and inequalities impact the physical environment. Topics include the environmentalist movement and its opponents, organizational mobilization to alleviate environmental hazards, and future planning for environmental protection in both urban and rural settings. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Fall 2017 |
SOC 250 - Apocalypse Now?An examination of how apocalyptic predictions in this new millennium shape human organization and activity in the U.S. The culture of fear pervading American society as it relates to apocalyptic prophecies, messages, and catastrophic threats is a key theme in the course. Both secular and religious apocalypse is examined making historical and global comparisions. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Summer 2017 |
SOC 251 - Sociology of ReligionSociological perspectives on religion as both a persistent and changing social institution. The role of religion in both implementing and impeding social change, policy, and discourse; sociological explanations and studies on religious experience, identity, affiliation, and structure; and the impact of religion on controversial public issues, other social institutions and issues pertaining to class, race, and gender. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Spring 2017 |
SOC 255 - Methods of Social ResearchLogic of scientific investigation of social phenomena: analysis of theoretical statements, problem formulation, and selection of indicators. Survey of major procedures and principal techniques of empirical work, and practical experience with some phases of the research process. Prerequisite(s): SOC 201. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Fall 2017 |
SOC 260 - Applied Social TheoryClassic and contemporary macro and micro sociological theories. Emphasis on theory construction as applied to social issues. Prerequisite(s): SOC 100 or junior or senior status. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Fall 2017 |
SOC 265 - Self and SocietyRelationship of self to others and society through exploration of micro-sociological theory and data. An emphasis on interpersonal and organizational behavior as shaped by social forces. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Winter Session 2017 |
SOC 266 - Socialization and Social ControlStudy of the social mechanisms for social control — formal and informal. Emphasis is on the socialization process, throughout the life cycle, and the development and role in society of folkways, mores, laws and customs. Prerequisite(s): 3 credits of SOC or ANT. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Fall 2017 |
SOC 267 - Sociology of SportsSociological exploration of the world of sports and related leisure activities, and how these domains reflect, reify, and change society, as well as how body image plays a role in sports and leisure, which in turn impacts perceptions of self and society. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Winter Session 2016 |
SOC 268 - Sociology of WorkStudy of the meaning of work for society and for the individual. Examines division of labor, career pattern, work influences on the other life areas, mobility, correlations of occupational rank, prestige, and the effects of work norms. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Spring 2014 |
SOC 288 - Economic SociologyExamination of the social positions of economic institutions and social factors that effect economic outcomes. Emphases on social and organizational contexts of economic life, social facets of market competition, the modern transition to finance capitalism, and the social side of monopolies and monopoloid arrangements. Attention is given to the international, social generation of poverty. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Spring 2017 |
SOC 298 - Special TopicsTopics vary. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Spring 2013 |
SOC 310 - Racial and Ethnic RelationsAnalysis of race and ethnicity with an emphasis on diversity and culture, intergroup conflict and competition. Prerequisite(s): SOC 100, plus 3 additional credits of SOC. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Fall 2017 |
SOC 312 - The African American ExperienceAnalysis of the lives of African Americans in the United States. Emphasis on patterns of interaction, social and economic stratification, areas of conflict, and participation in the institutional life of U.S. society. Prerequisite(s): SOC 100, plus 3 additional credits of SOC. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Fall 2015 |
SOC 315 - Sociology of GenderOverview of women’s and men’s roles in society. Sociological perspectives and data on gender role formation, interaction, conflict, and change across social institutions. Theoretical insights on gender from a wide range of perspectives. Prerequisite(s): SOC 100, plus 3 additional credits in SOC. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Spring 2017 |
SOC 316 - Women in the Developing WorldExplores the nature of the lives of women across the globe; their changing social, economic and political roles; the impact of development, revolutionary movements, and international feminism. Prerequisite(s): 3 credits in sociology or women’s studies. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Fall 2014 |
SOC 317 - Women of Color in the U.S.Exploration of major themes and issues in the history and contemporary lives of women of color in the United States, with an emphasis on culture, diversity, and adversity. Prerequisite(s): SOC 100, plus 3 additional credits of SOC. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Fall 2012 |
SOC 318 - Global Race RelationsExploration of race and ethnicity in the social, familial, political, and economic lives of groups in nations other than the U.S. Prerequisite(s): SOC 100, plus 3 additional credits of SOC. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Spring 2016 |
SOC 320 - Sociology of Children and ChildhoodExamination of the social position of children and childhood in contemporary American and global society with recognition that children are active participants in their world. Emphasis upon basic areas of family, education, child care, work, juvenile justice, and peer culture. Analysis of the intersection of childhood, gender, social class, race, and ability/disability. Methodological considerations of studying children will also be discussed. Prerequisite(s): SOC 100, plus 3 additional credits in SOC. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Spring 2017 |
SOC 322 - Sociology of the FamilySociological theory and data on the family as a major social institution. How social forces impact the roles, configurations, problems and needs of the family — and how family issues, in turn, influence the larger society, and both uphold and conflict with societal values. Includes emphasis on diversity along ethnic and lifestyle dimensions. Prerequisite(s): SOC 100, plus 3 additional credits of sociology. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Spring 2017 |
SOC 334 - Probation, Parole, PardonSentencing patterns and problems, social investigation, release organization, and administrative procedures, group process, and role modification. Prerequisite(s): SOC 100 or SOC 102. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Fall 2017 |
SOC 338 - Juvenile DelinquencyExamination of juvenile delinquency. Studies kinds of offenses, police reactions, detention, court decisions, probation, rehabilitation, theories of causation and methods of prevention. Prerequisite(s): SOC 100 or SOC 102. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Fall 2017 |
SOC 344 - Medical SociologyExamination of the influences of social factors such as race, class, and gender on health and illness of individuals and groups in society. Included are discussions about ethical issues in health care research and application of sociological theories, as well as the review of global health issues such as AIDS, and the structure and outcomes of different health care systems including the U.S. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Fall 2017 |
SOC 345 - Aging and the AgedThe social position of the aged in contemporary society. Emphasis upon basic areas of family, work and community and the role of formal and informal community institutions. Some type of community involvement by the student is required. Prerequisite(s): 3 credits of SOC, ANT, or PSY. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Fall 2015 |
SOC 350 - Drugs and SocietyThe use of various substances to change conscious experiences is woven into modern societies beliefs norms, and concerns about crime, deviance and public health. Paradoxically, societies that have high rates of illicit drug use also have the most visible anti-drug policies as exemplified by the US War on Drugs. This course examines drug use as a phenomenon and how perceptions of drug use shape policy. Prerequisite(s): SOC 100 or SOC 102. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Summer 2017 |
SOC 360 - Social ChangeExamination of a range of theoretical and practical issues about the change of American institutions. Student participation and topics of current concern are emphasized. Prerequisite(s): 6 credits in SOC. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Fall 2012 |
SOC 361 - Urban SociologyThe growth of cities, their physical and demographic characteristics, planning and redevelopment, and particularly the behavior patterns and social relationships of modern urban living are considered. Prerequisite(s): SOC 100, plus 3 additional credits in SOC. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Fall 2017 |
SOC 362 - CriminologyAnalysis of the formulation of criminal law, major types of crime, theories of criminal behavior, social organization of law enforcement, the courts, and the prisons. Theoretical emphasis on social construction of crime. Prequisite(s): SOC 100 or SOC 102 or ANT 252. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Fall 2017 |
SOC 363 - Social Inequality in the U.S.Explores social stratification in the U.S., including social class as well as aspects of race, ethnicity, and gender, along with its causes and consequences. Prerequisite(s): SOC 100, plus 3 additional credits of SOC. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Spring 2017 |
SOC 366 - PenologyAnalysis of the definition and punishment of the offender in relation to social structure and historical context; the rise of the prison and possible alternatives to current methods of incarceration. Prerequisite(s): SOC 100 or SOC 102. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Fall 2017 |
SOC 367 - Criminal Justice and Social InequalityExamination of social stratification in the application of law enforcement, judicial process, and correctional agencies and the impact of these processes on marginalized groups. Prequisite(s): SOC 100 or SOC 102. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Spring 2017 |
SOC 368 - Sociology of LawThe relationship of law, society, and the individual. The origin, evolution, and function of law. The legal profession, criminal justice system, and social change. Prerequisite(s): SOC 100 or SOC 102. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Fall 2017 |
SOC 394 - Civic Engagement and Service LearningExperiential learning opportunity that connects students at the university to service opportunities in the community. Provides an opportunity to engage in a project-based service project at an organization or non-profit agency in the community. Prerequisite(s): 6 credits in SOC. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Fall 2014 |
SOC 398 - Special TopicsTopics vary. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Fall 2017 |
SOC 404 - Gender and the LawSurvey course for the non-law student. Basic overview of the American legal system with emphasis on 19th and 20th century case law affecting women, including constitutional protections for equity, Title VII (including sexual harassment and comparable worth) and Title IX (including Educational and Sports equivalents). Prerequisite(s): 300 level course in HIS, PSC, SOC, or WMS. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Fall 2013 |
SOC 415 - Contemporary Feminist TheoriesSeminar on recent feminist thought, including sexual rationalism, socialist and radical feminism, and analysis of the patriarchal state. Relationship to other sociological, psychological, and political thinking. Prerequisite(s): HIS 213 or PSC 320 or SOC 215. 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Spring 2013 |
SOC 440 - Quantitative Analysis of Social Science DataThe application of statistical methods applied to problem situations typical of the social and behavioral sciences. Emphasis is placed upon the statistical analysis of problem situations and interpretation of statistics using the computer to perform standard statistical routines. Prerequisite(s): SOC 255 (formerly SOC 370). 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Spring 2016 |
SOC 473 - Qualitative Research MethodsFundamental techniques and principles of qualitative research. Strategies for observation and interviewing, analytic induction, analysis of material culture, and ethics in social research. Students will complete an ethnographic study. Prerequisite(s): SOC 255 (formerly SOC 370). 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Spring 2017 |
SOC 480 - Applied ContemporaryTheorySociological theories from the mid-20th century to the present, their fundamental principles, and their contributions to the field. An emphasis on applying theory to social issues. Prerequisite(s): SOC 260 (formerly 380). 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Spring 2017 |
SOC 490 - Seminar in SociologySelected problems in sociology in which theory and research are integrated. Seminar presentation and a research paper are required. Prerequisite(s): 18 credits of SOC including SOC 255 (formerly SOC 370) SOC 260 (formerly 380). 3 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Fall 2017 |
SOC 497 - Sociology InternshipThe internship is a basis for performing sociological research. Work assignment to a governmental or private agency and a related research project explicitly grounded in sociology. Joint supervision by agency representative and departmental faculty. Prerequisite(s): Departmental permission, plus SOC 255 (formerly SOC 370) and SOC 260 (formerly 380). 3 to 6 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Summer 2017 |
SOC 499 - Independent StudyPrerequisite(s): Departmental permission. 1 to 6 credit(s). Last Term Offered: Summer 2015 |