SOCI 1100 Introduction to Sociology    3 Credits

This introduction to sociology provides students with a sense of sociology's orientation; its particular way of looking at human behavior in the context of people's interaction with each other. The course emphasizes the kinds of questions sociology asks, the methods it uses to search for answers, and how it applies the answers to problems of people's everyday lives and issues of social policy. Previously SO 0011.

SOCI 1110 American Society    3 Credits

Attributes: ASGW American Studies: Gateway, ASSO American Studies: Sociology, UDIV U.S. Diversity

This course analyzes the dominant ideology and values that have shaped American culture, namely the Protestant ethic, and how and why these values are changing. The course also analyzes major institutional trends that have transformed and continue to transform America and the modern world: bureaucratization, industrialization, urbanization, the rise of the business corporation, science, and technology, and the effects of these institutions in producing new personality types, mass society, and rapid social change. The course provides a macro-sociological framework. Previously SO 0112.

SOCI 1115 Sociology of the Family    3 Credits

Attributes: ASSO American Studies: Sociology, WSGC Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies: Gender Component

The family is a basic social institution of all societies. This course, which examines family systems as they exist in other cultures and in times past, focuses on understanding the contemporary American family system. Students consider American patterns of dating, mate selection, sexual behavior, marriage, parenting, and aging, as well as alternative life styles and family instability. Previously SO 0142.

SOCI 1120 Sociology of Sexuality    3 Credits

Attributes: ASSO American Studies: Sociology, WSGF Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies: Gender Focused

This course explores the social construction of human sexual behavior, examining the influence of social institutions on sexuality, social responses to variations in behaviors, and the organization of sexual identities. Previously SO 0144.

SOCI 1125 Sociology of Religion    3 Credits

Attributes: ASSO American Studies: Sociology, UDIV U.S. Diversity

This course offers a combined theoretical and empirical treatment of the sociology of religion, the character of religious institutions, the relations of religious institutions with other institutions in society, and the internal social structure of religious institutions. It gives particular attention to the process of secularization in the modern world and the crisis this poses for traditional religion. Previously SO 0151.

SOCI 1130 Feminism, Gender, and Everyday Life    3 Credits

Attributes: ASGW American Studies: Gateway, ASSO American Studies: Sociology, DEIE Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Elective, PJST Peace and Justice Studies, WSGF Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies: Gender Focused

This course provides an introduction to the study of gender through a feminist lens. The central themes of the course are the changes and continuities of gender roles within the United States, the social processes that influence our gender identities, and the connections between gender, power, and inequality. The course addresses the ways in which the media, popular culture, work, and schools have been pivotal sites for the creation and maintenance of gender performances, and explores sites of resistance in art and activism. The course pays special attention to the ways in which race, class, and sexualities intersect processes of gender relations and social change. Previously SO 0166.

SOCI 1135 Race, Gender, and Ethnic Relations    3 Credits

Attributes: ASGW American Studies: Gateway, ASSO American Studies: Sociology, BSFC Black Studies Focus Course, BSSS Black Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences, DEIE Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Elective, EDCG Educational Studies Cognate, EDDV Educational Studies Diversity, PJST Peace and Justice Studies, SPEL Sports Media Elective, UDIV U.S. Diversity, WSGC Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies: Gender Component

This course analyses sociological and social psychological dimensions of race relations, ethnic interaction, and the changing role and status of women. It focuses on the American scene but also examines problems of women and minorities in other parts of the world and their importance for world politics. It also considers what sociologists and social psychologists have learned about improving dominant/minority relations. Previously SO 0162.

SOCI 1140 Urban/Suburban Sociology: NYC    3 Credits

Attributes: ASSO American Studies: Sociology, BSCC Black Studies Component Course, BSSS Black Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences, PACG Public Administration City Government

This course explores the nature of the city and growth of metropolitan regions in the contemporary world; the ecological approach and the use of demographic data in the analysis of modern urban communities; social organization of metropolitan regions and the emergence of urban-suburban conflict; big-city politics, community control, and regional government as dimensions of organization and disorganization in city life; and city planning and urban development at local and national levels as efforts to solve the urban crisis. Previously SO 0163.

SOCI 1145 Globalization    3 Credits

Attributes: ASSO American Studies: Sociology, INEL International Studies / International Business Elective

The single most powerful force transforming the world in which we live is the accelerating process of globalization. Information from the Internet, ideas, technology, products, services (and even people, the slowest to move) are all moving within and across national boundaries every hour of every day. As Joseph Stiglitz, former chief economist for the World Bank, puts it, "Globalization is like a giant wave that can either capsize nations or carry them forward on its crest." The goal of this course is to begin to understand the complex causes and effects of globalization. What's driving it and what kind of future is it likely to bring? Previously SO 0190.

SOCI 1150 Introduction to International Migration    3 Credits

Attributes: BSCC Black Studies Component Course, BSSS Black Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences, DEIE Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Elective, EDCG Educational Studies Cognate, HACA Humanitarian Action Minor Context Course, INEL International Studies / International Business Elective, LCEL LACS Minor: Elective, WDIV World Diversity

This course examines the causes, processes, and concerns of international migration, which are explored through the use of case studies that include a wide range of countries from different world regions. These case studies include international migrants, such as refugees, labor migrants, and undocumented migrants. In addition to studying the migrants and the reasons for their international movement, participants have the opportunity to discuss opposing perspectives on the immigration policies of developed countries. Previously SO 0185.

SOCI 1155 Sociology of Europe    3 Credits

Attributes: INEL International Studies / International Business Elective, MSID Magis Core: Interdisciplinary

This course introduces the basic political, economic, and sociological elements of contemporary Europe. It begins with an overview of historical events that have shaped the region. While examining the region as a whole, this course also emphasizes the political, socioeconomic and more recent cultural diversity that characterizes the European continent. Topics include political developments and regional integration such as the creation of the European Union, geopolitical dilemmas, popular culture, migration, social change, public policies, inequality, and secularization. A comparative macro-sociological framework will be used to discuss differences and similarities with contemporary American society. Previously SO 0189.

SOCI 1160 Contemporary Latin American and Caribbean Society    3 Credits

Attributes: INEL International Studies / International Business Elective, LCEL LACS Minor: Elective

This course introduces the basic political, economic, and sociological elements of contemporary Latin America and the Caribbean. It begins with an overview of the historical events that have shaped the region. While examining the region as a whole, this course also emphasizes the political, economic, and cultural diversity that characterizes Latin America and the Caribbean. Drawing from several disciplines, while emphasizing sociological approaches, this course explains some of the positive, as well as the more dubious events in contemporary Latin American and Caribbean society. Topics include popular culture, migration, political change, regional integration, urbanization, gender, and inequality, among others. Case studies will be selected for more detailed discussion based on current events. Previously SO 0188.

SOCI 1165 Social Change in Developing Nations    3 Credits

Attributes: INEL International Studies / International Business Elective, LCEL LACS Minor: Elective, WDIV World Diversity

This course examines the major societal changes occurring in developing countries, seeking answers to two basic questions: To what extent are the current modernization efforts of Third World nations comparable to the earlier experience of the United States and Western Europe? How do existing inequalities and dependencies between developed countries and Third World nations affect their chances of modernizing? Students complete a semester-long web-based study of a particular country. Previously SO 0191.

SOCI 1900 Special Topics (Shell)    3 Credits

Special topics in sociology provide an opportunity for students and faculty to explore compelling themes that are not covered in the department's regular course rotation and curriculum. Previously SO 0195.

SOCI 2100 American Class Structure    3 Credits

Attributes: ASGW American Studies: Gateway, ASSO American Studies: Sociology, EDCG Educational Studies Cognate, EDDV Educational Studies Diversity, PJST Peace and Justice Studies, UDIV U.S. Diversity

This course examines the roots and structure of class in the United States and the consequences of this hierarchical arrangement on everyday life. It focuses primarily on social class; however, the dynamics and consequences of social class cannot be fully understood without addressing the complex interconnections between class, race, and gender. Graduate equivalent: SOCI 5100. Previously SO 0161.

SOCI 2110 Race, Cities, and Poverty    3 Credits

Attributes: ASSO American Studies: Sociology, BSFC Black Studies Focus Course, BSSS Black Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences, DEIE Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Elective, EDCG Educational Studies Cognate, PACG Public Administration City Government, PJST Peace and Justice Studies, UDIV U.S. Diversity

The geography of cities is in constant flux. People move in and out, businesses open and close, city government institutes social policy in response to existing changes in different communities. Many of the changes in cities have been influenced by racial-ethnic and economic dynamics. In this course we will examine the ways race has shaped our perceptions of and responses to community. Why are urban areas "racialized"? Why does talk of the underclass imply Black Americans and Latinos? We will focus primarily on Black Americans, but will also consider white ethnic groups and other ethnic groups in discussion. In our examinations we will focus on case studies of urbanization and race such as post-Katrina New Orleans, southern migration to Chicago, and Bridgeport. Graduate equivalent: SOCI 5110. Previously SO 0165.

SOCI 2115 Women: Work and Sport    3 Credits

Attributes: ASSO American Studies: Sociology, PJST Peace and Justice Studies, SPEL Sports Media Elective, UDIV U.S. Diversity, WSGF Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies: Gender Focused

Sex and gender stratification exists in most areas of everyday life throughout American society. This course concentrates on women in the workplace and in sport. It analyzes women's occupational status and the accompanying roles from the colonial period to the present from a variety of theoretical perspectives. Since sport is a microcosm of society, the course treats the perceptions and experiences of female athletes in 20th-century America as a mirror of the inequality within the larger world. Previously SO 0169.

SOCI 2120 Population: Birth, Death, and Migration    3 Credits

Attributes: HSSS Health Studies: Social Science, WDIV World Diversity

Demography, the study of population, is the basis of this course. It examines the causes and consequences of population change. The course addresses global population problems and those faced by the United States. Students analyze real demographic data during weekly demographic techniques sessions. Previously SO 0184.

SOCI 2125 Digital Sociology    3 Credits

Since the turn of the 21st century, human societies around the world have increasingly integrated digital technologies. In many ways, from how we date to how we discuss politics, our lives have become digitally mediated. We understand ourselves, each other, and the institutions we interact with through this mediation, resulting in changes to existing patterns and the creation of new ones. In this course, we will study some of these changes, focusing on the political economy, information flows and social movements, placing them in the context of power, inequality and technology.

SOCI 2130 Role of Money and Accounting in Society    3 Credits

This course will focus on social, economic, and political issues of importance related to the role of money and finance in the world and the US in particular, identify and explain major national social changes and their impact on the role of money and finance, and provide students with an interdisciplinary framework to the subject matter, balancing theoretical sociological perspectives with practical examples and best practices implemented by accountants. Knowledge about money and finance will be linked to contemporary social problems in order to obtain a broader understanding of the multiple causes and effects of long-term inequality. Crosslisted with ACCT 2250.

SOCI 2135 Race in the Americas    3 Credits

Attributes: BSFC Black Studies Focus Course, BSHI Black Studies: History, BSSS Black Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences, DEIE Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Elective, H_AF History After 1750, H_NW Non-Western History, H_US U.S. History, LCEL LACS Minor: Elective

Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.

This team-taught course explores the construction of race throughout the Americas. Course readings and assignments focus on Brazil, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Cuba, and Puerto Rico, among others. These places are emphasized as sharing overlapping concerns with the US, based on geography, common histories, and patterns of migration. We use an interdisciplinary approach integrating theory and research methods from history, sociology, politics, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, and Black Studies. We explore essential questions related to difference that all human societies have encountered over time. We deepen our understanding of why we categorize people, how we label them, and who decides. Crosslisted with HIST 2235.

SOCI 2200 Criminology    3 Credits

Attributes: ASSO American Studies: Sociology, PACJ Public Administration Criminal Justice

This course examines crime rates and crime trends in the U.S. Theories of criminal behavior are critically analyzed. It also explores victimless crime, white collar crime, and organized crime. Societal responses to crime and criminals are addressed. Previously SO 0171.

SOCI 2210 Sociology of Law    3 Credits

Attributes: ASSO American Studies: Sociology, PACJ Public Administration Criminal Justice

Based in the relationship of law and society, this course explores the meaning of law, civil disobedience, and other challenges, and law as an agent of social change. It takes as its major theme legal equality versus social inequality and analyzes this theme in terms of discrimination against the poor, women, and various racial groups. Students discuss the role of lawyers, the police, and the courts in American society in the second half of the semester. Previously SO 0175.

SOCI 2215 Death Penalty in America    3 Credits

Attributes: ASSO American Studies: Sociology, DEIE Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Elective, PACJ Public Administration Criminal Justice, PJST Peace and Justice Studies

This course is an in-depth analysis of capital punishment. The history of the death penalty and its contemporary status in the U.S. is explored. Public opinion and the decisions of the courts, prosecutors, and juries are addressed. Some of the questions raised include the following: Is the death penalty a deterrent? Is it racially biased? Does it victimize the poor? Are the innocent ever convicted and executed? What sociological factors influence clemency decisions? How is the U.S. position on the death penalty perceived by the international community? Previously SO 0179.

SOCI 2220 Criminal Justice System Seminar    3 Credits

Attributes: ASSO American Studies: Sociology, ASUP American Studies Upper Level, PACJ Public Administration Criminal Justice, PJST Peace and Justice Studies

This seminar explores in detail the workings and problems of the criminal justice system in the United States. In addition to investigating the sources of criminal behavior, the course focuses on the arraignment process, probation, the trial, sentencing, prison reform, and parole. Previously SO 0279.

SOCI 2300 Sociology of Education    3 Credits

Attributes: BSFC Black Studies Focus Course, BSSS Black Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences, DEIE Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Elective, EDCG Educational Studies Cognate, EDDV Educational Studies Diversity, UDIV U.S. Diversity

This course introduces students to sociological perspectives on education. We will focus on the structure, practices, content, and outcomes of schooling in contemporary society. Throughout the semester, we address three fundamental questions. What are the primary goals of American education? Why are there systematic patterns of race, class, and gender inequality in education? How can we use the sociological lens to understand, contextualize, and alleviate educational problems in the real world? Drawing upon readings dealing primarily with American education, we discuss how educational experiences influence important life outcomes including lifetime earnings, health status, and interaction with the criminal justice system. Graduate equivalent: SOCI 5300. Previously SO 0194.

SOCI 2400 Social Work: An Introduction    3 Credits

Attributes: HSSS Health Studies: Social Science

This overview of the social work profession emphasizes the knowledge base, theories, values, and skills that underlie generalist social work practice with individuals, groups, families, and communities. Students consider a range of social problems and social policy concerns as well as the impact of these issues on diverse client populations. The course also conducts a related exploration of the role of the social worker in agency settings and the various fields of practice. Crosslisted with SWRK 2400. Previously SO 0192.

SOCI 2410 History of Social Welfare    3 Credits

Attributes: ASSO American Studies: Sociology, HSSS Health Studies: Social Science, PJST Peace and Justice Studies

Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.

The course explores the development of the social work profession within the context of the evolution of social welfare in the United States, emphasizing the political, economic, social, and philosophical forces that have forged social welfare policy and helped shape the social work profession. Exploration of the importance of divisions in American society regarding social justice and issues of class, race, ethnicity, and gender provide a framework through which to view current controversies such as welfare reform and the feminization of poverty. Crosslisted with SWRK 2410. Previously SO 0193.

SOCI 3600 Methods of Research Design    4 Credits

Attributes: ASSO American Studies: Sociology, EVAP Environmental Studies: Applied Professional Skills , PAPS Public Administration Research Methods/Data Analysis

This course examines the nature and function of scientific methods as applied to the field of sociology, emphasizing survey research design and secondary analysis of existing data. Student teams design and conduct research projects as part of the course assignments. Previously SO 0222.

SOCI 3610 Statistics: Social and Political Data Analysis    4 Credits

Attributes: EVAP Environmental Studies: Applied Professional Skills , PAPS Public Administration Research Methods/Data Analysis

This course provides a basic introduction to the role of statistical analysis in understanding social and political data, with an emphasis on actual data analysis using the University's computer facilities. It uses an extensive social and political data archive including 2000 Census data, political polls, and national survey data for computer analysis. Previously SO 0221.

SOCI 3700 Classical Social Theory    3 Credits

This course in sociological theory concentrates on the writings of Smith, Marx, Durkheim, and Weber, placing their theories in the context of the social, economic, political, and intellectual turmoil of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The course includes a focus on the development of sociology as a discipline in the early 20th century and the enduring concerns of the perspective to analyze "modern" industrialized societies. Previously SO 0228.

SOCI 3710 Contemporary Social Theory    3 Credits

This course focuses on contemporary American and European sociology and its development after 1945, examining critical social theory, structural functionalism, symbolic interactionism, ethnomethodology, feminism, world systems theory and post modernism. Contemporary application is a central concern in the course. Previously SO 0229.

SOCI 4980 Field Work Placement    3 Credits

In this one- or two-semester internship program, students are placed in professional and service settings where they work under supervision and acquire experience in the area chosen for placement. In addition, they integrate their experiences with the intellectual foundation acquired in their academic courses. Open to senior majors only. Previously SO 0397-0398.

SOCI 4990 Independent Study    1-3 Credits

Upon the request and by agreement of an individual professor in the department, students undertake a one-semester independent study on a defined research topic or field. Previously SO 0399.

SOCI 5100 American Class Structure    3 Credits

This course focuses on the sequences of life as a result of hierarchical arrangements and stratification based on class, race, and gender. Although the primary emphasis of this course is on social class, its starting point is that the dynamics and consequences of social class cannot be fully understood without a serious and detailed analysis of race and gender as well as its complex interactions. Undergraduate equivalent: SOCI 2100. Previously SO 0461.

SOCI 5110 Race, Cities, and Poverty    3 Credits

This course introduces students to the sociology of race and ethnicity, urban sociology, and the sociological study of inequality with a focus on American cities and the diversity of racial groups, ethnic backgrounds, class backgrounds, countries of origin, cultures, religions, and political philosophies. The unique challenges and opportunities that face urban residents as well as causes and consequences of urban poverty with case studies of Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Detroit, Hartford, New York, and Chicago will be discussed. Undergraduate equivalent: SOCI 2110. Previously SO 0465.

SOCI 5300 Sociology of Education    3 Credits

This course introduces students to sociological perspectives on education. We will focus on the structure, practices, content, and outcomes of schooling in contemporary society. Drawing upon readings dealing primarily with American education, we discuss how educational experiences influence important life outcomes including lifetime earnings, health status, and interaction with the criminal justice system. Undergraduate equivalent: SOCI 2300. Previously SO 0494.