Sociology and Criminology (SOC)

SOC 101. Introduction to Sociology. 3 Credit Hours.

The scientific study of society and several sociological concepts, including, but not limited to: social theory, social research, social economy, social interaction, social class, social construction, gender stratification, race and ethnicity, family, and deviance. This course will help students to examine the social world around them using the sociological imagination. Students will learn how to connect research to concepts, deepening their understanding of the social world and social phenomena and develop critical thinking skills.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer.

SOC 103. Social Problems. 3 Credit Hours.

Sociological theories and methods will be used to interpret data, evaluate social policies, and analyze the manner in which ideologies perceive and frame problems. This course will develop critical thinking skills necessary to assess social problems, as well as the ability to recognize, exercise, and develop one's agency to address these issues.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 210. Introduction to Social Research. 3 Credit Hours.

This course provides students with an overview of the social science research process and introduces them to the various methodological strategies used by social scientists. The various steps by which research is conducted will be examined such as study design and implementation, data collection and interpretation of findings. Students will also be able to critique the strengths and limitations of difference research methodologies.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer.

SOC 211. Quantitative Methods for Sociologists. 3 Credit Hours.

This course is designed to introduce students to descriptive and inferential statistics used in sociology, criminology, and other social sciences. We will cover measures of central tendency and variation, probability distributions, hypothesis testing, and bivariate techniques such as correlation and an introduction to regression.
Prerequisite: SOC 101, 210. Corequisite: 212.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

SOC 212. Quantitative Methods Lab. 1 Credit Hour.

Statistical lab associated with SOC 211 introduces the use of computer statistical packages for analyzing quantitative data.
Prerequisite: SOC 101 and (SOC 210 or GEG 305) And Corequisite: SOC 211.
Components: LAB.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

SOC 221. An Introduction to Disability Studies. 3 Credit Hours.

In this introduction to disability studies, we will come at the topic from a sociological standpoint, while incorporating some interdisciplinary and cross-cultural work. We will cover a number of topics, including: the social construction of impairment and disability in social and built environments; the history of disability; the experience of disability; stigma associated with disability; disability studies and critical race theory; power and politics and more. Finally, we will examine various theoretical approaches to understanding disability.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

SOC 270. Deviant Behavior. 3 Credit Hours.

An introduction to the study of deviant behaviors. We will examine the ways in which deviance is constructed and defined. Major sociological perspectives and theories will be applied in order to understand how they aid in the formation and development of social deviance. In addition, various forms of deviant behaviors will be discussed, including: drug use, sexual deviance, violence, suicide, LGBT issues, inequality and crime. The role of social control will also be examined in terms of how it impacts the way in which deviance is understood in society.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 271. Criminal Justice. 3 Credit Hours.

Provide students with both an introduction to the basics of the criminal justice system and a critical approach to contemporary issues in the field. We will focus on the nature of crime and how it is measured; issues in policing and law enforcement; the judicial system and legal process; sentencing; corrections; and prison life. Throughout the course we will focus on current controversies and debates, including such issues as the war on drugs, racism in the criminal justice system, violent crime rates, and incarceration rates.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer.

SOC 291. Special Topics. 3 Credit Hours.

Content will vary by semester.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

SOC 292. Special Topics. 3 Credit Hours.

This course is designed to address a specific topic which will vary by semester.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 293. Special Topics. 3 Credit Hours.

This course is designed to address a specific topic which will vary by semester.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 301. Social Organization. 3 Credit Hours.

The focus of this course is formal organizations, with an emphasis on the workplace. The topics that are discussed include theories of work, organizational paradigms, bureaucracy, impact of technology, unionization, and the new workplace. The fundamental theme is how organizational style influences productivity.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

SOC 302. Social Psychology: Sociological Perspective. 3 Credit Hours.

The influence of human groups, social processes, and social structures on behavior and self, with some attention devoted to the effect of social interaction on groups, processes, and structures. Topics of study include the development of the self, the process of social interaction, the significance of language, and the social construction of reality.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer.

SOC 303. Social Inequalities. 3 Credit Hours.

An overview of the sociological approach to the analysis of structured socioeconomic inequality (a.k.a. "social stratification") in contemporary American society. In this regard, emphases are placed on identifying trends, causes, and consequences of the distribution of a wide range of material (e.g. income, wealth) and symbolic (status, prestige) rewards in American society.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer.

SOC 304. Dynamics of Poverty in the United States. 3 Credit Hours.

Examines trends in the incidence and causes of major types of poverty among the urban underclass, the homeless, migrant laborers, the working poor. Also explores policy-related solutions.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

SOC 305. Globalization and Society. 3 Credit Hours.

Concepts and theories that are currently in use to understand globalization both as a process and as a structure: social aspects and narratives of globalization, and theoretical sociological models as scaffolding for understanding many of the disparate characteristics of globalization. Globalization as it spans disciplinary division and its understanding: the emergence of novel economic forms and practices as a pivotal driving force for globalization. Human migrations and their consequences on cultural identity and diffusion, and the role of the technology in the creation and consolidation the global world. New and complex structures of socioeconomic inequality at national and at transnational levels, the disproportionately important roles that women play in these new structures of inequality, and the social forces and movements that have emerged to resist globalization or to alter it in important ways.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

SOC 306. Wealth and Poverty in Contemporary America. 3 Credit Hours.

The causes and consequences of rapidly changing patterns of concentration of socioeconomic resources, such as wealth and income in America. This changing concentration is associated with the proliferation of impoverishment and privilege in America. Analyzes macro-economic changes, demographic shifts, technological advances, and evolving ideological postures as sources of these trends.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

SOC 320. Social Epidemiology: Illness and Death in Society. 3 Credit Hours.

Social epidemiology and the sociological study of health and longevity. Specifically, this course examines the ways in which key sociological variables structure, shape, or patterns the health and longevity of the US population. This course covers several variables of sociological interest, including socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, sex/gender, age, family status, and religion.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

SOC 321. Applied Health Policy. 3 Credit Hours.

The role of public and private institutions in health promotion, health care delivery, and health insurance. We will explore the theoretical and practical reasons for intervention in health-related decisions and health care markets, the related empirical evidence, and the effects of these interventions on health outcomes and social welfare. Students will understand how and why government and society in general attempts to influence health-related behaviors and health insurance markets, and the resulting effects on individuals' choices, expenditures, health outcomes, and overall quality of life.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

SOC 332. Collective Behavior. 3 Credit Hours.

Classical theories, issues, and research on fads, fashions, riots, crowd behavior, social movements and other forms of collective behavior.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 335. LGBTQ Communities. 3 Credit Hours.

Gender, race, age and class differences in the experiences of gays and lesbians. A life-span perspective guides the course after the presentation of some background of biological, psychological, and sociological theories pertaining to homosexuality.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer.

SOC 340. Sociology of Religion. 3 Credit Hours.

Social foundations of religion, growth and change within religious institutions and relationships of religion to other institutions.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 341. Social and Cultural Change. 3 Credit Hours.

Survey of major theories of change; analysis of the processes and mechanisms of change. Contemporary transitions in the underdeveloped regions of the world.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 342. Contemporary Latin American Societies. 3 Credit Hours.

Social characteristics of Latin American societies and their comparison with North American society.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 345. Population and Society. 3 Credit Hours.

Demographic analysis of fertility, mortality, sex-age structure, migration, urbanization and population control.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 350. Sociology of the Family. 3 Credit Hours.

A critical investigation of the family while applying sociological theories, perspectives, and concepts, based on current research in the field. As the family is an important institution in social life, and one in which have all experienced in some way, we will see that there is not "one" particular way of experiencing this institution. The various definitions and versions of the family will be addressed historically, with an emphasis on how they are shaped by public perception. In addition, more recent trends in family life will be addressed, including cohabitation, marriage, divorce, parenthood, family policy, family structure, and marginalized family types.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 351. Business and Society. 3 Credit Hours.

The influence of business objectives, values, and ethics on American culture, moral standards, and societal institutions. A careful analysis of the choices made by individuals, companies, and governments will demonstrate that sensible "choice architecture" can successfully nudge people toward better decisions without restricting their freedom of choice. Specific topics include: corporate social responsibility; ethical issues in business; business and government in a global society; business and public policy: the corporation and the natural environment; business and technological change; and business relationships with consumers and employees.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 352. Sport and Society. 3 Credit Hours.

The status position and role of sport in society. Our primary focus will be upon delineating and analyzing sport as a major social institution in American society. Thus our perspective will be that of the sociologist (i.e., critical more in analysis than in judgement) rather than that of a sports journalist or sports fan. We shall examine both amateur and professional sports in terms of their interlocking relationships with each other and with other major social institutions (e.g., education, economics, and politics) as well as their significance for promoting and maintaining cultural values such as competition, fair play, teamwork, gender roles, and the like. The objective is to provide students with critical assessment and analytical skills for examining and understanding the impact of sports on both individuals and society.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

SOC 359. The Sociology of Human Sexuality. 3 Credit Hours.

A socio-historical survey of sexual ideologies, attitudes and behavior in human societies, with emphasis on social and biological factors.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 365. Internship. 3 Credit Hours.

Exposure to and insight into the operations of community non-profit or government based social service agencies. The course involves prearranged study and supervised work in a variety of organizations and institutions, affording students the opportunity to use their sociological imagination while providing a "hands-on" sociological experience in the local community.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: DIS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

SOC 368. Violence in America. 3 Credit Hours.

Issues relevant to the study of violence in the United States will be covered. While the emphasis throughout will be on street violence (i.e., homicide, robbery, rape, and aggravated assault), other forms (e.g., corporate violence, intimate partner violence) will also be covered. In particular, we will: Examine violence in historical, international, and situational contexts, examine the major explanations of violence, and examine the factors associated with violent crime. We will also consider how we seek to control violence in the U.S.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

SOC 369. Crime and Public Policy. 3 Credit Hours.

The dimensions and causes of the crime problem in America, and the uses and limits of the criminal justice system in dealing with it. We will examine the enormous expansion of the American prison system in recent years, and ask how much it has affected the crime rate. Additionally, we will consider a variety of possible strategies for preventing or controlling so-called "street" crime
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

SOC 370. Juvenile Delinquency. 3 Credit Hours.

Application of sociological perspectives and concepts to examine juvenile delinquency and the juvenile justice system. The course takes into account the various social factors that shape juvenile delinquency and its control, such as race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, and sexuality. In addition, students will take a critical view of the policies developed to control such behavior.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

SOC 371. Criminology. 3 Credit Hours.

The concepts of crime and criminal law, reviews several theoretical approaches to studying crime and criminal behavior, and focuses on several types of crime. In particular, it includes such topics as definitions of crime, sources of crime statistics, correlates and causes of crime, terrorism, genocide, corporate crime, and cybercrime.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

SOC 372. Criminology: Police and Community. 3 Credit Hours.

A study of policing in U.S. society. Interaction with groups and institutions. The overall objective of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the role of the police in American society. The source will focus on the sociological study of policing, not professional training to become a police officer. Students will gain a better understanding of the history of the police, their role in American society and in the American system of criminal justice. In addition, students will discuss and critique important issues and trends in modern policing
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Summer.

SOC 373. Criminology: Courts and Society. 3 Credit Hours.

The importance of the criminal courts and the impact that the criminal courts have on society. You will gain a realistic sense of what it is like to work in and be a part of the criminal justice system. The roles and responsibilities of the major courthouse players will be discussed. You will discover the challenging situations that judges must navigate as well as the difficulties that confront prosecutors and defense attorneys as they deal with victims, defendants and crushing caseloads.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

SOC 374. Criminology: Corrections. 3 Credit Hours.

Corrections in the U.S. society; philosophies of rehabilitation, punishment, and incapacitation.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

SOC 375. Sociology of Mental Health and Illness. 3 Credit Hours.

An introduction to sociological theories and research regarding the definition, experience, and treatment of mental illness.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

SOC 377. Sociology of Drug Abuse. 3 Credit Hours.

Application of sociological perspectives and concepts to examine drug use and abuse. The course examines the historical and theoretical understanding of the social causes and consequences of drug use, as well as the correlates of use and abuse. The course also takes a critical perspective of the policies developed to reduce the harms associated with drug use and abuse.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

SOC 378. Criminology: Law and Society. 3 Credit Hours.

How law, crime, and justice systems in the United States relate to social structure. The course covers two major themes: lawmaking (and how it relates to lawbreaking) and the justice system.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

SOC 380. Sociology of Gender. 3 Credit Hours.

The phenomenon of gender in society using sociological theory and research. Topics of focus include the social construction of gender, gender identity, and gender discrimination within various social institutions such as the family, the educational system, the media, the world of employment, and more.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

SOC 381. Aging in Society. 3 Credit Hours.

The aging processes, the aged and social institutions; special issues.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 382. The U.S. Jewish Community. 3 Credit Hours.

Application of minority group analysis to the U.S. Jewish community.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 383. Sociology of Education. 3 Credit Hours.

The examination and analysis of education as a major social institution. As such, this course assesses the structure, processes, and interaction patterns within the educational system. All levels (elementary, secondary, and postsecondary), and types (public and private) of education are considered. The course also examines the impact of education on social stratification, social mobility, and socioeconomic inequality, especially along race, gender, and class lines.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

SOC 384. Medical Sociology. 3 Credit Hours.

A brief early history, methods, theory and concepts of social science research on health and health care mainly from the last half of the previous century to the present. We will explore gender, race, class, age, social and cultural differences in the experiences of individuals as they deal with health and illness across the life course. The course will provide students with a sociological analysis of a broad array of health/illness issues and the health services industry.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

SOC 385. U.S. Latinos. 3 Credit Hours.

Sociological perspectives are employed in the examination of the historical, social, economic, and cultural experiences of Latino/as in the United States.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 386. U.S. Immigration. 3 Credit Hours.

The major sociological debates in the field of immigration with an emphasis on recent immigrants to the U.S.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

SOC 387. Race and Ethnic Relations. 3 Credit Hours.

The nature and dynamics of race and ethnic relations with particular emphasis on racial and ethnic groups in the United States. We examine basic concepts and major theories in the analysis of race and ethnic relations, racial and ethnic inequality, past and recent immigration experiences, and the historical and current status of specific racial and ethnic groups. Students will also be engaged in a variety of exercises designed to develop critical assessment and analytical skills for examining and understanding issues related to race and ethnicity.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

SOC 388. The Black Ghetto in Urban Society. 3 Credit Hours.

The origin and development of the concept of "ghetto" and application of this concept to both past and contemporary-views of black life in America. Students are introduced to the historical and social significance of the black ghetto in the context of the larger body of literature on the ghetto phenomenon. Emphasis is placed on gaining an understanding and developing critical insight into issues and prospects for the resolution of issues related to black ghettoization.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

SOC 389. The Black Athlete in White America. 3 Credit Hours.

The impact of racism on sport in the United States with a specific focus on the Black athlete. Drawing upon the literature on race and sport in America, the course takes a historical view of the social context in which black athletes have competed and excelled in their craft against tremendous odds both inside and outside of sport competition.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

SOC 390. Directed Studies. 1-3 Credit Hours.

Individually supervised readings or research on special topics offered by arrangement with instructor.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 391. Special Topics. 3 Credit Hours.

Content will vary by semester.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

SOC 401. Sociological Theory. 3 Credit Hours.

The work of theorists such as Comte, Durkheim, Marx, Weber, Parsons, and symbolic interactionists. The epistemology, methodology, and social ontology is each theory is discussed, along with the social context and chief concerns of each theorist.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

SOC 410. Social Research Practicum. 1-3 Credit Hours.

Each student will work directly with a designated faculty mentor to obtain general research training, data analysis techniques, and technical writing skills. AB part of the research practicum, students will work in collaboration with their faculty mentor to prepare a journal-length research manuscript and assemble related research materials to gain practical knowledge of the scientific research process. This one-on-one experience will also enhance students' training in sociology and provide them with useful analysis and writing skills when they enter the job market.
Prerequisites: SOC 101 and SOC 210 and SOC 211 and SOC 212.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer.

SOC 470. Theories of Deviant Behavior. 3 Credit Hours.

Various theories of causes of deviance/crime. It begins with an overview of the early classical and positivist foundations of criminological thought and then moves on to discussing more recent extensions of social disorganization, strain, control, social learning, and other contemporary theories of crime. It also covers the role of theory in scientific research, familiarizes with the foundations of current theoretical debates in criminology, and introduces the empirical research on the reviewed theories.
Prerequisite: SOC 101 and SOC 371.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer.

SOC 480. Health Disparities in the U.S.. 3 Credit Hours.

A comprehensive examination of U.S. health disparities based on a variety of social variables, including race and ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and the environment. In doing so, this course will draw on theoretical perspectives from multiple disciplines to examine the relationship between social factors and health outcomes. The most pressing U.S. health disparities will be discussed and put into a historical and global context in order to identify priorities for the elimination of health disparities. After exploding the known and suspected causes of disparities in health outcomes, attention will turn to an overview of the common multi-level strategies used to reduce health disparities. Students will go away with a broad-based understanding of current health disparities issues and the ability to critically examine these issues.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

SOC 487. Race, Ethnicity, and Criminal Justice. 3 Credit Hours.

An in-depth examination of the relationships involving race, ethnicity, immigration, crime, and the criminal justice system. We will consider why these are important issues to study, how and what we know about these relationships, and how we might explain them. We will direct attention to research on defining race and ethnicity, racial and ethnic variations in criminal victimization and offending, population distributions, policing, the court system and sentencing, corrections, and the death penalty. Our approach will primarily be sociological, although where appropriate we will draw from other disciplines (e.g., political science, history, etc.) as well.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

SOC 488. Gender and Crime. 3 Credit Hours.

Examination of gender, power, and crime, including feminist theories and the criminal justice system.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 490. Directed Studies in Sociology. 1-3 Credit Hours.

Supervised independent study on special topics. Arrangement with individual faculty.
Components: THI.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

SOC 491. Special Topics. 3 Credit Hours.

This upper level course is designed to address a specific topic which will vary by semester.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 492. Special Topics. 3 Credit Hours.

This upper level course is designed to address a specific topic which will vary by semester.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 493. Special Topics. 3 Credit Hours.

This upper level course is designed to address a specific topic which will vary by semester.
Prerequisite: SOC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 498. Senior Honors Thesis in Sociology or Criminology I. 3-6 Credit Hours.

Independent research project.
Prerequisites: SOC 101 and SOC 210 and SOC 211 and SOC 212.
Components: THI.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

SOC 499. Senior Honors Thesis in Sociology or Criminology II. 3-6 Credit Hours.

Independent research project.
Prerequisites: SOC 101 and SOC 210 and SOC 211 and SOC 212.
Components: THI.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

SOC 601. Classical Sociological Theory. 3 Credit Hours.

The focus of this course is the work of Comte, Durkheim, Marx, Weber, and Parsons, along with more recent perspectives such as symbolic interactionism, phenomenology, ethnomethodology, and critical theory.
Components: SEM.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 602. Contemporary Sociological Theory. 3 Credit Hours.

Recent developments in social theory, such as, for example, the work of Giddens, Habermas, Derrida, Bourdieu, Baudrillard, and Lyotard, along with important themes such as feminism, integration, the linguistic turn, habitus, (anti)foundationalism, and symbolic violence.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 603. Special Topic: Sociology of Knowledge-Science and Technology. 3 Credit Hours.

To address the debates over the nature of social science and technology. In addition to the theoretical disputes, the applications, critiques, and politics of scientific inquiry and technology use will be the focus of attention.
Requisite: Graduate Standing.
Components: SEM.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

SOC 604. Proseminar in Sociology. 1 Credit Hour.

Introduction to Sociology: the research process, departmental resources, and the graduate program.
Components: SEM.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

SOC 609. Social Statistics. 3 Credit Hours.

Probability theory, descriptive statistics and tests of independence.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 610. Advanced Research Methods. 3 Credit Hours.

Quantitative techniques for the measurement of theoretical constructs, the consequences of technique selection, and the relationships between method and underlying theory.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 611. Advanced Sociological Statistical Analysis I. 3 Credit Hours.

Multivariate analyses of quantitative data using statistical methods with a primary focus on ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis using normal and limited dependent variables. Additional topics may include logit, probit and other nonlinear models (e.g., categorical dependent variables, count dependent variables), path models, simultaneous equation models, and panel data models. Some topics may not be covered; others may be added at the discretion of the instructor.
Prerequisite: SOC 609 and SOC 610 and graduate student standing or permission of the instructor.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

SOC 612. Sociological Statistics II. 3 Credit Hours.

Advanced statistical analysis techniques covering topics such as hierarchical linear models (HLM), structural equation models (SEM), instrumental variables (IV), factor analysis, propensity score matching (PSM), and nonparametric methods. Some topics may not be covered and others may be added at the discretion of the instructor.
Components: SEM.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 613. Qualitative Research Methods. 3 Credit Hours.

In-depth introduction to qualitative, inductive methods, with emphases on grounded theory and action research. Focus on qualitative interviewing (including focus groups) and participant observation for the collection of data in naturalistic social settings, with simultaneous data analysis; qualitative methods in mixed-methods research introduced. Covers ties between methods and theory, additional basic methods used in qualitative research, and typical analytic approaches; touch on more esoteric methods; study current issues and debates relevant to this set of approaches to generating knowledge.
Components: SEM.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 614. Evaluation Research. 3 Credit Hours.

Conceptualizing, designing, conducting, and interpreting the results of evaluation research programs in health and human service agencies.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 615. Class Structure and Social Stratification. 3 Credit Hours.

Theoretical and research approaches to class structure and social stratification, with a focus on the U.S. Examines the conflict perspective(s) and major alternative views including economic class, status and power, gender and race.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 616. Social Psychology: Sociological Perspectives. 3 Credit Hours.

Theories and research addressing the mutual influence between social groups and structures, on the one hand, and individual selves and behaviors, on the other. Balance emphasis between symbolic interactionist and structural approaches, with attention to additional related, yet distinct theoretical perspectives.
Components: SEM.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 617. Social Organization. 3 Credit Hours.

Examines theories of organization and work, discrimination, technology and job design, bureaucracy, productivity and organizational culture, responsible organizations, and alienation.
Components: SEM.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 620. Social Epidemiology. 3 Credit Hours.

Theories, issues and methods of study pertinent to health and illness in society. Social factors implicated in patterns of disease occurrence.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 622. Teaching Seminar in Sociology. 3 Credit Hours.

Pedagogical techniques for teaching sociology at the college/university level.
Components: SEM.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

SOC 632. Social Psychology of Health and Illness. 3 Credit Hours.

Social and psychological factors affecting susceptibility to illness, health related beliefs and behaviors, the doctor-patient relationship, and health care systems and patient compliance.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 635. Medical Sociology: Issues in Research and Theory.. 3 Credit Hours.

Examination of health, illness, and health care from sociological perspectives. Includes social-structural, interpretive, and critical approaches, as various authors have used these to address specific issues. Phenomena to be examined range from macro (e.g. population patterns of mortality and morbidity, health care policy) to micro (e.g. the subjective experience of illness). Related theories and methodologies discussed. Focus varies somewhat by instructor and as issues emerge in the discipline.
Components: SEM.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 636. Health Diversity Across the Life Course. 3 Credit Hours.

Diversity in health across the life course from broad sociological and cross-disciplinary theoretical traditions. Key questions in medical sociology will be addressed to discover the impact of the life course processes on the health or vitality of diverse individuals and diverse populations, with a focus on inequality and the elements of time and history.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 650. Social Analysis of Race Relations. 3 Credit Hours.

The impact of race relations research on the discipline of sociology.
Components: SEM.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 651. Race Relations: Social Psychological Perspectives. 3 Credit Hours.

Social psychological perspectives on the nature, causes, and consequences of racial inequality in American society.
Components: SEM.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 652. Theories of Race and Ethnic Relations. 3 Credit Hours.

Micro- and macro-level theories of race and ethnic relations.
Components: DIS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 653. Race, Ideology, and Framing Inequality. 3 Credit Hours.

Examines the various ideologies that have emerged on the limited states to describe and, at times, resist racial inequality.
Components: LEC.
Grading: SUS.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 670. Theories in Criminology and Criminal Justice. 3 Credit Hours.

Review and critique of central criminological theories. Evaluation of these theories in view of recent criminological research.
Components: SEM.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 671. Seminar on Criminology. 3 Credit Hours.

Selected issues, topics, theories, and recent research in criminology.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 672. Research in Crime and Delinquency. 3 Credit Hours.

Measurement issues; effects of race, gender, age, and socio-economic status on criminality; extra-legal factors affecting criminal justice decision making.
Components: SEM.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 673. The Criminal Justice System. 3 Credit Hours.

Introduction to the U.S. criminal justice system. Topics include historical and current concepts of criminal justice, the interrelationships among the different components of the system, and the roles and functions of the system in American society. The four major areas covered include philosophies of punishment, policing, courts, and corrections.
Requisite: Graduate Standing.
Components: SEM.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

SOC 674. Seminar on Policing. 3 Credit Hours.

The role of the police in American society. The focus is on the sociological study of policing: the analysis and evaluation of research. Topics include the history of the police, their role in American society and in the American system of criminal justice. In addition, drawing upon current research studies, discussion and critique of important issues and trends in modem policing.
Requisite: Graduate Standing.
Components: SEM.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Summer.

SOC 675. Courts, Corrections and Punishment. 3 Credit Hours.

A broad overview of criminal court systems, sentencing, and corrections. Sociological, criminological, and sociolegal perspectives are drawn upon to blend both theoretical and policy perspectives in order to examine these systems critically. Particular attention will be given to the topics of racial, gender, and class disparities in criminal justice punishment. The course is organized around these themes: 1) theories of punishment and social control; 2) court organizations, actors, and sentencing 3) incarceration, and 4) other correctional populations, including probation and parole
Requisite: Graduate Standing.
Components: SEM.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

SOC 676. Seminar on Juvenile Delinquency. 3 Credit Hours.

The overall objective is to provide students with an understanding of the current research and knowledge on juvenile delinquency. Topics include the nature and extent of delinquency, the social causes of juvenile delinquency, and assess research concerning social factors leading to delinquency. In addition, students will study current thinking and research concerning the control and prevention of delinquency.
Requisite: Graduate Standing.
Components: SEM.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

SOC 677. Criminology and Public Policy. 3 Credit Hours.

Various issues in crime and criminal justice policy and the role of criminological theory and research in addressing them are discussed. Topics will include trends in crime rates, guns and violence, gangs, drugs and crime, policing, courts and sentencing, community corrections and offender re-entry, capital punishment, and environmental criminology. Emphasis is on understanding implications of theoretical criminology for criminal justice practice and on examining the role of scientific research and empirical evidence in addressing the issues in crime and justice. Various crime control strategies and crime prevention programs and their effectiveness and challenges to their implementation are covered. Special topics will vary by instructor.
Requisite: Graduate Standing.
Components: SEM.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

SOC 679. Communities and Crime. 3 Credit Hours.

Examination of various aspects of the relationships between communities, crime, and crime control. Major theoretical traditions - such as social disorganization theory, routine activities theory, and broken windows - are addressed. The roles of neighborhood structure and process, and their relationships with various forms of crime and policing, are covered.
Requisite: Graduate Standing.
Components: SEM.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

SOC 680. Race/Ethnicity, Crime and Criminal Justice. 3 Credit Hours.

An in-depth examination of the relationships involving race, ethnicity, immigration; crime; and the criminal justice system. Topics include why these are important issues to study, how and what we know about these relationships, and how we might explain them. Attention is directed to research on defining race and ethnicity, racial and ethnic variations in criminal victimization and offending, population distributions, policing, the court system and sentencing, corrections, and the death penalty. The approach will primarily be sociological, although where appropriate other disciplines (e.g., political science, history) will be drawn on as well.
Requisite: Graduate Standing.
Components: SEM.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Summer.

SOC 681. Sociology of Violence. 3 Credit Hours.

Seminar on issues relevant to the sociology of violence, with a focus on violence in the United States. While the emphasis throughout will be on street violence (i.e., homicide, robbery, rape, and aggravated assault), other forms of violence (e.g., corporate violence, family violence) will also be covered. In particular, we will examine violence in historical, international, and situational contexts, the major explanations of it, the factors associated with it, and efforts to control and prevent violence.
Requisite: Graduate Standing.
Components: SEM.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Summer.

SOC 682. Alcohol, Drugs, and Crime. 3 Credit Hours.

Exploration of different categories of illegal drugs and review their basic psychopharmacology, the sociological constructions of the dangers of drug use, the racialization of drug use and connections with "dangerous classes" of people, and the social consequences of America's particular brand of social control. The goals are to present these issues in all their complexity and explore some of the repercussions of addressing them in the ways that the US has chosen.
Requisite: Graduate Standing.
Components: SEM.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Summer.

SOC 683. Comparative Criminal Justice Systems. 3 Credit Hours.

Focus is on understanding crime and justice issues from a comparative, cross-national standpoint. Extant definitions of crime and deviance are placed in cultural contexts, existing methods of studying crime on a global scale, and various types of criminal behavior that occur in isolated group contexts as well as those crimes that transcend country boundaries are discussed. Topics will include genocide, transnational organized crime, human trafficking, and international terrorism. Criminal justice systems from select countries around the world and their responses to both localized and transnational crime are reviewed. Critical comparative analysis of crime and justice issues is emphasized. The final research paper will require integrating theory, methods, and scholarly writing using a global perspective.
Requisite: Graduate Standing.
Components: SEM.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

SOC 684. Advances in Criminological Theory and Its Testing. 3 Credit Hours.

This course is a graduate seminar that focuses on advances in criminological theory and its testing. Its goals include exposure to the most recent theoretical developments in criminological theory and the strongest and most up-to-date empirical research being done on the various theories as well as shedding light on important methodological and analytical issues in criminological theory and research. We will review many theoretical articles and research studies to help you understand how criminologists develop testable hypotheses, find appropriate methods and data to test these hypotheses, and present results to scholarly community. During this seminar, you will also develop a research project and write a research paper reflecting experience in conducting research on crime, connecting advances in theory and its testing to one’s own research agenda and current projects as well as in writing publishable manuscripts. Overall, this course should further your understanding of multiple challenges faced by theory-driven research, enhance your ability to conduct independent criminological research that is theoretically relevant, contribute to your preparation for a comprehensive exam on criminology, and, ultimately, assist you in the pursuit of becoming a superior professional and intellectual.
Components: SEM.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 690. Directed Studies. 1-3 Credit Hours.

Individually supervised readings or research on special topics. Offered by arrangement with the instructor.
Components: THI.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 691. Special Topics and Current Issues in Medical Sociology. 1-3 Credit Hours.

Seminar topics will be announced in schedule of classes.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 692. Special Topics and Current Issues in Criminology. 1-3 Credit Hours.

Seminar topics will be announced in schedule of classes.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 693. Special Topics and Current Issues in Race/Ethnic Relations. 1-3 Credit Hours.

Seminar topics will be announced in schedule of classes.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

SOC 791. Graduate Internship and Paper. 6 Credit Hours.

Internships are intended to provide students with meaningful work experiences related to their professional interests. This is especially the case for students who are not yet employed in positions related to criminology and/or criminal justice. The internship period should provide the student with the opportunity to examine a criminal justice-related agency or organization, its various roles and functions, and to participate in work experiences related lo that agency's goals and purposes. The academic goal is to provide integration of theoretical concepts in criminology and criminal justice with the demands and constraints imposed within a professional work role. For students the internship represents an opportunity to achieve this integration and to acquire experience in the area in which they have been academically trained. Students who elect to take the internship and required paper will complete approximately 300 hours of work with an agency and will complete an approximately 30 page paper.
SOC 791 18 hr requirement.
Components: THI.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer.

SOC 810. Master's Thesis. 1-6 Credit Hours.

The student working on his/her master's thesis enrolls for credit, in most departments not to exceed six, as determined by his/her advisor. Credit is not awarded until the thesis has been accepted.
Components: THI.
Grading: SUS.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

SOC 820. Research in Residence. 1 Credit Hour.

Used to establish research in residence for the thesis for the master's degree after the student has enrolled for the permissible cumulative total in SOC 710 (usually six credits). Credit not granted. May be regarded as full time residence.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

SOC 830. Pre-Candidacy Doctoral Dissertation. 1-12 Credit Hours.

Required of all candidates for the Ph.D. The student will enroll for credit as determined by his/her advisor, but not for more than 6 hours. Up to 6 hours may be taken in a regular semester or in a summer session.
Components: THI.
Grading: SUS.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

SOC 840. Post-Candidacy Doctoral Dissertation. 1-12 Credit Hours.

Required of all candidates for the Ph.D. who have advanced to candidacy. The student will enroll for credit as determined by his/her advisor, but not for less than a total of 12.
Components: THI.
Grading: SUS.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

SOC 850. Research in Residence. 1 Credit Hour.

Used to establish research in residence for the Ph.D. after the student has been enrolled for the permissible cumulative total in appropriate doctoral research. Credit not granted. May be regarded as full-time residence as determined by the Dean of the Graduate School.
Components: THI.
Grading: SUS.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.