Courses at the 300-level
This is a multidisciplinary approach to the study of human aging. Presented are concepts related to longevity and theories of aging.
3 credit hours
- SOC 217
The development and functions of sociological theory in its historical, social, and scientific contexts are studied. Also analyzed are the more important theories from those of Comte to the early Parsons.
4 credit hours
- Any 200-level sociology course
- or consent of the department chair
Social research methods are examined, with focus on the connection between theory and research, values and ethical issues in research, study design, conceptualization, measurement, and methods of data collection.
4 credit hours
- Any 200-level sociology course
Students' work experiences and career choices are examined against the backdrop of occupational and social change: the workplace, labor markets, and the family. Students cannot receive credit for both Labor Studies 303 and Sociology 303.
3 credit hours
- Any 200-level sociology course
- or consent of the department chair
Systems of law and justice are examined in prestate and state societies to understand the operation of law and justice in cross-cultural contexts and the United States. Students cannot receive credit for both Sociology 304 and Anthropology 303.
3 credit hours
- Any 100- or 200-level course in a social science
In analyzing the goals, operation, and impact of modern organizations, consideration is given to such characteristics as bureaucratization, the role of the bureaucrat, industrial relations, and organizational change.
3 credit hours
- Any 200-level sociology course
- or consent of the department chair
Theoretical orientations toward the causes of delinquent and criminal behavior are studied. Also examined are various types of criminal behavior, as well as research, measurement, and prediction methods. Relevant social policy is explored.
3 credit hours
- SOC 207
- or consent of the department chair
The distribution of power and privilege in societies is studied. Various social characteristics, such as occupation and education, are considered as factors important in establishing rank and class systems. (Formerly Social Stratification).
3 credit hours
- Any 200-level sociology course
- or consent of the department chair
Religion is studied as a social phenomenon. Attention is given to the relationship between religion and other social characteristics, such as morality, collective behavior, status and class, economics, family, and politics.
3 credit hours
- Any 200-level sociology course
- or consent of the department chair
Topics include the influence of the social and economic environment on health and disease, and social-cultural forces affecting medicine. (Formerly Medical Sociology.)
3 credit hours
- Any 200-level sociology course
- or consent of the department chair
The concept of community is analyzed, including methods of studying the community and the historical development of human communities, with reference to the development of social institutions, their functions, and structure.
3 credit hours
- Any 200-level sociology course
- or consent of the department chair
The school is examined as one of the major institutions in contemporary society concerned with the socialization of children (and adults).
3 credit hours
- Any 200-level sociology course
- or consent of the department chair
Relationships of power and authority and their social foundations are examined. Students may receive credit for only one of the following: History 317, Political Science 317, and Sociology 317.
3 credit hours
- Any 200-level sociology course
- or consent of the department chair
Law as a social institution is examined. Attention is given to theories of law; law as it relates to social control and social change; the organization, making, implementation, and impact of law; and the profession and practice of law.
3 credit hours
- Any 200-level sociology course
- or consent of the department chair
The major laws affecting the older population (e.g., Social Security) are studied, as well as areas where criminality may occur, such as elder abuse. (Formerly Sociology 420: Social Policy of Aging in Comparative Perspective.)
3 credit hours
- Any 200-level sociology course
- or consent of the department chair
Theoretical perspectives on the societal aspects of deviant behavior are presented. Research on the labeling process, maintenance of the deviant role, the deviant subculture, and the function of deviance in society are also discussed.
3 credit hours
- Any 200-level sociology course
- or consent of the department chair
Current theories and research on the convergence of the individual and the social structure are examined. Contributions of several social scientific disciplines are used in investigating social systems, conflict situations, and especially socialization.
3 credit hours
- Any 200-level sociology course
- or consent of the department chair
The philosophy, history, and practice of law enforcement are examined. Organization and jurisdiction of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and their roles in the administration of criminal justice are explored.
3 credit hours
- SOC 207
- or consent of the department chair
Focus is on the history and development of corrections in the United States, including rationales of punishment, critical analysis of correctional processes and theories, and alternatives to incarceration.
3 credit hours
- SOC 207
- or consent of the department chair
Focus is on women’s experiences with crime, justice, and the law. Topics include an overview of American laws that affect women, the impact of social movements on justice for women, women and crime, and women in the criminal justice system.
3 credit hours
- Any 200-level sociology course
- or consent of the department chair
The impact of juvenile status on the rights of the individual, the historical and philosophical foundations of the juvenile justice system, and its current organization and administration are examined.
3 credit hours
- Any 200-level sociology course
- or consent of the department chair
This national cross-cultural investigation focuses on minorities and considers whether there are informal or institutionalized biases toward minorities in specific areas of the criminal justice system.
3 credit hours
- Any 200-level sociology course
- or consent of the department chair
The extent to which individuals and groups are victimized by crime, the criminal justice system, terrorism, and the abuse of power is examined.
3 credit hours
- Any 200-level sociology course
- or consent of the department chair
Approaches to the study of white-collar crime and organized crime are presented and the historical circumstances from which these crimes evolved. Law enforcement efforts to suppress white-collar and organized crime are evaluated.
3 credit hours
- Any 200-level sociology course
- or consent of the department chair
Page last updated: Tuesday, March 14, 2006
