SOC 101 is an introduction to sociology, its basic concepts, theoretical approaches, methods and resources. Topics typically include the analysis and explanation of social structure, group dynamics, socialization and the self, social stratification, culture and diversity, social change, and global dynamics. Course objectives include the ability to apply sociological ideas to everyday life.

SOC 101H is an introduction to sociology, its basic concepts, theoretical approaches, methods and resources. Topics typically include the analysis and explanation of social structure, group dynamics, socialization and the self, social stratification, culture and diversity, social change, and global dynamics. Course objectives include the ability to apply sociological ideas to everyday life. The honors course is enhanced in one or more of the following ways: 1. Students have an increased responsibility for leading class discussions and critical thinking exercises. 2. Homework assignments are focused on critical thinking and the analysis of important topics related to sociology.

SOC 102 covers identification and analysis of contemporary social problems including: (1) the role of power and ideology in the definition of social problems, (2) their causes and consequences, (3) evaluations of proposed solutions, and (4) methods of intervention. Topics vary.

SOC 103 provides a sociological analysis of crime, criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system. The course explores the history and social construction of crime and criminality and examines the definition of crime and its violations as well as the laws and methods used to control criminal behavior. Moreover, there is discussion of the measurement of crime and basic theoretical explanations of criminal behavior.

SOC 104 is a survey course that provides a sociological analysis of the social construction of masculinity and femininity historically and cross-culturally. It examines the debates on sex and gender. It analyzes the impact of economic and political change on gender expectations and practices. It focuses macro-analyses of how institutions shape gender and micro-analyses of how individuals are socialized and how they “do” and practice gender.

SOC 105 is an introduction to the study of social gerontology, aging and its implications for the individual and society utilizing a multidisciplinary approach.

SOC 108 introduces students to the field of masculinity by examining the socialization and the general experience of boys and men from a sociological perspective. It explores the social construction of masculinity in sports, family, work, and other social relationships to show how it affects people, institutions, and society. It studies the connections between masculinity, gender, and violence, as well as how masculinity intersects with race and ethnicity, class, occupation, physical ability, and sexuality. The course analyzes hegemonic masculinity and its impact on our lives. Finally, the course evaluates the prospects for social change in gendered roles by examining the structural conditions that produce toxic masculinity. Although its emphasis is on western masculinities, the course also explores transnational and cross-cultural perspectives on these questions.

SOC 114 considers individual human behavior in relation to the social environment. The power of
the situation, other individuals, and the social group are examined. Emphasized topics include:
aggression, prejudice and stereotypes, interpersonal attraction, attitudes and attitude change,
conformity, group phenomena, gender roles, cultural norms, person perception, and social
cognition. This course may not be taken for credit by students who have completed PSYCH 104.

SOC 131 provides a sociological analysis of the family, including historical and recent changes, present nature and the sociocultural and economic forces shaping these changes. Major topics will include single adulthood vs. married adulthood, the nature of historical and contemporary marriages, marital compatibility and conflict, marital adjustment, family dynamic interactions, including kinship roles, children vs. childless marriage, child-rearing techniques, dissolution and speculations concerning the future of the family. Note: This course may not be taken for credit by students who have completed PSYCH 131.

SOC 140 is an introduction to social welfare and social work. It provides an analysis of current functions and purposes of social welfare as an institution. This course examines social welfare within the context of cultural, economical, political, psychological and social forces in the United States and other nations. Knowledge, values and skills underpinning social work practice are introduced in this course.

SOC 141 provides students an opportunity to gain first-hand experience in the fields of Social Work and Human Services and to develop skills to facilitate employment in the field. It introduces and allows students to apply the code of ethics and to practice standards and guidelines in Social Work. Note: Students will be required to complete forty hours of service learning.

SOC 171 introduces students to the origins, current status, and future trends of major transnational issues confronting the global community. Topics can include population trends, economic development and inequality, basic human needs (for food, water, health care), human rights, international conflict and security concerns, and environmental problems. The course also focuses on global governance, including the study of collective global responsibilities. Note: This course is cross-listed with GEOG 171 and POL S 171. This course may not be taken for credit by students who have completed GEOG 171 or POL S 171.

SOC 200 is a lecture and laboratory course focusing on the nature of theory and the principles of descriptive and inferential research. Topics covered in the course include: an analysis of the scientific method, research design, ethical principles, internal and external validity, and scientific writing. The course is built around the application of these topics in a laboratory environment.

Note: This course may not be taken for credit by students who have successfully completed PSYCH 200.