SOC- Sociology

Pathways

Courses

SOC& 101: Introduction to Sociology

Credits 5

EDP, SS- This course explores fundamental sociological principles and seeks to describe individuals in both group and societal contexts. Students will learn to use the sociological imagination as a lens through which to view and experience the world. Students will learn about sociological theory and research methods and apply these to the basic subject matter of sociology: Human interaction, social institutions and structures, culture, socialization, social inequality, deviance and social control.

SOC& 201: Social Problems

Credits 5

EDP, GS, SS- Sociologists have long noted the ways in which society construes particular events, ideologies, practices, and social trends as “Social Problems.” This course examines how social problems evolve on local, national, and global stages, and how these problems are understood and addressed by different actors in society. In addition, the sociological imagination will be used as a lens to illuminate how individuals, social groups, and social institutions are influenced by social problems. 

SOC 150: Social Inequality

Credits 5
EDP, IL, SS- This sociology course introduces students to the dynamics of inequality in the United States by examining social statuses (e.g. race, class, gender, and sexuality). Students explore how such statuses are interconnected, how each is embedded in the social structure and how the lives of individuals develop in the context of society. Students will learn to locate themselves within local and national contexts and explore their own relationship to power and privilege. Students also will discuss strategies for change, political agency. and social policy. This course includes a community based- learning project.

SOC 231: Gender and Sexuality in Society

Credits 5

EDP, SS- In this course, we use a sociological lens to explore gender and sexuality, how they impact our lives, how they relate to social inequality, and how they intersect. As we explore these themes, we will study how culture and various social institutions (e.g. media, economy, family) have been pivotal sites for the maintenance, reproduction, and change in gender roles, primarily in the U.S. We will examine how gender and sexual identities are constructed and contested as well as how they evolve. We will explore the performance of gender in contemporary society, paying special attention to the ways gender and sexuality intersect with other socially constructed differences, including race and class. 

SOC 241: Love, Relationships, and Families

Credits 5
EDP, SS- In this sociology course we will examine the family as a social institution shaped by economic, political, cultural, and historical forces. We also will consider how gender, class, sexuality, and race/ethnicity impact family experiences. Students will explore topics such as cohabitation, marriage, partnerships, divorce, parenting in traditional and alternative households, domestic violence, and household labor arrangements. Students who complete the course will have a better understanding of issues facing contemporary families and will be able to apply their understanding to their own personal experiences, as well as to their surrounding communities.

SOC 271: Sociology of Deviance

Credits 5

EDP, SS- In Sociology of Deviance, students will critically investigate deviance as a social construct from a sociological lens. Students will apply new knowledge to contemporary issues relating to deviance. They will learn about the fluidity of deviance through time, place, generation, and culture. Students will learn historical and theoretical approaches of deviance, and how to interpret statistical data. Students will explore traditional and contemporary themes in deviance from murder, sexual assault to cyber deviance, uncovering reasons for deviant behavior. Students will examine how social mechanisms, such as laws, policing, and sentencing function to reproduce and reinforce actions and policies that perpetuate myths, stereotypes, and social injustices towards marginalized groups. Students will also explore the themes of ethics, culpability, forgiveness, and restorative justice through a sociological lens.

SOC 440: Society and Ethics in the Digital Age

Credits 5
This class will focus on digital content from a sociological-ethical lens with special attention to social changes, inequalities, culture, security, and legal issues. Students will examine historical, contemporary, and future digital technologies and how they have affected, and could potentially affect society. Students will be introduced to big data constructs and other technologies like artificial intelligence to analyze from a sociological perspective and discuss the ethical implications. Finally, students will reflect on how they might incorporate ethics and social responsibility into their project development, and applications of new technologies in their careers.