Sociology (SOCI)

Shauna Morimoto
Department Chair
211 Old Main
479-575-3205

Department of Sociology and Criminology Website

The Department of Sociology and Criminology offers a major leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology. Sociology is a comprehensive liberal arts degree that provides an excellent foundation and springboard for working in today's diverse social, organizational and business environments. The Sociology major provides marketable skills in research, theory, and data analytics and knowledge related to social institutions, interactions, cultures, social inequality, and organizations. We offer robust undergraduate internship opportunities that help sociology students develop a better understanding of a prospective career and determine whether their interests match a chosen career path, while simultaneously gaining experience with professionals in the field.

The department also offers a major in criminology, double major in sociology and criminology, a minor in sociology and a fully online minor in criminal justice. Our students also may pursue a dependent major in sociology and African and African American studies.

For requirements for an M.A. degree in sociology, including criminology concentration, see the Graduate School Catalog.

University and College Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

In addition to the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences Graduation Requirements (see under Degree Completion Program Policy), the following course requirements must be met.

State minimum core requirements may vary by individual, based on placement and previous credit granted. Once all core requirements are met, students may substitute with general electives in consultation with their academic advisor. Courses marked with an asterisk may also count toward the State Minimum Core.

State Minimum Core		35
Select one course from the following:		3-4
MATH 22003	Survey of Calculus (ACTS Equivalency = MATH 2203) ^*
MATH 20503	Finite Mathematics ^*
MATH 21803	Mathematical Reasoning in a Quantitative World ^*
MATH 24004	Calculus I (ACTS Equivalency = MATH 2405) ^*
MATH 21003	Principles of Statistics (ACTS Equivalency = MATH 2103) ^*
World language up to the Elementary II level (1013) or higher		6
31 credit hours hours in sociology (SOCI) courses listed below.		31
SOCI 10103	General Sociology (ACTS Equivalency = SOCI 1013) ^*
SOCI 31903	Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality
SOCI 32203	Social Psychology
SOCI 33001	Social Data and Analysis Laboratory
SOCI 33003	Social Data and Analysis
SOCI 33103	Social Research
SOCI 34203	Social Theory
SOCI 40403	Seminar in Sociology
Nine credit hours in sociology (SOCI) courses numbered 3000-level or higher
Any UA offered credit hours 3000-level or higher		2
Any 3000-level or higher credit hours or any 2000-level credit hours that have a course prerequisite.		7
General Electives		36
Total Hours		120

Writing Requirement: To fulfill the Fulbright College writing requirement, each sociology major will submit, prior to graduation, a substantial research or analytical paper, with a grade of “A” or “B” from an upper-division sociology course (3000-, 4000-, or 5000-level) to their departmental adviser. Satisfactory completion of an honors project or a senior thesis may fulfill this requirement.

Sociology B.A.
Eight-Semester Degree Program

Students enrolling in the eight-semester degree plan should review the Eight-Semester Degree Completion Policy.

First Year	Units
	Fall	Spring
ENGL 10103 Composition I (ACTS Equivalency = ENGL 1013) (Satisfies General Education Outcome 1.1)¹	3
Satisfies General Education Outcome 2.1:¹
MATH 11103 Quantitative Reasoning (ACTS Equivalency = MATH 1113) or MATH 11003 College Algebra (ACTS Equivalency = MATH 1103)	3
or any MATH course numbered higher than MATH 11003
SOCI 10103 General Sociology (ACTS Equivalency = SOCI 1013) (Satisfies General Education Outcomes 3.3, 4.1, and 4.2)¹	3
World language at the Elementary I (1003) level or higher	3
State Minimum Core—U.S. History or Government (Satisfies General Education Outcome 4.2)¹	3
ENGL 10203 Composition II (ACTS Equivalency = ENGL 1023) (Satisfies General Education Outcome 1.1)¹		3
Select one course from the following:		3-4
MATH 22003 Survey of Calculus (ACTS Equivalency = MATH 2203)
MATH 20503 Finite Mathematics
MATH 21803 Mathematical Reasoning in a Quantitative World
MATH 24004 Calculus I (ACTS Equivalency = MATH 2405)
MATH 21003 Principles of Statistics (ACTS Equivalency = MATH 2103)
World language at the Elementary II (1013) level or higher		3
State Minimum Core—Fine Arts (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.1)¹		3
General Electives		3
Year Total:	15	15

Second Year	Units
	Fall	Spring
State Minimum Core—Science with corequisite lab (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.4)¹	4
State Minimum Core—Social Sciences (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.3)¹	3
General Electives	8
SOCI 33103 Social Research		3
State Minimum Core—Science with corequisite lab (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.4)¹		4
State Minimum Core—Social Sciences (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.3)¹		3
General Electives		5
Year Total:	15	15

Third Year	Units
	Fall	Spring
SOCI 31903 Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality	3
SOCI 32203 Social Psychology	3
State Minimum Core—Humanities (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.2)¹	3
Any UA offered credit hours 3000-level or higher	2
General Electives	1
General Electives (Must complete a course that satisfies General Education Outcome 5.1)¹	3
SOCI 33003 Social Data and Analysis & SOCI 33001 Social Data and Analysis Laboratory		4
SOCI 34203 Social Theory		3
SOCI electives 3000-level or higher		3
Any 3000-level or higher credit hours or any 2000-level credit hours that have a course prerequisite		4
General Electives		1
Year Total:	15	15

Fourth Year	Units
	Fall	Spring
SOCI electives 3000-level or higher	6
Any 3000-level or higher credit hours or any 2000-level credit hours that have a course prerequisite	3
General Electives and Fulbright College Writing Requirement (Satisfies General Education Outcomes 1.2 and 6.1)^{1, 2}	6
SOCI 40403 Seminar in Sociology		3
General Electives		12
Year Total:	15	15

Total Units in Sequence:		120

¹: Students must complete the State Minimum Core and the requirements of their major(s) as outlined in the Catalog of Studies. These courses also fulfill many, if not all, of the General Education Requirements. Please visit these pages in the links provided and consult with your academic advisor when making course selections to fulfill these requirements.
²: For additional details regarding the Fulbright College Writing Requirement, visit the department’s webpage.

Requirements for Departmental Honors in Sociology: The Departmental Honors Program in Sociology is an upper-division course of study based on independent investigation on a scholarly topic of sociological interest. To be eligible for sociology honors candidacy, students normally will have completed 28 semester hours and not more than 85 semester hours with a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.5. They must take 12 hours in Honors Studies, which may include 6 hours of thesis. In the junior year, three hours of directed reading, planning, or other work on a research problem should be selected from the following courses:

SOCI 399HV	Honors Course	1-6
SOCI 4030V	Individual Study in Sociology	1-3
SOCI 40403	Seminar in Sociology	3

In the senior year, the student will complete an honors project for up to six hours of credit in SOCI 399HV Honors Course. This honors research project will normally consist of an empirical investigation but may, with the approval of the honors director and the other departmental representatives, be intensive library research on a topic. All candidates must pass an oral examination given by an Honors Council Committee. Successful completion of the requirements will be recognized by the award of the distinction “Sociology Scholar Cum Laude” at graduation. Higher degree distinctions are recommended only in truly exceptional cases and are based upon the whole of the candidate’s program of honors studies.

Faculty

Adams, Douglas James, Ph.D., M.A. (University of Arizona), Associate Professor, 1995, 2002.
Allison, Kayla, Ph.D., (Indiana University-Bloomington), M.A. (University of Arkansas), B.A. (Indiana University-Bloomington), Assistant Professor, 2020.
Angton, Alexia, Ph.D., M.S., B.A. (Iowa State University Ames), Assistant Professor, 2022.
Bustamante, Juan Jose, Ph.D. (Michigan State University), M.S., B.A. (University of Texas Pan American), Associate Professor, 2012, 2018.
Drawve, Grant R., Ph.D. (University of Arkansas at Little Rock), M.A., B.A. (Southern Illinois University), Associate Professor, 2016, 2021.
Engen, Mindy Sue, Ph.D., M.A. (Pennsylvania State University), B.S. (Georgia State University), Professor, 2005, 2017.
Engen, Rodney L., Ph.D. (University of Washington), M.S., B.S. (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee), Associate Professor, 2009.
Fitzpatrick, Kevin M., Ph.D. (State University of New York at Albany), M.A. (University of South Carolina at Columbia), B.A. (Susquehanna University), University Professor, Bernice Jones Chair in Community, 2005, 2014.
Gruenewald, Jeffrey A., Ph.D. (Michigan State University), Professor, 2019, 2022.
Harris, Casey Taggart, Ph.D., M.A. (Pennsylvania State University), B.S. (Texas A&M University), Professor, 2011, 2023.
Holyfield, Lori C., Ph.D. (University of Georgia), M.A., B.S.E. (University of Arkansas), Professor, 1995, 2012.
Morimoto, Shauna, Ph.D., M.S. (University of Wisconsin-Madison), B.A. (University of Pittsburgh), Professor, 2008, 2023.
Niño, Michael D., Ph.D. (University of North Texas), M.A., B.S. (West Texas A&M University), Assistant Professor, 2020.
Paez, Rocio Alejandra, Ph.D., M.A., B.A. (University of Arkansas at Little Rock), Teachinig Associate Professor, 2018, 2023.
Sabon, Lauren, Ph.D. (University of Tennessee-Knoxville), M.S/M.A. (Marshall University), B.S., B.A. (West Virginia University), Teaching Associate Professor, 2014, 2017.
Shields, Christopher A., Ph.D., J.D., M.A., B.A. (University of Arkansas), Teaching Associate Professor, 2003, 2017.
Thomas, Shaun A., Ph.D., M.A. (Louisiana State University), B.A. (University of Akron), Professor, 2015, 2023.
Worden, Steven K., Ph.D. (University of Texas at Austin), M.A., B.A. (Portland State University), Associate Professor, 1986.
Yang, Song, Ph.D., M.S. (University of Minnesota-Twin Cities), M.A. (Nankai University, China), B.A. (Branch College of Nankai, China), Professor, 2002, 2016.
Zajicek, Anna, Ph.D. (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University), M.S., B.S. (University of Silesia, Poland), Professor, 1994, 2006.
Zhang, Meredith, Ph.D., M.A. (The Ohio State University), B.A. (Susquehanna University), Assistant Professor, 2022.

Courses

SOCI 10103. General Sociology (ACTS Equivalency = SOCI 1013). 3 Hours.

Applies a sociological perspective and develops critical thinking. Focuses on culture, identity, race, ethnicity, gender, class inequality, crime, deviance, globalization, social change, and social institutions. Overview of sociological theories and methods for systematic understanding of society. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

SOCI 101H3. Honors General Sociology. 3 Hours.

Develops critical thinking, writing, and research skills by applying a sociological perspective. Focuses on culture, identity, race, ethnicity, gender, class inequality, collective behavior, crime, deviance, globalization, social change, and social institutions. Overview of sociological theories and methods for systematic understanding of society. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

SOCI 20103. Social Problems (ACTS Equivalency = SOCI 2013). 3 Hours.

Sociological analysis of major social problems, with emphasis placed on social justice, poverty and economic inequality, racial and ethnic relations, gender, crime, education, and other contemporary issues. Develops critical thinking. (Typically offered: Irregular)

SOCI 30001. Social Science Data Analytics Lab. 1 Hour.

Provides opportunities to implement social science data analytics skills through completing a series of data modules. The course prepares students to interpret data meaningfully within a variety of future employment fields. Students gain familiarity working with a number of marketable datasets, such as those generated by big data. Prerequisite: SOCI 10103. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

SOCI 30101. Special Topics. 1 Hour.

Designed to develop the tools to write effectively in the social sciences, including skills related to organizing manuscripts, writing problem statements, identifying and synthesizing research, and revising and editing. Prerequisite: SOCI 10103 or CRIM 20003. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring) May be repeated for up to 3 hours of degree credit.

SOCI 30203. Criminological Theory. 3 Hours.

Advanced survey of theories of crime causation. Examines broad sociological paradigms, as well as both individual and aggregate-level explanations of crime causation. Applies criminological theories to contemporary issues associated with crime and criminal justice. Prerequisite: SOCI 10103. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

SOCI 30503. Serial Crime. 3 Hours.

Exploration of the historical development of criminal profiling related to serial homicide, serial sex crimes, serial stalking, and serial arson. Examination of behavioral and criminological theories, focusing on different profiling techniques and their strengths and challenges. Case studies and published research on serial crime will be used whenever possible. Prerequisite: SOCI 10103. (Typically offered: Irregular)

SOCI 30603. Victimology. 3 Hours.

Introduction to the scientific study of victimization. Examines conceptual boundaries of victimology research, covers theories, statistics and trends relevant to victimology; reviews the victim blaming and defending perspectives; explores practical applications of victimology, and evaluates the social, legal, and criminological issues that stem from concern over victims. Prerequisite: SOCI 10103. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

SOCI 31503. Urban Sociology. 3 Hours.

Examines growth of cities, urban inequalities, politics, social movements, built environment, ecology, sustainability, cultural identity, global cities, and immigration. Implications considered for policy and planning. Prerequisite: SOCI 10103. (Typically offered: Irregular)

SOCI 31703. Latinos, Migration, and the U.S. South. 3 Hours.

Examines social, economic, and population changes in the U.S. South, including shift of Latinos' settlement patterns, actions taken by policy makers to adapt to new demographic context, and mechanisms immigrants use to facilitate their induction into the southern community. Prerequisite: SOCI 10103. (Typically offered: Fall)

SOCI 31903. Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality. 3 Hours.

A critical examination of the layers of the global systems that shape and construct social inequalities. Overview of sociological theories and research on how race, class, gender, and sexuality intersect and function separately to organize systems of inequality. Prerequisite: SOCI 10103. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

SOCI 319H3. Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality in America. 3 Hours.

SOCI 32003. Corrections and Social Control. 3 Hours.

Overview of correctional systems and punishment. Focuses on theories of correctional philosophies, practices, and procedures, along with the historical development and modern practices of corrections, sentencing, facilities, and issues facing correctional populations. Also examines principles and practices of treatment and rehabilitation in correctional settings. Prerequisite: CRIM 20003. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

SOCI 32203. Social Psychology. 3 Hours.

A sociological approach to the study of the interaction between society and the self with an emphasis upon reference groups such as the family, friends, work, lifestyle, and deviance. Prerequisite: SOCI 10103. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

SOCI 32603. Families and Social Change. 3 Hours.

A sociological analysis of the diversity and inequality that exists among families, and the ways in which families have and continue to change over time. Topics discussed include sex, gender, and sexuality, race, ethnicity, and immigration, class and economic transformations. Prerequisite: SOCI 10103. (Typically offered: Spring)

SOCI 32703. Sociology of China. 3 Hours.

Examines many aspects of Chinese people, their cultures, and practices, and also looks at Chinese Americans in the U.S. both historically and currently. Prerequisite: SOCI 10103. (Typically offered: Irregular)

SOCI 33001. Social Data and Analysis Laboratory. 1 Hour.

The lab is an extension of the lecture in SOCI 33003. Using a variety of computer packages, the lab provides practical experience in managing and analyzing social data. Corequisite: SOCI 33003. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

SOCI 33003. Social Data and Analysis. 3 Hours.

Introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics, with special emphasis on common techniques in social research. Course focuses on the practical usage of data and application to real-world issues. Corequisite: SOCI 33001. Prerequisite: SOCI 10103 and junior standing. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

SOCI 330H1. Honors Social Data and Analysis Laboratory. 1 Hour.

SOCI 330H3. Honors Social Data and Analysis. 3 Hours.

Introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics, with special emphasis on common techniques in social research. Course focuses on the practical usage of data and application to real-world issues. Corequisite: SOCI 33001. Prerequisite: Honors candidacy, SOCI 10103 and junior standing. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

SOCI 33103. Social Research. 3 Hours.

Study and experience in implementing a methodological "toolbox," including theorizing, designing, measuring, sampling, collecting, interpreting, and reporting empirical results for real-world social research applications. Prerequisite: SOCI 10103. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

SOCI 331H3. Honors Social Research. 3 Hours.

SOCI 34103. Special Topics. 3 Hours.

Offerings vary; check for particular course topics offered. Designed to cover specialized topics in greater depth than regular survey courses provide. Prerequisite: SOCI 10103. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

SOCI 341H3. Honors Special Topics. 3 Hours.

Offerings vary; check for particular course topics offered. Designed to cover specialized topics in greater depth than regular survey courses provide. Prerequisite: Honors candidacy and SOCI 10103 or SOCI 101H3. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

SOCI 34203. Social Theory. 3 Hours.

Examines the philosophical underpinnings of sociology; introduces notable classical and contemporary social theorists; develops an appreciation for the ways classical works continue to form the basis for contemporary social thought. Prerequisite: SOCI 10103. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

SOCI 342H3. Honors Social Theory. 3 Hours.

SOCI 34503. Immigration and Crime. 3 Hours.

Provides a comprehensive foundation of the relationship between immigration, one of the most powerful forces that influences a nation's social fabric, and crime. Focuses not only on U.S. immigration but also crime in the global context. Prerequisite: SOCI 10103. (Typically offered: Fall)

SOCI 35103. Criminal Evidence. 3 Hours.

Examination of how evidence is collected, processed, and presented in court, with an emphasis on the competing interests of crime control and individual liberties. Prerequisite: CRIM 20003. (Typically offered: Fall)

SOCI 37203. Deviant Behavior. 3 Hours.

Sociological overview of disconcerting conduct: its definition, theoretical understandings and research. Specific topics may include: interpersonal violence, self-destructive disorders, controversial lifestyles, substance abuse, as well as the relationship between inequality and disturbing acts. Prerequisite: SOCI 10103. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

SOCI 399HV. Honors Course. 1-6 Hour.

Honors. Prerequisite: Junior standing. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring) May be repeated for up to 12 hours of degree credit.

SOCI 40003. Internship in Sociology. 3 Hours.

Supervised experience in municipal, county, or state agencies, or any other agency which is approved by the instructor. Prerequisite: SOCI 10103. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

SOCI 40103. Special Topics in Sociology. 3 Hours.

Offerings vary; check for particular course topics offered. Designed to cover specialized topics in greater depth than regular survey courses provide. Prerequisite: SOCI 10103. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

SOCI 401H3. Honors Special Topics in Sociology. 3 Hours.

Offerings vary; check for particular course topics offered. Designed to cover specialized topics in greater depth than regular survey courses provide. Prerequisite: Honors candidacy and SOCI 10103 or SOCI 101H3. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

SOCI 4030V. Individual Study in Sociology. 1-3 Hour.

In-depth individual or group study with a faculty member on advanced sociological readings and/or participation in supervised research as an experience-based course. Faculty permission required in advance of enrollment. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

SOCI 40403. Seminar in Sociology. 3 Hours.

Capstone course in sociology. This course is intended to apply and demonstrate the knowledge and skills developed over a college career. Sociological theory and current research findings are applied to everyday life. Emphasis is given to personal, professional and career development. Prerequisite: Senior standing. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

SOCI 40603. Organizations in Society. 3 Hours.

Review of literature on work and organizations, with focus on race, class, gender inequalities, and interactions between society and organizations; discussion of topics related to white collar crime and deviant behavior inside modern corporations. Prerequisite: SOCI 10103. (Typically offered: Spring)

SOCI 41403. Juvenile Justice. 3 Hours.

Examination of juvenile justice system and juvenile crime, including historical development of the system and treatment of juvenile delinquents along with legal, correctional, and treatment processes and philosophies. Emphasis on current issues facing delinquents, the system, and delinquency prevention in addition to trends in juvenile crime. Prerequisite: CRIM 20003. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

SOCI 41503. Race and Society. 3 Hours.

Sociological study of race within the U.S., with an emphasis on understanding how race operates within contemporary social institutions. Critical engagement and discussion of topics relating to race will be encouraged. Prerequisite: SOCI 10103 or AAST 10003 or AAST 20203. (Typically offered: Fall)

SOCI 41803. Social Network Analysis. 3 Hours.

Introduces the fundamentals of Social Network Analysis (SNA), and its applications for research in various social science fields. Prerequisite: SOCI 10103. (Typically offered: Fall)

SOCI 42303. Death Penalty. 3 Hours.

Examines problems and social issues related to the death penalty in the U.S., including the history of capital punishment, Supreme Court decisions, how various jurisdictions seek the death penalty, the comparative costs of incarceration and execution, miscarriages of justice, and how the criminal justice system responds to these issues. Prerequisite: CRIM 20003 or SOCI 10103. (Typically offered: Irregular)

SOCI 42503. Social Impact of Data Analytics. 3 Hours.

Teaches students to assess social science data by raising awareness regarding the social impacts of data analytics. Particular attention is paid to the ethical issues involved in the potential benefits and risks across each of the four phases of the data cycle: data collection, consolidation, analytics, and use. Prerequisite: SOCI 10103. (Typically offered: Spring)

SOCI 42603. Sociology of Mental Health and Illness. 3 Hours.

Develops critical thinking, writing, and research skills by applying a sociological perspective to studying mental health and illness, including definitions, theories, measurements, and social correlates. Prerequisite: SOCI 10103. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

SOCI 426H3. Honors Sociology of Mental Health and Illness. 3 Hours.

SOCI 46003. Environmental Sociology. 3 Hours.

The course provides a social perspective on environmental issues. It examines the linkage between society, ecological systems and the physical environment. It provides conceptual framework(s) for analyzing environmental issues, considers the role of humans in environmental issues, and enhances understanding the complexity of the relationship between societal organization and environmental change. Prerequisite: Junior or above standing. (Typically offered: Spring)