Sociology (SOCI)

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)

SOCI 50001. Proseminar. 1 Hour.

An informal forum for graduate students and faculty to present and discuss ongoing research interests as well as the current state of the discipline. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall)

SOCI 5010V. Advanced Problems in Sociology. 1-3 Hour.

Individual research on problems or problem areas. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

SOCI 50203. Advanced Social Research. 3 Hours.

An examination of experimental and quasi-experimental designs used in the analysis of sociological data with focus upon appropriate units of analysis and design selection, sampling, interview techniques, and questionnaire construction. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or instructor consent. (Typically offered: Fall)

SOCI 5030V. Special Topics. 1-6 Hour.

Designed to cover specialized topics not usually presented in depth in regular courses. Prerequisite: Graduate Standing. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

SOCI 50803. Applied Qualitative Research. 3 Hours.

An introduction to research strategies including intensive interviewing, participant observational fieldwork, content analysis, historical analysis, and comparative research. Emphasis on the practical aspects of designing and executive research involving multiple methods of data gathering and analysis. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall)

SOCI 51103. Seminar in Social Inequality. 3 Hours.

Major theories of stratification; types of stratification systems, comparisons of modern and traditional systems; emergent trends. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Irregular)

SOCI 51303. The Community. 3 Hours.

A sociological analysis of the theory, methods and materials used in the study of the community. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Irregular)

SOCI 52303. Theories of Deviance. 3 Hours.

A survey of major theories-classical, developmental, ecological, functionalist, conflict, subcultural, control, and phenomenological-explaining morally condemned differences in society. Particular emphasis is on practical implications of each perspective for policy and social control. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Irregular)

SOCI 52503. Classical Social Theory. 3 Hours.

A survey of social theory up to the late 20th century. An introduction to the classical sociological themes that continue to inform research, analysis, and policy formation. Major issues will include the relationship between the individual and the community, and the sources of stability, conflict, and change. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall)

SOCI 52603. Contemporary Social Theory. 3 Hours.

Analysis of contemporary social theories & major theoretical debates. Emphasis is on critical evaluation & application of theoretical perspectives to current social issues affecting families and communities. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Spring)

SOCI 53101. Applied Data Analysis Laboratory. 1 Hour.

Provides instruction for data transformations required for the advanced statistical procedures used in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Also provides instruction in the use of advanced statistical procedures covered in SOCI 53203. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Spring)

SOCI 53203. Applied Data Analysis. 3 Hours.

Covers basic concepts and applications of the general linear model to a variety of sociological research issues and problems. Also provides an introduction to binary dependent and multivariate categorical data analysis for sociological research. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Familiarity with statistical computer programs is assumed. (Typically offered: Spring)

SOCI 54103. Seminar in Criminological Theory. 3 Hours.

An examination of the causation of crime, focusing primarily on sociological theories. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Spring)

SOCI 54203. Research in Criminology. 3 Hours.

Examination of empirical research in criminology, focusing on methodological problems, strategies, and findings. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall)

SOCI 54303. Victimization. 3 Hours.

Study of the causes, correlates, and consequences of victimization, focusing on theories of victimization and the role of victims in the criminal justice system. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Irregular)

SOCI 54403. Seminar in Terrorism and Homeland Security. 3 Hours.

Examines the evolution of modern terrorism and homeland security, focusing primarily on the dynamics of American terrorist movements (ideologies, motives, and tactics). Social, political, and criminal justice responses to terrorism are also considered. (Typically offered: Spring)

SOCI 54503. Social Control. 3 Hours.

Study of sociological theories and research on formal social control, primarily institutional responses to criminal behavior. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Irregular)

SOCI 54703. Crime and Commuity. 3 Hours.

Examination of how neighborhood structural characteristics and social organization affect crime, as well as how the presence of crime and disorder in a community can affect neighborhood social organization. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Irregular)

SOCI 55003. Research Internship. 3 Hours.

Supervised research experience. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

SOCI 56003. 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. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both SOCI 46003 and SOCI 56003. (Typically offered: Spring)

SOCI 6000V. Master's Thesis. 1-6 Hour.

Master's Thesis. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for degree credit.