Sociology

Sociology Courses

SOC 110. Introduction to the Criminal Justice System and Professions 3
Students are introduced to the structure, function and processes of the criminal justice system including law enforcement, the courts, and corrections as well as related elements. Strengths and weaknesses of the current system, proposals for change and ethical issues are broached. Throughout the course attention is given to requirements for and opportunities in employment and advanced education in various criminal justice related professions. On-site visits and guest speakers are used. No prerequisite. This course may NOT be taken for credit after completion of SOC 316. Yearly.

SOC 111. Introduction to Sociology 3
The sociological perspective is developed through understanding the basic concepts of culture and society, as well as introducing methods of sociological investigation and sociological theorists such as Marx, Durkheim, Weber. This perspective is then used to explore global issues, social institutions, inequality, and social change. Fall/Spring. Meets the Social Science Connector requirement.

SOC 200. Research Activity I 1–6
Entry-level participation in ongoing research accompanied by regular seminars to discuss and analyze problems raised in the actual conduct of social scientific research. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Yearly.

SOC 213. American and Appalachian Cultural Systems 3
The traditional rural culture of the Appalachian region examined in the context of social change and the dominant industrial American value system. On Demand. Meets the American Diversity Connector requirement.

SOC 214. Class, Structure, and Power 3
Analysis of various patterns of social inequality with emphasis on theoretical and empirical investigations of class, race and gender in contemporary industrial societies. Prerequisite: SOC 111. Alternate years.

SOC 216. Social Problems 3
Various social problems such as delinquency, drug addiction, and mental illness will be studied in the light of contemporary sociological perspectives on social problems. Prerequisite: SOC 111. Fall.

SOC 219. Social Research Methods 3
See PS 219. Yearly.

SOC 226. Sociology of the Family 3
The structure and function of the family in various types of society with emphasis on the family as a mediating structure between the individual and society. Prerequisite: SOC 111. Spring. Meets the American Diversity Connector requirement.

SOC 261. Internship 1–6
An initial exploratory experience outside the classrooms. Designed to explore new ideas or supplement regular courses in the attainment of various competencies. Credit awarded upon successful completion of the internship as described in the student-originated and departmentally approved proposal. Prerequisite: Permission of internship advisor.

SOC 300. Research Activity II 2–6
Mid-level participation in decision making in the design and conduct of ongoing research accompanied by regular seminars. Course may be repeated for up to a maximum of six semester hours credit. Prerequisites: SOC 200 and SOC 219 or PS 219 or BSS 220, or permission of instructor. Offered on demand.

SOC 308. Social Psychology 3
See PSY 308. Spring.

SOC 310. Social and Political Theory 3
Major trends in classical and contemporary theory with an emphasis on recurring fundamental concepts, problems and personalities. Prerequisite: SOC 111 or PS 111. Spring.

SOC 316. Victims, Crime and Human Nature 3
A theoretical overview of victimization, crime and delinquency with emphasis on victim assistance and curtailing criminal behavior. Prerequisite: SOC 110,111,216 or permission of instructor. Fall.

SOC 319. Social Research Methods II 3
This course will extend and elaborate elements covered in Social Research Methods I with emphasis on skill development. Prerequisite: SOC 219 or equivalent. Offered on demand.

SOC 324. Juvenile Delinquency 3
Examines the history of delinquency, investigational techniques, and the major theories of delinquency­—including strain theory, social learning theory, control theory, and subcultural deviance theory. Also studies are the causes and risk factors for delinquency and efforts to control it, with attention to police, juvenile court, and correctional facilities efforts. Prerequisite: SOC 111. Spring.

SOC 327. Special Topics 3
Members of the faculty offer one or more special topic courses per year such as sociology of education, environmental sociology, attitudes, and demography. Further information may be obtained from the department office. Prerequisite: SOC 111. Not offered on a regular schedule.

SOC 338. Sociology of Food & Eating 3
Explores ways in which food rituals connect individuals to their societies. Features of American food systems, trends of consumption (e.g., “McDonaldization”), and societal consequences are studied. The effects of social inequalities of class, gender, and race are examined, along with national and global political and economic issues connected with food. Prerequisite: SOC 111. Spring, odd numbered years.

SOC 400. Research Activity 2–6
Advanced participation in planning, design and conduct of supervised research together with regular seminars to discuss and analyze problems raised in the actual conduct of social scientific research. Student responsibility for leadership of task groups in the conduct of specified projects. Prerequisites: SOC 200 and SOC 219 or PS 219 or SOC 220, or permission of instructor.

SOC 416. Advanced Issues in Criminal Justice 3
In-depth study of the American Criminal Justice System including current theory, research and practice. Special attention may be given to specific components of the system based on the needs of upper-level students preparing for field placements and current controversies in the field. Ethical and legal issues are highlighted. Prerequisite: SOC 316. Spring.

SOC 417. Death and Dying 3
The phenomena of death and dying in the context of western culture. Issues of euthanasia, abortion, and suicide are examined as is the experience of the dying individual in relation to self, significant others, the family, and other care-providing institutions. The plight of widows and other survivors is also discussed. Prerequisite: SOC 111 or permission of instructor. Alternate years.

SOC 426. Social and Psychological Aspects of Religion 3
A seminar designed to review selected sociological and psychological theories of religion with attendant supporting data. Attention is given to the structure and function of religion at the individual, group, and societal levels with emphasis on the causes, patterns, and consequences of religious behavior for the individual and for society. Prerequisites: SOC 111 or PSY 111. and an upper-level course in the discipline or permission of the instructor. Spring, on demand.

SOC 457, 458. Directed Readings 3
Supervised readings in sociology. Credit awarded upon satisfactory completion of examination at the end of the semester. Student should make arrangements with the supervising faculty early in the semester before the course is to begin. Prerequisite: Three courses in Sociology, one of which is a 300/400 level course.

SOC 460. Independent Study 1–3
Advanced study in an area of sociology selected by the student with general direction from a faculty advisor. Credit is granted upon completion of an original paper. Student should make arrangements with the faculty advisor early in semester before independent study is to begin. Prerequisites: Three courses in sociology, one of which must be closely related to the area in which the independent study will be done.

SOC 461. Internship 1–12
Advanced, off-campus supervised internship in an agency or community setting during which the student applies knowledge and skills learned in the classroom. The internship is linked to a seminar that provides the opportunity to reflect upon the field experience and evaluate student performance. S/U credit is awarded upon the successful completion of the internship, as described in a student-generated proposal approved in advance of the internship by both the faculty internship supervisor and the participating agency or organization. Prerequisites: Completion of major courses in Sociology and senior standing. Criminal Justice students need SOC 316. Yearly.

SOC 470. Senior Seminar 3
For general sociology students only, designed to summarize and synthesize their study in the field and give them an opportunity to conduct and present a research project in their area of interest. Prerequisites: Completion of the major courses in Sociology and senior standing. Fall.