The systematic study of social behavior and human groups, particularly the influence of culture, socialization, social structure, stratification, social institutions, differentiation by region, race, ethnicity, sex/gender, age, class, and socio/cultural change upon people's attitudes and behaviors. Prerequisites: None.

Systemic analysis of socio-cultural and historical origins of modern families in the U.S. and their importance, major challenges and changing trends. Explores being single, dating and attraction, love, cohabitation and marriage, family planning and parenthood, conflict and crisis within the family, and divorce. Prerequisites: None.

A sociological exploration of the way culture shapes and defines gender in contemporary U.S. society. Major emphasis on gender roles, gender stereotypes, power and the relationship between gender and other intersecting social identities such as race, ethnicity, class, and sexual identity. Prerequisites: None.

Examines how the social construction of race shapes social interaction and social institutions. Explores the consequences of power, privilege and oppression among major ethnic and racial groups in the United States. Prerequisites: None.

An overview of the sociological study of social problems and inequalities confronting the United States. Emphasis is placed on what is known about social problems, recent trends, causes and consequences, individual and societal responses, and how social policies might solve social problems. Issues to be examined may include: health care, education, family, economy, environment, drug and alcohol abuse, crime and violence, among others. Prerequisites: None.

Examines movie-going and the experience of spectatorship. Studies how motion pictures reflect, influence, and are influenced by American culture and societal institutions. Explores the role of the movie industry as a vehicle for social commentary, analysis, and criticism. Prerequisites: None.