Sociology (SOC)
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.
Sociological study of human sexuality. Course examines the social forces that shape a culture’s sexual practices, attitudes, and inequalities. Topics include the social construction of sexuality, social change, sexual identities, sexual inequalities, institutional influence and regulation of sexuality, as well as current trends and issues surrounding human sexuality. Prerequisites: None. Course Notes: SOC130 contains mature adult content and some of the topics discussed may be considered "controversial" or "taboo" in some societies and cultures. Students are expected to be able to engage with the content in a respectful and open-minded way.
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.
Effects of development and implementation of technology on society. Historical and multi-cultural comparisons of this process, current concerns addressed, and prospects for the future analyzed. Prerequisites: None.
A sociological analysis of the way culture shapes and defines the positions and roles of both men and women in society. Major emphasis on social conditions which may lead to a broadening of gender roles and a reduction of gender role stereotypes and the implications of these changes. Prerequisites: None.
Applies the sociological perspective to the study of sport. Emphasizes how hierarchies of race, class, and gender in the United States impact the sport experience of fans, athletes, and athletic administrators, as well as how professional, collegiate, and amateur sports have at times played a transformative role in society. 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.
A systematic and in-depth survey of selected social problems and inequalities from a sociological perspective, including what is known about the problem, recent trends, their causes and consequences, individual and societal responses to them, and possible remedies or policies that could address these issues. Issues to be examined may include issues in health care, dependencies, crime/violence, inequalities in race/class/gender/region/age, family, education, work, the economy, population migration/immigration, the environment, war and global insecurity. 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.