Sociology (SOCIOLGY)

Courses

SOCIOLGY 200   INTRODUCTION TO PEACE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE   3 Units

Introduction to Peace and Social Justice teaches an interdisciplinary approach to understanding peace -- as more than the absence of war. It explores mulitple ways to create the conditions where social justice can flourish from global to local levels. Themes: non-violence, conflict resolution, human rights, environmental sustainability, and social inequallity
PREREQ: COMPLETION OF CORE 120 OR CORE 130 OR CORE 140 OR SOPHOMORE STATUS

SOCIOLGY 240   PRINCIPLES OF SOCIOLOGY   3 Units

This course introduces students to the ways in which sociologists use theory and research to study human group behavior and the processes by which people build, maintain, and change their institutional arrangements and relationships with one another. The course will focus on five areas of inquiry: social structure, interaction, and change; inequality and diversity; family and health; crime, criminal justice.

SOCIOLGY 250   SOCIAL PROBLEMS   3 Units

This course examines various theoretical explanations of contemporary social problems such as crime, drug use, poverty, discrimination and environmental pollution. The impact of social problems on different groups in society and the role of social movements, government, and social policy are considered.

SOCIOLGY 252   INTRODUCTION TO FAMILY STUDIES   3 Units

This course emphasizes the influence of gender, race/ethnicity, and class on family and marriage in comtemporary U.S. society. It introduces students to theories and research that explain social forces affecting family commitments, and familiarizes them with varying social and cultural patterns of family formation.

SOCIOLGY 255   SOCIOLOGY OF SCIENCE FICTION   3 Units

Science Fiction offers a unique view of contemporary culture and society, making penetrating observations about the relationship between the individual and society, gaining insights into social structure, culture, values, social conflict, social change and social problems. Through novels and film, the course stimulates discussion, critical and analytical thinking.

SOCIOLGY 260   SOCIOLOGY OF HATE   3 Units

This course provides an overview of the sociological study of hate and prejudice using a variety of perspectives. Substantive topics include the nature of prejudice and stereotyping, hate crime, and hate groups. The course will end with an exploration and evaluation of methods for combating hate and its social manifestations.

SOCIOLGY 265   RACE AND ETHNIC RELATIONS   3 Units

This course examines relationships between racial minorities and the majority group in the United States in their socio-historical contexts. Early histories of relations between minorities and the majority as well as present relations will be addressed. Questions raised include whether American society should attempt to minimize differences between minorities and the majority, and whether to blend or maintain group identities.

SOCIOLGY 270   THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY: A SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE   3 Units

This course provides lower level undergraduate students with systematic sociological understanding of the historical and current experiences of African American people.

SOCIOLGY 276   INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINOLOGY   3 Units

An introduction to the field of criminology through examination of theories and patterns of criminal behavior, the operation of the criminal justice system, and the politics of crime control policy.

SOCIOLGY 285   ASIAN AMERICANS   3 Units

The course examines the intersection of Asia and United States through peoples who migrated from Asia. It reviews issues of race and ethnicity and provides an overview in Asian cultures so that students can understand Asian American diversity and Asian cultures of orgin. It examines the diverse experiences of the various Asian peoples who have migrated to the U.S.
PREREQ: CORE 130 AND CORE 120 OR CORE 140, OR SOPHOMORE STANDING

SOCIOLGY 291   TRAVEL STUDY   Repeatable   1-3 Units

Variable topics. Group activity oriented presentations emphasizing `hands on` and participatory instructional techniques.

SOCIOLGY 295   BASIC SOCIAL STATISTICS   3 Units

Introduction to basic statistical methods and their utility in sociology including statistical concepts, frequency distribution, measures of central tendency and variability, correlation analysis, OLS regression analysis, and including the logic of hypothesis testing. In addition, introduction to basic operations of SPSS statistical software in social data analysis.
PREREQ: SOCIOLGY 240 OR SOCIOLGY 276; GRADE OF C OR BETTER IN MATH 139 OR MATH 141 OR MATH 142

SOCIOLGY 302   CULTURE, MEDICINE AND HEALTH   3 Units

Medical anthropologists apply critical concepts and ethnographic methods to understand the lived experience of illness and suffering; differing medical practices; and the various ways modern healthcare impacts societies. This course is an introduction to the field and designed for students in the social sciences, humanities, and biological/health sciences.
PREREQ: CORE 130 OR MINIMUM SOPHOMORE STANDING

SOCIOLGY 310   SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH AND ILLNESS   3 Units

This course examines the sociocultural aspects of health and illness, the patient-practitioner relationship, the socialization of health practitioners, the social organization of health care services, and the role of ethics in medical decision-making. It analyzes the problems and inequities in our present system of health care delivery in the United States, with particular emphasis on the sexism, racism, and classism in policy and practice. It analyzes alternative models of health care delivery, and discusses modifications in policy and practice necessary to bring about change.
PREREQ: 3 UNITS OF SOCIOLOGY OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR

SOCIOLGY 315   SOCIOLOGY OF DISABILITY   3 Units

Sociology of Disability is an examination of the social construction of disability, including its historical and cross-cultural variations, institutional and organizational contexts, and interactional and emotional dimensions. Particular attention is given to the experience of living with various biomedical conditions and the ways in which the social status of disability is related to other forms of social inequality and difference.
PREREQ: CORE 130 OR SPECED 201 OR 3 UNITS OF SOCIOLOGY OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR

SOCIOLGY 319   ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIOLOGY   3 Units

This course examines the economic and political structures that have induced natural environmental degradation throughout the world and highlights the impact of collective social actors mobilizing to influence the process of environmental policy formation in order to address environmental and technological risks.
PREREQ: CORE 130 OR CORE 140 OR SOCIOLGY 250 OR SOPHOMORE STATUS

SOCIOLGY 321   SOCIOLOGY OF NATURAL DISASTERS   3 Units

This course examines the impact of natural events from a sociological perspective, including hurricanes and earthquakes in which a relatively self-sufficient community undergoes severe physical destruction and incurs in financial loses and the loss of community. Agency and governmental response to disaster emergencies will also be considered.
PREREQ: 3 CREDITS OF SOCIOLOGY OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR

SOCIOLGY 337   SOCIOLOGY OF NEWS AND THE MASS MEDIA   3 Units

Sociology of News and the Mass Media examines the emergence of news organizations and the mass media as specialized subsystems within modern society and explores the interrelations between them and other social institutions and their impact on modern culture.
PREREQ: 3 CREDITS OF SOCIOLOGY

SOCIOLGY 340   SOCIAL MOVEMENTS AND COLLECTIVE BEHAVIOR   3 Units

An examination of the causes and consequences of social movements and collective behavior, including such phenomena as riots; fads; panic; trade unions; reform, revolutionary, and liberation movements; utopian communities.
PREREQ: THREE CREDITS OF SOCIOLOGY OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR

SOCIOLGY 342   SOCIOLOGY OF FAMILY AND WORK   3 Units

This course reviews the relationship between the social institutions of family and workplace. It examines how they interact with each other, and how key social factors such as gender, class, job type and culture affect that interaction.
PREREQ: 3 CREDITS OF SOCIOLOGY OR WOMENST 240 OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR

SOCIOLGY 344   RACE, ETHNICITY AND FILM   3 Units

This course will sociologically analyze racial and ethnic patterns in American films. We will discuss how decision-makers shape the public imagination. We will examine how race intersects with other identities in ways that lead to specific trends in Hollywood. We will highlight the relationship between media, culture and the economy.
PREREQ: JUNIOR/SENIOR STATUS OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR

SOCIOLGY 345   SOCIOLOGY OF GENDER   3 Units

This course will analyze gender as a process and as a social institution. It will examine how we can experience gender in ways that maintain existing gender relations or in ways that challenge them.
PREREQ: WOMENST 100 OR WOMENST 120 OR 3 CREDITS OF SOCIOLOGY OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR

SOCIOLGY 347   GENDER AND FAMILY IN JAPAN   3 Units

This course will examine forms of masculinity, femininity, sexuality, and family in contemporary Japan, and their historical development. Students will learn how gender, sexuality, and family are historically and socially constructed, how they are recreated through social interaction, how power inequalities are embedded in gender and family relations, how these inequalities impact individuals (and vice versa).
PREREQ: 3 UNITS OF SOCIOLGY OR 3 UNITS OF ANTHROPOLOGY OR WOMENST 100 OR JAPANESE 101 OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR

SOCIOLGY 350   CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE SOCIETY   3 Units

This course examines contemporary Japanese society. It includes a study of social institutions, processes, and culture of Japan. the course examines following areas: (a) culture (beliefs, customs, social identity); (b) social institutions (family, religion, education, work, media); (c) societal processes (socialization, deviance, urbanization); (d) inequalities (gender, income, race-ethnic, region); and (e) the politics, economy, and international position of Japan.
PREREQ: CORE 130 OR CORE 140 OR CORE 120 OR SOPHOMORE STATUS

SOCIOLGY 351   SOCIOLOGY OF SOCIAL CLASS   3 Units

This course investigates social stratification: socioeconomic status (SES), the U.S. class structure, and related inequalities. We examine historical and contemporary trends in wealth and income gaps, economic shifts, government policies, and the "American dream" of social mobility, and we consider how SES intersects with other statuses, such as gender and race/ethnicity.
PREREQ: 3 UNITS OF SOCIOLOGY OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR

SOCIOLGY 353   SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION   3 Units

A study of the function and forms of religious groups in primitive and contemporary societies; a theoretical examination of religion as a basic social institution.
PREREQ: SOPHOMORE STANDING OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR

SOCIOLGY 355   SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY   3 Units

An examination of the process and results of human interaction with an emphasis on attitudes and attitude change, society and personality, inter-group relations and processes of socialization.
PREREQ: THREE CREDITS OF SOCIOLOGY OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR

SOCIOLGY 356   POLITICAL SOCIOLOGY   3 Units

An analysis of the impact of social cleavages and cohesions on the operation of political institutions; the composition and behavior of power elites; the social bases of political power; and the social functions of electoral behavior.
PREREQ: 3 UNITS SOCIOLGY OR 3 UNITS POLISCI OR INSTRUCTOR CONSENT
EQUIVALENTS: POLISCI 356/SOCIOLGY 356

SOCIOLGY 358   CONTEMPORARY CHINESE SOCIETY   3 Units

This course is an overview of post-Mao Chinese society. It focuses on the institutional, demographic, cultural, economic, and political transformation in China since 1978. Included are changes in rural and urban social life, mass migration, changing family and gender relations, social and economic inequalities, ethnic and regional diversity, and rising social tensions.
PREREQ: CORE 120 OR CORE 130 OR CORE 140 OR MINIMUM SOPHOMORE STANDING

SOCIOLGY 362   POPULATION STUDIES   3 Units

A study of the development of world population and the social significance of different population sizes and growth rates; emphasis on the social determinants of fertility, mortality and migration.
PREREQ: THREE CREDITS OF SOCIOLOGY OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR

SOCIOLGY 365   SOCIOLOGY OF LAW   3 Units

An introduction to the interdependence of law and society through an analysis of legal concepts and organization from a sociological view.
PREREQ: THREE CREDITS OF SOCIOLOGY OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR

SOCIOLGY 370   JUVENILE DELINQUENCY   3 Units

A study of the incidence of delinquency, theories and findings regarding causation, and the policies designed for treatment and prevention of delinquency.
PREREQ: SOCIOLGY 276 OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR

SOCIOLGY 371   SOCIOLOGY OF VIOLENT CRIME   3 Units

This course will provide an in-depth look at homicide and other violent crimes as a social and legal category and at the social psychological variables that affect them. Various types of criminal violence will be examined in American society and in a global context. Forensic issues will be addressed along with political and social issues.
PREREQ: SOCIOLGY 276 OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR

SOCIOLGY 372   WHITE-COLLAR CRIME: CORPORATE AND GOVERNMENTAL DEVIANCE   3 Units

This course examines crimes committed by persons of respectability and high social status in the course of their occupation, with a focus on corporate and governmental deviance. Students will learn about historical and comtemporary cases of white-collar crime, sociological explanations of white-collar crime, and the politics of regulatory law and presidential scandals.
PREREQ: SOCIOLGY 276 OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR

SOCIOLGY 373   SOCIOLOGY OF TERRORISM   3 Units

This course will examine Terrorism as a weapon of power, a forensic issue, and a social phenomenon. Types of Terror, types of groups and governments involved in terrror, and the people who become terrorists will be examined. Theories of political policy, group dynamics, and individual predilections will be evaluated so that terrorism can be understood and combated.
PREREQ: SOCIOLGY 276 OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR

SOCIOLGY 374   SOCIOLOGY OF POLICE AND COURTS   3 Units

A sociological analysis of the development and behavior of the police, lawyers, prosecutors and judiciary in society and their role in social control.
PREREQ: SOCIOLGY 276 OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR

SOCIOLGY 375   RESTORATIVE JUSTICE   3 Units

This course offers an overview of Restorative Justice including a consideration of definitions, cultural roots, theoretical orgins, key principles, models and practices, global conflicts and peaceful resolutions, controversial issues, and future directions. The course also provides a critical assessment of the potential of Restorative Justice as well as its limitations.
PREREQ: SOCIOLGY 276 OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR

SOCIOLGY 377   SOCIOLOGY OF DRUGS AND CRIME   3 Units

This course examines the intersection of drugs and crime in U.S. society. This course utilizes the social constructionist perspective as it pertains to both legal and illegal drugs. Through the use of the constructionist perspective, this class will explore how believed truths and realities about drugs are often socially created, how the laws and the control of drugs has been constructed and maintained, how culture and history influence perceptions of drugs and crime, and how societal norms, values and ideas concerning drugs are created and perpetuated.
PREREQ: SOCIOLGY 276 OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR

SOCIOLGY 378   SOCIOLOGY OF PUNISHMENT AND CORRECTIONS   3 Units

The critical analysis of probation, parole, halfway houses, jails and prisons. Their origins in and possible function for the larger society will also be examined. Field trip is required.
PREREQ: SOCIOLGY 276 OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR

SOCIOLGY 379   GENDER, SEXUALITY & CRIME   3 Units

This course examines the role of gender and sexual identities in offending and victimization dynamics; the frequently blurred boundaries of victimization and criminalization for cis women and girls and transgender people; and disparities in the criminal law, police, and courts based on intersecting gender, race, and sexual identities.
PREREQ: CORE 130 OR MINIMUM SOPHOMORE STANDING

SOCIOLGY 380   ORGANIZATIONS AND SOCIETY   3 Units

An examination of the growth and role of organizations in society with specific attention to American society.
PREREQ: THREE CREDITS OF SOCIOLOGY OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR

SOCIOLGY 388   THE HOLOCAUST: NAZI GERMANY AND THE GENOCIDE OF THE JEWS   3 Units

This course will examine the origins, implementation, and legacies of the Nazi Holocaust against the Jews. It is intended to help students gain an appreciation of the importance of the Holocaust to the Jewish experience, while understanding that other groups also were victimized. (Offered jointly with Sociology).
PREREQ: THREE CREDITS OF SOCIOLOGY, HISTORY OR RELIGIOUS STUDIES OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR

SOCIOLGY 392   AFRICAN AMERICAN FAMILIES   3 Units

This course will survey the historical development of the Afro-American Family from Africa to modern times. Significant events (e.g., the slave trade, slavery, and migration) will be scrutinized in order to ascertain their role in shaping the contemporary Black Family life. Other important social and economic forces will be illuminated to assess their impact. The latest body of literature models, paradigms, hypotheses, and statistical findings will be critically examined to enhance understanding of modern day Black Family premarital and marital relations, adaptive patterns, and dislocations.
PREREQ: 3 UNITS SOCIOLGY OR 3 UNITS AFRIAMR

SOCIOLGY 393   RACE AND ETHNICITY BEYOND THE CLASSROOM   3 Units

This course offers an in-depth investigation of contemporary racial-ethnic issues through experiential learning. The course combines scholarly readings, lectures, and discussions with hands-on assignments that occur "beyond the classroom," such as field trips, research, online engagement, service learning, or community-based projects.
PREREQ: 3 UNITS OF SOCIOLGY OR MINIMUM SOPHOMORE STANDING OR INSTRUCTOR CONSENT
EQUIVALENTS: RACEETH 393/SOCIOLGY 393

SOCIOLGY 394   MINORITY AND MULTIRACIAL FAMILIES   3 Units

This course will examine the "traditional" definition of family throughout American history as well as how more and more families challenge this definition. We will discuss how political, economic and social factors have shaped the experiences, structure and dynamics of families; and we will analyze trends in family formation patterns. (Offered jointly with Race and Ethnic Studies).
PREREQ: COMPLETION OF THE UNIVERSITY U.S. RACIAL/ETHNIC DIVERSITY REQUIREMENT OR 3 CREDITS OF SOCIOLGY OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR

SOCIOLGY 420   ANTHROPOLOGICAL THEORY   3 Units

This course is a broad survey of anthropological theory. The goal is to understand anthropology's specific historical trajectory as it relates to theory and to see how anthropological theory has been put into practice/informed ethnographic writing, both classic and contemporary monographs. Students will be expected to engage at a high level through critical reading and critical writing assignments.
PREREQ: 3 UNITS OF SOCIOLOGY OR 3 UNITS OF ANTHROPOLOGY OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR

SOCIOLGY 426   MINORITIES & THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM   3 Units

This course is designed to explore the relationship between minority status and criminal justice processing. Racial, ethnic, and sexual minority groups will be examined in this course. Each student will be expected to develop a general understanding of several minority groups and a thorough understanding of one minority group of his/her choice.
PREREQ: SOCIOLGY 240 OR SOCIOLGY 276 OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR

SOCIOLGY 428   POVERTY, HEALTH, AND CRIME   3 Units

This course examines poverty and related forms of socioeconomic disadvantage as they impact individuals, families, and communities. Students will develop a sociological understanding of poverty, in order to understand how it may lead to poor health outcomes and criminal offending. Students will additionally investigate how crime and its penal consequences (e.g., incarceration) may generate poverty and negatively affect public health.
PREREQ: GRADE OF C OR BETTER IN (SOCIOLOGY 240 OR SOCIOLOGY 276) OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR

SOCIOLGY 472   CRIMINOLOGICAL THEORY   3 Units

This course is an in-depth investigation of criminological theories with an emphasis on sociological criminology. Students will compare-contrast the assumptions, principles and concepts of major theories, examine empirical research relevant to the theories, and consider the policy applications of theoretical perspectives.
PREREQ: SOCIOLGY 276 WITH GRADE OF C OR HIGHER

SOCIOLGY 473   SOCIAL THEORY: CLASSICAL AND CONTEMPORARY PERSPECTIVES   3 Units

An examination of classical and contemporary social thought. The connections between early major European and contemporary U.S. and international theorists will be emphasized to analyze key areas of sociological inquiry. The course will map important theoretical camps in sociology as well as conduct analysis of contemporary and historical issues using social theory.
PREREQ: (SOCIOLGY 240 OR SOCIOLGY 276) AND 3 ADDITIONAL UNITS OF SOCIOLGY, OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR

SOCIOLGY 476   METHODS OF SOCIAL RESEARCH   3 Units

To acquaint the student with research methods in sociology and the social sciences; the foundation of sociology in science; the role of theory in research; construction of the research design; sampling, data gathering techniques, and analysis and interpretation of data.
PREREQ: SOCIOLGY 240 OR SOCIOLGY 276

SOCIOLGY 482   SUPERVISED TEACHING AIDE   Repeatable   2 Units

This course provides selected undergraduates with teaching experience in a college classroom. Students learn from a teaching aide experience in which the student assists an instructor in preparing, delivering, and overseeing lab, review or discussion sessions or by tutoring students. The student will attend the class sessions for a second time, meet weekly with the instructor, and is under the direct supervision of a faculty mentor.
PREREQ: JUNIOR STANDING, CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR, AND GRADE OF B OR HIGHER IN ASSIGNED COURSE
EQUIVALENTS: ANTHROPL 482/SOCIOLGY 482

SOCIOLGY 490   WORKSHOP   Repeatable   1-6 Units

Variable topics. Group activity oriented presentations emphasizing `hands on` and participatory instructional techniques. Repeatable.

SOCIOLGY 491   TRAVEL STUDY   Repeatable   1-3 Units

Variable topics. Faculty-led courses abroad. Repeatable.

SOCIOLGY 492   FIELD STUDY   Repeatable   1-6 Units

Variable topics.

SOCIOLGY 493   APPLIED SOCIOLOGY   Repeatable   1-12 Units

This course involves a supervised internship in a public or private organization. Through on campus seminars and written assignments on the intern experience, students learn how sociology can be applied to solve social problems. Repeatable for a maximum of 6 credits in degree.

SOCIOLGY 494   SEMINAR IN SOCIOLOGY   Repeatable   3 Units

Variable topics. Group activity. An advanced course of study in a defined subject matter area emphasizing a small group in intense study with a faculty member. Repeatable.
PREREQ: SOCIOLOGY 476 AND PRIOR COMPLETION OR CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT IN (SOCIOLOGY 420 OR SOCIOLOGY 472 OR SOCIOLOGY 473)

SOCIOLGY 496   SPECIAL STUDIES   Repeatable   1-3 Units

Variable topics. Group activity. Not offered regularly in the curriculum but offered on topics selected on the basis of timeliness, need, and interest, and generally in the format of regularly scheduled Catalog offerings. Repeatable.
PREREQ: SIX CREDITS IN SOCIOLOGY OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR

SOCIOLGY 497   EXCHANGE STUDY   Repeatable   1-12 Units

Variable topics.

SOCIOLGY 498   INDEPENDENT STUDY   Repeatable   1-3 Units

Repeatable, in combination with SOCIOLGY 498R, for a maximum of 6 units in major or minor, and 12 units in degree. Cannot substitute for SOCIOLGY 476 or SOCIOLGY 473 or SOCIOLGY 472. Cannot use S/NC grading.
PREREQ: 6 UNITS IN SOCIOLOGY OR CRIMINOLOGY, AND JUNIOR OR SENIOR STANDING AND CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR

SOCIOLGY 498R   INDEPENDENT STUDY- UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH   Repeatable   1-3 Units

Study of a selected topic or topics under the direction of a faculty member. Repeatable.

SOCIOLGY 499   SENIOR HONORS THESIS   Repeatable   2 Units

The senior honors thesis is a unique requirement of the Honors Emphasis major which is designed to recognize a student's exceptional dedication and ability. Student will complete a substantial research project in their senior year. Results must be written up as a thesis, presented in a seminar, and defended orally.
PREREQ: SENIOR STANDING AND COMPLETION OF SOCIOLGY 473 AND SOCIOLGY 476