2006-2007 General Course Listing
Undergraduate Courses
Skip to Graduate Courses
SOCI 112B
Introduction to Sociolgy: Human Interaction (3)
How can so many different people who have competing ideals and lifestyles live together in harmony? What makes one organization successful and another one fold? This course examines such questions from the social scientist’s viewpoint. Topics include: how people learn to be human, families, markets and economic institutions, class structures, crime and deviant behavior, aging, self-identity, and social change.
SOCI 113
Critical Problems in Modern Society (3)
Focus is on major social problems present in large, complex, industrial societies. Topics include environmental problems, poverty, drug addiction, social deviance, and alienation.
SOCI 188
On Being a Scientist (1)
(See ASTR 188.) Cross-listed as ASTR 188.
SOCI 203
Human Development: Medical and Social (3)
Social influences on health and illness across the life span. Social determinants of health and health behavior, and delivery of health care. Guest lectures from the medical school and other health care providers address professional practice issues across the span. Issues include: new approaches to birthing; adolescent substance abuse: myths and realities of AIDS; risk factors of diseases in middle age; menopause, cognition and aging-Alzheimer’s disease; problems in care of elderly; medical ethic of death and dying.
SOCI 204
Criminology (3)
What is crime and to what extent does crime affect you? This course will investigate the nature and extent of crime, theories on the causes of crime, types of crime and criminals, and the efforts society makes to cope with and prevent criminal behavior.
SOCI 208
Dating, Marriage and Family (3)
What is the family today? How has it changed over the last century? How will it change in the future? This course aims to answer these questions as it explores the influences of work, education, government, health and religion on today’s changing families. The course considers the factors that affect mate selection. It also examines parenting, roles of husbands and wives, and family dysfunction, and divorce.
SOCI 222
Gender in U.S. Society (3)
The focus of this course is on unique and convergent experiences of men and women in U.S. society. Different social expectations and opportunities encountered by men and women in the context of marriage and the family, work settings, and in informal organizations will be addressed. Legislation and social policy dealing with gender issues will be considered. Cross-listed as WMST 222.
SOCI 255
Special Topics (1-3)
Courses taught as special topics seminars focus on selected areas of study in sociology. They tend to be more specialized and emphasis is placed upon a sociological examination of one social institution (such as the media) or on one historical period (such as the ‘60s).
SOCI 269
Yound and Old Face in the 21st Century(3)
Examines prospects and problems of the young and old as a window into the 21st century. An intergenerational perspective is used to highlight opportunities for cooperation and conflict between young and old who face the future together. This approach represents a shift in thinking about aging as relevant only to the old, to a view that aging is relevant to the future of all individuals, families, and societies.
SOCI 300
Modern Sociological Thought (3)
The most profound commentary of industrial society began in the middle of the nineteenth century with thinkers such as Durkheim, Marx, and Max Weber. Students will read the work of these scholars as their work appeared in the original sources. They thoughtfully address concepts such as social integration and alienation, crime and punishment, and the social impact of modernization. The course is of special relevance to students in the social sciences, but is also recommended for students in other fields who wish to understand the social context in which professional lives will be conducted. Prereq: SOCI 112B and Sophomore Standing.
SOCI 302
Race and Ethnic Minorities in American Society (3)
Has the United States become a melting pot of ethnic groups or does it remain a salad bowl? American society is uniquely diverse in its ethnic and racial composition. This diversity has influenced much of American history and had substantial impact on the structure of social organization of present day society. This course familiarizes students with basic concepts of race and ethnicity, relevant theories and their applications to critical issues. Prereq: SOCI 112B.
SOCI 303
Social Research Methods (3)
Principles of making causal inferences about human behavior; problem formulation and research design; measurement of sociological concepts; data collection and analysis methods; evaluation of research findings. Prereq: SOCI 112B and Sophomore Standing.
SOCI 305A
Seminar and Practicum: School-Based Peer Court Justice (3)
Regular Seminar Meetings, and occasional supervised field placements at local high schools. Study and practice for Case undergraduate students and a select group of High School students all of whom will be introduced to the practical application of the “Restorative Peer Court Justice” system as an alternative to traditional school disciplinary intervention. The training, mentoring, and mutual collaboration in the design and implementation of this project provide active learning experiences leading to a better understanding of the offending High School student’s misbehavior, the possibility of reducing the level of reoffending, restoring relationships, and enhancing the social cohesion of the school community.
SOCI 310
The Individual in Society (3)
This course focuses on the relationship between individuals and the societies in which they live. Influences of values and culture on individuals’ selves and identities are discussed as well as how individuals attach meaning to personal life experiences and histories in the context of society at large. Prereq: SOCI 112B
SOCI 311/411
Health, Illness and Social Behavior (3)
This course considers the role of social factors (e.g., poverty, occupational and family structure) on health and illness. Discussion will concentrate on the role of health promotion (e.g., anti-smoking campaigns), social behavior and lifestyle in health and health care use. Considerable attention is given to understanding health careers and professions and their role in the health of societies and individuals. Prereq: SOCI 112B and Sophomore Standing.
SOCI 313/413
Sociology of Stress and Coping (3)
This course will focus attention on human stress throughout the span and its role in personal health and well-being. There have been exciting advances in recent years in understanding the nature of stress in everyday life as well as elements of extreme stress. Trauma is experienced by many people due to normative events such as illness and bereavement or natural and manmade disasters such as crime or war. Coping strategies and social supports which ameliorate negative impact of stress will be considered. Prereq: SOCI 112B and Sophomore Standing.
SOCI 314/414
Qualitative Methods/Field Research (3)
Students explore the theoretical foundations of qualitative social research. The course is designed to introduce and provide experience with a range of data generation strategies and analytic skills. The ethnographic techniques of semi-structured interviewing and participant observation receive particular attention. Prereq: SOCI 112B and Sophomore Standing.
SOCI 319/419
Sociology of Institutional Care (3)
This course focuses on converging issues of theory, research, and practice in general hospitals, mental hospitals, nursing homes, hospices, and correctional institutions. The ecology of institutions and the adaptation of individuals within institutions will also be considered. There will be field trips to institutional facilities. Prereq: SOCI 112B and Sophomore Standing.
SOCI 320
Delinquency and Juvenile Justice (3)
The primary focus of this course is on acquainting the student with the nature and the extent of juvenile delinquency. Accordingly, theoretical approaches to delinquency causation and the prevention, control, and treatment of delinquent behavior in society are addressed. Important aspects of juvenile justice procedures, policy, and practice are examined, and the early history of the juvenile justice system and the many changes occurring over the years are discussed. Prereq: SOCI 112B.
SOCI 326
Women in Societies in the Modern World (3)
Participation of women in both family and economic institutions in developed and developing societies around the world. Prereq: SOCI 112B or permission of program director. Cross-listed as WMST 326.
SOCI 328
Urban Sociology (3)
Theories and applications of urban sociology interpreting city life and structure. Finances, schooling, transportation, the infrastructure of the city, grown and decline, urban poverty, the homeless, crime, pollution are examined. Key aspects of social theories and research findings about the nature of spatial, economic and social relationships in cities in developed and developing countries analyzed. Prereq: SOCI 112B.
SOCI 333
Sociology of Deviant Behavior (3)
Sociological approaches to causes of deviant behavior, and social psychology of deviance are studied. Illustrations range from juvenile delinquency to scientific misconduct and cover both criminal and noncriminal forms of deviance. Prereq: SOCI 112B.
SOCI 338
Seminar and Practicum and Adolescence (3)
(See EDUC 338.) Cross-listed as EDUC 338 and PSCL 338.
SOCI 339
Seminar and Practicum in Adolescence (3)
(See SOCI 338.) Cross-listed as PSCL 339.
SOCI 349/449
Social Inequality (3)
Theory and research on contemporary inequality is considered in terms of income, wealth, education, occupational standing, occupational prestige, status categories, racial, ethnic, religious, age, and gender groupings. Prereq: SOCI 112B and Sophomore Standing.
SOCI 355
Special Topics (3)
One or more sections each semester focusing on selected areas of study in sociology.
SOCI 360/460
The Sociology of Law (3)
This course will focus on the role of rights in the U.S. legal system and society. In particular, we will consider three questions. The first is how do rights fit in the legal system and society? Second, how have different social groups used and thought about rights? Third, how do legal actors like judges and lawyers think about rights compared to non-lawyers? Prereq: SOCI 112B and Sophomore Standing.
SOCI 361/461
The Life Course (3)
Individual experiences and transitions over the life course are considered as the result of societal, cultural, psychological, biological, and historical influences. Developmental issues of childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, middle years and late life are discussed in the context of social expectations, challenges, and opportunities. Emphasis is placed on theoretical readings. Prereq: SOCI 112B and Sophomore Standing.
SOCI 365/465
Health Care Delivery (3)
Health care in the U.S. may be approaching a critical cross-road. Limiting care to older persons and the chronically ill has been proposed as a means to combat rising costs and limited access to health care. What are the alternatives to health care rationing? Socialized medicine? National health insurance? This course deals with issues of cost, quality, and access to health care in the United States and other societies. It considers how solutions by other societies can provide directions for the organization of health care in the U.S. Prereq: SOCI 112B and Sophomore Standing.
SOCI 369/469
Aging in American Society (3)
Considers the position and participation of aged adults in American society. Sociological perspectives through which to interpret the aging process and old age; social policies; intergenerational relations; lifestyles and how they affect participation of the aged in American society; dying and death serve as major themes. Prereq: SOCI 112B and Sophomore Standing.
SOCI 370/470
Family Structure and Process (3)
This course focuses on the conduct, conflicts and triumphs encountered in everyday living by families. Examines how families from different historical periods, classes and races experience life. Attention will be given to the sense of variety inherent in family forms and intrafamilial experiences. Using sociological, theoretical and historical perspectives, learn why the family is often blamed for major societal problems. Prereq: SOCI 112B and Sophomore Standing.
SOCI 372/472
Work and Family: U.S. and Abroad (3)
Covers the impact on human lives of the interface between work and family; the different ways gender structures the experience of work and family depending upon racial and ethnic background, social class, age, and partner preference; the impact of historical context on work-family experiences; work-family policies in the United States and other countries. Prereq: SOCI 112B and Sophomore Standing. Cross-listed as WMST 372.
SOCI 375
Independent Study (1-3)
Prereq: SOCI 112B and SOCI 300.
SOCI 381
City as Classroom (3)
(See HSTY 381.) Cross-listed as HSTY 381.
SOCI 392
Senior Capstone Experience (3)
SOCI 392 represents the completion of an independent study paper involving an in-depth exploration of a sociology topic to be chosen in consultation with the student’s capstone advisor. This project allows for original thought and for the tailoring of the research to the student’s interests. The student will integrate theory, methods, and social issues, as he/she applies critical thinking skills and insights to the analysis of some aspects of a subject chosen from any of the following subfields and concentrations: Gerontology, Social Inequality, Medical Sociology, Crime and Delinquency, The Life Course, Education, Work and the Family, Sociology of Law, and Deviance. The Capstone Project has both a written and an oral component. Following the submission of the Capstone paper, the student will give a presentation of the project at the Senior Capstone Fair, or another forum chosen by the Department. Prereq: SOCI 112, SOCI 300, SOCI 303, STAT 201 or PSCL 282.
SOCI 397
Honors Studies (3)
Intensive investigation of research or conceptual problem; original work under supervision of faculty member. Limited to senior majors. Prereq: Senior status.
SOCI 398
Honors Studies (3)
Intensive investigation of research on conceptual problem; original work under supervision of faculty member. Limited to senior majors.
Graduate Courses
SOCI 400
Development of Sociological Theory (3)
This course examines in detail the works of the major social theorists of the 19th and 20th centuries. It is intended to integrate their ideas with the social and historical milieu from which they were born. Questions of intergroup conflict vs. cooperation, interactions between economic, familial, religious, and political institutions, and the development of the self as a function of larger social processes are addressed. Such celebrated figures as Marx, Weber, and Durkheim, as well as modern thinkers will be presented and discussed. Prereq: Graduate standing.
SOCI 401
Contemporary Sociological Theory (3)
Current viewpoints in sociological theory are explored using contrasting theoretical perspectives.
SOCI 406
Sociological Research Methods I (3)
The first of a two-semester series in social research methodology. Students will learn how to interpret and conduct social science research. The two-semester course covers problem formulation, the logic of causal inference, measurement models, research designs, sampling, data collection, and data analysis.
SOCI 407
Sociological Reseach Methods II (3)
The second of a two-semester series in social research methodology. (See SOCI 406.) Prereq: SOCI 406.
SOCI 410
The Individual in Society (3)
This course focuses on the relationship between individuals and the societies in which they live. Influences of values and culture on individuals’ selves and identities are discussed as well as how individuals attach meaning to personal life experiences and histories in the context of society at large.
SOCI 443
Medical Sociology (3)
Course covers theories, research methods, and problems in sociology of medicine. Topics include social epidemiology, health and illness behavior, and sick role. Structures and functions of delivery systems and their interrelationships with other social institutions are discussed.
SOCI 445
Sociology of Mental Illness (3)
Focus is on social construction of mental health and illness and sociology of emotions. Social determinants of psychological distress will be discussed along with social stigma associated with mental illness. Institutional and community options for care of the mentally ill will be considered along with the impact of recent social movements of deinstitutionalization and independent living.
SOCI 455
Special Topics (3)
One or more sections each semester focusing on selected areas of study in sociology. |
