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For a listing of courses being offered in the present and upcoming semesters, please see the Searchable Schedule of Classes, using subject code SOCI.
SOCI 112B
Introduction to Sociology: Human Interaction (3)
How can so many different people who have competing ideals and lifestyles live together in harmony? What make 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, alienation.
Prerequisite: SOCI 112.
SOCI 203
Human Development: Medical and Social (3)
Social influences on health and illness across the lifespan. Social determinants of health and health behavior, and delivery of health care. Guest lectures from the medical school and other care providers address professional practice issues across the lifespan. Issues include: new approaches to birthing; adolescent substance abuse; myths and realities of AIDS; risk factors disease 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 work, education, government, health and religion on today's changing families. The course considers how social institutions affect mate selection, parenting, roles of husbands and wives, and family dysfunction and divorce is discussed in depth.
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.
SOCI 255
Special Topics (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 60's).
SOCI 255B
Social Change in the 60's (3)
The events of the 1960s in our country challenged the values and assumptions upon which most social institutions were previously based. A sociological analysis of the major social movements and broad societal changes that emerged during that time will enable students to understand not only this most confusing period of U.S. society, but the foundations of our current social context as well.
SOCI 269
Young and Old Face 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 yound and old who face the future together. This approach represents a shift in thinking about aging as relevant only o 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 it 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.
Prerequisite: SOCI 112 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.
Prerequisite: SOCI 112.
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 method; evaluation research findings.
Prerequisite: SOCI 112 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.
Prerequisite: SOCI 112.
SOCI 311
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.
Prerequisite: SOCI 112 and Sophomore Standing.
SOCI 313
Sociology of Stress and Coping (3)
This course will focus attention on human stress throughout the lifespan 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 man made disasters, such as crime or war. Coping strategies and social supports will be considered which ameliorate negative impact of stress.
Prerequisite: SOCI 112 and Sophomore Standing.
SOCI 314
Qualitative Methods/Field Research (3)
General introduction to qualitative research methods in which each student conducts research project. Guides students through research process from entering field and data collection and analysis to writing article suitable for publication.
Prerequisite: SOCI 112 and Sophomore Standing.
SOCI 319
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.
Prerequisite: SOCI 112 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 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.
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 world.
Prerequisite: SOCI 112.
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.
Prerequisite: SOCI 112.
SOCI 349
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.
Prerequisite: SOCI 112 and Sophomore Standing.
SOCI 355
Special Topics (3)
One or more sections each semester focusing on selected areas of study in sociology.
Prerequisite: SOCI 112.
SOCI 355E
Religion in American Society (3)
Religion has played a profound role in American society. This course looks at religion first from the perspective of major sociological theories (functionalism, conflict theory, etc.). Following these broad perspectives, the history of religion is examined from a religious economies/marketplace perspective. The course concludes with a consideration of the role of religion in individuals' lives.
Prerequisite: SOCI 112.
SOCI 355F
Technology and Social Change (3)
Interactions between technology and society. Selected technologies (computers, automobiles, television, pesticides energy sources, bio-medical innovations, factories) serve as case histories. Consequences of technological changes in pattern of work and social life. Major focus on American society, but also patterns of technological change in other cultures.
Prerequisite: SOCI 112.
SOCI 360
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?
Prerequisite: SOCI 112 and Sophomore Standing.
SOCI 361
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.
Prerequisite: SOCI 112 and Sophomore Standing.
SOCI 365
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 have 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.
Prerequisite: SOCI 112 and Sophomore Standing.
SOCI 369
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.
Prerequisite: SOCI 112 and Sophomore Standing.
SOCI 370
Family Structure and Process (3)
This course focuses on the conduct, conflicts and triumphs encountered in everyday living by families. Examine 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 intra familial experiences. Using sociological, theoretical and historical perspectives, learn why the family is often blamed for major societal problems.
Prerequisite: SOCI 112 and Sophomore Standing.
SOCI 372
Work and Family: U.S. and Abroad (3)
Patterns of work and their relationship to family and social life in U.S. and abroad are identified. Similarities and differences in work behavior and attitudes, family life organization, changes in occupational roles for women, and socialization of children for individual autonomy and group orientation are explored. Considers cultural differences as well as the impact of industrialization, urbanization, and large corporations.
Prerequisite: SOCI 112 and Sophomore Standing.
SOCI 375
Independent Study (1-3)
Original work under supervision of faculty member. Limited to junior and senior sociology majors.
Prerequisite: SOCI 112 and SOCI 300.
SOCI 391
Practicum in Human Development (3)
Students design a project in consultation with the Human Development program coordinators and a faculty supervisor from the School of Medicine, one of the other professional schools, or the College of Arts and Sciences. The faculty supervisor may be chosen by the student or recommended by the program coordinators. Students meet periodically with program coordinators in a seminar to review practicum experiences and place them in a theoretical context.
Prerequisite: SOCI 112.
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, who will regularly review the progress of the project. 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 Capstone Fair, or another forum chosen by the department.
SOCI 397 and 398,
Honors Studies (3)
Intensive investigation of research or conceptual problem; original work under supervision of faculty member. Limited to senior majors.
Prerequisite: senior standing.
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