Sociology

Sociology is the scientific study of groups, institutions, and societies with a focus on how they are organized and how they change. Sociologists attempt to build theories and discover uniformities about societies, communities, institutions, organizations, small groups, interpersonal relations, social movements, social classes, and social conflicts. Knowledge of these social forms and processes provides both an enriched liberal arts education and preparation for various professions.

The sociology department, in cooperation with other departments, offers a social science major for teaching endorsement.

Courses

SOC 101: Introduction to Sociology

Examines basic social relationships, the corresponding social structures, and the processes affecting society.

SOC 231: Social Problems

Emphasizes causes, consequences, and possible solutions to contemporary social problems such as racism, crime, education, employment, and physical and mental health issues.

SOC 235: Social Psychology

Examines how people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by others. (Also listed as PSY 235.)

SOC 262: Deviance and Social Control

Discusses what constitutes deviant behavior in American society including the processes involved in defining and distinguishing deviant behavior from normal behavior, and the consequences of labeling particular behaviors and individuals as deviant.

SOC 263: Topics in Sociology

Addresses topics of special interest. (Examples: women's issues, collective behavior, urban sociology, sociology of education, minority relations.) Subtitles will be included in course schedules. Course may be repeated under different subtitles.

SOC 310: Family Communication and Diversity

Explores how diverse families are constructed through communication and change across time. (Also listed as COM 310.)

SOC 325: Organizational Behavior

This course is designed to provide an understanding of human behavior within the organizational environment and includes topics such as group dynamics, effective communications, potential impact of organizational structure on communicators and processes, and change management. (Also listed as BUS 325 and PSY 325.)

SOC 335: Race and Ethnic Relations

Explores the history of and current sociological issues affecting many of the different racial and ethnic groups which make up the United States. Issues of prejudice, discrimination, and immigration will also be explored.