2008-2009 General Course Listing
Undergraduate Courses
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SOCI 101. Introduction to Sociology: Human Interaction (3)
This course examines the basic principles that underlie how sociologists look at the world: "The Sociological Imagination". It addresses the basic questions: How is social order possible and how does change occur? The course is designed as a foundation for further study in the field of sociology and related disciplines. It introduces the student to the role that culture and social institutions play in modern society and examines important concepts such as socialization, deviance, social control, patterned inequalities and social change. These concepts are discussed in the context of both contemporary and historical social theories. Additionally, the student will be introduced to the methods of inquiry used by practicing sociologists. (Formerly list as SOCI 112B through Fall 2008)
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 lifespan. 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 lifespan. 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. Cross-listed as HDEV 203.
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 228. Sociology of Sex (3)
This course analyzes the issues of sex and sexuality from a sociological point of view. It is centered on the notion that what we consider to be 'normal' or 'natural' about sex and sexuality is, in reality, socially constructed. One's viewpoint on the issues surrounding sexuality are influenced by the social context in which they live, as opposed to the purely biological viewpoint that presupposes some sense of normalcy or naturalness regarding sexual relations. A range of topics will be covered, including readings that discuss the variations of sexuality and the notions of sexual "deviance" in order to explore the cultural and societal variation that exists along the lines of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age and disability.
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 255B. Social Change in the ’60s (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 262. Disability and Society (3)
This course considers examines the relationship between disability and society. The course covers how we define, represent, and react to disability in modern society. This includes an analysis of stigma and discrimination. We also explore the timing and experience of disability from a life-course perspective. Finally, we examine the political, social, and economic influences on disability, including the Disability Rights movement.
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 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 275. Live in Medicine: Becoming and Being a Physician (3)
This course applies a sociological approach to medical culture and the medical profession. Medical sociology emerged as a distinct field of study in the 1950’s in part due to prominent studies of medical education such as The Student Physician by Robert K. Merton and Howard Becker’s Boys in White. Since then, sociologists and other social scientists have written extensively about how issues of race, gender, aging and ethnicity are tied to issues of medical education, medical training, medical socialization and physician decision-making. Using a life course perspective, this course will examine how lives in medicine change over time; in particular, we’ll study changing workforce patterns, physician satisfaction, and burnout. Other topics to be covered include contemporary ethical issues and alternative professional health careers. The course provides an overview of how medicine and medical practice have profound influence on-and are influenced by-social, cultural, political and economic forces. In short, you’ll become familiar with how scholars outside of medicine cast a sociological gaze on the profession.
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. Prereq: SOCI 101 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 101.
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 101 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 101.
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. Prereq: SOCI 101 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 which ameliorate negative impact of stress will be considered. Prereq: SOCI 101 and Sophomore Standing.
SOCI 314. 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 101 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. Prereq: SOCI 101 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. Prereq: SOCI 101 and Sophomore Standing.
SOCI 326. Gender, Inequalities and Globalization (3)
Using a sociological perspective, this course examines how major societal institutions, including the economy, polity, medicine, religion, education and family, are structured to reproduce gendered inequalities across the globe. Attention is given to the intersection of race/ethnicity, social class, gender and sexuality in social systems of power and privilege. Of critical importance is how gender figures in the relationship between Economic North and Economic South countries. We will elucidate how gender norms vary by culture and exert profound influence on the daily, lived experiences of women and men. The course will be informed by recent scholarship on feminism, women’s movements, and globalization. Prereq: SOCI 101 or permission of program director. Cross-listed as WMST 326.
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 101.
SOCI 336. Institutional Care: Research and Reform (3)
This course is designed to provide an introduction to the nature of long term care in the USA and to contemporary issues of reform and culture change. It also provides an introduction to techniques for studying nursing home culture, and for assessing culture change. The issues and problems of long term care are well documented and the need for changing practices of long-term care is so widely recognized and deeply felt that several initiatives for “changing the culture” of long term care have gained national notoriety and rapid momentum. While laudatory, such efforts are inevitable criticized on numerous grounds, including cost, philosophy and vision, and lack of research evidence to support claims of success. The course is designed to provide an introduction to these debates in the scientific literature and in popular culture, and will provide an opportunity to develop skills in structured observation and action research. Prereq: SOCI 101.
SOCI 338. Seminar and Practicum in Adolescence (3)
(See EDUC 338.) Cross-listed as EDUC 338 and PSCL 338.
SOCI 339. Seminar and Practicum in Adolescents (3)
(See SOCI 338.) Cross-listed as PSCL 339.
SOCI 347. Sociology of Education (3)
This course provides an introduction to the field of the Sociology of Education, which might be more properly called a sociology of schooling. We will examine the development of schools historically and competing paradigms for understanding the place of school in society. Major theoretical perspectives concerning the nature and consequences of schools of individuals and for societies will be reviewed. Issues of individual opportunity – including how it is organized by race, calss, gender will be covered, as well as issues of institutional dynamics – including tracking, testing and so-called crisis and reform. Prereq: SOCI 101.
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. Prereq: SOCI 101 and Sophomore Standing.
SOCI 355. Special Topics (3)
One or more sections each semester focusing on selected areas of study in Sociology.
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. Prereq: SOCI 101.
SOCI 355F. Science Technology and Society (3)
Interactions between technology and society. Selected technologies (computers, automobiles, television, pesticides, energy sources, biomedical 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. Prereq: SOCI 101.
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? Prereq: SOCI 101 and Sophomore Standing or consent of department. Prereq: SOCI 101
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. Prereq: SOCI 101.
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 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 101 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. Prereq: SOCI 101 and Sophomore Standing.
SOCI 370. Sociology of the Family (3)
This course provides the theoretical and methodological foundation for conducting family research. It also reviews the most current research in the sociology of the family arena such as intergenerational issues, ethnicity and gender, and family transitions. Prereq: SOCI 101 and Sophomore Standing.
SOCI 372. 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 101 and junior/senior standing. Cross-listed as WMST 372 and Sophomore Standing.
SOCI 374. Using Law to Designate Public-Private Boundary in Social Policy (3)
This course studies law and the public-private dichotomy. With a basis in important research on the sociology of law, it considers three questions: (1) What is the impact of “law” on the boundary separating the public and private sectors? (2) How does “law” designate which actors and institutions belong to the public and private sectors? Which actors and institutions belong to the public sector and to the private sector? (3) Is the public-private dichotomy adequate for sociological analyses of law and its influences? If not, what alternatives to the public-private dichotomy can we offer? Prereq: SOCI 101.
SOCI 375. Independent Study (1-3)
Prereq: SOCI 101 and SOCI 300.
SOCI 377. Population Dynamics and Changing Societies (3)
Population and social structure are inextricably linked, as changes in one elicit changes in the other. Social demography, as a discipline, examines these linkages through the systematic study of the size, composition and distribution of populations and their relationship to the social, political and economic organization of societies. This course will pay particular attention to mortality, morbidity and health, fertility, family and household organization, and migration as the major processes of population change. The population dynamics of the United States will be emphasized, with select comparisons to developing and developed countries. Prereq: SOCI 101 or equivalent; 9 hours in SOCI, ANTH, and/or ECON.
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. Prereq: PSCL 230 and HDEV 203. Cross-listed as HDEV 391.
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 436. Institutional Care: Research and Reform (3)
This course is designed to provide an introduction to the nature of long term care in the USA and to contemporary issues of reform and culture change. It also provides an introduction to techniques for studying nursing home culture, and for assessing culture change. The issues and problems of long term care are well documented and the need for changing practices of long-term care is so widely recognized and deeply felt that several initiatives for “changing the culture” of long term care have gained national notoriety and rapid momentum. While laudatory, such efforts are inevitable criticized on numerous grounds, including cost, philosophy and vision, and lack of research evidence to support claims of success. The course is designed to provide an introduction to these debates in the scientific literature and in popular culture, and will provide an opportunity to develop skills in structured observation and action research.
SOCI 447. Sociology of Education (3)
This course provides an introduction to the field of the Sociology of Education, which might be more properly called a sociology of schooling. We will examine the development of schools historically and competing paradigms for understanding the place of school in society. Major theoretical perspectives concerning the nature and consequences of schools of individuals and for societies will be reviewed. Issues of individual opportunity – including how it is organized by race, calss, gender will be covered, as well as issues of institutional dynamics – including tracking, testing and so-called crisis and reform.
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 470. Sociology of the Family (3)
This course provides the theoretical and methodological foundation for conducting family research. It also reviews the most current research in the sociology of the family arena such as intergenerational issues, ethnicity and gender, and family transitions.
SOCI 474. Using Law to Designate Public-Private Boundary in Social Policy (3)
This course studies law and the public-private dichotomy. With a basis in important research on the sociology of law, it considers three questions: (1) What is the impact of “law” on the boundary separating the public and private sectors? (2) How does “law” designate which actors and institutions belong to the public and private sectors? Which actors and institutions belong to the public sector and to the private sector? (3) Is the public-private dichotomy adequate for sociological analyses of law and its influences? If not, what alternatives to the public-private dichotomy can we offer?
SOCI 455. Special Topics (3)
One or more sections each semester focusing on selected areas of study in sociology.
SOCI 477. Population Dynamics and Changing Societies (3)
Population and social structure are inextricably linked, as changes in one elicit changes in the other. Social demography, as a discipline, examines these linkages through the systematic study of the size, composition and distribution of populations and their relationship to the social, political and economic organization of societies. This course will pay particular attention to mortality, morbidity and health, fertility, family and household organization, and migration as the major processes of population change. The population dynamics of the United States will be emphasized, with select comparisons to developing and developed countries. |
