Department of Sociology
226 Mather Memorial Building
Phone: 368-2700; Fax 368-2676
Eva Kahana
Sociology is a unique perspective for understanding social forces which affect individuals and their relationships with one another and their community. Sociologists explore roles of age, gender, race, religion, culture, ethnicity and income in shaping human experience in our changing society. Sociology courses also provide a better understanding of determinants of war and social conflict, crime, and deviant behavior, along with humankind's continuing positive efforts to cope with social problems and social change. Sociologists think creatively and critically about individual values, lifestyles, and options in a rapidly changing world. They also have skills to conduct surveys and other quantitative and qualitative studies for understanding public opinion, social needs and trends, and institutions. The Department places special emphasis on issues of health and illness and social influences on health policies and health behaviors throughout the life course.
The Department of Sociology offers programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Additional options include participation in the Integrated Graduate Studies Bachelor of Arts/Master of Arts sequence and a joint degree program in law and sociology.
The creative and rigorous thinking inherent in sociological analysis is excellent preparation for advanced work in almost any field. The major in sociology provides students with a broad preparation for understanding the social context in which we live, for obtaining positions in diverse work settings and/or for pursuing graduate or professional degrees. The sociology major provides a solid grounding for understanding and researching social processes and institutions ranging from the family to work settings, health care institutions, and other complex organizations.
A sociology major will be useful to students considering careers in the health and social service professions, social research, public administration and program development, market research, communications, and business careers. Students may design course work to facilitate entry into the job market, graduate study, or professional study.
A sociology major provides excellent preparation for admittance to law school or medical school. Surveys show sociology majors experience some of the highest rates of acceptance to professional schools. Sociology coursework, or a minor or second major in sociology also provides excellent preparation to students majoring in other social sciences, natural sciences or humanities.
Valerie Brown, Ph.D. (Case Western Reserve University)
Assistant Professor
Sociological theory; medical sociology; race and ethnicity; sociology of aging
Eva Kahana, Ph.D. (University of Chicago)
Pierce T. and Elizabeth D. Robson Professor and Chair
Sociology of aging; medical sociology; social factors in stress and coping; sociology of health care institutions
Kyle Kercher, Ph.D. (University of Washington)
Associate Professor
Methodology; statistics; sociology of health and aging; criminology
George S. Rosenberg, Ph.D. (Columbia University)
Professor
Stratification; kinship; theory
Jetse Sprey, Ph.D. (Yale University)
Professor Emeritus
Sociology of family; sociological theory; conflict and violence
Eugene S. Uyeki, Ph.D. (University of Chicago)
Selah Chamberlain Professor of Sociology
Urban sociology; sociology of science; demography and ecology
Robert Binstock, Ph.D. (Harvard University)
Henry R. Luce Professor, School of Medicine
Public policy and aging; health care policy
David Biegel, Ph.D. (University of Maryland)
Henry Zucker Professor, MSASS
Family; social networks; caregiving; mental health
Patricia Brennan, Ph.D., R.N., F.A.A.N. (University of Wisconsin)
Associate Professor, School of Nursing and Engineering
Technology and health services delivery; research methods
Kurt Stange, M.D., Ph.D. (University of North Carolina)
Assistant Professor, School of Medicine
Epidemiology; preventive health care; biostatistics; disability prevention in the elderly
J. Randal Johnson, Ph.D. (University of Washington)
Adjunct Assistant Professor
Marriage and the family; sociology of aging; social psychology; medical sociology; quantitative methodology
Kevan Namazi, Ph.D. (Kent State University/University of Akron)
Adjunct Assistant Professor
Medical sociology; research methods; sociology of aging; environmental sociology
Linda S. Noelker, Ph.D. (Case Western Reserve University)
Adjunct Associate Professor
Research methods; gerontology; social psychology
Rachel Pruchno, Ph.D. (Pennsylvania State University)
Adjunct Associate Professor
Family sociology; sociology of aging; longitudinal methods
Kathleen Smyth, Ph.D. (Case Western Reserve University)
Adjunct Assistant Professor
Medical sociology; research methods; sociology of aging
Robert C. Davis, Ph.D. (University of Michigan)
Associate Professor Emeritus
Theory; criminology; law and society; history of sociology
Gary Deimling, Ph.D. (Bowling Green State University)
Associate Professor
Family sociology; sociology of aging; medical sociology; research methods
Marie Haug, Ph.D. (Case Western Reserve University)
Professor Emerita
Medical sociology; sociology of aging; sociology of professions
The sociology major comprises a minimum of 30 hours of work. All majors complete the common core requirements (12 hours): SOCI 112, 299, 300; and STAT 319; and 18 hours of electives, consisting of any six courses in sociology.
A sociology major utilizing the math-based Lambda Core is also available. This major is particularly well-suited for students planning research careers.
The sociology minor consists of 15 credit hours in sociology, including SOCI 112, SOCI 300, and three additional electives, of which at least two must be 300-level courses.
Bachelor of Arts core requirements:
SOCI 112 (A) or (B) and 113 may be used to satisfy the Bachelor of Arts requirement for social and behavioral sciences. SOCI 200 can be used to satisfy the Bachelor of Arts requirement for quantitative reasoning.
Sociology provides the science or engineering student a perspective for understanding society, the family and other social groups and organizations. Specific sociology courses provide students with systematic knowledge of determinants of leadership and organization of the work place in scientific, engineering, or managerial fields. All sequences leading to a sociology degree must include SOCI 112, Introduction to Sociology (3), and SOCI 113, Critical Problems in Modern Society (3). In consultation with faculty advisor, students choose two additional related courses complete the sequence of four courses in sociology.
Juniors majoring in sociology with a 3.0 overall grade point average and a 3.4 average in sociology are invited to apply for the department's Honors Program, which consists of an intensive, year-long investigation of a research problem under the guidance of a faculty member. Students will earn credit through registration in SOCI 397 and 398. Admission to honors work is by faculty approval.
The Department of Sociology participates in the Integrated Graduate Studies Program. Students in this program are able to simultaneously obtain B.A. and M.A. degrees. Interested students should note the general requirements and the admission procedures in the appropriate section of this bulletin and may consult the department for further information.
The Department of Sociology offers graduate studies leading to the Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees.
Sociology of aging is the major area of specialization for departmental graduate programs. Additional areas of focus include medical sociology and sociology of the family.
To receive the Master of Arts degree a student must successfully complete 30 credit hours of course work. In addition, the students must pass two written examinations in Theory and Research Methods or write a thesis and pass an oral examination. Required courses for the degree are SOCI 400, 401, 406, and 407; two courses in sociology of aging chosen from SOCI 413A, 413B, 416 and 469; and STAT 319 or equivalent.
The Doctor of Philosophy degree is awarded upon completion of all requirements of the School of Graduate Studies and the following departmental requirements: completion of 54 credit hours past the Bachelor of Arts degree and fulfillment of the Master of Arts degree (see above). Additional course requirements are SOCI 509; a minimum of one advanced course in theory at the 500 level; STAT 320 (or equivalent); 18 hours of 701; passing of two specialty area examinations (one of which must be in the sociology of aging); and the successful defense of a dissertation.
The postdoctoral training program in social aspects of health and aging sponsored by the National Institute of Aging is offered in conjunction with the Elderly Care Research Center of the Department of Sociology.
Funded research projects of the Center focus on theory-based and public policy relevant issues in aging and medical sociology. Current projects relate to health and mental health outcomes of stress, coping, and adaptation to frailty in late life. The Center is recipient of an NIA Merit Award for a long-term study of very old residents of a retirement community. This research seeks to understand health promotion, proactive adaptation, and maintenance of wellness in late life. Other research projects focusing on medical sociology deal with long-term care, caregiving burden, and physician-patient interactions. The Center serves as a laboratory for student research. Collaborative and cross-national research involves colleagues from other disciplines and universities in India, Japan, Israel, Hungary, Britain and Germany.
Sociology (SOCI)
SOCI 112 (A). Introduction to Sociology: Computer-based Approach (3).
First-hand experience at understanding contemporary American Society using computers to analyze public opinion surveys about social issues of our times. Considers issues of cultural diversity, success in the work place, interpersonal family relations, and public policy issues. Students work with data conducting analyses using state-of-the-art software.
SOCI 112 (B). Introduction to Sociology: 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 112 (B) may be used to satisfy the Western Reserve Core requirement in social and behavioral sciences.
SOCI 113 (A). Critical Problems in Modern Society (3).
Students develop better understanding of contemporary society though hands-on experiences with computers. Specific topics which illustrate contemporary social problems include: ethnic identity, religious minorities, race relations, the role of women today. Prerequisite: SOCI 112A or consent of instructor. SOCI 113 (A) or (B) may be used to satisfy the Bachelor of Arts Core requirement and the Lambda Core requirement in social and behavioral sciences.
SOCI 113 (B). 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 112A or consent of instructor. SOCI 113 (A) or (B) may be used to satisfy the Bachelor of Arts Core requirement and the Lambda Core requirement in social and behavioral sciences.
SOCI 200. Critical Thinking in the Social Sciences (3).
(cross listed as ANTH 200.) Introduction to critical thinking and empirical methods in the social sciences. Focuses on issues and problems in systematically obtaining and evaluating general information about social and political phenomena. Introduction to elementary computer applications and statistical methods used by social scientists. SOCI 200 may be used to satisfy the Bachelor of Arts core requirement in quantitative reasoning.
SOCI 203. Human Development (3).
(cross listed as HDEV 202). 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.
SOCI 205. Methods and Modes of Thought in Humanistic Studies (3).
(Cross listed as CMPL 205 and PHIL 205). This course is required for the interdisciplinary minor Forms and Roots of Modern Consciousness. The course is taught by four instructors representing different disciplines and occasional guest lecturers representing yet other disciplines. Students will be exposed to key concepts, themes, methods, and styles of philosophical, literary, aesthetic, historical, behavioral and social scientific studies.
SOCI 206. Understanding society: the 60's in Sociological Perspective (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 this 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 210. Media and Society (3).
This course focuses on the impact of social forces in shaping expressions by the media. It also considers the roles played by the media in shaping societal attitudes and social policies. Students develop a better understanding of the converging influences of public opinion, political leadership and interest groups in shaping views expressed on radio, television, and in the news media.
SOCI 249. Contemporary Social Inequality (3).
Getting to the top! Who wields power in today's society? This course focuses on inequalities and hierarchies in American society today. Differences in income, occupation and professional achievement, and social status in the city and small communities are examined. This course deals with the lifestyles and values that characterize people at different economic and status levels , and how family life and socialization of children differ by class. The influence of family background on achievement, education and career choices is emphasized.
SOCI 299. Introduction to 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. Prerequisite: SOCI 112 or consent of instructor.
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
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 or consent of instructor.
SOCI 304. 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. Prerequisite Sophomore standing.
SOCI 305. Urban Life and Culture (3).
This course addresses issues related to the urban community. Specifically, topics such as anonymity, freedom, different lifestyles, cultural conflict; population changes: land use patterns: suburb/city relations; and urban settings in comparative perspective are discussed. Prerequisite: Prerequisite: SOCI 112 or consent of instructor.
SOCI 307. Conflict and Violence in Contemporary Societies (3).
This course provides a look at the structure and press of social conflict in modern societies and its links with phenomena of individual and collective violence. The course emphasizes criminal violence, inter-ethnic and racial violence, genocide, and contemporary terrorism. Prerequisite: SOCI 112 or consent of instructor.
SOCI 308. Dating, Marriage and the 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 how social institutions affect mate selection, parenting, roles of husbands and wives, and family dysfunction and divorce is discussed in depth. Prerequisite SOCI 112 or consent of instructor.
SOCI 310. Self and 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 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 or consent.
SOCI 312. Population, Environment and Society (3).
This course focuses on the interplay among population, society, the environment and technological development, worldwide and national population trends, mortality, efforts at fertility control, population distribution and migration are discussed with attention to the development of social policy.
SOCI 313 (A). Social Factors in 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 adaption of individuals within institutions will also be considered. There will be field trips to institutional facilities. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
SOCI 313 (B). Social Factors in 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: Sophomore standing.
SOCI 314 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 or consent of instructor.
SOCI 316 Social Problems and Policy (3).
This course considers how policies of the government and other institutions impact social problems such as crime, substance abuse, the environment and pollution, race and ethnic relations, and abortion. Students will learn to analyze government and institutional actions to remedy social problems.
SOCI 318. Introduction to Applied Sociology (3).
Application of sociological knowledge to selected social problems of our times is considered. Students learn to conduct research on health delivery system, educational system, welfare, and criminal justice system. Classroom and field experience. Prerequisite: SOCI 112 or 113 or consent of the instructor.
SOCI 322. Gender Roles 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 324. Biosociology (3).
This course explores the possible applications of evolutionary principles in general, and sociobiology in particular, to the understanding of human social behavior. Contributions from a range of fields, such as ethology, primatology, and genetics, are brought to bear in an attempt to formulate relevant questions about that which is "natural" in the organization of human communities.
SOCI 326. Women In Societies In Modern World (3).
Participation of women in both family and economic institutions in developed and developing societies around world, are explored. Prerequisite: SOCI 112 or consent of instructor.
SOCI 330. Sociology of Human Sexual Behavior (3).
This course considers human sexuality within a sociological perspective. Topics include premarital, marital, and extramarital sexual conduct, fertility, deviance, sexually transmitted diseases, and social dimensions of the AIDS epidemic.
SOCI 332. Organized Crime (3).
Myths and realities of organized crime in America are considered. Urban roots of organized crime, organized crime as business, way of life, and career are explored. Attempts by law enforcement organizations to cope with organized crime are discussed. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
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.
SOCI 340. Social Research in Health Care Settings (3).
This course provides interdisciplinary social science approaches to health research and aging in hospitals and other health care settings. Alternative approaches to health research are presented including: evaluation research, observational methodologies, and study of written records and documents. Students learn to formulate a research proposal. They obtain hands-on experiences in designing a questionnaire, conducting interviews, developing a code book for open and closed ended questions and coding research data.
SOCI 341. Political Sociology (3).
Demographic trends and social influences on voting behavior and political action are discussed. Comparisons of broad societal, and local community governmental processes will be analyzed both in terms of their social determinants and as they address diverse social problems.
SOCI 342. Individuals, Organizations, and Complex Societies (3).
Individual behavior in the modern organizations of complex industrialized societies, as well as select theories of organization are addressed. This course also presents information on the role of social changes (e.g., advanced technology, urbanization, rapid communications) in organizational structure and behavior; the changing functions of the family and local community; and issues of societal and personal integration. Prerequisite: SOCI 112 or consent of the instructor.
SOCI 349. Social Inequality in the United States (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. Special emphasis is placed on poverty.
SOCI 353. Science, Technology and Society (3).
Relationships between technology and society are discussed. Selected technologies (computers, automobiles, television, pesticides, energy sources, bio-medical innovations, factories) serve as case histories. Consequences of technological changes in patterns of work and social life are covered. Major focus is on American society, but also patterns of technological change in other cultures.
SOCI 355. Special Topics (3).
One or more sections each semester focusing on selected areas of study in sociology.
SOCI 355 (A). Religion In American Life (3).
This course focuses on the role of various religions in American life. It stresses the way religion affects and is affected by other institutional sectors and emphasizes the role of religious values in shaping the major cultural values of the United States. Current issues and conflicts are examined. The course goal is to appreciate the role of America's pluralistic religious heritage and its significance for today's complex society.
SOCI 355 (B). Health Care Delivery in the U.S. and Abroad (3).
A comparative approach is taken to assess the means by which societies balance the issues of health care access, cost, and quality. Special effort is made to contrast the U.S., Canadian, and British health care systems and to contrast developed and developing societies. This course stresses that health care needs and expectations are culturally defined and historically based and that the organization of health care is a social, political, and economic issue as well as a bio-medical one. Prerequisite: SOCI 112.
SOCI 358. Special Topics: Popular Culture and the Public (3).
Topics to be announced.
SOCI 360. Law and Society (3).
Laws are society's ways of protecting dependent groups and insuring justice. In addition to addressing broad questions such as how the current legal system evolved and the relationship between laws and moral behavior, the course also focuses on the making of the lawyer and understanding the legal profession. New directions in the law including alternative dispute settlement, use of social science methods in predicting jury behavior and arbitration will be addressed. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
SOCI 361. Human Development over 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.
SOCI 362. Kinship and the Family (3).
Family structure is examined with respect to application to contemporary, urban industrial families and family problems, such as divorce, illegitimacy and adoption. Focuses also on the socialization of children, aged and the family.
SOCI 365. Health Care Delivery in the U.S. and Abroad (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.
SOCI 367. Criminal Justice Process (3).
An overview of the criminal justice systems is presented along with procedures and problems concerning police, prosecutors, courts and corrections; research and contemporary issues in each phase of the justice process including juvenile justice; judicial decisions relating to criminal justice. Prerequisite: Junior Standing or consent of instructor.
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.
SOCI 370. Family Process (3).
The conduct, conflicts, and triumphs encountered in everyday living by families is the focus of this course. The various methods used by families to solve their interpersonal conflicts, and manage the crises that confront families as a unit and as individual members of the family are discussed. Different forms of abuse, such as child, wife, and elder abuse are examined; and techniques for prevention and treatment are emphasized. Prerequisite: SOCI 112.
SOCI 371. Crime and Punishment in America: Historical Perspective (3).
(Also listed as HSTY 370.) In tracing the patterns of crime and punishment in America from colonial times to the present, several intertwined themes are central: the changing patterns of crime; the social response to crime (e.g., law, imprisonment, policing); and the explanations of criminal behavior (criminology).
SOCI 372. Work and Family in United States and Japan (3).
Patterns of work and their relationship to family and social life in U.S. and Japan 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.
SOCI 375. Independent Study (3).
Junior and Senior sociology majors get personal, advanced training in a topic of interest to them. Majors work under close tutelage of experienced faculty in areas of aging, medical sociology, criminology, stratification, social change, and race and ethnic relations. Prerequisites: 12 credit hours in SOCI, including 112, 299, and 300; approval of written prospectus.
SOCI 390. Complex Organizations (3).
Focus of this course will be on structure and functioning of complex social organizations such as hospitals, universities, industrial and political organizations. Special attention will be directed at the church and the military. Boundaries of complex organizations will be studied along with their impact on the social environment. Leadership hierarchies and the power of lower participants will be addressed. Prerequisite: SOCI 112 or consent of instructor.
SOCI 396. Public Policy and Aging (3).
Public Policy and Aging will give students an overview of public policies affecting aging and the impact of an aging population on public policies. This will entail a discussion of contemporary policy dilemmas, policy choices for the future, and political contexts of such dilemmas and choice. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor. Does Binstock offer as undergraduate course?
SOCI 397/398. Honors Studies (3).
Intensive investigation of research on a conceptual problem; original work under supervision of a faculty member. This course, facilitates advanced and in-depth investigation of research or conceptual problems as well as an opportunity to graduate with honors. Limited to senior sociology majors. Prerequisites: Grade point average of 3.4 in SOCI courses and 3.0 overall; recommendation of faculty adviser.
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. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor.
SOCI 401. Contemporary Sociological Theory (3).
Current viewpoints in sociological theory, are explored using contrasting theoretical perspectives. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor.
SOCI 402. Race and Ethnic Minorities in American Society (3).
(See SOCI 302.)
SOCI 403. Sociological Perspectives and Principles (3).
This seminar considers the major sociological frames of reference, substantive foci, concepts, and perspectives. A critical overview of the field is offered, which includes: modes of inquiry, sociological perspectives on personality development, social institutions, social stratification, communities and urbanism, industrialization, human ecology and demography, race and ethnic relations, social change, and sociology as a profession.
SOCI 405. Urban Sociology (3).
(See SOCI 305.)
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. Students will complete a journal article by the end of second semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor.
SOCI 407. Sociological Research Methods II (3).
The second of a two-semester series in social research methodology. (See SOCI 406.) Prerequisite: SOCI 406 or consent of instructor.
SOCI 410. Self and Society (3).
(See SOCI 310.)
SOCI 411. Health, Illness, and Social Behavior (3).
(See SOCI 311.)
SOCI 412. Population, Environment and Society (3).
This course focuses on the interplay among population, society, the environment and technological development, worldwide and national population trends, mortality, efforts at fertility control, population distribution and migration are discussed with attention to the development of social policy.
SOCI 413 (A). Social Factors in Institutional Care (3).
(See SOCI 313A.)
SOCI 413 (B). Social Factors, in Stress and Coping (3).
(See SOCI 313B.)
SOCI 414. Field Research (3).
(See SOCI 314.)
SOCI 416. Practicum in Gerontological Research (3).
The practicum in Gerontological research will allow students to have first hand experiences in fieldwork and data analyses working under supervision in Sociological research settings such as the Alzheimer's Center on Benjamin Rose Institute or the Elderly Care Research Center. Supervising faculty will meet regularly with students to provide a didactic component to the research practicum. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
SOCI 440. Social Research in Health Care Settings.
(See SOCI 340.)
SOCI 442. Individuals, Organizations, and Complex Societies (3).
(See SOCI 342.)
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. Prerequisite: SOCI 411 or consent of instructor.
SOCI 445. Sociology of Mental Health and 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 448. Program Evaluation Research (3).
Lecture seminar for researchers and practitioners covering history, theory, methodology, uses, and misuses of program evaluation. Course merges theoretical and substantive concerns with appropriate design and analysis. Prerequisites: SOCI 406 and 407, or consent of instructor.
SOCI 449. Social Stratification (3).
Current theoretical issues in stratification and their origins in classic theories of inequality. Prerequisite: graduate standing or consent of instructor.
SOCI 455. Special Topics (3).
(See SOCI 355.)
SOCI 460. Law and Society (3).
(See SOCI 360.)
SOCI 461. Human Development Over the Life Course.
(See SOCI 361.)
SOCI 462. Kinship and Family (3).
(See SOCI 362.)
SOCI 469. Aging in American Society (3).
(See SOCI 369.)
SOCI 470. Family Process (3).
Daily dynamics of family life. Problem solving and crisis management in families.
SOCI 490. Complex Organizations (3).
(See SOCI 390.)
SOCI 496. Public Policy and Aging (3).
(See SOCI 396.)
SOCI 500. Advance Social Theory (3).
This course focuses on problems and issues relevant to contemporary social theorizing. As such, it deals with the rational roots of mainstream sociological thought and its relation to practice. Attention will also be paid to critical theory, hermeneutics, and current feminist thinking. Prerequisite: SOCI 400, SOCI 401, or consent of instructor.
SOCI 502. Seminar In Sociological Theory: Marx and Weber (3).
Involves intensive readings in the sociology of Karl Marx and Max Weber, and the analysis of original texts. Prerequisite: graduate standing or consent of instructor.
SOCI 509. Problems of Data Analysis (3).
Research in Social Epidemiology, Health Service Research, and other applied fields increasingly demands an understanding of social research methodology. This seminar exposes students to state of the art analysis of social science data including: Data preparation, factor analysis, path analysis, and structural equation modeling. Students are provided the opportunity to interpret and critically evaluate the methodology used in journal articles, with an emphasis on data analytic techniques. Students will analyze data sets using SPSS/PC+ and EQS (structural equation) data analytic software programs. Prerequisites: STAT 320, SOCI 406 and 407 or consent of instructor.
SOCI 601. Reading and Research (1-9).
Individual study and/or project work.
SOCI 651. MA Thesis (1-9).
SOCI 701. Dissertation (Ph.D.) (credit as arranged).
CWRU Provost's Office --
About this server
-- Copyright 1996 CWRU
-- Unauthorized use prohibited
|