Department of Sociology
226 Mather Memorial Building
Phone: 368-2700; Fax 368-2676
Eva Kahana
Sociology is a unique perspective for understanding the social structure and social forces which affect individuals and their relationships with one another and their community. Sociologists explore the 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 to be among those with the highest rates of acceptance to professional schools. Sociology course work, or a minor or second major in sociology, also provides excellent preparation to students majoring in other social sciences, natural sciences, or humanities.
Eva Kahana, Ph.D. (University of Chicago)
Pierce T. and Elizabeth D. Robson Professor of Humanities and Chair
Sociology of aging; medical sociology; social factors in stress and coping.
Gary Deimling, Ph.D. (Bowling Green State University)
Associate Professor
Family sociology; sociology of aging; medical sociology; research methods.
Susan W. Hinze, Ph.D. (Vanderbilt University)
Assistant Professor
Medical sociology; social inequality, sex and gender.
Kyle Kercher, Ph.D. (University of Washington)
Associate Professor
Quantitative methodology; aging/social gerontology.
Richard A. Settersten, Ph.D. (Northwestern University)
Assistant Professor
Adult development and aging; theory; social policy; life course methods.
David E. Beigel, Ph.D. (University of Maryland at Baltimore)
Henry Zucker Professor, Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Professor of Sociology
Family; social networks; caregiving; mental health.
Robert Binstock Ph.D. (Harvard University)
Henry R. Luce Professor of Health, Aging and Society, School of Medicine, Professor of Sociology
Public policy and aging; health care policy.
Richard Fortinsky, Ph.D. (Brown University)
Associate Professor of Sociology, Medicine, Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Medical sociology; sociology of aging; health care policy.
Baila Miller, Ph.D. (University of Illinois at Chicago)
Associate Professor.
Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Director, Joseph and Florence Mandel Alzheimer Caregiving Institute
Sociology of aging; caregiving; sex and gender, research methods.
Linda Noelker, Ph.D. (Case Western Reserve University)
Adjunct Associate Professor of Sociology, Associate Director of Research, Benjamin Rose Institute of Cleveland
Sociology of aging; family sociology; sex and gender.
Kathleen Smyth, Ph.D. (Case Western Reserve University)
Associate Professor of Sociology, Medicine, Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Medical sociology; research methods; sociology of aging.
Kurt Stange, M.D., Ph.D. (University of North Carolina)
Associate Professor of Sociology, Medicine and Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Epidemiology; preventative health care; biostatistics; disability prevention in the elderly.
The major in sociology has been designed to serve the different educational goals of undergraduates: general education, pre-professional training, postgraduate employment, and preparation for graduate school.
The major requires a minimum of 30 hours of work. All majors complete the common core requirements: (12 hours):
SOCI 112 Introductory Sociology
SOCI 303 Research methods
SOCI 300 Sociological Theory
STAT 319 or PSCL 282 Statistics
plus 18 hours of electives, consisting of any six courses in sociology
SOCI 375, Independent Study, is available to selected majors in their junior or senior year.
The minor consists of 15 credit hours in sociology, including;
SOCI 112 Introductory Sociology
SOCI 300 Sociological Theory
plus three additional electives, of which at least two must be 300 level courses.
Sociology provides the computer 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 sociology sequences leading to a sociology degree must include: SOCI 112 Introduction to Sociology (3 credits), SOCI 113 Critical Problems in the Modern World (3 credits). In consultation with faculty advisor, students choose two additional related courses to complete the sequence of four courses in sociology.
Juniors majoring in sociology with a 3.0 overall GPA and a 3.4 GPA 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 SOCI 398. Admission to honors work is by faculty approval.
The opportunity to join Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD), the sociology honors fraternity, is available to selected juniors and seniors (Membership requires a 3.4 GPA in Sociology and a 3.2 GPA overall.)
The Department of Sociology participates in the Integrated Graduate Studies Program. Students in the program are able to obtain B.A. and M.A. degrees simultaneously. 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 Masters 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, 410, 406 and 407; Two courses in sociology of aging chosen from SOCI 413, 419, 416 and 469; and STAT 319 or equivalent.
The Doctor of Philosophy degree is awarded upon the 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 (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 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, caregiver burden, and physician-patient interactions. The center serves as a laboratory for student research. Collaborative and cross-national research involves colleges from other disciplines and universities in Japan, Israel, Hungary, Britain, and Germany.
Sociology (SOCI)
SOCI 112A, 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 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 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 255, Special Topics, 3
Courses taught as special tops 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 255A, 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 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 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
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
SOCI 305, Urban Life & Culture, 3
This course addresses issues related to the urban community. Specifically, topics such as anonymity, freedom, different lifestyles, cultural conflict; population changes; and urban settings in comparative perspective are discussed.
Prerequisite: SOCI 112
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/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
SOCI 312, Population Trends and Demographics, 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, with attention to the development of social policy.
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: 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
SOCI 319, 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 adaptation of individuals within institutions will also be considered. There will be field trips to institutional facilities.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
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 338, Seminar and Practicum: Adolescents, 3
Also listed as PSCL 338.
The objectives of this course are twofold. First, this course provides students with an opportunity for tutoring and mentoring middle school youths from the Cleveland city schools served by Project Step-Up. Second, theoretical readings will help students develop a greater understanding of sociology and its applications in an applied setting.
SOCI 339, Seminar and Practicum: Adolescents, 3
Also listed as PSCL 339. See SOCI 338.
SOCI 340, Social Research in Health Care Setting, 3
This course covers 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 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
SOCI 355, Special Topics, 3
One or more sections each semester focusing on selected areas of study in sociology.
Prerequisite: SOCI 112
SOCI 355C, Conflict and Violence, 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.
SOCI 355D, 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 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.
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.
SOCI 360, Criminal Justice and Law, 3
Overview of criminal justice system and procedures and problems concerning police, prosecutors, courts, and corrections. Covers society's ways of protecting dependent groups and insuring justice, evolution of the current legal system, and relationships between the law and moral behavior.
Prerequisite: SOCI 112
SOCI 361, Human Development Over 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
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
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; Junior or senior 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
SOCI 371, Crime/Punishment/American 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).
Prerequisite: SOCI 112
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
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 303 AND SOCI 300
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
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.
SOCI 397, Honors Studies, 3
Intensive investigation of research or conceptual problem; original work under supervision of faculty member. Limited to senior majors.
SOCI 398, Honors Studies, 3
Intensive investigation of research on conceptual problem; original work under supervision of faculty member. Limited to senior majors.
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: Grad standing
SOCI 401, Contemporary Sociological Theory, 3
Current viewpoints in sociological theory, are explored using contrasting theoretical perspectives.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing
SOCI 402, Race & Ethnic Minorities, 3
See SOCI 302.
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.
SOCI 407, Sociological Research Methods II, 3
The second of a two-semester series in social research methodology. (See SOCI 406.)
Prerequisite: 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 live experiences and histories in the context of society at large.
SOCI 411, Health/Illness/Social Behavior, 3
(See SOCI 311).
SOCI 412, Social Demography, 3
Theories of population processes and human ecology; methods of demographic and ecological analysis; use of census data and vital statistics.
SOCI 413, Sociology of Stress and Coping, 3
(See SOCI 313.)
SOCI 414, 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.
SOCI 419, Social Fact/Institution Care, 3
(See SOCI 319.)
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: Consent of instructor.
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 449, Social Inequality, 3
(See SOCI 349.)
SOCI 455, Health Care Delivery in the U.S. and Abroad, 3
See SOCI 355.
SOCI 455E, Special Topics, 3
See SOCI 355.
Prerequisite: SOCI 112
SOCI 460, Law and Society, 3
(See SOCI 360.)
SOCI 469, Aging in American Society, 3
See SOCI 369.
SOCI 470, Family Structure and Process, 3
(See SOCI 370.)
SOCI 490, Complex Organizations, 3
SOCI 496, Public Policy & Aging, 3
See SOCI 396.
SOCI 500, Advanced 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
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 analyses of social science data including: Data preparation, factor analysis, regression 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 analytical techniques. Students will analyze data sets using SPSS and EQS.
Prerequisite: STAT 320 AND SOCI 406 AND SOCI 407
SOCI 601, Reading & Research, 1-9
Individual study and/or project work.
SOCI 651, Thesis M.A., 1-36
SOCI 701, Dissertation Ph.D., 1-36
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