SO - Sociology (SO)

*Course Fees are Per Credit Hour

SO 1XX. Sociology Elective. (1-3 Credits)

SO 199. Service Learning. (3 Credits)

This course is designed to introduce students to Service Learning through the integration of academic learning about local, national, and global issues with service work addressing those concerns. Approval of supervising department required.

Course Fees: $60

SO 221. Introductory Sociology. (3 Credits)

This course examines how social forces shape our behaviors and how we in turn affect the society in which we live. Students learn to apply for sociological perspective through an analysis of culture, socialization, crime and deviance, social inequality, and the primary institutions such as family, religion, government, and education.

Course Fees: $60

SO 221H. Honors Introductory Sociology. (3 Credits)

This course presents students with an opportunity to learn sociological concepts, theory and methodology through analysis of assigned readings drawn from academic journals and brief but topically specific texts. Students are expected to demonstrate understanding through a series of written assignments designed to promote critical thinking as well as inter-disciplinary application of the sociological imagination as such is applied to those areas central to the discipline (e.g., culture, social structure, social stratification and inequality, socialization, deviance, crime and crime management, social groups and group dynamics, community and population, social institutions and social change). This course is open to students in the Honors Program and other students with prior departmental approval.

Course Fees: $60

SO 222. Current Social Problems. (3 Credits)

A study in social issues; contemporary social problems and their consequences, with special emphasis on American society.

Course Fees: $60

SO 223. Marriage and the Family. (3 Credits)

A study of origin and evolution of the family as a social institution; the relationships of family structure to social organization; theories, functions, forms, and processes of the family in selected cultures. Also listed as WS 223 but creditable only in field for which registered.

Course Fees: $60

SO 225. Nonprofit Management and Leadership. (3 Credits)

The purpose of the course is to deepen understanding of the history, leadership structure, and emerging trends of the nonprofit sector and its organizations, using theoretical lenses to identify key current debates and their implications for practice. (Spring)

Course Fees: $60

SO 231. Introduction to Anthropology. (3 Credits)

An introductory survey of the field of anthropology, with emphasis on the prehistoric development of man and cultures.

Course Fees: $60

SO 250. Socio-Cultural Perspectives on Diversity. (3 Credits)

This course introduces the topic of diversity and multiculturalism to students through the lens of psychological and sociological theories and principles. This course will examine definitions of diversity and inclusion; the development of individual and group identities; the impact of inclusion and exclusion in education, politics, the workplace, and the media; and the importance of a diverse-focused leadership mindset. (Fall)

Course Fees: $60

SO 300. Sociology of Gender and Sexual Behavior. (3 Credits)

Analysis of social, psychological, and physiological approaches to the development of gender identity and gender roles; effect of differential socialization methods from infancy through adulthood; impact on both men and women of contemporary changes in gender roles; analysis of sexual behavior and sexuality in contemporary society from a sociological perspective. Also listed as WS 300 but creditable only in field for which registered. Prerequisite: SO 221 or SO/WS 223 .

Course Fees: $60

SO 301. Parenting and Socialization. (3 Credits)

Sociological analysis of the dynamics of parent-child relationship and examination of macro- and micro-structural influence on child socialization. Prerequisite: SO 221 or WS/SO 223.

Course Fees: $60

SO 305. Sociology of Community. (3 Credits)

This course will examine the broad concept of community as it is reflective of both democracy and citizenship; fundamentals of American life. The various ways of defining community according to culture, geography, technology, imagination, and in a global context will be explored. These diverse examples will inform us on how communities are held together and what breaks them apart. A micro-perspective will also be used to analyze the significance of community to shaping personal identity, a sense of belonging, and how it creates meaning and purpose for participation in everyday life. Prerequisite or Corequisite: SO 221. (Odd-numbered years)

Course Fees: $60

SO 306. Juvenile Delinquency. (3 Credits)

An analysis of the nature, causes, and extent of juvenile delinquency; and an evaluation of preventive programs. Also listed as CJ 306. Prerequisite: SO 221.

Course Fees: $60

SO 307. Medical Sociology. (3 Credits)

Application of sociological concepts and principles to the study of health professions, medical institutions, community medical organization, and definition and distribution of illnesses. Prerequisite: SO 221.

Course Fees: $60

SO 308. Aging and Society. (3 Credits)

Designed to examine the relationship between the various structures and institutions in society and aging. Emphasis will be placed on the relationship between the family, religion, education, the government and the economic system and individuals as they age. Prerequisite: SO 221 or SO/WS 223.

Course Fees: $60

SO 309. Death and Dying. (3 Credits)

Provides an understanding of dying, death and bereavement that will assist individuals to better cope with their own deaths and with the deaths of others. Prerequisite: SO 221.

Course Fees: $60

SO 310W. Methods of Social Research. (4 Credits)

An introduction to the selection and formulation of research problems; project design and sampling procedures; data collection and preparation of reports. Three class periods and one 1-hour laboratory period per week. Prerequisite: SO 221.

Course Fees: $60

SO 311. Computer Applications in the Social Sciences. (3 Credits)

This course is designed to expose students to computer applications with the social sciences and provide them with hands-on experience managing, transforming, analyzing, and displaying social science data. Prerequisite: SO 221. It is recommended that students take SO 310, Research Methods, before taking this course.

Course Fees: $60

SO 315. Sociology of Consumer Culture. (3 Credits)

This course examines how consumption is central to everyday life in American society as it shapes both personal identity and social interactions that are mediated by markets. Cultural meanings are symbolically communicated through consumer goods and are manufactured in both the tastes and lived experience of individuals. Using sociological theory and practice, the social structures and cultural forces that shape individual consumers’ choices, lifestyles, and relationships with markets will be analyzed. Prerequisite or Corequisite: SO 221. (Even-numbered years)

Course Fees: $60

SO 323. Criminology. (3 Credits)

A study of crime and criminal behavior in American society, with special emphasis on the individual, group trends, and theories concerning treatment. Also listed as CJ 323. Prerequisite: SO 221.

Course Fees: $60

SO 331. Family Violence. (3 Credits)

An examination of intrafamily physical, sexual, and emotional abuse: its causes, its consequences, its extent and the manner in which social control agencies have responded to it. Also listed as CJ 330 and WS 330 but creditable only in field for which registered.

Course Fees: $60

SO 342. The Self and Social Interaction. (3 Credits)

Analysis of the social origin, development and maintenance of the Self, and how the Self and identities affect construction of shared social reality in larger contexts. The course is taught from a micro-sociological perspective and focuses on the symbolic nature of culture, its influence on the socialization of individuals, role-taking and role-making in negotiation of shared expectations and in construction of social reality and structures.Prerequisite: SO 221.

Course Fees: $60

SO 344. Sociology of Hip-Hop Culture. (3 Credits)

Analysis of the formation, growth, and current state of hip-hop culture through a sociological lens. Emphasis will be placed on the history and social significance of hip-hop culture. Students will address the relationship between hip-hop and race, gender, sexuality, identity, faith, capitalism, misogyny, cultural appropriation, urban policy, and globalization. Prerequisite: SO 221.

Course Fees: $60

SO 345. The Justice System: Race, Class, Gender. (3 Credits)

This course will explore issues related to race, class, gender, and justice. Law in the United States has been used to define people’s racial and ethnic identity, to hold people in bondage and to free them, to deny and protect basic rights, to segregate and to integrate. In addition, through the definition of prosecution of criminal offenses, law has been an agent both of oppression and protection. We will consider the complex role of law as it relates to race, class, and gender. Also listed as CJ 345 and WS 345 but creditable only in field for which registered.

Course Fees: $60

SO 350. Sociology of Culture. (3 Credits)

Methods and theories of culture: ethnographic study of divergent cultures and societies throughout the world. Prerequisite: SO 221.

Course Fees: $60

SO 395. Selected Topics. (3 Credits)

Selection of contemporary issues designed to provide the student with analysis of present trends and problems as they relate to the human experience. Prerequisite: SO 221.

Course Fees: $60

SO 399. Departmental Service Learning. (1-6 Credits)

This course is designed to provide students the opportunity to integrate academic learning about vital service issues within a specific discipline with service work addressing those issues. This course may be repeated for a maximum of six credits. Approval of supervising department required.

Course Fees: $60

SO 400. Theories of Deviance. (3 Credits)

A survey of the major explanations of deviance which have historically influenced both study and practice within the sociological tradition. Prerequisite: SO 221.

Course Fees: $60

SO 403. Gerontology. (3 Credits)

The primary focus is on the biological, psychological, and sociological aspects of aging with an emphasis on community services available to the aging population. Also listed as SW 403 but creditable only in field for which registered.

Course Fees: $60

SO 410. Family Diversity and Social Change. (3 Credits)

This course will familiarize students with the varying types of families they may encounter in research, policy, and human service careers and to help students become attuned to issues faced by families in a continually changing society. Also listed as WS 410 but creditable only in field for which registered. Prerequisite: SO 221 or SO/WS 223.

Course Fees: $60

SO 421. Cultural Diversity and Social Inequality. (3 Credits)

A Study of Minority Groups. This course will explore how race, ethnic, and gender differences influence the distribution of and access to opportunity structures in society. Characteristics of stratification, processes of differentiation and ranking and how these processes influence minority groups will be explored. Topics will include the influence of race/ethnicity in arenas such as health, law, economics and work will be discussed. Prerequisite: SO 221.

Course Fees: $60

SO 423. History of Social Thought. (3 Credits)

Theory and methodology in social thought from ancient times to the present. Prerequisite: SO 221.

Course Fees: $60

SO 428. Modern Sociological Theory. (3 Credits)

A systematic analysis of trends and developments in sociological theory since the 1920’s, with emphasis on current theory and its relationship to research. Prerequisite: SO 221.

Course Fees: $60

SO 430. Law and Society. (3 Credits)

Analysis of the creation and functioning of law as an element of culture and how law, in its many cultural forms, affects the structure of social institutions and human behavior. Prerequisite: SO 221 or SO/WS 223.

Course Fees: $60

SO 442. Social Psychology. (3 Credits)

The psychology of groups and their influences on the individual. Also listed as PY 442 but creditable only in the field for which registered. Prerequisite: SO 221.

Course Fees: $60

SO 443. Social Psychology of Intimate Relationships. (3 Credits)

Social psychological analysis of the development, maintenance, and dissolution of intimate relationships such as friendship, courtship and marriage. Theoretical and empirical examinations of structural, cultural and personal factors affecting attraction, bonding, negotiations of power and gender roles, and conflict, as well as social implications and ramifications of intimacy are discussed. Also listed as WS 443 but credible only in the field for which registered. Prerequisite: SO 221 or SO/WS 223.

Course Fees: $60

SO 444. Sociology of Emotions. (3 Credits)

Examination of social and cultural nature of emotions including the process of emotional socialization; investigate emotions such as shame, guilt, empathy, jealousy, envy, and anger in the context of social institutions such as marriage and family, work, and education. Prerequisite: SO 221 or SO/WS 223.

Course Fees: $60

SO 493. Studies in Family Justice. (3 Credits)

An interdisciplinary course with a focus on support services for victims and survivors of rape, domestic violence, elder abuse, sexual assault and child abuse. After the completion of this course, students will be eligible to apply for an internship with One Place of the Shoals, Inc. or other department approved service provider. Also listed as CJ 493 but creditable only in the field for which registered.

Course Fees: $60

SO 494. Internship in Family Justice. (3 Credits)

The internship is a continuation of SO 493 and will place the intern at One Place of the Shoals, Inc. or other department approved service provider where the student will spend a minimum of 150 hours during the semester under joint supervision of the agency and the university. Internship responsibilities may include providing support to victims by assisting in casework with victim service providers, law enforcement agencies and attorneys. Also listed as CJ 494 but creditable only in the field for which registered. International students must receive approval from the Office of International Affairs prior to course registration. Prerequisite: SO 493.

Course Fees: $60

SO 495. Internship in Sociological Practice. (3-6 Credits)

The internship affords sociology majors the opportunity to put concepts, theory and methods into practice through direct involvement with supervisory personnel in professional work environments related to sociology. Internships involve 150 hours of direct contact work and must be completed during one regular semester or a regular summer term. International students must receive approval from the Office of International Affairs prior to course registration. Prerequisites: completion of general core curriculum, senior status, approval of the Sociology Department Chair, minimum cumulative GPA of 2,80.

Course Fees: $60

SO 498. Sociology Directed Research. (1-3 Credits)

Open to senior majors or minors on approval of the department chair. Provides for independent research projects under departmental determination, supervision, and evaluation. Students are responsible for consulting with the faculty member who agrees to direct the research. Students must receive departmental approval during the semester prior to enrolling in this course. May be repeated for a maximum of three credit hours.

Course Fees: $60

SO 499. Independent Study. (1-6 Credits)

Open to senior majors on approval of the department chair. Provides for independent study under departmental determination, supervision, and evaluation. Students must receive departmental approval during the semester prior to enrolling in this course.

Course Fees: $60