Sociology

Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms

A practical introduction that relates theory, data, and analysis directly to an examination of the sociological imagination. Through readings and exercises, students will learn to apply the ways in which sociology can help them inquire into their own activities and relations with others. Social Science Perspective.

1 Course

Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms

American society has been changing rapidly during the 20th century. The student will study the ways in which our family, religious, health, economic, political, and educational institutions have changed; why some of these changes are seen as problems and others are not; and the solutions that have been proposed by various groups in our society. Social Science Perspective.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Completion or waiver of MAT 010

Offered: Typically annually (next offered Fall 2008)

In America's last five centuries, the concept of race changed from a literary meaning about the "race of humankind" toward popular folkways of seeing, describing, and categorizing individuals and groups based on pseudo-scientific explanations of physical and cultural traits associated with groups from various nations and regions. This course allows us to examine social patterns of these interracial and interethnic encounters and to analyze sociologically factors that help to maintain or change the domination or subordination established among the groups in our contemporary American society. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective.

1 Course

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."

1/2 to 1 Course

Prerequisite: GSTR 210

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

This course offers an examination of juvenile delinquency as a social construction and traces the development of the juvenile-justice system. Social theories of delinquency are analyzed, along with major intervention strategies. Issues of race, social class, and gender that often color our ideas of delinquent behavior are considered.

1 Course

Prerequisite: GSTR 110

Offered: Typically every Spring Term

An examination of the role that culture plays in shaping the way human beings live in different societies. Emphasis on the variety of cultural knowledge that people use to give meaning to life, to understand one another, and to organize their behavior. Social Science Perspective.

1 Course

Prerequisite: GSTR 210

Offered: Typically annually (next offered Fall 2008)

The sociological study of social class, status, and power. This course examines individual and structural explanations for the generation and maintenance of inequality in the United States, and the influence of stratification on individuals and groups. Topics include theories of stratification; correlates of social position for the upper class, middle class, working class, and the poor; social mobility; and functions/dysfunctions of social inequality. In contrast to race and gender stratification, this course focuses on social-class stratification in particular. A major goal of the course is to understand the significance of social class where before it may have been invisible.

1 Course

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."

1/2 to 1 Course

Prerequisite: SOC 100 or PSY 100 or CFS 130 AND GSTR 210

Offered: Typically alternate Spring Terms (next offered Spring 2010)

An examination of the behaviors and expectations of being male and female and the resulting relationships among men and women across the life cycle. Attention is given to current issues of gender roles and socialization, the family, education, employment, social class, and dynamics of social change.

1 Course

Prerequisites: SOC 100 and GSTR 210

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow (next offered Spring 2009)

An examination of the conditions under which deviance is defined and changes over time; how people come to define some persons as different, dangerous and/or immoral; how persons respond to being so defined; and the role of social control agents in the definition of deviance and the treatment of the deviant.

1 Course

Prerequisite: One introductory ECO, HIS, PSC, or SOC course

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow (next offered Spring 2009)

This course is a study of the history, demography, social structure, and forces promoting social change in the Appalachian rural community. The student will learn a sociological approach to understanding the concept of community, its various systems, institutions, and groups. A community problem-analysis orientation will be followed. While studying the community in Appalachia, other community studies--American, European, and Third World--will be examined for comparative purposes, looking at content and method. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective.

1 Course

Prerequisites: Completion or waiver of MAT 012; and SOC 100; OR permission of instructor

Offered: Typically every Fall Term

In this course, the way to convert ideas from other Sociology courses into testable hypotheses will be studied. It includes examining various types of research, research design, and methods of collecting data. The student will find and evaluate sociological materials, use descriptive statistics and computers as tools in organizing information, and write a research proposal. Practical Reasoning (PR).

1 Course

Prerequisites: Successful completion of both Practical Reasoning with Quantitative Emphasis (PRQ) and the Social Science Perspective

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow (next offered Fall 2009)

This course provides a basic introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics as used in social-science research. It assumes no previous experience with statistics. Students will learn how social scientists use statistics to describe social phenomena; compute and interpret basic statistics both by hand and using SPSS software; apply the logic of hypothesis testing; and generate and interpret figures and tables. The course will meet 4 hours per week. NOTE: Noncredit for anyone with credit in PSY 305.

1 Course

Prerequisites: GSTR 310 and a course approved to meet Practical Reasoning (PR or PRQ)

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow (next offered Fall 2008)

The sociology of development is concerned with sociological studies of causes and processes of social and economic change in the "developing" or Third World countries. This course looks at the social, demographic, and economic structures of nations. It is a study of the human dimensions of societal development. The topics include the history of the world since 1945, theoretical approaches to social change, comparative consideration of the economic and social structures of less-developed countries, and an examination of the relationship between development policy and factors of social change.

1 Course

Prerequisite: One 100-level SOC or PSC or PSY or ECO or HIS course and GSTR 210

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow)

This study of formal organization begins with a review of the research on total organizations--organizations that serve as places of residence and work, such as the military and some health, social service, and educational institutions--and the research of non-total organizations, which include business and government. Of particular interest will be the impact of formal organizations on their members, as well as an interorganizational look at social forces that lead to changes that affect organizations over time. From this latter perspective, the organizational structure, e.g., goals, authority, and resources, are examined in view of macro-societal forces, such as urbanization, class conflict, and ideologies (cultures and belief systems).

1 Course

Prerequisite: SOC 100 and GSTR 210

Offered: Typically every Spring Term

An examination of the major theoretical perspectives in sociology: functionalism role theory, conflict theory, exchange theory, and symbolic interactionism. The student will review major sociological theories comparing them in terms of central concepts and explanations of how patterns of social organization are created, maintained, and changed.

1 Course

Prerequisite: SOC 335 or concurrent enrollment

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow (next offered Fall 2009)

An examination of the use of sociological concepts and findings to address social problems, social policy, and programs promoting social change. Students will study techniques of social program evaluation, social program monitoring, needs assessment, and policy development. The course covers the historical background to applied sociology, issues in the use of sociological knowledge, and selected case studies of applied sociology in various settings.

1 Course

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."

1/2 to 1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490; SOC 100, 335, and 350

Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Department Chairperson, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490; SOC 100, 335, and 350

Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Department Chairperson, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore, junior, or senior standing

Offered: Typically every term

An experiential learning experience individually designed for students with a special academic interest requiring integration of classroom learning with practical experience. Includes on-campus seminars with academic sponsors, as well as non-classroom experience. One to three course credits in one 14-week term or one course credit in Short Term may be taken in Internships. Requires the approval of two faculty sponsors and the Program assumes the responsibility for determining credit allowance. The Coordinator of Internships gives final approval for Internship proposals. This course may be used to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement. NOTE: To count as a CFS Internship, the primary sponsor must be a full-time member of the CFS faculty. The CFS Department has imposed specific expectations for Internships within this Department. Please check with the Department Chairperson for additional information.

1 to 3 Courses

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497; SOC 100, 335, and 350

Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms

A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 397/497B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497; SOC 100, 335, and 350

Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms

A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 397/497B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisites: Will vary, but always will include permission of instructor

Offered: Typically on a limited basis as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course organized and directed by faculty and approved by the Department Chairperson to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students.

1 Course

Prerequisite: SOC 335

Offered: Typically every Spring Term

This course is a continuation of SOC 335. Actual field or empirical research will be done, as well as the planning, design, and completion of a research project. The work includes selecting samples, collecting the information needed to test hypotheses, using statistics to understand data, and writing and presenting to peers a report based on research.

1 Course

Prerequisites: SOC 360 and permission of instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

An in-service training experience working as an applied sociologist with a program. Students will learn how to use critical thinking to analyze problems, develop research plans designed to provide solutions to these problems, carry out research in the field, critically analyze the data collected into findings, and write organized reports that set forth the policy implications of the findings. Under the academic direction of a staff member in the Department of Sociology, the student will work in a setting that focuses on the creation and evaluation of social policy, e.g. business, service agency, community group, or governmental or judicial sector. In addition to spending the equivalent of a full day each week in the field placement, students will meet together for a weekly seminar.

1 Course

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."

1/2 to 1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490; SOC 100, 335, and 350

Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Department Chairperson, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490; SOC 100, 335, and 350

Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Department Chairperson, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore, junior, or senior standing

Offered: Typically every term

An experiential learning experience individually designed for students with a special academic interest requiring integration of classroom learning with practical experience. Includes on-campus seminars with academic sponsors, as well as non-classroom experience. One to three course credits in one 14-week term or one course credit in Short Term may be taken in Internships. Requires the approval of two faculty sponsors and the Program assumes the responsibility for determining credit allowance. The Coordinator of Internships gives final approval for Internship proposals. This course may be used to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement. NOTE: To count as a CFS Internship, the primary sponsor must be a full-time member of the CFS faculty. The CFS Department has imposed specific expectations for Internships within this Department. Please check with the Department Chairperson for additional information.

1 to 3 Courses

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497; SOC 100, 335, and 350

Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms

A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 397/497B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497; SOC 100, 335, and 350

Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms

A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 397/497B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisites: Will vary, but always will include permission of instructor

Offered: Typically on a limited basis as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course organized and directed by faculty and approved by the Department Chairperson to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students.

1 Course