Undergraduate Catalog 2022-2023

Department of Sociology and Criminology

Dr. Holli Drummond, Chair
Email: holli.drummond@wku.edu

Grise Hall, Office 100
Phone: 270-745-2259; Fax: 270-745-6493
Website: http://www.wku.edu/sociology-criminology/

Sociology is the scientific study of social life, applying the analytic rigor of the scientific method to the social world so that we might understand and improve the human condition. Criminology is a sub-discipline of Sociology as core sociological concepts inform explanations of crime and society’s response to it.  Students who major in sociology or criminology learn to deal creatively with the most pressing problems of the day, such as the increase in our federal prison population, rising class inequality, or environmental degradation. Sociology and Criminology majors thus develop into critical thinkers with a global perspective, a deep appreciation for diversity and strong problem-solving abilities. Completion of the curriculum in sociology or criminology provides a broad background for students pursuing a variety of careers. Students develop the skills most desired by today’s employers including the ability to communicate effectively, frame and solve problems realistically and in teamwork situations, plan and evaluate projects and programs, prepare clear and concise reports, and speak effectively in varied group situations. Students who graduate are thus poised to enter a wide range of occupational areas, including corporations, government agencies, social service institutions, and other nonprofit organizations. Furthermore, an undergraduate major in Sociology or Criminology is also an excellent foundation for graduate study in anticipation of a career in college teaching, law, business, or medicine.

Faculty

Professor

Holli R. Drummond PhD (Sociology), University of Georgia, 2004

Molly B. Kerby PhD (Educational Leadership & Organizational Development), University of Louisville, 2007

John M. Musalia PhD (Sociology), Indiana University-Bloomington, 2000

Anne B. Onyekwuluje PhD (Sociology), University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1995

Matthew V. Pruitt PhD (Sociology), North Carolina State University, 1995

Douglas C. Smith PhD (Sociology), PA State University Main Campus, 1996

Associate Professor

James W. Kanan PhD (Sociology), PA State University Main Campus, 1996

Amy C. Krull PhD (Sociology & Anthropology), Purdue University Main Campus, 2000

Donielle M. Lovell PhD (Rural Sociology), University of Missouri-Columbia, 2009

Lauren N. McClain PhD (Sociology), Bowling Green State University, 2009

Carrie Trojan PhD (Criminal Justice), City University of New York, 2009

Assistant Professor

Kyle D. Maksuta PhD (Sociology), SUNY at Albany, 2021

Brittany T. Martin PhD (Sociology), University of Georgia, 2021

Pavel V. Vasiliev PhD (Sociology), University of Nevada-Las Vegas, 2013

Criminology (CRIM)

CRIM 101    Introduction to Criminal Justice    3 Hours

Survey of criminal justice systems, including police, courts and corrections. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code E-SB | SB

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; summer 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022

CRIM 222    Introduction to Crime Mapping    3 Hours

This course introduces theoretical and methodological content related to the study of spatial crime concentration in urban environments. Note: Students will need to have consistent access to a computer with a Windows operating system.

Prerequisite(s): CRIM 101 (may be taken concurrently)

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020

CRIM 232    Introduction to Law Enforcement    3 Hours

An introduction to policing-including the history of law enforcement, the police and the criminal justice system, principles of law enforcement, and professional issues in law enforcement.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; fall 2022

CRIM 233    Alternatives to Confinement    3 Hours

An examination of community treatment options in the correctional process with emphasis on contemporary probation and parole practices for adult offenders. Diversion, halfway houses, drug and alcohol treatment, restitution, house arrest, community service, and new community-based programs for women will be discussed.

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2020; fall 2021; fall 2022

CRIM 234    Crime and Popular Culture    3 Hours

Course examines depictions of crime and justice in popular culture and its influence on public perceptions of crime and the criminal justice system.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; spring 2021; spring 2022

CRIM 238    Victimology & Victim Advocacy    3 Hours

Survey of the major theories and research in victimology. Topics include violent victimization, sexual assault, child abuse, and response of criminal justice system to victims—including the unique occupational field of victim advocacy.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2022

CRIM 330    Criminology    3 Hours

Survey of crime in the United States, focusing on theoretical explanations of crime causation, crime classification, and measurement.

Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2020; spring 2020; summer 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022

CRIM 332    Juvenile Delinquency    3 Hours

An examination of the socio-legal aspects of delinquency, including a critical analysis of trends and contemporary treatment modes. Field trips required.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; summer 2020; fall 2020; winter 2021; spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; winter 2022; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022

CRIM 340    Criminal Courts and Sentencing    3 Hours

This course is intended to provide students with an introduction to American criminal courts and sentencing, including how criminal courts operate, who the important actors are, and how theory and empirical research inform sentencing approaches.

Prerequisite(s): CRIM 101

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

CRIM 346    Special Topics in Criminology    3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)

Survey of topics, issues, and developments in the discipline of criminology and criminal justice. Course may be repeated with a different topic.

Prerequisite(s): CRIM 101

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2020; spring 2021; spring 2022; fall 2022

CRIM 361    Race, Class, and Crime    3 Hours

Course examines how race, ethnicity, and social class pose differential risks for offending, victimization, and disparate processing by the criminal justice system. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SC

Prerequisite(s): (SOCL 100 or CRIM 101) and 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; spring 2021; spring 2022

CRIM 380    Penology    3 Hours

Survey of theories and forms of punishment, community-based corrections and prisons. Field trips to prisons required. Note: Undergraduate course in criminology or juvenile delinquency required for this course.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; summer 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022

CRIM 430    Comparative Systems of Juvenile Justice    3 Hours

The comparative study of juvenile justice systems, focusing on the varying local, state, regional, or societal structures which influence these systems. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SY

Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; summer 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022

CRIM 432    Sociology of Criminal Law    3 Hours

An examination of the sociological research and theory focusing on social structural factors affecting the creation of criminal codes, the enforcement of criminal law and the imposition of penal sanctions. Note: 6 hours of CRIM are required prior to enrollment in course.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; spring 2022; summer 2022

CRIM 434    Organized Crime    3 Hours

The study of both traditional and nontraditional organized crime from a sociological perspective. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-LG

Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status

Recent Term(s) Offered: summer 2020; fall 2020; summer 2021; fall 2021; summer 2022; fall 2022

CRIM 437    The Death Penalty in America    3 Hours

Course examines the death penalty in relation to public policy, legal, historical, and ethical issues, as well as arguments for and against its use. Note: 6 hours of CRIM or 6 hours of SOCL courses are required prior to enrollment in course.

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

CRIM 439    Internship in Criminology    1-6 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)

Internships are unique experiential learning opportunities. Once placed with a community partner, the student works toward an enhanced understanding of prior coursework through practical experience in a supervised work situation. Note: Course pass required.

Prerequisite(s): (SOCL 300 or SOCL 302)

Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior, Freshman, Junior or Sophomore may not enroll.

Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2020; spring 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; fall 2022

CRIM 440    Police Interrogations and False Confessions    3 Hours

Overview of police interrogations and factors contributing to false confessions. Topics include how false confessions can occur, the factors that contribute to them, and both the potential long term consequences of a false confession and policies to prevent or remediate them.

Prerequisite(s): CRIM 101 with a minimum grade of C

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022

CRIM 446    Gender, Crime, and Justice    3 Hours

Explores how gender shapes reactions toward victims, offenders, and professionals working in the juvenile and criminal justice systems.

Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior, Freshman or Sophomore may not enroll.

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2020; spring 2022

CRIM 447    Life-Course Criminology    3 Hours

Survey of the theoretical and empirical research examining the onset, escalation, persistence, and desistance of crime and offending patterns over the human life-course.

Prerequisite(s): CRIM 330

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

CRIM 448    International Justice and Crime    3 Hours

Comparative survey of crime, national criminal justice systems, and international and transnational criminal justice.

Prerequisite(s): CRIM 330

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021

CRIM 451    White-Collar Crime    3 Hours

An overview of the definitions, history, nature and extent of white-collar crime as well as theories and explanations that address its causes, correlates, and efforts at control.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; spring 2021; spring 2022

CRIM 456    Homicide and Serial Homicide    3 Hours

Examination of empirical research pertaining to single and multiple victim homicide, including subtypes, theoretical explanations, victimology, and offender behavior.

Prerequisite(s): (CRIM 101 or CRIM 231 or SOCL 231) and CRIM 330

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; spring 2021; spring 2022

CRIM 489    Criminology Study Abroad    1-6 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)

Study of comparative criminology, criminal justice systems and topics in international locations.

Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor

Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2022; summer 2022

CRIM 495    Directed Study in Criminology    1-3 Hours (repeatable max of 3 hrs)

Individual and intensive reading and research in a specific area of criminology in close cooperation with supervising faculty. Course pass required.

Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor

Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Freshman or Sophomore may not enroll.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; fall 2020; winter 2021; fall 2022

CRIM 496    Directed Study in Criminology    1-3 Hours (repeatable max of 3 hrs)

Individual and intensive reading and research in a specific area of criminology in close cooperation with supervising faculty. Course pass required.

Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor

Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Freshman or Sophomore may not enroll.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021

CRIM 499    Senior Seminar    1 Hour

This course integrates fundamental concepts, theories, research methods, and substantive subject areas learned during the study of criminology. This course serves as the capstone course for the criminology major.

Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Freshman, Junior or Sophomore may not enroll.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; fall 2022

Sociology (SOCL)

SOCL 100    Introductory Sociology    3 Hours

Introduction to the basic concepts of society and culture, group behavior, population, class, minorities, community, social institutions and social changes. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code E-SB | SB

Equivalent(s): SOCL 110

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; summer 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; winter 2022; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022

SOCL 210    Interaction: Self in Society    3 Hours

Study of the individual in social context. Emphasis is on group, social, and cultural factors and their consequences for self-development, role perception, role performance and value orientation. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SC

Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; spring 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; fall 2022

SOCL 220    Marriage and Family    3 Hours

Analysis of the family institution, its structure and function and the dynamics of social change in family interaction and organization. Note: Consent of instructor. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SC | SB

Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; summer 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022

SOCL 240    Global Social Problems    3 Hours

Examines causes of and responses to critical social problems in different world regions, with a focus on the dimensions and impacts of globalizations. Diverse social theories are applied to interpret problems such as environmental degradation, AIDS, family violence, racism, migration, international poverty, and crime. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-LG

Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status

Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2020; spring 2020; summer 2020; fall 2020; winter 2021; spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; winter 2022; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022

SOCL 245    Sociology of Popular Culture    3 Hours

Investigation of various forms of popular culture, including television, film, music, fashion, sports, computers, and language from a sociological perspective.

Prerequisite(s): SOCL 100

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

SOCL 260    Race and Ethnic Relations    3 Hours

Designed to acquaint students with the historical and contemporary experiences of racial and ethnic groups in America. Explores social class and gender variations in the experiences of these various groups.

Prerequisite(s): SOCL 100

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

SOCL 270    Introduction to Community, Environment, & Development    3 Hours

Examines the causes, dynamics, and consequences of socio-economic change for people, how they live in communities, and how they relate to the natural world. Survey course for "Community, Environment, & Development" concentration. Note: Consent of instructor. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-LG

Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022

SOCL 300    Using Statistics in Sociology    3 Hours

Techniques of statistical description and elementary statistical inference as applied to social data.

Prerequisite(s): (MATH 109 or MATH 116 or MATH 116E or MA 116C (may be taken concurrently) or MATH 183 or MA 109C or MATH 112 or MATH 115 or MA 115C or MATH 117)

Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2020; spring 2020; summer 2020; fall 2020; winter 2021; spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; winter 2022; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022

SOCL 302    Social Research Methods    3 Hours

Use of the scientific method as applied to societies, institutions, and social interaction. Development of research questions, research ethics, criteria for establishing causality, methods of research design, measurement, sampling techniques, and methods of data collection such as survey design. it is recommended that students take an introductory level social science class before enrolling in SOCL 302.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; summer 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022

SOCL 304    Sociological Theory: Perspectives on Society    3 Hours

Prerequisite(s): Six hours of sociology. Study of the leading developments of schools of sociological theory from Durkheim to the present.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; summer 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022

SOCL 309    Social Deviance    3 Hours

Examines how social groups define certain behaviors, beliefs, and conditions as normative violations and the resulting stigmatization and sanctioning of norm violators. Topics include conceptual and theoretical issues, physical deviance, sexuality, and alcohol/drug use.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; summer 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022

SOCL 310    Behavior in Small Groups    3 Hours

The study of communication and interaction patterns within small groups, including analysis of power, status, cohesion, and leadership. Note: Six hours of sociology or consent of instructor required for course enrollment.

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

SOCL 312    Collective Behavior and Social Movements    3 Hours

Prerequisite(s): Six hours of sociology. Analysis of collective behavior and social movements, focusing on individual participation and social consequences.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2022

SOCL 322    Religion in Society    3 Hours

Study of the various forms and content of religious organizations and movements and the behavioral and attitudinal concomitants of religious affirmation. Note: Consent of instructor. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SY

Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status and SOCL 100

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; spring 2021; spring 2022

SOCL 324    Sociology of Sport    3 Hours

An examination of the sociological perspective of sport as an institution. Particular emphasis is placed on the impact of sport on the individual, small groups, other institutions, and society. Note: Consent of instructor.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; summer 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022

SOCL 342    Aging in Society    3 Hours

An analysis of the elderly and their position in society. Attention is directed to aging as it relates to various social institutions and to the social aspects of aging in contemporary American society. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SY

Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status

Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2020; spring 2020; summer 2020; fall 2020; winter 2021; spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; winter 2022; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022

SOCL 345    The Sociology of Popular Music    3 Hours

A sociological examination of contemporary music. Focus is on the social organization of popular music performance, production and consumption. Note: Consent of instructor.

Prerequisite(s): SOCL 100

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

SOCL 346    Special Topics    3 Hours (repeatable max of 21 hrs)

Significant sociological topics, issues, or developments in the discipline of sociology.

Prerequisite(s): SOCL 100

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

SOCL 350    Systems of Social Inequality    3 Hours

Analysis of the social origins, development, and persistence of inequality as a human system present in all societies. Course covers systems of stratification in the US (class, race, gender, ethnicity, etc.) used to differentially distribute social rewards. Some sections require a service-learning project. Note: Consent of instructor.

Prerequisite(s): SOCL 100

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

SOCL 352    Technology, Work and Society    3 Hours

Analysis of technology's impact on work systems, relationships between work and society, and management-worker interaction in varied industrial settings. Note: Consent of instructor.

Prerequisite(s): SOCL 100

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

SOCL 355    Sociology of Gender    3 Hours

Examination of the social construction of women's and men's roles in society and of the concepts of masculinity and femininity. Note: Consent of instructor.

Prerequisite(s): SOCL 100

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2020; fall 2021; fall 2022

SOCL 359    Sexuality and Society    3 Hours

Sociological examination of issues, debates, and research on pornography, prostitution, sexual orientation, and sex and the law.

Recent Term(s) Offered: summer 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021; fall 2021; fall 2022

SOCL 360    The Community in Rural and Urban Settings    3 Hours

Study of the structure and function of community life and the process of balancing community needs and resources. Note: Six hours of sociology courses required prior to course enrollment.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; summer 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022

SOCL 362    Social Institutions: Race, Class, and Gender    3 Hours

The five primary institutions (family, religion, economy, education government) as they affect and are affected by race, class, and gender in America. Explores interrelationships among those institutions and between various racial and other groups. Note: Consent of instructor. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SY

Prerequisite(s): SOCL 100 and 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; summer 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022

SOCL 363    Population, Society, and Development    3 Hours

Course examines population as a system, focusing on the causes and consequences of population size, growth or decline, composition, and distribution in the United States and other countries with an eye toward development. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationship of system components (fertility, mortality and migration) as well as their relationship with other systems (e.g., social, economic, political, ecological). Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SY

Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022

SOCL 372    Causes and Consequences of Human-Wildlife Conflict    3 Hours

Global study of human-wildlife conflict and the varying ecological, social, economic, and cultural realities that influence this conflict. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-LG

Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; spring 2022

SOCL 375    Diversity in American Society    3 Hours

Sociological analyses of ways societal institutions create and shape intergroup diversity. Focuses on the elements of social organization and their relationships to diversity. Note: Consent of instructor. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SC

Prerequisite(s): SOCL 100 and 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; summer 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022

SOCL 376    Sociology of Globalization    3 Hours

Sociological analysis of causes, effects, and implications of the process by which people become more interconnected in different ways and across large distances. Within this framework, economic, cultural, environmental, political, and social issues will be examined. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-LG

Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2020; fall 2021; fall 2022

SOCL 389    Stigma and Society    3 Hours

Sociological examination of the conceptualization, types, consequences, and management of stigma. Course will cover associative stigma, stigma resistance, and reintegration. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SC

Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

SOCL 402    Evaluation Research Tech    3 Hours

Study of the methods, techniques, and philosophical approaches used in conducting research to identify and evaluate social problems, programs, and policies.

Prerequisite(s): (SOCL 300 or SOCL 302 or DCS 300)

Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior, Freshman or Sophomore may not enroll.

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

SOCL 404    Qualitative Research Methods    3 Hours

Study of the methods and techniques used in qualitative sociological research. Topics include observational research, in-depth interviewing and discourse analysis.

Prerequisite(s): SOCL 100

Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior, Freshman or Sophomore may not enroll.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; summer 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021; summer 2021

SOCL 408    Survey Applications    3 Hours

Students will be involved in the design, conduct, analysis, and dissemination of an actual social survey research project. Note: Course pass and consent of instructor required.

Prerequisite(s): SOCL 300 and SOCL 302

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

SOCL 410    Socialization: Changes Through Life    3 Hours

Study of theories and research techniques in the area of socialization with summary of the findings dealing with changes over the life course.

Prerequisite(s): SOCL 100

Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior, Freshman or Sophomore may not enroll.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020

SOCL 435    Family Violence    3 Hours

A sociological perspective on family violence in the United States, emphasizing child abuse and intimate partner violence. Research, theory, laws, treatment and prevention are analyzed.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; summer 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022

SOCL 440    Sociology of Health and Illness    3 Hours

A comprehensive introduction to sociological factors in disease etiology and illness behavior; the organization and operation of health delivery systems; and the social interaction between organization administrators, health professionals and semi-professionals, patients, and the public.

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

SOCL 442    Sociology Research Project    3 Hours

Course pass required.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2022

SOCL 450    Occupations and Professions    3 Hours

Analysis of the meaning of trends in occupational activities and careers through investigation of various occupations and professions. Note: Consent of instructor.

Prerequisite(s): SOCL 100

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

SOCL 452    Social Change    3 Hours

Examination of the nature and theories of social change and of the factors affecting it. Emphasis on the process of modernization and contemporary social changes. Note: Nine hours of sociology or consent of instructor required prior to course enrollment.

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2020; fall 2022

SOCL 455    Theory and Practice of Community Development    3 Hours

Course explores the ecological, interactional, structural functional, technical assistance, action research, evaluation research and leadership approaches to community development practice. Course requires participation in a community development project. Note: Consent of instructor.

Prerequisite(s): SOCL 100

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

SOCL 466    Gender, Family, and Society    3 Hours

Examination of gender dynamics and inequality in the context of the family. Issues examined may include mate selection, parenting, same-sex families and parenting, gendered divisions of work, gendered family dynamics by social class and race/ethnicity, costs, for example.

Prerequisite(s): SOCL 100

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

SOCL 470    Environmental Sociology    3 Hours

Explores environmental thought within the sciences and the general public, including shifting worldviews, social movements, and social structural change associated with sustainability, environmental justice, and the rights of nature. Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation for optional field trips. Note: 3 credit hours in sociology or consent of instructor required prior to enrollment.

Prerequisite(s): ENG 300

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

SOCL 480    Sociology of Agri-Food Systems    3 Hours

Course examines the social organization and dynamics of food and agricultural systems. SOCL 270 is strongly recommended, but not required. Field trips are required. Note: Consent of instructor.

Prerequisite(s): SOCL 100

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

SOCL 489    Sociology Study Abroad    1-6 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)

Sociological and cultural study in international locations. May be repeated for credit. No more than six hours may be applied toward the major or minor.

Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

SOCL 494    Internship in Sociology    1-6 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)

Internships are unique experiential learning opportunities. Once placed with a community partner, the student works toward an enhanced understanding of prior coursework through practical experience in a supervised work situation. Note: Course pass and 80 hours of completed college coursework required.

Prerequisite(s): (SOCL 300 or SOCL 302)

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022

SOCL 495    Directed Study    1-3 Hours (repeatable max of 3 hrs)

Course pass required. Available to superior students who wish to conduct individual, intensive reading and research in a specific area of sociology in close cooperation with supervising faculty. Submission of such projects to student sections of regional professional meetings is encouraged.

Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor

Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior, Freshman or Sophomore may not enroll.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021; fall 2022

SOCL 496    Directed Study    1-3 Hours (repeatable max of 3 hrs)

Course pass required. Available to superior students who wish to conduct individual, intensive reading and research in a specific area of sociology in close cooperation with supervising faculty. Submission of such projects to student sections of regional professional meetings is encouraged.

Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor

Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior, Freshman or Sophomore may not enroll.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021

SOCL 499    Senior Seminar    1 Hour

Integrates concepts, theories, research methods, and data analysis techniques learned during study of sociology.

Prerequisite(s): (SOCL 100 or SOC 100C) and SOCL 300 (may be taken concurrently) and SOCL 302 (may be taken concurrently) and SOCL 304 (may be taken concurrently)

Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior, Freshman, Junior or Sophomore may not enroll.

Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2020; spring 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; fall 2022