Sociology

Associate Professor Barbara Wells , Chair, Division of Social Sciences

Sociology deals with social relationships, the structure of society, and the variety of human cultures. The Major in Sociology prepares students for endeavors such as teaching, research, human services, and community organization. The Minor in Sociology provides a useful supplement to majors in a variety of academic fields.

The Major in Sociology requires 45/46 credit hours: 33 in sociology and 12/13 credit hours in related areas. Required are Sociology 101, 211, 351-352 and 401. In addition the student must choose 9 hours from Sociology 202, 215, 221, 222, and 271, and 9 hours from Sociology 305, 315, 316, 325, and 349. Required related courses are Math 221, Social Science 301, Psychology 101, and one course chosen from Economics 201 and 221 or Political Science 211 and 232.

The Minor in Sociology consists of a minimum of 15 credit hours, including 12 hours above the 100 level. The minor must include Sociology 101 or 211 or both; additional hours may be drawn from 202, 215, 221, 222, 271, 305, 315, 316, 325, 349, 401, and Social Science 301.

Course Descriptions

101. Introductory Sociology

3 credit hours
Study of the fundamental structure and dynamics of human societies and the basic principles and concepts used in sociology.
202. Social Problems
3 credit hours
Analysis of social problems in the United States and other societies. Emphasis on social stratification, inequality, racial and ethnic relations, and deviant behavior.
211. Cultural Anthropology
3 credit hours
An application of the concept of culture to various societies, from primitive to modern. Cross-cultural analysis of various institutions. Extensive use of ethnographies.
215. Sociology of Marriage and Family
3 credit hours
A study of selected aspects of family structure and functions. Mate selection, family organization, sex roles, family breakdown, variant family forms, and demographic change. Analysis of the American family and comparative study drawing on other cultures.
221. Social Psychology
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Psychology 101
The study of interactions of individuals with the social environment. Attitudes, leadership, attraction, persuasion, aggression, group influence, and group dynamics are among the topics studied.
222. Sociology of Appalachian Culture
3 credit hours
The study of major social institutions, such as the economy, family, religion, education, and political institution in pre-industrial Appalachia, and the influence of industrialization producing social change. Social problems such as poverty, environmental pollution, and control of resources, and social action taken to ameliorate problems will be a focus. Experiential learning is an emphasis with required fieldwork.
271. Sociology of Education
3 credit hours
A study of the structure and functioning of educational institutions and the relationships between education and other social institutions, and education in cross-cultural perspective. Attention to current issues.
305. Organizational Behavior
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Sociology 101 and junior standing
Analysis of complex organizations and bureaucracy. The goals, design, internal structure, and environmental relations of organizations. The focus is on the individual, the group and the organization as units of analysis.
315. Social Inequality
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Sociology 101 or permission of the instructor and junior standing
Race, social class, and gender are systems of inequality that shape culture and society. This course explores how these inequalities affect the experience of diverse groups in society. We examine inequalities of race, class, and gender as they relate to social institutions and key contemporary social issues.
316. Population
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Sociology 101 or 211 and junior standing
A study of human population, including population structure and the processes of fertility, mortality, and migration. The course examines the impact of changing population, such as aging and urbanization, on social institutions and the environment. The course examines the role of population policy in achieving social and environmental goals.
325. Sociology of Religion
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Sociology 101, Social Science 260 or permission of the instructor
A study of religion and the social order. Religion as an integral part of human culture, the building of a sacred cosmos. Religion and social organization, civil religion, secularization, religion and social change, cross-cultural comparisons.
337. Internship in Sociology
7 to 15 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing and permission of the Division of Social Sciences Chair
Field experiences that provide practical applications in appropriate work settings. Internships require a time commitment equivalent to full-time employment, with credit allotted on the basis of one credit hour for each week of full-time involvement.
343. Practicum
2 to 6 credit hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing and permission of the Division of Social Sciences Chair
Supervised experience during the junior or senior year in a human services, community organization or research setting. One credit hour is associated with each three hours of work every week for a 14-week semester. Not to be counted toward a major in sociology.
349. Selected Topics in Sociology and Anthropology
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: At least one course in sociology
Selected topics in sociology or anthropology. Topics vary depending on interests of faculty and students. May be repeated for credit.
351-352. Senior Thesis
6 credit hours
Prerequisites: FRS 140, English Proficiency Exam, junior standing and Social Sciences 301
The Senior Study requirement is fulfilled with this two-course sequence. Individual study, with the guidance of a faculty supervisor, that provides experience in independent research and the preparation of a formal paper.
401. Social Theory
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Senior standing and nine hours in sociology, or permission of the instructor
An examination of classical and contemporary theories of the nature of society and human behavior. The course integrates materials from the various sub-disciplines and provides a theoretical and philosophical framework for the discipline.