L.SOC-101: Sociology in Action
Through hands-on activities inside the classroom and community-based learning in the “real world,” students will be introduced to the ways in which sociologists approach the world. The relationship between individuals and society, ideas about how the world operates, and the dynamic process of social change will be emphasized as students learn to think sociologically. Restriction: Not open to students who have taken L.SOC-115. 3 credits. January term.
L.SOC-115: Introduction to Sociology
An overview of the discipline of sociology. The course examines the theories and research methods of sociology as well as substantive areas including culture, social stratification, small group dynamics, social institutions, and the dynamics of social and cultural change. Restriction: Not open to students who have taken L.SOC-101. 3 credits.
L.SOC-216: Social Problems
Consideration is given to a number of contemporary social problems. Sociological principles are employed in the analysis of such topics as poverty, crime, racial and ethnic relations, health care issues, sexism, environmental degradation and other types of inequality. 3 credits.
L.SOC-227: Sociology of the Family
The primary goal in this course is to introduce and explore important issued related to the influential institution of the family. Social processes, myths, and problems facing contemporary families will be examined. While students will reflect on their own family experiences the course focuses on social structures that shape family life. 3 credits.
L.SOC-240: Gender & Society
An exploration of the influence of gender stratification on both the social development of women and men and their personal experiences of social institutions such as the family, the economy, the political order, religion, and the educational system. Special emphasis is placed on the intersecting character of class, race, and gender stratification systems. 3 credits.
L.SOC-250: Aryan Societies-AC
An examination of the complex relationship between personal identity and community. The course focuses on the formation of racial, class, gender, and sexualized identities in hate group communities, the ways in which white supremacists react to changes in their local environments, and how they affect change in their communities. Prerequisites: L.LIB-100, L.LIB-105, L.LIB-110, and one course from L.LIB-130, L.LIB-135, or L.LIB220. 3 credits.
L.SOC-252: Self & Society-AI
An examination of the impact of the social environment on individual identity and behavior. The course emphasizes development of self, attitudes and attitude change, interpersonal relations, small groups and collective behavior. Students will develop a stronger sense of human interaction and relationships, and an appreciation for multiple views of social reality that should be useful to their relations at home, with friends, at work, and within their larger community. Prerequisites: L.LIB-100, L.LIB-105, L.LIB110, and one course from L.LIB-130, L.LIB-135, or L.LIB-220. 3 credits.
L.SOC-254: Race & Ethnicity-AC
The primary emphasis in this course is on introducing and exploring important issues related to race and ethnicity in the United States. The course analyzes information comprehensively and includes historical evidence in order to better understand culture. Students will explore probable causes and consequences of inequality rooted in race/ethnicity. Students will incorporate an analysis of values, including understanding how personal and cultural values result from social forces and structures, into their examination of race and ethnicity. Prerequisites: L.LIB-100, L.LIB-105, L.LIB-110, and one course from L.LIB-130, L.LIB-135, or L.LIB-220. 3 credits.
L.SOC-272: Global Inequality-AC
This course examines issues of inequality related to class, race, gender, and sexuality across the globe. Throughout the semester, consideration will be given to how distinct historical and cultural contexts create unique experience with inequality. The study of global inequality will be grounded in a discussion of local values which emerge from and affect larger social forces, both within and between regions. Prerequisites: L.LIB-100, L.LIB-105, L.LIB-110, and one course from L.LIB-130, L.LIB-135, or L.LIB-220. 3 credits.
L.SOC-295: Topics
Sociology topics course. Used to develop courses which have not been approved under another catalog number. See Division Chair for more information.
L.SOC-310: Cultural Analysis
This is a study travel course which examines cultures in depth by focusing on inequality. The course could be offered in a number of different locations. Particular social, political, and economic issues significant to the region of study will be considered. The course immerses students in cultural settings away from campus and includes excursions to a wide range of culturally rich sites including historic sites and museums. Required readings provide a base for students to build upon as they hear from local experts and see many cultural artifacts. Students will hear several guest lectures and interact with guest lecturers and tour guides, and will participate in daily class discussions to critically analyze experiences and information. Students will engage with people from various cultural perspectives to hear first-hand accounts regarding inequality. Prerequisite: L.SOC-101 or L.SOC-115. 3 credits. January term.
L.SOC-330: Sociology of Education
Education is analyzed as a key social institution that influences, and is influenced by, the larger society. The course will focus on important, enduring issues within the sociology of education such as social class, race/ethnicity, gender, school organization, academic achievement, politics, and educational reform. Additional issues currently under debate, especially in regard to policy and practice will also be examined. Prerequisite: L.SOC-101 or L.SOC-115. 3 credits.
L.SOC-332: Research Methods & Methodology
An examination of the principles of social research including the research process, choosing the research problem, constructing social explanations, measurement, survey and field research techniques, and the analysis, interpretation, and application of survey research data. Prerequisites: Grade of C- or better in the mathematical modeling requirement, L.SOC-101 or L-SOC-115, and 3 additional credits in sociology. 3 credits. Spring semester.
L.SOC-333: Statistical Analyses
Rationale and use of various statistical procedures including measures of central tendency, dispersion, inference and association. Students gain experience in coding and entering data, recoding variables, and creating composite measures with the use of computer software. Students develop their own hypotheses and conduct independent statistical analyses of survey data. Encouraged for all social science majors. Prerequisites: Grade of C- or better in L-SOC-332, L.CRJ-323, or L.PSY-211. 3 credits. Fall semester.
*Note – Students are considered for a prerequisite waiver at the discretion of the Professor.
L.SOC-336: Classical Sociological Theory
This course focuses on the major theoretical perspectives and important early scholars within sociology. Students will learn to apply sociological theory to issues of sociological concern as well as to their daily lives. Prerequisite: L.SOC-101 or L.SOC-115. 3 credits. Fall semester.
L.SOC-340: Social Demography
Demography is the scientific study of human populations (their size, composition, and distribution) and the changes in these factors as they occur through the three processes of fertility, mortality and migration. Issues like immigration, population decline in some areas and increases in others, and the aging of a population, and their effects will be examined. Students will examine demographic process and consider how these issues are relevant their lives now and in the future. Prerequisite: L.SOC-101 or L.SOC-115. 3 credits.
L.SOC-355: Sociology of Popular Culture
Popular culture includes a wide variety of topics such as art, comic books, sports, hip-hop, clothes, movies, food, TV, or advertisements, and this course will draw on various sociological perspectives to critically evaluate the media as an influential social institution. This course will examine how popular culture is becoming increasingly central to social life in the United States and around the world and will consider issues related to race/ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and social class. Prerequisite: L.SOC-101 or L.SOC-115. 3 credits.
L.SOC-375: Social Movements
The primary focus of this course is the examination and application of social movement theory. Students will examine factors that influence movement emergence, culture, tactics, organizational strength, and outcomes. In doing so, they will assess the relative strength and weaknesses of social movement theory as they apply to a range of both progressive and conservative movements. Prerequisite: L.SOC-101 or L.SOC-115. 3 credits.
L.SOC-390: Social Inequality
This course will familiarize students with how systems of class, gender, racial, and sexual stratification operate in the United States. We will explore the construction, maintenance, and impact of inequality. While a great deal of the course will focus on social class, the intersection of all forms of inequality will be the primary focus of attention. Prerequisite: L.SOC-101 or L.SOC-115. 3 credits.
L.SOC-393: Practicum
The practicum is designed for sociology majors and minors who desire an agency/organization placement. The primary objective of the practicum is to enable students to link classroom learning to work situations. Prerequisite: L.SOC-101 or L.SOC115. 1-3 credits.
L.SOC-395: Topics
Sociology topics course. Used to develop courses which have not been approved under another catalog number. See Division Chair for more information.
L.SOC-490: Senior Seminar
A seminar for senior sociology majors which endeavors to crystallize the student’s knowledge and appreciation of the discipline. The course will concentrate upon methodological, theoretical, and substantive issues of interest in the field. Prerequisites: Grade of C- or better in L.SOC-332, L.BIO-279, L.CRJ-323, or L.PSY-211; and grade of C- or better in L.SOC-333, L.MAT-115, L.PSY-212 or. Open to seniors only. *Note – Students are considered for a prerequisite waiver at the discretion of the professor. 3 credits. Spring semester.
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