Sociology Courses

Course # and Title

Course Description

Requirement and Elective Information

SOCL  100 Introduction to Sociology

3 s.h.

An overview of the structure and functioning of contemporary society, with emphasis on major conceptual areas of sociology as a discipline; social organization, culture,  socialization, social stratification, social instructions,  social control, and population.

Prerequisites: none

Required of Sociology, Gerontology and CJ Majors

Required of Sociology, Gerontology and CJ Minors

Pre-Nursing Concentration Requirement

Early Childhood Ed. Major optional social science elective

Adolescent Ed. Social Studies Major optional elective

Child and Family Studies Major related course requirement

Dietetics Major optional related course requirement

Gen Eds: LA, S2

SOCL 120 Sociology of Modern Life

(Note: not currently taught)

unknown (no record)

Sociology Elective

Gen Eds: LA

SOCL 201 Comparative Social Institutions

3 s.h.

(Note: not currently taught)

unknown (no record)

n/a

SOCL 210 Survey of Social Work in Theory and Practice

3 s.h.

An overview of the profession of social work and the methods of social work practice, i.e., casework, groupwork, community organization, research and administration. Focus will be on developing awareness and sensitivity to the impact of contemporary social problems on individuals, families, and communities.

Prerequisites: 3 s.h. SOCL (or ANTH, POLS, PSYC)

Sociology elective (non-CJ)

Gen Eds: LA

SOCL 218 Sociology of Food and Eating

3 s.h.

This course will provide students with a sociological understanding of food and eating in American society. This understanding will be developed at both micro- and macro- sociolgical levels, examining the social context of food. Various topics are explored, such as the personal, social, and cultural meanings of food; the role of food in identity and social relationships; food and eating as related to family, age, gender, ethnicty, and social class; food and the body; the medicalizatoin of food; food-related social movements; the social and economic organizations of the food system and industry (including fast food, biotechnology, and globalizatoin issues); and food politics and policy. There is a service learning component to the course that involves volunteer work at a community organization, such as a soup kitchen or food bank.

Prerequisites: 3 s.h. SOCL

Sociology elective (non-CJ)

Gen Eds: LA

SOCL  221 Symbolic Interaction

3 s.h.

(Note: not currently taught)

Covers the major figures in the development of the current status of this American school of sociological thought. Not only touches upon the work of earlier men like Mead, Cooley and Thomas, but looks into contemporary men like Goffman, Schutz, Blumer, Gerth and Mills.  The ideas developed are related to the improved understanding of such areas or social life as role playing, self and identity, communication in society, group dynamics, reference groups, theory of motivation, language, thought, and definitions of social reality.

Prerequisites: 3 s.h. SOCL

Sociology elective (non-CJ)

SOCL 230 Religion and the Social Order

3 s.h.

(Note: not currently taught)

unknown (no record)

Sociology elective (non-CJ)

Religious Studies Minor optional requirement

Gen Eds: LA

SOCL  233 Aging, Generations, and Society

3 s.h.

Introduces sociological theories and research on aging and the aged, exploring influences on the meaning of the experience of aging and the ways in which age and aging are socially constructed.  Considers the sociology of aging within the matrix of three kinds of time: the life cycle, the aging of a generation and historical time.

Prerequisites: 3 s.h. SOCL

Required of Gerontology Major and Minor

Sociology elective (non-CJ)

Child and Family Studies Major optional elective

Health and Wellness Minor optional related course

Gen Eds: LA

SOCL  235 Theories in Family Studies

3 s.h.

This course covers the major theoretical frameworks and empirical works in family sociology. Changing strutures and ideologies of family are covered from pre-industrial to contemporary times. Related issues of childhood, parenting, sexuality, gender relations, divorce, and relationships, paid and unpaid labor, work-family balance are covered. Impact of economy, politiy and major institutions emphasized.

Prerequisites: 3 s.h. SOCL

Sociology elective (non-CJ)

Child and Family Studies Major optional elective

Gen Eds: LA

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SOCL  237 Sociology of Women

3 s.h.

An examination of the roles of women in society.  This will include:  a description of past and present roles of women in the family, the economy, and the other social institutions; an analysis of the causes and consequences of change in women's roles; an analysis of the social sources of feminism; and a discussion of the prospects and possibilities for change. 

Prerequisites: 3 s.h. SOCL

Sociology elective (non-CJ)

CJ optional requirement

Women's and Gender Studies (WGS) Minor optional elective

Gen Eds: LA

SOCL 238 Violence in Relationships

3 s.h.

This course examines the complex issue of violence in the family setting. The examination includes spousal violence/ partner violence, marital rape, dating violence/rape, child sexual/physcial/emotional maltreatment, and elder abuse. The course will offer a look at the trends in family violence, a look at the theoretical explanations, and a look at prevention/treatment of family violence.

Prerequisites: SOCL 100

Sociology elective

CJ elective

SOCL  240 Urban Sociology

3 s.h.

This course is designed to introduce students to urban studies. This history of cities, contemporary urban problems, political economy, and urban ecology are important componets of this class. The central theme of the course is how cities are responding to the challenges of economic retructuring, crime, and decreaesed revenues.

Prerequisites: 3 s.h. SOCL

Sociology elective (non-CJ)

Community and Environment requirement

Urban Studies (ALS) minor optional requirement

Gen Eds: LA

SOCL  242 Rural Sociology

3 s.h.

Rural sociology examines the unique role rural areas and people play in the larger society and world. This course considers rural-uran migration patterns, rural culture, rural occupation and employment, resource use and environmental problems, vulnerable and exploited populations, commuunity change, the unique consequences of globalizatoin, and policy issues. These topics are examined through the dominant theories in the field.

Prerequisites: SOCL 100 or 110

Sociology elective (non-CJ)

Community and Environment requirement

Gen Eds: LA

SOCL  244 Environmental Sociology

3 s.h.

Environmental sociology examines the interrelationships between society and the natural environment. This course is designed to provide an overview of environmental problems, to examine the underlying social causes and consequences of environmental change, and to critically evaluate these using the dominant theories in the field. Broadly, this course will consider the impacts of population, consumptoin, production, and development on the environment. In addition, it will consider the cultural understanding environmental concern, environmental domination and risk. Finally, the course will consider how to apply the ideas of environmental sociology to develop solutions to social and environmental problems.

Prerequisites: 3 s.h. of SOCL or ENVS 105

Sociology elective (non-CJ)

Community and Environment elective

Gen Eds: LA

SOCL  246 Sociology of Law

3 s.h.

The Sociology of Law deals with the values, ideologies and patterns of interaction that underlie the way our society is organized through and around our legal system.  The Sociology of Law will cover topics such as: the norms and rules prescribing appropriate behavior, the mechanisms of social control, the inequalities in our social and legal systems based on race, class, politics, sexuality and gender, power dynamics, individual identity in relation to the law, the court and correctional systems and the actors involved in the functioning of our legal system.  Students will become familiar with the theoretical and methodological foundations for studying the sociology of law as well as various legal processes, socially influential court cases and how both individuals and society react to our justice system in an historical context.

Prerequisites: 3 s.h. SOCL

Sociology elective (non-CJ)

SOCL  248 Global Migration

(Formerly Transnational Migration)

3 s.h.

This course is an attempt to gain understanding of contemporary transnational movements of people in the age of globalization. It studies a brief history of migration of peoples, and analyzes the intersecting issues of migration and immigration in the frame of social, cultural, political and economic relations. Major theories in this field will be critically examined. Although the course focuses on the U.S., other host countries such as the UK, Germany, France, Canada, Japan and so on will be used for comparison.

Prerequisites: 3 s.h. SOCL

Sociology elective (non-CJ)

Community and Environment elective

Gen Eds: LA

SOCL  252 Sociological Study of Revolution

3 s.h.

(Note: not currently taught)

This is an examination from the sociological perspective of one of the most significant phenomena in the affairs of man. The analysis deals with type of revolutions; nature of revolutionary movements; revolution in varying kinds of societies; consciousness, ideology and values in resolutions rational and irrational forces, revolution as modernization, industrialization, nationalism and social change.

Sociology elective (non-CJ)

SOCL  256 Sociology of Aging and Health

3 s.h.

This course examines social aspects of aging, health and the health care system in contemporary American society. Topics explored include demography of aging and health, health in later life (including interactions with health professionals, elder care services and settings, and end-of-life care issues), and societal aspects of our current health care system as related to older adults and late adulthood (including economic, political and ethical issues).

Prerequisites: 3 s.h. SOCL

Gerontology elective

Sociology elective (non-CJ)

SOCL  258 Drugs and Society

3 s.h.

This course examines the extent of drug use and abuse in the United States, the impact of such use on individuals, families, and society-at-large, and the relationship between illicit drug use and other forms of criminal behavior.

Prerequisites: 3 s.h. SOCL or EDUC 213

CJ elective

Sociology elective

Urban Studies (ALS) minor optional elective

Child and Family Studies Major optional elective

Gen Eds: LA

SOCL  261 Sociology of Ethnic Relations

3 s.h.

Studies interracial and interethnic relations as national and transnational phenemena, with emphasis on the changing nature of contacts and the problems generated between groups within the social institutions of multi-racial and multi-ethnic societies.

Prerequisites: 3 s.h. SOCL

Sociology elective (non-CJ)

CJ optional requirement

Africana and Latino Studies (ALS) optional requirement

Urban Studies (ALS) minor optional requirement

Gen Eds: LA

SOCL  263 The Sociology of Work

3 s.h.

(Note: not currently taught)

An analysis of work systems in business, industry, and the professions; the central importance of work as a human activity, the concept of career, and the changing meaning of work for the individual and society.

Sociology elective (non-CJ)

Business Communication Minor elective

Gen Eds: LA

SOCL  269 Integrity and Public Service

3 s.h.

This course examines value dilemmas encountered by criminal justices practitioners: discretion, deception, deadly force, punishment, and social. It is designed to increase awareness, understanding, and exploration of ethical and policy issues in criminal justice as well as ethical dilemmas encountered by professionals in the field. The focus will be on the relevance of ethical theory to policy analysis.  There will be a comprehensive examination of unethical practices as well as the mechanisms that sustain them.

Prerequisites: SOCL 100; SOCL 175

CJ elective

Sociology elective

SOCL  272 Societal Deviance

3 s.h.

Describes and analyzes individual or group reactions that deviate from socio-cultural forms and are stigmatized or punished to some degree with society.  Among such reactions are: drug addiction, alcoholism, prostitution, suicide, and forms of mental illness.

Prerequisites: 3 s.h. SOCL

CJ elective

Sociology elective

Child and Family Studies Major optional elective

Gen Eds: LA

SOCL  274 Corrections

3 s.h.

This course studies the evolution and philosophy or correctional practices from early to contemporary times.  It will analyze the history and nature of American correctional system, life in prison and issues related to the management correctional programs.  Important and controversial issues related to our contemporary correctional system, such as the death penalty, the disproportionate incarceration rate of minorities and the increases in imprisonment over the last two decades will be discussed.

Prerequisites: SOCL 175 and 3 s.h. SOCL

CJ elective

Sociology elective

SOCL  276 Perspectives on Interrogation

3 s.h.

This course examines the dynamics of social psychological persuasion existing in the process of criminal interrogation. Attention is given to the differences between interrogation of suspected offenders and the interview of victims and whitnesses.  Interrogation is a field that to a large extent is dependent on both verbal and non-verbal communication.  Both verbal and non-verbal communications are culturally mediated behaviors.  In order to sensitize students to cultural differences in the area of communication, we will study interrogation from a multicultural angle.

Prerequisites: SOCL 100; SOCL 175

CJ elective

Sociology elective

SOCL  278 Prisons and Prisoners in American Society

1 s.h.

Study of prisons and priosners based on selected readings and visits to one or more prisons in New York State. Cross-listed as POLS 278 and PSYC 278.

Prerequisites: two introductory courses in POLS, SOCL, or PSYC

CJ elective

Sociology elective

Gen Eds: LA

SOCL  280 Society and the Individual

3 s.h.

The study of man's behavior within a context of his symbolic environment.  The social basis of thought, personality development, motivation, learning, and attitudes; and the problems of social and personal identity.

Prerequisites: 3 s.h. SOCL

Sociology elective (non-CJ)

Gen Eds: LA

SOCL  282 Social Movements

3 s.h.

Examines the structure and the dynamics of social movements by connecting their historical appearance with the objectives projected for realization.

Prerequisites: 3 s.h. SOCL

Sociology elective (non-CJ)

Gen Eds: LA

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SOCL 285 The Mentally Ill Offender

This course will explore how societal beliefs about free will and moral responsbility have dshaped current laws and policies.Topics include public perceptions of mentall illness, media influence, the criminalization of mental illness, lack of treatment and pre-release planning for offenders, and recidivism rates with the population. Solutions such as community services, police training and preparedness, and the improvement of screening and intake procedures for mentally ill offenderss in prisons will be discussed.

CJ Elective

Sociology elective

Gen Eds: LA

SOCL 293 Transforming Africa: SADC Simulation

3 s.h.

The Model SADC-PF (Southern African Development Community - Parliamentary Forum) seeks to encourage students to engage in the contemporary debates and issues within Southern Africa and develop research and oratory skkills through experiential hands-on positions, and procedures and processes germane to SADC-PF in preparation for the conference simulation. All students prepare and submit country position papers on assigned issues. Students collaborate on reports and resolutions using negotiation and research skills and knowledge acquired during the simulation. Cross-listed as ALS 293 and POLS 293.

Prerequisites: SoS

Sociology elective

Gen Eds: LA

SOCL  295 Teaching Assistant-Sociology

1-3 s.h.

(repeatable up to 12 s.h. total); same coures may be repeated once for up to 6 s.h.)

This course provides collegel level experience for students who are exceptionally qualified to undertake appropriate responsbilities and activites to suppor the teaching of a Sociology course, under direct supervision of a faculty member. They will aide in preparing materail for teaching, leading discussions, preparing and advising fellow students on assignments and papers, and helping with exam preparation. The specific responsibilities, amount of credit and assessment criteria must be outlined in a written agreement between the faculty members nad the student prior to the start of the course.

Prerequisites: JrS, CWE, "B" or better in the course in which they will be assisting, permission of instructor

Sociology elective

SOCL 299 Independent Study in Sociology

1-6 s.h.

Available to meet needs for individual reading or research programs in selected areas of Sociology.

Prerequisites: 3 s.h. SOCL

Sociology elective (may be non-CJ)

Gen Eds: LA

SOCL 304 The Sexual Offender

3 s.h.

No criminal offender currently receives more media attention or is more reviled and ostracized than the sexual offender. Over the last twenty years, considerable resources have been allocated toward the adjudication, incapacitation, and rehabilitation of this population. This course will examine historical perspectives on sexual behavior, the etiology of sexually deviant behavior, offender typologies, paraphilias and other sexual disorders, the cycle of sexual offending, juvenile and female offenders, risk assessment schemas, current treatment methodologies, and gradations of incapacitation, including trends in adjudications, community management, and supervision.

Prerequisites: SOCL 175 and 3 s.h. or 100 level SOCL

CJ elective

Sociology elective

SOCL 306 Terrorism and Society

3 s.h.

The focus of this class will be to critically examine the social and political construction of Terrorism. Terrorism is not an abstract behavior; rather it is implicated in a web of colonial and post-colonial relations. Action of the powerful usually does not attract the label of terrorism; victims of state terrorism are euphemistically called "collateral damages." Obviously, there is a power/knowldge relationship in the definitional process. The major thrust of this course will be to problematize the the traditional articulation of Terrorism, and attempt to understand it in sociological terms.

Prerequisites: 6 s.h. of SOCL courses with a "C+" or better.

Sociology elective

CJ elective

SOCL  309 Advanced Research Methods

3 s.h.

A survey of common research methods used in academic, non-profit, government, and business settings. Specific topics include evaluation research, secondary data analysis, surveys and interviewing. Methods of qualitative and quantiative analysis and report writing are also included.

Prerequisite: SOCL 209.

Sociology elective (non-CJ)

Gen Eds: LA

SOCL 336 Sociology of Death and Dying

3 s.h.

This course will provide an overview of major sociological issues, concepts, and processes in death, dying, and bereavement. The primary focus is on sociological perspectives and contemporary American society, though historical, cultural and psychological factors are considered. The course examines how aging, social class, gende, race/ethnicity, family, religion, andtechnolgy influence american views of an practices regarding death, dying, and grieving. Topics include: the social meaning of and attitudes towards death, socialization regarding death, death across the life course, demography of death, care of the dying and teh dying process, political, legal and ethical issues of death and dying, the funeral industry, and grieving process.

Pre-requisites: JrS and 6 s.h. of Sociology at 200-level or above

Gerontology Major/Minor Elective

Sociology elective (non-CJ related)

Gen Eds: LA

SOCL 344 Demography

3 s.h.

The purpose of this course is to understand the processes of Demography. These include fertility, mortality, and migration. Fertility is how population grows and regenerates itself. Mortality is how a population decreases itself. Migration is how a population moves around and settles itself. Along with understansding how how each process operates and is measured; the class provides an understanding of how the processes work together to manipulate as a whole or how they function to affect population in a smaller area (i.e., country, city, etc.)..

Pre-requisites: SOCL 209 and 3 s.h. of SOCL

Gerontology Major/Minor Elective

Sociology elective (non-CJ related)

Community and Environment Minor Elective

Gen Eds: LA

SOCL  353 Sociology of Knowledge

3 s.h.

The cross-cultural and historical study of the dialectical relationship between cultural ideas and their societal context, stressing topics such as the nature of the sacred and profane; the relationship between cultural leadership, and societal rise and decline; the varying attitudes regarding democracy vs. authoritarianism, and conservatism vs.utopianism in different ages; and the nature of cultural leadership (involving the roles of artistic, philosophical, scientific, political, and religious elites).

Sociology elective (may be non-CJ)

SOCL 391 Seminar in Human Services

(Note: not currently taught)

unknown (no record)

SOCL  394 Special Topics in Sociology

3 s.h.

Study of special or current issues, problems, and research topics. Requires oral participation nd papers. Check with department or instructors for specific semester offerings, additional requirements, special bibliographies, and outlines before enrolling.

Prerequisites: JrS and 3 s.h. 200 level SOCL

Sociology elective (may be non-CJ)

Gen Eds: LA

SOCL 396 Field Experience in SOCL II

(Note: not currently used)

n/a

SOCL 499 Independent Study in Sociology

1-6 s.h.

Available to meet needs for individuals reading or research programs in selected areas of sociology. Prerequisite: SrS or graduate standing.

Prerequisites: SrS or graduate standing and 3 s.h. SOCL at 300-level or above