Sociology
http://www.uwgb.edu/sociology/
Sociology is the systematic study of social organization and social life. Sociologists use scientific and humanistic approaches to explain and understand social behavior and social systems. Topics include collective behavior and social movements, crime and punishment, gender, race and ethnicity, social class and status, and power.
Sociology students learn a variety of research methods and social theories used to study both large-scale and small-scale patterns of social relationships, as well as the processes by which these patterns change. A minor in Sociology will provide additional breadth of perspective for students with interdisciplinary majors in Democracy and Justice Studies, Human Development, Public and Environmental Affairs, and Business Administration. It also provides good preparation for students going on to graduate work in programs such as sociology, social work, history, urban studies, and other interdisciplinary social science programs.
Earl R Hutchison; Professor; Ph.D., University of Chicago
Harvey J Kaye; Professor; Ph.D., Louisiana State University
Andrew W Austin; Associate Professor; Ph.D., University of Tennessee, chair
Courses
SOCIOL 202. Introduction to Sociology. 3 Credits.
Major sociological concepts and ideas and their application to contemporary problems of societies.
Fall and Spring.
SOCIOL 203. Ethnic and Racial Identities. 3 Credits.
The character of racial, religious and ethnic minority groups; social and economic adjustments in American society; the role of private and public agencies.
P: SOCIOL 202 or ANTHRO 100.
Fall Only.
SOCIOL 299. Travel Course. 1-4 Credits.
Travel courses are conducted to various parts of the world and are led by one or more faculty members. May be repeated to different locations.
P: cons of instr & prior trip arr & financial deposit.
SOCIOL 302. Class, Status and Power. 3 Credits.
Class, status and power as determinants of group interests, preferences, ideologies and struggles; examination at the national and international levels.
P: SOCIOL 202.
Spring Even.
SOCIOL 303. Race and Ethnic Relations. 3 Credits.
Comparative study of race and ethnic relations in the United States and other countries. The focus is on theories of race relations and ethnic stratification and the importance of these issues in national and international perspective. Case studies of ethnic relations in particular countries (e.g., South Africa, Brazil, Malaysia, Lebanon, Soviet Union) will be emphasized.
P: SOCIOL 202 or 203 or intro level soc sci cse.
Fall Odd.
SOCIOL 304. Deviant Behavior. 3 Credits.
Foundations of morality and the relationship between morality and deviance; positive and negative aspects of both deviance and conformity.
P: SOCIOL 202.
SOCIOL 307. Social Theory. 3 Credits.
Critical analysis of classical and contemporary social theories with attention to the social and intellectual context and contemporary application.
P: SOCIOL 202.
Fall Even.
SOCIOL 308. Sociology of the Family. 3 Credits.
A sociological approach to marriage and families in American society: historical changes in family life; the problems of defining family; social class; ethnicity and gender as key variables in family power; life transitions; and divorce and remarriage.
P: so st; and SOCIOL 202 or Hum Dev 210 or ANTHRO 100.
Fall Only.
SOCIOL 310. Urban Sociology. 3 Credits.
The study of social life and population groups in the urban environment. Our concern is with the social and psychological consequences of city life and the political and economic forces which have produced the industrial and corporate cities of the present day. Other topics include theories of "community," the location of industrial and commercial areas, the distribution of racial and ethnic groups, and urban problems such as poverty, housing, and public services.
P: jr st; and UR RE ST 100 or PU EN AF 202 or POL SCI 202 or SOCIOL 202.
Fall Only.
SOCIOL 315. Street Gangs in America. 3 Credits.
Organization of and subculture of street gangs in American communities; differences among ethnic/racial street gangs; representation of gang identity through graffiti, tattoos, clothing, music; gang membership and wannabes.
P: SOCIOL 202 or ANTHRO 100 or UR RE ST 100.
Spring Odd.
SOCIOL 320. Sociology of Religion. 3 Credits.
Study of religious institutions and religious movements; sociological theories about the origin of religions; sociological study about the effects of religion in contemporary society.
P: SOCIOL 202 or ANTHRO 100. REC: SOCIOL 202
Fall Even.
SOCIOL 321. Topics in Sociology. 3 Credits.
Explores a single theme from a sociological perspective. Variable content
P: SOCIOL 202
Fall and Spring.
SOCIOL 404. Criminology. 3 Credits.
Criminology is a survey of the theories and methods sociologists use to study crime and delinquency. The course presents the disciplinary history of criminology and critically examines the structure and function of the criminal law and punishment.
P: SOCIOL 202 or Soc C D 204; REC: Soc C D 303.
Spring Even.
SOCIOL 497. Internship. 1-12 Credits.
Supervised practical experience in an organization or activity appropriate to a student's career and educational interests. Internships are supervised by faculty members and require periodic student/faculty meetings.
P: jr st.
Fall and Spring.
SOCIOL 498. Independent Study. 1-4 Credits.
Independent study is offered on an individual basis at the student's request and consists of a program of learning activities planned in consultation with a faculty member. A student wishing to study or conduct research in an area not represented in available scheduled courses should develop a preliminary proposal and seek the sponsorship of a faculty member. The student's advisor can direct him or her to instructors with appropriate interests. A written report or equivalent is required for evaluation, and a short title describing the program must be sent early inthe semester to the registrar for entry on the student's transcript.
P: fr or so st with cum gpa > or = 2.50; or jr or sr st with cum gpa > or = 2.00.
Fall and Spring.
SOCIOL 499. Travel Course. 1-6 Credits.
Travel courses are conducted to various parts of the world and are led by one or more faculty members. May be repeated to different locations.
P: cons of instr & prior trip arr & financial deposit.
