SY 109 Introductory Sociology 3 cr
The systematic study of human social patterns and processes. Provides exposure to the
major concepts, issues and substantive findings of the discipline.
SY 112 Social Problems 3 cr
A study of persistent and recurring social conditions and individual and group behaviors
that are contrary to the expressed norms of community members and that community members
strive to control through collective action.
SY 200 Social Factors in Sexual Behavior 3 cr
An analysis of social patterns in sexual behavior including theories of sexuality and
gender, gender similarities and differences in sexual behavior, sexual orientation, sexual
violence, teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
SY 212 Field of Social Welfare 3 cr
A survey of the field of social welfare and of social-work functions. Rise, development,
and present organization of social welfare agencies and the social services. Brief introduction to
techniques of the social-work profession.
SY 220 Marriage and the Family 3 cr
The organization, function, and present status of the family, primarily in the United
States. Problems of mate selection, marital adjustment, and parent-child relations treated on the
basis of recent and current social change.
SY 241 Criminology 3 cr
The nature and causation of criminal behavior. Evaluation of theories and research.
SY 242 Corrections 3 cr
Administration of criminal justice in American society. Federal, state and local prison
systems; management and treatment of criminals; history of punishment; jail detention, probation
and parole; prison activities; rehabilitation.
SY 290 Special Topics 1-3 cr
Selected topics in sociology. May be taken for a maximum of six hours credit when
subject matter varies.
SY 305 Sociology of Sport 3 cr
Addresses the issues of rise and development of Sport in North America and relates these
developments to other societal structures and processes.
SY 312 Social Work Applications 3 cr
Focus is on the application of social-behavioral science orientations to the amelioration of
social problems and public policy issues. Prerequisites: SY 109, 212.
SY 315 African-American Families 3 cr
The study of family structure, mate selection, marital and other romantic interaction,
parenting and kinship among African- Americans.
SY 340 Juvenile Delinquency 3 cr
A study of the nature, extent, treatment, and prevention of delinquent behavior among
youth in the United States and other urban industrial societies.
SY 360 Sociology of Work & Occupations 3 cr
Work and the division of labor in industrial societies with particular emphasis on the
sociology of occupations and professions.
SY 372 Social Gerontology (W) 3 cr
Sociological aspects of aging in contemporary American society. Within its parameters
are the related problems of economics, health, and social contacts.
SY 375 Development of Sociological Theory 3 cr
The development of theories in sociology, as related to social thought, institutions, and
theories of social progress.
SY 376 Modern Sociological Theory 3 cr
The major schools of sociological theory after 1920, as well as recent challenges to these
schools.
SY 381 Sociological Research Methods I 4 cr
The first of a two-semester sequence, with a laboratory experience, designed for
sociology majors. Introduction to social research. (Usually taught Fall semester.) Prerequisites:
SY 109, ST 210.
SY 382 Sociological Research Methods II 4 cr
A continuation of SY 381 for sociology majors. Practice of social research. Prerequisites:
SY 109, SY 381 and ST 210.
SY 394 Directed Studies 1-3 cr
Field or library pursuits through which special interests or needs of the student may be
pursued on an individual, supervised, or tutorial basis. No more than three hours may be used in
the major. Arrangements must be made with the instructor prior to registration. Prerequisite:
Permission of department chair.
SY 408 Industrial Sociology 3 cr
Examines the historical development and contemporary structure of American industry as
social choices shaped by contending forces; also explores alternative industrial futures.
SY 410 Demography (W) 4 cr
An introduction to the study of human populations; population growth and decline;
fertility, mortality, and migration; characteristics of populations; population, food, and economic
development; demographic analysis; population policies. Has a lab component.
SY 412 Applied Sociology (W) 3 cr
A survey of the specialities and techniques of professional sociologists and the conditions
under which sociological knowledge is applied to social problems, and kinds of problems, and
the degree of effectiveness of this application. A variety of applied methods will be discussed
including social impact analysis, program evaluation, needs assessments, social indicators, and
cost-benefit analysis.
SY 415 Sociology of Mental Health and Illness 3 cr
A sociological analysis of mental health and illness including social epidemiology,
effects of social integration and support, labeling mechanisms, social evolution of treatment
systems, and cultural factors in the recognition and diagnosis of disorders.
SY 418 Advanced Family Studies 3 cr
This course examines interaction patterns in different types of family structure, with
emphasis on marital adjustment, parent-child inter-action, and sibling interactions. Prerequisites:
SY 109, SY 220.
SY 420 Sociology of Religion (W) 3 cr
An analysis of religion as a social institution with emphasis on modern western societies.
Topics include the functions of religion for society and individuals, changing patterns of
religious belief and practice, and the relationship between religion and other social institutions.
SY 421 Social Stratification 3 cr
Class, status, and power with particular emphasis on American society.
SY 425 Urban Sociology (W) 3 cr
The study of urbanization and urban ways of life. Emphasis is given to relationships
between urbanization and changes in the social organization of urban areas. Urban problems and
planning are analyzed in terms of social change at the structural level.
SY 426 Social and Cultural Change 3 cr
This course is designed to familiarize students with major theories and processes of social
and cultural change, the factors influencing social and cultural change, diffusion of innovations,
and adoption of new ideas and practices. Cross-listed as AN 426.
SY 428 Gender and Society 3 cr
Description and analysis of gender role and inequality in contemporary Western societies
in cross-cultural and historical context.
SY 435 African-American Health and Aging 3 cr
This course is designed to give students an overview of important health and aging issues
among African-Americans. This course will include scientific data related to health and disease
among African-Americans and discussion of contemporary views on an array of health
conditions affecting this population. The latter half of this course will focus on research dealing
with health, economic, and social status of the African-American elderly.
SY 440 Deviance and Social Control 3 cr
The study of societal norms and their violation. Focus on social construction, control,
condemnation and accommodation of deviant behavior.
SY 445 Majority-Minority Relations (W) 3 cr
The study of relationships between "majorities" and "minorities" in society. This course
will explore the macro-social forces that bring these relationships about and the institutional
settings where different group members come into contact with each other. A variety of key
concepts and theories surrounding majority and minority relations will be defined and analyzed.
Historical and current case studies will be examined to illustrate the development of these
relations.
SY 447 Sociology of Law 3 cr
Overview of dominant theoretical approaches, classical and contemporary, in legal
sociology and their application in empirical studies engaging legal phenomena.
SY 455 Sociological Social Psychology 3 cr
The social and structural factors in human conduct, including a consideration of language
and communication, the self, attitudes and values, social roles, interpersonal relations, and
small-group processes.
SY 458 Crowds, Riots and Social Movements (W) 3 cr
A survey of the theoretical and historical foundations of collective behavior, riots, and
social movements. A variety of situations and behaviors will be analyzed including social
movement participation; growth and organization; strategies, tactics, and consequences for
participants and society.
SY 459 Medicine and Society 3 cr
The sociological study of medical care, with topics ranging from the micropolitics of
doctor-patient communication through macro-level investigation of comparative health care
systems.
SY 460 Social Organization (W) 3 cr
This course provides the student with a comprehensive behavioral science approach to
understanding modern social organizational trends.
SY 467 Environmental Sociology 3 cr
This course will cover topics such as public awareness and the social construction of
environmental issues, especially acid rain, bio-diversity, biotechnology and technological
disasters.
SY 472 Sociology of Aging and the Family 3 cr
The class focuses on sociological theories of family and aging and the linkages of
families and their aging members with organizations that deliver medical and social services,
with government bureaucracies, the legal system, corporations and businesses and religious
organizations.
SY 490 Special Topics 1-3 cr
A sociological examination of advanced topics. This course may be repeated for a
maximum of six hours credit when the subject matter varies. Prerequisite: Upper Division Status.
SY 492 Seminar 3 cr
Selected topics in sociology for students with junior or senior standing. Note: SY 492 is
not intended for graduate students. Prerequisite: Upper division status.
SY 494 Directed Studies 1-3 cr
Designing a study, carrying out the research, and writing the result of a thesis. No more
than 3 hours of credit may be applied to major. Prerequisite: Upper division status; Chair's
permission.
SY 496 Sociology Internship 3-6 cr
Provides an opportunity to combine academic principles with practical experience in an
agency dealing with human relationships. Specifics of the assignment result from a mutual
agreement among student, course director and agency. Course may be repeated for a maximum
of six hours of credit. Prerequisite: Upper Division Status.
SY 500 Orientation 1 cr
Introduces the student to graduate study in sociology by providing information on
degrees, career opportunities, and professional activities in the discipline.
SY 505 Advanced Principles of Sociology 3 cr
Systematic review and integration of major propositions, concepts, and research data
from various fields of sociology. Development of a comprehensive orientation for the description
and explanation of social phenomena.
SY 506 Contemporary Sociological Theory 3 cr
Critical examination of major theoretical schools after 1920 and their classical
predecessors; also examination of recent challenges to and syntheses of these schools.
SY 508 Research Design 3 cr
Advanced treatment of topics in sociological methodology, including: logic of scientific
explanation; experimental, quasi-experimental, survey, and qualitative research designs; and
research ethics.
SY 509 Research Analysis 4 cr
An applied course enabling students to evaluate sociological data using statistical
methods. The course includes computer analysis of data from sociological research. (Usually
taught Spring Semester).
SY 512 Applied Sociology 3 cr
A survey of the specialties and techniques of professional sociologists and the conditions
under which sociological knowledge is applied to social problems, the kinds of problems
addressed, and the degree of effectiveness of this analysis. A variety of methods will be
discussed including social impact analysis, program evaluation, needs assessments, and social
indicators. Prerequisites: SY 508 and SY 509 or instructor's permission.
SY 515 Sociology of Mental Health and Illness 3 cr
A sociological analysis of mental health and illness including social epidemiology,
effects of social integration and support, labeling mechanisms, social evolution of treatment
systems, and cultural factors in the recognition and diagnosis of disorders.
SY 518 Advanced Family Studies 3 cr
This course examines interaction patterns in different types of family structure, with
emphasis on marital adjustment, parent-child interaction, and sibling interactions.
SY 523 Aging in American Society 3 cr
The role of the elderly in today's society, problems, adaptability, crises, functions.
Comparisons with youth and working adults. Survey of social programs and resources in formal
and informal support networks.
SY 528 Gender and Society 3 cr
Description and analysis of gender roles and inequality in contemporary Western
societies in cross-cultural and historical context.
SY 547 Sociology of Law 3 cr
Overview of predominant theoretical approaches, classical and contemporary in legal
sociology, and their application in empirical studies engaging legal phenomena.
SY 550 The Community 3 cr
An advanced consideration of the concept of community.
SY 565 Maritime Sociology 3 cr
Provides a sociological assessment of the relationship between human communities,
technology, and marine resources.
SY 566 Social Impact Assessment in the Coastal Environment 3 cr
This course will provide a general introduction to the various frameworks used in social
impact analysis.
SY 567 Environmental Sociology 3 cr
This course will cover topics such as public awareness and the social construction of
environmental issues, especially acid rain, bio-diversity, biotechnology and technological
disasters.
SY 572 Sociology of Aging and the Family 3 cr
The class focuses on sociological theories of family and aging and the linkages of
families and their aging members with organizations that deliver medical and social services,
with government bureaucracies, the legal system, corporations and businesses, and religious
organizations.
SY 590 Special Topics 3 cr
Selected topics in graduate sociology. Course may be repeated for different topics.
SY 594 Directed Studies 1-3 cr
Field or library projects through which special interests of the student may be pursued on
a tutorial basis with a graduate faculty member. Arrangements must be made with the professor
prior to registration. Permission of the Department Chair is required.
SY 595 Research Project in Sociology 1-3 cr
A research paper is prepared under the supervision of a graduate faculty member. Student
is guided through the formulation and execution of a research design with appropriate use of
theory and research methodology. Prerequisite: Pass on comprehensive exam and approved
research proposal.
SY 596 Internship: Sociology 3 cr
Relates the student's classroom studies to occupational and pro-fessional experiences in
an approved community agency. Written reports required. May be taken for a maximum of nine
credit hours. Permission of department chair is required.
SY 599 Thesis 1-6 cr
May be taken for a total of six hours' credit. Prerequisite: Pass on comprehensive
examination.

Department of Sociology and Anthropology

College of Arts and Sciences