Sociology (SOC)

SOC100 Introduction to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion  1 credit

This course provides an introduction to common social categorizations, the concept of intersectionality, and advantages/disadvantages one might experience based on membership in various social categorizations. This class provides an opportunity to have open and honest conversations about these topics in a place that is safe to ask questions and make mistakes. The goal of this class is for students to leave with a better understanding of how individuals' multiple identities impact their lived experiences.

This course may be taken 1 time for credit.

Course classification: LDC

SOC180 Internship: Sociology  1-12 credits  (3 lab hrs/wk/cr)

Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent

Practical on-site experience that will allow students to explore workplace environments and career options in the field of sociology.

This course may be taken 12 times for credit.

Course classification: LDC

SOC204 Introduction to Sociology  3 credits  (3 lec hrs/wk)

Prerequisite(s): ( WR90R )

This course explores how social context shapes people’s lives by systematically analyzing culture, socialization, social interaction, social stratification, race and ethnic relations and the general dynamics of human groups. The course also analyzes development and application of sociological concepts, perspectives and research methodology. May be taken independently of SOC 205/206.

This course may be taken 1 time for credit.

Course classification: LDC

SOC205 Social Institutions and Change  3 credits  (3 lec hrs/wk)

Prerequisite(s): ( WR90R )

This course explores how societies change over time, focusing on recent social changes. Using sociological theories, concepts, and methodologies, the course examines the impacts of changes on individuals and social institutions such as the family, religion, education, economics, media, political systems, health and medicine. May be taken independently of SOC 204/206.

This course may be taken 1 time for credit.

Course classification: LDC

SOC206 Social Problems and Issues  3 credits  (3 lec hrs/wk)

Prerequisite(s): ( WR90R )

This course investigates causes and consequences of social problems – and feasible solutions to such problems – within specific cultural and historical contexts. Social problems examined include: crime and delinquency; group discrimination; inequality, poverty, alienation; domestic and international violence; immigration; environment and energy. May be taken independently of SOC 204/206.

This course may be taken 1 time for credit.

Course classification: LDC

SOC208 Sociology of Sport  3 credits  (3 lec hrs/wk)

This course discusses identification and analysis of social problems in relation to sport and the world. Topics include (but are not limited to) the following: sport and culture, sport and socialization, sport and race, sport and gender, sport and collective behavior, sport and social behavior with focus on feasible solutions.

This course may be taken 1 time for credit.

Course classification: LDC

SOC210 Marriage and Family  3 credits  (3 lec hrs/wk)

Prerequisite(s): ( WR90R )

Examines intimate relationships, courtship, marriage and family patterns, old, new, and unconventional. The course focuses on how relationships are built, maintained, and change over time, including analysis of love, sexuality, children, conflict, divorce, blended families, and the ways in which race, class, gender, and social policies shape family conditions.

This course may be taken 1 time for credit.

Course classification: LDC

SOC213 Racial and Ethnic Relations  3 credits  (3 lec hrs/wk)

Prerequisite(s): ( WR90R )

The course extensively discusses the nature of the relationships among racial and ethnic groups in America and in societies around the world. Explores major topics such ethnic stratification, prejudice and discrimination, assimilation and pluralism, multiculturalism and current trends in intergroup relations.

This course may be taken 1 time for credit.

Course classification: LDC

SOC218 Sociology of Gender  3 credits  (3 lec hrs/wk)

Prerequisite(s): ( WR90R )

This course provides a sociological analysis of gender relations within and beyond the United States. We explore a range of topics, from the social construction of gender and everyday forms of gender socialization to the economic and political structures through which gendered inequalities are maintained and reinforced. We critically examine how gender categories have been challenged and contested over time, as well as the changing meanings and practices of feminism in historical context. And, finally, we employ intersectional and global perspectives to gain a better understanding of how gendered meanings and experiences vary across time and space.

This course may be taken 1 time for credit.

Course classification: LDC

SOC228 Environmental Sociology  3 credits  (3 lec hrs/wk)

Prerequisite(s): ( WR90R )

This course examines human-nature interactions in the context of global social, economic, and political change. We explore the social and historical factors that have shaped environmental challenges (including environmental degradation and inequality) as well as efforts to promote ecological sustainability. Relations of power shaped by economic, institutional, and political systems, as well as those conditioned by race, class, gender, and nationality will be analyzed in the context of global environmental change.

This course may be taken 1 time for credit.

Course classification: LDC

SOC250 Field Studies - Sociology  3 credits  (3 lec hrs/wk)

This course provides students with hands on experience conducting social science research in a field setting. Fieldsites will vary annually and may include opportunities for international travel. Students will study a range of topics in the respective locations including rural and urban livelihood strategies, ecological sustainability, and efforts in achieving social and economic justice. Research will be conducted collaboratively with international students, providing Southwestern students the opportunity to interact with and learn from people with diverse cultural backgrounds.

This course may be taken 1 time for credit.

Course classification: LDC

SOC280 CWE: Sociology  1-12 credits  (3 lab hrs/wk/cr)

Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent

This course offers career exploration and workplace experience within a widely defined number of supervised settings in the field of sociology.

This course may be taken 12 times for credit.

Course classification: LDC