SOC (Sociology)

SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology (4 hours)
This course offers an introduction to topics central to the study of human society, culture and conduct. Selected fields of study frequently include culture, formation of the self, social classes, power structures, social movements, criminal behavior and a variety of social institutions. Emphasis is placed upon basic concepts and principal findings of the field. Offered every semester. Prerequisite: None.

SOC 104 Social Problems (4 hours)
This course is a survey of contemporary social problems in the United States, with consideration for how social problems are defined, and the influence of these definitions on proposed solutions. The origins of social problems and their relationship to broader social structures, institutions and cultures are explored. Offered fall semester of even-numbered years. Prerequisite:  None.

SOC 200 Independent Study in Sociology (1-4 hours)
This course provides the opportunity for an intense study of diverse topics under the direct supervision of the instructor. The student and instructor will collaborate to develop the content of the course, which must be approved as outlined by the Independent Study Policy. (Sec. 6.15.)

Specifically for Sociology, students can apply a maximum of 4 hours of independent study (SOC 200 or SOC 400) towards the major requirements; a four-hour independent study may take the place of one elective in the major.

SOC 201 The Family (4 hours)
This course focuses on the family as a social institution. The topics discussed include trends in marriage, divorce, fertility, and domestic abuse. Additionally, this course will view the family through a lens of race, class, gender and sexuality, exploring topics like 1) how race and class shape parenting practices and child socialization; 2) interracial families and transracial adoption; and 3) LGBT-parent families. Offered fall semester of odd-numbered years. Prerequisite: SOC 101.

SOC 205 Crime and Deviance (4 hours)
This course will examine behaviors that do not conform to moral and legal codes and the ways in which societies control such behaviors. Particular emphasis will be given to American society. Readings will include classic and current analyses of deviance and crime. Offered spring semester of odd-numbered years. Prerequisite: SOC 101.

SOC 206 Sexualities and Society (4 hours)
This course studies sexualities from a sociological context. We will examine how the biological and social construction of sexuality shapes societal structures, social institutions and the everyday experience. The relationship of sexuality to other axes of identity, such as race, class and gender, will also be explored. Offered spring semester of odd-numbered years. Prerequisite: SOC 101. Cross-listed as WGS 206.

SOC 290 Special Topics in Sociology (1-4 hours)
Courses of selected topics will be offered periodically as determined by the needs of the curriculum. Prerequisites can vary based on the topic selected. See individual course listings for each semester for the specific topic and any prerequisites.

Specifically for Sociology, all special topics courses have a minimum pre-requisite of SOC 101.

SOC 302 The Sociology of Work and Occupations (4 hours)
This course’s primary focus is on the structuring, conditions and social realities of work in the 20th and 21st centuries. The political, economic and social conditions contributing to the “old” and “new” economies, and their effects on the experience of work, will be covered. The structuring and experience of work at the intersection of race, class and gender, and the impacts of globalization on the nature of work, will also be considered. Offered fall semester of odd-numbered years. Prerequisite: SOC 101.

SOC 303 Field of Social Work (4 hours)
This course will study and analyze the historical development of social work and social work activities in contemporary society. Offered spring semester of odd-numbered years. Prerequisite: SOC 101.

SOC 304 Methods of Social Work (4 hours)
This course is a study of the methods used in contemporary social work. Offered fall semester of odd-numbered years. Prerequisite: SOC 303.

SOC 306 Race and Ethnicity in the United States (4 hours)
This course examines sociological theory on race and racism. It explores the social construction of race and ethnicity, explanations for racial and ethnic stratification, and the role that race plays within U.S. social institutions. It also addresses the social histories of several racial and ethnic groups in the U.S, addressing the experiences of immigrants, indigenous racial/ethnic groups, and those who were forcibly brought to the United States. While a comparative approach may be taken, the chief concern is with the United States. Offered fall semester of even-numbered years. Prerequisite: SOC 101.

SOC 307 Elites and Inequality (4 hours)
This course examines the social stratification of privileges and deprivations in contemporary societies, focusing on the distribution of wealth, status and power. The course explores the American upper, middle and lower classes; institutionalized power elites; race and gender stratification; status systems and economic inequality. Offered spring semester of even-numbered years. Prerequisite: SOC 101.

SOC 310 Survey of Research Methods (4 hours)
This course is a practical introduction to research methods commonly used by social scientists, such as: surveys, interviews, and ethnography. Students will read examples of sociological work that use these methods and will gain hands-on experience using the methods themselves. Students will also learn how to analyze and present empirical data. Additionally, the course will highlight the epistemological, theoretical, ethical, and relational components of sociological research. Prerequisites: SOC 101, MAT 111, declared sociology major. Offered fall semester of odd-numbered years. Cross-listed as
POL 371.

SOC 312 Gender and Society (4 hours)
This course is an introduction to understanding gender in a sociological context. We will examine how gender as a social construct shapes societal structures, social institutions and everyday experiences. The relationship of gender to other axes of identity, such as class, race and sexuality, will also be explored. Offered spring semester of even-numbered years. Prerequisite: SOC 101. Cross-listed as WGS 312.

SOC 400 Advanced Independent Study in Sociology (1-4 hours)
This course provides the opportunity for an advanced, intense study of diverse topics under the direct supervision of the instructor. These offerings are generally suited for junior or senior students. The student and instructor will collaborate to develop the content of the course, which must be approved as outlined by the Independent Study Policy. (Sec. 6.15.)

Specifically for Sociology, students can apply a maximum of 4 hours of independent study (SOC 200 or SOC 400) towards the major requirements; a four-hour independent study may take the place of one elective in the major.

SOC 403 Sociological Theory (4 hours)
This course is a survey of classical and contemporary social theories. The influence of the classical social theorists on the development of the discipline and on the works of contemporary theorists will be considered. Offered fall semester of even-numbered years. Prerequisite: SOC 101.

SOC 413 The Sociology of African American Experiences (4 hours)
This course explores African American experiences from a sociological perspective. It addresses sociological conceptualizations of race, racism, colorism, and intersectionality, highlighting commonalities among African Americans and the diversity within this population. Additionally, it explores African Americans’ experiences within social institutions, such as the family, education, and the criminal justice system. Offered irregularly. Prerequisite: SOC 306.

SOC 420 Sociology Capstone (2 hours)
This course will require students to synthesize the knowledge they have acquired during their educational career and apply it to real-world situations. This course provides an overview of and emphasizes preparation for career fields compatible with sociology and/or social work programs of study. Offered every spring. Class Standing Prerequisites: Sociology major, senior standing, and in final year of study.

SOC 490 Advanced Special Topics in Sociology (1-4 hours)
Advanced courses of selected topics will be offered periodically as determined by the needs of the curriculum. These offerings are generally suited for junior or senior students. Prerequisites can vary based on the topic selected. See individual course listings for each semester for the specific topic and any prerequisites.

Specifically for Sociology, all advanced special topics courses have a minimum pre-requisite of SOC 101.

SOC 495 Internship in Sociology (1-12 hours)
An internship designed to provide a formalized experiential learning opportunity to qualified students. The internship generally requires the student to have an application (which satisfies all internship requirements developed by the academic program that oversees the internship) and to obtain a faculty supervisor in the relevant field of study. All internships are graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisites are determined by the academic program overseeing the internship course.

Specifically for Sociology, students can apply a maximum of 4 hours of internship (SOC 495) towards the major requirements; a four-hour internship may take the place of one elective in the major. Students completing the Social Work track cannot use SOC 495 for the requirements of this track.

SOC 496 Internship in Social Work (1-12 hours)
An internship designed to provide a formalized experiential learning opportunity to qualified students. The internship generally requires the student to have an application (which satisfies all internship requirements developed by the academic program that oversees the internship) and to obtain a faculty supervisor in the relevant field of study. All internships are graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisites are determined by the academic program overseeing the internship course.

Specifically for Sociology, this course is an internship for students concentrating in social work, designed to provide a formalized setting for the application of the social work curriculum to practice. Successful internship placements have been made in a variety of settings in recent years, including Jacob’s Ladder Center, West Paces Ferry Hospital, and Atlanta shelters for the homeless. Prerequisites: SOC 303, a 2.0 cumulative grade-point average, permission of the academic advisor and the faculty supervisor, and signature of the director of career services.