Sociology (SOC/SOC&)

Human social behavior, social institutions, and society from sociological perspective. Includes introduction to sociological theory and research and application to topics such as social structure, socialization, deviance, inequality, and stratification. Completion of ENGL& 101 or concurrent enrollment recommended. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Social Sciences, Elective)

This course explores the definition, causes, consequences, and solutions to social problems in U.S. society. We use sociological perspectives to examine some of the most critical problems facing society such as gun violence, racism, climate change, income inequality and poverty. The course examines how race, class, and gender inequalities contribute to and manifest as social problems. We also examine the roles of policymakers, social advocates, and the media in the process of defining social problems. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Social Sciences, Elective)

Examines elements that create differences within society and exposes learners to a variety of cultural ideas that will lead to a better understanding of people who are different. Culture, ethnicity, lifestyle, religion, disabilities, age, and gender issues will be examined. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Social Sciences, Elective)

Study of social deviance, including sociological perspectives on the definition, nature, and control of deviance in society, with a focus on selected problems associated with social deviance. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Elective)

Exploration of social and historical development of American family. Includes cross-cultural perspectives on family structures, sex and marriage, changing gender roles, impact of changing work-place on families at risk for violence, and substance abuse. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Elective)

An introduction to contemporary aspects of human sexuality, including development of sexuality over the lifespan, beginning with prenatal gender differentiation and proceeding through adulthood and aging. We will also cover related topics, such as interpersonal aspects of sexual relationships, sexual orientation, pregnancy, parenting choices, and STDs, including HIV/AIDS. ENGL& 101 strongly recommended. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Elective)

This class explores gender and sexuality as organizing principles of identity, interactions, and social institutions. The class emphasizes the intersection of gender, sexuality, race, class, and age in shaping contemporary inequalities. Major theoretical approaches to gender and sexuality will also be introduced. Other topics include media, family, culture, relationships, work, and social movements. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Social Sciences, Elective)

This class explores society’s relationship with food and agriculture. We examine practices of production, distribution, preparation, and consumption of food. From seeds to the waste stream, we learn what social, political, and economic factors shape our food system and our food choices. Our focus will be both global and local as we investigate the relationships between food, culture, inequality, and ecology. Food justice and food security are organizing themes of the course. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Social Sciences, Elective)

An introduction to types of museums, with a focus on Indigenous museums and indigenized museums, and the roles of such institutions within society. This course explores historical and current issues of power structures forming narratives and representations about identity, race, ethnicity, culture, history, and gender within museums. Social justice and social change are important themes for this course. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Social Sciences, Elective)