SOCY - Sociology
SOCY100 Introduction to Sociology (3 Credits)
Introduces fundamental concepts and theories of sociology. Guided by C. Wright Mills' "sociological imagination," the course promotes critical thinking; challenges conventional assumptions about culture politics, history, and psychology; and equips students with theoretical approaches and research methods to analyze various sociological topics, including family, work, education, religion, social movements, and issues related to class, gender, race, and ethnic inequalities.
SOCY105 Understanding Contemporary Social Problems - Frameworks for Critical Thinking and Strategies for Solutions (3 Credits)
Embark on an exploration of contemporary social issues and unravel the intricate ways in which these challenges are woven into the fabric of society. Develop a comprehensive understanding of societal organization and partake in a detailed study of selected social problems, with a specific emphasis on issues like social conflict and inequality. This course provides an insightful journey into the nuanced interplay between societal structure and prevalent challenges, fostering a heightened awareness of the dynamics shaping our social landscape.
SOCY110 The Logic of Social Inquiry: An Introduction to Sociology and the Major (3 Credits)
Introduction to the logic of social science research; the integration of theory and methods in the development of sociological knowledge; basic sociological concepts; and departmental research streams. Required of all sociology majors.
Additional Information: To be taken prior to, or in the first 30 credits after declaring sociology as a major.
SOCY120 Veterans in American Society: What does America Owe Its Veterans? (3 Credits)
An examination of current and past policies toward compensation for military veterans, data and evidence on current and past adjustments to life after military service, historical variations in the mechanisms for staffing the military, and trends in the contours of the lives of those who do not serve.
SOCY158 Special Topics in Study Abroad I (1-6 Credits)
Special topics course taken as part of an approved study abroad program.
Repeatable to: 15 credits if content differs.
SOCY200 Innovation, Exploration and the Evolution of Human Societies (3 Credits)
We will explore the nature of human societies through comparative, historical, and interdisciplinary perspectives. Students will delve into the core of social structures, unravel the defining components of society, and examine their organization, evolution, and impact on collective existence. Students will also explore the socio-historical forces and geopolitical dynamics that drive social change to analyze the complex connections that illuminate our shared social experience across time.
SOCY201 Introductory Statistics for Sociology (4 Credits)
Students will explore descriptive and inferential statistics. You will hone your quantitative analytical skills to construct impactful bivariate tables, craft frequency distributions, and decipher measures of central tendency and dispersion. Additionally, you will master the techniques of hypothesis testing, chi-square, ANOVA, and ordinary least squares regression, equipping you to seamlessly translate data into meaningful research insights.
Prerequisite: SOCY100; and (MATH107 or MATH111).
Restriction: Must not have completed STAT400, BMGT231, or ENEE324.
SOCY202 Introduction to Research Methods in Sociology (4 Credits)
We will examine why social research is needed, explore some of the main quantitative and qualitative techniques to conduct sociological research, and discover how to understand and critically evaluate sociological research on pressing social problems. Students will also learn to use specialized software to analyze and interpret quantitative data in the computer lab.
Prerequisite: SOCY100.
SOCY203 Sociological Theory (3 Credits)
Examines major trends in the history and development of sociological thought, including theories of inequality, the self, institutions, and more. With each theorist students will learn what sociologists assume and focus on when studying societies.
Prerequisite: SOCY100.
SOCY211 The Sociology Major: Mapping the Road to Academic Success (1 Credit)
Designed to assist students in making a successful transition to the major and will orient them to departmental, college, and university resources. Students will collaboratively explore avenues and best practices that build self-confidence and lead to academic achievement.
Restriction: Must be in the Sociology major (22080) or Sociology minor (#BS13).
SOCY212 Hate Crimes in the U.S.: What Lt. Richard Collins III Can Teach Us About History, Hope and Healing (3 Credits)
Rooted in the tragic murder of Lt. Richard W. Collins III, a Bowie State student, on the campus of the University of Maryland by a white supremacist student, this course will provide an overview and discussion of the history of bias-motivated violence in the United States, the development of modern hate crime laws, theories and impacts of victimization, domestic terrorism, legal and social responses, and prevention strategies. Students from both Bowie State University and the University of Maryland will engage with experts from multiple disciplines and work together in a collaborative community to generate actionable strategies.
SOCY216 Social Aspects of Artificial Intelligence (3 Credits)
In two generations computers insinuated themselves into the way societies create wealth, wage war, work, and govern their citizens. While scientists across disciplines debate the feasibility of engineering artificial general intelligence, the race is on to create computers (classic and quantum) that match or surpass human intelligence in as many domains as possible. Students in this course will weigh some social consequences of living with smart machines that are everywhere and never sleep, and confront the question of whether AI has gone too far, or not far enough.
Credit Only Granted for: SOCY216 or SOCY416.
Formerly: SOCY416.
SOCY222 Immigration and Ethnicity in America (3 Credits)
The history of immigration and the development of diverse populations in the United States are examined. Topics include related political controversies, the social experiences of immigrants, ethnicity, generations, migration, inter-group relations, race and diversity in American culture.
Cross-listed with: AAST222.
SOCY224 Why are We Still Talking About Race? (3 Credits)
Explore and discuss the major debates and assumptions that construct perceptions of race and how it matters. Sociological and social science theories will give students a historical and present day frame with which to view race and ethnic relations in the twenty-first century.
SOCY225 Women's Jobs, Men's Jobs: How and Why Do They Differ? (3 Credits)
An exploration of critical issues pertaining to gender differences in the workplace. Overview of theories explaining why some people do better than others in the world of work, and discussions of more specific questions relating to women's and men's job opportunities and experiences.
SOCY227 Introduction to the Study of Deviance (3 Credits)
An introduction to the sociological study of deviant behavior, covering such topics as mental illness, sexual deviance, and the use of drugs.
Credit Only Granted for: SOCY227 or SOCY327.
Formerly: SOCY327.
SOCY230 Sociological Social Psychology (3 Credits)
Why do people do that? Sitting at the nexus of sociology and psychology, this course surveys the various ways in which sociologists have answered this question. We investigate individuals-for example, how they develop and understand themselves in relation to others, how they choose to present themselves to the world, and how they form thoughts and opinions. And we study larger units of analyses, from small groups to the broader society. Topics covered include socialization, identity formation, social influence, group processes, how social processes shape individual behavior, and how human behavior shapes society.
SOCY241 Inequality in American Society (3 Credits)
A broad-based overview of inequality in contemporary U.S. society, focusing on measuring patterns and trends over time. A series of learning modules familiarizes students with how inequality unfolds in relation to social stratification processes along the lines of race, gender, education and social class, income and wealth, and health.
SOCY242 Sociology of Homelessness (3 Credits)
Examines the causes of and solutions for homelessness in society. How social scientists analyze social issues using ethnographic observation, surveys, official statistics, and other research methods. Discusses how policies have responded to the problem of homelessness, and how to evaluate their effectiveness.
SOCY243 The Family: Diversity, Inequality, and Social Change (3 Credits)
An exploration of diversity and inequality in family life, focusing on empirical patterns and trends, political and cultural debates, and policy issues, including the major theories and research methods used in the sociological study of the family in a plural society.
Credit Only Granted for: SOCY243 or SOCY443.
Formerly: SOCY443.
SOCY244 Bridging Perspectives: Critical Conversations Between Students and Police (3 Credits)
This course is a university curriculum created by the International Association of Chiefs of Police to enhance community-police engagement. This course brings university students and police together to engage in facilitated dialogue to learn from one another and build trust. Through this transformative educational course, both groups will enhance their knowledge of the structural and cultural frameworks that influence historical and current events and relationships between communities and police.
SOCY245 The Family in Contemporary American Society (3 Credits)
This is a course in the sociology of the family as an institutional arena in the United States. Students will become familiar with the empirical patterns and trends, political and cultural debates, and policy issues concerning families - and the major theories and research methods used in the sociological study of the family. The readings include a textbook and a research monograph. To succeed, students will attend lectures and participate in discussion; complete quizzes and in-class writing assignments; and take a midterm and final exam.
SOCY258 Special Topics in Study Abroad II (1-6 Credits)
Special topics course taken as part of an approved study abroad program
Repeatable to: 15 credits if content differs.
SOCY265 War and Society, from the American Revolution to the Present (3 Credits)
This course asks, why do nations make war the way they do? And how does the experience of waging war in this manner remake institutions, social and political relationships and even culture? To answer these questions, the course adopts a comparative and historical perspective, highlighting the ways nations organize and mobilize for armed conflict as well as how they define 'the enemy' against whom they direct armed force, and the ways these together shape the social consequences of warfare. Among the range of social consequences, we will focus on three: the experience of combat itself; the impact of war on class, race and gender relations; and the emergence of cultural values around armed conflict and the place of warfare and soldiers in society. The course concludes with almost a month devoted to making sense of the War in Ukraine and considering where to go from here.
Credit Only Granted for: SOCY465 or SOCY265.
Formerly: SOCY465.
SOCY277 Intersectionality and Illness: How do Overarching Social Inequalities Affect Health Outcomes? (3 Credits)
Students will examine the social determinants of disease: the relationship between socioeconomic status and health care access, as well as investigate the links between social status and disease chronicity. Students will further explore how health disparities, health resource distribution, and susceptibility disproportionately affect disadvantaged communities with chronic diseases.
Credit Only Granted for: SOCY277 or SOCY302.
Formerly: SOCY302.
SOCY298 Selected Topics in Sociology (1-3 Credits)
Special topics in Sociology.
SOCY310 Sociology of Race, Class, Gender and Sports (3 Credits)
Examines the institution of sport with an emphasis on race, gender, and class. The course will critically analyze assumptions, historical relationships, and contemporary issues in sports. The course will utilize sports as a platform to understand and explore sociological concepts, theories, and research.
SOCY322 Immigration and Ethnicity in the US (3 Credits)
Explores historical and contemporary Asian immigration to the US in comparison to and in the context of other immigrant groups. From low-skilled laborers to highly-skilled professionals, Asian and other immigrants have been an integral part of the shifting US economy and society since its inception. The course includes theories on why immigration occurs, determinants of its continuation, the uses of migrant labor, and immigrant adaptation and settlement. The second part of the course focuses on theories of ethnicity and racial formation and how immigrants develop and challenge the definitions of race, ethnicity, the "other", and ultimately, who is American. Students will also have the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of the immigrant experience through a life history interview project.
Cross-listed with: AAST322.
Credit Only Granted for: AAST322, SOCY222, HIST322 or SOCY322.
SOCY325 The Sociology of Gender (3 Credits)
Institutional bases of gender roles and gender inequality, cultural perspectives on gender, gender socialization, feminism, and gender-role change. Emphasis on contemporary American society.
Prerequisite: 3 credits in SOCY courses.
Cross-listed with: WGSS325.
Credit Only Granted for: SOCY325, WMST325 or WGSS325.
Formerly: WMST325.
SOCY335 Sociology of Health and Illness (3 Credits)
An exploration of the social model to studying health and illness: how meanings and experiences of health and illness are socially produced. How experiences are shaped by the interaction of external social environments (culture, community) and the internal environment (human body), and by socio-demographic variables (race, class, gender, etc.). Disparities in health and healthcare delivery, medicalization of society, determinants of health, social construction of illness, and the social organization of health care.
SOCY336 Gender and Health (3 Credits)
The relationship between gender and health is the central focus of this course. We consider how health disparities between women and men vary by race and ethnicity, sexual and gender minority identity, and social class. We consider how institutional and cultural factors across social and spatial contexts influence gendered associations with physical and mental health. In addition, this is a course on how to do the disciplinary work of sociology. Social discourse and policies about health have been crucial to creating our current understanding of gender and health. This course will provide training in analyzing health disparities and preparing research and policy briefs about how to address these disparities. This will happen through group projects and a peer reviewed process that relies on critical feedback from sociologists engaged in the same project, in this case, the other students in this course.
Credit Only Granted for: SOCY236 or SOCY336.
Formerly: SOCY236.
SOCY340 Globalization's Winners and Losers (3 Credits)
What is the relationship between globalization and inequality? This course examines the factors shaping both between-nation and within-nation household income inequality for the past century. It is divided into four parts, each considering a different factor. First we seek to understand global trade historically. Second, we examine the more recent phenomenon of outsourcing. Third, we examine welfare and taxation policy and its role in shaping domestic inequality. Finally, we analyze the mechanisms for the accumulation of capital within global finance. By the end of the course, students will be able to discuss globalization beyond the "is it good or bad" binary and understand the complex interaction between domestic politics and international trade.
SOCY358 Special Topics in Study Abroad III (1-6 Credits)
Special topics course taken as part of an approved study abroad program.
Repeatable to: 15 credits if content differs.
SOCY370 Career Exploration and Professional Development for Sociology Majors (1 Credit)
Prepares Sociology majors to make the transition from undergraduate to entering graduate school and/or the professional work world. Topics include career options in Sociology, skills for conducting a job search, resume writing and interview preparation, and the graduate application process.
Restriction: Must be in the Sociology major.
SOCY378 Undergraduate Teaching Assistantship (1-3 Credits)
The Undergraduate Teaching Assistant position offers exceptional Sociology undergraduates the opportunity to actively contribute to the educational process. This hands-on role involves assisting faculty in classroom activities, mentoring fellow students, and supporting academic assignments and assessments. Throughout the course, students develop crucial teaching and communication skills, learn effective time management, and gain valuable teamwork experience. This position not only enhances students' resumes but also equips them with skills vital for future academic and professional roles. This is an individual instruction course; contact the department or instructor to obtain section number.
Restriction: Permission of the Sociology Department.
Repeatable to: 9 credits if content differs.
SOCY380 Honors Independent Reading in Sociology (3 Credits)
This course permits sociology honor students to undertake a program or reading on a particular problem in sociology or a subfield therein. The reading will be done under the supervision of a member of the sociology faculty. Required of sociology honor students.
Restriction: Permission of BSOS-Sociology department.
SOCY381 Honors Independent Research in Sociology (3 Credits)
This course permits sociology students to define a particular problem in sociology or a subfield therein and to develop a research plan for use as a thesis topic. The work will be done under the supervision of a member of the sociology faculty.
Prerequisite: SOCY380.
SOCY383 Honors Thesis Research (3 Credits)
Student research under the direction of a member of the sociology faculty, culminating in the presentation and defense of a thesis reporting the research.
Prerequisite: SOCY381.
SOCY386 Experiential Learning (3-6 Credits)
Restriction: Permission of BSOS-Sociology department; and junior standing or higher.
SOCY391 Surveillance and the Erosion of Privacy (3 Credits)
Our world is under increasing amounts of surveillance, from states, corporations, and other individuals. These activities may affect our sense of privacy since surveilling others is done as a means to gather knowledge. This class examines surveillance and privacy together in order to answer the following questions: Are acts of surveillance in contemporary society eroding our sense of privacy? Are certain populations more or less privileged in terms of having privacy rights? How can we protect privacy rights in an age of surveillance?
SOCY398 Special Topics in Sociology (1-3 Credits)
Topics of special interest to both sociology majors and non-majors.
Prerequisite: 3 credits in SOCY courses.
Repeatable to: 6 credits if content differs.
SOCY398G Global Migration and the Israeli Case Study (3 Credits)
Over 70% of Israel's population is made of first, second or third generation immigrants, who came from over 70 countries, making Israel an ultimate immigrant society. This course will focus on the history of Israel as a case study for the understanding of the historical phenomena of modern immigration.
Cross-listed with: ISRL343.
Credit Only Granted for: ISRL349K, GVPT368G, SOCY398G, SOCY398I, or ISRL343.
Formerly: ISRL349K.
SOCY399 Independent Study in Sociology (1-6 Credits)
Integrated reading or research under the direction and supervision of a faculty member. A maximum of 6 credits may be earned by a student for the same field experience in SOCY386 and SOCY399 combined.
Prerequisite: 12 credits in SOCY courses.
Restriction: Permission of BSOS-Sociology department.
Repeatable to: 6 credits if content differs.
SOCY401 Intermediate Statistics for Sociologists (3 Credits)
This is a course about multiple regression for undergraduate students and presumes that students taking this course will be both producers and consumers of multiple regression results. Students will work with the instructor to produce a research poster presentation based on secondary social science data. In addition to multivariable statistics, students will learn some statistical programming as well as how to organize a research presentation.
Prerequisite: SOCY201 and SOCY202; or permission of the Sociology department.
Restriction: Must not have completed STAT400, BMGT231, or ENEE324.
SOCY405 Scarcity and Modern Society (3 Credits)
Resource depletion and the deterioration of the environment. Relationship to lifestyles, individual consumer choices, cultural values, and institutional failures. Projection of the future course of American society on the basis of the analysis of scarcity, theories of social change, current trends, social movements, government actions, and the futurist literature.
Prerequisite: 6 credits in SOCY courses.
Credit Only Granted for: SOCY305 or SOCY405.
Formerly: SOCY305.
SOCY407 Explaining Social Change: Historical and Comparative Methods (3 Credits)
Examines social change from the perspective of comparative and historical sociology to get at the question, 'where are we now?' Students develop a critical appreciation of how scholars construct persuasive explanations for large-scale change focusing on four central questions: the origins of markets and industrial capitalism; the emergence of democracy as opposed to dictatorship; the causes and consequences of social revolution; and the logic of armed conflict. Explanations offered for the changes in question as well as the methods employed are explored. Counterfactual hypotheticals for each central question--that is, what might have been, rather than what historically emerged--are considered.
Prerequisite: 6 credits in SOCY courses.
Credit Only Granted for: SOCY407 or SOCY498Y.
Formerly: SOCY498Y.
SOCY410 Social Demography (3 Credits)
Types of demographic analysis; demographic data; population characteristics; migration; mortality; fertility; population theories; world population growth; population policy.
Prerequisite: 6 credits in SOCY courses; or permission of BSOS-Sociology department.
SOCY411 Demographic Techniques (3 Credits)
Basic techniques for analyzing population structure and demographic processes, including fertility, mortality and migration.
Prerequisite: (SOCY201; or students who have taken courses with comparable content may contact the department); and SOCY410. Or permission of BSOS-Sociology department.
SOCY412 Family Demography (3 Credits)
Family and population dynamics. Fertility issues, such as teenage pregnancy, the timing of parenthood, and family size, as they relate to family behavior, such as marital patterns, child care use, and work and the family. Policy issues that relate to demographic changes in the family.
Prerequisite: SOCY201 and SOCY202; or permission of the Sociology department.
SOCY413 Sociology of Aging (3 Credits)
The aging of the population is one of the major demographic changes affecting social institutions during the next century. Research demography, sociology, economics, epidemiology, psychology and public health are integrated to develop a broader understanding of the causes and consequences of population aging. A central focus is the diversity of experiences by age, gender, socioeconomic status and health.
Prerequisite: SOCY201 and SOCY202; or permission of the Sociology department.
SOCY415 Environmental Sociology (3 Credits)
Overview of the field and theoretical themes within the area of environmental sociology and technology. Current issues are explored including: environmental attitudes; environmental movements; environmental justice; globalization; global climate change; and garbage and food.
Prerequisite: 6 credits in SOCY courses.
SOCY418 Research in Family & Demography (3 Credits)
This is a special topics research course for Family and Demography.
Prerequisite: SOCY201 and SOCY202; or permission of the Sociology department.
Repeatable to: 6 credits if content differs.
SOCY420 Qualitative Research Methods in Sociology (3 Credits)
Using the sociological imagination to independently explore research questions as designed by students. Readings will explore dilemmas qualitative researchers confront such as, how to conduct research ethically and how their background influences their findings and analysis. Students will learn how to collect data, analyze it, and present it to others.
Prerequisite: SOCY201 and SOCY202; or permission of the Sociology department.
SOCY424 Sociology of Race Relations (3 Credits)
Encourages sociological thinking about US racial and ethnic minority populations, with a focus on African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, and Native Americans. The central concern is to understand and explain racial/ethnic inequality. A wide array of topics are discussed, including prejudice and discrimination, slavery, residential segregation, cultural inequality, skin tone stratification, economic and educational disparities, and assimilation/generational processes.
Prerequisite: 6 credits in SOCY courses; or permission of the Sociology department.
Cross-listed with: AAST424.
SOCY428 Research in Inequality (3 Credits)
This is the special topics research course for Stratification and Inequality.
Prerequisite: SOCY201 and SOCY202; or permission of the Sociology department.
Repeatable to: 6 credits if content differs.
SOCY431 Principles of Organizations (3 Credits)
Structural and processual characteristics of organizations that make them effective for different purposes and in different environments. Effects of different institutional environments, small group processes, organizational networks, and leadership. Types of organizations studied include formal bureaucracies, professional organizations, and voluntary associations.
Prerequisite: SOCY201 and SOCY202; or permission of BSOS-Sociology department.
SOCY432 Social Movements (3 Credits)
This course broadens students' understanding of social movements in the United States. Many topics are discussed, including the emergence of social movements, why people join social movements, collective identity, gender, culture, emotions, tactics, repression, and the decline of social movements. Various movements are reviewed, including the civil rights movement, the Chicano movement, the women's movement, the LGBTQ movement, the white power movement, the American Indian movement, and the animal rights movement.
Prerequisite: 6 credits in SOCY courses; or permission of BSOS-Sociology department.
SOCY435 Society, Biology, and Health (3 Credits)
It is not too far-fetched to speak of the pancreas under capitalism or the proletarian lung. Humans are social beings in physical bodies. In this course, we draw on research studies, podcasts, news articles, and best-selling non-fiction to inform conversation and writing on how various dimensions of human biology influence, and are influenced by, our social and cultural environment. We focus on conceptualizing human behavior as an interplay between both nature and nurture, and consider how this approach changes our understanding of modern social problems. This course is appropriate for students with a range of backgrounds in the social and natural sciences; introductory-level supplemental readings on all necessary biological concepts will be provided.
Prerequisite: Must have completed 6 credits in SOCY courses or permission of BSOS Sociology Department.
SOCY441 Social Stratification and Inequality (3 Credits)
The sociological study of social class, status, and power. Topics include theories of stratification, correlates of social position, functions and dysfunctions of social inequality, status inconsistency, and social mobility.
Prerequisite: 6 credits in SOCY courses; or permission of BSOS-Sociology department.
Restriction: Junior standing or higher.
SOCY442 The Black Middle Class (3 Credits)
Students will learn about the Black Middle Class. They will examine and explore the historical context that led to the rise of a Black Middle Class. Innovative avenues into the Black Middle Class will also be examined, including various household and family formations. Finally, the course will cover the consequences of being in the The Black Middle Class, with an emphasis on residential segregation and racial identity.
Prerequisite: 6 credits in SOCY courses.
Credit Only Granted for: SOCY498T or SOCY442.
Formerly: SOCY498T.
SOCY445 Sex and Love in Modern Society (3 Credits)
Sociological theories of sex and gender are used to explore empirical research on women's and men's sexual behavior and attitudes; variation in gendered sexuality by key social characteristics and how gendered sexuality is constructed and controlled; changes in sexuality over time and across relationship types, focusing on changes in sexual desire and behaviors and on the changing meaning of sex and marriage in U.S. society and other countries. Contemporary debates about sexuality will also be examined.
Prerequisite: SOCY201, SOCY202, SOCY203, and SOCY230.
Restriction: Must be in Sociology program; or permission of BSOS-Sociology department.
Credit Only Granted for: SOCY498X or SOCY445.
Formerly: SOCY498X.
SOCY450 Investigating Women's Empowerment in Low and Middle Income Countries (3 Credits)
Students in this course will learn how the study of women's empowerment in low and middle income countries (LMICs) has developed, its current state of measurement, and new avenues to pursue in the future. Examining the extensive research on gender-based inequalities in educational attainment, employment rates, and health status, students will investigate how power imbalances across individuals, households, and institutional factors result in persistent inequality. Bringing an intersectional perspective to the forefront of the course, we will study how to design effective intervention policies that seek to improve the daily lives of women, girls and their families.
Prerequisite: SOCY201 and SOCY202; or permission of BSOS-Sociology department.
SOCY451 Sociology of Culture (3 Credits)
Analyzes the relationship between society and culture. How do social forces affect cultural objects and products? How do values and meanings shape individual behavior? How can culture be both a source of domination and resistance? These and other topics will be analyzed to show the role of culture in our lives.
Prerequisite: 6 credits in SOCY courses; or permission of the department.
Credit Only Granted for: SOCY498C or SOCY451.
Formerly: SOCY498C.
SOCY452 Sociology of Mental Health (3 Credits)
The class focuses upon the larger question: "What is the balance between people being mentally 'ill' and us having a 'sick' society?" To explore this question, students will utilize sociological approaches toward mental illness and health. This will manifest as a focus on how social organization is related to mental health and illness. Students will consider how sociologists understand the nature, distribution, and treatment of mental illness and health in society, and will develop a personal understanding of what it means to be mentally healthy.
Prerequisite: 6 credits in SOCY courses; or permission of the department.
Credit Only Granted for: SOCY498O or SOCY 452.
Formerly: SOCY498O.
SOCY453 Racial Residential Segregation (3 Credits)
Examines how race and ethnicity have historically shaped residential patterns in the U.S. and their continuing importance today. Students will investigate the causes of residential segregation, including residential preferences, discrimination, and socioeconomic differences between racial and ethnic groups. Significant attention will be paid to how immigration and ensuing ethnic and racial diversity are reshaping the residential landscape. The readings highlight the U.S. context, though residential patterns in different countries are also briefly discussed.
Prerequisite: 6 credits in SOCY courses; or permission of the department.
Credit Only Granted for: SOCY498D or SOCY453.
Formerly: SOCY498D.
SOCY456 Smart Machines and Human Prospects (3 Credits)
Artificial intelligence is everywhere and never sleeps. It is transforming our social institutions in intended and unintended ways. While scientists debate the feasibility of engineering conscious machines with general intelligence, no one debates that the global race is on to create more potent computers. Through targeted research, discussion, and presentation of findings students will answer a specific question on how, where, and in what ways society is being changed by smart machines.
Prerequisite: SOCY201 and SOCY202; or permission of the Sociology department.
Credit Only Granted for: SOCY416 or SOCY456.
SOCY457 Sociology of Law (3 Credits)
Social, political, and cultural sources of legal norms and concepts; and how the law shapes society and society shapes the law using sociological theoretical frameworks. The role of social change, social reproduction and inequality (including race, class, gender, and sexuality) to achieve certain objectives such as compliance, deterrence and social control.
SOCY458 Special Topics in Study Abroad IV (1-6 Credits)
Special topics course taken as part of an approved study abroad program.
Repeatable to: 15 credits if content differs.
SOCY461 Sociology in Action: Research and Community Engagement in Prince George's County (3 Credits)
Sociology in Action is a research course that will use the science of sociology to inform real life issues and contribute to the development of social programs. In this course, students will gain hands-on experience in applying sociology by working with clients in Prince George's County on specific social problems and issues. Please assess your ability to commit to this course and fulfill all requirements. Given that students will be working with Prince George's County organizations, there will be some variation and unpredictability in the nature of the projects.
Prerequisite: SOCY202; or students who have taken courses with similar content may contact the department.
SOCY462 Digital Technology and Society (3 Credits)
Situates digital technology in our social environment and then examines how this relationship reflects, reinforces, or reorders social hierarchies. Students will learn the conceptual and methodological foundations for studying and evaluating how technologies such as health and social media apps, the personal computer, artificial intelligence, and weapons of war have evolved, diffused and impacted social life. Students will explore and then conduct independent research on the relationship between technology and social inequalities through the lens of health and medicine, the environment and climate change, jobs and the workplace, as well as government and criminal justice.
Prerequisite: Must have completed 6 credits in SOCY courses; or permission of BSOS-Sociology department.
SOCY463 Sociology of Masculinity: How Much Has Masculinity Really Changed? (3 Credits)
An examination of the history both feminist social movements and feminist sociology in a specific way. It uses the sociological subfield of men and masculinities as a keyhole through which we will study 'the stalled revolution' for women's equality. Along the way, we will familiarize ourselves with academic and popular reports about changing and contested definitions, ideas, and behaviors of masculinity.
Prerequisite: 6 credits in SOCY courses; or permission of BSOS Sociology department.
SOCY465 The Sociology of War: State and Society since the American Revolution (3 Credits)
Since the American and French Revolutions at the end of the eighteenth century, warfare has been marked by the way national states draw ordinary people into armed conflicts--as members of the military, producers and controllers of resources and supporters or resisters, and also as targets and victims. This course examines how the centering of ordinary people in war has transformed over time, continuing right up to the current conflict in Ukraine. Alongside explaining why states make war the way they do, the course explores the impacts of making war and living through conflict on the societies embroiled in it.
Prerequisite: Must have completed 6 credits in SOCY courses; or permission of BSOS-Sociology department.
SOCY467 Sociology of Education (3 Credits)
Sociological analysis of educational institutions and their relation to society: goals and functions, the mechanisms of social control, and the impacts of stratification and social change. Study of the school as a formal organization, and the roles and subcultures of teachers and students.
Prerequisite: 6 credits in SOCY courses; or permission of BSOS-Sociology department.
SOCY470 Pregnancy and Parenthood in an Unequal Society (3 Credits)
Analysis of patterns in sexual activity, contraceptive use, and unintended pregnancy, and how they reinforce or alleviate socioeconomic, gender, and racial inequalities. Emphasis on the role of healthcare providers and contraceptive access, attitudes about motherhood and contraception, policy interventions, and institutional designs. Social and economic consequences of increasing women's ability to control their fertility.
Prerequisite: 6 credits in SOCY courses; or permission of Sociology Department.
SOCY475 Sociology of Emotions (3 Credits)
Emotions are often thought of as purely subjective experiences. How much more personal than one get than their emotions and feelings? In addition to their physiological and psychological aspects, however, emotions have a social side that often go unnoticed. This course will introduce you to the social aspects of emotions. In doing so, we will cover wide-ranging topics including the social causes of emotions, social norms about emotions, disparities in emotionalexperiences, and the ways in which emotions can maintain and reshape society.
Prerequisite: 6 credits in SOCY courses; or permission of BSOS-Sociology Department.
Credit Only Granted for: SOCY498W or SOCY475.
Formerly: SOCY498W.
SOCY480 Researching the Middle East (3 Credits)
Introduces religion, gender, and politics in the Middle East and North Africa. After an overview of the political and social history the focus will be on methods for carrying out research on fundamental issues facing Middle Eastern societies, including national identity, religion, gender relations and the status of women in the family, politics, education, and labor market.
Prerequisite: SOCY201 and SOCY202; or permission of the Sociology department.
Credit Only Granted for: SOCY498E or SOCY480.
Formerly: SOCY498E.
SOCY481 Ideology and Social Conditions in the Making of Terrorism in the Middle East and North Africa (3 Credits)
The sociology of terrorism and political violence in the Middle East and North African will be explored in this course.
Prerequisite: Must have completed 6 credits in SOCY courses or permission of the Sociology department.
Restriction: Sophomore standing or higher.
SOCY490 Experimental Research Practicum (3 Credits)
Hands-on experience in designing, conducting, and analyzing experimental research. Introduces students to causal inference in social scientific research, focusing on experimental designs. Students will get hands-on research experience running experimental studies in the group processes lab. Students will also work with the professor and graduate students in the department to develop a research idea that can be executed in the spring semester.
Prerequisite: SOCY201 and SOCY202; or permission of the Sociology department.
Additional Information: This is the first course in the experimental research practicum 2-course sequence.
SOCY491 Experimental Research Design (3 Credits)
Students will finalize the design of their studies from the fall semester and carry out the research in this course. Introduces students to analyzing experimental data and presenting results from these data. Students will continue to get hands-on research experience running experimental studies in the group processes lab and working with the professor and graduate students in the department to further develop their projects.
Prerequisite: SOCY201, SOCY202 and SOCY490; or permission of BSOS-Sociology department.
Additional Information: This is the second course in the experimental research practicum 2-course sequence.
SOCY498 Selected Topics in Sociology (1-3 Credits)
Topics of special interest to advanced undergraduates in sociology. Such courses will be offered in response to student request and faculty interest.
Prerequisite: SOCY201 and SOCY202; or permission of BSOS-Sociology department.
Repeatable to: 6 credits.