Sociology

Basic sociological concepts and processes. Social structure, deviance, change, and progress.

Introduction to the mechanisms through which inequality operates historically and today. Exploration of similarities and differences between and among forms of oppression and ways in which issues of race, class, gender, and sexuality intersect.

Introduction to the wide variety of human societies and cultures. The basic building blocks of human societies, illustrated by examining western and non-western cultures. Economic structure, society and ecology, kinship and social organization, religion and cosmology, political organization, social inequality and stratification, gender roles, colonialism and exposure to advanced technological societies, and cultural autonomy and cultural survival.

Basic sociological concepts and processes in the healthcare context. It presents significant research and theory in areas such as culture, social structure, socialization, deviance, social stratification and social institutions. This course is designed specifically for future healthcare professions. Note: Students can get credit for SOCI 101 or SOCI 105, but not both. 

Characteristic cultural features, social organizations, and special problems associated with populations in different areas of the world. Varying focus from year to year, including East Asia, Native Americans, and African Americans.

Comparative, historical, and contemporary analysis of European and American families. The interplay of economic, social, demographic, and legal forces on family formation, child-rearing, marriage, divorce, separation, fertility, patriarchy, and social definitions of gender in Europe from the Middle Ages to the end of the nineteenth century and in the United States from 1900.

Development of a global sociological perspective on environmental issues and investigation of relationships between various environmental and social problems and the role of political, social, and economic factors in shaping our interaction with the natural world. Examination of key environmental problems may include environment and health, disaster, environmental policy, environmental risk, human and animal interactions, environmental justice, and social movements.

Exploration of the cultural significance of consumption in modern social life. Introduction to works by classic and contemporary sociologists who examine and critique consumer society. Analysis of the role played by modern consumer society in shaping and organizing personal identity. Examination of the social and environmental consequences of consumer society on local, national, and global communities.

Examines leading perspectives and theories in the field of social stratification with attention to issues of the distribution of income and wealth both nationally and globally. Other topics covered include class mobility, an exploration of the institutions through which class inequality and mobility are structured and reproduced such as the family, education, and the criminal justice system, and the role of political power in determining the distribution of resources.

Introduction to social theoretical conceptualizations of gender and sexuality. Exploration of structural determinants of major social institutions in shaping gender roles and effects of gender roles on institutions. Exploration of inequalities and social justice issues, including inequalities, associated with sex, gender, and sexuality in the U.S. 

Examine the contemporary food system by looking at food production, distribution, preparation, and consumption through the lens of food justice. Apply diverse theoretical, applied, and ethical perspectives, including gender, race and ethnicity, social class, economic, environmental, and health to an analysis of the food system. Examine food justice organizations/movements working to create healthy and sustainable food systems, with a particular focus on rural food systems.

The study of race and ethnicity in defining peoples and cultures; in delineating boundaries of social interaction and discourse; in establishing enduring patterns of interpersonal and institutional discrimination, prejudice, and persecution; and in creating sectional and national conflict. The history of race and ethnicity in the United States and elsewhere, as well as current research on the biological and social bases of race and ethnicity.

Hands-on research, assisting with faculty research projects.

Hands-on research, assisting with faculty research projects. 

Hands-on research, assisting with faculty research projects. 

Hands-on research, assisting with faculty research projects. 

How socially-constructed race, class, gender, and sexuality roles influence the lives of women and men in the United States. Similarities and differences between and among forms of oppression and ways in which issues of race, class, gender, and sexuality intersect. Public policies related to these issues. Strategies for coalition-building and redefining differences. Participation in a service project. 

Examination of the causes and consequences of social problems and issues facing American society, emphasizing the institutional bases of social problems. Development of the necessary skills to analyze and develop related policy approaches grounded in a social justice model. 

Study of the contemporary American religious landscape, using current literature and survey data on the range of religious affiliation, participation, beliefs, and practices.

Major schools of social science thought with primary emphasis on sociology. Ideas of significant theorists considered with reference to their lives and sociohistorical contexts. 

Selected topics chosen by instructors in response to student needs and interests. May be re-taken for credit for different topics.

Behavior of the individual in social settings. Social and cultural influences on behavior, language, and communication, attitudes and opinions, interpersonal relations, and group processes.

History and contemporary issues in general and special education. Historical, philosophical, social, political, and cultural factors affecting the nature of schooling, curriculum, and individual education attainment for students with and without disabilities. Legal aspects, regulatory requirements, and expectations associated with identification, education, and evaluation of students with and without disabilities. Virginia Standards of Learning and the organization of schools.

Selected issues and problems; research implications of the work of representative researchers.

Uses of sociology in non-academic settings. Place of theory and methods in evaluation and problem solving. Normally taken in conjunction with an internship experience.

Advanced study in a selected area of sociology, under the supervision of a faculty member. Preparation of papers and reports.

Applied research experience jointly supervised by the department and a professional in the field. Although the usual internship will carry either three or six hours credit, a student may elect to arrange an internship carrying between two and six hours credit with the permission of the department. Each hour of credit will require forty hours at the internship site.

Applied research experience jointly supervised by the department and a professional in the field. Although the usual internship will carry either three or six hours credit, a student may elect to arrange an internship carrying between two and six hours credit with the permission of the department. Each hour of credit will require forty hours at the internship site.

Independent research in a special topic for honors.

Independent research in a special topic for honors.