SOC 101 - Understanding Society and Culture 
3 Credit(s)
A broad introduction to sociocultural structure and dynamics, and to the various theoretical perspectives grouped under the name "sociology."  The perspective of the course will be historical (considering classical as well as contemporary formulations), conceptual (emphasizing grasp of theoretical outlooks over memorization of facts) and cross-disciplinary (noting connections with such allied fields as anthropology, philosophy and religion).  Not counted toward the SST major or minor.

SOC 306 - Cultural Anthropology 
3 Credit(s)
An overview of cultural anthropology which aims to illustrate how the basic concepts, techniques and theories developed by cultural anthropologists help us to understand human cultures of various degrees of complexity, including our own. Topics considered will include language, kinship, gender, ethnicity, economics, politics, myth, ritual, art and social change in a broad comparative framework.

SOC 317 - Interaction and Social Definition 
3 Credit(s)
Studies in the sociology of everyday interaction and meaning, usually from a broadly symbolic interactionist perspective.  Specific topics may vary, but will likely include symbols and meaning, typification and definition of situation, social construction, agency and selfhood, roles, self-presentation, and interaction ritual.

SOC 319 - Comparative Human Societies 
3 Credit(s)
This course is an overview of the field of comparative sociology, focusing on some of the common features and differences among human societies from prehistoric times through the present. The major structural aspects of societies will be emphasized, including patterns of subsistence, political and economic systems, family structure, institutions, social stratification, inequality, religion and social change. The emphasis will be on identifying factors that impact how societies adapt and change, and the relationship between structure and agency.

SOC 327 - Deviance and Social Control 
3 Credit(s)
A survey of deviance theory, and readings in the sociology of deviance and social control.  Emphasis will usually be on types of deviance other than crime.  Possible topics include social functions of deviance, historical shifts in the social definition of deviance, mental illness as deviance, ideological and/or religious deviance.

SOC 329 - Crime and Punishment 
3 Credit(s)
A general introduction to the sociological fields of criminology and criminal justice.  Crime is a specific form of deviance which is officially addressed by social institutions administered by the state.  This course explores the history and current state of criminological theory, the institutional apparatus of the criminal justice system, and the dominant philosophies of punishment.

SOC 390 - Research Methods in Sociology 
3 Credit(s)
A thorough introduction to the research methods which dominate mainstream contemporary sociology.  Techniques of data gathering, multivariate analysis, and standard experimental designs are the primary foci, with more brief attention to participant observation and other forms of "fieldwork."  Limitations of scientific methods, practical problems, and ethical issues that arise in the research process will also be discussed.  Required for both majors and minors.

SOC 391 - Classical Social Theory 
3 Credit(s)
An historical and philosophical examination of major figures in social theory during the period when sociology was emerging as a discipline (mid-1800s through early 1900s).  Emphasis will be placed on philosophical influences, with special attention to the influence of Kant, Hegel, and classical European conservatism.  Major figures to be considered will usually include Marx, Durkheim, Weber, George Herbert Mead, and Georg Simmel.  Other possible figures could include Talcott Parsons and Pitirim Sorokin.  Required for both majors and minors.

SOC 393 - Sociology Topics 
3 Credit(s)
A survey of a specific institutional or topical specialization within sociology.  Possible offerings include aging, death and dying, medical sociology, arts and popular culture, marriage and family, collective behavior and social movements, urban sociology, social inequality.  Offerings based on instructor availability and student interest.  (May be repeated with different content.)

SOC 493 - Seminar in Sociology and Social Thought 
3 Credit(s)
Advanced topics in sociology and social thought.  (Prerequisite:  consent of instructor; may vary with content.  May be repeated for credit with different content.)

SOC 575 - Senior Thesis 
3 Credit(s)
Students who wish to graduate with honors in sociology and social thought must write a substantial thesis under the direction of an appropriate faculty member approved by the program director.  Upon completion, the student must defend the thesis before a committee of three faculty members, chosen with departmental approval.  (Prerequisite:  consent of both program director and thesis advisor.)

SOC 597 - Special Problems 
1-3 Credit(s)
Independent work, under faculty supervision, in an area within sociology not covered by other courses.  (Prerequisite:  consent of instructor and program director.)

Examples of other courses approved for credit toward the SST major
(additional approved courses may be announced each semester in the course schedule):

PHL 217 Nineteenth Century Philosophy
PHL 320 American Philosophy
PHL 335 Agency, Self and Other
PHL 340 20th Century Continental Philosophy
PHL 350 Philosophy of Law
PHL 435 Knowledge, Thought and Society
PHL 450 Social and Political Philosophy
PSY 370 Developmental Psychology II
PSY 385 Social Psychology
REL 225 Introduction to Eastern Religion
REL 320 Comparative Religion
REL 335 The American Religious Landscape
REL 336 Religion, Society and Culture