Bachelor of Arts in Sociology Online

What is Introduction to Sociology?

Introduction to Sociology examines the science of sociology including societies, social structure, institutions, and social groups. You'll explore social processes associated with social organization, socialization, and social change. The course situates humans in interpersonal, social, and cultural contexts while teaching you to analyze gender, ethnicity, family, class, and deviance.

This course provides introduction to the nature and scope of the science of sociology. Emphasis is placed on societies, social structure and institutions, social groups, and various social processes associated with social organization, socialization, and social change. You'll situate human beings in their interpersonal, social and cultural contexts (family, work, social frameworks) while learning to discern basic elements of the sociological approach: culture and structure and how they complement each other. The course familiarizes you with processes of institutionalization, socialization, and stratification, and provides basic understanding of sociological analysis of gender, ethnicity, religion, family, class, and deviance.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Situate the human being in its interpersonal, social, and cultural context (e.g. family, work, social framework)

• Discern the basic elements of the sociological approach: culture and structure and how they complement each other

• Be familiar with the processes of institutionalization, socialization, and stratification

• Have a basic understanding of the sociological analysis of gender, ethnicity, religion, family, class, deviance, etc.

What is Survey Research?

Survey Research examines the scientific method in both abstract structure and technical application. You'll focus on survey research design while developing a research design to apply in the Senior Seminar. The course provides comprehensive methodological knowledge covering quantitative data sets, analytical techniques, and ethical conduct in research.

This course examines the scientific method both in terms of its abstract structure and the technical details required to carry out research. Special emphasis is placed on survey research design as well as development of a research design to be applied in SOC 416, Senior Seminar. Additionally, the class provides a comprehensive background of methodological knowledge. You'll understand basic elements and principles of quantitative data sets (primary and secondary), learn analytical techniques commonly used for quantitative data in sociology and public policy, and understand the role of research in science and ethical conduct of inquiry.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Understand basic elements and principles of quantitative data sets (primary and secondary)

• Apply analytical techniques commonly used for quantitative data in sociology and public policy

• Understand the role of research in science and ethical conduct of inquiry

What is Qualitative Research Methods?

Qualitative Research Methods explores how sociology uses qualitative research to document and analyze complex social issues. You'll learn practical skills to conduct fieldwork projects using direct observation, ethnography, interviews, and focus groups. The course teaches you to analyze qualitative data including field notes, interview transcripts, journals, and photographs.

This course explores how sociology uses qualitative research to document and critically analyze complex social issues and practices. The course emphasizes practical skills necessary to conduct a small fieldwork project. Methods taught include direct observation, ethnography, interviews, and focus groups. You'll learn to analyze qualitative data such as field notes, interview transcripts, journals, letters, and photographs. The course develops your knowledge of a wide range of qualitative research methods, teaches you to apply concepts to research projects, and prepares you to initiate, conduct, write up, and present small projects while understanding and applying ethical guidelines from the Anthropological Association and IRB committee consent forms.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Possess the knowledge of a wide range of qualitative research methods: interview, focus group, observation, and content analysis

• Apply concepts to research projects

• Understand the skills required to initiate, conduct, write up, and present a small project

• Apply qualitative research methods to a diverse array of interdisciplinary and extra-institutional projects

• Conduct the pre-fieldwork exploratory research and literature reviews required for project proposals

• Articulate ideas and concepts learned from other researchers and their research

• Learn about ethics in research

• Apply ethical guidelines from the Anthropological Association and consent forms from the IRB committee

What is Sociological Theories?

Sociological Theories surveys and critically analyzes influential classical and contemporary sociological theories. You'll study the work of Durkheim, Marx, Weber, Freud, and Simmel, as well as key figures in Symbolic Interactionism, Feminism, Critical Theory, and Postmodernism. The course teaches you to apply theoretical analyses to real-world contexts.

This course provides a survey and critical analysis of the most influential classical and contemporary sociological theories. Class readings include the work of Durkheim, Marx, Weber, Freud, and Simmel, as well as key figures within the theoretical perspectives of Symbolic Interactionism, Feminism, Critical Theory, and Postmodernism. You'll conduct close and comprehensive reading of major sociological theories, apply the work of social theorists to film analysis, and put analyses of major theorists in your own clearly written and well-organized words.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Conduct close and comprehensive reading of major sociological theories

• Apply the work of a social theorist to the analysis of a film

• Put the analyses of major theorists in your own clearly written and well-organized words

What is Seminar in Sociology?

Seminar in Sociology focuses on developing a research paper that applies theoretical and methodological principles. You'll present your research to department majors while practicing analytical skills, engaging normative and ethical questions, and completing a comprehensive 25-page analysis of your research topic.

The focus of this course is on developing a research paper that permits application of theoretical and methodological principles, and the presentation of research to department majors. You'll practice analytic skills such as statistical analysis of data and/or exegesis of ethnographic data while linking theoretical problems to data. The course helps you acquire frameworks for engaging normative and ethical questions while collaborating with peers to facilitate project completion. You'll apply knowledge and skills toward completion of a 25-page analysis demonstrating mastery of sociological research and theory.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Practice analytic skills such as statistical analysis of data and/or exegesis of ethnographic data; linking theoretical problems to data

• Acquire framework for engaging normative and ethical questions and collaborating with peers to facilitate project completion

• Apply knowledge and skills toward completion of their 25-page analysis

What is Criminology?

Criminology provides sociological examination and analysis of crime and theories of crime causation. You'll study the extent of crime, types of crimes, crime indices, and societal responses. The course develops skills to identify issues, interpret data sources, and understand ethical and moral dimensions of crime and victimization.

This course provides sociological examination and analysis of crime and theories of crime causation. Topics include the extent of crime, types of crimes, indices of crime, and societal responses to crime. You'll develop skills to identify issues, understand alternative views, interpret and draw inferences from data sources, and apply an integrative approach in writing and oral sharing of understanding for real-life application. The course teaches you to evaluate and properly cite reliable sources of information to support ideas and opinions about issues while developing awareness of ethical and moral dimensions of crime and victimization.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Develop skills to identify issues, understand alternative views, interpret and draw inferences from data sources, and apply an integrative approach in writing and oral sharing of understanding for real-life application

• Be able to evaluate and properly cite reliable sources of information to support ideas and opinions about issues

• Develop awareness of ethical and moral dimensions of crime and victimization

What is Sociology of Deviance?

Sociology of Deviance uses sociological theory and research to understand deviance—its causes, consequences, and institutions of social control. You'll focus on deviant subcultures, countercultures, and relationships between rule-breaking and social movements. The course teaches you to analyze theories and craft detailed research proposals.

This course uses sociological theory and research to understand deviance—its causes and its consequences—and the institutions of social control that attempt to keep it in check. Special focus is placed on deviant subcultures, countercultures, and the relationship of rule-breaking to social movements. You'll read, decode, and critically analyze course texts while applying theories to various texts including documentary films, ethnographies, and popular culture representations of deviant behavior. The course develops your ability to craft detailed research proposals addressing deviance and social control.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Read, decode, and critically analyze course texts

• Apply these theories to various texts: documentary film, an ethnography, popular culture representation of deviant behavior

• Craft a detailed research proposal

What is Current Controversies in Crime and Justice?

Current Controversies in Crime and Justice explores and analyzes current controversial issues in the field. You'll debate topics in a classroom setting that combines traditional lectures with student presentations and full class discussions. The course teaches you to analyze alternative viewpoints and formulate policy recommendations.

Current and controversial issues in crime and justice are explored and analyzed in this course. Topics are debated in a classroom setting that combines traditional lectures with student presentations and full class discussions. You'll analyze evidence and arguments from alternative viewpoints, understand basics of conflict resolution, and learn how to formulate policy recommendations from applied settings. The course emphasizes critical thinking about contemporary crime and justice debates while developing skills in evidence-based argumentation and policy analysis.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Analyze evidence and arguments from alternative viewpoints

• Understand basics of conflict resolution

• Understand how to formulate policy recommendations from applied settings

What is Foundations of Justice?

Foundations of Justice analyzes organizational and human dimensions of agencies in the administration of justice. You'll examine law enforcement, the court system and its processes, prisons, and rehabilitation agencies. The course teaches you to understand criminal justice system relationships, assess systemic practices, and recognize ethical dimensions of citizen rights.

This course provides analysis of organizational and human dimensions of agencies in the administration of justice, with emphasis on the nature of law enforcement, the court system and its processes, as well as prisons and rehabilitation agencies. You'll critically understand relationships regarding central components of the criminal justice system while learning to convey clear understanding of issues orally and in writing. The course develops your ability to assess data and information pertaining to systemic practice and policy while raising awareness of ethical/moral dimensions of citizen rights and enforcement of laws.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Critically understand relationships regarding central components of the criminal justice system

• Convey a clear understanding of issues orally and in writing

• Assess data and information pertaining to systemic practice and policy

• Be aware of ethical/moral dimensions of citizen rights and enforcement of laws

What is Law and Society?

Law and Society explores the development of legal systems in different societies. You'll examine criminal law in the United States within the context of social and political influences on its making, administration, and enforcement. The course addresses the fundamental question: "Is law an effective form of social control?"

This course explores the development of legal systems in different societies. Criminal law in the United States is discussed within the context of social and political influences on its making, administration, and enforcement. An underlying question to be examined is: "Is law an effective form of social control?" You'll understand basic processes of law from precept to concrete application and the role of ambiguity in law based on diversity of human activity and social context. The course develops literacy and communicative skills while teaching methods of scientific reporting.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Understand basic processes of law from precept to concrete application

• Understand the role of ambiguity in law, based on diversity of human activity as well as social context

• Demonstrate literacy and communicative skills

• Apply the methods of scientific reporting

What is Social Work Practice?

Social Work Practice introduces theories used in social work, including discussions on helping people in crisis. You'll focus on general practice and different roles and methods social workers use with groups and communities. The course covers client assessment, evidence-based interventions, and understanding the dynamic role of social workers across professional settings.

This course introduces theories used in social work practice, including discussions on helping people in crisis. The focus is on generalist practice and the different roles and methods social workers use in working with groups and communities. You'll examine different client systems and environmental factors that impact a client's development and potential for growth. The course teaches you to assess a client’s strengths, needs, psychosocial stressors, and current functioning in the context of biopsychosocial assessment while developing a primary understanding of evidence-based treatment interventions including motivational interviewing. You'll learn the stages of assessment in clinical practice including engagement, assessment, problem formulation, intervention, and termination.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Understand the different client systems and the environmental factors that impact a client's development and potential for growth

• Assess a client's strengths, needs, psychosocial stressors, and current functioning in the context of a biopsychosocial assessment

• Demonstrate a primary understanding of evidence-based treatment interventions including motivational interviewing

• Understand the dynamic role of a social worker across varied professional settings and demonstrate familiarity with social work core competencies

• Understand the stages of assessment in clinical practice including engagement, assessment, problem formulation, intervention, and termination

What is Social Policy?

Social Policy introduces major policy initiatives and programs in the U.S. and internationally. You'll examine conflicts and debates in 21st-century social welfare across areas including disability, welfare, hunger, healthcare, education, employment, and services for children and elders through lenses of diversity, human rights, and justice. The course emphasizes antipoverty policy.

This course introduces you to major policy initiatives and programs in the U.S. and beyond, examining major conflicts and debates in 21st-century social welfare across priority practice areas including disability, welfare, hunger, healthcare, education, employment, services for children and elders, mental health, and substance abuse through lenses of diversity in practice, human rights, and justice. Strong focus is placed on antipoverty policy. You'll apply analytic tools to evaluation of policy process, including critique of socioeconomic forces underlying social policy decision-making and implementation, demonstrating competency in applying this knowledge and tools to decision-making practice beyond theoretical understanding.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Apply analytic tools to evaluation of policy process, including critique of socioeconomic forces underlying social policy decision-making and implementation; demonstrate competency in applying this knowledge and these tools to decision-making practice, not simply as a matter of theoretical understanding

• Acquire framework for engaging normative and ethical questions; demonstrate an intermediate ability in articulation and evaluation of normative and ethical ramifications of policy, including equity and justice issues

• Apply understanding and tools in novel circumstances

What is Introduction to Social Work?

Introduction to Social Work covers the foundation of social work as a profession including its historical and philosophical development, social purpose, value assumptions, and theoretical base. You'll review current methodologies for social work practice through case studies, program analyses, and examination of policies and issues.

This course covers the foundation of social work as a profession, its historical and philosophical development, its social purpose, value assumptions, and theoretical base. You'll review current methodologies for social work practice through case studies, analyses of programs, policies, and issues. The course develops understanding of the history of social work and knowledge behind the dynamic role of a social worker across varied professional settings. You'll gain familiarity with social work core competencies while learning how the profession has evolved to address social issues and serve diverse populations.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Understand the history of social work

• Demonstrate knowledge behind the dynamic role of a social worker across varied professional settings and familiarity with social work core competencies

What is the Internship Program?

The Internship Program places you in agencies related to your prospective career including legal services, urban planning, polling bureaus, corrections, probation offices, counseling centers, and social work agencies. You'll perform internship duties, develop professional skills, and reflect on your experience. Six credits are permitted: three for sociology concentration credit and three for elective credit.

This course places you in agencies related to your prospective careers including legal services, urban planning, polling bureaus, corrections, probation offices, counseling centers, social work agencies, and similar settings. You should obtain permission from your advisor before registering for an internship and then register through the Career Services/Internships office. Six credits of internship are permitted: three credits count for sociology concentration major credit (SOC 375) and the other three for sociology elective credit (SOC 475). You'll explain, reflect on, and critique elements of the internship experience while performing duties, developing professional skills, and understanding the role of research in science and ethical conduct of inquiry.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Explain, reflect, and critique elements of the internship experience

• Demonstrate professional skills developed through internship experience

• Understand the role of research in science and ethical conduct of inquiry

What is Race and Ethnicity?

Race and Ethnicity focuses on the history of racial and ethnic relations in the United States analyzed through sociological theories, concepts, and research findings. You'll critically study patterns of intergroup relations including conflicts, discrimination, and ethnic and racial identity formation through historical and theoretical perspectives.

This course focuses on the history of racial and ethnic relations in the United States analyzed in terms of sociological theories, concepts, and research findings. The course provides critical study of patterns of intergroup relations including conflicts, discrimination, and ethnic and racial identity formation. You'll decode and analyze course texts in writing while thinking historically and critically about socially constructed categories of race and ethnicity. The course teaches you to layout terms of the most relevant intellectual debates, write and deliver incisive, historically and theoretically sophisticated analyses, and research contemporary cases to analyze them through lenses of class concepts.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Decode and analyze texts in writing; think historically and critically about socially constructed categories of race and ethnicity and layout the terms of the most relevant intellectual debates

• Write and deliver incisive, historically and theoretically sophisticated analyses

• Write and speak in an engaged, creative, and inquisitive manner

• Research a contemporary case and analyze it through the lens of one or more class concepts

What is Individual in Society?

Individual in Society focuses on how social structure, social processes, and social change influence individual attitudes and behavior. You'll study socialization and development of self, attitude organization and change, social influence processes, group structure, and effects of variables like ethnicity, class, and religion on personality and behavior.

This course focuses on the influence of social structure, social processes, and social change on individual attitudes and behavior. Topics include socialization and the development of self, attitude organization and change, social influence processes and social power, group structure and processes, and the effects of variables such as ethnicity, class, and religion on personality and behavior. You'll analyze key concepts regarding self and social structure, understand how to identify and describe specific contexts of interaction between individual and society, and assess how to potentially address inequities between the individual and society.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Analyze key concepts regarding self and social structure

• Understand how to identify and describe a specific context of interaction between individual and society

• Assess how to potentially address inequities between the individual and society

What is Power and Conflict?

Power and Conflict examines the nature of political power and dynamics of change in the United States and globally. You'll study theories of political power distribution, devices used by groups to influence social change, and alternative modes for distributing political power. Special emphasis is given to social movements' roles in political and social structures.

This course examines the nature of political power and the dynamics of change in the United States and around the world. It examines theories of distribution of political power, devices used by different groups to influence social change, and alternative modes for the distribution of political power. Special emphasis is given to the role of social movements in political and social structures. You'll understand central sociological theories of power and resistance, decode complex texts and write clearly about them in relation to one another, and apply theories of power, resistance, and ideology to cases of social movements in works of secondary research.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Understand the central sociological theories of power and resistance

• Decode complex texts and write clearly about each one and about several in relation to one another

• Apply theories of power, resistance, and ideology to the case of a social movement in a work of secondary research

What is Sociology of Organizations and Work?

Sociology of Organizations and Work surveys complex organizations that dominate many spheres of human activity. You'll discuss organizational structure and types, organizations and technological change, organizational culture, informal processes within organizations, and how organizations interact with their environments while exploring normative and ethical questions.

Many spheres of human activity are dominated by organizational life. This course surveys complex organizations. Among topics discussed are organizational structure and types of organizations; organizations and technological change; organizational culture; informal processes within organizations; and how organizations interact with their environment. You'll develop intermediate competency for understanding core topics associated with the study of organizations such as bureaucracy, power, conflict, rationality, authority, work, and technology while exploring diverse frameworks for engaging normative and ethical questions related to organizational life.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Develop intermediate competency for understanding core topics associated with the study of organizations such as: bureaucracy, power, conflict, rationality, authority, work, and technology

• Explore diverse frameworks for engaging normative and ethical questions

What is the Internship Program?

The Internship Program places you in agencies related to your prospective career including legal services, urban planning, polling bureaus, corrections, probation offices, counseling centers, and social work agencies. You'll perform internship duties and develop professional skills while explaining, reflecting on, and critiquing your experience. This course counts as sociology elective credit.

This course places you in agencies related to your prospective careers including legal services, urban planning, polling bureaus, corrections, probation offices, counseling centers, social work agencies, and similar settings. You should obtain permission from your advisor before registering for an internship and then register through the Career Services/Internships office. Six credits of internship are permitted: three credits count for sociology concentration major credit (SOC 375) and the other three for sociology elective credit (SOC 475). You'll explain, reflect, and critique elements of the internship experience while performing duties and developing professional skills in real-world sociology-related settings.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Explain, reflect, and critique elements of the internship experience

• Demonstrate professional skills developed through internship experience