Sociology (SOC)

SOC 5003. Sociological Theory. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

The nature of sociological theory, the major varieties of theory, the theorists who developed them, and the social and historical contexts of theory development and construction. Issues concerning the relation of theory and research are also explored. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 5033. Qualitative Research Methods. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Qualitative strategies and techniques used in social science research, including field methods such as participant observation, in-depth interviews, and the collection of documents. Emphasis is on understanding the ways people interpret their experiences and construct and shape their reality. Course Fees: DL01 $75; GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 5043. Evaluation Research. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Theory and practice of evaluation of public policy and social service programs. Evaluation theories, models, and key evaluation studies are reviewed. Practical and political issues involved in the design and implementation of evaluations are addressed. Evaluation of a social agency or program may be included. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 5053. Professionalization Seminar. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course assists students in navigating key benchmarks in the master’s program, including the comprehensive examination, master’s thesis, and internship. Issues of pedagogy (teaching), writing, and scholarship are also addressed, along with prospects students often consider upon completion of the master’s degree (e.g., doctoral program admission, community college instruction, and the application of sociological skills in workplace settings). Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 5063. Research Design. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Graduate-level methods of sociological inquiry. Topics may include the ethics of social inquiry, deductive and inductive reasoning, conceptualization and operationalization, sampling, experimental and quasi-experimental design, survey research, field research, unobtrusive research, and basic qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 5073. Quantitative Research Methods. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: SOC 5063. Graduate-level social statistics. Topics may include analysis of contingency tables, analysis of variance, correlation, multiple linear and logistic regressions, and index construction and scaling with use of computer programs such as SPSS to analyze social data. (Formerly SOC 5013. Credit cannot be earned for both SOC 5013 and SOC 5073.) Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 5083. Advanced Quantitative Research Methods. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: SOC 5073. Advanced social statistics. Topics may include categorical data analysis, event history analysis, structural equation modeling (LISREL), multi-level modeling or longitudinal data analysis with use of computer programs such as SPSS, STATA, SAS, Amos, or HLM to analyze social data. (Formerly SOC 5023. Credit cannot be earned for both SOC 5023 and SOC 5083.) Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 5123. Family Contexts and Social Change. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Family system organization and process within the broader context of community and society. Emphasis is on the changing historical roles of families, as well as cross-cultural, socioeconomic, race and ethnic, and gender variability in the family. The impact of education, the economy, and politics is also considered. Course Fee: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 5133. Sociology of Health and Health Care. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

The relation of social behavior to health status, epidemiology, and the social organization of medicine in the United States and cross-culturally. Emphasis is on the development of the health care industry and problems associated with the delivery of health care services. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 5173. Religion, Health and Mortality. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Explores the complex relationships between religion and mental health, physical health, and mortality risk. Attention will also be given to religious influences on factors that may affect health, including health behaviors, social ties and support systems, psychological resources, coping practices, and character strengths that may foster resilience. The distinction between religiousness and spirituality will be discussed. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 5203. Social Stratification. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Theory and research pertaining to structures of social inequality - their causes, forms, and consequences. Emphasis is on the distribution of power, prestige, and economic privilege, and patterns of social mobility in the United States. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 5213. Race and Ethnic Relations. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Dominant-subordinate relations between various racial and ethnic groups from cross-cultural theoretical perspectives. Models of assimilation, cultural pluralism, and colonialism are investigated, as are their implications for minority and majority group members. Course Fees: GHS1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 5223. Mexican Americans: Community, Culture, and Class. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Sociological focus on the Mexican American population. Emphasis is on the theories used to interpret the experiences of this group, particularly those oriented to issues of stratification and social mobility. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 5233. Sociology of Gender. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Interdisciplinary survey of theory and current research on gender and gender-related issues. Gender-based theories are examined and compared to explanations for other forms of social stratification. Implications for family dynamics, the labor force, and the economy are explored. (Formerly titled “Gender and Society.”) Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC 418.

SOC 5253. Border Studies. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

An examination of borders in an era of globalization, with emphasis on the United States–Mexico border. Themes may include a theoretical criticism of American mainstream border studies and its more important representatives. Course Fees: DL01 $75; GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 5353. Crime and Delinquency. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Analyzes the role of crime and delinquency in society. A consideration of the relationship among data, theory, and policy as integral components of crime and delinquency forms a central theme of this course. Independent empirical work is required. Course Fees: DL01 $75; GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 5403. Social Movements. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Involves evaluation of dominant theoretical perspectives and research strategies in social movements and organized protests. Contrasts classic theoretical models with more recent scholarship emphasizing the cultural dimensions of social movement dynamics. Case studies may include the American Civil Rights Movement, Labor Unionization, and the Feminist and Environmental Movements. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 6043. Immigration and Society. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Analyzes theoretical explanations and social, economic, cultural, and ideological features of migration. May include topics such as border dynamics, transnationalism, incorporation of immigrants, remittances, and the impact on sending and receiving countries. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 6063. Health and Health Disparities. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Explores issues related to disparities in population health. Health care based on racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds in the United States and other nations will be analyzed. Discussions may include differences in health and health care at the local, national or international level. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 6143. Sociology of Religion. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

A seminar to provide a theoretical and methodological appraisal of contemporary research in the sociology of religion. Classic texts will be considered with emphasis on current trends in the field. May include topics such as religion and health, religion and globalization, new religious movements, religion and politics, religion and family and the immigrant religious experience. Theoretical debates from the secularization thesis to rational choice approaches will be considered. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 6713. Health Care System in the United States. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course covers the complexities of health care organization and finance and presents a general overview of how the U.S. health care system works and how the major components within the system fit together. Covers basic structures and operations of the U.S. health system - from its historical origins and resources, to its individual services, cost, and quality. Compares and contrasts the U.S. health care system with other health care systems around the world. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 6723. Religion, Health and Mortality. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

A growing body of theory and research explores the connections between religion (and its close cousin, spirituality) and a diverse array of mental and physical health outcomes, including mortality risk. In this course, explanatory pathways receive particular attention, including the role of religion in shaping health behaviors and lifestyles, social resources, psychological resources, coping practices, healthy beliefs, character strengths, and other potential mechanisms. A number of other topics are considered as well, including: the negative health effects of religion, racial/ethnic and other subgroup variations in the religion-health connection, faith-based health programming, the role of religion and spirituality in healthcare settings, and others. Although the primary focus is on the U.S. and developed western societies, comparative materials may also be introduced. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 6733. The Social Psychology of Health and Illness. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course is organized primarily around the "stress process model" in the social psychology of health and illness. The "stress process" perspective explains individual- and group-level variations in health outcomes partly in terms of (a) differential exposure to stressful events and conditions and (b) differential vulnerability to (or resilience in the face of) such stressors. Thus, we will selectively examine literature on the definition, measurement, and epidemiology of stress. Particular attention is given to the social and psychological resources available to - and the specific coping strategies used by - persons experiencing stressful circumstances. The course will emphasize the impact of stressors and resources on mental disorders, physical health problems, and even mortality risk. In addition, it will examine the usefulness of the "stress process" approach for explaining the social patterning of various mental and physical health outcomes, such as those determined by objective and subjective aspects of socio-economic position, race and ethnicity, gender, and other important elements of social location. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 6753. Racial/Ethnic Minority Families in the United States. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course will be devoted to a survey of racial/ethnic families in contemporary America. The course is designed to help students to better understand the concept of "family ethnicity," as the United States is approaching the time when a majority of its citizens will be members of ethnically or culturally diverse families. This course will compare differences and similarities in family lives across a number of racial/ethnic groups in the United States. Specifically, four major groups of racial/ethnic families - African, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American families - will be explored and compared. Families with different ethnic/cultural backgrounds such as Hawaiian and/or Jewish American families will be discussed briefly as well. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 6763. Youth and Emerging Adulthood. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course will focus on youth and adolescence as well emerging adulthood from a sociological perspective. It will examine theoretical and empirical research related to youth, adolescence and emerging adulthood as well as connect these ideas to practical concerns and current events. It will explore the lives and diverse experiences of young people and will focus on topics such as the historical development and distinguishing characteristics of adolescence and emerging adulthood, the social and cultural context of adolescence and emerging adulthood, gender and identity, family relationships, peers and friends, dating, romance, and family formation, religion and spirituality, school and education, and work and the future. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 6903. Topics in Advanced Sociology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

A seminar offering the opportunity for specialized study not usually available as part of the regular course offerings. Topics may include social gerontology, deviance, social psychology, religion, mass communications, and research applications. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 6933. Exit Seminar. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: Completion of the 9 semester credit hours of core courses, 21 semester credit hours of electives, and permission from the Graduate Advisor of Record is required. This course is designed to prepare students for the written comprehensive examination and covers topics on sociological theory and methods. The grade report for the course is either “CR” (satisfactory performance on the comprehensive examination) or “NC” (unsatisfactory performance on the comprehensive examination). Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 6951. Independent Study. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing and permission in writing (form available) from the instructor and the Sociology Graduate Advisor of Record. Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. For students needing specialized work not usually available as part of the regular course offerings. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to the Master’s degree. Course Fees: GHC1 $25; LRHC $10; STHC $6.

SOC 6953. Independent Study. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing and permission in writing (form available) from the instructor and the Sociology Graduate Advisor of Record. Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. For students needing specialized work not usually available as part of the regular course offerings. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to the Master’s degree. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 6961. Comprehensive Examination. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Prerequisite: Approval of the Sociology Graduate Program Committee to take the Comprehensive Examination. May be repeated as many times as approved by the Sociology Graduate Program Committee. Enrollment is required each term in which the Comprehensive Examination is taken if no other courses are being taken that term. The grade report for the course is either “CR” (satisfactory performance on the Comprehensive Examination) or “NC” (unsatisfactory performance on the Comprehensive Examination). Course Fees: GHC1 $25; LRHC $10; STHC $6.

SOC 6963. Internship. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and 18 semester credit hours of graduate work. Work-oriented experience within a local organizational setting where the principles, theories, concepts, and methods of the discipline can be applied. A capstone project under the supervision of assigned faculty is required. Course Fee: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 6966. Internship. (0-0) 6 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and 18 semester credit hours of graduate work. Work-oriented experience within a local organizational setting where the principles, theories, concepts, and methods of the discipline can be applied. A capstone project under the supervision of assigned faculty is required. Course Fee: GHC1 $150; STHC $36; LRHC $10.

SOC 6973. Special Problems. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. An organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study not usually available as part of the regular course offerings. Special Problems courses may be repeated for credit when topics vary, but not more than 6 hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to the Master’s degree. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 6981. Master's Thesis. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Prerequisites: Permission from the Graduate Advisor of Record and thesis director, and 24 semester hours of graduate work. Thesis research and preparation. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours will apply to the Master's degree. Credit will be awarded upon completion of the thesis. Enrollment is required each semester in which the thesis is in progress. Course Fees: GHC1 $25; LRHC $10; STHC $6.

SOC 6983. Master's Thesis. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: Permission from the Graduate Advisor of Record and thesis director, and 24 semester credit hours of graduate work. Thesis research and preparation. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours will apply to the Master’s degree. Credit will be awarded upon completion of the thesis. Enrollment is required each term in which the thesis is in progress. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 6986. Master's Thesis. (0-0) 6 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: Permission from the Graduate Advisor of Record and thesis director, and 24 semester credit hours of graduate work. Thesis research and preparation. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours will apply to the Master’s degree. Credit will be awarded upon completion of the thesis. Enrollment is required each term in which the thesis is in progress. Course Fees: GHC1 $150; LRHC $10; STHC $36.

SOC 7001. Doctoral Dissertation. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Prerequisite: Admission to Candidacy for the Doctoral degree in Translational Science. Preparation and writing of the Doctoral dissertation. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 12 hours may be applied to the Doctoral degree. Course Fees: GHC1 $25; LRHC $10; STHC $6.

SOC 7003. Doctoral Dissertation. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Admission to Candidacy for the Doctoral degree in Translational Science. Preparation and writing of the Doctoral dissertation. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 12 hours may be applied to the Doctoral degree. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 7006. Doctoral Dissertation. (0-0) 6 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Admission to Candidacy for the Doctoral degree in Translational Science. Preparation and writing of the Doctoral dissertation. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 12 hours may be applied to the Doctoral degree. Course Fees: GHC1 $150; LRHC $10; STHC $36.

SOC 7891. Doctoral Research. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Preparation and writing of dissertation proposal. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours will apply to the Doctoral degree. Course Fees: GHC1 $25; LRHC $10; STHC $6.

SOC 7893. Doctoral Research. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Preparation and writing of dissertation proposal. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours will apply to the Doctoral degree. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.