Department of Sociology and Demography

The Department of Sociology and Demography offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a Bachelor of Science degree in Health, Aging and Society. The Department also offers a Minor in Sociology and a Minor in Health, Aging and Society. At least 42 semester credit hours of sociology coursework are required to fulfill a Sociology major. The 42-hour total is considered a minimum, and students are encouraged to deepen and broaden their grasp of their major through careful allocation of their elective semester credit hours. At least 36 semester credit hours of Health, Aging, and Society coursework are required to fulfill the Health, Aging and Society (HAS) major. The 36-hour total is considered a minimum, and students are encouraged to deepen and broaden their grasp of the major through careful allocation of elective semester credit hours.

Capstone Experience

The Department of Sociology and Demography encourages its students to participate in an integrative capstone experience during their junior or senior year. These experiences might include the Senior Seminar capstone course, an internship, an Honor's project, or another undergraduate research opportunity. The Senior Seminar is a hands-on research-based course in which students work individually or in groups on a semester-long research project. A sociology internship entails a supervised experience, usually within selected organizations in the San Antonio area. The majors are asked to find their internship placements, which are then approved by the Department of Sociology and Demography's internship coordinator. Further information can be obtained from the internship coordinator.

Department Honors

The Department of Sociology and Demography's Honors program provides the opportunity for advanced study under close faculty supervision to those students who have demonstrated outstanding scholarship.

Selection for honors designation is based on academic performance and recommendation by discipline faculty. To be eligible for the program, students must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 overall at UTSA and a minimum grade point average of 3.5 in their major at UTSA. Minimum grade point averages must be maintained for students to receive the approval of the Department Honors Committee and the Sociology and Demography faculty. Students applying for Department Honors are expected to enroll in the appropriate honors thesis course during their final two semesters. The supervising faculty sponsor and another department faculty member must approve the completed thesis. Students interested in this program should contact the department’s faculty undergraduate advisor for additional information.

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology

The minimum number of semester credit hours required for the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Sociology, including the Core Curriculum requirements, is 120. Thirty-nine of the total semester credit hours required for the degree must be at the upper-division level.

All candidates for this degree must fulfill the Core Curriculum requirements and the degree requirements, which are listed below.

Core Curriculum Requirements (42 semester credit hours)

Students seeking the B.A. degree in Sociology must fulfill University Core Curriculum requirements in the same manner as other students. The course listed below will satisfy both degree requirements and Core Curriculum requirements; however, if this course is taken to satisfy both requirements, then students may need to take an additional course in order to meet the minimum number of semester credit hours required for this degree.

SOC 1013 Introduction to Sociology should be used to satisfy the core requirement in Social and Behavioral Sciences.

For a complete listing of courses that satisfy the Core Curriculum requirements, see Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements.

Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements

First Year Experience Requirement (3 semester credit hours)

All students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:

AIS 1203Academic Introduction and Strategies (core component area 090)3
AIS 1213AIS: Architecture, Construction, and Planning (core component area 090)3
AIS 1223AIS: Arts and Humanities (core component area 090)3
AIS 1233AIS: Business (core component area 090)3
AIS 1243AIS: Engineering, Mathematics, and Sciences (core component area 090)3
AIS 1253AIS: Interdisciplinary Education (core component area 090)3
AIS 1263AIS: Life and Health Sciences (core component area 090)3
AIS 1273AIS: Social Sciences and Public Policy (core component area 090)3

Communication (6 semester credit hours)

Students must complete the following courses, for a total of 6 semester credit hours:

WRC 1013Freshman Composition I (TCCN: ENGL 1301)3
WRC 1023Freshman Composition II (TCCN: ENGL 1302)3

Mathematics (3 semester credit hours)

Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:

CS 1173Data Analysis and Visualization3
MAT 1023College Algebra with Applications (TCCN: MATH 1314)3
MAT 1043Quantitative Reasoning (TCCN: MATH 1332)3
MAT 1053Mathematics for Business (TCCN: MATH 1324)3
MAT 1073Algebra for Scientists and Engineers (TCCN: MATH 1314)3
MAT 1093Precalculus (TCCN: MATH 2312)3
MAT 1133Calculus for Business (TCCN: MATH 1325)3
MAT 1193Calculus for the Biosciences (TCCN: MATH 2313)3
MAT 1213Calculus I (TCCN: MATH 2313)3
STA 1053Basic Statistics (TCCN: MATH 1342)3

Life and Physical Sciences (6 semester credit hours)

Students must complete two of the following courses for a total of 6 semester credit hours:

ANT 2033Introduction to Biological Anthropology (TCCN: ANTH 2301)3
AST 1013Introduction to Astronomy (TCCN: ASTR 1303)3
AST 1033Exploration of the Solar System (TCCN: ASTR 1304)3
BIO 1203Biosciences I for Science Majors (TCCN: BIOL 1306)3
BIO 1223Biosciences II for Science Majors (TCCN: BIOL 1307)3
BIO 1233Contemporary Biology I (TCCN: BIOL 1308)3
BIO 1243Contemporary Biology II (TCCN: BIOL 1309)3
CHE 1083Introduction to the Molecular Structure of Matter3
CHE 1093Introduction to Molecular Transformations3
ES 1113Environmental Botany (TCCN: BIOL 1311)3
ES 1123Environmental Zoology (TCCN: BIOL 1313)3
ES 1213Environmental Geology (TCCN: GEOL 1305)3
ES 2013Introduction to Environmental Science I (TCCN: ENVR 1301)3
ES 2023Introduction to Environmental Science II (TCCN: ENVR 1302)3
GEO 1013The Third Planet (TCCN: GEOL 1301)3
GEO 1033Geology of North American National Parks (TCCN: GEOL 1302)3
GEO 1123Life Through Time (TCCN: GEOL 1304)3
GES 2613Intro to Physical Geography (TCCN: GEOG 1301)3
NDT 2043Introduction to Nutritional Sciences3
PHY 1943Physics for Scientists and Engineers I (TCCN: PHYS 2325)3
PHY 1963Physics for Scientists and Engineers II (TCCN: PHYS 2326)3

Language, Philosophy and Culture (3 semester credit hours)

Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:

AAS 2013Introduction to African American Studies3
AAS 2113African American Culture, Leadership and Social Issues3
ANT 2063Language, Thought, and Culture3
ARC 1113Introduction to the Built Environment (TCCN: ARCH 1311)3
ARC 2423Global History of Architecture and Urbanism: Renaissance to 19th Century (TCCN: ARCH 1302)3
CHN 1014Elementary Chinese I (TCCN: CHIN 1411)4
CLA 2013Introduction to Ancient Greece3
CLA 2023Introduction to Ancient Rome3
CLA 2323Classical Mythology3
COM 2313Introduction to Media Studies3
CSH 1103Literary Masterpieces of Western Culture I (TCCN: ENGL 2332)3
CSH 1113Literary Masterpieces of Western Culture II (TCCN: ENGL 2333)3
CSH 1213Topics in World Cultures (TCCN: HUMA 2323)3
CSH 2113The Foreign Film3
ENG 2013Introduction to Literature (TCCN: ENGL 2341)3
ENG 2023Literature and Film3
ENG 2213Literary Criticism and Analysis3
ENG 2383Multiethnic Literatures of the United States3
ENG 2423Literature of Texas and the Southwest3
ENG 2443Persuasion and Rhetoric3
FRN 1014Elementary French I (TCCN: FREN 1411)4
FRN 2333French Literature in English Translation3
GER 1014Elementary German I (TCCN: GERM 1411)4
GER 2333German Literature in English Translation3
GES 1023World Regions and Global Change (TCCN: GEOG 1303)3
GLA 1013US in Global Context3
GRK 1114Introductory Classical Greek I4
HIS 2123Introduction to World Civilization to the Fifteenth Century (TCCN: HIST 2321)3
HIS 2133Introduction to World Civilization since the Fifteenth Century (TCCN: HIST 2322)3
HIS 2533Introduction to Latin American Civilization3
HIS 2543Introduction to Islamic Civilization3
HIS 2553Introduction to East Asian Civilization3
HIS 2573Introduction to African Civilization3
HIS 2583Introduction to South Asian Civilization3
HUM 2093World Religions (TCCN: PHIL 1304)3
ITL 1014Elementary Italian I (TCCN: ITAL 1411)4
ITL 2333Italian Literature in English Translation3
JPN 1014Elementary Japanese I (TCCN: JAPN 1411)4
LAT 1114Introductory Latin I (TCCN: LATI 1411)4
MAS 2013Introduction to Chicana/x/o Studies (TCCN: HUMA 1305)3
PHI 1043Critical Thinking (TCCN: PHIL 2303)3
PHI 2013Basic Philosophical Problems (TCCN: PHIL 1301)3
PHI 2023Introduction to Ancient Philosophy (TCCN: PHIL 2316)3
PHI 2033Introduction to Early Modern Philosophy3
PHI 2093Philosophy of The Americas3
PHI 2123Contemporary Moral Issues3
RUS 1014Elementary Russian I (TCCN: RUSS 1411)4
RUS 2333Russian Literature in English Translation3
SPN 1014Elementary Spanish I (TCCN: SPAN 1411)4
SPN 2333Hispanic Literature in English Translation3
WGSS 2013Introduction to Women’s Studies3
WGSS 2023Introduction to LGBTQ Studies3

Creative Arts (3 semester credit hours)

Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:

AHC 1113Art History: Prehistory-1350 (TCCN: ARTS 1303)3
AHC 1123Art History: 1350-Present (TCCN: ARTS 1304)3
ARC 1513Great Buildings and Cities of the World3
ARC 2413Global History of Architecture and Urbanism: Prehistory to Medieval (TCCN: ARCH 1301)3
ART 1103Introduction to Visual Arts (TCCN: ARTS 1301)3
ART 1113Image Culture3
BBL 2023Latino Cultural Expressions (TCCN: HUMA 1311)3
CLA 2033Introduction to Classical Literature3
DAN 2003Introduction to Dance (TCCN: DANC 2303)3
HUM 2023Introduction to the Humanities I (TCCN: HUMA 1301)3
HUM 2033Introduction to the Humanities II (TCCN: HUMA 1302)3
HUM 2053History of Film (TCCN: HUMA 1315)3
MAS 2023Latina/x/o Cultural Expressions (TCCN: HUMA 1311)3
MUS 2243World Music in Society3
MUS 2633American Roots Music (TCCN: MUSI 1310)3
MUS 2653Music in Culture3
MUS 2663History and Styles of Jazz (TCCN: MUSI 1310)3
MUS 2673History and Styles of Popular Music (TCCN: MUSI 1310)3
MUS 2683History and Styles of Western Art Music (TCCN: MUSI 1306)3
MUS 2713History of Recorded Music3
MUS 2733History of the American Musical Theater3
MUS 2743Music and Film3
PHI 2073Philosophy of Art3

American History (6 semester credit hours)

Students must complete two of the following courses, for a total of 6 semester credit hours:

HIS 1043United States History: Pre-Columbus to Civil War Era (TCCN: HIST 1301)3
HIS 1053United States History: Civil War Era to Present (TCCN: HIST 1302)3
HIS 2053Texas History (TCCN: HIST 2301)3

Government-Political Science (6 semester credit hours)

Students must complete two of the following courses, for a total of 6 semester credit hours:

POL 1013Introduction to American Politics (TCCN: GOVT 2305)3
and one of the following two courses:
POL 1133Texas Politics and Society (TCCN: GOVT 2306)3
POL 1213Civil Rights in Texas and America (TCCN: GOVT 2306)3

Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 semester credit hours)

Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:

AMS 2043Approaches to American Culture3
ANT 1013Introduction to Anthropology (TCCN: ANTH 2346)3
ANT 2043Introduction to Archaeology (TCCN: ANTH 2302)3
ANT 2053Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (TCCN: ANTH 2351)3
BBL 2003Language, Culture, and Society (TCCN: ANTH 2351)3
BBL 2243Bilingual Families, Communities, and Schools: National and Transnational Experiences (TCCN: ANTH 2351)3
CRJ 1113The American Criminal Justice System (TCCN: CRIJ 1301)3
ECO 2003Economic Principles and Issues (TCCN: ECON 1301)3
ECO 2023Introductory Microeconomics (TCCN: ECON 2302)3
EGR 1343The Impact of Modern Technologies on Society3
ES 1003Survey Topics in Environmental Studies3
GES 1013Fundamentals of Geography3
GES 2623Human Geography: People, Place, Culture (TCCN: GEOG 1302)3
HTH 2413Introduction to Community and Public Health3
HTH 2513Personal Health (TCCN: PHED 1304)3
IDS 2113Society and Social Issues3
KIN 2123Exercise as Medicine (TCCN: KINE 1338)3
NDRB 1033Drugs and Society (TCCN: PHED 1346)3
PSY 1013Introduction to Psychology (TCCN: PSYC 2301)3
REGS 2003Intersectional Approaches to Social Justice3
SOC 1013Introduction to Sociology (TCCN: SOCI 1301)3
SOC 2013Social Problems (TCCN: SOCI 1306)3
SOC 2023Social Context of Drug Use (TCCN: SOCI 2340)3
SWK 1013Introduction to Social Work3

Component Area Option (CAO) (3 semester credit hours)

Students must complete either one of the following courses or any additional Core Curriculum course not previously used to satisfy a core component area requirement, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:

COM 2113Public Speaking (core component area 091, TCCN: SPCH 1315)3
EGR 1403Technical Communication (core component area 091)3
ENG 2413Technical Writing (core component area 091, TCCN: ENGL 2311)3
PAD 1113Public Administration and Policy in American Society (core component area 097)3
PHI 2043Introductory Logic (core component area 092, TCCN: PHIL 2303)3
Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements
First Year Experience Requirement 3
Communication 6
Mathematics 3
Life and Physical Sciences 6
Language, Philosophy and Culture 3
Creative Arts 3
American History 6
Government-Political Science 6
Social and Behavioral Sciences 3
Component Area Option 3
Total Credit Hours 42

Gateway Course

Students pursuing the B.A. degree in Sociology must successfully complete the following Gateway Course with a grade of "D-" or better in no more than two attempts. A student who is unable to successfully complete this course within two attempts, including dropping the course with a grade of “W” or taking an equivalent course at another institution, will be required to change their major.

SOC 1013Introduction to Sociology

Degree Requirements

A. Sociology major courses
1. Required courses. It is strongly recommended that theory and research methods requirements be completed by the first semester of the junior year.
SOC 1013Introduction to Sociology3
SOC 3323Introduction to Social Research3
SOC 3353Sociological Theory3
SOC 3373Qualitative Research Methods3
or SOC 3393 Quantitative Research Methods
2. Select 30 additional semester credit hours of Sociology electives as approved by the student's advisor, at least 18 semester credit hours of which must be upper-division. Students are encouraged to take a broad variety of courses.30
B. Electives
Select 36 semester credit hours of electives, at least 12 of which must be upper-division.36
Total Credit Hours78

Course Sequence Guide for B.A. Degree in Sociology

This course sequence guide is designed to assist students in completing their UTSA undergraduate Sociology degree requirements. This is merely a guide, and students must satisfy other requirements of this catalog and meet with their academic advisor for individualized degree plans. Progress within this guide depends upon such factors as course availability, individual student academic preparation, student time management, work obligations, and individual financial considerations. Students may choose to take courses during Summer terms to reduce course loads during long semesters.

B.A. in Sociology – Four-Year Academic Plan

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredit Hours
AIS 1273 AIS: Social Sciences and Public Policy 3
HIS 1043
United States History: Pre-Columbus to Civil War Era (core)
or United States History: Civil War Era to Present
or Texas History
3
SOC 1013 Introduction to Sociology (core and major) 3
WRC 1013 Freshman Composition I (core) 3
Mathematics core 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
WRC 1023 Freshman Composition II (core) 3
American History (HIS) core 3
Social and Behavioral Science core 3
Free elective 3
Life & Physical Sciences core 3
 Credit Hours15
Second Year
Fall
SOC 3353 Sociological Theory 3
Creative Arts core 3
Component Area Option core 3
Life & Physical Sciences core 3
Free elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
SOC 3323 Introduction to Social Research 3
Free elective 3
Free elective 3
Free elective 3
Language, Philosophy, & Culture core 3
 Credit Hours15
Third Year
Fall
POL 1013 Introduction to American Politics (core) 3
SOC 3373
Qualitative Research Methods
or Quantitative Research Methods
3
SOC elective 3
SOC elective 3
Free elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
POL 1133
Texas Politics and Society (core)
or Civil Rights in Texas and America
3
Upper-division free elective 3
Upper-division SOC elective 3
Upper-division SOC elective 3
Upper-division SOC elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Fourth Year
Fall
Upper-division SOC elective 3
Upper-division SOC elective 3
Upper-division free elective 3
Upper-division free elective 3
Free Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
Free elective 3
Upper-division free elective 3
Upper-division SOC elective 3
SOC elective 3
SOC elective 3
 Credit Hours15
 Total Credit Hours120

Bachelor of Science Degree in Health, Aging and Society

The minimum number of semester credit hours required for the Bachelors of Science (B.S.) degree in Health, Aging and Society, including the Core Curriculum requirements, is 120. Thirty-nine of the total semester credit hours required for the degree must be at the upper-division level. At least 36 semester credit hours of Health, Aging and Society coursework are required to fulfill the Health, Aging and Society (HAS) major. The 36-hour total is considered a minimum, and students are encouraged to deepen and broaden their grasp of the major through careful allocation of elective semester credit hours.

The HAS program of study has four core areas. Foundational courses introduce students to the health professions and require coursework in public administration and business management to prepare students for careers like medical and health services managers, social and community service managers, and human resources managers. The Data Analytics area introduces students to methods of social research and quantitative/qualitative data analysis to train students to value and understand the processes of data collection and analysis. The Interdisciplinary Perspectives area introduces students to medical sociology, sociological social epidemiology, and the sociology of aging and the life course and emphasizes the social, cultural, institutional, and structural dimensions health, health care, and aging. The fourth core area allows students to choose elective courses.  

Core Curriculum Requirements (42 semester credit hours)

Students seeking the B.S. degree in Health, Aging and Society must fulfill University Core Curriculum requirements in the same manner as other students.

For a complete listing of courses that satisfy the Core Curriculum requirements, see Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements.

Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements

First Year Experience Requirement (3 semester credit hours)

All students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:

AIS 1203Academic Introduction and Strategies (core component area 090)3
AIS 1213AIS: Architecture, Construction, and Planning (core component area 090)3
AIS 1223AIS: Arts and Humanities (core component area 090)3
AIS 1233AIS: Business (core component area 090)3
AIS 1243AIS: Engineering, Mathematics, and Sciences (core component area 090)3
AIS 1253AIS: Interdisciplinary Education (core component area 090)3
AIS 1263AIS: Life and Health Sciences (core component area 090)3
AIS 1273AIS: Social Sciences and Public Policy (core component area 090)3

Communication (6 semester credit hours)

Students must complete the following courses, for a total of 6 semester credit hours:

WRC 1013Freshman Composition I (TCCN: ENGL 1301)3
WRC 1023Freshman Composition II (TCCN: ENGL 1302)3

Mathematics (3 semester credit hours)

Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:

CS 1173Data Analysis and Visualization3
MAT 1023College Algebra with Applications (TCCN: MATH 1314)3
MAT 1043Quantitative Reasoning (TCCN: MATH 1332)3
MAT 1053Mathematics for Business (TCCN: MATH 1324)3
MAT 1073Algebra for Scientists and Engineers (TCCN: MATH 1314)3
MAT 1093Precalculus (TCCN: MATH 2312)3
MAT 1133Calculus for Business (TCCN: MATH 1325)3
MAT 1193Calculus for the Biosciences (TCCN: MATH 2313)3
MAT 1213Calculus I (TCCN: MATH 2313)3
STA 1053Basic Statistics (TCCN: MATH 1342)3

Life and Physical Sciences (6 semester credit hours)

Students must complete two of the following courses for a total of 6 semester credit hours:

ANT 2033Introduction to Biological Anthropology (TCCN: ANTH 2301)3
AST 1013Introduction to Astronomy (TCCN: ASTR 1303)3
AST 1033Exploration of the Solar System (TCCN: ASTR 1304)3
BIO 1203Biosciences I for Science Majors (TCCN: BIOL 1306)3
BIO 1223Biosciences II for Science Majors (TCCN: BIOL 1307)3
BIO 1233Contemporary Biology I (TCCN: BIOL 1308)3
BIO 1243Contemporary Biology II (TCCN: BIOL 1309)3
CHE 1083Introduction to the Molecular Structure of Matter3
CHE 1093Introduction to Molecular Transformations3
ES 1113Environmental Botany (TCCN: BIOL 1311)3
ES 1123Environmental Zoology (TCCN: BIOL 1313)3
ES 1213Environmental Geology (TCCN: GEOL 1305)3
ES 2013Introduction to Environmental Science I (TCCN: ENVR 1301)3
ES 2023Introduction to Environmental Science II (TCCN: ENVR 1302)3
GEO 1013The Third Planet (TCCN: GEOL 1301)3
GEO 1033Geology of North American National Parks (TCCN: GEOL 1302)3
GEO 1123Life Through Time (TCCN: GEOL 1304)3
GES 2613Intro to Physical Geography (TCCN: GEOG 1301)3
NDT 2043Introduction to Nutritional Sciences3
PHY 1943Physics for Scientists and Engineers I (TCCN: PHYS 2325)3
PHY 1963Physics for Scientists and Engineers II (TCCN: PHYS 2326)3

Language, Philosophy and Culture (3 semester credit hours)

Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:

AAS 2013Introduction to African American Studies3
AAS 2113African American Culture, Leadership and Social Issues3
ANT 2063Language, Thought, and Culture3
ARC 1113Introduction to the Built Environment (TCCN: ARCH 1311)3
ARC 2423Global History of Architecture and Urbanism: Renaissance to 19th Century (TCCN: ARCH 1302)3
CHN 1014Elementary Chinese I (TCCN: CHIN 1411)4
CLA 2013Introduction to Ancient Greece3
CLA 2023Introduction to Ancient Rome3
CLA 2323Classical Mythology3
COM 2313Introduction to Media Studies3
CSH 1103Literary Masterpieces of Western Culture I (TCCN: ENGL 2332)3
CSH 1113Literary Masterpieces of Western Culture II (TCCN: ENGL 2333)3
CSH 1213Topics in World Cultures (TCCN: HUMA 2323)3
CSH 2113The Foreign Film3
ENG 2013Introduction to Literature (TCCN: ENGL 2341)3
ENG 2023Literature and Film3
ENG 2213Literary Criticism and Analysis3
ENG 2383Multiethnic Literatures of the United States3
ENG 2423Literature of Texas and the Southwest3
ENG 2443Persuasion and Rhetoric3
FRN 1014Elementary French I (TCCN: FREN 1411)4
FRN 2333French Literature in English Translation3
GER 1014Elementary German I (TCCN: GERM 1411)4
GER 2333German Literature in English Translation3
GES 1023World Regions and Global Change (TCCN: GEOG 1303)3
GLA 1013US in Global Context3
GRK 1114Introductory Classical Greek I4
HIS 2123Introduction to World Civilization to the Fifteenth Century (TCCN: HIST 2321)3
HIS 2133Introduction to World Civilization since the Fifteenth Century (TCCN: HIST 2322)3
HIS 2533Introduction to Latin American Civilization3
HIS 2543Introduction to Islamic Civilization3
HIS 2553Introduction to East Asian Civilization3
HIS 2573Introduction to African Civilization3
HIS 2583Introduction to South Asian Civilization3
HUM 2093World Religions (TCCN: PHIL 1304)3
ITL 1014Elementary Italian I (TCCN: ITAL 1411)4
ITL 2333Italian Literature in English Translation3
JPN 1014Elementary Japanese I (TCCN: JAPN 1411)4
LAT 1114Introductory Latin I (TCCN: LATI 1411)4
MAS 2013Introduction to Chicana/x/o Studies (TCCN: HUMA 1305)3
PHI 1043Critical Thinking (TCCN: PHIL 2303)3
PHI 2013Basic Philosophical Problems (TCCN: PHIL 1301)3
PHI 2023Introduction to Ancient Philosophy (TCCN: PHIL 2316)3
PHI 2033Introduction to Early Modern Philosophy3
PHI 2093Philosophy of The Americas3
PHI 2123Contemporary Moral Issues3
RUS 1014Elementary Russian I (TCCN: RUSS 1411)4
RUS 2333Russian Literature in English Translation3
SPN 1014Elementary Spanish I (TCCN: SPAN 1411)4
SPN 2333Hispanic Literature in English Translation3
WGSS 2013Introduction to Women’s Studies3
WGSS 2023Introduction to LGBTQ Studies3

Creative Arts (3 semester credit hours)

Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:

AHC 1113Art History: Prehistory-1350 (TCCN: ARTS 1303)3
AHC 1123Art History: 1350-Present (TCCN: ARTS 1304)3
ARC 1513Great Buildings and Cities of the World3
ARC 2413Global History of Architecture and Urbanism: Prehistory to Medieval (TCCN: ARCH 1301)3
ART 1103Introduction to Visual Arts (TCCN: ARTS 1301)3
ART 1113Image Culture3
BBL 2023Latino Cultural Expressions (TCCN: HUMA 1311)3
CLA 2033Introduction to Classical Literature3
DAN 2003Introduction to Dance (TCCN: DANC 2303)3
HUM 2023Introduction to the Humanities I (TCCN: HUMA 1301)3
HUM 2033Introduction to the Humanities II (TCCN: HUMA 1302)3
HUM 2053History of Film (TCCN: HUMA 1315)3
MAS 2023Latina/x/o Cultural Expressions (TCCN: HUMA 1311)3
MUS 2243World Music in Society3
MUS 2633American Roots Music (TCCN: MUSI 1310)3
MUS 2653Music in Culture3
MUS 2663History and Styles of Jazz (TCCN: MUSI 1310)3
MUS 2673History and Styles of Popular Music (TCCN: MUSI 1310)3
MUS 2683History and Styles of Western Art Music (TCCN: MUSI 1306)3
MUS 2713History of Recorded Music3
MUS 2733History of the American Musical Theater3
MUS 2743Music and Film3
PHI 2073Philosophy of Art3

American History (6 semester credit hours)

Students must complete two of the following courses, for a total of 6 semester credit hours:

HIS 1043United States History: Pre-Columbus to Civil War Era (TCCN: HIST 1301)3
HIS 1053United States History: Civil War Era to Present (TCCN: HIST 1302)3
HIS 2053Texas History (TCCN: HIST 2301)3

Government-Political Science (6 semester credit hours)

Students must complete two of the following courses, for a total of 6 semester credit hours:

POL 1013Introduction to American Politics (TCCN: GOVT 2305)3
and one of the following two courses:
POL 1133Texas Politics and Society (TCCN: GOVT 2306)3
POL 1213Civil Rights in Texas and America (TCCN: GOVT 2306)3

Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 semester credit hours)

Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:

AMS 2043Approaches to American Culture3
ANT 1013Introduction to Anthropology (TCCN: ANTH 2346)3
ANT 2043Introduction to Archaeology (TCCN: ANTH 2302)3
ANT 2053Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (TCCN: ANTH 2351)3
BBL 2003Language, Culture, and Society (TCCN: ANTH 2351)3
BBL 2243Bilingual Families, Communities, and Schools: National and Transnational Experiences (TCCN: ANTH 2351)3
CRJ 1113The American Criminal Justice System (TCCN: CRIJ 1301)3
ECO 2003Economic Principles and Issues (TCCN: ECON 1301)3
ECO 2023Introductory Microeconomics (TCCN: ECON 2302)3
EGR 1343The Impact of Modern Technologies on Society3
ES 1003Survey Topics in Environmental Studies3
GES 1013Fundamentals of Geography3
GES 2623Human Geography: People, Place, Culture (TCCN: GEOG 1302)3
HTH 2413Introduction to Community and Public Health3
HTH 2513Personal Health (TCCN: PHED 1304)3
IDS 2113Society and Social Issues3
KIN 2123Exercise as Medicine (TCCN: KINE 1338)3
NDRB 1033Drugs and Society (TCCN: PHED 1346)3
PSY 1013Introduction to Psychology (TCCN: PSYC 2301)3
REGS 2003Intersectional Approaches to Social Justice3
SOC 1013Introduction to Sociology (TCCN: SOCI 1301)3
SOC 2013Social Problems (TCCN: SOCI 1306)3
SOC 2023Social Context of Drug Use (TCCN: SOCI 2340)3
SWK 1013Introduction to Social Work3

Component Area Option (CAO) (3 semester credit hours)

Students must complete either one of the following courses or any additional Core Curriculum course not previously used to satisfy a core component area requirement, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:

COM 2113Public Speaking (core component area 091, TCCN: SPCH 1315)3
EGR 1403Technical Communication (core component area 091)3
ENG 2413Technical Writing (core component area 091, TCCN: ENGL 2311)3
PAD 1113Public Administration and Policy in American Society (core component area 097)3
PHI 2043Introductory Logic (core component area 092, TCCN: PHIL 2303)3
Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements
First Year Experience Requirement 3
Communication 6
Mathematics 3
Life and Physical Sciences 6
Language, Philosophy and Culture 3
Creative Arts 3
American History 6
Government-Political Science 6
Social and Behavioral Sciences 3
Component Area Option 3
Total Credit Hours 42

Degree Requirements

A. HAS Foundation Courses
All Candidates for this degree must complete the following 24 semester credit hours of coursework24
Introduction to Health and Social Services Professions
Gerontology
Medical Sociology
Introduction to Social Research
Health in Adolescence and the Transition to Adulthood
Health Disparities
Introduction to Organization Theory, Behavior, and Management
Public Administration and Policy in American Society
B. Data Analytics
Select at least 3 semester credit hours from the following list of courses:3
Database Management in Community and Public Health
Qualitative Research Methods
Quantitative Research Methods
Basic Statistics
C. Interdisciplinary Perspectives
Select at least 9 semester credit hours from the following list of courses:9
Medical Anthropology
Anthropology of Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Death and Dying
Genes, Health, and Ancestry
Introduction to Health Communication
Health Economics and Policy
Medical Geography
Introduction to Community and Public Health
Survey of Drugs and Health
Survey of Human Sexuality
Community Health
Emotional Wellness
Global Health
Health Care System
Environmental Health
Understanding People and Organizations
Introduction to Healthcare Management
Introduction to Public Policy
Introduction to Nonprofit Agencies
Lifespan Developmental Psychology
Psychology of Health
Social Problems
Social Context of Drug Use
The Sociology of Work and Occupations
Population Dynamics and Demographic Techniques
Poverty
Health Care Fraud and Compliance Investigation
Violence and Society
Religion, Spirituality, and Health
Disability and Society
Internship in Sociology
Internship in Sociology
D. Free Electives
Candidates must complete 42 semester credit hours of electives. Depending on the courses taken under areas B and C, 9-21 credit hours must be at the upper-division level. It is highly encouraged that students complete a minimum of 18 semester credit hours within HCAP disciplines. 42
Total Credit Hours78

Course Sequence Guide for B.A. Degree in Health, Aging and Society

This course sequence guide is designed to assist students in completing their UTSA undergraduate Health, Aging and Society degree requirements. This is merely a guide, and students must satisfy other requirements of this catalog and meet with their academic advisor for individualized degree plans. Progress within this guide depends upon such factors as course availability, individual student academic preparation, student time management, work obligations, and individual financial considerations. Students may choose to take courses during Summer terms to reduce course loads during long semesters.

B.S. in Health, Aging and Society– Four-Year Academic Plan

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredit Hours
AIS 1203 Academic Inquiry and Scholarship (core) 3
WRC 1013 Freshman Composition I (core) 3
Mathematics core 3
American History (HIS) core 3
Social and Behavioral Science core 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
WRC 1023 Freshman Composition II (core) 3
American History (HIS) core 3
Life & Physical Sciences core 3
Component Area Option core 3
Free elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Second Year
Fall
SOC 3323 Introduction to Social Research 3
Life & Physical Sciences core 3
Language, Philosophy & Culture core 3
Free Elective 3
Free elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
SOC 3213 Medical Sociology 3
PAD 1113 Public Administration and Policy in American Society 3
POL 1013 Introduction to American Politics (core) 3
Creative Arts core 3
Data Analytics Area (see section B) 3
 Credit Hours15
Third Year
Fall
MGT 3013 Introduction to Organization Theory, Behavior, and Management 3
POL 1133
Texas Politics and Society (core)
or Civil Rights in Texas and America
3
Interdisciplinary Perspective Area course (see section C) 3
Free elective 3
Free Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
SOC 3203 Gerontology 3
Interdisciplinary Perspective Area course (see section C) 3
Free Elective 3
Free Elective 3
Free Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Fourth Year
Fall
SOC 2033 Introduction to Health and Social Services Professions 3
SOC 3443 Health in Adolescence and the Transition to Adulthood 3
Interdisciplinary Perspective Area Course (see section C) 3
Free Elective 3
Free Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
SOC 4683 Health Disparities 3
Free elective 3
Upper-division free elective 3
Upper-division free elective 3
Upper-division free elective 3
 Credit Hours15
 Total Credit Hours120

Minor in Sociology

All students pursuing a Minor in Sociology must complete 21 semester credit hours, 12 of which must be at the upper-division level.

A. Required courses
SOC 1013Introduction to Sociology3
SOC 3323Introduction to Social Research3
SOC 3353Sociological Theory3
B. Electives
Select 12 semester credit hours of Sociology electives12
Total Credit Hours21

To declare a Minor in Sociology, obtain advice, or seek approval of substitutions for course requirements, students should consult their academic advisor.

Minor in Health, Aging and Society

The Minor in Health, Aging and Society (HAS) prepares students and provides an attractive credential for graduate school and numerous career pathways. All students pursuing a HAS minor must complete 21 semester credit hours.

A. Required courses
SOC 2033Introduction to Health and Social Services Professions3
SOC 3203Gerontology3
or SOC 3443 Health in Adolescence and the Transition to Adulthood
or SOC 4483 Disability and Society
SOC 3213Medical Sociology3
or SOC 4683 Health Disparities
SOC 3323Introduction to Social Research3
B. Electives (choose three)9
Anthropology of Care
Medical Anthropology
Anthropology of Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Death and Dying
Anthropology of Age and Aging
Introduction to Health Communication
Juvenile Justice
Life Course Criminology
Health Economics and Policy
Medical Geography
Introduction to Community and Public Health
Global Health
Health Care System
Understanding People and Organizations
Introduction to Healthcare Management
Public Administration and Policy in American Society
Introduction to Nonprofit Agencies
Lifespan Developmental Psychology
Psychology of Health
Total Credit Hours21

To declare a Minor in Health, Aging and Society, obtain advice, or seek approval of substitutions for course requirements, students should consult their academic advisor.

Demography (DEM) Courses

DEM 3223. Population Dynamics and Demographic Techniques. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Introduces the common methods, techniques, and models employed by demographers. Topics may include demographic data sources, introduction to life table techniques; construction, standardization, and decomposition of rates; measures of concentration and diversity; and population growth projections. Students will become familiar with microcomputer programs for demographic analysis. (Same as SOC 3223. Credit cannot be earned for both DEM 3223 and SOC 3223.).

DEM 3323. Introduction to Social Research. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Introduction to the philosophy of science and the logic of research design. Examines a variety of social research designs including experiments, survey research, content analysis, and historical analysis. Course emphasizes techniques related to information gathering, basic data analysis, and reporting findings. (Same as SOC 3323. Credit cannot be earned for both DEM 3323 and SOC 3323.).

DEM 3393. Quantitative Research Methods. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Application of conceptualization and operationalization in the quantitative analysis of a variety of sociological subjects. Use of elementary measures of central tendency and dispersion, cross tabulations, and linear model procedures to evaluate relationships among variables; problems of descriptions and inference. Includes the use of standard computer packages and secondary analysis of data. (Same as SOC 3393. Credit cannot be earned for both DEM 3393 and SOC 3393.). Course fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

DEM 4013. Geographic Information Systems for Population Analysis and Policy. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course will introduce the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, with applications in demography and policy-related disciplines. As part of the course, students will work on real data related to measuring population composition and change, with special relevance to policy related decision making. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

DEM 4863. Special Topics In Demography. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

An organized course offering the opportunity for a specialized topic at the lower division level that is not available through the regular course offerings. Special Topics may be repeated for credit when topics vary, but not more than 6 semester credit hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

DEM 4963. Social Demography and Public Policy. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course will cover the basic areas of demography (fertility, mortality, and migration—both internal and international). Students will also be exposed to methods of demographic research to carry out demographic research projects. As part of the course, students will conduct demographic analysis using real data. A strong focus of the course will be discussing the implications for demographic analysis in terms of local, regional, and national policy discussions. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.

Sociology (SOC) Courses

SOC 1013. Introduction to Sociology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours. (TCCN = SOCI 1301)

Introduces the study of human groups, the relations of individuals to groups, and the process of becoming a group member and functioning in a group setting. May be applied toward the Core Curriculum requirement in Social and Behavioral Sciences. (Formerly titled "Introduction to the Study of Society.") Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRC1 $12; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 2013. Social Problems. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours. (TCCN = SOCI 1306)

Examines major contemporary social problems and their causes and consequences. Topics may include poverty, racism, sexism, deviance and crime, drug and alcohol dependence, the urban crisis, overpopulation, and war. May be applied toward the Core Curriculum requirement in Social and Behavioral Sciences. Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRC1 $12; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 2023. Social Context of Drug Use. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours. (TCCN = SOCI 2340)

Explores the use and abuse of mind-altering substances within society. Topics of study may include historical treatments of drug use, drug treatment and recovery interventions, the global magnitude of contemporary drug problems, and the problematic nature and consequences of drug legislation and enforcement. May be applied toward the Core Curriculum requirement in Social and Behavioral Sciences. (Formerly titled "Drugs in Society.") Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRC1 $12; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 2033. Introduction to Health and Social Services Professions. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course introduces students to the health and social services professions. Students will explore career opportunities and develop professional skills. In considering the delivery of health care and social services across society, several perspectives are examined. Major characteristics of the U.S. healthcare system are introduced as students explore issues that influence professional practice. Different career options are explored as we consider the knowledge, skills, educational requirements, and potential compensation of various career opportunities. Students develop career planning skills while creating a professional resume for volunteer opportunities, internships, and employment. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 2063. Special Topics in Sociology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

An organized course offering the opportunity for a specialized topic at the lower division level that is available through the regular course offerings. Special Topics may be repeated for credit when topics vary, but not more than 6 semester credit hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 3013. Social Stratification. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Examines theory and research pertaining to inequalities of power, prestige, and economic privilege. Major emphasis upon inequality and social mobility in the United States. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 3043. Race and Ethnic Relations. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course examines how ideas, practices, and theoretical frameworks associated with race and ethnicity have manifested historically and currently in U.S. society. It covers foundational concepts in the field of race and ethnicity from a sociological perspective. It addresses the structural and institutional causes and consequences of racial and ethnic inequality in various aspects of U.S. society. Finally, the class explores how race and ethnicity relate to other axes of social organization, such as gender, class, and immigration status. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 3053. Deviance and Difference. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Analyzes the forms of deviance and consideration of social/political trends toward difference. An examination of theories may include: biological, analytic, labeling, functionalist, culture conflict, radical, and poststructuralist. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.

SOC 3063. Collective Behavior. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: SOC 1013 or consent of instructor. Focuses on case studies and associated theory dealing with various forms of collective behavior ranging from spontaneous events to organized mass movements. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.

SOC 3083. Social Change and Development. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Presents principal models and theories of social transformation applied to examples of societal change. Topics may include consideration of master trends such as rationalization, industrialization, and bureaucratization, and the expansion and contraction of global interconnectedness. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 3093. Religion and Society. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Focuses on religious institutions and movements in the United States with comparative data from other countries. Topics may include the relationship of religious institutions to social stratification, economic institutions, and political and social change. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 3113. Criminology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Examines the nature, prevalence, and impact of different types of legal violations, including street crime, organized crime, political crime, and white-collar crime. Includes treatment of social and legal responses to crime. Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 3163. Families in Society. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Examines the modern family, structures and functions, variant patterns and the influence of the broader society in producing family change. Contemporary and continuing issues are covered in the context of theory and research. Topics may include variability in childhood socialization, family violence, changing gender roles, marriage, divorce and remarriage, alternative family structures, and the aging family. (Formerly SOC 2053. Credit cannot be earned for both SOC 3163 and SOC 2053.) (Formerly titled "Marriage and Family.") Generally offered: Fall. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.

SOC 3193. The Sociology of Work and Occupations. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: SOC 1013 or consent of instructor. Explores occupational structures in selected societies; the relationship between occupations and economic rewards, lifestyles, and worldview; and determinants of work satisfaction. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 3203. Gerontology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Examines the historical and cross-cultural differences in the status of the elderly in society. Includes interaction of the elderly with social institutions, and policy implications of the demographic shift toward an aging population in the United States. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.

SOC 3213. Medical Sociology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Examines social factors in the cause and distribution of disease; relationships between patients and medical professionals; the contribution of lay belief to health, illness, treatment, and recovery; the organization of health-care delivery; and the disparities in the distribution of medical resources. Generally offered: Spring. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.

SOC 3223. Population Dynamics and Demographic Techniques. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Introduces the common methods, techniques, and models employed by demographers. Topics may include demographic data sources, introduction to life table techniques; construction, standardization, and decomposition of rates; measures of concentration and diversity; and population growth projections. Students will become familiar with microcomputer programs for demographic analysis. (Formerly titled "Demographic Techniques.") Same as DEM 3223. Credit cannot be earned for both SOC 3223 and DEM 3223. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.

SOC 3253. The Individual and Society. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Examines the major theories dealing with the effects of culture and social structure on the development and functioning of the personality and the self. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 3263. Latinas in U.S. Society. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Focuses on women of Latino descent in the United States with a comparative emphasis on the experiences of Texas Latinas relative to those residing elsewhere in the Southwest. Topics may include: historical presence in the Southwest; patriarchy and familialism; labor and employment issues; immigration and border issues; political involvement and feminist vision; artistic, cultural and intellectual expression. (Same as WGSS 3953 (formerly WS 3953). Credit cannot be earned for both SOC 3263 and WGSS 3953 if the topics are the same.) Generally offered: Spring. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 3283. Poverty. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Examines the causes and consequences of poverty in the United States and selected other societies. An examination of social programs designed to combat poverty. Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.

SOC 3293. Sociology of Gender. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Explores the nature of gender roles in our own and other societies. Consideration of how people learn gender roles and the outcomes of this learning for individuals, families, and societies. Alternatives to conventional gender roles. (Formerly titled "Gender Roles.") Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.

SOC 3323. Introduction to Social Research. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Introduction to the philosophy of science and the logic of research design. Examines a variety of social research designs including experiments, survey research, content analysis, and historical analysis. Course emphasizes techniques related to information gathering, basic data analysis, and reporting findings. (Formerly titled "Research Methods in Sociology.") Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.

SOC 3353. Sociological Theory. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: SOC 1013. Begins with an examination of the foundational writings in classical sociological theory with special emphasis on the work of Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim and Max Weber. Contemporary paradigms in sociological theory (e.g., functionalism, neo-Marxism, phenomenology, and feminism), and current debates over the state of theory are then addressed. Attention is also given to the linkages between theory and research. (Formerly SOC 3183. Credit cannot be earned for both SOC 3353 and SOC 3183.) Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 3373. Qualitative Research Methods. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: SOC 3323. Introduces the philosophy of science and research design, including participant observation, in-depth interviews, oral history, and focus groups through field research. The course provides opportunities for developing qualitative research skills while gaining familiarity with issues and problems common to these methods. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 3393. Quantitative Research Methods. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Completion of the Core Curriculum requirement in mathematics and SOC 3323. Application of conceptualization and operationalization in the quantitative analysis of a variety of sociological subjects. Use of elementary measures of central tendency and dispersion, cross tabulations, and linear model procedures to evaluate relationships among variables; problems of descriptions and inference. Includes the use of standard computer packages and secondary analysis of data. (Formerly SOC 3313. Credit cannot be earned for both SOC 3313 and SOC 3393.) Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.

SOC 3413. Sociology of the Mexican American Community. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Focuses on contemporary issues regarding Mexican American communities. Topics of discussion include family structure, gender roles, border issues and political power. Comparison with other minorities and the majority group will allow discussion of variant community patterns. (Same as MAS 3413 and BBL 3413. Credit cannot be earned for both BBL 3413, MAS 3413, and SOC 3413.) (Formerly titled "Mexican American Family.") Generally offered: Summer. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 3423. Mass Media in Society. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Examines media production and its role in the economy; the construction of media meaning, signification, and ideology; and the role of the audience in making sense of messages. Larger issues of societal power will be treated, along with an examination of alternative media. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 3443. Health in Adolescence and the Transition to Adulthood. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course examines sociological perspectives on health and well-being in adolescence and the transition to adulthood. The life course perspective is presented as a framework for understanding adolescence within social, historical, and institutional contexts. An additional focus of the course is on inequalities in risks, opportunities, resources, and health outcomes across racial, ethnic, gender, socioeconomic, and other social statuses. Course fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 3453. Aging and Family Life. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course explores the dynamic relationship between aging and family life. As individuals grow older, their roles and relationships within the family change, and this course will examine these changes. This course will also consider various family structures and the ways in which diverse families adapt to the changing needs of aging individuals and populations. Topics will include caregiving, inter-generational relationships, and the impact of cultural and societal factors on aging and family dynamics. This course will draw upon theories from sociology, psychology, and social work to provide a comprehensive understanding of the aging process and its impact on the family.

SOC 3463. Sociology of Sport and Leisure. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Examines the social meanings of play and leisure in advanced industrial societies. Emphasis will be on the origins, structure, and function of these phenomena in the United States, with major emphasis on sport as an institution. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 3493. Sociology of Sex and Reproduction. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course uses a sociological perspective to analyze contemporary issues in human reproduction. Our focus is primarily on issues within the U.S. and other Western societies, but this course will show that reproduction within the U.S. impacts and is impacted by reproductive practices in other countries. We will explore a variety of topics, including contraception, sterilization, abortion, reproductive technologies, pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. These and other topics will be analyzed using a reproductive justice framework.

SOC 3553. Health Care Fraud and Compliance Investigation. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course introduces students to the examination of health care fraud and compliance investigation. Students will also explore career opportunities related to health care compliance. This class will look at the devastating effects that healthcare fraud has on the financial resources of the United States. We will review cases of healthcare fraud that involved more than just money - the ultimate price - human lives. We will review healthcare fraudulent schemes and methods to detect these schemes. Who are the perpetrators? Who are the victims? Methods of investigation will be explored to look at how to prevent fraud with current laws, task forces and compliance efforts. Whistleblowers will be discussed regarding their efforts to stop healthcare fraud and the risks they took to come forward. The class will also examine the many free resources available to the public on the topic of healthcare fraud. Students will have a chance to investigate possible career paths related to fighting healthcare fraud. Course fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 4023. Violence and Society. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Examines and assesses the major social science perspectives and theories that attempt to explain why violence occurs in society. (Formerly SSC 3203. Credit cannot be earned both for SOC 4023 and SSC 3203.) Generally offered: Spring. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 4093. Urban Sociology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course explores the nature, conditions, and consequences of urbanization. A focus on population growth and structural change in metropolitan areas is presented. Additionally, social and demographic characteristics are used to understand dynamics associated with urban populations. Course fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 4123. Senior Seminar in Sociology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: SOC 3323, SOC 3373 or SOC 3393, and SOC 3353. A writing intensive capstone course for sociology majors that synthesizes and applies sociological knowledge through the integration of theory and research methods. Professional development is emphasized. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 4133. Religion, Spirituality, and Health. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course introduces students to the study of religion, spirituality, and health. Students will explore the effects of religion and spirituality on mental health, physical health, and mortality risk. Taken together, these diverse aspects of the course will: (a) provide new information about the role of religion and spirituality in contemporary life, especially in the United States, (b) help students to learn about basic theoretical tools and empirical approaches via which scholars in the social scientists and multiple other disciplines study the religion/spirituality-health connection, and (c) acquaint students with central themes and findings in the burgeoning empirical literature on religion and spirituality and mental health and psychological well-being, physical health, biological functioning, and mortality. Course fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 4153. Sociology of Food and Culture. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course is a comprehensive introduction to food studies from sociological, cultural anthropological, and historical perspectives. It covers the foundations of food studies, as well as contemporary theories that examine how food preparation, consumption, and food politics are influenced by race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, social class, and religion. It examines racialized violence, disparities, and insecurities in the food system and addresses why healthy, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food is a human right.

SOC 4193. Mexico: Development, Institutions and Policies. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

The course begins by looking at the significant development challenges faced by Mexico. This section pays particular attention to economic growth, poverty, inequality, and human development dynamics. The course explores how individual opportunities are different depending on where you live and who you are in Mexico. The second section of the course introduces the many aspects of institutions and processes that shape Mexico's current and future development. We examine society, government, legal and judicial institutions, corruption, monopolies, and migration from Mexico and Central America to the United States. Finally, we look at policies and programs that enhance socioeconomic development in Mexico, such as NAFTA, Oportunidades, and, recently, the war against organized crime.

SOC 4213. Behavioral Profiling. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: SOC 1013 or PSY 1013. This course is designed to expose students to the process of criminal behavioral profiling, an investigative tool used by law enforcement, criminologists, and forensic scientists to predict the characteristics of unknown subjects through crime scene analysis. This is a unique course and is arranged around the deductive profiling method developed by a few of the more published criminal profilers in the United States. Topics include case assessment, crime scene reconstruction methods, evidence dynamics, victimology, criminal motivation, and ethics. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 4433. Culture and Society. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Explores the social significance of cultural production, including the relationships between art, consciousness, the economy, and history. Themes examined may include the social production of art, art and ideology, the problem of artistic reception, and art movements and cultural resistance. Topics include art and culture in minority social movements, the relation between high and low culture, and cultural conflict over art. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 4453. Multimedia Applications. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

The course is designed to enhance student ability to competently create sociologically-relevant digital content (e.g., video, images, slideshows) and integrate such content into online platforms (e.g., user-sharing sites and blogs). The course will introduce a coherent system of information generation and processing that will enable you to easily move between the massive universe of digital materials on the Internet and your own creative efforts. Students will navigate within this system and, in the process, employ various applications to help locate, curate, conceptualize, produce, and distribute sociological content. Particular attention will be directed to how multimedia can make abstract scholarly concepts more understandable.

SOC 4463. Race and Ethnicity in Latin America. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course explores the role of race and ethnicity in various Latin American societies. It provides in-depth coverage of various subtopics, such as national belief systems, multiracialism, racial and ethnic stratification, identity formation, social movements, and ethnic and racial politics.

SOC 4473. The Sociology of Migration and Immigration. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course is designed to improve student understanding of migration: what is it; what social, economic, political, and environmental forces drive different forms of migration (including the roles of development, globalization, violence, climate change, and immigration laws, policies, and practices); and what are some of its most important consequences or impacts of this mobility for those that engage in it, for the communities/nations they move into. To examine these themes, we will also aim to understand some “flows” more deeply. In addition to a broad comparative-historical look at many important “postcolonial” international migrations around the world, we will pay particular attention to current issues on U.S. immigration and their historical roots, studying the genesis and evolution of migration from different nations as well as undocumented migration and asylum seekers.

SOC 4483. Disability and Society. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Examines our understandings and practices regarding disability through time and place. Describes inequalities and exclusions of people based on ideas of ability and disability. In so doing, we discover how disability intersects with topics such as culture, identity, gender, sexuality, race, aging, economics, health care, education, and criminal justice. The course will include an experiential learning component to reflect on a direct learning activity with respect to disability and society. Generally offered: Fall, Spring.

SOC 4493. Visualizing Society with Big Data. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course covers basic and advanced techniques for data visualization in the programming language of R, such as boxplots, histograms, scatterplots, forest plots, and maps. These techniques allow researchers to detect data flaws, conduct exploratory analyses, and visually communicate patterns using population data from multiple sources. This course will review the calculation and interpretation of the statistics used in the visualization techniques (e.g., age-adjusted rates and confidence intervals).

SOC 4683. Health Disparities. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

The main purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding of how racial/ethnic, social, economic, demographic and gender factors contribute to disparities in health and health care in the United States. Generally offered: Spring. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.

SOC 4853. Topics in Sociology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

An organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. Special Studies may be repeated for credit when topics vary, but not more than 6 semester credit hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. (Formerly SOC 4953. Credit may be earned for both SOC 4853 and SOC 4953 but may not exceed 6 semester credit hours combined). Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 4863. Topics in Sociology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

An organized course offering the opportunity for a specialized topic not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. Special Topics may be repeated for credit when topics vary, but not more than 6 semester credit hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 4911. Independent Study. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Prerequisites: Permission in writing (form available) from the instructor, the student’s advisor, the Department Chair, and the Dean of the College in which the course is offered. Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 semester credit hours of independent study, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $6.

SOC 4913. Independent Study. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: Permission in writing (form available) from the instructor, the student’s advisor, the Department Chair, and the Dean of the College in which the course is offered. Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 semester credit hours of independent study, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 4923. Public Health Study Abroad. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

The purpose of this course is to provide students greater understanding of global health issues. The study abroad program focuses on health care and public health in different international settings and provides students with a unique opportunity to integrate direct academic learning and field experience in public health. The program involves attending class room lectures in public health and interacting with local public health officials in understanding how health care system is responding to the health needs of its population. This course will satisfy 3 hours of the Public Health Internship requirement under the Sociology degree. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 4926. Public Health Study Abroad. (0-0) 6 Credit Hours.

The purpose of this course is to provide students greater understanding of global health issues. The study abroad program focuses on health care and public health in different international settings and provides students with a unique opportunity to integrate direct academic learning and field experience in public health. The program involves attending classroom lectures in public health and interacting with local public health officials in understanding how health care system is responding to the health needs of its population. This course will satisfy 6 hours of the Public Health Internship requirement under the Sociology degree. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $36.

SOC 4933. Internship in Sociology. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: Completion of SOC 3353 and either SOC 3373 or SOC 3393, and consent of internship coordinator. Provided as part of the COLFA Signature Experience and offers supervised work experience relevant to sociology within selected organizations and agencies. Internships selected should be relevant to previous coursework. A maximum of 6 semester credit hours may be earned through this internship. Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 4936. Internship in Sociology. (0-0) 6 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: Completion of SOC 3353 and either SOC 3373 or SOC 3393, and consent of internship coordinator. Provided as part of the COLFA Signature Experience and offers supervised work experience relevant to sociology within selected organizations and agencies. Internships selected should be relevant to previous coursework. A maximum of 6 semester credit hours may be earned through this internship. Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $36.

SOC 4993. Honors Thesis. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Enrollment limited to candidates for Honors in Sociology during the last two semesters. Supervised research and preparation of an honors thesis. May be repeated once with advisor’s approval. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.