Department of Sociology

ETHS 101 – Introduction to Ethnic Studies     3 credit hours

This course focuses on the historical development, perspectives, and cultural expressions of U.S. minority groups. Consideration will be given to key concepts including race, ethnicity, nationality, class and power, and the interactions among them.

ETHS 370 – Research in Ethnic Studies     1-3 credit hours

Under faculty guidance, students will conceive and carry out a semester-long project of research or creative activity in Ethnic Studies. It may be possible to cross-list this research course with compatible research/independent study courses from other disciplines.
Department Consent Required
Total Credits Allowed: 3.00
Prerequisite: ETHS 101

ETHS 450 – Senior Seminar in Comparative Ethnic Studies     3 credit hours

A capstone coures for students minoring in Ethnic Studies. Utilizing the projects developed by students in ETHS 370, this interdisciplinary seminar will draw connections between prior Ethnic Studies courses and student research while examinng contemporary theory, issues, and events through lecture and seminar discussion.
Prerequisite: ETHS 101 and ETHS 370

SOC 100 – Introduction to Sociology     3 credit hours

The development of social systems, group formations and types of social organizations, and the nature of cultural and subcultural variations.

SOC 124 – Social Problems     3 credit hours

An overview of issues confronting American society that have possible adverse social consequences. Students select a broad cross section of social problems for study and discussion. A theoretical approach/background is offered as a basis for examination of the problems chosen.

SOC 126 – First Year Seminar     1 credit hour

The First-Year Seminar provides students with a multidisciplinary experience in which they approach an issue or problem from the perspective of three different academic differences. The First-Year Seminar will consist of three 1-credit hour courses taken as co-requisites in a single semester. The successful completion of all three courses satisfies the General Studies LOPER 1 course requirement. Students may take the First-Year Seminar in any discipline, irrespective of their major or minor. Students admitted as readmit students or transfer students who transfer 18 or more hours of General Studies credit to UNK are exempt from taking a LOPER 1 course.

SOC 201 – Social Inequality     3 credit hours

An examination of the American social class system and its impact on the lives of the members of society. Theories of the development of social classes are offered as a basis for class discussions. Alternative social class systems are examined along with the American system. The course concentrates on power relationships, ownership of assets, and the impact of class membership on values, beliefs, attitudes, life styles and life chances.

SOC 210 – Participating in a Democratic Society     3 credit hours

The primary focus of the course is to engage students in questions of democracy. Students will learn how to become informed citizens by learning how to gather and analyze information, examining the various perspectives of arguments, and studying contemporary social movements.

SOC 225 – Global Cultures and Diversity     3 credit hours

This course acquaints the student with a broad range of cultural, racial, and social groups which are recognized as different by the community. It focuses on the causes of the differential treatment, the problems created for these groups and the community, and suggests some solutions that practicing social workers and human service professionals will find useful in dealing with these groups.

SOC 237 – Sociological Inquiry     3 credit hours

Systematic treatment of the design and conduct of social research and of the logical foundations of empirical research. Includes guided practice in the collection and analysis of data and an individual experience in the formulation and design of a research project.

SOC 250 – Anthropology     3 credit hours

Reviews the physical evolution of humans and the origins of culture. The concepts of culture and cross-cultural comparison are utilized to understand the various ways of life humans have created throughout history.

SOC 275 – Social Psychology     3 credit hours

Group influences on individual behavior, including role theory, socialization, personality development, and attitude change.

SOC 280H – Special Topics-Honors     3 credit hours

SOC 300 – Sociological Theory     3 credit hours

This course develops analytical approaches to the examination and use of sociological theory in social systems. Basic comprehension of the various paradigms and schools of thought are examined as well as critiques using classical, contemporary, and emerging theoretical writings. Evaluation of the application of social theories is also attempted.
Prerequisite: SOC 100 or a 200 level Sociology course or permission.

SOC 310 – Population Studies     3 credit hours

This course will introduce the basic concepts of social demography. The class will familiarize students with important theoretical perspectives, current patterns in global population and data sources to examine these patterns. The major demographic processes - fertility, mortality and migration - will be discussed in detail. The class will conclude by examining changes in family and urban structures.
Prerequisite: SOC 100 or SOC 124 or by permission

SOC 335 – The Aged in American Society     3 credit hours

This course examines the contributions of sociological theory to gerontology, including such major perspectives as structural functionalism and conflict. Material presented will create an awareness of the influences of older people. Topics to be covered include: Socialization for the role of aged persons, social experiences of the elderly, political and social participation of the elderly, and economic status of the elderly.
Prerequisite: SOC 100 or SOC 250 or permission

SOC 340 – The Holocaust     3 credit hours

This course familiarizes students with a basic history of the Holocaust, and the social, political, and economic conditions that created a climate in which it could occur. Several disciplinary perspectives are applied to analyzing the historical events that make up the Holocaust. Ethical issues and imperatives raised by the Holocaust are considered. Finally, questions are raised about how and why the Holocaust should be remembered.

SOC 349 – Sociology of Work     3 credit hours

An understanding of the present design of the American labor process will be achieved through a socio-historical analysis of the workplace. By placing work in its social context, we can better understand the gender and ethnic dynamics within the workplace. Such programs as employee involvement will be analyzed within a social context.
Prerequisite: SOC 100 or permission of instructor

SOC 360 – Criminology     3 credit hours

The nature of crime; its types, distribution and trends. Theories of causation. Analysis of law enforcement, law and the courts, treatment modalities, and post-release situation of ex-offenders.
Prerequisite: SOC 100 or SOC 124 or SOC 250 or permission

SOC 363 – Juvenile Delinquency     3 credit hours

Examines types, distribution and trends of delinquent conduct. Theories of causation; public reaction to delinquency. Detection and referral; the juvenile court; personnel, processing and disposition; treatment and aftercare.
Prerequisite: SOC 100 or SOC 124 or SOC 250 or permssion

SOC 369 – Sociology of Gender     3 credit hours

A course designed to increase knowledge regarding the initial development of sex-roles, socialization for behavior that is appropriate to gender, and the satisfaction of personal needs through interaction with societal groups. The intention is to raise student consciousness of expanding options for future family life, occupational choices and social relationships.
Prerequisite: SOC 100 or SOC 250 or permission

SOC 370 – Sociological Research     3 credit hours

A sociological research project will be undertaken by the class in order to master the basic components of research. The project will be defined at the beginning of the semester and may have components of quantitative and/or qualitative methods.
Prerequisite: SOC 237 or permission of the instructor

SOC 380 – Sociology of Sexuality     3 credit hours

This course is designed to explore the social bases of human sexual interaction. Though we may perceive sex to be a natural and biologically driven behavior, it is in fact, largely shaped by social norms, values, and expectations. Therefore, over the course of the semester, we will examine the variety of human sexual behaviors, as well as the social context in which these behaviors occur and develop.

SOC 410 – Globalization and Development     3 credit hours

This course is designed to explore globalization and development. The class will introduce students to important perspectives regarding globalization and development. The current trends emphasizing globalization in international dialogue will be examined. Relevant case studies will be utilized to further the understanding of the processess involved in globalization and development.
Prerequisite: SOC 225 or SOC 310

SOC 420 – Race and Minority Relations     3 credit hours

Examines the history and status of minority groups in society, the relationship between minority groups and the dominant group, focuses on the causes of intergroup conflict and suggests solutions to intergroup problems.
Prerequisite: SOC 100 or SOC 250 or permission

SOC 430 – Sociology of Family     3 credit hours

A sociological analysis of the family as a social unit. Topics focus on historical changes, cultural patterns, social class influences, group processes, institutional aspects, contemporary social changes and the future of the family. The evolving role of women will be examined for its impact on the family.
Prerequisite: SOC 100 or SOC 250 or permission

SOC 440 – Sociology of Education     3 credit hours

A systematic study of the social organization of the formal socialization process, the larger societal and organizational contexts of the socialization process, and the sociocultural forces and conflicts among social groups in relation to the process. Analysis of the adolescent as a client, the social organizations of the school, and the consequences and outcomes for participants in the schooling process are examined. Contemporary trends, cross-cultural comparisons, and critiques of research findings and reports are examined from the sociological perspective.
Prerequisite: SOC 100 or SOC 250 or equivalent or permission of instructor

SOC 442 – Sociology of Religion     3 credit hours

Examines religion as a social phenomenon and attempts to relate it to other aspects of human social life. Topics considered include the dilemmas of belief and institutionalization, religious movements, religion and change, secularization, and the future of religion.
Prerequisite: SOC 100 or SOC 250 or permission

SOC 450 – Mental Health Literacy and Wellness     3 credit hours

This course presents current evidence-based information about mental health disorders, strategies to recognize and communicate with others about mental health and wellness strategies.

SOC 461 – Deviance and Social Control     3 credit hours

The philosophical assumptions embedded in the theories of deviance are examined and applied in the critical reading of deviance texts. A basic question explored is who and what is defined as deviant by each of the sociological perspectives. Through this examination we will investigate who controls social behavior and the basis of control contained within the theories.
Prerequisite: SOC 100 or SOC 250 or permission

SOC 462 – Sociology of Health and Illness     3 credit hours

This course provides an introduction to the field of medical sociology with attention to physical as well as mental illnesses. The emphasis will be upon the influence of social factors in becoming ill and social factors which influence treatment. Topics to be covered will include: Social epidemiology, health and illness behavior, the health professions, health care institutions, and alternative systems of health service.
Prerequisite: SOC 100 or SOC 250 or permission

SOC 468 – Senior Seminar     3 credit hours

Seminar serves as a capstone for the general degree option in sociology. The philosophical underpinnings of the basic issues in sociology will be examined. Students come to see how the pieces of sociology form a cogent whole.
Prerequisite: 18 hours of completed Sociology coursework

SOC 471 – Special Topics     3 credit hours

Special topics of current research by Sociology faculty actively involved in research projects.
Total Credits Allowed: 6.00
Prerequisite: SOC 100 or SOC 250 or permission

SOC 475 – Internship     1-9 credit hours

This course is designed to give the student experience in a work situation within his/her area of specialization and interest.
Total Credits Allowed: 9.00
Prerequisite: 12 hours of Sociology or permission of instructor

SOC 488 – Research Seminar in Sociology     3 credit hours

Group investigations of sociological problems.
Prerequisite: SOC 237 or permission

SOC 490 – Directed Research     1-3 credit hours

Independent original research under the direction of a Sociology faculty member. Permission and a contract specifying topic and requirements are necessary before enrollment for the course.
Total Credits Allowed: 3.00
Prerequisite: SOC 237 or permission

SOC 499 – Directed Readings     1-3 credit hours

Independent readings on advanced or contemporary sociological topics, to be selected in consultation with and directed by a Sociology faculty member. A contract specifying readings and requirements for the course is necessary before enrollment for the course.
Total Credits Allowed: 3.00
Prerequisite: SOC 300 or two 300 to 400 level Sociology courses and permission of the instructor

WSTD 220 – Women's & Gender Studies     3 credit hours

This course explores the interdisciplinary subject of Women's and Gender Studies where woman is understood as a category of analysis and gender is studied as a system of relations and power. Society's role in constructing gender, sexuality and race will also be explored, as will the idea that feminism is a historical process.

WSTD 420 – Research in Women's & Gender Studies     1-3 credit hours

This course will allow students to pursue their major field of study in relation to women's and gender studies. Under faculty direction, students will read independently, research, and write on a topic of interest. The seminar will meet to share research and to explore the larger issues of feminist theory.
Department Consent Required
Total Credits Allowed: 3.00
Prerequisite: WSTD 220

WSTD 499 – Special Topics in Women's & Gender Studies     3 credit hours

Topics are studied which are not assigned or covered in other Women's & Gender Studies courses. The format of this course will vary depending on the topic, instructor and the needs of the students.
Prerequisite: WSTD 220 or permission of instructor