SO 201 Introduction to Sociology
Introduces students to the major theories, theorists, concepts, and methods used in the study of society. Considers a variety of topics including culture, socialization, and gender, racial, economic, and social class divisions.

SO 205 Social Problems
Sociological perspectives and theories are used to study major social problems confronting the United States and the world today. Among these are problems in race, gender, poverty, work, family, education, crime, health care, the environment, drugs, the media, politics, and others. Possible solutions to these problems are also explored.

SO 212 Children in Society
Approaches to understanding children and their social environments. This includes society's response to accelerating rates of childhood poverty, child abuse, the impact of changing patterns on the relationship between parents and children, schools, and the media as socializing agents.

SO 213 Cultural Anthropology
Studies the principles of culture and of social organization through intensive exploration of other societies and of American society, with special emphasis on gender roles and the status of women in different societies.

SO 215 Community and Humanity
Living in communities—small groups where neighbors meet often, share, and cooperate—has been part of life. We explore the nature of communities in different societies, and study and debate the sociological perspective that communities have been declining and disappearing since the rise of industrialism. We also examine ways to preserve and restore community.

SO 260 Peace in the New Millennium
This course will examine non-violent theory and practice from a sociological perspective. Students will be introduced to new paradigms for understanding and resolving conflict on a global, national, and local basis. The course will include both a theoretical focus (by employing sociological methods and criticisms to nonviolent theory) and a practical focus (by training students in techniques of non-violent communication and new approaches to conflict resolution).

SO 301 Social Research Seminar
Applies the major methods of sociological research to the study of an issue, topic, or problem in contemporary American society. The preparation and written and oral presentation of students' individually designed research projects comprise the major part of the course. Prerequisites: SO 201, 205, 309.

SO 303A Oppression, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Studies groups that are oppressed, discriminated against, and stereotyped because other groups exploit them economically and politically and because of cultural and behavioral differences. We study the social, political, historical, economic, and cultural experiences of oppressed groups ("minorities") and we compare these traditional "minorities" to women, older people, people with disabilities, and others.

SO 306 Changing Families
Examines the historical, social, political, and economic conditions that shape family life (love, marriage, childrearing, and so on), with special emphasis on the roles and lives of women in families and society. Also studies various perspectives on the condition of families today.

SO 307A Values, Interests, and Conflicts
Explores the theory that societies, groups, and individuals are constantly in debate and conflict over what is "normal" and what is "deviant" behavior, because of different values and differing political and economic interests. We study this social and political process by exploring historical and contemporary debates on drugs, reproductive rights, sexual harassment, lesbians and gay men, corporate and government crimes, and related issues.

SO 309 Methods of Sociological Research
Introduces theories and methods of social research, conceptualization, research design, empirical tools, analysis, and interpretation. This course introduces students to both quantitative and qualitative methods of research by providing "hands-on" exercises in surveys, interviews, field research, and content analysis. Prerequisites: SO 201, 205.

SO 315 Social Interaction in Everyday Life
Examines how individuals communicate and the sense they make of that communication. Seeks to uncover the taken-for-granted methods we use in our personal life to understand and interpret experiences, events, and objects. Considers differences that result when gender is considered.

SO 320 Classes and the Culture of Inequality
Studies the number of classes in the United States and their characteristics; the influence of class on personality, education, lifestyles, and politics; the relationships between classes. We end by exploring the debate whether classes are inevitable.

SO 324 Juvenile Delinquency
Examines definitions, conditions, causes, explanations, and history of delinquency and the institutions that deal with it. Also explores the social, political, and economic conditions that shape children's and adolescents' lives and actions, and how we respond to these actions.

SO 335 Technology, Environment, and Society
This course explores the social, moral, political, and cultural aspects of technological developments. We examine how technology and environmental issues impact social relationships and social institutions.

SO 353 Aging and Society
Studies the social aspects of the process of aging, the social consequences of being old, the sociological concept of old age, and the social situation of the old, their rights and obligations, and the way they are treated. Historical and cross-cultural perspectives on aging and old age will be used to illuminate the American situation.

SO 354 Women in Society
Examines some of the cultural and social definitions and interpretations of women and women's experiences. Taught from a woman's perspective, emphasis is on social institutions (economy, education, work, health, media, family) that maintain inequality according to race, gender, social class, sexual preference, and the importance of meaningful social change.

SO 355 Sociology of Health and Illness
Explores the role of culture in the experience of illness and the development of contemporary forms of health care, both clinical and alternative forms. The course explores challenging and provocative literature and research in the growing field of sociology of health that point to the critical role of culture in causation, experience, treatment, and healing of contemporary forms of illness and disability.

SO 402 Coordinating Seminar
Draws from and expands on students' previous work in sociology and other social sciences around a topic or problem of contemporary American society. Prerequisites: SO 201, 205, 301, 309.

SO 409, 410 Individualized Study