2007-08 Undergraduate Catalog
Indiana, Pennsylvania 15705
Sociology (SOC)
Department of Sociology
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Credit designation below each title is expressed in (c) class hours per week, (l) lab or (d) discussion section hours per week, and (cr) credits per semester.
SOC 151 Principles of Sociology
3c-0l-3cr
A scientific study of structure and functioning of human societies, with special attention to factors responsible for the organization and transformation of sociocultural systems. Specific course content varies from one instructor to another.
SOC 231 Contemporary Social Problems
3c-0l-3cr
An exploration of some pressing problems currently endemic to Western society. Problems are defined and solutions explored in light of historical, political, economic, social, and anthropological data.
3c-0l-3cr
Focuses on social and cultural functions of language. Particular emphasis on analysis of non-Western languages.
SOC 251 Sociology of Human Sexuality
3c-0l-3cr
An in-depth analysis of a formerly taboo topic, human sexuality. Current information from biological, psychological, and sociological research on human relationships is presented to provide a foundation for self-understanding and societal values.
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: SOC 151 or instructor permission
Provides an overview of the sociological study of deviance. Begins with examining the nature and meaning of deviance or how society creates deviance as social and legal constructions and identifies specific human behaviors as types or forms of deviance. Also examines the major theories or multi-causal explanations of why such deviance occurs. Further describes how society, especially its social institutions and agents, attempts to control or suppress such deviance. Social policy implications of such societal reactions are also considered.
SOC 271 Cultural Area Studies: Africa
3c-0l-3cr
Explores the cultural diversity of the continent of Africa. The first unit examines the historical processes which shape modern society, including the formation of indigenous African empires, the evidence for trade routes, slave trading, and colonialism. The second unit examines the nature of African traditional societies, including analyses of forager and agricultural groups. The last unit covers issues of contemporary development in Africa such as famine and agricultural policy, the status of women in economic development, and apartheid. Reading includes ethnographic and historical accounts of African society as well as selections by African writers on the issues of contemporary society. (Also offered as ANTH 271; may not be taken for duplicate credit)
SOC 272 Cultural Area Studies: China
3c-0l-3cr
Assists in developing an understanding of contemporary China. While the course begins with prehistoric and historic aspects of China, the focus is on contemporary issues presented in the context of sociological theory. Specific Chinese cultural components are investigated, including values, attitudes, norms, social organization, linguistics, and folklore. (Also offered as ANTH 272; may not be taken for duplicate credit)
SOC 273 Cultural Area Studies: Southeast Asia
3c-0l-3cr
An introduction to the peoples and cultures of Southeast Asia. Prehistory and the development of indigenous states in Southeast Asia and analysis of impact of world religions, such as Islam, and Western colonialism. Also examines modern hunter-gatherer and farming societies and discusses contemporary issues in social and economic change, including the “Green Revolution,” tropical deforestation, the struggle of ethnic minority tribal peoples, and the plight of Indochinese refugees. (Also offered as ANTH 273; may not be taken for duplicate credit)
SOC 274 Cultural Area Studies: Latin America
3c-0l-3cr
An introduction to the peoples and cultures of Latin America. Focuses on the prehistory and development of pre-Columbian complex societies in Mesoamerica and the Andes and analyzes the impact of European colonialism on these major regions. Also examines contemporary issues, such as civil wars, economic development, rural-urban migrations, and migration and immigration of Latin American peoples into the United States. (Also offered as ANTH 274; may not be taken for duplicate credit)
var-1-3cr
Prerequisite: As appropriate to course content
Offered on an experimental or temporary basis to explore topics not included in the established curriculum. A given topic may be offered under any special topic identity no more than three times. Special topics numbered 281 are offered primarily for lower-level undergraduate students.
SOC 286 Marriage, Kinship, and the Family
3c-0l-3cr
Sociological and anthropological study of patterns of marriage, kinship, and family life, with emphasis on the relationship between family patterns and other social institutions. Topics include the family and marriage in historical and comparative perspective; worldwide patterns of gender stratification; incest and incest avoidance; class and race contexts of family patterns; mate selection and love; parenthood and child rearing; domestic and sexual violence; alternative family lifestyles; and the current crisis and possible future of the family. Intended for a broad audience but also open to sociology and anthropology majors and minors. (Also offered as ANTH 286; may not be taken for duplicate credit)
SOC 301 Foundations of Sociological Practice
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: SOC 151
Introduces the field of sociological practice and develops an understanding of the relevance of micro and macro sociological theory to understanding human problems. Focuses on applications of sociological theory and methods to the helping professions and especially to understanding the interactional aspects of the relationship between service users and service providers. Also acquaints students with the structure of the human service system in American society.
SOC 302 Clinical Sociological Practice
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: SOC 301
Prepares the student to effect constructive change within individuals, groups, families, and communities. Draws its analysis, diagnosis, and methods from the foundations of sociological theory at the level of intervention with clients.
3c-0l-3cr
A survey of culture history and culture area characteristics of Native Americans of North America. A detailed study of representative groups related to historical, functional, and ecological concepts.
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisites: SOC 151 and second-semester sophomore standing
A detailed survey of the historical development of sociological theory from the mid-nineteenth century to the present. Treats the classical theorists Marx, Durkheim, and Weber and such contemporary theoretical schools as functionalism, Marxian and Weberian conflict theory, cultural materialism, social evolutionism, rational choice theory, symbolic interactionism, ethnomethodology, sociobiology, structuralism, and postmodernism. Students are encouraged to take this course in the second semester of their sophomore year or during their junior year.
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: SOC 151
A study of social and cultural factors involved in various youth lifestyles, including delinquency. Cross-cultural and historical approach used in a review of social norms, social control, and socialization institutions and community-based programs for rehabilitation.
SOC 335 Alcohol and Drug Abuse
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: SOC 151
Examines the social issues and problems of alcohol and drug misuse in American society. Legal and illegal substances are considered, and the causes of substance abuse as well as alternatives are examined.
SOC 336 Sociology of the Family
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: SOC 151
A sociological study of the family from various theoretical viewpoints. Special emphasis is on the contemporary American family. A variety of topics are covered, such as mate selection, power relationships and roles in the family, parent-child interaction, marital satisfaction, divorce, and others.
SOC 337 World Societies and World Systems
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: One of the following: ANTH 110, ECON 101 or 121, GEOG 230, HIST 202, PLSC 101 or 282, SOC 151
A detailed analysis of the evolution of human societies, with special emphasis on the modern world system of societies that began to emerge in the sixteenth century and that has since expanded to include the entire globe. Topics include societies during the preindustrial era; the emergence of modern capitalism in the sixteenth century; relations between developed and less-developed societies in the modern world; the ascent and decline of nation-states in the modern world; the current plight of the Third World; the rise and demise of socialism in the twentieth century; and various scenarios for the human future.
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: SOC 151
An examination of industrial organizations and their environments. Production systems analyzed in terms of different forms of organization, e.g., bureaucratic, power-equilibrium, and worker-participation. Special attention paid to who defines production, how such definitions are legitimized, and how constraints are placed on such definitions by union and other political organizations.
SOC 341 Sociology of Education
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: SOC 151
Examines the place of education in society. Special attention to the development of education in America and its relation to political and economic phenomena. Some attention given to education in other industrial and agrarian societies.
SOC 342 Social and Cultural Aspects of Health and Medicine
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: 6cr in Sociology or Anthropology
A review of the fields of medical sociology and anthropology. Focuses on such topics as health and illness in cross-cultural context, aging, social and psychological aspects of pain, and social organization of health facilities and services. Definitions of limits of “life” and “death” in context of holistic health.
SOC 345 Interpersonal Dynamics
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: SOC 151
A study of the interaction between and among individuals and groups in various social settings. Emphasizes self-understanding, small groups, socialization, social influence and compliance, person perception, collective behavior, and mass communication.
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: SOC 151
Focuses upon the sociological examination of the various forms of labor, employment, and unemployment present in industrial societies. Examines the nature of work and unemployment in the modern era and how these forms are being transformed in the present period.
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: SOC 151
Nature, role, and function of religious phenomena in human societies are explored with special attention to certain critical issues as they relate to religion and politics and religion and economics. Some fundamental modes of religious life including ritual forms and mythic expressions are examined. Other themes such as revitalization movements and processes of secularization in modern societies are included.
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: SOC 151
An introduction to various problems faced in the process of growing older. Attitudes of society toward elderly and social and cultural impact of an aging U.S. population examined.
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: SOC 151
Examines leading perspectives in the major sociological subfield of social stratification. Attention drawn to different ways of ranking people in human societies, issues concerning the distribution of income and wealth, the role of political power in determining who gets what, and the causes and consequences of social inequality for specific groups.
SOC 362 Racial and Ethnic Minorities
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: SOC 151
Examines from a historical and comparative perspective the experiences of minority groups, with special emphasis on economic and political domination, stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination. Techniques of majority group domination and the responses of minority groups are discussed. Various reasons for the different rates and patterns of assimilation are explored.
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: SOC 151
Explores current perspectives on the situations faced by women and men, primarily in the United States. Examines issues such as the impact of sex and gender on socialization, the construction of knowledge, intimate relationships, paid work, family relationships, health, and issues of change.
SOC 387 Social and Cultural Change
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: SOC 151
An exploration of current theoretical perspectives on social and cultural change. Special attention given to planned change at the local or regional level. (Offered as SOC 303 prior to 2007-08)
SOC 421 Sociology of Mass Media
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: SOC 151
Examines the development of mass media as dominant cultural forms within advanced industrial societies in the twenty-first century. Emphasizes critical understanding of the sociohistorical development, the underlying assumptions, and the social implications of the advance of mass media.
SOC 427 Social Perspectives on Intimate Partner Violence
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: SOC 151
Considers the range of theoretical explanations from a social perspective for the pervasive violence between intimate partners. Particularly examines the research on intimate partner violence and the implications of this research for programs and policies assisting both the victim and the abuser. (Titled Spouse Abuse prior to 2007-08)
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: SOC 151
Examines the prevalence, causes, and social implications of physical, sexual, emotional, and neglect forms of child abuse in society. Child abuse is studied from the individual, family, and societal level perspectives. Potential intervention strategies will also be considered.
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: SOC 151
Focuses on the formation of social welfare programs in the U.S., current social policy issues, and debates between conservative, liberal, and social democratic policy analysts. Special attention drawn to various social problems and a range of social policies designed to ameliorate the economic disadvantages of single individuals, single parents, and two-parent families. Also devoted to understanding the relationship between social policy, research, and implementation.
SOC 452 Disability and Society
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: SOC 151
Analyzes disability from a sociological perspective. Includes consideration of historical and current views of disability and a review of related concepts from the fields of medical sociology and the sociology of deviance. Also includes an analysis of the effects of disabilities on individuals and families through the life course and a consideration of related ethical, economic, political, and social policy issues. Emphasizes disability as a social construction.
SOC 456 Field Research Methods
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: SOC 460 or permission
An examination of methods and practice of sociology and anthropology in the areas of qualitative and field methods. Concentrates upon the development of field notes, interviewing techniques, participant observation, etc. Qualitative methods of sampling and analysis includes theoretical sampling and analytic induction. Brief background research into community, organizational, and group structure will also be emphasized.
SOC 457 Computer Use in Sociology
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: Instructor permission
Introduces the use of microcomputers in social science research and practice. Uses a variety of software for clinical sociological applications as well as quantitative analysis of social scientific data. These include client information systems, field notes and downloading such notes, exchanging information between agencies, and statistical analyses for program evaluation and forecasting.
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: SOC 151
An examination of the social context of power and politics, with special reference to such topics as who controls the state and state policy; the role of the state in stabilizing capitalism and protecting the power of the upper class; political activities of the middle and upper classes; and labor, civil rights, and welfare rights social movements in America. Especially considers the problems of conducting and implementing social policy research for social change. Cross-listed as PLSC 346.
SOC 460 Social Research Methods I
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisites: SOC 320, junior standing
First in a two-course methods sequence. Examines diverse research designs used in the social sciences, i.e., survey, field study, experiment, documentary, and existing statistical data. Focuses both on logic and practice of social research. Student develops a research design to be implemented in the second course in the research sequence.
SOC 461 Social Research Methods II
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisites:SOC 460, junior standing
Second in a two-course methods sequence. Student implements the research project developed during the first course in this sequence. Primarily applied research, and students will use the semester to collect and analyze their data and to prepare a final research report on their findings.
var-1-3cr
Prerequisite: SOC 151
A seminar for advanced students devoted to an intensive analysis of specialized issues within the discipline.
var-l-3cr
Prerequisite: As appropriate to course content
Offered on an experimental or temporary basis to explore topics not included in the established curriculum. A given topic may be offered under any special topic identity no more than three times. Special topics numbered 481 are offered primarily for upper-level undergraduate students.
var-1-3cr
Prerequisite: Prior approval through advisor, faculty member, department chairperson, dean, and Provost’s Office
An opportunity to engage in an in-depth analysis of some topic through consultation with a faculty member. A semester project ordinarily expected. Approval is based on academic appropriateness and availability of resources.
var-1-6cr
Prerequisites: Admission to departmental honors program; prior approval through advisor, faculty member, department chairperson, dean, and Provost’s Office
An intensive, focused study involving independent research culminating in a written thesis approved by a thesis director and two faculty readers/
committee members. May be taken more than once to a maximum of 6sh.
var-1-3cr
Prerequisite: SOC 151
Directed readings on special topics in sociology. (Offered as SOC 483 prior to 2003-04)
SOC 493 Internship in Sociology
var-3-12cr
Prerequisite: Prerequisites vary by track. Permission of internship coordinator required. GPA within Sociology of 2.5 or better.
Human Services Track Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in SOC 151, 301, 302, 320, and 6cr within your substantive area
General Sociology Track Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in SOC 151, 320, 361 or 362 or 363, and 9cr (6cr within your substantive area). Note: students who wish to intern in a human services agency must take SOC 301 and 302
Applied Social Research Track Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in SOC 151, 320, 460, 461, and 6cr within your substantive area
Sociology of Disability Services Track Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in SOC 151, 301, 302, 320, 452, EDEX 111
A supervised experience in a public or private organization that extends and complements coursework at the university.
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