Sociology
Undergraduate Study in Sociology
The Department of Sociology offers course work leading to either a bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, or a minor in sociology. Additionally, a bachelor of science in Agricultur e & Society is offered. The department offers course work for the Interdisciplinary Studies major and minor in Criminal Justice .
Graduates of all these programs will understand and demonstrate:
- general knowledge of sociology
- research methods in sociology
- critical thinking skills
- application of sociology to pressing social issues
- sociological and professional values
- information technology skills
- communication skills
- personal and career development
Graduates understand how social institutions, communities, and organizations work and change; they can examine the causes and consequences of conformity, deviance, and inequality. They can apply sociological understanding of human behavior to practical work situations and everyday life. Graduates can read critically, think independently, and communicate effectively about social issues and social policy.
Sociology Major (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences)
A major in sociology can serve as a liberal arts education; as preparation for various positions in social service and related occupations in business and industry; as background for professional education in such areas as law and theology or as a basis for graduate professional training as a sociologist in academic, government, business, and industrial settings.
University Requirements:
| International Perspective | 3 | |
| US Diversity | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Communications:
| ENGL 150 | Critical Thinking and Communication | 3 |
| ENGL 250 | Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition | 3 |
| LIB 160 | Information Literacy | 1 |
| Total Credits | 7 | |
World Languages and Culture:
| 3 years H.S. | ||
| SPAN 097 | Accelerated Spanish Review | 0 |
| 2 semesters college | 8 | |
| Total Credits | 8 | |
Departmental requirements for sociology majors include the following supporting courses:
| STAT 101 | Principles of Statistics | 3-4 |
| or STAT 104 | Introduction to Statistics | |
| One of the following | 3 | |
| Business Communication | ||
| Report and Proposal Writing | ||
| Technical Communication | ||
| Total Credits | 6-7 | |
Majors must receive grades of C or better in ENGL 150 Critical Thinking and Communication and ENGL 250 Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition, and a grade of C or better in either ENGL 302 Business Communication or ENGL 309 Report and Proposal Writing or ENGL 314 Technical Communication. Programs leading to a bachelor of arts degree will emphasize additional coursework in groups I and III of the general education requirements. Programs leading to a bachelor of science degree will emphasize additional coursework in groups IIA of the general education requirements. Some of the possible fields of concentration are criminal justice, community (urban and rural) sociology, family sociology, sociology of work, research methods and statistics, social change and development, complex organizations, human population and ecology, social inequality, social psychology, and sociological theory.
A program of study that meets the needs and interests of the student and department requirements will be developed in consultation with the major adviser. Programs of study will include:
| SOC 115 | Orientation to Sociology | 1 |
| SOC 134 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| SOC 302 | Research Methods for the Social Sciences | 3 |
| SOC 401 | Contemporary Sociological Theories | 3 |
| 6 credits of 200+ Sociology courses | 6 | |
| 18 credits of 300+ Sociology courses | 18 | |
| Total Credits | 34 | |
In addition to the program of study above, students must select complementary courses that will lead to a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree.
Bachelor of Arts supporting coursework
| 9 additional arts and humanities and/or social science courses | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Bachelor of Science supporting coursework
| At least 9 additional credits in natural science, math, or statistics | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Sociology Minor
The department offers a minor in sociology which may be earned by completing 15 credits in sociology including:
| SOC 134 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Additional 12 credits in Sociology courses | 12 | |
| 9 credits must be 300+ | ||
| Total Credits | 15 | |
At least 9 of the 15 credits must be at the 300 level or higher 6 of these credits must be taken at Iowa State with a minimal grade of C. 9 credits must stand alone solely in the minor.
Graduate Study
The department offers work for the degrees master of science and doctor of philosophy with majors in sociology and rural sociology and minor work for students majoring in other departments. The department offers concentrations in a number of areas, e.g., community studies and development; sociology of families, inequality, food systems, agriculture and environment; methodology; social change and development; criminology; the economy, organizations and work; and social psychology. The Department of Sociology does not offer a nonthesis master’s program.
Graduates have a broad understanding of sociology, address complex societal problems, and communicate effectively with scientific colleagues and the general public in both formal and informal settings. They understand sociological theory, conduct research, and are prepared to educate college students and contribute to public policy. Although the department stipulates no language requirement for either the degree master of science or the degree doctor of philosophy, specifying competence in one or more languages may be desirable in some instances.
The department also participates in the interdepartmental program in interdepartmental majors in sustainable agriculture, transportation and water resources, and interdepartmental minors in gerontology.
Course requirements are listed below. Information about examinations, theses and dissertations, P.O.S. committees and other requirements are available on the Sociology Department web site.
Ph.D. Core Degree Requirements
Although responsibility for determining the student's course work resides with the POS committee, the Sociology Department has core courses that must be taken by all students. A graduate course taken elsewhere can be substituted for the Ph.D. core requirements with approval by the Departmental Officer of Graduate Education (DOGE) in consultation with the faculty.
A minimum of 72 semester credits (including master's degree credits) is required for graduation.
Required Courses for the Ph.D. Degree
| STAT 404 | Regression for Social and Behavioral Research | 3 |
| SOC 506 | Classical Sociological Theory | 3 |
| SOC 511 | Research Methodology for the Social Sciences | 3 |
| SOC 512 | Applied Multivariate Statistics for Social and Behavioral Research | 3 |
| SOC 513 | Qualitative Research Methods | 3 |
| SOC 520 | Social Psychology: A Sociological Perspective | 3 |
| SOC 534 | Race, Class and Gender Inequality | 3 |
| SOC 591 | Orientation to Sociology | 1 |
| SOC 607 | Contemporary Sociological Theory | 3 |
| SOC 699 | Dissertation Research | 8 |
| No more than 12 credits of 590 (special topics) may be applied toward the Ph.D. degree requirements (72 credits). | ||
Ph.D. Minor / Co-Major Requirements
Required Courses for the Ph.D. Minor
| SOC 506 | Classical Sociological Theory | 3 |
| SOC 511 | Research Methodology for the Social Sciences | 3 |
| SOC 607 | Contemporary Sociological Theory | 3 |
| One of the following three courses: | ||
| Applied Multivariate Statistics for Social and Behavioral Research | ||
| Qualitative Research Methods | ||
| Structural Equation Models for Social and Behavioral Research | ||
| And other Sociology courses (at least one of which must be at the 600 level) for a total of 24 credits in Sociology. | ||
Required Courses for the Ph.D. Co-Major
| STAT 404 | Regression for Social and Behavioral Research | 3 |
| SOC 506 | Classical Sociological Theory | 3 |
| SOC 511 | Research Methodology for the Social Sciences | 3 |
| One Course in Advanced Methodology: | ||
| Applied Multivariate Statistics for Social and Behavioral Research | ||
| Qualitative Research Methods | ||
| Structural Equation Models for Social and Behavioral Research | ||
| One Course in Advanced Sociology | ||
| Social Psychology: A Sociological Perspective | ||
| Race, Class and Gender Inequality | ||
| SOC 591 | Orientation to Sociology | 1 |
| SOC 607 | Contemporary Sociological Theory | 3 |
| SOC 699 | Dissertation Research | 8 |
Co-Major Requirements for the Graduate Program in Sustainable Agriculture
The Graduate Program in Sustainable Agriculture (GPSA) develops student competence and expertise in the design, implementation, and evaluation of sustainable agricultural systems. The program's curriculum satisfies the formal requirements for the MS and Ph.D. degrees, as established by the ISU Graduate College, and fosters transdisciplinary and systems-level thinking.
The Department does not offer double majors in sociology.
For admission to the co-major program contact the graduate program coordinator.
M.S. Core Degree Requirements
Although responsibility for determining the student's course work resides with the POS committee, the Sociology Department has core courses that must be taken by all students. A graduate course taken elsewhere can be substituted for the core requirements with approval by the Departmental Officer of Graduate Education (DOGE) in consultation with the faculty.
Required Courses for the M.S. Degree
| STAT 401 | Statistical Methods for Research Workers | 4 |
| SOC 506 | Classical Sociological Theory | 3 |
| SOC 511 | Research Methodology for the Social Sciences | 3 |
| SOC 591 | Orientation to Sociology | 1 |
| SOC 599 | Research for Master's Thesis | 6 |
| A minimum of 30 semester credits is required for the M.S. degree. | ||
| No more than 6 credits of 590 (special topics) may be applied toward the M.S. degree requirements (30 credits). | ||
M.S. Minor / Co-Major Requirements
Required Courses for the M.S. Minor
| SOC 506 | Classical Sociological Theory | 3 |
| SOC 511 | Research Methodology for the Social Sciences | 3 |
| One additional course in sociology, or STAT 401, for a minimum of 9 credits. | ||
Required Courses for the M.S. Co-Major
| STAT 401 | Statistical Methods for Research Workers | 4 |
| SOC 506 | Classical Sociological Theory | 3 |
| SOC 511 | Research Methodology for the Social Sciences | 3 |
| Three additional courses in sociology for a total of 19 credits. | ||
| The department does not offer double majors in sociology at the graduate level. Admission requirements to the co-major program are the same as for the major. | ||
Co-Major Requirements for the Graduate Program in Sustainable Agriculture
The Graduate Program in Sustainable Agriculture (GPSA) develops student competence and expertise in the design, implementation, and evaluation of sustainable agricultural systems. The program's curriculum satisfies the formal requirements for the MS and PhD degrees, as established by the ISU Graduate College, and fosters transdisciplinary and systems-level thinking.
Courses
Courses primarily for undergraduates:
SOC 110. Orientation to Public Service and Administration in Agriculture.
Cr. R.
F.
Survey of public service and administration in agriculture. Exploration of career tracks and career planning. Recommended during first semester of freshman year or as soon as possible after transfer into the department.
SOC 115. Orientation to Sociology.
(1-0) Cr. 1.
F.S.
Orientation to sociology. A familiarization with University and LAS College requirements and procedures. Occupational tracks and career options open to sociology; introduction to career planning. Recommended during first semester of freshman year, or as soon as possible after transfer into the department.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
SOC 134. Introduction to Sociology.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.SS.
Social interaction and group behavior with emphasis on the scientific study of contemporary U.S. society, including issues relating to socialization, inequality, and changing rural and urban communities. Analysis of relationships among the institutions of family, religion, political participation, work, and leisure.
SOC 134H. Introduction to Sociology: Honors..
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.SS.
Social interaction and group behavior with emphasis on the scientific study of contemporary U.S. society, including issues relating to socialization, inequality, and changing rural and urban communities. Analysis of relationships among the institutions of family, religion, political participation, work, and leisure.
SOC 219. Sociology of Intimate Relationships.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.SS.
Prereq: SOC 134
Analysis of intimate relationships among couples using a sociological perspective. Attention is given to singlehood; dating and courtship; sexuality; mate selection, cohabitation, and marriage. Relationship quality, communication, conflict and dissolution of these types of relationship will also be explored.
SOC 220. Global Sustainability.
(Cross-listed with ANTHR, ENV S, GLOBE, M E, MAT E, T SC). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.
An introduction to the key global issues in sustainability. Focuses on interconnected roles of energy, materials, human resources, economics, and technology in building and maintaining sustainable systems. Applications discussed will include challenges in both the developed and developing world and will examine the role of technology in a resource-constrained world.
Cannot be used for technical elective credit in any engineering department.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
SOC 230. Rural Society in Transition.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Introduction to the causes and consequences of social and economic change affecting rural people and places. Uses a sociological perspective to examine social structures, social change, and social relationships within rural society. Topics include community, population change, inequality, rural economy, structure of agriculture, social and environmental impacts of resource extraction.
SOC 235. Social Problems and American Values.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Prereq: SOC 134
Sociological concepts, theories and methods to analyze the causes and consequences of social problems. Social problems discussed may include crime, substance abuse, income inequalities, discrimination, poverty, race relations, health care, family issues, and the environment. How American culture and values shape societal conditions, public discourse and policy.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
SOC 241. Youth and Crime.
(Cross-listed with CJ ST). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: SOC 134
An examination of delinquency that focuses on the relationship between youth as victims and as offenders, social and etiological features of delinquency, the role of the criminal justice system, delinquents' rights, and traditional and alternative ways of dealing with juvenile crime.
SOC 302. Research Methods for the Social Sciences.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Prereq: SOC 134; STAT 101; or concurrent enrollment in STAT 101
Introduction to the principal research methods used in sociology, including survey research, interviewing, content analysis, experiments, ethnographies, focus groups, historical analysis, and analysis of secondary data. Instruction on sampling and the principles of validity and reliability underlying quantitative and qualitative methods. Training in data analysis using statistical software packages.
SOC 305. Social Psychology: A Sociological Perspective.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.SS.
Prereq: SOC 134
Examination of human behavior in a social environment with emphasis on development of the self, interpersonal relations, attitudes, and small groups.
SOC 310. Community.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Prereq: SOC 134
Analysis of evolving theory and research of community as an ideal type, an ecological system, a political economy, and an interactional field; examination of the impact of economic, cultural, social and political infrastructures on community power structures and change processes in a global era.
SOC 325. Transition in Agriculture.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
The impacts of agricultural changes on farm families, rural communities, and consumers. Past, present, and future trends in family farms and their social implications.
SOC 327. Sex and Gender in Society.
(Cross-listed with W S). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.SS.
Prereq: SOC 134
How the biological fact of sex is transformed into a system of gender stratification. The demographics and social positions of women and men in the family, education, media, politics, and the economy. Theories of the social-psychological and sociological bases for behavior and attitudes of women and men. The relationship between gender, class, and race.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
SOC 328. Sociology of Masculinities and Manhood.
(Cross-listed with W S). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: SOC 134 or W S 201
Examination of socially constructed and idealized images of manhood, the nature of social hierarchies and relations constructed on the basis of imagery, ideologies, and norms of masculinity. Theories on gender (sociological, psychological, and biological). Particular attention given to theory and research on gender variations among men by race, class, ethnicity, sexual orientation, physical ability and age.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
SOC 330. Ethnic and Race Relations.
(Cross-listed with AF AM). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.SS.
Prereq: SOC 134
Analysis of ethnic and race relations, particularly in America; emphasis on the sociology and psychology of race and ethnic relations.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
SOC 331. Social Class and Inequality.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.SS.
Prereq: SOC 134
Social stratification and processes resulting in social and economic inequalities; implications of status, class, and poverty for people of different races, ethnicities, and gender.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
SOC 332. The Latino/Latina Experience in U.S. Society.
(Cross-listed with US LS). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: SOC 134
Examination of the social, historical, economic and political experience of varied Latino ethnic groups in the U.S. - primarily focusing on Mexican, Puerto Ricans, and Cubans.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
SOC 334. Politics and Society.
(Cross-listed with POL S). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: A course in political science or sociology
The relationship between politics and society with emphasis on American society. Discussion of theories of inequality, power, social movements, elites, ruling classes, democracy, and capitalism.
SOC 340. Deviant and Criminal Behavior.
(Cross-listed with CJ ST). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.SS.
Prereq: SOC 134
Theory and research on the etiology of types of social deviance; issues relating to crime, antisocial behavior and social policies designed to control deviant behavior.
SOC 341. Criminology.
(Cross-listed with CJ ST). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: SOC 134
The nature of crime and criminology; the concept of crime; statistics and theories of criminality; major forms of crime; official responses to crime and control of crime.
SOC 345. Population and Society.
(Cross-listed with ENV S). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: SOC 134
Human population growth and structure; impact on food, environment, and resources; gender issues; trends of births, deaths, and migration; projecting future population; population policies and laws; comparison of the United States with other societies throughout the world.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
SOC 348. Global Poverty, Resources and Sustainable Development.
Cr. 3.
Prereq: SOC 134
Trends in hunger, poverty, resource use and development. Assessment of theories, policies, and programs to promote sustainable livelihoods, resource management, and development at local and national levels. Examine solutions through institutional efforts and grassroots social movements.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
SOC 351. Police and Society.
(Cross-listed with CJ ST). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Prereq: SOC 241 or CJ ST 240
Introduction and overview of law enforcement in the United States. Theory and research on police history, function, and organization; constitutional issues of policing; and critical topics, such as community policing, officer discretion and decision-making, corruption, use of force, and racial profiling. The course illustrates the interconnections between communities, police organizations, citizens, and criminal offenders.
SOC 352. Punishment, Corrections, and Society.
(Cross-listed with CJ ST). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Prereq: SOC 241 or CJ ST 240
Introduction and overview of corrections in the United States. Theory and research on probation, parole, intermediate sanctions, prison, inmate society, inmate behavior and misconduct, capital punishment, recidivism, correctional treatment, rehabilitation, and offender reintegration into society.
SOC 362. Applied Ethics in Agriculture.
(Cross-listed with ECON). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: ECON 101 or SOC 134, junior or senior status in the College of Agriculture
Identify major ethical issues and dilemmas in the conduct of agricultural and agribusiness management and decision making. Discuss and debate proper ethical behavior in these issues and situations and the relationship between business and personal ethical behavior.
SOC 377. Social Dimensions of Religion.
(Cross-listed with RELIG). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: Prior course work in Religious Studies recommended.
The influence of religion in society, both as a conservator of values and as a force for social change.
SOC 380. Sociology of Work.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Prereq: SOC 134
Inequalities (gender, race, class) related to jobs, occupations, firms, and industries. Satisfactions, rewards, alienation, discrimination, and other topics of importance to workers are examined.
SOC 381. Social Psychology of Small Group Behavior.
(Cross-listed with PSYCH). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: SOC 305 or PSYCH 280
A survey of small group theory and research from an interdisciplinary, social psychological perspective.
SOC 382. Environmental Sociology.
(Cross-listed with ENV S). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Prereq: SOC 134 or 3 credits of ENV S
Environment-society relations; social construction of nature and the environment; social and environmental impacts of resource extraction, production, and consumption; environmental inequality; environmental mobilization and movements; U.S. and international examples.
SOC 401. Contemporary Sociological Theories.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.SS.
Prereq: 9 credits in sociology
Both historical and modern social theories as applied to understanding and researching the social world.
SOC 402. White-Collar Crime.
(Cross-listed with CJ ST). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: SOC 241 or CJ ST 240
Introduction and overview of white-collar crime as a form of deviance. Theory and research on occupational, corporate, and organizational offending; prevalence, costs, and consequences of white-collar crime; predictors and correlates of white-collar crime; and political, business, and public policy responses to white-collar crime.
SOC 411. Social Change in Developing Countries.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: SOC 134 plus 3 credits in social sciences
Social change and development in developing countries; international interdependence; causes and consequences of persistent problems in agriculture, city growth, employment, gender equality, basic needs; local and worldwide efforts to foster social change and international development.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
SOC 412. Senior Seminar on Career Development.
(1-0) Cr. 1.
F.
Prereq: Most of major core courses, senior classification
Transition from student to professional. Career development procedures including self-assessment, short- and long-term goals, strategies for the job search, development of contacts and sources, resumes and interviews. Enrollment preferred in first semester as senior.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
SOC 415. Dynamics of Social Change.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: SOC 134 plus 3 credits in social sciences
Examination of public responses to complex and controversial innovations, such as environmentalism, feminism, stem-cell research, same-sex marriage, large-scale hog lots, and others. Strategies for gaining adoption/rejection of controversial innovations. Applications to topics in agriculture, development, business, and marketing.
Credit for only Soc 415 or 515 may be applied toward graduation.
SOC 420. Complex Organizations.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.SS.
Prereq: SOC 134 plus 3 credits in social sciences
Study of bureaucracies and other large organizations as social systems through the perspective of basis social processes and structural variables. Incorporates topics of organizational effectiveness, power and change.
SOC 435. Urban Society.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: SOC 134 plus 3 credits in social sciences
Development of cities and urban systems; human and spatial ecology; urban transformation, decline, and revitalization; poverty; immigration; homelessness; residential segregation; housing policy; urban social movements; local governance; alternative solutions and planning for cities; international comparisons.
SOC 460. Criminal and Juvenile Justice Practicum.
(Cross-listed with CJ ST). Cr. 3-12.
Repeatable, maximum of 12 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Junior or senior classification; permission of criminal justice studies coordinator; major or minor in sociology, or criminal justice studies minor
Study of the criminal and juvenile justice systems and social control processes. Supervised placement in a police department, prosecutor's office, court, probation and parole department, penitentiary, juvenile correctional institution, community-based rehabilitation program, or related agency.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only. Not more than a total of 12 credits of field experience (Soc 454 and 460) may be counted toward graduation. No credits in Soc 460 may be used to satisfy minimum sociology requirements for sociology majors.
SOC 464. Strategies for Community Engagement.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
S.SS.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology
Project-focused engagement in community issues and initiatives. A broad range of strategies will be addressed, including popular education, applied research, network analysis and mapping, policy focused work, action research, curriculum development, community organizing, and organizational development.
SOC 484. Topical Studies in Criminal and Juvenile Justice.
(Cross-listed with CJ ST). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology and permission from instructor
Thematic or topical issues and studies dealing with the sociology of police, judiciary, institutional and community-based corrections, gender/ethnicity and crime/delinquency, criminal and delinquent gangs, and crime and delinquency prevention.
SOC 485. Sociology of the Family.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology
The contemporary family in developing, industrial, and post-industrial societies. Effects of modernization, cultural change, and family policies on family dynamics, structures, and functions.
SOC 490. Independent Study.
Cr. 1-3.
Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology and permission of instructor
Students in the College of Agriculture must be of junior or senior classification and may use no more than 6 credits of Soc 490 toward the total of 128 credits required for graduation. Students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences may count no more than 9 credits of 490 toward graduation.
SOC 490A. Independent Study: General Sociology.
Cr. 1-3.
Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology and permission of instructor
Students in the College of Agriculture must be of junior or senior classification and may use no more than 6 credits of Soc 490 toward the total of 128 credits required for graduation. Students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences may count no more than 9 credits of 490 toward graduation.
SOC 490B. Independent Study: Rural Sociology.
Cr. 1-3.
Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology and permission of instructor
Students in the College of Agriculture must be of junior or senior classification and may use no more than 6 credits of Soc 490 toward the total of 128 credits required for graduation. Students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences may count no more than 9 credits of 490 toward graduation.
SOC 490E. Independent Study: Senior Seminar.
Cr. 1-3.
Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology and permission of instructor
Students in the College of Agriculture must be of junior or senior classification and may use no more than 6 credits of Soc 490 toward the total of 128 credits required for graduation. Students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences may count no more than 9 credits of 490 toward graduation.
SOC 490H. Independent Study: Honors.
Cr. 1-3.
Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology and permission of instructor
Students in the College of Agriculture must be of junior or senior classification and may use no more than 6 credits of Soc 490 toward the total of 128 credits required for graduation. Students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences may count no more than 9 credits of 490 toward graduation.
Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduates:
SOC 506. Classical Sociological Theory.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: SOC 401 or SOC 505
The origins of the canonical works of sociology in the mid-Industrial Revolution period including Karl Marx, Max Weber, Emile Durkheim and others.
SOC 509. Agroecosystems Analysis.
(Cross-listed with AGRON, SUSAG). (3-4) Cr. 4.
F.
Prereq: Senior or above classification
Experiential, interdisciplinary examination of Midwestern agricultural and food systems, emphasizing field visits, with some classroom activities. Focus on understanding multiple elements, perspectives (agronomic, economic, ecological, social, etc), and scales of operation.
SOC 511. Research Methodology for the Social Sciences.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: SOC 302 and STAT 401
Covers the philosophy and the techniques of research methods in sociology and other social sciences, including the ethics and politics of social science, validity issues, conceptualization and operationalization, sampling strategies, appropriate research designs for different questions, survey construction, and various data collection and analysis techniques.
SOC 512. Applied Multivariate Statistics for Social and Behavioral Research.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: STAT 404 or with instructor's permission
Applied techniques of multivariate analysis includng cluster analysis, principal components and factor analysis, multivariate analysis of variance and covariance binomial and multinomial regression, multi-level random coefficient models, and spatial regression. Conceptual and mathematical grounding for nonstatisticians. Instruction in Mplus and SAS.
SOC 513. Qualitative Research Methods.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: SOC 511
Applied qualitative research methods in sociology. Design and implementation of a course-based research project including data collection, analysis, and presentation of results. Qualitative data gathering techniques using observational, historical, in-depth interviewing or content analysis approaches. Laboratory emphasis on completion of data gathering, analysis, and report writing.
SOC 515. Sociology of Technology.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 6 hours of social science
Off campus and non majors only - offered as demand warrants. Linkages among science, technology, and society. Physical, life, and social science approaches to technology evaluation. Public responses to complex and controversial technologies. Strategies for gaining adoption/rejection of technology. Required in the Master of Agriculture program.
Only one of Soc 415 or 515 may be counted toward graduation credits.
SOC 520. Social Psychology: A Sociological Perspective.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: SOC 305 or PSYCH 280
Examination of cognitive, symbolic interaction, exchange, role-reference group, and dramaturgical approaches. Assessment of contemporary issues in social psychology.
SOC 525B. Seminar in Social Psychology: Attitudes and Attitude Change.
SOC 525C. Seminar in Social Psychology: Symbolic interactionism.
SOC 525D. Seminar in Social Psychology: Self and Identity.
SOC 527. Seminar in Social Inequality.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology
Analysis of racial and ethnic inequality in the United States and the world; focus on the implications of the changing world social and economic order for differences in racial and ethnic groups relative to wealth, status, and power; a critical examination of majority-group domination of minority groups in various societies.
SOC 527A. Seminar in Social Inequality: Sociology of Race and Ethnicity.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology
Analysis of racial and ethnic inequality in the United States and the world; focus on the implications of the changing world social and economic order for differences in racial and ethnic groups relative to wealth, status, and power; a critical examination of majority-group domination of minority groups in various societies.
SOC 527B. Seminar in Social Inequality: Sociology of Gender.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology
Analysis of racial and ethnic inequality in the United States and the world; focus on the implications of the changing world social and economic order for differences in racial and ethnic groups relative to wealth, status, and power; a critical examination of majority-group domination of minority groups in various societies.
SOC 533. Models of Community.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology
Emphasis on different models or frames of reference used in community analysis. Theoretical and methodological tools, current views of community problems, and explanation of social and cultural change are presented for each model.
SOC 534. Race, Class and Gender Inequality.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology
Critical examination of the causes and consequences of social stratification and inequality; classical theories, contemporary frameworks, and recent empirical studies; international stratification patterns.
SOC 536. Strategies for Community Engagement in Food and Farming Systems.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology
Project-focused community practice using diverse approaches and perspectives.
SOC 540. Comparative Social Change.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: 6 graduate credits in sociology
Contemporary theories of social change, modernization, dependency, and development are critically examined; methodological issues identified; supporting research explored; applicability of theoretical models, concepts, and strategies to current national and international needs are evaluated.
SOC 543. Seminar in Social Change and Development.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology
SOC 543A. Seminar in Social Change and Development: Strategies of Community Engagement.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology
SOC 543B. Seminar in Social Change and Development: Sociology of Adoption and Diffusion.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology
SOC 543C. Seminar in Social Change and Development: Technological Innovation, Social Change and Development.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology
SOC 544. Sociology of Food and Agricultural Systems.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology
Social organization of food and fiber production, processing, and distribution systems. Sociological comparison of conventional and alternative production systems; gender roles in agriculture and food systems; local, national and global food systems; perspectives on food and agricultural research and policy.
SOC 549. Sociology of the Environment.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology
Social causes and social consequences of environmental problems. Interrelationship between social inequality and environmental inequality. Social construction and social experience of the environment. Contemporary developments in the social theory of the environment. International and domestic implications.
SOC 550. Sociology of Economic Life.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology
Social construction of economic activity in non-industrial and industrial societies with special attention on variations of industrial societies (capitalism and socialism), economic globalization, and economic development. Interaction of economic systems with human values, ideology, organizations, work and individual welfare.
SOC 551. Seminar in Economy, Organization, and Work.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology
SOC 551A. Seminar in Economy, Organization, and Work: Sociology of Work.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology
SOC 551B. Seminar in Economy, Organization, and Work: Complex Organizations.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology
SOC 582. Theories of Social Deviance.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology
Theory and research regarding causes of and reactions to deviant behavior. Mental illness, homicide, family violence, and property crime are among the types of deviant behavior considered.
SOC 584. Current Issues in Crime and Justice.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology
Discussion of current research and theory in crime and delinquency; topics include the purpose and role of law in social life; emerging theoretical directions in criminology; recent work on specific forms of criminality; controversies in the criminal justice system.
SOC 585. Current Research in Family Sociology.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology
Course presents a general overview of the field of family sociology. Topics to be covered include demographic trends, family theory and empirical research, as well as current debates in the discipline.
SOC 590. Special Topics.
Cr. 1-3.
Repeatable.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology; senior or graduate classification
SOC 590A. Special Topics: General Sociology.
Cr. 1-3.
Repeatable.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology; senior or graduate classification
SOC 590B. Special Topics: Rural Sociology.
Cr. 1-3.
Repeatable.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology; senior or graduate classification
SOC 591. Orientation to Sociology.
(1-0) Cr. 1.
F.
Prereq: Formal admission into the sociology graduate program
Introduction to the department, current graduate student policies at department and university levels, departmental administrative procedures. Required of graduate students.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
SOC 599. Research for Master's Thesis.
Cr. 1-6.
Repeatable.
SOC 599A. Research for Master's Thesis: General Sociology.
Cr. 1-6.
Repeatable.
SOC 599B. Research for Master's Thesis: Rural Sociology.
Cr. 1-6.
Repeatable.
Courses for graduate students:
SOC 607. Contemporary Sociological Theory.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 6 graduate credits in sociology
Provides a review of modern sociological thought, issues, and controversies as they affect current research and discourse in the discipline.
SOC 610. Foundations of Sustainable Agriculture.
(Cross-listed with A B E, AGRON, ANTHR, SUSAG). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: Graduate classification, permission of instructor
Historical, biophysical, socioeconomic, and ethical dimensions of agricultural sustainability. Strategies for evaluating existing and emerging agricultural systems in terms of the core concepts of sustainability and their theoretical contexts.
SOC 613. Structural Equation Models for Social and Behavioral Research.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: SOC 512 and STAT 404, or with instructors permission.
Specification, identification, and interpretation of structural equation models. Techniques include structural or path models, measurement or confirmatory factor models, structural models with latent variables, and multi-level structural models. Conceptual and mathematical grounding for non-statisticians. Instruction in AMOS, MPLUS, and SAS.
SOC 675. Current Topics in Family Sociology.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Repeatable. Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Current developments in a selected field in the sociology of family and the life course.
SOC 698. Seminars in Sociology.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
SOC 698L. Seminars in Sociology: Community Studies and Development.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
SOC 698M. Seminars in Sociology: Criminology.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
SOC 698N. Seminars in Sociology: The Economy, Organizations, and Work.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
SOC 698O. Seminars in Sociology: Food Systems, Agriculture, and the Environment.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
SOC 698P. Seminars in Sociology: Methodology.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
SOC 698Q. Seminars in Sociology: Social Change and Development.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
SOC 698R. Seminars in Sociology: Social Inequality.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
SOC 698S. Seminars in Sociology: Social Psychology.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
SOC 698T. Seminars in Sociology: Sociology of Families.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
SOC 698U. Seminars in Sociology: Theory.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
SOC 699. Dissertation Research.
Cr. 1-8.
Repeatable.
SOC 699A. Dissertation Research: General Sociology.
Cr. 1-8.
Repeatable.
SOC 699B. Dissertation Research: Rural Sociology.
Cr. 1-8.
Repeatable.
