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 Agriculture & Society is offered.
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.
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 | ||
| Proposal and Report Writing | ||
| Technical Communication | ||
| Total Credits | 6-7 | |
Majors must complete both ENGL 150 Critical Thinking and Communication and ENGL 250 Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition. According to the university-wide Communication Proficiency Grade Requirement, students must demonstrate their communication proficiency by earning a grade of C or better in ENGL 250. In addition, majors must also take an advanced course in ENGL 302 Business Communication or ENGL 309 Proposal and Report Writing or ENGL 314 Technical Communication with a grade of C or better. 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 and IIB of the general education requirements. Some of the possible areas of coursework include criminal justice, community (urban and rural) sociology, family sociology, sociology of work, research methods and statistics, social change and development, 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. Students must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher in their core courses. 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
| At least 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, Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS)
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| SOC 115 | 1 | Sociology 200+ | 3 |
| SOC 134 | 3 | ENGL 250 | 3 |
| ENGL 150 | 3 | Social Science Choice | 3 |
| LIB 160 | 1 | Arts and Humanities Choice | 3 |
| Arts and Humanities Choice | 3 | Arts and Humanities Choice | 3 |
| STAT 101 or 104 | 3-4 | ||
| 14-15 | 15 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Sociology 200+ | 3 | Sociology 300+ | 3 |
| Sociology 300+ | 3 | Sociology 300+ | 3 |
| World Language/International Perspectives | 3-4 | World Language/International Perspectives | 3-4 |
| Arts and Humanities Choice | 3 | Natural Science Choice | 3 |
| Natural Science Choice | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 15-16 | 15-16 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Sociology 300+ | 3 | SOC 302 | 3 |
| U.S. Diversity | 3 | Sociology 300+ | 3 |
| Natural Science Choice | 2 | Complementary Course (approved Arts and Humanities or Social Science course if seeking a BA; approved Math or Natural Science course if seeking a BS) | 3 |
| Social Science Choice | 3 | Electives 300+ | 6 |
| Electives 300+ | 6 | ||
| 17 | 15 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| SOC 401 | 3 | Sociology 300+ | 3 |
| ENGL 302, 309 or 314 | 3 | Complementary Course (approved Arts and Humanities or Social Science course if seeking a BA; approved Math or Natural Science course if seeking a BS) | 3 |
| Complementary Course (approved Arts and Humanities or Social Science course if seeking a BA; approved Math or Natural Science course if seeking a BS) | 3 | Electives 300+ | 6-9 |
| Electives 300+ | 6 | ||
| 15 | 12-15 | ||
Sociology Bachelor of Arts
Complementary Courses (12-13 credits)
| STAT 104 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| or STAT 101 | Principles of Statistics | |
| Arts & Humanities or Social Science | 3 | |
| Arts & Humanities or Social Science | 3 | |
| Arts & Humanities or Social Science | 3 | |
LAS approved arts and humanities and/or social sciences courses. May not be cross-listed with sociology courses or dual-listed with general education courses.
Sociology Bachelor of Science
Complementary Courses (12-13 credits)
| STAT 104 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| or STAT 101 | Principles of Statistics | |
| Math and/or Natural Science option | 3 | |
| Math and/or Natural Science option | 3 | |
| Math and/or Natural Science option | 3 | |
LAS approved mathematics and/or natural science courses. May not be cross-listed with sociology courses or dual-listed with general education courses. In addition, these courses may be used: STAT 301, 401D, 404, 407, 415, 421, 479: PSYCH 440; HD FS 449; ECON 308, 376; C R P 451 and WGS 402.
LAS majors require a minimum of 120 credits to graduate, including a minimum of 45 credits at the 300/400 level. | |
Students in all ISU majors must complete a three-credit course in U.S. diversity and a three-credit course in international perspectives. Check (http://www.registrar.iastate.edu/courses/div-ip-guide.html) for a list of approved courses. | |
LAS Approved Course List: https://las.iastate.edu/students/academics/general-education/general-education-approved-course-list/ |
Sociology Minor
The department offers a minor in sociology which may be earned by completing 15 credits in sociology with a minimum 2.0 GPA. At least 9 of the 15 credits must be at the 300 level or higher with a minimum of 6 of those credits taken at ISU. The minor must include at least 9 credits that are not used to meet any other department, college or university requirement.
Students are required to earn credit for the following courses:
| SOC 134 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Additional 12 credits in Sociology courses | 12 | |
| 9 credits must be 300+ | ||
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Graduate Study
The Department offers study toward the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees, with majors available in Sociology and Rural Sociology, as well as a graduate minor in Sociology 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; criminal justice/criminology; methodology; social change and development; and social psychology. The Department of Sociology does not offer a non-thesis option Master’s degree program.
The Department accepts applicants for the PhD program from students who hold a Master's degree, as well as from students who wish to enter the program directly with a Bachelor's degree.
Contact information: Jeff Bouffard, Professor & Director of Graduate Education, 204 East Hall, 515-294-6508 or jab088@iastate.edu.
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 graduate major in Sustainable Agriculture, and the interdepartmental graduate minor in Gerontology.
Course requirements are listed below. Information about examinations, theses and dissertations, POS committees and other requirements are available on the Department of Sociology website.
Ph.D. Core Degree Requirements
Although responsibility for determining the student's course work resides with the Plan of Study (POS) committee, the Department of Sociology outlines 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 Director of Graduate Education (DOGE) in consultation with the student's POS committee.
A minimum of 72 semester credits (including master's degree credits) is required for graduation.
Required Courses for the Ph.D. Degree
| STAT 582 | 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 534 | Race, Class and Gender Inequality | 3 |
| SOC 591 | Orientation to Sociology | 1 |
| SOC 607 | Contemporary Sociological Theory | 3 |
| SOC 699 | Dissertation Research (minimum 8 credits) | 8 |
| 14 three-credit elective courses as specified on the POS | 42 | |
| No more than 12 credits of 590 (special topics) may be applied toward the Ph.D. degree requirements. | ||
| Total Credits | 72 | |
Ph.D. Minor / Co-Major Requirements
Required Courses for the Ph.D. Minor
| SOC 506 | Classical Sociological Theory | 3 |
| or SOC 607 | Contemporary Sociological Theory | |
| SOC 511 | Research Methodology for the Social Sciences | 3 |
| One of the following two courses: | ||
| SOC 512 | Applied Multivariate Statistics for Social and Behavioral Research | 3 |
| or SOC 513 | Qualitative Research Methods | |
| Two 3-credit graduate-level courses in Sociology. | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Required Courses for the Ph.D. Co-Major
| STAT 582 | 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 | ||
| SOC 534 | Race, Class and Gender Inequality | 3 |
| SOC 591 | Orientation to Sociology | 1 |
| SOC 607 | Contemporary Sociological Theory | 3 |
| 3 additional three-credit graduate-level courses in Sociology | 9 | |
| A minimum of 28 total credits is required for the PhD co-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 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 Department of Sociology outlines 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 Director of Graduate Education (DOGE) in consultation with the student's POS Committee.
Required Courses for the M.S. Degree
| STAT 587 | Statistical Methods for Research Workers | 4 |
| SOC 506 | Classical Sociological Theory | 3 |
| or SOC 607 | Contemporary Sociological Theory | |
| SOC 511 | Research Methodology for the Social Sciences | 3 |
| SOC 513 | Qualitative Research Methods | 3 |
| or STAT 582 | Regression for Social and Behavioral Research | |
| SOC 591 | Orientation to Sociology | 1 |
| SOC 599 | Research for Master's Thesis | 6 |
| 4 three-credit elective courses as specified on the POS | 12 | |
| No more than 6 credits of 590 (special topics) may be applied toward the M.S. degree requirements. | ||
| Total Credits | 32 | |
M.S. Minor / Co-Major Requirements
Required Courses for the M.S. Minor
| SOC 506 | Classical Sociological Theory | 3 |
| or SOC 607 | Contemporary Sociological Theory | |
| SOC 511 | Research Methodology for the Social Sciences | 3 |
| Two 3-credit graduate-level courses in Sociology. | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Required Courses for the M.S. Co-Major
| STAT 587 | Statistical Methods for Research Workers | 4 |
| SOC 506 | Classical Sociological Theory | 3 |
| or SOC 607 | Contemporary Sociological Theory | |
| SOC 511 | Research Methodology for the Social Sciences | 3 |
| One Course in Advanced Methodology: | ||
| STAT 582 | Regression for Social and Behavioral Research | 3 |
| or SOC 513 | Qualitative Research Methods | |
| SOC 591 | Orientation to Sociology | 1 |
| 2 additional three-credit graduate-level courses in sociology | 6 | |
| A minimum of 20 total credits is required for the M.S. co-major | ||
| 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:
(1-0) Cr. 1. F.
Orientation to Agriculture and Society major. Familiarization with University and CALS College requirements. Exploration of career tracks and career planning. Recommended during first semester of freshman year or as soon as possible after transfer into the department.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(Cross-listed with ANTHR, ENV S, GLOBE, M E, MAT E). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
An introduction to understanding 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.
(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.
(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
(Cross-listed with CJ ST). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(Cross-listed with WGS). (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
(Cross-listed with WGS). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: SOC 134 or WGS 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
(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
(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
(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
(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.
(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.
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.
Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: 3 credits in social sciences or permission of instructor
Status of women farmers, workers, and consumers in US agriculture and the food system from a sociological perspective. Analysis of women’s identities, roles, and gender relations; and relationships among gender, class, race, and ethnicity.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
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 criminal justice or sociology
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. Assessed service learning component.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only. No more than a total of 9 credits of 460 can be counted toward graduation. No credits in Soc 460 may be used to satisfy minimum sociology requirements for sociology majors.
(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.
(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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: SOC 401
The origins of the canonical works of sociology in the mid-Industrial Revolution period including Karl Marx, Max Weber, Emile Durkheim and others.
(Cross-listed with AGRON, SUSAG). (3-4) Cr. 4. F.
Prereq: Senior or above classification; permission of instructor
Experiential, interdisciplinary examination of Midwestern agricultural and food systems, emphasizing both field visits and classroom activities. Focus on understanding multiple elements, perspectives (agronomic, economic, ecological, social, etc.), and scales of operation.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
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.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
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.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
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.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
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.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
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.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
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.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: SOC 511 or equivalent
Linkages between socioeconomic development, space, and community in local and global contexts. Focus on economic, social, cultural, environmental, and spatial dimensions of communities. Presentation of conceptual models. Applications using data and methods.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
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.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology
Project-focused community practice using diverse approaches and perspectives.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
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.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology
Seminar in social change and development.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology
(Cross-listed with SUSAG). (3-0) Cr. 3.
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.
(Cross-listed with SUSAG). (3-0) Cr. 3.
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.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
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.
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology
(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.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology; senior or graduate classification
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology; senior or graduate classification
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.
Prereq: 6 credits in sociology; senior or graduate classification
(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.
Cr. 1-6. Repeatable.
Cr. 1-6. Repeatable.
Cr. 1-6. Repeatable.
Courses for graduate students:
(3-0) Cr. 3.
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.
(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.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
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.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Cr. 1-8. Repeatable.
Cr. 1-8. Repeatable.
Cr. 1-8. Repeatable.