Any experimental courses offered by SOC can be found at: registrar.iastate.edu/faculty-staff/courses/explistings/
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. S.
Learn how to infuse innovation and entrepreneurship into social and civic problems. Students will be introduced to solution-oriented ways of thinking, grounded in sociology, data-driven methodologies, and the design thinking paradigm. Explore real-world case studies and methods in the US and international social contexts. Special attention is given to novel policies, programs, and interventions that address the challenges and opportunities of rural places.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Prereq: SOC 134
Exploration of families and intimate relationships using a sociological perspective, with the goal to help students make informed and intentional choices in their relationships across the life course. Topics covered include family definitions and theories, sexuality, singlehood, dating, cohabitation, marriage, parenting, divorce, stepfamilies, and aging. Relationship quality, communication, conflict, and work-life balance will also be examined, as well as differences in family dynamics by gender, race and ethnicity, and class.
(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.
(Cross-listed with C J). (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. S.
Experiential learning course on how to use data presentation and civic engagement skills to address issues in agricultural and rural policy. Data skills include accessing and analysis of public data, and creating effective charts and maps. Engagement skills include facilitating conversations among diverse stakeholders, generating and prioritizing ideas, and managing conflict on divisive issues. Students will produce short policy briefs and civic engagement plans on agricultural and rural issues.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Experiential learning course on how to use public facilitation skills to address issues in agricultural and rural policy. Skills include ensuring participation among diverse audiences, generation and prioritization of ideas, facilitating discussions and managing conflict, and building consensus to make decisions. Students will practice these skills with relevant stakeholder groups.
(Cross-listed with RELIG). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: SOC 134
Religion as a human construction, institution, activity, and identity. Connections between religion and other social institutions and processes.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Prereq: SOC 134; credit 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 socioeconomic and agricultural changes on farm families, rural communities, and consumers. Past, present, and future trends in farm structures, the U.S. agrifood system, and their social implications including ethics and policy options.
(Cross-listed with WGS). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.SS.
Prereq: SOC 134
Develop a foundational understanding of the role of gender and sexuality in society. Students will explore the biological, social, and cultural meanings of gender and sexuality and their intersections with class, race/ethnicity, ability, socioeconomic status and other identities. Contemporary social science research, theories, and feminist perspectives as they relate to gender and sexuality, and explores gender and sexuality within families, education, the media, politics, and the economy.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Prereq: SOC 134 or SOC 230 or permission of instructor.
Role of under-represented groups in agriculture and the food system from a sociological perspective, with a focus on the United States. Analysis of the status, contributions, and barriers of farmers and farm workers who identify as women, under-represented racial and ethnic groups, LGBTQ, and lower income. Discussion of historical and current issues.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: ECON 101 or SOC 134; Junior or Senior classification; College of Agriculture and Life Sciences major
Explore ethics of policy development and program implementation in agricultural and rural development. Focus in U.S. and international contexts. Identify major ethical issues and dilemmas in policy and programs. Discuss and debate proper ethical behaviors when working with policy-makers, NGOs, farmers, and rural communities.
(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: 3 credits of ENV S or SOC 134
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.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.SS.
Prereq: 9 credits in SOC
Both historical and modern social theories as applied to understanding and researching the social world.
(Dual-listed with SOC 510). (Cross-listed with WGS). Cr. 3.
Prereq: WGS 201 or 3 credits in WGS at the 300 level or above
Issues related to human trafficking and modern-day slavery in the US and world. History of and concepts defining forms of violence experienced by trafficking victims and methods used to recruit and control victims. Students will learn how to educate others about this crime against humanity. Examines international, federal, and state legislation to prevent human trafficking.
Only one of WGS 410 may count toward graduation
(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. S.
Prereq: SOC 134 or SOC 230 or SOC 325
Historical and current agricultural and food policies are studied from domestic perspectives. Governance of agrifood systems by governments and other institutions are examined in terms of rationale, content, and consequences. Social science frameworks are used to assess the impacts of governance policies on agricultural producers, rural communities, and consumers.
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: SOC 230 or Permission of Instructor
(Dual-listed with SOC 533). Experiential learning course on community resiliency and vulnerability. Focus on economic, social, cultural, environmental, and spatial dimensions of communities. Examine impact of local strategies and state and national policies on resiliency. Project-based work with communities and agencies. Applications using data discovery and survey research methods.
(Dual-listed with SOC 544). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: SOC 325 or graduate standing
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 C J). Cr. 3-9. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Junior or Senior classification; 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.
(3-0) Cr. 3. S.SS.
Prereq: 6 credits in SOC
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.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Prereq: 6 credits in SOC; 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 SOC; 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 SOC; 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 SOC; 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 SOC; 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.
(Dual-listed with SOC 410). (Cross-listed with WGS). Cr. 3.
Prereq: WGS 201 or 3 credits in WGS at the 300 level or above
Issues related to human trafficking and modern-day slavery in the US and world. History of and concepts defining forms of violence experienced by trafficking victims and methods used to recruit and control victims. Students will learn how to educate others about this crime against humanity. Examines international, federal, and state legislation to prevent human trafficking.
Only one of WGS 410 may count toward graduation
(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. Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: Graduate standing or instructor permission.
(Dual-listed with SOC 433). Experiential learning course on community resiliency and vulnerability. Focus on economic, social, cultural, environmental, and spatial dimensions of communities. Examine impacts of local strategies and state and national policies on community resiliency. Project-based work with communities and agencies. Applications using data discovery and survey research 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
(Dual-listed with SOC 444). (Cross-listed with SUSAG). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: SOC 325 or graduate standing
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
(Cross-listed with C J). (3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 3 credits. 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, maximum of 6 credits. F.S.SS.
Research for Master's Thesis.
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, maximum of 8 credits.
Cr. 1-8. Repeatable.
Cr. 1-8. Repeatable.