Sociology Courses

SOC-105: The Sociological Imagination (Credits: 4)

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to sociology by examining the cultural, organizational, and social forces that shape people's perceptions, actions, and opportunities. Areas of emphasis include the sociological perspective; social inequality; and social roles, groups, and institutions. (WCore: WCSBS, DE)

SOC-205: Social Problems (Credits: 4)

Focusing on various social problems such as poverty, unemployment, crime, substance abuse, racism, discrimination, gender inequality, sexual inequality, and global inequality, this course utilizes sociological analysis to examine how social problems are defined and dealt with in the United States and other parts of the world. (WCore: WCSBS, DE)

SOC-253: Sociology of the Family (Credits: 4)

This course explores the modern American family--examining the traditions, roles, functions, representations, changes, and controversies surrounding the social institution of the family. (WCore: WCSBS, DE)

SOC-313: Social Theory (Credits: 4)

This course provides a comprehensive overview of social theory - exploring, contrasting, and critiquing major sociological theorists and theoretical perspectives from their initial introduction in the 19th century through their subsequent developments in the 20th century to their continued relevance in the 21st century.

SOC-320: Sociology of Popular Culture (Credits: 4)

This course explores the social implications of popular culture. Focusing on film, television, music, fashion, books, magazines, the Internet, and other forms of entertainment, the course critically examines how popular culture is produced, disseminated, consumed, interpreted, and experienced in the United States. (WCore: WCSBS)

SOC-330: Sports and Society (Credits: 4)

This course explores sports as a significant cultural, political, and economic force in American society. Focusing on both established and alternative sports, the course incorporates a sociological perspective to critically examine how sports are organized, played, experienced, observed, perceived, and critiqued in the United States. (WCore: WCSBS, SC)

SOC-342: Sociology of the Life Course (Credits: 4)

This course examines the life course using a sociological perspective. We will examine the social processes associated with the life course, connecting individual experiences to larger social and historical processes. Life course theory will be used to highlight the following aspects of the aging process: 1) individuals are shaped by historical time and place; 2) individual lives are interconnected to others through social interaction; 3) individuals make choices for their lives and construct their own life course within the context of historical and social opportunities and constraints; 4) the timing of life events shapes an individual's immediate and future life course. During the last few weeks of class we will also explore a number of social issues central to our aging society. (WCore: WCSBS, DE)

SOC-345: Sociology of Sexualities (Credits: 4)

This course examines sexuality from an historical, social, and interpersonal perspective. Students will study the history of sexuality research in the United States along with the major sexual revolutions. The sociological perspective will be used to understand contemporary issues around sexuality, including transgender rights, sexual orientations, modern-day sexual scripts, the sexual double standard, and the medicalization of sexuality.

SOC-350: Gender in Society (Credits: 4)

This course examines gender from institutional, interactional, and individual level perspectives. We will cover a brief history of the women's movement and its implications within the United States. A sociological perspective will be used to understand contemporary gender issues, including the social construction of gender, the intersection of work and family, the social construction of masculinity and femininity, and gendered relationships. (WCore: DE)

SOC-370: Social Work (Credits: 4)

This course is designed for students who are interested in learning about or pursuing a career in social work. Providing a comprehensive overview of the profession, the course will introduce students to social work theories, goals, values, ethics, skills, practices, services, and challenges.

SOC-372: Race, Ethnicity, and Class (Credits: 4)

This course explores race, ethnicity, and social class from a sociological perspective. Many people believe that American society is "color-blind" and equal opportunities exist for all. Challenging this assumption by focusing on the continuing significance of race, ethnicity, and class in America, this course examines how historical discrimination has led to large gaps in income, wealth, educational opportunities, and health outcomes, as well as how these disparities continue to be re-created and reproduced in everyday life. (WCore: DE)

SOC-375: Social Welfare Policy (Credits: 4)

This course examines the United States' response to the needs of the poor, disenfranchised, discriminated, and/or oppressed people of this country. Students will explore the cultural values and attitudes, as well as the economic and political dynamics, which shape social welfare policies and programs in the United States.

SOC-390: Social Research Methods (Credits: 4)

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to research methods including research design, data collection techniques, and methods of analysis. Focusing on both quantitative and qualitative research methods, students will develop the ability to critically evaluate different types of social research, as well as to conceptualize and design their own research project.

SOC-395: Applied Sociology (Credits: 4)

This course uses sociological theory and research methods to explore real-world social applications. Students will work with a community organization on a particular social issue with some practical outcome in mind. This course will allow students to gain a greater understanding of how sociological concepts, theory, methods, and findings are used in practice. Because this course primarily takes place in "the field," it does not have a regular meeting time. Instead, the professor works with the students to identify meeting times for faculty-student interaction, while the students participate in the project according to the project needs and their own schedules. (WCore: EWRLD)

SOC-400: Seminar in Sociology (Credits: 4)

Informal group experience for advanced students to explore explore issues, problems, and innovations in the social sciences field. Requires senior standing or consent of instructor.

SOC-401: Directed Studies (Credits: 1 to 4)

A tutorial-based course used only for student- initiated proposals for intensive individual study of topics not otherwise offered in the Sociology Program. Requires consent of instructor and school dean.

SOC-440: Internship (Credits: 1 to 4)

Offers students the opportunity to integrate classroom knowledge with practical experience. Students will be graded on assigned coursework and evaluation by their site supervisor. Prerequisites: 60 college credits completed (for transfer students at least 15 hours competed at Westminster or permission of instructor), minimum 2.5 GPA, and consent of faculty advisor and Career Center internship coordinator. Interns will work for 42 hours per each registered credit. This course is repeatable for credit. Some majors limit how many internship credits may count towards the major, consult your faculty advisor. REGISTRATION NOTE: Registration for internships is initiated through the Career Center website and is finalized upon completion of required paperwork and approvals. More info: 801-832-2590 https://westminstercollege.edu/student-life/career -center/internships.html

SOC-440S: Internship (Credits: 1 to 8)

SOC-470: Senior Thesis (Credits: 4)

All sociology majors will produce a senior thesis that examines a sociological topic and/or phenomenon through original research, secondary analysis, and/or theoretical exploration. As part of their senior thesis, all sociology majors will participate in a senior thesis seminar (or a senior thesis directed study) in which they critically share their thesis work with their fellow students and/or thesis advisor. All majors signing up for the thesis must have completed SOC 390 (after having first completed MATH 150 as a prerequisite). To take the thesis, all students must have senior standing, a declared major in sociology, and consent of the instructor. (WCore: SC)