Sociology Course Descriptions

SOC 100

Introduction to the Sociological Perspective

(3 crs.) Sociological approaches to inequality and contemporary social issues regarding race, ethnicity, class, gender. Exploration of group norms, values, and dynamics; intergroup relations; multicultural diversity; social justice and change; social institutions. (Lec. 3/Online) (A2)

SOC 100

Introduction to the Sociological Perspective

(3 crs.) Sociological approaches to inequality and contemporary social issues regarding race, ethnicity, class, gender. Exploration of group norms, values, and dynamics; intergroup relations; multicultural diversity; social justice and change; social institutions. (Lec. 3/Online) (A2) (C3)

SOC 100H

Honors Section of SOC 100: Intro to Soc Perspective

(3 crs.) Honors Section of SOC 100: Intro to Soc Perspective. Sociological approaches to inequality and contemporary social issues regarding race, ethnicity, class, gender. Exploration of group norms, values, and dynamics; intergroup relations; multicultural diversity; social justice and change; social institutions. (Lec. 3/Online) Pre: Overall GPA of 3.4 or higher. (A2)

SOC 140X

Anti-Black Racism and White Supremacy

(1 cr.) Cross-listed (SOC), APG 140X. Examine key causes and consequences of anti-black racism and white supremacy in the United States. Reflect and engage with a learning community on these issues. (Online) S/U only.

SOC 200

Topics in Sociology

(3 crs.) Critical study of selected topics from a sociological perspective. Subject will vary according to the expertise of instructor. (Lec. 3) May be repeated with a different topic for a total of 6 credits.

SOC 204

Social Psychology

(3 crs.) Examination of the social basis of self and behavior; emphasis on identity, motivation, attitude, social role, and the symbolic in social life. (Lec. 3)

SOC 212

Sociology of the Family

(3 crs.) Examines the role of families in maintaining and changing society. Emphasis on demographic and historical changes in families, diversity of family structures and connections between the family and other institutions. (Lec. 3/Online) (A2)

SOC 224

Health, Illness, and Medical Care

(3 crs.) Introduction to social factors in the occurrence, distribution, and treatment of illness in society; critical analysis of the social organization of medicine in contemporary American society. (Lec. 3) (A2) (C3)

SOC 224H

Honors Section of SOC 224: Health, Illness, and Medical Care

(3 crs.) Honors Section of SOC 224: Health, Illness, and Medical Care. Introduction to social factors in the occurrence, distribution, and treatment of illness in society; critical analysis of the social organization of medicine in contemporary American society. (Lec. 3) (A2) (C3)

SOC 230

Crime and Delinquency

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (SOC), CCJ 230. Survey of the extent, distribution, trends and costs of delinquency and crime in the United States; examination of selected types of crime and delinquency; policy implications. (Lec. 3/Online) (A2)

SOC 230

Crime and Delinquency

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (SOC), CCJ 230. Introduction to the study of crime and delinquency. Examines the meanings, perceptions, and measurement of crime. Survey of major theoretical explanations and their role in understanding crime patterns and policies. (Lec. 3/Online) (A2)

SOC 230H

Honors Section of SOC/CCJ 230: Crime and Delinquency

(3 crs.) Honors Section of SOC/CCJ 230: Crime and Delinquency. Cross-listed as (SOC), CCJ 230. Survey of the extent, distribution, trends and costs of delinquency and crime in the United States; examination of selected types of crime and delinquency; policy implications. (Lec. 3/Online) (A2)

SOC 240

Race and Ethnicity

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (SOC), AAF 240. Relations among the various ethnic, religious, racial, and political minorities and majorities, with special reference to the United States. (Lec. 3) (C3) (A2)

SOC 242

Sex and Gender

(3 crs.) Explores sex and gender through a critical lens focused on social construction and institutions. Critically analyzes how gender organizes and impacts everyday life in the US. (Lec. 3/Online) (A2) (C3)

SOC 250

Social Movements and Change

(3 crs.) A foundational course that examines theoretical and empirical explanations for social change through social movements, collective action and policy. Focus is on contemporary and historical inequalities and social justice. (Online) Pre: SOC 100. (C3)

SOC 290

Bridge to the Sociology Major

(3 crs.) Bridges introductory content with the more advanced theoretical and methodological content of upper-level courses. Reinforces academic skills for success in later courses. Introduces major and career options. (Lec. 3/Online) Pre: Two 100-200 level SOC courses, open only to SOC majors, or permission of instructor. (A2)

SOC 301

(440) Sociological Research Methods

(3 crs.) Scientific method in sociological research; learn to construct and evaluate data-based arguments; topics include the nature of evidence, research design, principles and techniques of sampling, data collection and interpretation. (Lec. 3) Pre: Two 100-200 level SOC courses, open only to SOC and CCJ majors, or permission of instructor. Students may not take SOC 301 and SOC 440.

SOC 303

Immersion in Juvenile Social and Legal Justice

(3 crs.) Experiential J-term course explores social and legal justice for juveniles in RI. Practice applying sociological concepts to analyze agency goals and programming efforts, exploration of career and internship opportunities. (Practicum) Pre: SOC 100 and permission of instructor.

SOC 303

Immersion in Juvenile Social and Legal Justice

(3 crs.) Experiential course explores social and legal justice for juveniles in RI. Practice applying sociological concepts to analyze agency goals and programming efforts, exploration of career and internship opportunities. (Practicum) Pre: Permission of instructor.

SOC 308

Sustainable Agriculture and Food Cultures

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (APG), SOC, GWS 308. Comparative study of sustainable food systems and cultures focusing on the sociocultural dynamics of production, distribution, and consumption. Areas include comparative food systems, indigenous food cultures, gender and food, food equity, and food movements. (Lec. 3) Pre: sophomore standing.

SOC 308H

Honors Section of APG/SOC/GWS 308: Sustainable Agriculture and Food Cultures

(3 crs.) Honors Section of APG/SOC/GWS 308: Sustainable Agriculture and Food Cultures. (Lec. 3) Pre: 3.40 overall gpa and sophomore standing.

SOC 329

Contemporary Mexican Society

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (SOC), APG 329. Examines the social, political, economic, and cultural dimensions of contemporary Mexico. Demographic composition, economic and political development, civil society and women's political participation, indigenous issues and rights, U.S.-Mexico relations and bilateral issues, and human rights. (Lec. 3) Pre: SOC course at the 200-level or APG 203.

SOC 333

(250) Social Movements and Change

(3 crs.) A foundational course that examines theoretical and empirical explanations for social change through social movements, collective action and policy. Focus is on contemporary and historical inequalities and social justice. (Lec. 3/Online) Pre: Completed two 100-200 level Sociology courses, or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit in SOC 250. (C3)

SOC 336

Social Inequality

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (SOC), AAF 336. Dimensions and dynamics of inequality in society; concepts of class, status, race, ethnicity and gender; foundational theories of inequality; intersecting systems of inequality, including race, class, gender, citizenship and sexuality. (Lec. 3) Pre: one 100- or 200-level sociology course.

SOC 336

Social Inequality

(3 crs.) Cross-listed with (SOC) AAF 336. Examines dimensions and dynamics of inequality and implicit bias in social systems. Foundational theories of class, status, race, ethnicity, gender, citizenship, sexuality, and intersectionality. (Lec. 3) Pre: Two 100-200 level SOC courses, or permission of instructor.

SOC 340

Environmental Sociology

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (MAF) SOC 340. Introduction to environmental sociology, which studies the human-nature relationship and underlying causes of environmental problems. Particular attention given to applications of theory to marine and coastal issues. (Lec. 3) Pre: SOC 100 or MAF 100.

SOC 350

Work and Family Life

(3 crs.) Linkages between economic and family institutions. Effects of work on family and of family on work. Historical development of the linkages. Contemporary effects due to men's decreasing and women's increasing labor force participation. (Lec. 3) Pre: 3 credits in SOC or HDF.

SOC 350

Work and Family Life

(3 crs.) Linkages between economic and family institutions. Effects of work on family and of family on work. Historical development of the linkages. Contemporary effects due to men's decreasing and women's increasing labor force participation. (Lec. 3) Pre: Two 100-200 level SOC courses, or permission of instructor.

SOC 360

(460) Quantitative Methods in Sociology

(3 crs.) Introduces students to the basics of quantitative methods in sociology. Teaches techniques that sociologists and other social scientists use to summarize quantitative data obtained from empirical research. (Seminar) Pre: Two 100-200 level SOC courses, open only to SOC majors, or permission of instructor.

SOC 377

Undergraduate Teaching Experience in Anthropology/Sociology

(1-3 crs.) Cross-listed as (APG), SOC 377. Introduces students to various aspects of college level teaching while working under the supervision of course instructors and/or faculty members in Anthropology or Sociology. (Practicum 1-3) Pre: Permission of instructor. Not for major credit. S/U only.

SOC 395

(401) History of Sociological Thought

(3 crs.) Examination of the basic questions and issues that have been the focus of sociological thought; critical analysis of theoretical sociology with an emphasis on the contributions of sociological theory to understanding the structures and problems of modern society. (Lec. 3) Pre: SOC 100 and 6 credits in sociology. Open only to sociology majors.

SOC 395

History of Sociological Thought

(3 crs.) Examination of the basic questions and issues that have been the focus of sociological thought; critical analysis of theoretical sociology with an emphasis on the contributions of sociological theory to understanding the structures and problems of modern society. (Lec. 3) Pre: SOC 290 and one 300 level SOC course, open only to majors, or permission of instructor

SOC 400

(300) Advanced Topics In Sociology

(3 crs.) Critical study of advanced selected topics. Subject varies according to the expertise of instructor. (Lec. 3) Pre: minimum 12 credits in sociology including SOC 395 and 440 or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit with different topic.

SOC 400

Advanced Topics In Sociology

(3 crs.) Critical study of advanced selected topics. Subject varies according to the expertise of instructor. (Lec. 3) Pre: SOC 301 and 395, or permission of instructor. May be taken 3 times with a different topic for a maximum of 9 credits.

SOC 413

Gender Inequality

(3 crs.) Development of gender inequality. Critique of various theories explaining inequality. Sociological interpretation of theories of gender. (Seminar) Pre: SOC 242 or permission of instructor.

SOC 413

Gender Inequality

(3 crs.) Examine development of gender inequality. Critique of various theories explaining inequality. Sociological interpretation of theories of gender and intersectionality. (Seminar) Pre: SOC 242 and one 300 level SOC course, or permission of instructor.

SOC 415

Migration in the Americas

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (APG), SOC 415. Contemporary trends in migration in the Americas with a focus on migratory flows from Latin America to the United States. Migration theories, unauthorized migration, anti-immigration discourses, inter-migration in Latin America, gender dynamics, transnationalism, refugees and the internally displaced, and immigration policies in the Americas. (Lec. 3) Pre: open only to juniors, seniors, and graduate students.

SOC 415

Migration in the Americas

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (APG), SOC 415. Contemporary trends with a focus on migratory Latin Americans to the United States. Migration theories, unauthorized migration, anti-immigration discourses, gender dynamics, transnationalism, the internally displaced, and immigration policies. (Lec. 3) Pre: One 300 level SOC or APG course, or permission of instructor.

SOC 420

Family Violence

(3 crs.) Surveys the extent, distribution, trends, and costs of physical, emotional, and economic forms of family violence at individual, dyadic, and cultural levels. (Seminar) Pre: SOC or CCJ major, junior or senior standing or permission of instructor. Approved for graduate credit.

SOC 420

Family Violence, Victimization, and Trauma

(3 crs.) Surveys the extent, distribution, trends, and costs of physical, emotional, and economic forms of family violence, state neglect, and victimization/trauma at individual, dyadic, and cultural levels. Approach is multidisciplinary. (Seminar) Pre: junior or senior standing or permission of instructor. Approved for graduate credit.

SOC 420

Family Violence, Victimization, and Trauma

(3 crs.) Surveys the extent, distribution, trends, and costs of physical, emotional, and economic forms of family violence, state neglect, and victimization/trauma at individual, dyadic, and cultural levels. Approach is multidisciplinary. (Seminar) Pre: One 300 level SOC course, or permission of instructor. Approved for graduate credit.

SOC 428

Institutional Racism

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (SOC), AAF 428. Critically examines the origin, nature, and consequences of institutional racism in the US. (Seminar) Pre: one 300-level sociology course or permission of instructor.

SOC 430

Intimate Relationships

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (SOC), PSY 430. Examination of the effects of cultural, social, and psychological processes on the development, maintenance, and dissolution of intimate relationships. Emphasis on friendship patterns, dating and marital relationships, intimacy in nontraditional relationships. Emphasis on research. (Lec. 3) Pre: any 100- or 200-level course in sociology or PSY 113 or permission of instructor. Not for graduate credit.

SOC 430

Intimate Relationships

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (SOC) PSY 430. Examination of cultural, social, and psychological processes on development, maintenance, and dissolution of intimate relationships. Emphasis on friendship patterns, dating and marital relationships, intimacy in nontraditional relationships. Emphasis on research. (Lec. 3) Pre: One 300 level SOC or 300 level PSY course, or permission of instructor.

SOC 431

Families and Aging

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (HDF), SOC 431. An analysis of families and interpersonal relationships of older adults. With attention to social, psychological, cultural, economic, and political factors. (Lec. 3) Pre: HDF 202 or SOC 440.

SOC 431

Families and Aging

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (HDF), SOC 431. An analysis of families and interpersonal relationships of older adults. With attention to social, psychological, cultural, economic, and political factors. (Lec. 3) Pre: HDF 202 or SOC 301, or permission of instructor.

SOC 432

Work, Employment, and Society

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (SOC), LHR 432. Explores the workplace and employment relations from a sociological perspective. Topics include work systems, worker alienation and organization, occupational identity, and the impacts of immigration, diversity, and globalization on the workplace. (Lec. 3) Pre: SOC 100 or permission of instructor.

SOC 432

Work, Employment, and Society

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (SOC), LHR 432. Explores workplace and employment relations from a sociological perspective. Topics include work systems, worker alienation and organization, occupational identity, and the impacts of immigration, diversity, and globalization on the workplace. (Lec. 3) Pre: One 300 level SOC course, or permission of instructor.

SOC 437

Law and Families in the United States

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (HDF), SOC 437. Seminar to investigate family roles, relationships, rights, and responsibilities as defined by the law. Emphasis on explicit and implicit family policy revealed in the various branches of law. (Seminar) Pre: HDF 200 and 230 or SOC 212.

SOC 438

Aging In Society

(3 crs.) Analysis of the use of age in assigning roles, age changes over the life course, and the implications of demographic changes for societies. Emphasis upon theories of aging, the status and power of the aged, and relations between age groups. (Lec. 3) Pre: 6 credits in sociology or permission of instructor.

SOC 438

Aging In Society

(3 crs.) The use of age in assigning roles, age changes over the life course, and the implications of demographic changes; theories of aging, status and power, and relations between age groups. (Lec. 3) Pre: One 300 level SOC course, or permission of instructor.

SOC 440

Sociological Research Methods

(3 crs.) Scientific method in sociological research; emphasis on the development of the ability to construct and evaluate data-based arguments; topics include the nature of evidence, research design, principles and techniques of sampling, data collection and interpretation. (Lec. 3) Pre: 9 credits in SOC. Open only to SOC or CCJ majors with junior or senior standing, or permission of instructor.

SOC 452

Class and Power

(3 crs.) Critically analyzes class-based identities and inequalities in contemporary societies. (Lec. 3) Pre: 6 credits in SOC.

SOC 452

Class and Power

(3 crs.) Critically analyzes class-based identities and inequalities in contemporary societies. (Lec. 3) Pre: One 300 level SOC course, or permission of instructor.

SOC 460

Quantitative Methods in Sociology

(3 crs.) Introduces students to the basic of quantitative methods in sociology � techniques that sociologists and other social scientists use to summarize quantitative data obtained from empirical research. (Seminar) Pre: sociology major; 9 credits in Sociology. Not for graduate credit.

SOC 475G

Global Perspectives on Reproduction

(3 crs.) Cross-list with (SOC), APG, GWS 475G. Explores the impact of inequalities of race, class, age, gender and sexuality on global variations in contraception, fertility, childbirth, and parenthood, and the ethical issues and social forces affecting reproduction. (Seminar) Pre: 300-level coursework in sociology, anthropology, gender and women's studies, or health studies; or permission of the instructor. (A2) (C2)

SOC 477

Field Experience in Sociology

(3-6 crs.) Field experience in an approved government agency or non-profit organization; practice in applying sociological concepts and methods to the analysis of problems faced by the agency and/or its clients, exploration of career opportunities. (Practicum) Service Learning. Pre: Junior or senior standing and 6 credits in SOC beyond 100. Open only to SOC or CCJ majors and permission of instructor. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. Not for graduate credit.

SOC 477

Field Experience in Sociology

(3-6 crs.) Field experience in an approved government agency or non-profit; apply sociological concepts and methods to problems faced by the agency and/or its clients, exploration of career opportunities (Practicum) Service Learning. Pre: By permission of instructor only. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. S/U only.

SOC 495

Capstone in Sociology

(3 crs.) Integration and application of students' sociological knowledge and skills by examining their education from a sociological perspective. Reflexive analyses of higher education and students' preparation for participation in work and democracy. (Seminar) Pre: senior standing; open only to sociology majors. Not for graduate credit. (D1)

SOC 495

Capstone in Sociology

(3 crs.) Integration/application of students' sociological knowledge and skills by examining their education from a sociological perspective. Reflexive analyses of higher education and students' preparation for participation in work and democracy. (Lec. 3/Online) Pre: SOC 290 and one 300 level SOC course, open only to SOC majors, or permission of instructor. (D1)

SOC 498

Independent Study

(3 crs.) Areas of special research not covered in other courses. May be taken as honors courses. (Independent Study) Pre: one 300-level sociology course and permission of instructor.

SOC 499

Independent Study

(3 crs.) Areas of special research not covered in other courses. May be taken as honors courses. (Independent Study) Pre: one 300-level sociology course and permission of instructor.

SOC 505

Public Program Evaluation

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (PSC), SOC 505. Research design and methodologies associated with the evaluation of governmental programs and activities. (Lec. 3) Pre: STA 308 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

SOC 595

Environment and Development Economics

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (EEC), MAF, PSC, SOC 595. Application of economic principles and research methods to understand the economics of environmental and natural resource management and poverty alleviation. (Lec. 3) Pre: EEC 528 or permission of instructor.