Sociology (SOC)

SOC-100. Introduction To Sociology. 3 Hours.

Fundamental concepts involved in understanding human societies. Socialization, culture, social interaction, social institutions, social stratification, and social change are discussed.

SOC-104. Schools And Society. 3 Hours.

This course examines the different roles that educational institutions play in fostering, perpetuating, and challenging inequalities for different social groups in American society.

SOC-105. Social Inequalities And Social Change. 3 Hours.

Examines critical sociological explanations of the causes and consequences of classism, racism, sexism, homophobia and other social inequalities; explores how inequalities are institutionalized, legitimized, and experienced by different groups of people; examines collective efforts to promote social change, including collective action and social movements.

SOC-109A. First Year Experience: Investigating Chicago: Immigration & Migration. 3 Hours.

In this course, the five foundations of the First-Year Experience (Future Planning, Integral Preparation, Research, Self-discovery and Transitions) are interwoven with the field-specific concepts and terminology of sociology. Using the city as a lab, freshmen explore Chicago's immigrants and immigration patterns, actively discovering the complexity and diversity of Chicago as an immigrant destination through readings, films, speakers, and out-of-class experiences.

SOC-204. Sociology Of Small Groups. 3 Hours.

A study of the individual and group relationships in society in terms of the various types of social collectives; primary and secondary groups, crowds and publics, collective behavior and social movements with emphasis on the symbolic nature of social interaction.
Prerequisite: SOC-100 with a minimum grade of C.

SOC-205. Contemporary Social Issues. 3 Hours.

Analysis and interpretation of major contemporary social issues, such as war and peace, poverty, racism, sexism, power structures; critical evaluation of present and suggested programs to meet current problems.

SOC-206. Drugs And Society. 3 Hours.

Review of literature and current research on drug use. Examination of patterns of drug use, drug-related policies and their enforcement, and examination of responses to addiction.

SOC-214. Sociology Of Intimacy, Marriages And Families. 3 Hours.

Examination of dynamics and trends in relationships and families. Areas of study include history of families, changing demographic patterns, family structures, gender, sexuality, reproductive technology, power in relationships, and divorce.

SOC-250. Sociology Of Deviance. 3 Hours.

Employs sociological approach to deviance in society. Origins and functions of deviance; the ambiguous institutionally and socially constructed nature, definitions, and measurement of deviance; the impact of deviance on personal and social identity; deviant behavior; and deviance and social change. Major theoretical perspectives on deviance, current research, and portrayals of deviance in popular culture.

SOC-270. Sociology Of Latinas. 3 Hours.

This course examines the diversity of Latina experiences in the United States and other countries. Students will explore social, economic, cultural, and political issues that affect the lives of Latinas. The course will examine the historical and contemporary construction of Latina identities, communities, and political struggles. Of particular interest will be the impact of social inequalities on Latina lives as well as Latina responses to these inequalities.

SOC-300. Queering Sociology. 3 Hours.

This course introduces students to radical queer activism and scholarship aimed at creating a more just and inclusive world. Using a queer intersectional perspective, this course explores alternatives to traditional notions about sex, gender, sexuality, relationships, family, assimilation and democracy. Students learn to examine how interdependent oppressions (e.g., homophobia, transphobia, racism, classism, sexism) interact to shape the lives of queer and trans people—and straight and cisgender people too. Topics include incarceration, gender violence, homelessness, policing, education, marriage, sex, intimacy, (dis)ability, health and disease, immigration, gentrification and war.
Prerequisite: SOC-100 with a minimum grade of C and SOC-105 with a minimum grade of C or (WGS-101 with a minimum grade of C or WGS-210 with a minimum grade of C).

SOC-302. Sociology Of Aging. 3 Hours.

The aging process, examined from both an individual and societal perspective; problems, potentials, and realities of aging. Topics of study include the nature and quality of relations among members of different generations, age norms, age constraints, and adult socialization as well as historical and cross-cultural comparisons of aging.
Prerequisite: SOC-100 with a minimum grade of C.

SOC-304. Sociology Of Law. 3 Hours.

This course explores key issues and debates in the sociological study of law, legal systems, and legal institutions. Students will analyze theories of law and justice, examine the relationship between law and society, and investigate how law reinforces inequalities and shapes social change.

SOC-305. Sociology Of (Dis)ability. 3 Hours.

This course employs the social/minority group model of disability — the view that the status of minoritized people shapes their experiences in society, challenging dominant societal attitudes about disability and (ab)normality that stigmatize, dehumanize, and/or pathologize people with disabilities. It employs a critical framework that considers how thinking surrounding disability is constructed through social, political, cultural, and economic forces rooted in colonialism, capitalism, white supremacy, and patriarchy. From an intersectional, interdisciplinary perspective and based on knowledge created by disabled people, this course centers the experiences of disabled people, with a special focus on resistance and disability justice.

SOC-306. Women, Gender And The "F Word". 3 Hours.

Analyzes changing representations of women in popular culture. Critically explores Western feminist struggles, commitments, and perspectives with special emphasis on the intersections of gender, race, ethnicity, social class, sexuality, and nation of origin in women’s lives.
Prerequisite: SOC-100 with a minimum grade of C or SOC-105 with a minimum grade of C or WSP-101 with a minimum grade of C.

SOC-307. Men & Masculinities. 3 Hours.

Addresses the central themes that have emerged in the feminist-inspired sociological research on men and masculinities. These themes include men's institutionalized power and privilege over women, inequalities among different groups of men (e.g., power disparities across race, ethnicity, class, sexuality, and nation of origin), and the costs men and women pay for men's conformity to rigid notions of masculinity. In our exploration of these themes, we will discuss masculinities at the individual, interpersonal, institutional, societal, and global levels.
Prerequisite: SOC-100 with a minimum grade of C or SOC-105 with a minimum grade of C.

SOC-309. Sociology Of Racism. 3 Hours.

Survey of the sociological and historical development of the theories of race and racism and the impact these theories have had on the implementation of social policy. Black experience in America is highlighted and special attention is given to institutional expressions of racism in the Western World.
Prerequisite: SOC-100 with a minimum grade of C or AFAM-200 with a minimum grade of C.

SOC-310. Social Movements. 3 Hours.

A systematic analysis of selected social and political revolutions and/or revolutionary movements in the United States and globally.
Prerequisite: (LLAS-101 with a minimum grade of C or MCS-101 with a minimum grade of C) or SOC-100 with a minimum grade of C.

SOC-311. Sociology Of Sports. 3 Hours.

This course examines the ways in which sports are entangled in socio-political, cultural, and economic forces. To view sports sociologically means to investigate how people think about sports themselves, the individuals who participate in them, and the people who watch them. These elements cannot be separated from social norms, practices, and inequalities based on race, class, gender, sexuality, ability, age, etc. This course covers a wide range of topics as they relate to the consumption and performance of sports in American culture and beyond, from consequences, risks, and ethical issues, to community, socialization, and violence in sports.

SOC-312. Sociology Of Health And Illness. 3 Hours.

Examines the social, political, economic and cultural aspects of health and illness. Emphasis on the interaction between social inequalities and health/illness. Topics will include social factors and illness, the meaning and experience of illness, health care systems and providers, bioethics, environmental injustice, violence, and militarism. Also explores the links between patterns of health/illness in the United States and globally as well as activism around health/illness.

SOC-313. Social Demography. 3 Hours.

Population characteristics and population dynamics in a variety of cultural settings; political, economic and sociological implications of population trends, resources and approaches in demographic analysis.
Prerequisite: SOC-100 with a minimum grade of C.

SOC-314. Urban Sociology. 3 Hours.

This course examines population characteristics, social structure, social policy and social change associated with cities and urban communities. This course emphasizes class, race, gender and sexual inequalities and their relationship to gentrification, urban-suburban relations, and urban movements for social justice.

SOC-316. Race And Ethnic Relations. 3 Hours.

A cross-cultural study of the patterns of interaction between racial and ethnic groups, analysis of the sources of prejudice and discrimination; examination of the relationships between race and ethnic relations and patterns of stratification.

SOC-317. Sociology Of Religions And Spirituality. 3 Hours.

Study of the social aspects of religious beliefs, practices and participation. The Church as a social institution and its relationship to social class, social control. Religion as a form of expressive behavior. The function of religion for the individual and for different social groups.
Prerequisite: SOC-100 with a minimum grade of C.

SOC-318. Sociology Through Film. 3 Hours.

This course utilizes different types of films (i.e. narrative feature-length and documentary) to illuminate sociological phenomena. In addition, this course teaches students how to apply relevant sociological concepts and research to film and to the real world. Topics may vary widely, ranging from gentrification to globalization. This course also facilitates critical analysis of film, where students become active participants, identifying ways in which films can uncritically transmit stereotypes, misconceptions and ideologies regarding race/ethnicity, gender, class, social and political life, and more.

SOC-320. Sociological Analysis. 3 Hours.

An introduction to when and how to do sociological analysis of popular and scholarly opinion, with a focus on developing and/or improving communication and critical thinking skills. The course integrates sociological theory and methods and requires students to analyze and critique theories, opinions, and research found in a variety of popular and scholarly materials using a sociological perspective.
Prerequisite: SOC-100 with a minimum grade of C or SOC-105 with a minimum grade of C.

SOC-321. Class, Labor Inequalities, And Work. 3 Hours.

Examines how social and economic relations produce and reproduce class and labor inequalities. Analyzes the intersections of class with multiple forms of oppression; the conditions faced by low-wage workers in industrial, agricultural and service jobs; the impact of globalization on labor markets, labor organizations and politics in the U.S. and globally; and how class and labor inequalities are resisted and changed.
Prerequisite: SOC-100 with a minimum grade of C or SOC-105 with a minimum grade of C.

SOC-324. Power, Politics & Society. 3 Hours.

Centers on the intersection of politics and social change. Critically examines political relations with respect to, but not limited to, the social roles of power, conflict, cooperation, practices, influence, authority, identities, nationalism, and transnational processes. Explains how power and politics structure society to consistently advantage particular groups and disadvantage other groups.
Prerequisite: SOC-100 with a minimum grade of C or SOC-105 with a minimum grade of C.

SOC-328. Extreme Right Groups. 3 Hours.

SOC-329. Sociology Of Violence. 3 Hours.

This course covers cross-cultural examinations of violence. It explores the implications of and responses to violence.
Prerequisite: SOC-100 with a minimum grade of C or SOC-105 with a minimum grade of C.

SOC-331. Militarization, Power, And Inequality. 3 Hours.

Examines the interplay between race, gender, class, sexualities, globalization, power and militarization through engagement with sociological scholarship. Additionally, analysis of the historical and sociopolitical conditions, complex processes, and multiple practices that enable the militarization of a society are examined. Resistance and alternatives to militarization are also examined.
Prerequisite: SOC-100 with a minimum grade of C or SOC-105 with a minimum grade of C.

SOC-332. Schools, Domination & Liberation: Sociology Of Education. 3 Hours.

Introduces the major theoretical trajectories in the sociology of education. Examines the structure, practices and outcomes of schooling in light of their relationships to the wider society in which schools are situated. Studies the links between schools and social inequality, educational opportunity, educational stratification by race, class, gender, ability, immigration, and sexuality. Analyzes sociological perspectives on contemporary education reform.
Prerequisite: SOC-100 with a minimum grade of C or SOC-105 with a minimum grade of C.

SOC-335. Sociological Theory. 3 Hours.

Explores how different sociological theorists make sense of society with particular emphasis on capitalism, white supremacy, patriarchy and homophobia. This course is an overview of social theory including both classic and modern theorists paying close attention to how historical power and inequality shaped “the canon” and the voices at the center and margins of social theory.
Prerequisite: SOC-100 with a minimum grade of C or SOC-105 with a minimum grade of C.

SOC-336. Contemporary Sociological Theory. 3 Hours.

A survey of contemporary sociological theories and paradigms, with a focus on writings that have most influenced the development of contemporary sociological theory and the way sociologists currently approach and analyze their subject matter. The course will explore theories, perspectives, ideas and works from voices generally unheard in discussions of formal sociological theory - namely, the voices of people of color and women.
Prerequisite: SOC-100 with a minimum grade of C and (SOC-211 with a minimum grade of C or SOC-335 with a minimum grade of C).

SOC-337. Sociological Research Methods. 3 Hours.

Emphasis on increasing student's abilities to communicate their understanding of social science research. Focus on learning social science research vocabulary, developing an understanding of issues in the philosophy of the social sciences, learning steps and procedures in sociological research, and using writing skills relevant to social science research.

SOC-338. Environmental Sociology. 3 Hours.

This course examines the relationship between social change, social systems, and the environment. It explores multiple perspectives in the field of environmental sociology, including political economy, environmental inequalities, environmental discourse, and environmental justice, and the intersections of race, gender, class, nation, and environmental disruptions.

SOC-339. Introduction To Social Statistics. 4 Hours.

This course is an introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics which are the basic statistical methods used in sociology and other social and behavioral science disciplines. Students will also learn to use a statistical software package to analyze and interpret survey data.
Prerequisites: ((SOC-100 and SOC-105 and ((SOC-211 and SOC-211 or (SOC-337 and SOC-337) and ((MATH-092 - 499 or (MATH-101B - 147Z or (MATH-148B - 499Z and MATH-148B - 499Z or (ACT Math 22 - 36 and ACT Math 22 - 36 or (Accuplacer Adv. Algebra & Func 237 - 300 and Accuplacer College Level Math 020 - 120 or (SAT Math 530 - 800 and SAT Math 530 - 800 or Accuplacer Adv. Algebra & Func 237 - 300 or NEIU Math Placement Result 30 - 45.

SOC-340. Sociology Of Sexualities. 3 Hours.

Examines sexualities across dimensions of time, place, social institutions, race, class, sex and gender. Emphasizes the dual themes of social construction and social control. This course challenges the binary construction of sex, gender, and sexuality and encourages students to view sex as a positive life force rather than one based on shame, guilt, danger or morality. Explores individual and collective resistance to oppressive sexual norms and practices.
Prerequisite: SOC-100 with a minimum grade of C or SOC-105 with a minimum grade of C.

SOC-341. Independent Study In Sociology. 3 Hours.

Research study in an area of special interest to the student involving research methodology and field studies. Independent Studies require the approval of the instructor, department chair and the College Dean.
Prerequisite: SOC-100 with a minimum grade of C.

SOC-341A. Independent Study In Sociology. 3 Hours.

This independent study covers a sociological research study in an area of special interest to the student. Independent Studies require the approval of the instructor, department chair and the College Dean.
Prerequisite: SOC-100 with a minimum grade of C or SOC-105 with a minimum grade of C.

SOC-341B. Independent Study In Sociology. 2 Hours.

This independent study covers a sociological research study in an area of special interest to the student. Independent Studies require the approval of the instructor, department chair and the College Dean.
Prerequisite: SOC-100 with a minimum grade of C or SOC-105 with a minimum grade of C.

SOC-341C. Independent Study In Sociology. 1 Hour.

This independent study covers a sociological research study in an area of special interest to the student. Independent Studies require the approval of the instructor, department chair and the College Dean.
Prerequisite: SOC-100 with a minimum grade of C or SOC-105 with a minimum grade of C.

SOC-342. Sociology Internship Seminar. 3 Hours.

Taken concurrently with SOC-345. The Sociology Internship Seminar investigates the application of sociological knowledge and skills to an actual organizational setting. Investigates interpersonal relationships, internal organizational relationships and dynamics, and the social context of organizations within the larger community and society at large. Critical examination of the relationships between organizations, social inequalities, and social justice. Exploration of career and graduate school resources and information.
Prerequisite: SOC-100 with a minimum grade of C and SOC-105 with a minimum grade of C and (SOC-211 with a minimum grade of C or SOC-337 with a minimum grade of C) and SOC-335 with a minimum grade of C.
Corequisite: SOC-345.

SOC-343. Sociological Practice And Social Action Seminar. 3 Hours.

This seminar provides students with an opportunity to do service and research in an applied organizational setting. It includes problem solving through involvement and social action research in one organizational setting. As an applied sociologist, the student will learn to produce information that is useful in resolving problems in community organizations, social service organizations and grass roots social change organizations.
Prerequisite: SOC-100 with a minimum grade of C.

SOC-344. African American Women:Feminism, Race, And Resistance. 3 Hours.

A systematic examination of the collective experiences of African American women, historical and contemporary; the myths versus the realities of their everyday lives, including the interrelatedness and simultaneous effect of race, class, gender, sexual orientation and age in their lived experiences.
Prerequisite: SOC-100 with a minimum grade of C or AFAM-200 with a minimum grade of C.

SOC-345. Sociology Internship Placement. 3 Hours.

Taken concurrently with SOC-342. Students will complete 144 hours at an internship placement in an organization chosen in collaboration with the professor. Performance of various tasks under the direction of a site supervisor to enhance the understanding and application of sociological theories and concepts and to gain experience relevant to career and/or graduate school interests. Prereq.: Senior status; SOC-100; SOC-211; SOC-335.
Prerequisite: SOC-100 with a minimum grade of C and SOC-211 with a minimum grade of C and SOC-335 with a minimum grade of C.
Corequisite: SOC-342.

SOC-346A. Writing Intensive Program: Critical Writing For Sociology. 3 Hours.

Teaches different types of critical sociological writing for different audiences through the examination of different sociological themes. Includes library and online research, ASA citation style, organizational structure, thesis statements, summary and analysis, and plagiarism. Fulfills the Writing Intensive Program requirement.
Prerequisite: SOC-100 with a minimum grade of C and SOC-105 with a minimum grade of C and ENGL-101 with a minimum grade of C.

SOC-347. Sociology Of Media. 3 Hours.

A systematic examination of mass media as a social construction of knowledge. Major focus is on the social and historical contexts within which the media are created, the powerful influence of the various media on the socialization process, and the intersections of race, class, gender, sexual orientation and age in the images and knowledge created by mass media.

SOC-349. Black Social Movements. 3 Hours.

Examination of the African American civil rights movement. Analysis of the origins and development of the modern civil rights movement, a movement that emerged in the South during the 1950s. Exploration of organized, collective forms of social change and theories of social movements and collective action. Emphasis on local, regional and national civil rights campaigns; the development, achievements, and disintegration of the national civil rights coalition; and the contributions of the male and female unsung heroes of the movement.
Prerequisite: SOC-100 with a minimum grade of C.

SOC-350. Sociology Of Black Communities. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to explore institutional variation and social change within African-American communities. We will examine African-American populations in different settings, both contemporary and historical, and attention will be given to major traditions of sociological theory and research related to these communities. We will additionally explore the origin, structure, reproduction, and outcomes of racism and white supremacy, and how this relates to labor market processes and outcomes, social mobility and living standards, and major social institutions such as healthcare, education, and criminal justice systems, as they relate to African Americans.

SOC-351. Senior Seminar In Sociology. 3 Hours.

Discussion, critical review and integration of student's work with current research. Preparation of a research paper with ongoing feedback from the instructor.

SOC-352. Sociology Of HIV/AIDS. 3 Hours.

Examination of the sociological aspects of the AIDS crisis. Socio-history of the HIV/AIDS crisis in the United States and globally. Emphasis on how racial, class, gender and sexual inequalities have shaped the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS. Responses of dominant social institutions to the AIDS crisis. Collective action by impacted communities around issues of education, prevention, research, health care and support services. Contemporary issues facing people living with HIV/AIDS including stigma, discrimination, mental health, access to treatment, legal issues, and empowerment.
Prerequisite: SOC-100 with a minimum grade of C.

SOC-358. Sociology Of Youth And Youth Culture. 3 Hours.

An analysis of youth and youth culture including the historical context of adolescence, sociopolitical issues confronting youth and youth culture as a form of social and political resistance. Each topic will be explored through detailed analyses of relevant literature, discussions with professionals who work with youth, and student research projects.
Prerequisite: SOC-100 with a minimum grade of C.

SOC-360. Sociology Of Occupations And Professions. 3 Hours.

Exploration of the historical, theoretical and empirical literature on occupations and professions. Issues to be explored include the relationship between occupations and the family, education, technology and the political environment.
Prerequisite: SOC-100 with a minimum grade of C and SOC-221 with a minimum grade of C.

SOC-362. Identity And Social Policy. 3 Hours.

Critically examines the relationship between social policy, culture, identity, and change. Explores different perspectives on American and international social policy development, identity, and advocacy.
Requirement: noted prerequisites or permission of instructor
Prerequisite: SOC-100 with a minimum grade of C or SOC-105 with a minimum grade of C.

SOC-365. Sociology Of Globalization. 3 Hours.

Globalization is the worldwide integration of government policies, cultures, social movements, and financial markets through trade and the exchange of ideas. This course analyzes the processes that produce globalization and the outcomes of globalization, with a special focus on Chicago. Using a sociological lens we examine the development of globalization and its effects upon nation-states, individuals, culture, politics, inequality, and other aspects of society. Students will critically evaluate the effects of globalization with the goal of becoming engaged and empowered members of the global community.
Prerequisite: SOC 100 with a minimum grade of C.

SOC-370. Sociology Of Food. 3 Hours.

This course examines the relationship between food, society, and the environment. It explores the ways in which social structures and relations affect what people eat, how politics and economics affect the kinds of food that is produced, and where, how, and by whom it is produced. It also examines the social and environmental problems associated with food and agriculture, with a special emphasis on how global capitalism and inequalities affect both.

SOC-371. Sociology Through Service Learning. 1 Hour.

This course offers students an opportunity to acquire sociological content knowledge and develop analytical skills while providing important service at self-selected sites within the Chicagoland area that specifically serve marginalized populations. Students learn by applying course material to their experiences, and reflecting on those experiences. Students are expected to develop a sociological understanding of issues impacting marginalized communities and a commitment to civic responsibility and social justice.

SOC-373. Community Action And Resistance. 3 Hours.

Chicago metropolitan field investigation of community conditions, local institutions and action programs. Field investigations may be broad or concentrate on a particular school or community.
Prerequisite: SOC-100 with a minimum grade of C and (SOC-211 with a minimum grade of C or SOC-337 with a minimum grade of C).

SOC-375. Government Intelligence Agencies. 3 Hours.

A study of the various government agencies which collect intelligence within the U.S. and in foreign countries with emphasis on the kinds of intelligence gathered and the political uses to which it is put. The work of the CIA and the FBI are critically examined.