SOCIOL 5501      Social Theory I
Examines the development of social theory in Europe up to the beginning of the twentieth century, with a focus on its intellectual precursors of social theory, debates over the nature of society, and controversies over the distinct features of sociology as an emerging academic discipline. The major perspectives covered include the intellectual origins of sociological thought in Great Britain, France, and Germany, and the debates as reflected in the writings of Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, Max Weber, and Georg Simmel. Prerequisite: undergraduate course in Sociological Theory. Offered: Fall.
Credits: 3 hours
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SOCIOL 5502      Social Theory II
Examines the major sociological theories developed during the twentieth century and contemporary debates over the nature of society and the nature of our knowledge about society. Theories to be examined include behaviorism, symbolic interactionism, structural functionalism, phenomenology, conflict theory, postmodernism, those that attempt to integrate social agency and structure, and feminist theory. Prerequisite: SOCIOL 501. Offered: Winter.
Credits: 3 hours
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SOCIOL 5503      Controversies In Contemporary Social Theory And Practice
This course critically examines central issues in contemporary debates among social theorists over the nature of society and how it should be studied. Offered: Fall
Credits: 3 hours
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SOCIOL 5506      Colloquium: Research And Dissertation Project
A colloquium of Ph.D. students to be taken during the Fall semester of their second year in the program. Students will be guided to develop their dissertation proposal under faculty direction and exchange their experience. The focus of the seminar is on students developing and refining a research agenda that will eventually result in their dissertation proposal. Issues to be addressed include how to state the research question, how to identify and evaluate theoretical perspectives, how to review the literature, how to determine the methodology to be used as well as the options for data collection, and how to put all of this information into a readable and operational research proposal. Note: Fall.
Credits: 3 hours
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SOCIOL 5510      Sociological Methods I
A survey of methods used by sociologists: selection and formulation of problem, research design, survey research, participant observation, sampling, reliability and validity, use of scales, and data analysis. Crosslisted with CJC 510. Offered: Fall Prerequisite: SOCIOL 362 or equivalent.
Credits: 3 hours
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SOCIOL 5511      Sociological Methods II
Quantitative research is the primary focus of the course; emphasis is placed on problem formulation; research design; sampling procedures; questionnaire construction and interviewing techniques; data collection; problems of scaling, validity and reliability; uses of secondary data sets; data analyses and report writing. Crosslisted with CJC 511. Prerequisite: SOCIOL 362 or equivalent. Offered: Winter.
Credits: 3 hours
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SOCIOL 5512      Qualitative Methodology
Experience in field research and participant observation methodology with focus on the research process including the role of the researcher, data collection and analysis, ethical issues, and the value and limitation of qualitative methodologies. Prerequisite: One semester of research methods.
Credits: 3 hours
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SOCIOL 5516      Intermediate Statistics
A systematic development of the logic and practice of selected statistical methods used in sociological research. Included are analysis of variance and covariance, regression analysis, multiple contingency, and non-parametric tests. Prerequisite: SOCIOL 363 or equivalent. Crosslisted with CJC 516.
Credits: 3 hours
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SOCIOL 5523      Sociology Of Deviance
A seminar devoted to a critical examination of the predominant studies on the subject as well as to a discussion of some of the major forms of deviance in contemporary American society.
Credits: 3 hours
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SOCIOL 5525      Complex Organizations
Examination of the more important studies and theories concerning organizations such as business, factories, governmental bureaus, churches and universities. The communication-decision process, status system, socialization, legitimization of power, and the interrelationships of formal structures.
Credits: 3 hours
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SOCIOL 5530      Anthropology Of Gender
This class explores theories of the social construction of gender in cross-cultural contexts. It will also explore global issues of diversity, local and international politics, the economy and work, education, etc.
Credits: 3 hours
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SOCIOL 5531      Feminist Theories
This class introduces the major feminist theories and their primary authors over the last 200 years. The class takes both an historical (we begin with two millennia of male-centered theories about women) and a conceptual approach (theories are grouped by common ground) and familiarizes the student with both the historical processes that necessitate feminist theories as well as with the breadth of the historically and currently available scholarship. Graduate students are expected to fulfill all undergraduate requirements at graduate-level quality, including independent research components; in addition, graduate students are required to be prepared to lead class discussions. Prerequisites: Introduction of Women's Studies Offered: Every Winter
Credits: 3 hours
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SOCIOL 5534      Spatial Thinking in Social Science
This course will review ways in which social scientists have incorporated the concepts of space, place, and distance into their theories and research. Readings will be drawn from interdisciplinary work in the areas of urban sociology, criminology, health and demography that deal with spatial organization of communities and cities, spatial disparity of health and crimes, and mobility.Generic computer file management skills are required and knowledge of research methods is desirable.
Credits: 3 hours
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SOCIOL 5537      Anthropology of Religion
This course explores the ways anthropologists have gone about studying religion from the opening decades of the 20th century to present. The course introduces students to the diversity of human religious expression and experience through anthropological literature and to the diversity of anthropological expression especially as it has been revealed in social scientific studies of religious life. The course is designed to generate a critical dialogue about the special role that religion has played in the ongoing anthropological engagement with ""other"" societies and cultures over time.
Credits: 3 hours
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SOCIOL 5538      Gender, Work And Social Change
This course examines the role of gendered work and consumption in global social change. Drawing from sociological perspectives on gender and work, this course foregrounds a global comparative analysis of societal development and working contexts, including tourism employment, sex work, domestic work, and agricultural, garment, and informatics production. Graduate students are required to carry out independent research or complete work in the area of public sociology and academic-service learning. Students will write a conference paper or journal quality article from this research. Offered: Every Winter
Credits: 3 hours
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SOCIOL 5540      Urban Social Structure
An examination of the social structure of the American city with special reference to the historical development of American cities. Attention will be focused on the role of social institutions as they have changed in relation to urban problems.
Credits: 3 hours
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SOCIOL 5550      Sociology Of Aging
A seminar in which theoretical orientations, methodologies, and findings from crosscultural and community research in gerontology are systematically reviewed, within a social change framework.
Credits: 3 hours
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SOCIOL 5554      Sociology Of The Aging Woman
An exploration of the intersection of gender and aging issues with special attention to cultural images of women, the development of self-concept and identity in mid-life and beyond, caring roles in the family, work and retirement, and health and mental health issues. These issues are examined within the context of social class, race, and ethnicity. Implications for community programs and social policy are considered. Graduate students will be expected to carry out a research project and to lead a class session.
Credits: 3 hours
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SOCIOL 5556      Aging And Developmental Disabilities
This course explores the experience of aging with a developmental disability or mental retardation within the context or normative aging. Among the comparisons made between older persons with and without developmental disabilities are their demographic characteristics, physical and cognitive functioning, role transitions and losses, identities and self-concepts, and family and caregiving issues. Policies, programs, and emerging concepts of best practices are considered within the context of quality of life, ethical, and community inclusion bases.
Credits: 2 hours
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SOCIOL 5557      Practicum In Aging And Developmental Disabilities
Students gain experience in working with and defining issues of older persons with developmental disabilities through placements in sheltered workshops, senior centers, residential group homes, and other community-based programs. Students must be simultaneously enrolled in SOCIOL 556.
Credits: 1 hours
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