Major in Sociology | Course Descriptions
Chair: Alessandro Bonanno (936) 294-1488;
Faculty: Jin Young Choi, Douglas Constance, Mary Ann Davis, Furjen Deng, Karen Douglas Manges, Amy Kirk, Lee Miller, Gene Theodori
Information: Ms. Janice Jordan (936) 294-1512ä; jrj004@shsu.edu AB1 311
Website: www.shsu.edu/~soc_www/
Sociology is the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations, and societies, and how people interact within these contexts. The subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to the hostile mob, from organized crime to religious cults, from the divisions of race, gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture, and from the sociology
of the environment to the sociology of sports. Because sociology addresses the most challenging issues of our time, it is a rapidly expanding field whose potential is tapped by those who craft policies and create programs.
The Department of Sociology’s mission is to acquire and disseminate knowledge on social life, social change and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. SHSU Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations, and societies and how people interact within these contexts. The primary objective of the curriculum is to provide students with the scientific tools to understand the functioning of society and study and understand social phenomena. The Department focuses on the study of the globalization, community and health.
• BA in Sociology
• BS in Sociology
• The Sociology Department is considered one of the prominent departments for the study of
Globalization in the nation
• Members of the Sociology Department regularly publish in important scientific journals
• Members of the Sociology Department occupy leadership positions in professional organizations
domestically and internationally
• Psychology
• Political Science
• Criminal Justice
• English
• History
• Communication Studies
• Health Education
• Middle Eastern Studies [please note that this minor is in part offered by the Sociology Department
and its description is available under the Department of Foreign Languages
Sociology graduates find successful employment in the private sector (management, human resources, public relations), public sectors (Federal, State and Local Government agencies) and in non-profit organizations (NGOs) particularly in the areas of social services and analysis of social trends.
Students in the Sociology Club are introduced to the profession of Sociology through activities including research opportunities, volunteer work, organization of special events, participation in professional meetings, and programs highlighting speakers of note in the many interest areas of Sociology. The Sociology Club also actively supports the Sociology Scholarship fund.
Students with an interest in Sociology may take courses abroad through the SHSU Field School in Italy. Further information is available at the website: www.shsu.edu/~soc_www/italy/. Internship possibilities include work with the City of Huntsville and social services organizations throughout the area.
The department offers the Sociology Scholarship. For information contact the department or visit the departmental website.
Students must successful complete SOC 131 before taking additional sociological courses with the exception of SOC 168 and SOC 462. In order to graduate with a Sociology major or minor, students must successfully complete all the Sociology requirements with a 2.5 GPA.
Students receive instruction in classical and contemporary sociological theory, qualitative and quantitative techniques of sociological investigation, and major substantive areas in the field. The primary objective of the curriculum is to provide students with the scientific tools to understand the functioning of society, study social phenomena, and acquire the necessary skills to enter the global labor market. The department focuses on the study of the Globalization of the Economy
and Society. Students are encouraged to participate in research projects and extra-curricular activities designed to foster critical sociological thinking and knowledge of today’s world.
Instruction in general sociology is complemented by specialization in three substantive areas. Students can select to concentrate their undergraduate curriculum in Change, Economy and Society; Culture and Social Institutions; or Inequality and Society. Change, Economy and Society explores the relationships between society and the economy, patterns of change in the global society, the environment, social movements, and the organization of urban and rural societies. Culture
and Social Institutions focuses on culture, social institutions such as the family and religion, and courses which analyze the most relevant social problems in today’s society. Inequality and Society examines social inequality, gender and inequality, age and inequality, race and ethnic inequality,
and complex organizations.
Core Courses and Areas of Specialization
Core Courses: SOC 131, 343, 366, 386, 499
Areas Of Specialization:
• Change, Economy and Society: SOC 336, 337, 376, 384, 392, 438, 476
• Culture and Social Institutions: SOC 264, 266, 365, 378, 381, 462, 468
• Inequality and Society: SOC 168, 333, 335, 364, 465, 477
Required Courses for Major
The Sociology Bachelor of Arts major requires a total of 31 hours in Sociology and should be
distributed as follows:
Required courses: SOC 131, 343, 366, 386, 499 16hrs.
Students are expected to select the following from the three areas of specialization (Change, Economy and Society; Culture and Social Institutions; and Inequality and Society):
Two courses in each of two of these areas of specialization 12 hrs.
One course from the third area of specialization. 3 hrs.
The Sociology Bachelor of Science major requires a total of 37 hours in Sociology and should
be distributed as follows:
Required courses: SOC 131, 343, 366, 386, 499 16hrs.
Students are expected to select the following from the three areas of specialization (Change, Economy and Society; Culture and Social Institutions; and Inequality and Society):
Two courses in each of these areas of specialization 18 hrs.
One course from the student’s choice of specialization 3 hrs.
Required Sociology Courses for Minors
The Sociology Minor requires a total of 19 hours in Sociology and should be distributed as follows:
Required courses: SOC 131, 343, 366, 386 13 hrs.
Students are expected to select the following from the three areas of specialization (Change,
Economy and Society; Culture and Social Institutions; and Inequality and Society):
Two courses from among these areas of specialization 6 hrs.
| First Year | Credit | Second Year | Credit |
| SOC 131 (first semester) | 3 | SOC 343, 366 | 7 |
| SOC 168 or 264 (second semester) | 3 | Minor | 3 |
| ENG 164, ENG 165 | 6 | Component Area 4 (Literature) | 3 |
| HIS 163, HIS 164 | 6 | Foreign Language 263, 264 | 6 |
| MTH 164 or MTH 170 | 3 | Component Area 3 (Natural Science, from 2 departments)** | 8 |
| Foreign Language 141, 142 | 8 | POL 261, | 3 |
| KIN 215 | 1 | 30 | |
| 30 | |||
| Third Year | Credit | Fourth Year | Credit |
| SOC | 9 | SOC 386, 499, SOC (Adv.) | 9 |
| Minor | 6 | Minor | 9 |
| Component Area 4 (Visual and Performing Arts) | 6 | General/Advanced Elective* | 12 |
| Gemeral/ Advanced Electives* | 6 | 30 | |
| POL(200 Level) | 3 | ||
| 30 | |||
* A minimum of 42 advanced hours is required for the B.A and B.S. Sociology Degrees.
** ENG 164, 165, MTH 164 or 170, and one lab science course must be completed before enrolling
in any advanced course.
| First Year | Credit | Second Year | Credit |
| SOC 131 (first semester) | 3 | SOC 343, 366 | 7 |
| SOC 168 (second semester) | 3 | Minor | 3 |
| ENG 164, ENG 165 | 6 | Component Area 4 (Literature) | 3 |
| HIS 163, HIS 164 | 6 | MTH | 3 |
| MTH 164 or MTH 170 | 3 | Natural Science (same 2 fields as taken in Component Area 3) | 8 |
| Component Area 3 (Natural Science, from 2 different fields) | 8 | POL 261 | 3 |
| KIN 215 | 1 | General Electives | 3 |
| 30 | 30 | ||
| Third Year | Credit | Fourth Year | Credit |
| SOC | 12 | SOC 386, 499, SOC (Adv.) | 12 |
| Minor | 6 | Minor | 9 |
| English (200- level or higher, or COM) | 3 | General/Advanced Electives * | 6 |
| POL (200-level) | 3 | Component Area 4 (Visual and Performing Arts) | 3 |
| General/Advanced Electives* | 6 | 30 | |
| 30 | |||
* A minimum of 42 advanced hours is required for the B.A and B.S. Sociology Degrees.
** ENG 164, 165, MTH 164 or 170, and one lab science course must be completed before enrolling in any advanced course.
SOC 131 Principles of Sociology. [SOCI 1301]
Introduction to the discipline with a focus on concepts and principles used in the study of group life, social institutions and social processes. This course is a prerequisite to many other courses taught in the department. It is required of all Sociology majors and minors. Credit 3.
SOC 168 Introduction to Ethnic Studies. [SOCI 2319]
A survey of the field and problems of Ethnic Studies as an area of knowledge and investigation. The instruction is to be interdisciplinary in nature. Major considerations
of the entire Ethnic Studies field will be defined and analyzed. Although the course is not prerequisite to any of the others, students are strongly urged to take it before attempting other Ethnic Studies courses. Credit 3.
SOC 264 Social Problems. [SOCI 1306]
Application of sociological principles to the major problems of contemporary society. Special attention is given to mental disorders, use and abuse of drugs and alcohol, sexual deviance and crime and delinquency; problems of youth and the family in contemporary society; institutionalized aspects of inequality, prejudice and discrimination; and population and environmental concerns. Credit 3.
SOC 266 Sociology of Sport.
This course utilizes the application of the social science mode of inquiry to the study of the sociocultural characteristics of sport. These include examinations of the cultural, economic, political and structural factors (i.e., gender, race, etc.) which form salient aspects of today’s sport activities at various levels. Focus is placed on the characteristics of sports and how these characteristics both reflect and have impact upon the social climate of a given society. Credit 3.
SOC 333 Age and Inequality.
This course underscores the influence of age on income and wealth, status and power. It includes an examination of institutional discrimination against the young and the old, as well as individual discrimination, such as child and elder abuse. It studies the relationship between life-cycle changes and changes in placement in the class, status and power stratification system. Prerequisite: SOC 131 or consent of instructor. Credit 3
SOC 335 Gender and Inequality.
This course studies the influence of gender on socialization and placement in class, status and power stratification systems. It includes an analysis of institutional discrimination against women in major social institutions such as religion, education, family,
heath care and work, and an examination of the feminization of poverty. Prerequisite: SOC 131 or consent of instructor. Credit 3.
SOC 336 Social Change and Development.
An analysis of world population growth and the associated problems of social development: urbanization, unemployment, secularization, hunger, and war. Prerequisite: SOC 131 and upper division standing. Credit 3.
SOC 337 Environment and Society.
The purpose of this course is to examine the “environment” as a social and cultural issue. Topics discussed include an overview of the field of environmental sociology, traditional sociological perspectives on environmental issues, paradigmatic implications
of environmental sociology, the development of environmental movement, the rise of environmental deterioration, public attitudes toward environmental issues, national environmental policies, and social impact assessment. Prerequisite: SOC 131 and upper division standing. Credit 3.
SOC 343 Social Statistics.
Examination of basic concepts, techniques and data necessary for an adequate understanding of social structure and change: observational, experimental, sample survey, and demographic. It includes an introduction to computers, computer software, and social statistics. Prerequisite: SOC 131. Credit 4
SOC 364 Social Inequality.
This survey course studies the distribution of three primary resources: class, status and power. Special attention is given to the way birth-ascribed statuses such as age, sex and race interact with class, status and power stratification systems. Special attention is also given to the popular and scientific explanations of inequality, especially with respect to the high and low ends of the distribution of income and wealth. Prerequisite: SOC 131 or consent of instructor. Credit 3.
SOC 365 Sociology of Health and Illness.
Processes by which persons assume, act, and relinquish the sick role; interrelationships between patient and family, doctors, and hospital; quality and quantity of health services distributed by class and race. Problems posed by “mental illness”: diagnosis, treatment, and involuntary commitment. Prerequisite: SOC 131 or consent of instructor. Credit 3.
SOC 366 Research Methods in Sociology.
This course is designed to introduce the student to the logic and character of scientific and alternative means of social inquiry. Examines the function of observation,
concept formation, proposition arrangement and testing of theory as components of the scientific process in sociology. Prerequisite: SOC 131. Credit 3.
SOC 376 Rural and Urban Sociology.
Examines the human community in its ecological, cultural, and associational aspects. The folk, rural, and urban community considered from the standpoint of various sociological perspectives. Special attention is given to social change, including decision-making as it affects local life. Prerequisite: SOC 131. Credit 3.
SOC 378 Socialization, Social Control and Deviant Social Behavior.
Examines structures and processes through which social systems (e.g., groups, institutions, organizations, and societies) secure and maintain order and social control. Sociological concepts, principles and theories used to explain sanctioning in various
social systems whereby people are socialized to want to act the way they have to act for social order to prevail. Prerequisite: SOC 131. Credit 3.
SOC 381 Cultural Anthropology.
Cultural and social organization among primitive or preliterate societies; marriage,
property, religion, magic and tribal control. Significance of the study of primitive cultures
for understanding of urban industrial civilizations. Prerequisite: SOC 131 or
consent of instructor. Credit 3.
SOC 384 Economy and Society.
Changing employment opportunities for college graduates; blue collar, white collar, and professional lifestyles; origins of industrial society and effects on social stratification, minorities, and the family. Issues such as workers’ control of industry, relationships between industry and government. Sociology of labor relations and personnel management. Prerequisite: SOC 131. Credit 3.
SOC 386 Sociological Theory.
A historical survey of the development of sociological thought. Emphasis is placed upon the growth of Sociology as a discipline, major areas of interest and major contributors. Prerequisite: SOC 131. Credit 3.
SOC 392 Social Movements.
Examines the characteristics of social movements useful to the sociological study and interpretations of major social trends involving both social and cultural change in community and society. Theoretical frameworks for understanding and the causes, types, and theories of change in contemporary society are given special attention. Prerequisite: SOC 131. Credit 3.
SOC 438W Sociology of Disaster.
Disasters are fundamentally social events. This course will investigate how culture, inequality, social structure and processes shape how people face disasters, how they respond and the ways in which they recover or fail to do so. How disasters may lead to rapid social change will also be explored. Students will learn the foundations of sociology of disaster theory, will examine a number of case studies and will apply theory to the in-depth study of one event. Writing enhanced. Prerequisite: SOC131. Credit 3.
SOC 462 Marriage and the Family.
A sociological examination of marriage and family life. Problems of courtship, mate selection, and marriage adjustment in modern American society. Prerequisite: SOC 131 or consent of instructor. Credit 3.
SOC 465 Race/Ethnic Inequality.
This course examines ethnic stratification, i.e., placement in the class, status and power stratification systems on the basis of birth ascribed and socially defined race/
ethnicity, and of the ideologies which serve to rationalize these inequalities. The course includes the study of institutional discrimination and ethnic stratification in
major social institutions such as education, health care, religion and work. Broadly defined, ethnic stratification includes inequality based on other birth ascribed statuses, such as age and gender. Prerequisite: SOC 131 or consent of instructor. Credit 3.
SOC 468 Sociology of Religion.
Identity and comparative understanding of religious beliefs and practices of peoples of the world. Attention is given to particular archaeological and ethnographic problems in the study of religion. Special emphasis is given to the functional perspective in examining the relation between religious beliefs and other institutions in selective social systems. Prerequisite: SOC 131 or consent of instructor. Credit 3.
SOC 475 Readings in Sociology.
Designed for advanced students in the behavioral sciences who are capable of independent study. Registration upon written approval of the chair of the department and of the instructor directing the course. Credit 3.
SOC 476W* The Sociology of Demography and Migration
This course introduces of the field of demography and explores theories and processes of population movement and migration. Special attention is given to effect
of globalization on migration, migration streams, documented and undocumented migration, and assimilation of migrants.This course will focus on understanding the similarities and differences among immigrant groups who migrate with different social and human capital. The course also addresses immigration policies in the U. S. Credit 3.
SOC 477 Bureaucracy and Work
Examines the structure and functioning of large-scale organizations and bureaucratic social systems in various institutional settings (e.g., business or industry, health, education, religion, military, prison and political). Attention is given to personal and social consequences of organizational involvement. Prerequisite: SOC 131. Credit 3.
SOC 479* Internship in Applied Sociology.
This course is designed to allow advanced students in-depth exploration of sociological issues in an applied setting. Minimum of 120 hours in approved host organization, plus completion of academic requirements. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior Sociology majors, minimum GPA 3.0 or through special petition. Internships are unpaid. Fall and Spring only. Credit 3.
SOC 499 Senior Seminar in Sociology.
The content of this seminar will have alternate emphasis placed, at the discretion of the instructor, on special areas or issues of Sociology meeting the career needs of Sociology majors, minors, and/or prospective teachers of Sociology. Prerequisite: Advanced standing in Sociology. Credit 3.
* Subject to action by the Board of Regents, the Texas State University System and/or the Texas
Higher Education Coordinating Board