2008 - 2009 Catalog

The sociology program is part of the Social Science, Policy, and Culture Department. 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 examine how people interact within these contexts. Since all human behavior is social, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to the hostile mob; from organized crime to religious movements; from the divisions of race, gender, and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture; and from the sociology of work to the sociology of popular culture.

The well-educated sociology student acquires a sense of history, other cultures and times, the interconnectedness of social life, and different frameworks of thought. Sociology students are proficient at gathering information and putting it in perspective. Sociological training helps students bring breadth and depth of understanding to the workplace. A sociology graduate learns to think abstractly, formulate problems, ask appropriate questions, search for answers, analyze situations and data, organize material, write well, and make oral presentations that help others develop insight and make decisions. Sociology majors have an advantage in human behavior on three levels: how individuals behave in organizations, families, and communities; the ways in which these social units function as groups; and the wider social, political, and economic contexts in which decisions are made and in which groups function.

When sociology majors employed outside academic settings were asked to reflect on their education with the wisdom of hindsight, they replied that their undergraduate courses in research methods, statistics, and computer skills were most valuable. These courses help make sociology graduates marketable, especially in today’s highly technical and data-oriented work environment. In addition, sociology majors develop analytical skills and the ability to understand issues within a “macro” or social structural perspective. Learning the process of critical thinking and how to bring evidence to bear in support of an argument is extremely important in a fast-changing job market.

Consequently, as sociology majors, students have a competitive advantage in today’s information society. The solid base students receive in understanding social change (as well as in research design, data analysis, statistics, theory, and sociological concepts) enables them to compete for support positions (such as program, administrative, or research assistant) in research, policy analysis, program evaluation, and countless other social science endeavors.

Most people with the terms “sociologist” or “social worker” in their job title have graduate training, but sociology graduates apply the sociological perspective to a wide variety of jobs beyond these traditional categories, including careers in sectors such as business, education, health care, the criminal justice system, social services, and the government. Sociology offers valuable preparation for careers in journalism, law, politics, public relations, or public administration, all of which require investigative skills and the ability to work with diverse groups. For students interested in becoming professors, researchers, or applied sociologists, a BA or BS in sociology is excellent preparation for graduate work in sociology.

Degrees

BA or BS in Sociology

Minor

Sociology

Becoming a Sociology Major

Students interested in majoring in sociology should first meet with a faculty member to discuss the program and the major requirements. Students who then decide to pursue the major should apply to the department when they have completed approximately 48 credits and most lower division University Studies requirements. Application forms are available from the department faculty, and the completed application materials may be turned in to any faculty member. To be accepted as a major, students must have earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 in SOC 204 and 205; completed University Seminar (or received credit for equivalent courses from institutions previously attended); and fulfilled their Quantitative Reasoning University Studies requirement by taking MTH 243 or EC 232. Transfer students must provide GPA evidence from their previous institutions. The department notifies students who have succeeded in becoming majors. Some upper division courses in the field are restricted to majors.

Requirements for the Sociology Major

1. Fulfill baccalaureate degree requirements as stated beginning on page 21.
   
2. A minimum of 56 credits in sociology; 48 credits must be upper division and 8 credits lower division. Of the 48 upper division credits, 24 must be upper division electives. All credits counted toward the major must be taken for a letter grade, except practicum.
   
3. Research and Writing requirement: SOC 301, 326, and 327.
   
4. Quantitative Reasoning component: MTH 243 or EC 232.
   
5. An average GPA of 2.5 or higher and a minimum grade of C- in all sociology and anthropology courses.
   

Interdisciplinary Major Emphasizing Sociology

As with the sociology major, students who wish to obtain a baccalaureate degree in interdisciplinary studies with sociology as a major field must apply to the department by submitting a personal statement describing their goals for the major, evidence of a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 in SOC 204 and 205, and proof of having completed University Seminar and MTH 243 or EC 232. Transfer students must provide GPA evidence from their previous institutions. All candidates work with an advisor from the department at the time of application. The department notifies applicants if they qualify as interdisciplinary degree students with a primary field in sociology. Some sociology courses are restricted to majors and interdisciplinary degree candidates with sociology as the primary field.

Capstone

The sociology capstone requires students to bring sociological expertise to bear on selected social issues. This is usually done in a seminar in which students review writing, research, and current controversies in the field and apply their expertise to individual research and analysis of selected issues or social problems.

Sociology Core Courses

(56 credits)

The following eight courses (32 credits) are required of all sociology majors:

The Sociological Imagination (SOC 204)	4
Social Problems and Policy (SOC 205)	4
Sociological Practice (SOC 301)	4
Introduction to Social Research Methods (SOC 326)	4
Quantitative Data Analysis (SOC 327)	4
Classical Sociological Thought (SOC 370)	4
Society and Identity (SOC 371)	4
Senior Capstone (SOC 414)	4

All sociology majors must also complete a minimum of 6 upper division elective courses (24 credits), including a minimum of two 400-level courses (8 credits). These 8 credits may not include practicum or other individualized study:

Poverty, Family, and Policy (SOC 304)	4
Community Studies (SOC 310)	4
Sociology of the Family (SOC 312)	4
Schools and Society (SOC 320)	4
Global Culture and Media (SOC 333)	4
Race and Ethnic Relations (SOC 337)	4
Contemporary Issues in Native North America (SOC 338)	4
Sociology of Gender Roles (SOC 340)	4
Sociology of Globalization (SOC 345)	4
Sociology of Islam (SOC 347)	4
People and Forests (SOC 350)	4
Environmental Sociology (SOC 420)	4
Social Inequality (SOC 434)	4
Organization Sociology (SOC 444)	4
Social and Cultural Change (SOC 450)	4
Deviant Behavior (SOC 454)	4
Sociology of Religion (SOC 461)	4
Contemporary Sociological Theory (SOC 472)	4

A maximum of 4 credits of practicum may be counted toward the major. Practicum credits may not be substituted for 400-level electives. Up to 8 credits from related disciplines may be counted toward the major with advisor consent.

Sociology Minor

(24 credits)

Students are required to register with a minor advisor through the department office.

Sociological Imagination (SOC 204) and Social Problems and Policy (SOC 205)	8
Upper division electives (not including practicum)	16

At least one 4-credit course must be at the 400-level. Reading, research, independent study, workshops, and seminars may be included, with advisor consent. Note that SOC 370 is a prerequisite for most 400-level courses. Students must have an average GPA of 2.5 or higher and a minimum grade of C- in all courses counted toward the minor.

Sociology Courses

See Course Prerequisites Policy

Lower Division Courses

SOC 199 Special Studies

Credits to be arranged

SOC 204 The Sociological Imagination

4 credits

Introduces fundamental concepts such as interaction, socialization, deviance, inequalities of race, class and gender, and globalization, as well as the theoretical and methodological tools employed in social research. Examines social institutions such as family, economy, religion, education, and politics. Pays particular attention to the interdependence of social forces and individual experience and to the ethical, political, and cross-cultural dimensions of sociological work. Approved for University Studies (Explorations).

SOC 205 Social Problems and Policy

4 credits

Analyzes contemporary social problems, including social inequality, discrimination, environmental degradation, and the impacts of globalization. Examines how social conditions are labeled "problems," the causes and consequences of those conditions, and how social activists and policymakers respond to social problems. Approved for University Studies (Explorations).

SOC 209 Practicum

Credits to be arranged

Upper Division Courses

SOC 301 Sociological Practice

4 credits

Develops the research and writing competencies necessary for success in upper division coursework in sociology and for achieving occupational goals. Fosters an understanding of the stages in the research process, including literature review, research design, data gathering, and analysis. Emphasizes the ability to analyze social conditions from sociological perspectives and to communicate analysis effectively. Should be taken prior to the senior year. Open only to sociology pre-majors, majors, minors, and interdisciplinary majors that include sociology. Prerequisite: SOC 204, 205.

SOC 304 Poverty, Family, and Policy

4 credits

Examines contemporary poverty in the U.S. and its effects on family life. Focuses on the impact of racial and gender inequalities. Analyzes policy and legal approaches to poverty reduction, welfare reform, and family instability. Students compare successful and failed policies before exploring program development and policy analysis strategies. May be applied to the women’s studies minor. Approved for University Studies (Synthesis/Integration). Prerequisite: Completion of all lower division University Studies requirements.

SOC 310 Community Studies

4 credits

Includes observation and analysis of American communities and their major social institutions. Explores theoretical conceptualizations of community. Examines cultural, political, and ecological influences in rural and urban regions. Prerequisite: SOC 204.

SOC 312 Sociology of the Family

4 credits

Emphasizes the changes in structure, function, and character of the family resulting from its relationship to the larger society. Compares the contemporary family to historical and cross-cultural forms. Analyzes family issues, such as changing gender roles, divorce, single parents, domestic violence, and new roles for children and aging relatives. May be applied to the women’s studies minor. Prerequisite: SOC 204.

SOC 320 Schools and Society

4 credits

Examines the effects of schools and schooling on individuals, the stratification system, and society, and, in turn, social and organizational forces affecting schooling. Involves discussion of alternative educational discourses and practices. Approved for University Studies (Integration). Prerequisite: SOC 204.

SOC 326 Introduction to Social Research Methods

4 credits

Introduces the process of social research, emphasizing measurement, sampling, and causation. Provides hands-on research experience gathering and analyzing data using observational techniques, qualitative interviewing, and structured surveys. Focuses on the political and ethical dimensions of social research. Prerequisite: Completion of all lower division social science University Studies requirements.

SOC 327 Quantitative Data Analysis

4 credits

Introduces students to univariate, bivariate, and multivariate techniques for analyzing quantitative data using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Provides hands-on experience with General Social Survey data, U.S. Census data, and World Health Organization data, posing precise research questions that can be examined empirically with quantitative data. Prerequisites: MTH 243 or EC 232; completion of lower division social science University Studies requirements.

SOC 333 Global Culture and Media

4 credits

Explores transnational media and culture with emphasis on audiovisual media, the Internet, and globalization processes. Issues include the rise of consumer society; globalization and the production of popular culture; commodification; and the production and reproduction of identity, stereotypes, and power relations. Approved for University Studies (Synthesis). Prerequisites: SOC 204 and completion of all lower division University Studies requirements.

SOC 337 Racial and Ethnic Relations

4 credits

Emphasizes the unequal relationship between socially defined majority and minority groups. Examines the similarities and differences between class and ethnic modes of stratification, comparing U.S. ethnic relations with other countries. Covers political and ideological factors associated with attempts to transform traditional ethnic relationships. Explores ethnic identity formation. Prerequisite: SOC 204.

SOC 338 Contemporary Issues in Native North America

4 credits

Examines national and regional issues of major concern to Native Americans. Focuses on the historical roots of each issue or problem, its present-day impact on individuals and communities, and Native American responses. Topics may include restoration and preservation of community and culture, treaty rights, sovereignty, and self-sufficiency. May be applied to the Native American studies and Latin American studies minors. Prerequisite: ANTH 213 or SOC 204.

SOC 340 Sociology of Gender Roles

4 credits

Analyzes theory and research on the social production and maintenance of gender. Includes gender role socialization, concepts of femininity and masculinity, and the construction of gender in family, work, popular culture, and other social institutions. Addresses the impact of race and class on experiences of gender. Considers how feminist and men’s movements have influenced changes in gender relations. May be applied to the women’s studies minor. Approved for University Studies (Integration). Prerequisite: SOC 204.

SOC 345 Sociology of Globalization

4 credits

Offers an interdisciplinary analysis of political, economic, and social developments in the third world, with particular emphasis on the environment and women. Includes theories of modernization, dependence, and the postcolonial state as they apply to economic development, poverty, and political mobilization. Prerequisite: SOC 204.

SOC 347 Sociology of Islam

4 credits

Provides students with an essential background in Islam to better understand the Islamic world. Analyzes Islam both in theory and practice, examining Islam as a way of life and its effect on the political, individual, family, and social domains in various Islamic societies. Explores the cultural and historical context in which Islam emerges as a religion and way of life. Specific topics and issues include tensions between tradition and modernity in the context of human rights and democracy, the role of women, the Salman Rushdie case, and coverage of Islam in Western media. Prerequisite: SOC 204.

SOC 350 People and Forests

4 credits

Examines the relationship between past and present human societies and forest ecosystems. Explores how local and global political, economic, and cultural factors influence changing forest-use patterns in the Pacific Northwest. Pays particular attention to ways of achieving forest sustainability. Approved for University Studies (Synthesis). Prerequisite: Completion of all lower division University Studies requirements.

SOC 370 Classical Sociological Thought

4 credits

Examines the inquiries into the nature of social structure made by the founders of sociology in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Focuses on the worldviews and writings of Comte, DuBois, Durkheim, Marx, Simmel, Weber, Wollstonecraft, and others. Emphasizes the application of classical theory to such contemporary social issues as the shift from modernity to postmodernity, globalization, and social inequality. Prerequisite: SOC 204.

SOC 371 Society and Identity

4 credits

Analyzes the impact of social situations on identity and the social self. Addresses the effects of groups and interpersonal relationships on attitudes, beliefs, and definitions of reality. Explores the development and maintenance of norms, pressures for conformity, and theories of socialization and personality development. Focuses on sociological theories and perspectives, including symbolic interactionism, feminist theory, dramaturgy, phenomenology and ethnomethodology, and social constructionism. Prerequisite: SOC 204.

SOC 399 Special Studies

Credits to be arranged

SOC 401 Research

Credits to be arranged

Prerequisite: SOC 204.

SOC 403 Thesis

Credits to be arranged

SOC 405 Reading and Conference

Credits to be arranged

Prerequisite: SOC 204.

SOC 407 Seminar

Credits to be arranged

Prerequisites: SOC 204 and 370.

SOC 408 Workshop

Credits to be arranged

SOC 409 Practicum

1 to 6 credits

Includes preprofessional work in agencies, with an emphasis on providing human services or applying sociological perspectives in field settings. Up to 4 credits may be applied to the upper division sociology elective for the major. Prerequisites: Upper division standing and instructor’s consent; sociology majors or interdisciplinary majors with sociology as the primary field.

SOC 414 Senior Capstone

4 credits

Explores aspects of the field in greater depth. Provides an opportunity to review and integrate sociological theory and research. Should be taken in the spring term of the senior year. May not be taken P/NP. Prerequisites: Senior standing, sociology major or interdisciplinary major with sociology as the primary field only, application for graduation, and instructor consent.

SOC 420 Environmental Sociology

4 credits

Examines the relationship between the human social institutions we create and the biophysical environments in which we live. Topics may include the culture of nature, population and consumption, political economy of environmental problems, social construction of environmental problems, evolution of environmental activism, public attitudes toward the environment, collaborative and community-based resource management, and environmental problem solving. Prerequisites: SOC 204 and one other sociology course or instructor consent.

SOC 434 Social Inequality

4 credits

Surveys and analyzes stratification theory and research. Focuses on class, gender, and race stratification and the relation of status, power, and social mobility to modern industrial societies. Prerequisites: SOC 204 and 370.

SOC 444 Organizational Sociology

4 credits

Analyzes theory and research on formal organizations in contemporary societies. Examines sources and forms of power and authority, management ideologies, bureaucratic structures and processes, organizational change, relationships between organizations and other aspects of social structure. Particular attention given to special characteristics of nonprofit organizations and alternatives to bureaucracy. Prerequisite: SOC 204 and 8 credits of upper division sociology.

SOC 450 Social and Cultural Change

4 credits

Examines issues related to cultural change and social transformations. Discusses the implications of such changes for groups in a society. Covers materials from advanced third-world societies. Prerequisites: SOC 204 and 8 credits of upper division sociology.

SOC 454 Sociology of Deviant Behavior

4 credits

Examines current conceptions of the causes of deviant behavior. Emphasizes the relationship between social definitions and individual behavior, the deviant career and the labeling process, and conflict and control theory. Analyzes contemporary social policy aimed at limiting and controlling deviance in society. Prerequisites: SOC 204 and 8 credits of upper division sociology.

SOC 461 Sociology of Religion

4 credits

Examines sociological theory and research on religious belief and behavior. Emphasizes the classical theoretical work of Durkheim, Marx, and Weber. Explores contemporary American religious phenomena, including local church services. Discusses liberal and conservative movements and the relationship of religion to politics, economics, and the family. Prerequisites: SOC 204 and 370.

SOC 472 Contemporary Sociological Thought

4 credits

Analyzes the ability of various contemporary theoretical perspectives to interpret the changing nature of society. Covers neo-Marxism, postmodernism, feminism, and postcolonialism. Includes such theorists as Foucault, Habermas, Giddens, Bourdieu, and others. Prerequisites: SOC 204 and 370.