Sociology (SOC)
SOC 199, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
SOC 204, *INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY, 3 Credits
Development and application of sociological concepts and perspectives concerning human groups; includes attention to socialization, culture, organization, stratification, and societies. Consideration of fundamental concepts and research methodology.
Attributes: CPSI – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Social Processes & Institutions; LACS – Liberal Arts Social Core
Equivalent to: SOC 204H
Available via Ecampus
SOC 204H, *INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY, 3 Credits
Development and application of sociological concepts and perspectives concerning human groups; includes attention to socialization, culture, organization, stratification, and societies. Consideration of fundamental concepts and research methodology.
Attributes: CPSI – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Social Processes & Institutions; HNRS – Honors Course Designator; LACS – Liberal Arts Social Core
Equivalent to: SOC 204
SOC 205, *INSTITUTIONS AND SOCIAL CHANGE, 3 Credits
Sociological study of the dynamic organizational nature of society through analysis of social change and major social institutions such as family, education, religion, the economy, and political systems.
Attributes: CPSI – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Social Processes & Institutions; LACS – Liberal Arts Social Core
Equivalent to: SOC 205H
SOC 205H, *INSTITUTIONS AND SOCIAL CHANGE, 3 Credits
Sociological study of the dynamic organizational nature of society through analysis of social change and major social institutions such as family, education, religion, the economy, and political systems.
Attributes: CPSI – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Social Processes & Institutions; HNRS – Honors Course Designator; LACS – Liberal Arts Social Core
Equivalent to: SOC 205
SOC 206, *SOCIAL PROBLEMS AND ISSUES, 3 Credits
Examination of social problems with particular focus upon U.S. society. Sociological perspectives on definition, description, and analysis of contemporary and recurrent problems in industrialized societies. Investigation of causes and consequences of social problems considered in societal context. (SS) (Bacc Core Course)
Attributes: CPDP – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Difference/Power/Discrimination; LACS – Liberal Arts Social Core
Available via Ecampus
SOC 207, PROBLEMS IN CRIME AND JUSTICE, 3 Credits
Analyzes contemporary issues in crime and justice, with a focus on U.S. society. Explores the causes and consequences of major problems and issues in crime and justice including gang activity, terrorism, white collar and environmental crime, gun attitudes and violence, challenges associated with policing, drug use, and mass incarceration.
Recommended: SOC 204
Available via Ecampus
SOC 241, INTRODUCTION TO CRIME AND JUSTICE, 3 Credits
Provides a sociological understanding of criminal justice system institutions and processes. Emphasis is placed on understanding the criminal law; police and policing; courts and the prosecution process; and prisons, jails and corrections.
Available via Ecampus
SOC 242, CRIME AND MEDIA, 3 Credits
Provides a better understanding of how the media constructs perceptions and stereotypes of crime and the criminal justice system. Emphasizes on contemporary crime topics by examining current news outlets, crime TV shows, movies, and podcasts. Provide the tools necessary to decipher fact from fiction in the media representation of crime and the criminal justice system.
Recommended: SOC 204
Available via Ecampus
SOC 299, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
Equivalent to: SOC 299H
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
SOC 312, *SOCIOLOGY OF THE FAMILY, 4 Credits
Survey of the family as a social institution. Addresses historical and cultural perspectives with emphasis on family diversity, variations in family form and life style, interdependence between family and other institutions, analysis of major family issues, forces for change in the family. (Bacc Core Course)
Attributes: CPDP – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Difference/Power/Discrimination
Equivalent to: SOC 312H
Available via Ecampus
SOC 312H, *SOCIOLOGY OF THE FAMILY, 4 Credits
Survey of the family as a social institution. Addresses historical and cultural perspectives with emphasis on family diversity, variations in family form and life style, interdependence between family and other institutions, analysis of major family issues, forces for change in the family. (Bacc Core Course)
Attributes: CPDP – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Difference/Power/Discrimination; HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: SOC 312
SOC 313, SOCIOLOGY OF INTIMATE RELATIONSHIPS, 4 Credits
Examines the microsociological dynamics of intimate relationships. Perceptions and expectations of intimate relationships are explored. Specific attention will be given to issues, processes, and factors that are involved in the construction and management of intimate relationships in contemporary society.
SOC 315, INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH METHODS, 4 Credits
Introduces basic sociological research methods, including study design, measurement, sampling, surveying, and interviewing, as well as ethical and practical dilemmas in constructing sociological research. Emphasizes valuation and critique of existing research.
Available via Ecampus
SOC 316, QUANTITATIVE DATA ANALYSIS, 4 Credits
Provides statistical and computing skills necessary to analyze quantitative sociological data. Covers the construction and interpretation of contingency tables, basic ideas of probability and statistical inference, and an introduction to correlation and regression. Provides an opportunity to learn using at least two statistical software programs. Explores ethical considerations in data reporting.
Prerequisite: SOC 315 with C- or better
Available via Ecampus
SOC 318, ^QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS, 4 Credits
Emphasizes how to read, critique, and conduct qualitative (non-numerical) social research. Builds on social research learned in SOC 315 and focuses on exploring various theories and methods unique to qualitative research. Provides exposure to examples of excellent qualitative research and writing and provides opportunities to hone research skills by engaging in various practical exercises, which may include field observations, interviews, focus groups, and content analysis. Develops writing skills by describing, comparing, and evaluating materials.
Attributes: CWIC – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing Intensive Course
Prerequisite: SOC 315 with C- or better
Recommended: SOC 204
Available via Ecampus
SOC 340, DEVIANT BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL CONTROL, 4 Credits
Current perspectives, research and theories of deviant behavior. Review and analysis of various approaches and programs designed to prevent and deal with deviant behavior.
Available via Ecampus
SOC 341, POLICE AND SOCIETY, 4 Credits
Represents a social scientific examination of the field of policing rather than methods or tactics of crime control. Explores the culture of law enforcement and how police officers perform their duties and create their own impressions of their work. Examines how the field of law enforcement is influenced by historical trends, laws, cultural & occupational values, and social institutions. Discusses stereotypes, routine duties, occupational stressors, and deadly hazards of law enforcement which provide opportunities to practice and improve interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
Recommended: SOC 204 and/or SOC 241
Available via Ecampus
SOC 345, *CRIMES AND VIOLENCE IN INTIMATE RELATIONSHIPS, 4 Credits
Analyzes the historical, social, political, legal, cultural, and psychological aspects of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Addresses definitions of the problem, demographics, survivors, perpetrators, witnesses, bystanders, strategies and tactics of abusers and survivors, along with strategies for prevention, intervention, treatment, and social change. (Bacc Core Course)
Attributes: CPDP – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Difference/Power/Discrimination
Available via Ecampus
SOC 349, SERIAL HOMICIDE, 4 Credits
Examines the extent, causes, and social characteristics of serial killers. After examining general criminological theories and the characteristics of “typical murder,” investigates the popular images about serial killers, the motivations of these offenders, the distribution of their crimes over time and across geographical areas, elements surrounding these offenses, and the offenders' methods of selecting victims. Topics include homicide investigation techniques, crime profiling, and the criminal prosecution of serial killers.
Recommended: SOC 204 and/or SOC 241
Available via Ecampus
SOC 350, HEALTH, ILLNESS AND SOCIETY, 4 Credits
Social and cultural factors in the identification, course, and treatment of illness; analysis of selected health settings and professions.
Available via Ecampus
SOC 351, *SOCIOLOGY OF MENTAL ILLNESS, 4 Credits
Focuses on how social and cultural context impact mental health, and how the very concepts of mental illness, abnormal or crazy are constructed in the first place, then applied by both “mental health” professionals and persons in their everyday lives. Examines major social models of “mental illness,” aiming to understand and evaluate their basic concepts and assumptions, as well as the response to “mental illness,” including how family, friends, troubled persons and professionals interpret, define and respond to “mental illness” and the processes shaping the policies and practices of the mental health enterprise.
Attributes: CPDP – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Difference/Power/Discrimination
Available via Ecampus
SOC 355, DEATH AND DYING, 4 Credits
An overview of cross-cultural and historical attitudes and practices around end of life, death and dying. Assessment of contemporary legal, professional, cultural and technological issues surrounding end of life/death and dying.
Available via Ecampus
SOC 360, *POPULATION TRENDS AND POLICY, 4 Credits
Basic socio-demographic factors affecting population size, distribution, composition and change; examination of local, national, and international trends, and demographic policy.
Attributes: CPDP – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Difference/Power/Discrimination
Available via Ecampus
SOC 371, SOCIAL MEDIA AND EVERYDAY LIFE, 4 Credits
Examines key concepts, themes, and theories in the study of social media in today's world. Interconnected themes include communication and the public sphere, self representation, power, and new technologies.
Available via Ecampus
SOC 372, *POPULAR CULTURE, 4 Credits
Critical examination of contemporary popular culture from a sociological perspective. Debates in the field of cultural sociology, including a critique of the distinction between 'high' and 'low' forms of culture, the social distinction between work and leisure time, the influence of society on individual patterns of consumption and personal taste, and the sociology of everyday life. Specific topics include mass media, sports, leisure activities, fashion, youth culture, science fiction, music, talk shows, soap operas, internet chat rooms, personal ads, home shopping, and folklore.
Attributes: CPDP – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Difference/Power/Discrimination
Available via Ecampus
SOC 381, SOCIAL DIMENSIONS OF SUSTAINABILITY, 4 Credits
Exploration of the social forces driving current views of sustainability. Specific attention will be given to values and belief systems, as well as social institutions in shaping sustainability issues related to ecologically sound, socially just, and economically viable outcomes.
Available via Ecampus
SOC 399, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
Selected topics of special or current interest not covered in other courses.
Equivalent to: SOC 399H
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
SOC 399H, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
Selected topics of special or current interest not covered in other courses.
Attributes: HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: SOC 399
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
SOC 401, RESEARCH, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
SOC 403, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
SOC 405, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
SOC 406, PROJECTS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
Available via Ecampus
SOC 407, SEMINAR, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
SOC 410, INTERNSHIP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 30 credits.
Available via Ecampus
SOC 412, SOCIOLOGY OF WORK AND FAMILY, 4 Credits
Survey of the intersections between families and work; variations in family structure, policies and paid and unpaid work in the United States; interdependence between paid and unpaid family labor and broader social change.
Available via Ecampus
SOC 413, SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY, 4 Credits
Historical and philosophical foundations of sociological theory; major schools of thought and their major contributors.
Available via Ecampus
SOC 418, QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS, 4 Credits
An introduction to the theory and methods of qualitative research. Students will be exposed to various qualitative research methods through practical field exercises. These include ethnographic field observation, content analysis, interviewing, focus groups and unobtrusive measures. Other commonly used methods of collecting qualitative data are also examined. CROSSLISTED as SOC 418 and SOC 518/PPOL 523.
SOC 424, SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY, 4 Credits
Examines individuals in social context; explores dynamics of interpersonal relationships; evaluates link between self and society, including concepts of role/status/identity. Contemporary research design, problems, and findings pertinent to social psychology.
SOC 426, *SOCIAL INEQUALITY, 4 Credits
Evolution of social inequality in society. Emphasis upon the causes and consequences of inequality in power, privilege, and prestige in human societies, with special attention to the United States. (Bacc Core Course)
Attributes: CPDP – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Difference/Power/Discrimination
Available via Ecampus
SOC 430, GENDER AND SOCIETY, 4 Credits
Examination of nature and consequences of social differentiation and stratification on the basis of sex and gender. Analysis of social position of women and men in society, focusing on their positions in institutional areas such as the family, politics, work and education. Evaluation of theories of biological, psychological, and sociological bases for the behavior and characteristics of women and men.
SOC 432, SOCIOLOGY OF AGING, 4 Credits
Focuses on the definitions, history, experience and public policies around aging, primarily in the United States. Assesses the implications of a growing older population and explores the diversity of experience of aging across gender, race and social class. Synthesizes data, theory and observations, formulates sociological questions relevant to aging, and evaluates caregiving practices and policies.
Recommended: SOC 204; analytical, collaboration, and critical thinking skills
Available via Ecampus
SOC 437, RACE AND ETHNIC RELATIONS, 4 Credits
Comparative/international perspective on the social construction of race and ethnicity. Social, economic and political experiences of selected groups in the U.S. and other countries are examined.
SOC 438, US IMMIGRATION ISSUES IN THE 21ST CENTURY, 4 Credits
Provides a critical overview of immigration to the United States from a socio-historic perspective. Examines how successive waves of immigrants have influenced American society from the earliest groups of Europeans in the 19th century to the most recently arriving immigrants from Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.
SOC 439, WELFARE AND SOCIAL SERVICES, 4 Credits
Analysis of social, political, and economic forces affecting welfare and social service systems, with overview of current programs, policy issues, public opinions, occupational aspects and societal impacts.
Available via Ecampus
SOC 440, JUVENILE DELINQUENCY, 4 Credits
Contemporary research and theories of juvenile delinquency. Review and evaluation of various strategies and programs designed to prevent delinquency or for treatment of delinquents.
Available via Ecampus
SOC 441, CRIMINOLOGY AND PENOLOGY, 4 Credits
Review of sociological perspectives on crime and criminal justice, with emphasis upon North America. Review of crime statistics, types of crime, theories of criminality, corrections programs and prisons, and programs to reduce crime.
Available via Ecampus
SOC 442, SOCIOLOGY OF DRUG USE AND ABUSE, 4 Credits
Emphasizes a sociological understanding of drug use, drug problems and drug policy. In order to understand drug use and abuse it is necessary to understand the chemical properties of the substances at issue, the attributes of the people who use and abuse drugs, and the norms and characteristics of the society in which the substance use occurs.
SOC 444, INSIDE-OUT: PRISONS, COMMUNITIES, AND PREVENTION, 4 Credits
Course takes place in a state correctional facility, with OSU students learning alongside "inside" students from the facility for a full quarter. Course content examines prisons, communities, crime, and prevention from a sociological perspective. All students participate in service-learning projects.
Equivalent to: SOC 444H
SOC 444H, INSIDE-OUT: PRISONS, COMMUNITIES, AND PREVENTION, 4 Credits
Course takes place in a state correctional facility, with OSU students learning alongside "inside" students from the facility for a full quarter. Course content examines prisons, communities, crime, and prevention from a sociological perspective. All students participate in service-learning projects.
Attributes: HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: SOC 444
SOC 448, LAW AND SOCIETY, 4 Credits
An introduction to social scientific approaches to law, covering major topics in the area. Topics may include disputing, legal consciousness, social movements and law, punishment, legal actors, and legal institutions.
Recommended: SOC 204
Available via Ecampus
SOC 449, LAW, CRIME, AND POLICY, 4 Credits
Surveys criminal justice policies aimed at enforcing laws, reducing crime, punishing violators, and rehabilitating ex-offenders. Interrogates the behavioral assumptions used in creating and evaluating policies. Examines specific crimes and the policies used to address them.
Available via Ecampus
SOC 450, SOCIOLOGY OF EDUCATION, 4 Credits
Contemporary perspectives and research on schools, students, teachers and social forces affecting the educational system. Review of comparative and evaluation research on alternative educational strategies and programs. Overview of the literature of educational critics.
SOC 452, SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION, 4 Credits
Social patterns within U.S. religious groups, relation of religious groups to society, and the methodological problems in studying such groups.
SOC 453, SOCIOLOGY OF SPORT, 4 Credits
Critical analysis of sport. Examines sport socialization; deviance; violence; gender; race/ethnicity; professional sport careers; intercollegiate athletics; marriage/family; and the media.
SOC 454, LEISURE AND CULTURE, 4 Credits
Examination of the social, cultural, and global significance of leisure activity (in particular, tourism and recreation) from a historical perspective relative to attitudes, values, behaviors, and use of natural resources.
Attributes: LACS – Liberal Arts Social Core
Available via Ecampus
SOC 456, *SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIAL CONTEXT, 4 Credits
Study of social aspects of science and technology (values, practices, organization, impacts) by analysis of issues revealing their relationship to other social and cultural processes.
Attributes: CSST – Bacc Core, Synthesis, Science/Technology/Society
SOC 460, THE SOCIOLOGY OF GLOBALIZATION, 4 Credits
Examines the sociological effect of globalization on Western and non-Western societies. The course focuses on changes in the global economy and how this has influenced the social structure, patterns of change, and mutual influences among societies.
Attributes: LACN – Liberal Arts Non-Western Core
SOC 470, COLLECTIVE BEHAVIOR, 4 Credits
Examines current theories; focuses on behavior in crowds and diverse social settings including fads/fashions, ecstatic crowds/miracles, natural/technological disasters, urban legends, collective delusions/mass hysteria, protest/demonstrations, riots/mobs.
SOC 471, PROTESTS AND SOCIAL CHANGE, 4 Credits
Introduces core theoretical and methodological issues related to social movements in the US and abroad. Emphasizes social forces giving rise to movements, tactics employed by movements, and impacts of them on society. CROSSLISTED as PPOL 471/SOC 471 and PPOL 571/SOC 571.
Equivalent to: PPOL 471, SOC 471H
Available via Ecampus
SOC 471H, PROTESTS AND SOCIAL CHANGE, 4 Credits
Introduces core theoretical and methodological issues related to social movements in the US and abroad. Emphasizes social forces giving rise to movements, tactics employed by movements, and impacts of them on society. CROSSLISTED as PPOL 471/SOC 471 and PPOL 571/SOC 571.
Attributes: HNRS – Honors Course Designator
SOC 475, RURAL SOCIOLOGY, 4 Credits
Helps students understand the rich diversity in rural society, with an emphasis on the interdependencies between urban and rural contexts. Current issues and social problems experienced by rural populations and how sociology is used to understand and address issues affecting rural communities are explored.
Available via Ecampus
SOC 480, *ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIOLOGY, 4 Credits
Explores the evolution of environmental thought, paradigm shifts, and institutional structures associated with environmental concerns, social movements, and social impacts.
Attributes: CSGI – Bacc Core, Synthesis, Contemporary Global Issues
Available via Ecampus
SOC 481, *SOCIETY AND NATURAL RESOURCES, 4 Credits
Explores the complex interrelationships between humans and natural resources, emphasizing how management decisions and organizations are enmeshed in social and cultural contexts.
Attributes: CSST – Bacc Core, Synthesis, Science/Technology/Society
Available via Ecampus
SOC 482, *ENERGY, CLIMATE AND SOCIETY, 4 Credits
Explores the complex interrelationships between humans and energy, emphasizing the role of energy in critical social issues, including but not limited to: domestic and international conflict, poverty, social change, inter-generational equity, energy transitions and environmental justice. CROSSLISTED as PPOL 441/SOC 482.
Attributes: CSST – Bacc Core, Synthesis, Science/Technology/Society
Equivalent to: PPOL 441
Available via Ecampus
SOC 499, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
Selected topics of special or current interest not covered in other courses. For advanced undergraduate and graduate students.
Equivalent to: SOC 490, SOC 499H
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
SOC 499H, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
Selected topics of special or current interest not covered in other courses. For advanced undergraduate and graduate students.
Attributes: HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: SOC 499
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
SOC 501, RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
SOC 502, INDEPENDENT STUDY, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
SOC 503, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 999 credits.
SOC 505, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
SOC 506, PROJECTS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
SOC 507, SEMINAR, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
SOC 508, WORKSHOP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
SOC 510, INTERNSHIP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
SOC 512, SOCIOLOGY OF WORK AND FAMILY, 4 Credits
Survey of the intersections between families and work; variations in family structure, policies and paid and unpaid work in the United States; interdependence between paid and unpaid family labor and broader social change.
Recommended: SOC 204 or SOC 204H
Available via Ecampus
SOC 513, SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY, 4 Credits
Historical and philosophical foundations of sociological theory; major school of thought and their major contributors.
Recommended: SOC 204
SOC 518, QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS, 4 Credits
An introduction to the theory and methods of qualitative research. Students will be exposed to various qualitative research methods through practical field exercises. These include ethnographic field observation, content analysis, interviewing, focus groups and unobtrusive measures. Other commonly used methods of collecting qualitative data are also examined. CROSSLISTED as SOC 418 and SOC 518/PPOL 523.
Equivalent to: PPOL 523
Recommended: SOC 204
SOC 524, SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY, 4 Credits
Examines individuals in social context; explores dynamics of interpersonal relationships; evaluates link between self and society, including concepts of role/status/identity. Contemporary research design, problems, and findings pertinent to social psychology.
Recommended: SOC 204
SOC 526, SOCIAL INEQUALITY, 4 Credits
Evolution of social inequality in society. Emphasis upon the causes and consequences of inequality in power, privilege, and prestige in human societies, with special attention to the United States.
SOC 530, GENDER AND SOCIETY, 4 Credits
Examination of nature and consequences of social differentiation and stratification on the basis of sex and gender. Analysis of social position of women and men in society, focusing on their positions in institutional areas such as the family, politics, work and education. Evaluation of theories of biological, psychological, and sociological bases for the behavior and characteristics of women and men.
SOC 532, SOCIOLOGY OF AGING, 4 Credits
Focuses on the definitions, history, experience and public policies around aging, primarily in the United States. Assesses the implications of a growing older population and explores the diversity of experience of aging across gender, race and social class. Synthesizes data, theory and observations, formulates sociological questions relevant to aging, and evaluates caregiving practices and policies.
Recommended: SOC 204
Available via Ecampus
SOC 537, RACE AND ETHNIC RELATIONS, 4 Credits
Comparative/international perspective on the social construction of race and ethnicity. Social, economic and political experiences of selected groups in the U.S. and other countries are examined.
Recommended: SOC 204
SOC 538, US IMMIGRATION ISSUES IN THE 21ST CENTURY, 4 Credits
Provides a critical overview of immigration to the United States from a socio-historic perspective. Examines how successive waves of immigrants have influenced American society from the earliest groups of Europeans in the 19th century to the most recently arriving immigrants from Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.
SOC 539, WELFARE AND SOCIAL SERVICES, 4 Credits
Analysis of social, political, and economic forces affecting welfare and social service systems, with overview of current programs, policy issues, public opinions, occupational aspects and societal impacts.
Recommended: SOC 204 or SOC 205 or SOC 206
Available via Ecampus
SOC 540, JUVENILE DELINQUENCY, 4 Credits
Contemporary research and theories of juvenile delinquency. Review and evaluation of various strategies and programs designed to prevent delinquency or for treatment of delinquents.
Recommended: SOC 204
Available via Ecampus
SOC 541, CRIMINOLOGY AND PENOLOGY, 4 Credits
Review of sociological perspectives on crime and criminal justice, with emphasis upon North America. Review of crime statistics, types of crime, theories of criminality, corrections programs and prisons, and programs to reduce crime.
Recommended: SOC 204
Available via Ecampus
SOC 542, SOCIOLOGY OF DRUG USE AND ABUSE, 4 Credits
Emphasizes a sociological understanding of drug use, drug problems and drug policy. In order to understand drug use and abuse it is necessary to understand the chemical properties of the substances at issue, the attributes of the people who use and abuse drugs, and the norms and characteristics of the society in which the substance use occurs.
SOC 544, INSIDE-OUT: PRISONS, COMMUNITIES, AND PREVENTION, 4 Credits
Course takes place in a state correctional facility, with OSU students learning alongside "inside" students from the facility for a full quarter. Course content examines prisons, communities, crime, and prevention from a sociological perspective. All students participate in service-learning projects.
Recommended: SOC 204
SOC 548, LAW AND SOCIETY, 4 Credits
An introduction to social scientific approaches to law, covering major topics in the area. Topics may include disputing, legal consciousness, social movements and law, punishment, legal actors, and legal institutions.
Recommended: SOC 204
Available via Ecampus
SOC 549, LAW, CRIME, AND POLICY, 4 Credits
Surveys criminal justice policies aimed at enforcing laws, reducing crime, punishing violators, and rehabilitating ex-offenders. Interrogates the behavioral assumptions used in creating and evaluating policies. Examines specific crimes and the policies used to address them.
Recommended: SOC 204
Available via Ecampus
SOC 550, SOCIOLOGY OF EDUCATION, 4 Credits
Contemporary perspectives and research on schools, students, teachers and social forces affecting the educational system. Review of comparative and evaluation research on alternative educational strategies and programs. Overview of the literature of educational critics.
SOC 552, SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION, 4 Credits
Social patterns within U.S. religious groups, relation of religious groups to society, and the methodological problems in studying such groups.
Recommended: SOC 204
SOC 553, SOCIOLOGY OF SPORT, 4 Credits
Critical analysis of sport. Examines sport socialization; deviance; violence; gender; race/ethnicity; professional sport careers; intercollegiate athletics; marriage/family; and the media.
Recommended: SOC 204
SOC 554, LEISURE AND CULTURE, 4 Credits
Examination of the social, cultural, and global significance of leisure activity (in particular, tourism and recreation) from a historical perspective relative to attitudes, values, behaviors, and use of natural resources.
Recommended: SOC 204
Available via Ecampus
SOC 556, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIAL CONTEXT, 4 Credits
Study of social aspects of science and technology (values, practices, organization, impacts) by analysis of issues revealing their relationship to other social and cultural processes.
Recommended: SOC 204
SOC 560, THE SOCIOLOGY OF GLOBALIZATION, 4 Credits
Examines the sociological effect of globalization on Western and non-Western societies. The course focuses on changes in the global economy and how this has influenced the social structure, patterns of change, and mutual influences among societies.
Recommended: SOC 204
SOC 570, COLLECTIVE BEHAVIOR, 4 Credits
Examines current theories; focuses on behavior in crowds and diverse social settings including fads/fashions, ecstatic crowds/miracles, natural/technological disasters, urban legends, collective delusions/mass hysteria, protest/demonstrations, riots/mobs.
Recommended: SOC 204
SOC 571, PROTESTS AND SOCIAL CHANGE, 4 Credits
Introduces core theoretical and methodological issues related to social movements in the US and abroad. Emphasizes social forces giving rise to movements, tactics employed by movements, and impacts of them on society. CROSSLISTED as PPOL 471/SOC 471 and PPOL 571/SOC 571.
Equivalent to: PPOL 571
Recommended: SOC 204
Available via Ecampus
SOC 575, RURAL SOCIOLOGY, 4 Credits
Helps students understand the rich diversity in rural society, with an emphasis on the interdependencies between urban and rural contexts. Current issues and social problems experienced by rural populations and how sociology is used to understand and address issues affecting rural communities are explored.
Recommended: SOC 204
Available via Ecampus
SOC 580, ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIOLOGY, 4 Credits
Explores the evolution of environmental thought, paradigm shifts, and institutional structures associated with environmental concerns, social movements, and social impacts.
Recommended: SOC 204
Available via Ecampus
SOC 581, SOCIETY AND NATURAL RESOURCES, 4 Credits
Explores the complex interrelationships between humans and natural resources, emphasizing how management decisions and organizations are enmeshed in social and cultural contexts.
Recommended: SOC 204
Available via Ecampus
SOC 582, ENERGY, CLIMATE AND SOCIETY, 4 Credits
Explores the complex interrelationships between humans and energy, emphasizing the role of energy in critical social issues, including but not limited to: domestic and international conflict, poverty, social change, inter-generational equity, energy transitions and environmental justice. CROSSLISTED as PPOL 541/SOC 582.
Equivalent to: PPOL 541
Available via Ecampus
SOC 599, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
Recommended: SOC 204
SOC 808, WORKSHOP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.