Department of Sociology

Mary Ruthi, Steven Lee, Wayne Priest

The study of sociology is intended to enhance one’s understanding of human societies, including such aspects as social institutions, cultures, social problems and social change. Students who study sociology will be prepared for careers in the social service field as well as for graduate study in sociology.

Students who choose sociology as a major for the bachelor of arts degree complete SO 111, 381, 382, 481, 485, 490 or 495; MA 151; and twenty-one additional hours in sociology, which may include PY 321.

The minor in sociology requires SO 111, 381; MA 151; and twelve additional hours in sociology.

For information about requirements for Indiana teacher licensing in sociology, refer to the section on social studies teacher licensing.

Courses in Sociology

SO 111 Principles of Sociology                          (3)

Basic concepts, theories, methods, and principles of sociology. Topics will include social institutions, the dynamics of change, and the diverse behavior of people in different parts of the world.

                                                              Fall, Spring

SO 141 Cultural Anthropology                            (3)

This course will focus on the perspectives and terminology of the field of cultural anthropology, including the development of culture, similarities and differences among various cultures, and processes of change.

                                                    Spring Odd Years

SO 223 Social Problems                                     (3)

An analysis of the major social problems in contemporary society, with emphasis on their description, causes, and proposed solutions. Topics will include minority groups, health and medical care, employment, and crime and delinquency.

                                                        Fall Odd Years

SO 292 Marriage and the Family                         (3)

A study of the family as a social institution.  The life cycle of the family will be analyzed, including dating, marriage, child rearing, and later life.  Family problems and the impact of social change will also be considered.

                                                                     Spring

SO 311 Social Gerontology                                (3)

This course will explore the social aspects of aging. Role changes associated with aging, the impact of those changes, social responses to the elderly, and issues of death and dying will be considered.  Prerequisite: SO 111

                                                       Fall Even Years

SO 321 Minority Groups                                     (3)

The focus of this course is intergroup relations of a dominant-minority character. The majority-minority relations in many societies are examined with emphasis on American patterns. The goal is to identify the universal behavior patterns and basic concepts in the study of majority-minority relations. Prerequisite: SO 111

                                                   Spring Even Years

SO 333 Social Welfare Institutions                      (3)

A study of the ideology, function, and structure of the public and private auspices by which societies seek to assure the well being of their members, historically and currently.  American society is the primary focus, accompanied by ongoing global comparisons.  Key topics include poverty, oppression, health care, education, and families. Prerequisite: SO 111

                                                    Spring Odd Years

SO 341 Religion and Behavioral Science            (3)

This course considers the contributions of psychology and sociology to the understanding of religion, which is studied both as an individual experience and as a social institution. The influence of personality factors and social variables on religious behavior will be considered. Topics will include stages of faith development; conversion; mysticism; charismatic experience; cults; and the influence of social class on religion. Identical with PY 341. Prerequisite: One course in sociology

                                                       Fall Even Years

SO 351 Social Psychology                                 (3)

A study of how the thoughts, feelings and behavior of individuals are influenced by others. Topics include attitude formation and change, prejudice, conformity, leadership, interpersonal attraction, prosocial behavior and cooperation/ competition. Identical with PY 351. Prerequisites: PY 111 or SO 111 or SO 223 and junior standing

                                                                         Fall

SO 381 Introduction to Research Methods          (3)

This course focuses on the analytical techniques used in behavioral science research. Topics include the anatomy of the experimental method, characteristics of variables, data analysis techniques, reliability and validity considerations, sources of experimental error, and ethical issues in research. Students will engage in data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Identical with PY 381. Prerequisites: MA 151 and one course in sociology

                                                                         Fall

SO 382 Applied Research Methods                     (3)

This course focuses on the design, execution, and dissemination of behavioral science research. Topics include theory driven generation of hypotheses, literature review and data analysis techniques, operationalization of variables, implication of experimental results, and an introduction to APA style. Students will plan, conduct and defend a research project during the course. Identical with PY 382. Prerequisite: SO 381

                                                                     Spring

SO 413 The City                                                  (3)

This course examines the process of urbanization in the U.S. as well as in other societies.  Urban life styles and the social changes and problems associated with urbanization will also be explored. Identical with EB 413. Prerequisite: SO 111

                                                        Fall Odd Years

SO 421 Population Studies                                 (3)

This course will examine the trends and changes in world population, its composition and distribution, population movements, issues involving quality of life, and approaches used by various nations in dealing with population problems. Identical with EB 421. Prerequisite: SO 111

                                                   Spring Even Years

SO 444 Crime and Delinquency                          (3)

A study of criminal behavior: its causes, consequences, identification, prevention, and control. Emphasis will be given to juvenile delinquency as well as to crimes committed by adults. Field trips to institutions involved in dealing with crime will be included in the course. Prerequisite: SO 111

                                                       Fall Even Years

SO 481 Seminar in Sociology                             (3)

This course is aimed at summarizing and integrating the material learned in the sociology major. Trends and developments in the field will be discussed. Each student will prepare a major research paper dealing with a topic of interest. Prerequisites: Sociology major and junior standing

                                                   Spring Even Years

SO 485 Sociological Theory                               (3)

The focus of this course is on the development of sociological theory from the founding of sociology as a discipline until the present time. Current trends and issues in sociological theory will be considered in some detail.  Prerequisite: SO 111

                                                    Spring Odd Years

SO 490 Independent Study                              (1-4)

The study of a problem, a research paper or a project related to the sociology major.  Prerequisite: Consent

                                                              Fall, Spring

SO 495 Internship                                            (2-4)

Full-time involvement in a field situation of sociology or social work maintaining close cooperation with the supervisory personnel in the selected field. An in-depth paper will be submitted.  Prerequisite: Consent

                                                              Fall, Spring

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