SOCI 1301 Intro to Sociology

A scientific approach to the study of the cultural and social basis for human behavior, including the impact of societal groups and organizations on personal identity, feelings and behavior. Topics for special focus include the individual impact of ethnicity, social class, gender, religion, family structure, peer groups, complex organizations, mass media and educational, political and economic systems.

TCCN: SOCI 1301

SOCI 1306 Cont Social Prob&Social Pol

A survey and analysis of the causes and consequences of major social problems in American Society, such as poverty, environmental pollution, domestic violence and substance abuse. An examination of the effectiveness of current social policies being used to address major American social problems.

TCCN: SOCI 1306

SOCI 2301 Marriage and Family

Analysis of the family as an educational and social institution in light of historical relationships and present-day social and economic conditions.

SOCI 2319 Minority Studies

A survey and introduction of the concepts of race and ethnicity and the changing basis for ethno-racial identity in the multicultural United States. A survey of patterns of dominant-minority relations in the United States. An overview of the history and current social conditions of Native Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans and European Americans.

SOCI 3301 Research Methods in Social Sci

An introduction to the scientific method as applied to social science research. Topics include research methods, research designs, the analysis of data, and basic computer techniques. This course is interchangeable with CRIJ 3301 and PSCI 3301.

Prerequisites: Junior or Senior Standing and consent of COAS Advisor.

SOCI 3302 Social Welfare&Human Service

An introduction to the helping professions with emphasis on human service organizations, and models of social service delivery. Discourse on current controversial issues, social welfare policies and the code of professional ethics.

SOCI 3304 Sociological Theory

The study of how theories are formulated in social science. Overview of classical and contemporary sociological theories including functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism, phenomenology and postmodern theory.

Prerequisites: SOCI 1301, and three hours of any Sociology course for a total of six credit hours in Sociology.

SOCI 3307 U.S.-Mexico Border Subcultures

Analysis of Spanish, Mexican, and European American cultural influences upon the development of contemporary U.S.-Mexico border subcultures. The implications of Mexican American and new Mexican immigrant subcultures for education and social service delivery.

SOCI 3308 Latin American Cultures

The study of the impact of Spanish and Portuguese colonization upon the indigenous cultures and political economy of Latin America. Analysis of the development of new ncretic Latino cultural forms reflecting Iberian, Native American and African heritage in contemporary Central and South America and the Caribbean. (Cross-listed with ANTH 3308)

SOCI 3310 Sociology of Education

This course will introduce the student to sociological perspectives on the institution of education in societies and the educational organizations which this institution generates. Several sociological-theoretical perspectives will be used to analyze this institution and its consequent organizations. The structure, functions, and processes of education will be reviewed. Different societies will be compared with respect to these. It is anticipated that the student will be able to use sociological theory, research methods, data, and concepts to analyze educational organizations to introduce appropriate interventions, and to evaluate the impact of such interventions. The course should be particularly helpful to individuals expecting to work with, and in, educational organizations. However, it should also be valuable to parents and citizens interested in the importance of education in society, community, and individually. (Formerly SOCI 2310)

SOCI 3316 Urban Sociology

The study of the culture, history, and growth patterns of cities, including current trends toward suburbanization and its environmental impact. Examination of the emergence of cities with global or regional orientations and the impact of the decline of manufacturing and emergence of information and technology on city growth. Consideration of housing, budget and other problems faced by cities. Special emphasis on the growth of twin cities along the U. S.-Mexico border. (Cross-listed with URBS 3316)

SOCI 3336 Criminology

The development of criminological thought; critical evaluation of theories of criminality, the study of criminal organization and socialization; and the extent, type, and sources of crime.

SOCI 3370 Health, Medicine, and Society

This course is an introduction to social dimensions of health, illness, and healing. The course centers on the ways in which personal experiences with health and illness are informed by social structures (culture, medicine, inequalities, religion, policy/laws, etc.) and contexts (neighborhoods, nations, geography, etc.), and how individuals, in turn, influence such structures through individual attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. Thus, this course examines how health, illnesses, and recovery are socially and medically constructed and developed, as well as individually experienced and perceived. This course also emphasizes the role that social statuses and identities like race, class, gender, sexuality, and disability have in shaping our health and healthcare experiences.

SOCI 4310 Social Inequality

Analysis of theory and research on social inequality, its causes and consequences. Special attention will be given to an examination of poverty in the South Texas region.

Prerequisites: Junior standing.

SOCI 4316 Social Service Internship

The internship is designed to offer supervised on the job training experiences and career opportunities in various settings in health, education, and human service organizations. The course requires the completion of 160 hours of internship service to an agency approved by the Internship Coordinator and the department chair. Students will apply sociological knowledge in a social service setting, attend class and individual conferences with the Internship Coordinator, produce time sheets, reports and a supervisor’s evaluation based on internship performance. Non-Sociology majors may take this course with permission of student’s advisor. Students receive a certificate upon successful completion of the Internship. Evaluation of performance in this course is on CR/NC basis.

Prerequisites: Junior standing.

SOCI 4317 Race&Ethnic Relations

Critical analysis of the concepts of race and ethnicity and the changing basis for racial and ethnic identity in the multicultural United States. An examination of patterns of dominant-minority relations in the United States as compared to other world societies. An overview of the history and current social conditions of Native Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans and European Americans.

Prerequisites: Junior standing

SOCI 4318 Globalization

This course focuses on developing sensitivity to cultural differences, becoming knowledgeable of global issues, and developing the ability to play significant roles in formulating and recommending solutions to contemporary national, transnational and global problems and concerns.

Prerequisites: Junior standing.

SOCI 4320 Women in Criminal Just Syst

Analysis of incidence studies and examination of theories about women's criminality. The study of mass media stereotypes of female offenders and victims; female victimology; issues concerning women who work in police, court, and correctional facilities and criminal justice system processing of women offenders. Interchangeable with CRIJ 4320.

Prerequisites: Junior standing.

SOCI 4325 Sociology of Gender Roles

An analysis of the role of biology, cultural socialization, and social institutions in the formulation and maintenance of constructs of masculine and feminine gender in world societies. The study of the social impact of changes in women's and men's roles in postindustrial societies upon the family, the workplace and other major social institutions. The examination of the impact of gender constructs upon familial relationships, spirituality and policy orientations. An evaluation of the positive and negative impact of the women's movement and men's movement upon the status of women and men of different race/ethnicity and social class. (Cross-listed with WGST 4325)

Prerequisites: Junior standing.

SOCI 4330 Sociology of Sexualities

This course examines theory and research of human sexualities. It analyses the social, legal and medical changes connected to sexualities and their implications for individual and the family.

SOCI 4370 Medical Sociology

The role of social and cultural factors in the distribution and causes of disease; doctor-patient relationships; beliefs about health, illness, treatment and recovery; access to health institutions and the organization of health care systems.

Prerequisites: Junior standing.

SOCI 4375 Special Studies in Sociology

An intensive examination of special topics of study in sociology. May be repeated for credit if the topic changes. Topics may include, but are not limited to, the Study of Society, Collective Behavior and Social Movements, Comparative Organizations, Sexualities, Environmental Justice, Sociology of Law, Sociology of Religion, Contemporary U.S. Culture, Institutional Care of the Aged, Immigration issues and Demography.

Prerequisites: SOCI 1301 or six hours of Sociology.

SOCI 4380 Senior Proseminar

Designed to consolidate the academic foundations of Sociology with the transition to becoming a professional sociologist. Highlights are: review of the major sociological theories and methods of conducting research, core concepts, communication skills, career development, the code of ethics, job opportunities, and effective assertiveness. This capstone experience, required of all sociology majors, includes weekly seminar meetings with faculty. Prospective graduate students from non-Sociology majors are required to take this course as stem work.

Prerequisites: Senior standing in sociology, SOCI 3301, and SOCI 3304.

SOCI 4385 Child Maltreatment

This course examines theory and research on child abuse and neglect with a focus on interventions for offenders and victims.

Prerequisites: Junior standing.

SOCI 4390 Domestic Violence

Analysis of theory and research on the prevalence of domestic violence and its patterns and dynamics. An examination of preventative education and interventions for offenders and victims. Special focus will be placed upon multicultural populations.

SOCI 4395 Undergraduate Research in SOCI

This course enables students to engage in independent research on an issue/topic in sociology. The issue/topic is selected by the student, with the advice and approval of the instructor prior to registration. May be repeated under a different/issue topic for credit.

Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor and department chair.

SOCI 4616 Social Service Internship

The internship is designed to offer supervised on the job training experiences and career opportunities in various settings in health, education, and human service organizations. Students will apply sociological knowledge in a social service setting, attend class and individual conferences with Internship Coordinator, produce time sheets, reports and a supervisor's evaluation based on internship performance. Non-Sociology majors may take this course with permission of students' advisor. Students receive a certificate upon successful completion of the Internship. Evaluation of performance in this course is on CR/NC basis.

Prerequisites: Junior standing.

SOCI 5301 Contemp Studies of Soc Probs

This course offers advanced study of various topics in sociology that reflect the needs of students and expertise of the faculty. Topics may include, but are not limited to, sociological theory, research methods, sociological practice, poverty, medical/health, family violence and aging. May be repeated for credit when the topic changes.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing.

SOCI 5303 Seminar in Sociological Theory

Study of the process of formulation of theory. In-depth analysis of the work of classical, contemporary, multicultural and postmodern theorists.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing.

SOCI 5304 Rac, Eth, Soc Class&Gen Ineq

An overview of racial, ethnic, social class and gender theory. Analysis of how race, ethnicity, social class and gender impact on individual life outcomes and group stratification. Social policy issues are examined using qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques useful for community organizations.

Prerequisites: Graduate Standing.

SOCI 5305 Sociology of Health & Illness

The course is designed to examine and analyze the social antecedents, causes, correlates, and consequences of health, disease, illness, and medicine. It is focused on understanding the nexus between social dimensions and health, disease and illness; and on the application of sociological concepts and perspectives -- including research methodological techniques -- to issues and inquiries pertaining to disease, illness, health, and health care.

SOCI 5306 Sociology of Education

Sociological analysis of the formal and informal sociocultural structures of educational organizations and educational learning theories in light of historical and present-day social conditions.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing.

SOCI 5307 Multicult Domestic Violence

Survey of theory and research on domestic violence in ethnic communities with a focus on Hispanics and new immigrants. Areas addressed will include both dating and intimate partner violence, social policy and coordinated community interventions.

SOCI 5309 Immigration & Biculturalism

The study of the social demography of the new immigration; social dynamics of relations between sending and receiving countries for new immigrants; context of reception of new immigrants in the host country and occupational and economic incorporation; and types of acculturation, assimilation and multiculturalism among the new immigrants.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing.

SOCI 5312 Applications in Social Plan

The study of specific social problems with an assessment of governmental response, availability of relevant social policies and development of skills in writing and submitting proposals.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing.

SOCI 5321 Social Inquiry

An orientation to the scientific study of social phenomena. Topics include the philosophy of science; ethical considerations in human subjects research; measurement; theory-building; reviewing and integrating existing research; research design (experiments, quasi-experimental designs, surveys, non-obtrusive methods, observation); and written and oral presentation of research.

Prerequisites: SOCI 3305, PSCI 3301, or similar undergraduate coursework in social scientific research methods, or consent of instructor.

SOCI 5322 Advanced Quantitative Methods

An advanced course in the practical application of quantitative research methods in social scientific research. Topics include data management using computer software; bivariate and multivariate statistics, including chi-square, correlation, ordinary-least-squares regression, and limited dependent variable models (logit/probit), with an emphasis on computer applications; and presentation of results from quantitative research.

SOCI 5340 Sem in Study of Social Change

Overview of social change theories using a macro-level of analysis; includes an examination of various methodological approaches to assess global stratification.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing.

SOCI 5395 Graduate Research

This course enables graduate students to actively participate in the process of scholarly inquiry. The research topic is chosen by the student with the approval of the supervising professor prior to registration. This course may be repeated but not to exceed 12 semester hours. These hours do not count towards the student’s major degree plan.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing, SOCI 5321 or permission of instructor and department chair.

SOCI 5398 Thesis I

This course is designed to be the first step towards the successful completion of a thesis in sociology. Students schedule the coursework in consultation with their thesis committee chair. Evaluation of performance is CR/NC. Students will receive credit for the class when they have a proposal approved by their thesis committee, and the required evidence of progress on a draft. If the grade of NC is received, the student must enroll again for credit.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing, successful completion of 24 SCH, and permission of student’s thesis committee chair.

SOCI 5399 Thesis II

This course is designed to be the final step towards the successful completion of a thesis in sociology. Students schedule the coursework in consultation with their thesis committee chair. Evaluation of performance is CR/NC. Students will receive credit for the class when they have successfully written and defended their thesis to their thesis committee. If the grade of NC is received, the student must enroll again for credit.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing, SOCI 5398: Thesis I, and permission of student’s thesis committee chair.

SOCI 5699 Thesis II

This course is designed to be the final step towards the successful completion of a thesis in sociology. Students schedule the coursework in consultation with their thesis committee chair. Evaluation of performance is CR/NC. Students will receive credit for the class when they have successfully written and defended their thesis to their thesis committee. If the grade of NC is received, the student must enroll again for credit.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing, SOCI 5398: Thesis I, and permission of student’s thesis committee chair.

SOCI 5999 Thesis II

This course is designed to be the final step towards the successful completion of a thesis in sociology. Students schedule the coursework in consultation with their thesis committee chair. Evaluation of performance is CR/NC. Students will receive credit for the class when they have successfully written and defended their thesis to their thesis committee. If the grade of NC is received, the student must enroll again for credit.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing, SOCI 5398: Thesis I, and permission of student’s thesis committee chair.