Course Descriptions
SOC 101 - (CSI) Introductory Sociology
Invites students to use basic sociological concepts and research methods to analyze patterns of behavior and belief in contemporary social institutions such as the family, education, religion, mass media, and work. Offered each semester.
SOC 201 - (AV) Social Problems
Course explores how social problems are socially constructed by asking what gets labeled as a problem, who gets to label something, how groups mobilize around what people consider problematic, and about the role of social policies in this process. Offered in alternate years.
SOC 202 - Engagement and the City (Cross-Listed PSCI 202)
An introduction to the challenges of contemporary citizenship, the course teaches students the basic skills of action research. Students work in teams on projects with community partners. Students learn to conduct stakeholder analyses, locate communities in the context of power and social capital, complete “best practices'' studies, and create and implement action plans. Offered in alternate years.
SOC 222 - (CSI, U) Sex and Gender in Society
Explores the social organization of sex and gender in American society by investigating the cultural construction of masculinity and femininity, processes of socialization, and how gender structures other social institutions. Offered annually.
SOC 225 - (W) Methods of Social Research
Introduction to basic theory and methods of research, data collection, and analysis in the social sciences. The course will provide students with hands-on experience with key sociological methods, such as survey design, content analysis, interviewing and focus groups, and ethnography.
SOC 230 - (CSI, U) Race and Racism
Examines how racial categories are socially constructed, and the impact of race in society, including the relative salience of race and ethnicity. This includes how racism is practiced historically, institutionally, ideologically, and interpersonally, and the intersections between race and other social identities. Emphasis is added on social justice efforts and antiracism. Offered annually.
SOC 240 - (AV) The Profession of Social Work
Examines the norms and practices of the social work profession from a sociological perspective. Includes such topics as the history, functions, and current status of the profession; professional training; methods and programs of clinical intervention in the United States; and issues of professional ethics. Field experience acquired through field trips and volunteer opportunities. Offered each fall.
SOC 250 - (CSI) Media and Popular Culture
Explores different perspectives for understanding media and popular culture in society. Students will examine the news, representation of different groups in popular culture, social media, and how media consumption shapes social identities. Offered in alternate years.
SOC 260 - Sociology of the Life Course
From childhood and adolescence to middle-age and our elderly years, how we age is shaped by norms and social institutions. This class explores processes of human development from the perspective of sociological theories of the self, the life course, and aging. Offered in alternate years.
SOC 270 - Special Topics
Selected topics in sociology open to students of all majors, particularly sophomores and juniors. May be repeated for credit if content is not duplicated. See current Program of Classes to determine if this course fulfills general education requirements. Offered as needed.
SOC 277/377 - Travel and Fieldwork in Sociology
Guided explorations of places, groups, and cultures beyond Bloomington-Normal. Itinerary, readings, and assignments vary from semester to semester. See Program of Classes for specific course descriptions and general education designations. May be repeated for credit if the topic does not duplicate. Prerequisite: At least one course in Sociology or consent of instructor. Offered occasionally in May.
SOC 290 - (IT) History of Social Thought
A study of social philosophy and sociological theory from the Enlightenment to the present, including such figures as Karl Marx, Max Weber, and Emile Durkheim. Emphasizes the biographical, historical, and intellectual contexts of their ideas. Prerequisite: Gateway 100. Offered each semester.
SOC 300 - Sociology Research Experience (.25)
Supervised research experience working with faculty to gain additional experience with empirical research projects. May be repeated up to four times for up to one full credit. Approval of department chair is required, though SOC 225 is preferred as preparation. Offered only as faculty projects are available. Offered by arrangement.
SOC 305 - (IT) Medical Sociology
Examines social and environmental determinants of health, as well as issues of power and inequality as they relate to health and well-being. Topics include medicalization; cultural and social meanings of, and experiences with, health and illness; the social context of medical practices and professions; and health-related social change. Offered in alternate years.
SOC 311 - (CHC, U) Marriage and Family
To understand how contemporary family life encompasses a wide variety of living arrangements and social relationships, this course explores how marriage and family life have changed in the past and how they are continuing to change. Topics include union formation, parenting, family policies, and work-family negotiations. Offered in alternate years.
SOC 325 - Advanced Sociological Methods
Students move from their research proposal, developed in SOC 225, to collecting and analyzing data using their chosen research method. The development of marketable research skills is emphasized. Prerequisite: At least a C- in SOC 225. Offered each fall.
SOC 328 - (CSI) Criminology
A systematic analysis of the nature, causes, and prevention of crime, and the treatment of the criminal. Offered in alternate years.
SOC 333 - (CHC) Youth Subcultures
Course explores subcultures, such as punk, hip-hop, heavy metal, and science fiction fandom, focusing on social trends that give rise to them and how they shape the lives of the participants. Students learn the social histories, cultural codes, aesthetics, and ideologies of these subcultures, and connect their development to wider social changes. Offered in alternate years.
SOC 340 - (CHC, U) Social Movements and Politics in the U.S.
Considering both classical and contemporary work on social movements and politics, this course traces the development of sociological theories on collective action and civic engagement. Focusing on both macro-level trends and micro-level identity construction, the course examines U.S. politics through historically significant movements such as feminism, environmentalism, and LGBT rights. Offered alternate years.
SOC 345 - (IT, U) Intersectionality
Seminar course examining the theoretical and methodological framework of intersectionality, and how multiple forms of inequality shape social identities, interactions, power relations in institutions, and movements for social justice. Offered in alternate years.
SOC 350 - (AV, US) Emotions and Society
Emotions appear individualistic, but social norms and institutions shape what people feel, when they feel, and how they express their feelings. By examining the social organization of emotions, the course deconstructs how one ought to feel and considers what inappropriate feeling reveals about systems of power and inequality. Offered occasionally.
SOC 362 - Social Welfare and Human Services
Examines and evaluates social welfare institutions and organizations, emphasizing contemporary policy issues and social problems and practices. Recommended for students interested in the human services professions and students considering the pursuit of the masters in social work. Field experience acquired. Offered each spring.
SOC 367 - Environmental Sociology (Cross-listed with ENST 367)
Course considers the complex intersection between humans and nature by offering an examination of sociological perspectives on the environment. Students will deepen their environmental knowledge on topics including: environmental inequalities, the treadmill of production, environmental impact on identity construction, and the role of social movements in the development of policies. Offered in alternate years.
SOC 370 - Special Topics
Specially-designed courses of a topical nature intended for juniors and seniors. May be repeated for credit if content is not duplicated. See current Program of Classes to determine if this course fulfills general education requirements. Offered as needed.
SOC 377/277 - Travel and Fieldwork in Sociology
Guided explorations of places, groups, and cultures beyond Bloomington-Normal. Itinerary, readings, and assignments vary from semester to semester. See Program of Classes for specific course descriptions and general education designations. May be repeated for credit if the topic does not duplicate. Prerequisite: At least one course in Sociology or consent of instructor. Offered occasionally in May.
SOC 380 - (CHC, U) Sex and Sexualities
To understand the changing meaning and understanding of sexuality, the course examines the history of how Americans’ sexual identities and behaviors have evolved over generations, along with the dynamic ways that sexual norms and expectations shift over the life course. Offered in alternate years.
SOC 395 - Action Research Seminar (Cross-listed with PSCI 395)
This seminar bridges theory and applied research in community action. The course introduces the student as scholar-citizen to the multiple ways of seeking information on communities and examining community issues. On teams with community partners and faculty, students develop action plans and implement research projects. Open to second year students and above. Offered as needed.
SOC 397 - Internship
Directed research and work in a social agency, business or government bureau. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing and approval of the Sociology Department. See Career Center for preliminary details and internship forms. Offered each semester.
SOC 398 - (W) Grant Writing (Cross-listed with PSCI 398)
Grants are a funding challenge and opportunity for non-profits. Successful grants must construct a compelling argument and align with funder priorities. Students partner with community leaders to complete applications in support of actual programs. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing and above. Offered as needed.
SOC 450 - Independent Study
Individual study in an area of special interest. Student must devise a plan of study in cooperation with instructor. Limit: two units of credit. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. Offered each semester.
SOC 490 - (W) Senior Seminar
Students will complete necessary revisions to their senior projects, and enhance their capacity to utilize sociological skills and concepts by examining contemporary developments in the field. Career relevance is emphasized. Prerequisites: SOC 225 and SOC 325, at a C- or above in each. Offered each spring.
Courtney Irby - Associate Professor of Sociology
Department - Sociology & Anthropology