Sociology (SO) - Quinnipiac University Academic Catalog

SO 101. Introduction to Sociology.3 Credits.

Our society and culture influence who we are, how we feel about ourselves, and how we interact with others. This course investigates the ways in which our social institutions such as the family, the government, politics, religion, health care and others shape our experience. Students also look at the ways in which gender, sexuality, race/ethnicity and social class affect their life. The differences that characterize a stratified society in opportunity, reward, achievement and social class are discussed.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, All
UC: Social Sciences

SO 101H. Honors Introduction to Sociology.3 Credits.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: As needed
UC: Social Sciences

SO 200. Special Topics.3 Credits.

A variety of special topics courses are offered every year.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: As needed

SO 201. Sociological Theory.3 Credits.

This course helps students develop a working knowledge of theory and understand its relevance in other sociological courses they take. In part, it examines Freud's depiction of the human condition as an epic battle between our individual selfish drives and society's overbearing shame, Marx's claim that revolution is inevitable, Weber's belief that we have sacrificed the human spirit at the altar of efficiency, Mills' claim that we have become cheerful robots in a machine-like society, and Baudrillard's thesis that truth has been murdered in the perfect crime.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: As needed
UC: Social Sciences

SO 203. How to Get Rich:Sociology in Action.3 Credits.

Designed for the general student interested in how to increase their likelihood of getting rich after college, this course teaches the basic skills needed to achieve financial success: budgeting, investing, and debt management. Most importantly, you will also learn how you can make money work for you, rather than you working for money. These basic lessons will be approached through sociological literature that will teach you the ways that advertisements, culture, your socialization with money and your positionality impact your ability to financially excel in the world outside of college. By learning the tricks of what can keep you down, you also learn invaluable skills that will help you potentially save money to invest for your future.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: As needed
UC: Social Sciences

SO 205. From College to Career.1 Credit.

This course introduces sociology, gerontology and criminal justice majors to the preprofessional skills and knowledge they need to practice prior to obtaining their internship. Students also are introduced to practical skills that benefit them throughout their professional careers ranging from self-reflection to resume writing and email etiquette. Students meet regularly to discuss the breadth of potential careers in sociology, criminal justice and gerontology through interaction with departmental faculty and practitioners in the field. For sociology majors only. This course is graded on a pass/fail basis.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring

SO 211. Introduction to Social Work.3 Credits.

This course provides students with an introduction to social work profession, including its historical roots, its fundamental principles and its areas of practice. The course provides an overview of social work methods, skills, values, ethics and the social service delivery system, utilizing the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) core competencies for social work education, and the National Association of Social Work (NASW) code of ethics. Attention is given to populations vulnerable to poverty, social, economic, racial, and environmental injustice, fostering awareness and understanding of systemic barriers and inequalities. By the end of the course, students will develop an introductory understanding of how social theories inform social work practice, empowering them to work with individuals, groups, and communities in a holistic manner.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring

SO 225. Social Problems.3 Credits.

What is a social problem? How does something become defined and recognized as a social problem? In this course, students examine the social systems, relationships, benefits and duties that shape our lives, both locally and globally. What are the major problems facing society today? What are their consequences? How can we effectively address social problems? Students explore these questions and more through examining topics such as racism, economic inequality, sexualities, families, immigration and the environment. In discussing these and other issues, students develop their sociological imaginations, learning how to see their individual lives as connected to patterns and systems in the larger social world.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: As needed
UC: Social Sciences, Intercultural Understand

SO 232. Women in the Criminal Justice System.3 Credits.

This course examines the changing patterns of women's criminality, the experiences of women who are processed as crime victims, and the evolution of women's role in law, law enforcement and corrections.

Prerequisites: Take SO 101 or SO 101H or SO 225 or SO 244;
Offered: Every year, Spring
UC: Social Sciences

SO 235. American Culture and Society.3 Credits.

The course examines what it means to be an American. Students explore the structure of American culture and discuss more specific American cultural manifestations in areas such as love, consumerism, childrearing and sport. These topics are covered via an assessment of the health versus pathology of American culture. Course material is rooted in sociological literature within the field of culture and personality.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: As needed

SO 241. Sociology of Race and Ethnicity.3 Credits.

The impact of ethnic and racial identity in the United States is examined with particular consideration of the processes of prejudice and discrimination, social class identity and mobility, and the distribution and exercise of social, economic and political power.

Prerequisites: Take SO 101 or SO 101H or SO 225 or SO 244.
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring
UC: Social Sciences, Intercultural Understand

SO 241H. Honors Sociology of Race and Ethnicity.3 Credits.

Prerequisites: Take SO 101 or SO 101H or SO 225 or SO 244.
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring
UC: Social Sciences

SO 244. Race, Gender and Class: Social Inequalities.3 Credits.

This course examines systems of inequality and how they grow out of, and are reinforced by, both structural and cultural factors. Topics include: social class, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, the interrelationships of all of these as forces of stratification, and how they are manifested in societal institutions such as the economy, the educational system and the criminal justice system.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring
UC: Social Sciences, Intercultural Understand

SO 244H. Race, Gender and Class: Social Inequalities.3 Credits.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring
UC: Social Sciences, Intercultural Understand

SO 250. Youth Crime.3 Credits.

This course deals with youth crime as distinct from adult offending. Students examine the development of the juvenile delinquency concept and justification for classifying juvenile offenders as separate from adults. Factors contributing to the onset of juvenile delinquency and relevant research also are examined. The course considers development and current functions of the juvenile justice system, paying particular attention to the challenges justice officials face daily. A range of widely used treatment strategies for dealing with juvenile offenders is examined.

Prerequisites: Take SO 101 or SO 101H or SO 225 or SO 244;
Offered: Every year, Fall
UC: Social Sciences, Intercultural Understand

SO 255. Sociology of Families.3 Credits.

In this course, students critically examine families in the U.S., both historically and in the current day. Topics include the ways in which families have evolved over time and the effect of economic and social factors (such as race, class and gender) on family life. Students learn about the diversity of families in current issues facing families.

Prerequisites: Take SO 101 or SO 101H or SO 225 or SO 244.
Offered: Every year, Spring
UC: Social Sciences, Intercultural Understand

SO 260. Social Control and Deviance.3 Credits.

This course covers classical and contemporary sociological theories of deviance as well as a discussion on the ways in which sociologists define the concepts of deviance and stigma. Course material covers a variety of social issues, which are situated within the intersection of deviance and race, social class, sexuality and religion. Topics include: privileged/underprivileged deviance, substance abuse and physical violence. Participants also look at the ways in which social behavior is formally and informally controlled through various sanctions and the implementation of public policies.

Prerequisites: Take SO 101 SO 101H SO 225 or SO 244;
Offered: Every other year
UC: Social Sciences, Intercultural Understand

SO 263. Aging in Society Of Aging.3 Credits.

This introduction to gerontology focuses on the myths and realities of aging explored using multi-disciplinary perspectives . Students critically examine the diversity of aging experiences in the U.S. The ways in which social and cultural factors enter into the aging process are also considered.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Fall
UC: Social Sciences, Intercultural Understand

SO 265. Work and Occupations.3 Credits.

Students explore the meaning and experiences of work and occupations, both for society as a whole and for their own personal career paths. Students examine how work gives meaning to and shapes our lives in profound ways. Topics explored are trends in the current labor market-the types of occupations and jobs that are available, what those occupations and jobs are like, and what these characteristics mean for the lives of the people who hold them. Students will also examine their own strengths, interests, and future professional goals.

Prerequisites: Take SO 101 or SO 101H or SO 225 or SO 244.
Offered: As needed, Summer
UC: Social Sciences

SO 266. Population and Society.3 Credits.

This course is designed to provide a basic understanding of demographic structures and processes of different types of societies. Students learn about the basic components used in demographic inquiry -population growth, mortality (deaths), fertility (births), and migration (population movement) - and gain knowledge necessary to use those concepts to evaluate societal issues such as marriage trends, jobs, lifestyles, and choices about having children. Students learn the importance of demographic factors in their personal lives and their social world.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring
UC: Social Sciences, Intercultural Understand

SO 270. Community Program Development.3 Credits.

This course addresses the creation of community-based programs and services especially within the nonprofit and public sectors. Topics covered include: approaches to leadership, community engagement, needs identification, problem analysis, models of intervention, and elements of grant proposal writing.

Prerequisites: Take SO 101 or SO 101H or SO 225 or SO 244;
Offered: As needed

SO 271. Public Order Crimes.3 Credits.

Approximately two-thirds of the inmates in U.S. correctional institutions have been found guilty of public order crimes, "moral crimes," or crimes not likely to have a self-identified victim. This course concentrates on crimes associated with such activities as illegitimate gambling, consensual sex, and the criminal use and sale of both legal and illegal substances.

Prerequisites: Take SO 101 or SO 101H or SO 225 or SO 244;
Offered: As needed

SO 280. Sociology of Health and Illness.3 Credits.

This course explores the social model to studying health and illness. Meaning(s) and experience(s) of health and illness are socially produced, and are shaped by the interaction of external social environments in which people live (culture and community), and the internal environment (human body). Experiences of health and illness are also influenced by socio-demographic variables (race, class, gender, age, etc.), highlighting disparities in health and health care delivery. The course examines a number of topics of interest to medical sociologists and health care professionals in the field, such as the medicalization of society, determinants of health, social construction of illness, and the social organization of health care.

Prerequisites: Take SO 101 or SO 101H or SO 225 or SO 244.
Offered: Every year, Fall
UC: Social Sciences, Intercultural Understand

SO 285. Protest and Social Change.3 Credits.

This course explores past and present social movements and other forms of resistance in the U.S. and around the world, focusing on the factors that influence their emergence, the shapes they take, and their outcomes. The course also includes discussion of how to organize one's own community to create social change. Students examine movements such as the Black Lives Matter movement, the #MeToo movement, the LGBTQ+ rights movement, the anti-war movement, and the climate justice movement.

Prerequisites: Take SO 101 or SO 101H or SO 225 or SO 244;
Offered: As needed
UC: Social Sciences, Intercultural Understand

SO 290. Research Methods.3 Credits.

This course introduces students to social science research methods. Students examine how qualitative and quantitative research methods apply to social science research. The course places particular emphasis on the importance of scientific methods in reaching informed conclusions. Students examine a number of methods commonly used in social science disciplines and learn how to interpret the results of research conducted using these methods. Understanding how social scientists investigate social phenomena allows students to accurately interpret and apply findings from social science research. Students should complete the course by the end of their sophomore year or second year in the major.

Prerequisites: Take SO 101 or SO 101H or SO 225 or SO 244;
Offered: Every year, Fall

SO 302. Sociology of Sexualities.3 Credits.

This course explores the social construction and social control of sexualities with a particular focus on the intersection of sexualities, gender, race, and class. We examine the socially constructed meanings of sexual practices and sexual identities. Specifically, we begin by looking at the ways in which sexuality is historically and socially positioned, and we discuss how sexuality is regulated (formally and informally). We also examine cultural expectations, understandings, and expressions of sexualities.

Prerequisites: Take SO 101 or SO 101H or SO 225 or SO 244;
Offered: Every year

SO 303. Popular Culture and the Media (WGS 303).3 Credits.

The course explores popular culture with the purpose of learning about current American life in the context of change. It focuses on the relationship between popular culture, the media, and the broader social, economic and political environment. Students are encouraged to make deeper connections between popular culture and issues of race, social class, gender, and sexuality in order to understand how inequalities are (re)produced over space and time. Through a semiotic lens, we will study popular media, leisure pursuits, news, entertainment, and material consumption.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, January Term

SO 304. Sociology of Gender.3 Credits.

This course focuses on how society constructs notions/images of femininity and masculinity and how these influence our lives. Participants look at cultural views of language, body and the media, as well as theoretical approaches to understanding the complexities of gender distinctions in our society.

Prerequisites: Take SO 101 or SO 101H or SO 225 or SO 244;
Offered: Every year, Spring
UC: Breadth Elective, Intercultural Understand

SO 305. Sociology of Death and Dying.3 Credits.

Death is studied from the perspective of social interaction between the dying person, professional caregivers and family members and loved ones. Attitudes and values about death, cultural components of grief, and the function of bereavement are examined. Particular attention is paid to the social organization of "death work" and dying in bureaucratic settings, such as hospitals and nursing homes, as opposed to the non-bureaucratic structure of hospice care.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: As needed

SO 306. Masculinities.3 Credits.

In this course, students examine the organization, maintenance and understandings of popular and historical conceptions of masculinities within the United States. The class explores the norms, values and beliefs that circulate within the realm of masculinities. Additional topics include media, boyhood, work, health, relationships, sexualities, bodies, families and violence. Students develop an understanding of the ways in which gender is a relational concept that takes on meaning through personal relationships and societal constructs.

Prerequisites: Take SO 101 or SO 101H or SO 225 or SO 244;
Offered: Every other year
UC: Breadth Elective, University Curriculum Ele

SO 307. Sociology of Sport.3 Credits.

This course includes the analysis of sport as a social and cultural institution and the interrelations between sport and societal subsystems. Students explore selected sociocultural aspects of sport and exercise, and analyze contemporary problems associated with sport, including race relations, the tradition and emergent role of females, leisure behaviors, aggression and violence, as well as political and economic concerns.

Prerequisites: Take SO 101 or SO 101H or SO 225 or SO 244;
Offered: Every year, All

SO 308. The Immigrant Experience.3 Credits.

For much of its history, people have come to the U.S. from other countries seeking economic opportunities, family reunification, or asylum While many Americans welcome immigrants and the strengths they bring, others fear immigrants' influence on society and want to restrict migration. In this course, students explore questions such as: Why do people migrate? How has immigration shaped the U.S. throughout its history? How does immigration impact the American economy and culture? How has immigration policy changed over time, and what role has racism played in immigration policies? Why is immigration such a divisive issue, and what role do politicians and the media play in sowing that division? Using a sociological perspective, students learn about the decisions and experiences of immigrants as well as the impact of immigration on society.

Prerequisites: Take SO 101 or SO 101H or SO 225 or SO 244.
Offered: Every other year, Fall
UC: Breadth Elective, University Curriculum Ele

SO 310. Sociology of Childhood.3 Credits.

Students explore the social, economic and political factors that have influenced the historical and contemporary experiences of children Students examine the intersection of childhood with social factors like the changing shape of families, educational institutions, peer groups and the media. The diversity of the childhood experience is considered as well as the impact of experiences like poverty, divorce, community violence, and the juvenile justice system on the lives of children, both inside and outside of the U.S.

Prerequisites: Take SO 101 or SO 101H or SO 225 or SO 244;
Offered: Every year, Fall

SO 315. Social Work Case Management.3 Credits.

Social work case management is a process used widely throughout social work and healthcare- for assessing, planning, coordinating, monitoring and evaluating the services needed to respond to an individual's health and/or service needs -. Students in gerontology, sociology, psychology, and criminal justice are likely to encounter the various roles or models of management practice utilized in social work, healthcare and various social service settings.

Prerequisites: Take 1 course from SO 101 or SO 101H or SO 225 or SO 244 or SO 211
Offered: As needed, All

SO 317. Religion and Society.3 Credits.

This course begins with an introduction to Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism. The remainder of the course examines the relationship between religion and society. Students explore questions such as: Are young Americans becoming less religious? What role does religion play in politics? What is religious inequality, and how does it produce religious discrimination? How does religion intersect with race, gender, and sexuality? Does religion cause violence, or is it merely used by violent groups to justify their actions? Can religion inspire social change? Using a sociological perspective, students learn about why religion continues to have a strong influence on social life in today's world.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every other year
UC: Breadth Elective, University Curriculum Ele

SO 320. Sociology of Hip-Hop Culture.3 Credits.

This course examines the formation, growth and current state of hip-hop culture through a sociological lens. Through a rigorous analysis of hip-hop, students are challenged to think critically and sociologically about the culture and its place in society and develop a clearer understanding of the history and social significance of the culture. Participants cover topics such as race, capitalism, misogyny, cultural appropriation, urban policy and feminism. This course serves as a space for students to analyze the societal structures and forces that influence the culture, as well as how hip-hop influences the world.

Prerequisites: Take SO 101 or SO 101H or SO 225 or SO 244;
Offered: As needed
UC: Breadth Elective, University Curriculum Ele, Intercultural Understand

SO 329. Environmental Sociology.3 Credits.

Nature connectedness contributes to our overall quality of life by enhancing our physical and mental well-being. Research has shown that connecting with nature can lead to increased happiness as well as the development of pro-environmental attitudes and advocacy for environmental justice. This course will begin with a two-day guided forest bathing experience that is intended to foster a deeper appreciation for the healing powers of nature, the cycle of life in the natural world and your place within it. Building upon this foundation of connectedness, the remainder of this course will explore our historical detachment from the natural world and its implications for both the environment and our personal well-being. Together we will explore cultural values and priorities that drive human behavior as well as the symbiotic relationship with nature: how we affect it, and it in turn, affects us. We will end the semester by exploring the role of social activism in abating environmental degradation and we will engage in additional field work that is targeted to preserving the natural world here in Connecticut.

Prerequisites: Take ENV 101 or SO 101 or SO 225 or SO 244;
Offered: As needed

SO 329H. Environmental Sociology.3 Credits.

Prerequisites: Take ENV 101 or SO 101 or SO 225 or SO 224.
Offered: As needed

SO 330. Perspectives on Violence.3 Credits.

This course explores the many ways that violence is viewed in our society. Topics include types of violence, empirical evidence of incidence, characteristics of violent crimes, offender motivation, victim profiles, and sociological and theoretical explanations.

Prerequisites: Take SO 101 or SO 101H or SO 225 or SO 244;
Offered: Every year, Fall

SO 333. Drugs, Alcohol and Society.3 Credits.

This analytical discussion-based course explores the use of drugs and alcohol in U.S. society. The emphasis is on drug and alcohol use and abuse as a social phenomenon. Students explore issues such as the relationship of drug use to particular groups in society (age, sex, race/ethnicity); patterns of drug use and abuse; the promotion of drugs by the media; and drug and alcohol abuse in historical perspective. Students also learn about drug categories, drug education, prevention and treatment and about drug laws.

Prerequisites: Take SO 101 or SO 101H or SO 225 or SO 244;
Offered: Every year, Summer
UC: Breadth Elective, Intercultural Understand

SO 355. Crime and Media.3 Credits.

Despite little direct contact with offenders or the criminal justice system, people typically hold strong opinions about crime-related issues. The goal of this course is to understand how media sources shape our attitudes and beliefs about crime and how we "should" respond to it. To this end, participants examine media involvement in constructing the reality of crime and justice and its implications for the justice process.

Prerequisites: Take SO 101 or SO 101H or SO 225 or SO 244
Offered: Every year, Spring
UC: Breadth Elective, University Curriculum Ele, Intercultural Understand

SO 360. Sociology of Mental Health.3 Credits.

This course explores the social model to studying mental health and illness. Meaning(s) and experience(s) of mental health and illness are socially produced. Experiences of mental health and illness are also influenced by socio-demographic variables (race, class, gender, age, etc.), highlighting disparities in mental health and mental health care delivery. The course examines core areas of the sociological study of mental health & illness, including theory, methods, and policy. The course also explores a variety of topical areas of interest to sociologists and mental health care professionals in the field, such as social stress, stigmatization, medicalization of mental illness, social construction of mental illness, and the social organization of mental health care.

Prerequisites: Take SO 101 or SO 101H or SO 225 or SO 244;
Offered: Every year, Spring

SO 365. Aging and Social Problems.3 Credits.

This course considers social policies associated with aging, particularly in the areas of health, housing, financing and family life and the governmental policies past, present and future that deal with these problems.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, January Term
UC: Breadth Elective, University Curriculum Ele, Intercultural Understand

SO 370. Adoption and Society.3 Credits.

This course provides an overview of adoption, past and present, including the major changes in adoption practice and public perception of adoption over the years. Course material includes issues pertaining to the adoption of children born in the U.S. and those born overseas, children adopted as newborn infants and those adopted past infancy from the foster care system. Discussion and readings address unplanned pregnancy considerations, trans-racial and transcultural adoption, children with special medical and emotional needs, open adoption and birth-family contact search and reunion, and adoption-related issues across the lifecycle.

Prerequisites: Take SO 101 or SO 101H or SO 225 or SO 244;
Offered: Every year, Spring

SO 375. Sociology of the Everyday.3 Credits.

The course examines how everyday interactions both create and shape social reality. Through an examination of humor, embarrassment, street behavior, family behavior and work behavior, as well as interaction between acquaintances, friends and intimate partners, the course examines how we make up everyday reality as we go. Emphasis is placed on micro-level theoretical perspectives drawing from social psychology and symbolic interactionism.

Prerequisites: Take SO 101 or SO 101H or SO 225 or SO 244;
Offered: As needed
UC: Breadth Elective, University Curriculum Ele

SO 382. Studying Social Issues with Statistics.3 Credits.

In this course, students learn basic introductory-level statistics and quantitative reasoning skills necessary for careers in sociology, including social services and health-related fields. Through hands-on application, students learn research design, basic statistical data collection and data analysis. For sociology majors only, junior or above.

Prerequisites: Take SO 101 or SO 101H or SO 225 or SO 244 or SO 392 or GT 392
Offered: Every year, Spring

SO 392. Internship in the Community.3 Credits.

For sociology or social services majors in their junior or senior year only. Students each complete 120 hours of supervised fieldwork in a community organization along with one hour per week in a seminar. Coursework and seminar content include written and oral reflection focusing on the student's experience. Professional issues, along with academic concepts and theory, are explored in relation to the organization and the community it serves. Successful completion of the course requires adherence to a high standard of professionalism. Students are required to meet with the internship coordinator at least one semester prior to begin the placement process.

Prerequisites: Take SO 101 SO 101H SO 225 or SO 244;
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring

SO 394. Advanced Internship in the Community.3 Credits.

A second internship for sociology majors in their junior or senior year only. Students complete 135 hours of supervised fieldwork in a community agency along with one hour per week in the advanced internship seminar. Students build upon the knowledge gained from their first internship experience to deepen their understanding of concepts and theory through extended written and oral reflection. Students also assess their interpersonal strengths and weaknesses in preparation for graduate school and/or future employment. Successful completion of the course requires adherence to a high standard of professionalism. Students are required to meet with the internship coordinator one semester prior to begin the placement process.

Prerequisites: Take SO 101 or SO 101H or SO 225 or SO 244 or SO 392 or GT 392.
Offered: As needed

SO 400. Senior Seminar.3 Credits.

This senior seminar is designed as the capstone course for students majoring in sociology and gerontology. Students research a sociological or aging-related topic of their choosing and write a thesis based on their work. All senior theses represent a culmination of majors' academic experiences in the department. For gerontology majors only in the senior year.

Prerequisites: Take GT 290 or SO 290
Offered: Every year, Spring

SO 500. Social Science Research Methods.3 Credits.

In this course, students not only learn about what social scientists know, but also focus on how they know what they know. Students learn about the ways social scientists gather information in the study of our social world, how to do sociological research and how to evaluate the research of others. This is an active learning class in which participants learn by doing. In the beginning of the course, students focus on the fundamentals of research including the scientific method, the complexity of social research, ethics in research, value-free research and research design. This course is restricted to medical students only.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: As needed