Undergraduate Courses
The major in Sociology leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree. All sociology courses completed for the major, except those graded S/U, must be passed with a letter grade of C or higher. Excluding required courses, credit can be awarded for just one P graded course.
Completion of the major requires 39 credits, of which 27 to 30 credits are in Sociology courses.
SOC 105: Introduction to Sociology
A general introduction to the science of sociology, emphasizing sociological theory and methods. Students are taught what is unique about the way in which sociologists analyze human behavior and society. Differences between the sociological perspective and perspectives of other social sciences are emphasized. There is also a heavy emphasis on the types of methods and data that sociologists use to test the validity of their ideas.
DEC: F
SBC: SBS
3 creditsSOC 200: Sociology of Medicine
An examination of some traditional concerns of the humanities and social sciences as they occur in basic health care and its delivery. Practicing physicians or other health care professionals present clinical cases to emphasize such topics as allocation of scarce resources, issues of dying and refusing treatment, confidentiality, and cultural factors and disease. Discussion focuses on the social, historical, ethical, and humanistic import of the cases. This course is offered as both HMC 200 and SOC 200.
SBC: SBS
3 credits
SOC 201: Research Methods in Sociology
Methods of collecting and analyzing empirical data to test sociological hypotheses. Emphasis is on multivariate analysis of tabular and statistical data.
Prerequisite: SOC 105
SBC: ESI
3 credits
SOC 202: Statistical Methods in Sociology
An introduction to the use and interpretation of statistical methods in social research; descriptive and inferential statistics. May not be taken for credit after AMS 102, AMS 110, ECO 320, POL 201, or PSY 201. This course has been designated as a High Demand/Controlled Access (HD/CA) course. Students registering for HD/CA courses for the first time will have priority to do so.
Prerequisites: Level 2+ on the mathematics placement exam or satisfactory completion of D.E.C. C or QPS
DEC: C
SBC: QPS
3 credits
SOC 204: Intimate Relationships
The dynamics of forming, maintaining, and dissolving intimate relationships. Attention is focused on dating, partner selection, sexuality, marriage, divorce, and remarriage.
DEC: F
SBC: SBS
3 credits
SOC 243: Sociology of Youth
Adolescent socialization; age structures and intergenerational conflict; peer groups and youth subcultures.
DEC: F
SBC: SBS
3 credits
SOC 247: Sociology of Gender
The historical and contemporary roles of women and men in American society; changing relations between the sexes; women's liberation and related movements. Themes are situated within the context of historical developments in the U.S. This course is offered as both SOC 247 and WST 247.
SOC 248: Social Problems in Global Perspective
Examination of contemporary social problems in the United States, identifying how each problem is experienced in other countries, and how each is connected to global level processes or institutions. Such problems as urbanization, drugs and crime, unemployment, and environmental degradation are considered.
Prerequisite: one D.E.C. F or SBS course or U3/U4 status
DEC: F
SBC: GLO, SBS+
3 credits
SOC 268: Theory and Practice in Student Leadership
Leadership theory, leadership qualities, and group dynamics are explored with an emphasis placed on experiential learning and group observation. Effective communication skills, understanding group dynamics, and appreciating cultural diversity are topics of significant relevance. This course is intended for students who are interested in serving in leadership positions on campus.
Prerequisite: permission of instructor
3 credits
SOC 302: American Society
Intended for students who wish to look at American society through the eyes of the sociologist. Included in the course is the sociological view of American social structure in terms of power and patterns of inequality, the legal system, ethnic and cultural pluralism, social mobility, and urban problems. Sociological issues are considered within the context of the developments of society throughout U.S. history.
Prerequisite: one D.E.C. F or SBS course or U3/U4 status
DEC: K
SBC: DIV, SBS+
3 credits
SOC 303: Social Inequality
Theories of social stratification; patterns of differentiation in wealth, prestige, and power; social mobility; power structures and elites.
Prerequisite: one D.E.C. F or SBS course or U3/U4 status
DEC: F
SBC: SBS+
3 credits
SOC 304: Sociology of the Family
An historical and cross-cultural analysis of the family as a major social institution in society; the demography of contemporary American families; selected policy issues involving the family.
Prerequisite: one D.E.C. F or SBS course or U3/U4 status
DEC: F
SBC: SBS+
3 credits
SOC 309: Social Conflicts and Movements
An examination of aggregate phenomena; revolutionary and counterrevolutionary programs and organizations. Historical and cross-cultural examples are emphasized.
Prerequisite: one D.E.C. F or SBS course or U3/U4 status
DEC: F
SBC: SBS+
3 credits
SOC 310: Racism and Ethnic Relations
The comparative experience of ethnic and other minority groups within the United States, including formation, migration, and conflict; prejudice, discrimination, and minority self-hatred. Consideration of the developments of U.S. society from the colonial period to the present provide the context for consideration of the changing experiences of ethnic groups.
Prerequisite: one D.E.C. F or SBS course or U3/U4 status
DEC: K
SBC: DIV, SBS+
3 credits
SOC 315: Sociology of Technology
Social systems and the various "tools" they develop to shape their environment. Concentration on technologies of highly developed, modern societies and on ethical issues involved in attempts to guide the development and effects of these technologies. Consideration is given to the role of technology in all societies, from the simplest to the most developed.
Prerequisite: one D.E.C. F or SBS course or U3/U4 status
DEC: H
SBC: STAS
3 credits
SOC 323: Urban Society
The emergence of cities and the process of urbanization; an examination of urban structure; the consequences of the urban milieu for interpersonal relations and institutions.
Prerequisite: one D.E.C. F or SBS course or U3/U4 status
DEC: K
SBC: SBS+
3 credits
SOC 330: Media and Society
The course examines changes in the use of mass communications media, such as newspapers, radio, television, and the Internet, over time, and assesses the implications of these changes for society. Consideration of the commercial use of mass media and the media's role in providing news for democratic societies. Emphasis on the global dimensions of the mass media, including how they shape Americans' understandings of other countries and peoples, and vice versa.
Prerequisite: one D.E.C. F or SBS course or U3/U4 status
DEC: F
SBC: SBS+
3 credits
SOC 336: Social Change
Development and modernization are studied in a historical and comparative perspective that emphasizes the universality of social change in human societies. The approach is macrosociological, focusing on broad patterns of change in economic, social, and political organization in the modern era. Revolutions as dramatic instances of socio-political change receive particular attention.
Prerequisite: one D.E.C. F or SBS course or U3/U4 status
DEC: F
SBC: SBS+
3 credits
SOC 337: Social Deviance
Competing theories of the nature of social deviance; stigmatizing, labeling, and application of informal social controls; technical, legal, and ethical issues related to "non-victim" crimes.
Prerequisite: one D.E.C. F or SBS course or U3/U4 status
DEC: F
SBC: SBS+
3 credits
SOC 338: The Sociology of Crime
The application of formal social control to criminally prosecutable offenses; the relationship of law and society; the criminal justice system.
Prerequisite: one D.E.C. F or SBS course or U3/U4 status
DEC: F
SBC: SBS+
3 credits
SOC 339: Sociology of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse
An examination of the sociological literature on alcoholism and drug abuse. Topics include addictive careers, the epidemiology (spread) of abuse, history of attempts to control alcohol and drugs, treatment approaches, and policy alternatives.
Prerequisite: one D.E.C. F or SBS course or U3/U4 status
DEC: F
SBC: SBS+
3 credits
SOC 340: Sociology of Human Reproduction
A study of the links between biological reproduction and the socioeconomic and cultural processes that affect and are affected by it. The history of the transition from high levels of fertility and mortality to low levels of both; different kinship, gender, and family systems around the world and their links to human reproduction; the value of children in different social contexts; and the social implications of new reproductive technologies. This course is offered as both SOC 340 and WST 340.
Prerequisite: one D.E.C. F or SBS course or U3/U4 status
DEC: H
SBC: STAS
3 credits
SOC 344: Environmental Sociology
Analysis of how populations gain sustenance from their environments through organization, information, and technology. Evolution of technology and its ecological consequences for population growth, urbanization, social stratification, environmental destruction, and the quality of life. Problems in managing the human environment and communities.
Prerequisite: one D.E.C. F or SBS course or U3/U4 status
DEC: F
SBC: GLO, SBS+
3 credits
SOC 348: Global Sociology
The impact of globalization on human societies, cultures, organizations, and identities. Consideration of the roles of institution such as the United Nations, organizations such as media conglomerates and transnational corporations, and religious associations in shaping an emerging global society including a survey of contemporary global issues such as the environment, human rights, and economic development.
Prerequisite: one D.E.C. F or SBS course or U3/U4 status
SOC 352: Sociology of Religion
The ways in which sociocultural processes affect and are affected by religious belief systems and organizations; changing structures and functions of religious institutions.
Prerequisite: one D.E.C. F or SBS course or U3/U4 status
DEC: F
SBC: SBS+
3 credits
SOC 356: Political Sociology
Social structure and processes as they affect, and are affected by, political behavior and organizations; the sociology of power, authority, and legitimacy.
Prerequisite: one D.E.C. F or SBS course or U3/U4 status
DEC: F
SBC: SBS+
3 credits
SOC 361: Historical Development of Sociological Theory
Main currents in the development of modern sociology, with an emphasis on Marx, Weber, and Durkheim, among other leading theorists.
Prerequisites: SOC 105; U3 or U4 standing
DEC: F
SBC: SBS+, WRTD
3 credits
SOC 362: Contemporary Sociological Theory
A systematic treatment of the dominant general orientations in sociology including structural-functional analysis, symbolic interactionism, and modern versions of Marxism.
Prerequisites: SOC 105; U3 or U4 standing
DEC: F
SBC: SBS+
3 credits
SOC 364: Sociology of Latin America
A survey of Latin American societies, social structures, and processes of social, political, and economic change. Topics include social stratification; occupational structure; demographic characteristics; the state; class structure; military intervention in politics; conditions for democracy, political stability, and revolution; policy making; and popular social movements.
Prerequisite: one D.E.C. F or SBS course or U3/U4 status
DEC: J
SBC: SBS+
3 credits
SOC 365: Global Africa
Examination of the ways that the slave trade and colonization affected African societies' incorporation into the world economy as well as the development of their social and political institutions. The nature of African institutions, organizations, belief and value systems before the colonial impact and how these histories were understood and experienced by African men and women are considered. The historical continuities and discontinuities in contemporary African societies as well as the effects of globalization and modernization in Africa are examined. This course is offered as both AFS 365 and SOC 365.
Prerequisite: one D.E.C. F or SBS course or U3/U4 status
DEC: J
SBC: GLO, SBS+
3 credits
SOC 371: Gender and Work
Gender differences in workforce participation and occupational attainment as they have changed throughout U.S. history. Covers such topics as historical changes in workforce participation; economic, legal, and social factors affecting employment; career options; and pay equity. Readings and lectures focus on the historical and contemporary experience of American men and women, including differences by ethnicity and class. This course is offered as both SOC 371 and WST 371.
Prerequisite: one D.E.C. F or SBS course or U3/U4 status
DEC: K
SBC: SBS+
3 credits
SOC 374: Global Issues in the United Nations
An overview of key issues and contemporary debate in the United Nations toward an understanding of its formal and informal operations. Issues include peace and security; human rights; development and trade; and the global environment. Consideration of perspectives of people from outside the United States and the West; the major obstacles to effective international cooperation in the U.N. and the ways these obstacles might be overcome; and how democratic governance is affected by the rise of global institutions and governance. This course offered as both POL and SOC 374.
Prerequisite: one D.E.C. F or SBS course or U3/U4 status
DEC: F
SBC: SBS+
3 credits
SOC 378: War and the Military
The causes and origins of wars, and the impact of war on social change, considered in the context of various wars and battles. Topics covered include issues of military organization, recruitment, training, morale, war planning, and the integration of women, gays, and minorities in the military.
Prerequisite: one D.E.C. F or SBS course or U3/U4 status
DEC: F
SBC: SBS+
3 credits
SOC 380: Social Psychology
Individual and social factors in human behavior; the structure of personality; identity development; communication processes; and attitudes.
Prerequisite: one D.E.C. F or SBS course or U3/U4 status
DEC: F
SBC: SBS+
3 credits
SOC 381: Sociology of Organizations
Bureaucracy as a form of organization; the structure of relations between and within organizations.
Prerequisite: one D.E.C. F or SBS course or U3/U4 status
DEC: F
SBC: SBS+
3 credits
SOC 384: Sociology of the Life Course
Change and stability of individuals through the life course (from childhood to old age) in the context of social structure and interactional processes. Covers such topics as socially structured periods and transitions in the life course; identity formation; continuity and change; life crises; changing roles and transitions.
Prerequisite: one D.E.C. F or SBS course or U3/U4 status
DEC: F
SBC: SBS+
3 credits
SOC 386: State and Society in the Middle East
State building and modernization in the Middle East during the last century and a half are studied in the context of the Middle Eastern social structure and institutions. The analysis of political change - reform and revolution - in the Middle East is viewed from a socio-historical perspective.
Prerequisite: one D.E.C. F or SBS course or U3/U4 status
DEC: J
SBC: SBS+
3 credits
SOC 388: Sociology of Islam
Surveys the historical formation of Islam as a world religion according to Max Weber's model of world religions and their impact on different spheres or domains of social life. Foremost among these domains are the law, government and civil society. Discussion will also focus on the hotly debated issues of secularization and democracy in the contemporary Muslim societies, and the striking and variegated impact of globalization on contemporary Islam.
Prerequisite: one D.E.C. F or SBS course or U3/U4 status
DEC: J
SBC: GLO, SBS+
3 credits
SOC 390: Special Topics
Past topics have included titles such as Global Trade, Arms, and Human Rights; The Sociology of Aging; and Gender in Africa. Designed for upper-division students, this course provides an in-depth study of a specific topic within social sciences disciplines such as history, economics, political science, and linguistics. Students will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the methods social scientists use to explore social phenomena, and knowledge of the major concepts, models, and issues of the social science discipline(s) studied. May be repeated as the topic changes.
Prerequisite: one D.E.C. F or SBS course or U3/U4 status
DEC: F
SBC: SBS+
3 credits
SOC 391: Special Topics
Past topics have included titles such as Global Trade, Arms, and Human Rights; The Sociology of Aging; and Gender in Africa. Designed for upper-division students, this course provides an in-depth study of a specific topic within social sciences disciplines such as history, economics, political science, and linguistics. Students will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the methods social scientists use to explore social phenomena, and knowledge of the major concepts, models, and issues of the social science discipline(s) studied. May be repeated as the topic changes.
Prerequisite: one D.E.C. F or SBS course or U3/U4 status
DEC: F
SBC: SBS+
3 credits
SOC 392: Special Topics
Past topics have included titles such as Global Trade, Arms, and Human Rights; The Sociology of Aging; and Gender in Africa. Designed for upper-division students, this course provides an in-depth study of a specific topic within social sciences disciplines such as history, economics, political science, and linguistics. Students will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the methods social scientists use to explore social phenomena, and knowledge of the major concepts, models, and issues of the social science discipline(s) studied. May be repeated as the topic changes.
Prerequisite: one D.E.C. F or SBS course or U3/U4 status
DEC: F
SBC: SBS+
3 credits
SOC 393: Special Topics in Health, Medicine, and Social Change
Selected topics in health, medicine, and in social change. Topics may include the Sociology of Aging, Sociology of Sexuality, Healthcare Delivery, and the Sociology of Disability. Designed for upper-division students, this course provides an in-depth study of a specific topic within social sciences disciplines. Students will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the methods social scientists use to explore social phenomena, and knowledge of the major concepts, models, and issues of the discipline. May be repeated as the topic changes.
Prerequisite: one D.E.C. F or SBS course or U3/U4 status
DEC: F
SBC: SBS+
3 credits
SOC 394: Special Topics, Experiential Learning
Past topics have included titles such as The Sociology of Aging and (Re)Thinking Masculinities and Manhood. This course provides an in-depth study of a specific topic within social sciences disciplines such as history, economics, political science, and linguistics. Students will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the methods social scientists use to explore social phenomena, and knowledge of the major concepts, models, and issues of the social science discipline(s) studied. This course satisfies the Experiential Learning SBC category. Students will be required to complete a community intervention project. May be repeated as the topic changes.
Prerequisite: one D.E.C. F or SBS course or U3/U4 status
DEC: F
SBC: EXP+, SBS+
3 credits
SOC 395: Topics in Science, Technology, and Society
Selected topics in sociology that examine significant examples of the impacts of science and technology on culture and society. May be repeated as the topic changes.
Prerequisite: one D.E.C. F or SBS course or U3/U4 status
DEC: H
SBC: STAS
3 creditsSOC 444: Experiential Learning
This course is designed for students who engage in a substantial, structured experiential learning activity in conjunction with another class. Experiential learning occurs when knowledge acquired through formal learning and past experience are applied to a "real-world" setting or problem to create new knowledge through a process of reflection, critical analysis, feedback and synthesis. Beyond-the-classroom experiences that support experiential learning may include: service learning, mentored research, field work, or an internship.
Prerequisite: WRT 102 or equivalent; permission of the instructor and approval of the EXP+ contract (http://sb.cc.stonybrook.edu/bulletin/current/policiesandregulations/degree_requirements/EXPplus.php)
SBC: EXP+
0 credit, S/U grading
SOC 447: Independent Readings
Selected readings, usually in a special area, to be arranged by the student and the instructor. May be repeated. A total of no more than six credits of SOC 447, 487, and 488 may be counted toward the major.
Prerequisites: Written permission of instructor and director of undergraduate studies
1-6 credits
SOC 458: Speak Effectively Before an Audience
A zero credit course that may be taken in conjunction with any SOC course that provides opportunity to achieve the learning outcomes of the Stony Brook Curriculum's SPK learning objective.
Pre- or corequisite: WRT 102 or equivalent; permission of the instructor
SBC: SPK
0 credit, S/U grading
SOC 459: Write Effectively in Sociology
A zero credit course that may be taken in conjunction with any 300- or 400-level SOC course, with permission of the instructor. The course provides opportunity to practice the skills and techniques of effective academic writing and satisfies the learning outcomes of the Stony Brook Curriculum's WRTD learning objective.
Prerequisite: WRT 102; permission of the instructor
SBC: WRTD
0 credit, S/U grading
SOC 475: Undergraduate Teaching Practicum I
Work with a faculty member as an assistant in one of the faculty member's regularly scheduled classes. The student is required to attend all the classes, do all the regularly assigned work, and meet with the faculty member at regularly scheduled times to discuss the intellectual and pedagogical matters relating to the course.
Prerequisite: U3 or U4 standing; 12 credits of sociology; permission of instructor and director of undergraduate studies
SBC: EXP+
3 credits, S/U grading
SOC 476: Undergraduate Teaching Practicum II
Work with a faculty member as an assistant in one of the faculty member's regularly scheduled classes. Students assume greater responsibility in such areas as leading discussions and analyzing results of tests that have already been graded. The course in which the student is permitted to work as a teaching assistant must be different from the course in which he or she previously served.
Prerequisite: SOC 475; permission of instructor and director of undergraduate studies
SBC: EXP+
3 credits, S/U grading
SOC 487: Independent Research
Participation in local, state, and national public and private agencies and organizations. Students are required to submit written progress reports and a final written report on their experiences to the faculty sponsor and the department. A total of no more than six credits of SOC 447, 487, and 488 may be counted toward the major.
Prerequisites: Written permission of instructor and director of undergraduate studies
SBC: EXP+
0-6 credits
SOC 488: Internship
Participation in local, state, and national public and private agencies and organizations. Students are required to submit written progress reports and a final written report on their experiences to the faculty sponsor and the department. A total of no more than six credits of SOC 447, 487, and 488 may be counted toward the major.
Prerequisite: Twelve credits in sociology; permission of instructor and department
SBC: EXP+
0-6 credits, S/U grading
SOC 495: Senior Honors Project I
First course of a two-semester project for candidates for the degree with honors in sociology, arranged in consultation with the director of undergraduate studies. The project involves independent readings or research and writing a paper under the close supervision of an appropriate faculty member on a suitable topic selected by the student. Students receive only one grade upon completion of the sequence SOC 495-496.
Prerequisite: Admission to the sociology honors program
3 credits
SOC 496: Senior Honors Project II
Second course of a two-semester project for candidates for the degree with honors in sociology, arranged in consultation with the director of undergraduate studies. The project involves independent readings or research and writing a paper under the close supervision of an appropriate faculty member on a suitable topic selected by the student. Students receive only one grade upon completion of the sequence SOC 495-496.
Prerequisite: SOC 495
3 credits