Overview

The Department of Sociology offers a B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. Sociology is the home to two majors, sociology and criminology, and to programs in Africana Studies (AFST), American Indian Studies (AINS), Women's and Gender Studies (WGS), the Center for Peace Studies and Violence Prevention (CPSVP) and the Center for Race & Social Policy Research (RSP). Courses are open to students in all colleges of the university.

Degree Requirements

The graduation requirements in effect at the time of graduation apply. When choosing the degree requirements information, always choose the year of your expected date of graduation. Requirements for graduation are referred to via university publications as "Checksheets". The number of credit hours required for degree completion varies among curricula. Students must satisfactorily complete all requirements and university obligations for degree completion.

The university reserves the right to modify requirements in a degree program. However, the university will not alter degree requirements less than two years from the expected graduation year unless there is a transition plan for students already in the degree program.

Please visit the University Registrar website at http://registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/index1.html for degree requirements.

Sociology Major

In addition to fulfilling the requirements of the General Education (Curriculum for Liberal Education), sociology majors must complete 43 hours in sociology, including: 22 hours of sociology core courses and 18 hours of sociology electives, with no more than six hours at the 1000-2000 level and at least nine hours at the 4000 level. In addition, three hours in Africana Studies, American Indian Studies, Peace Studies and Violence Prevention or Women's and Gender Studies at the 3000 or 4000 level.

Sociology majors may select options in Africana studies, American Indian studies, research methods, social inequality, and women's and gender studies. Each option has it own course requirements. Please request additional information from the department office.

Criminology Major

In addition to fulfilling the requirements for the General Education (Curriculum for Liberal Education), criminology majors must complete 43 hours in criminology, including: 22 hours of sociology core courses, 9 hours of required criminology courses, and 12 hours of elective criminology courses.

Minors

Minors in sociology must complete 18 hours in sociology including Introduction to Sociology (SOC 1004). No more than nine hours at the 1000-2000 level will count toward a minor. A minimum GPA of 2.0 for courses in the minor is required. Sociology offers additional minors in Africana Studies, American Indian Studies, Diversity and Community Engagement, Gender, Science and Technology, Peace Studies and Violence Prevention, and Women's and Gender Studies. See the listing of the programs below for further information.

Satisfactory Progress

University policy requires that students who are making satisfactory progress toward a degree meet minimum criteria toward the General Education (Curriculum for Liberal Education) (see "Academics") and toward the degree in Sociology.

Satisfactory progress requirements toward the B.S. in Sociology can be found on the major checksheet by visiting the University Registrar website at http://registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/index1.html.

Africana Studies Program

Director: Ellington Graves
Professors: O. Agozino and W. Reed
Gloria Smith Endowed Professor: K. Harrison (Africana Studies/Sociology)
Associate Professors: K. Harrison (Africana Studies/Sociology), P. Polanah, and P. Seniors
Affiliated Faculty: R. Briggs (Political Science), N. Giovanni (English), B. Faulkner (Political Science), A. Few (Human Development), V. Fowler (English), C. Gitre (History), E. Graves (Sociology), M. Heaton (History), M. Herndon (Summer and Winter Programs), S. Johnson (Religion and Culture), R. Jones (Psychology), L. Roy (English), T. Sato (School of Education), B. Shadle (History), P. Wallenstein (History), and V. White (School of Visual Arts)

Africana Studies is an interdisciplinary field of study that uses concepts and methodologies of the Social Sciences and the Humanities, centering on the study of peoples of African descent. The program cooperates with faculty from across the university, whose teaching and research is concerned with Africa and the African diaspora. Africana Studies engages with other programs and organizations in community awareness activities that celebrate the richness and diversity of African diasporic cultures and traditions.

An Africana Studies minor is open to all students who are interested in learning about the experiences of Africans and people of African descent.

American Indian Studies: A Holistic Approach

Director: Samuel R. Cook
Associate Professor: S. Cook
Assistant Professor: N. Copeland

A program in the Department of Sociology, we offer several courses and a minor in American Indian Studies.

We believe that any successful American Indian Studies program must do more than simply educate a general student body on American Indian cultures and issues in a sensitive way. We believe that our curricula must exist in conjunction with all university programs pertinent to American Indians, and must depend on the impetus of indigenous peoples working within and beyond the university.

In keeping with Virginia Tech's status and mission as a land grant institution, we strive to serve our indigenous constituency, both as educators and as partners. Accordingly, our program serves as a vital conduit for university-tribal relations, the recruitment and retention of American Indian students and faculty, and Service-Learning initiatives in indigenous communities. Although our program has a regional focus, we offer a wide spectrum of courses--ranging from American Indian Literatures, American Indian Spirituality, and American Indian Arts, to native Peoples of the Southeast, American Indians in Film, and Global indigenous Rights--reflecting the impressive and diverse expertise of our faculty.

In short, we embrace a holistic, collaborative approach to American Indian Studies in which university faculty and students develop and maintain meaningful partnerships. Accordingly, we maintain a tribal advisory board consisting of elders and leaders from all of Virginia's eight Indian Nations. We regard these representatives, and ultimately, all indigenous peoples as our colleagues.

Women's and Gender Studies Program

Director: Sharon P. Johnson
Professors: N. M. King
Associate Professors: C. Labuski and B. Zare
Assistant Professors: A. Baldwin, J. Bondy, and S. Samanta

Affiliated Faculty
Professors: O. Agozino (Africana Studies); R. Blieszner (Human Development); T. Calasanti (Sociology); E. Creamer (Educational Leadership and Policy Studies); K. DePauw (Graduate School, Sociology, Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise); G. Downey (Science and Technology in Society); T. Ewing (History); J. Folkart (MCLL-Spanish); V. Fowler (English); B. Hausman (English); P. Lane (STS/Director AdvanceVT); I. Luciak (Political Science); M. Paretti (Engineering Education); E. Plummer (Office of Provost); K. Powell (English); J. Rothschild (Government and International Affairs); L. Roy (English); B. Shadle (History); K. Singh (Education); D. Stoudt (CLAHS); J. Watson (Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures-French)
Associate Professors: E. Bauer (MCLL-German); S. Bell (Sociology); S. Carter-Tod (English); G. Chandler (English); W. Dunaway (Government and International Affairs); J. Dunsmore (Psychology); April Few-Demo (Human Development); S. Fowler (Graduate Education Development Initiative, English); S. Halfon (Science & Technology Studies); L. Jenson (Associate Professor and Chair CPAP, School of Pub Internat Affairs); María del Carmen Caña Jiménez (MCLL-Spanish); S. Johnson (MCLL-French); C. Kaestle (Human Development); S. Knapp (English); E. Meitner (English) M. Mollin (History); S. Fang Ng (English); S. Ovink (Sociology); S. Paterson (Art and Art History); E. Satterwhite (Religion & Culture); R. Scott (Religion & Culture); P. Seniors (Africana Studies); R. Shingles (Political Science); N. Sinno (MCLL-Arabic); C. Giménez-Smith (English); D. Tatar (Computer Science); G. Tilley-Lubbs (ESL & Multicultural Education); V. Venkatesh (MCLL--Spanish); A. Walker (Linguistics)
Assistant Professors: K. Boyle (Sociology); K Carmichael (Linguistics); C. Daggett (Political Science); J. Sano-Franchini (English); E. Grafsky (Human Development); R. Hester (STS); E. Jamison (Management); P. Olson (STS); A. Reed (English); A. Reichelmann (Sociology); A. Sharma (Industrial Design); N. Zhange (MCLL)
Professional Faculty: E. Chancey (Religion & Culture); M. E. Christie (Women in International Development); M. C. Deramo (Director Diversity Ed and Initiative); M. Foutch (Women's Center); A. Lomascolo (Co-Director, Women's Center); C. Matheis (SPIA); K. Mey (Women's Center); L. Pendleton (Electrical and Computer Engineering); E. Plummer (Associate Vice Provost for Academic Administration); K. Precoda (Theatre & Cinema); C. Smith (Co-Director, Women's Center); A. Splitt (CPSVP); L. Wheeler (Psychology)

The field of Women's and Gender Studies (WGS) transforms traditional disciplines through new methods and theories generated by feminist scholarship. The Women's and Gender Studies Program is housed in the Department of Sociology and includes teaching faculty and affiliates from across the entire campus. WGS affiliated faculty contribute to the program through their research, student advising, participation in governance, and teaching. Women's and Gender Studies 1824 is a pathways course. Our program also offers courses for all students in the university, including four in Area 2 of the Curriculum for Liberal Education (WGS 1824, WGS 2224, WGS 2244, and WGS 2254), one in Area 3 (WGS 2264), and one in Area 7 (WGS 3214). Students interested in WGS may select from two minors, Women's and Gender Studies, and Gender, Science, and Technology. The degree option and minors are interdisciplinary, cross-cultural programs of study in which students cultivate an understanding of the complex ways that gender is defined and contested in social structures, history, culture, and technology. They offer students new ways of thinking about how gender, race/ethnicity, class, and sexuality shape social institutions and cultural beliefs as well as personal experiences and perceptions. Central to the mission of the Women's and Gender Studies Program is the empowerment of a diverse population of women within local, regional, national, and global contexts.

Students interested in learning more about the Women's & Gender Studies program should contact the program director, Sharon Johnson at spjohnso@vt.edu

A graduate certificate in Women's and Gender Studies is also available. See the Graduate Catalog.

Center For Peace Studies and Violence Prevention

Director: James Hawdon

The Center for Peace Studies and Violence Prevention is a student-center, multi-disciplinary undertaking to promote research, education and outreach in the area of peace studies and violence prevention. Since its inception in 2008, the Center has adopted three thematic areas:

• The prevention of violence
• Peace studies
• The development of new leaders for this century

The Center is a hub for research and pedagogy on peace studies and violence prevention. Our multidisciplinary approach allows students, faculty, and a variety of off-campus constituents to address peace building and violence prevention in a holistic manner.

The Center for Peace Studies offers a minor in Peace Studies. The minor is designed to provide students with a broad perspective on violence prevention and peace building. Students minoring in Peace Studies will be required to take two core courses, Peace and Violence as Critical Incidents (PSVP 2044) and Global Society, Violence and the Prospects for Peace (PSVP 4104). In addition, students will select four elective courses from a variety of courses that focus on either "local" issues of violence prevention and peace building or "global" issues of violence prevention and peace building.

Center for Race & Social Policy

Director: Wornie Reed

The Center for Race and Social Policy (RSP), presently a College Center, was formed in April 2001 as a University Center to fulfill two primary goals: (1) to conduct and disseminate original research in the area of public policy with a direct emphasis on race and ethnicity; and (2) to prepare promising graduate students to think and speak critically, plan quality research, and contribute to public-policy discussions related to race and ethnicity.

The Center promotes a broad and inclusive concept of race and ethnicity, which includes African Americans, American Indians, Asian Americans, European Americans, Latinos, and bi-racial and multi-racial identities. RSP research projects involve the development and evaluation of public policy across different racial and ethnic contexts and within myriad public policy venues, including welfare, employment, education, and health as well as community outreach.

Undergraduate Course Descriptions (AFST)

1714: INTRODUCTION TO AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES
Introduction to the interdisciplinary field of African American Studies. Consideration of key dimensions of African American experiences, including institutional contexts for African American cultural expression and responses to oppression. History of the field, exploration of subfields, and consideration of research methods. Emphasis on the interplay of African American Studies scholarship and activism. (3H,3C)

1814: INTRODUCTION TO AFRICAN STUDIES
Introduces students to the study of sub-Saharan Africa -- history, politics, economics, arts, and culture -- and to Africa’s place in the world. Required first course in the African (Area) Studies concentration. (3H,3C)

2144 (RLCL 2144): AFRICAN RELIGIONS
The role of religious (or belief) systems in African society, especially the three predominantly religious traditions in Africa: the so-called African traditional religions, Islam, & Christianity; the universe of religious systems and religious experiences and processes of Africa, in particular Sub-Saharan Africa; critical examination of the mythic stature of Africa’s "religions" within Western cultural (and scholarly) world views and institutions. (3H,3C)

2204 (RLCL 2204) (WGS 2204): RACE AND GENDER IN RELIGION AND CULTURE
Influence of race and gender on religion and culture. Overview of approaches to categories of diversity, particularly race and gender, in religious and cultural traditions. Utilization of humanistic and social scientific approaches to investigate geographically variable historical and/or contemporary case studies. (3H,3C)

2264 (SOC 2264) (WGS 2264): RACE, CLASS, GENDER, AND SEXUALITIES
Focuses on how race, class, gender, and sexualities form interlocking systems of privilege and oppression at individual and institutional levels. Emphasizes race, class, gender, and sexualities as changing social constructions and interactive systems that shape social institutions and organizations, meanings, and identities. Pre: WGS 1824. (3H,3C)

2275,2276 (HIST 2275, 2276): AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY
2275: African continent through Civil War. Examines trajectory of slavery as well as its global impacts and legacy, the development of racial thought, slave resistance and rebellions, the fight for Emancipation, and African American contributions to culture, economics and society of United States. 2276: Reconstruction through present. Examines impact and legacy of Reconstruction, the fight against Jim Crow segregation, and the social, cultural, political and economic contributions of African Americans in the nineteenth and twentieth century United States. Exploration of the global implications of race relations in the United States. (3H,3C)

2354: THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
Examines the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S. Both non-violent and violent resistance will be examined, as well as strategies used in organizing mass boycotts, sit-ins, and marches. Special attention will be paid to how the movement shaped civil rights legislation on the federal level. The course also examines how the Movement influenced student protest on college campuses. (3H,3C)

2454 (SOC 2454): RACE AND RACISM
Examines theories of race and racism specifically as they relate to African Americans. We will explain conservative, neo-conservative, liberal, and progressive ideologies concerning race in past and recent United States contexts and how such theories emerged and continue to emerge in recent times. Though the majority of the course focuses on race and racism within the U.S., comparative analyses will be made with Brazil and South Africa. (3H,3C)

2734: THE BLACK WOMAN IN THE U.S.
The emerging womanist perspective of "interstructured oppression," (i.e., the simultaneous effects of racism, sexism, and classism) as relevant to the contributions of Black women in the U.S.; views of Black women from African backgrounds, the Atlantic slave trade, and the progressive rise of womanist/feminist liberation movements in Black culture; contributions of Black women in the U.S. and globally. (3H,3C)

2754: SPORTS AND THE AFRO-AMERICAN EXPERIENCE
Sports as a paradigm of the African-American experience. The forms of racism and the periodic significant social advances of the African-American community in the U.S. will be examined from the vantage point of African-American sports. Attention will also be paid to the continuing impact of sports on African-American culture. Sports heroes, successful teams and annual sporting events will be noted and analyzed. (3H,3C)

2774: BLACK AESTHETICS
A definition of those qualities of black American arts which distinguish it from traditional U.S. arts through an analysis of theme, form, and technique as they appear in a representative sample of works by black creative artists. (3H,3C)

2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

3174: AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN IN UNITED STATES HISTORY
Chronological and thematic examination of significant historical moments in black men’s lives. Examination of the social, cultural, and political forces contributing to a uniquely African American male experience in the United States. Survey of events in America’s collective past such as wars, depressions, and protest movements. (3H,3C)

3444 (CINE 3444): AFRICAN AMERICAN IMAGES IN FILM
Explores race and representations of African American images in film, from multiple disciplinary perspectives. Focuses on the social, political, economic, and historical milieu in which black film emerged and evolved. Examines gender issues in filmmaking. Reviews different genres, including race films, colorblind representations, and black exploitation films, and the appropriation of black representation and black images in film in the United States and elsewhere. Includes methods of film analysis, such as historical, master narrative structure, and archival research. Pre: 1714. (3H,3C)

3454: AFRICAN AMERICAN LEADERSHIP FOR SOCIAL CHANGE
This course will utilize the three major paradigmatic assumptions in Black Studies (centeredness, critical analysis, and empowerment) to examine historical and contemporary African American leadership concepts and styles and their impact on social change. (3H,3C)

3634 (ENGL 3634): AFRICAN AMERICAN LITERATURE
Afro-American writings from Phyllis Wheatley through the slave narratives of the nineteenth century to such modern figures as Wright, Hughes, Baldwin, and Morrison. (3H,3C)

3864 (HIST 3864) (IS 3864): DEVELOPMENT AND HUMANITARIANISM IN AFRICA
Examines the history of western development and humanitarian projects in Africa, considering western and African perspectives in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Discussion of slavery and abolition, the civilizing mission, modernization and development theory, the impact of humanitarian projects, and international volunteerism. Provides a foundation for students interested in international service learning or careers with NGOs or international aid agencies. No prior knowledge of African history required. (3H,3C)

3984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

4354: TOPICS IN AFRICANA STUDIES
A variable topics course examining the lives and circumstances of people of African descent. Students may repeat the course with a different topic for up to 6 credits. Pre: Junior Standing. (3H,3C)

4704: HISTORY OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN THEATRE
An in-depth study of Black Theatre in America. It will explore the history and development of Black Theatre - both commercial and non-commercial. The course will also stimulate critical thinking pertaining to racial issues, differences in aesthetics and cultures. Pre: 1714. (3H,3C)

4754: INTERNSHIP
Variable credit course.

4774: BLACKS IN THE PERFORMING ARTS
An examination of the performing arts as a paradigm of the African-American experience. Forms of U.S. racism and the periodic significant social advances of the U.S.’s African-American community will be examined in this course from the vantage points of blacks in theatre, film, dance, and music. Emphasis will be placed on the continuing impact of performing arts on African-American culture. Performers, heroes, historical works and performing arts events will be analyzed. Pre: 1714. (3H,3C)

4964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

4994H: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

Undergraduate Course Descriptions (AINS)

1104: INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN INDIAN STUDIES
Introduction to the historical richness and complexity of American Indian societies. Examination of American Indian identities, worldviews, past and present sustainability practices, experiences with and resistance to colonial domination and policies, and cultural interchanges with non-Indians. (3H,3C)

2104 (COMM 2104) (HUM 2104): ORAL TRADITIONS AND CULTURE
Examination of the world’s great oral traditions, both ancient and contemporary. Emphasis on performance contexts, relationships among multicultural traditions, including American Indian oral traditions, and the relationships among orality, literacy, technology, media, and culture. (3H,3C)

2804 (ENGL 2804): CONTEMPORARY NATIVE AMERICAN LITERATURES
This course offers a sampling of fiction, poetry, and non-fiction by the most influential American Indian writers since 1970, authors such as Momaday, Silko, Deloria, Welch, Harjo, and Alexie. Students will also learn about those aspects of cosmology and storytelling traditionally shared by all American Indian Nations, as well as about those aspects specific to the individual tribal traditions from which the authors and their characters come. Pre: ENGL 1106 or ENGL H1204 or COMM 1016. (3H,3C)

2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

3304 (ENGL 3304): THE LANGUAGES OF NATIVE AMERICA
Study of the structures of the native languages of the Americas; their interrelationships; their use in individual speech communities; contact with other languages; the interrelationships of linguistic structure, culture, and thought; their future survival. Pre: ENGL 1106 or ENGL H1204 or COMM 1016. (3H,3C)

3684 (PSCI 3684): INDIGENOUS PEOPLES AND WORLD POLITICS
A survey of the historical and contemporary struggles of indigenous peoples throughout the world. Examines the dynamics of colonialism (internal and external), identity construction, gender, cultural integrity, and the ongoing global indigenous rights discourse. In addition to covering broad global processes/theoretical approaches, comparative case studies of particular indigenous groups, such as the Maasai (Kenya, Tanzania) and Mayans (Mexico, Guatemala, Belize), are used to highlight the global, regional, and intra-community diversity among contemporary indigenous peoples. (3H,3C)

4004: TOPICS IN AMERICAN INDIAN STUDIES
A variable topics course in which students will engage an interdisciplinary methodology to pursue a critical and in-depth examination of various topics concerning and pertinent to American indigenous peoples. This course is repeatable for up to 6 hours credit with different topics. Must meet prerequisite or have permission of the instructor. Pre: 1104. (3H,3C)

4754: INTERNSHIP
Variable credit course.

4964: FIELD STUDY
Variable credit course.

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

Undergraduate Course Descriptions (CRIM)

2754: INTERNSHIP
Variable credit course.

2964: FIELD WORK/PRACTICUM
Variable credit course.

2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

3414: CRIMINOLOGY
Principles of criminology and contemporary theories of criminal behavior, focusing on the extent and distribution of crime in the United States. Pre: SOC 1004. (3H,3C)

3434: SYSTEMS OF JUSTICE
Analyzes the systems of justice in the United States, from a sociological perspective. Focuses on law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Evaluates the effectiveness of social policies related to systems of justice. Explores the structural, community, and individual level factors that influence different stages of justice systems. Pre: 3414 or SOC 3414. (3H,3C)

3474: WOMEN AND CRIME
Focuses on women as victims and perpetrators of crime, with particular attention to race and class. Analyzes how social, cultural, and economic factors influence victimization and participation in crime. Includes adolescent girls’ involvement with crime, including juvenile gangs. Evaluates theoretical explanations of why women commit crime. Examines women’s experiences with the criminal justice system. Pre: 3414 or SOC 3414. (3H,3C)

4424 (SOC 4424): JUVENILE DELINQUENCY
Examination of juvenile delinquency. Includes methods of data collection and the extent and distribution of delinquency. Detailed coverage of theories of delinquent behavior. Examines the juvenile justice system and treatment and prevention of delinquency. Utilizes current empirical research on delinquency in the U.S. and internationally. Pre: SOC 3414 or CRIM 3414. (3H,3C)

4454: TOPICS IN CRIMINOLOGY
A variable topics course in criminology. In-depth examination of topics such as capital punishment, women and criminology, racial profiling, terrorism, white collar crime, law enforcement, international gangs, political crime, the prison system, cybercrime, and rape. May be repeated 2 times with different content for a maximum of 9 credits. Junior standing. Pre: (3414 or SOC 3414), SOC 3104. (3H,3C)

4754: INTERNSHIP
Variable credit course.

4964: FIELD STUDY
Variable credit course.

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

Undergraduate Course Descriptions (PSVP)

2044: PEACE AND VIOLENCE
Introduces major theories of peace and violence. Explores contemporary patterns and root causes of interpersonal, institutional, and structural violence. Particular attention to conflict management, prevention, strategies, and promotion of peace at the local, national, and global levels. (3H,3C)

2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

4104: GLOBAL SOCIETY, VIOLENCE AND THE PROSPECTS FOR PEACE
Examines major theories in the interdisciplinary field of peace studies. Includes current, historical, and global causes, patterns and types of conflict, and methods of conflict resolution. Particular attention given to the philosophical and sociological discussions of the causes of violence and the possibilities for peace. Pre: 2044 or SOC 2044. (3H,3C)

4444 (SOC 4444): SCHOOLS, VIOLENCE, AND JUSTICE
Focuses on the nature, extent, causes, and consequences of widely recognized forms of violence within schools, such as bullying, fighting, sexual assaults, harassment, dating violence, and shootings. Examines the effectiveness of violence prevention programs. Includes sociological theories of violence within schools. Explores the social debate over balancing the collective public safety obligations of schools with individual students’ rights/responsibilities. Pre: SOC 3414 or CRIM 3414. (3H,3C)

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

Undergraduate Course Descriptions (SOC)

1004: INTRODUCTORY SOCIOLOGY
Principles and basic concepts of human interaction and social organization. Basic theories and research methods, socialization, deviance, social inequality, social institutions, population dynamics, and social change. (3H,3C)

1014: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL ANTHROPOLOGY
Introduction to basic concepts including culture and ritual, research methods especially ethnography, and theory in social anthropology for understanding human behavior. Provides a survey of anthropological approaches to language, economics, kinship, religion, identity, gender, race, politics, social organizations, and globalization that compares western and non-western cultures. (3H,3C)

1024: FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE IN SOCIOLOGY
Develop an identity as a sociologist and foster a sense of community with first year and transfer students in the department. Acquire research skills and an awareness of university resources that enhance academic success. Explore theories used and topics examined by sociologists and participate in sociological research. Identify careers and internship opportunities in sociology. (1H,1C)

2004: SOCIAL PROBLEMS
Examines the nature, extent, and causes of social problems in the United States and around the globe from multiple perspectives. Emphasizes the role of conflicting economics, racial, ethnic, national, and gender interests in the creation and perpetuation of social problems. Discussion of poverty, work, health care, drugs, terrorism, human rights, and social change. (3H,3C)

2014: DATING, MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE
Description and analysis of dating and marital relationships in contemporary society, with additional attention given to factors associated with divorce. (3H,3C)

2024: SOCIOLOGY OF RACE AND ETHNICITY
Social construction of race and ethnicity. Relations among ethnic and racial groups. Immigration and patterns of racial and ethnic integration. Social structures and processes that perpetuate racial and ethnic stratification. Consideration of economic, social, political, and health challenges facing racial/ethnic minority groups in U.S. society. Core Curriculum approved for CLE Area 2 only when taken only in combination with AFST 1714. (3H,3C)

2034: DIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Examination of patterns, meanings, and challenges of diversity and inclusion to improve social interactions and community engagement within a global society. Focus on diverse identities, social justice, power, and privilege, applying social science theories and concepts, to facilitate intercultural awareness. Community engagement projects employ research methods to connect course materials and service to community. (3H,3C)

2054 (RLCL 2054): ETHNOGRAPHY: STUDYING CULTURE
Introduction to the methodological tools used by anthropologists and other social scientists to study culture. Engagement with the development of, and debates about, ethnographic methods, as well as their application to case studies. Focus on sample ethnographic accounts of peoples throughout the world, as well as research techniques applicable to many different cultural environments. (3H,3C)

2104 (HD 2104): QUANTITATIVE APPROACHES TO COMMUNITY RESEARCH
Computational methods and ethical issues in the collection, transformation, consumption, and use of quantitative data in the design and evaluation of community programs. Consideration of effective data visualization and communication of findings. Emphasis on evaluating the reliability and accuracy of data used to frame decisions about community-related policies and service-oriented programs. (3H,3C)

2264 (AFST 2264) (WGS 2264): RACE, CLASS, GENDER, AND SEXUALITIES
Focuses on how race, class, gender, and sexualities form interlocking systems of privilege and oppression at individual and institutional levels. Emphasizes race, class, gender, and sexualities as changing social constructions and interactive systems that shape social institutions and organizations, meanings, and identities. Pre: WGS 1824. (3H,3C)

2304: INDIVIDUAL IN SOCIETY
Development of the self through social interaction. Factors affecting individual and collective perceptions, attitudes, and behavior in social contexts. (3H,3C)

2404: DEVIANT BEHAVIOR
Examines behaviors considered deviant in the United States. Explores major types of deviant behavior, such as corporate crimes, extremist groups, sexual deviance, violence, suicide, alcoholism and other drug addictions, and cyber deviance. Includes sociological theories that explain them. (3H,3C)

2454 (AFST 2454): RACE AND RACISM
Examines theories of race and racism specifically as they relate to African Americans. We will explain conservative, neo-conservative, liberal, and progressive ideologies concerning race in past and recent United States contexts and how such theories emerged and continue to emerge in recent times. Though the majority of the course focuses on race and racism within the U.S comparative analyses will be made with Brazil and South Africa. (3H,3C)

2514 (RLCL 2514): ASIAN AMERICAN EXPERIENCE
Interdisciplinary overview of the diverse Asian American experience, incorporating non-Eurocentric perspectives on the Asian immigrant experience and dialogue between Asian American and non-Asian American students. Examination of different historical tracks of various Asian ethnicities, experience of racism, discrimination, cultural adaptation and conflict, and economic survival and success. Gender, age, religious affiliation, family values and inter- generational differences among Asian Americans. The complexity of minority status and the stereotype of "model minority." Activism, political participation, leadership and the meaning of citizenship among Asian Americans. Representations of Asian Americans in the arts and media. (3H,3C)

2604 (HIST 2604) (STS 2604): INTRODUCTION TO DATA IN SOCIAL CONTEXT
Examines the use of data to identify, reveal, explain, and interpret patterns of human behavior, identity, ethics, diversity, and interactions. Explores the historical trajectories of data to ask how societies have increasingly identified numerical measures as meaningful categories of knowledge, as well as the persistent challenges to assumptions about the universality of categories reducible to numerical measures. (3H,3C)

2964: FIELD STUDY
Variable credit course.

2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

2974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

3004: SOCIAL INEQUALITY
Class, status, and power in society. Theories and empirical research findings on vertical and horizontal stratification in society. Class differences in behavior, values, and avenues and extent of social mobility. Cross cultural comparisons. Pre: 1004. (3H,3C)

3014: GENDER RELATIONS
Focus on the social construction of gender relations. Examines how gender relations vary cross-culturally, historically, and for different categories of men and women. Explores the causes and consequences of inequality and privilege. Attention paid to the ways race, ethnicity, class, age, and sexualities shape and are shaped by gender and the relationship of gender to social institutions. Pre: 1004. (3H,3C)

3104: SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY
Focus on the development and contemporary state of sociological theory. Primary concern is with those theorists who have had significant impact on our thinking about the relationships among man, society, and nature. Pre: 1004. (3H,3C)

3144 (ENGL 3144) (RLCL 3144): LANGUAGE AND ETHNICITY IN THE UNITED STATES
Exploration of how racial and ethnic identity are expressed through the use of different languages and dialects. Examination of how language is related to issues of equality, social opportunity, and discrimination in the United States. Pre: ENGL 1106 or ENGL 1204H or COMM 1016. (3H,3C)

3204: SOCIAL RESEARCH METHODS
Techniques of data collection and analysis employed in the social sciences with emphasis on survey research methods including questionnaire construction, sampling, and analysis of both self-collected and national data; logic behind application of these techniques. Pre: 1004. (4H,4C)

3303: SOCIAL MOVEMENTS
Examines the definitions, emergence, operations, and impact of social movements. Focuses on key social movements such as the civil rights, women’s, peace and human rights, labor, and global justice movements. Pre: 1004. (3H,3C)

3304: COLLECTIVE ACTION
How people organize to influence institutional arrangements in society. Panic behavior, riots, protest movements, strikes, coalitions, and revolutions. Theories and issues related to collective action. Pre: 1004. (3H,3C)

3464 (AHRM 3464) (APS 3464) (GEOG 3464) (HD 3464) (HUM 3464) (UAP 3464): APPALACHIAN COMMUNITIES
The concept of community in Appalachia using an interdisciplinary approach and experiential learning. Interrelationships among geographically, culturally, and socially constituted communities, public policy, and human development. Pre: Junior standing. (3H,3C)

3504: POPULATION TRENDS AND ISSUES
Contemporary American and global population trends in historical and comparative perspective. Discussion of the impact of population change on individual and society. Relevant public policy questions examined. Pre: 1004. (3H,3C)

3614: GENDER AND WORK IN THE U.S.
Examination of the role that gender plays in shaping the experience of work, focusing especially on the persistence of occupational segregation by sex, its causes and implications. Also, the interaction of work and family life, including the allocation of household work and control of resources. Social policies affecting gender relations in work organizations will be analyzed. Pre: 1004. (3H,3C)

3714: SOCIOLOGY OF AGING
Emergence of old age as a social problem. Social aspects of aging in America, including the minority experience and with some cross-cultural comparisons. Social and demographic characteristics of the aged, location of aged in the social structure, and current and future social problems of old age. Pre: 1004. (3H,3C)

3854: GLOBALIZATION: SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES
Distinguishes global from international. Examines social globalization and cultural globalization and what forms they take. Explores changes in the role of nation-states and the implications of global changes in the division of labor for economic, gender, and racial/ethnic inequalities. Discusses how globalization is linked with peace, violence, and human rights. Considers alternative and more equitable forms of globalizations and how social movements might lead to such alternatives. (3H,3C)

3954: STUDY ABROAD
Variable credit course. X-grade allowed.

3984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course. X-grade allowed.

4014: SOCIOLOGY OF THE FAMILY
The family as a basic social institution: similarities and variations in family systems, their interrelationships with other social institutions, and patterns of continuity and change. Taught alternate years. Pre: 2014. (3H,3C)

4024 (RLCL 4024): SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION
Religion as a social structure as well as an institution; with special attention to the functions of religion for individuals, groups and societies, social organization; and the interplay between religion and other social institutions including economics and polity. Taught alternate years. Pre: 1004. (3H,3C)

4034: SOCIOLOGY OF EDUCATION
Analysis of the structure, functions, and consequences of schooling in America, the social processes affecting academic achievement, and the implications of current knowledge for educational reform. Taught alternate years. Pre: 1004. (3H,3C)

4044: MILITARY SOCIOLOGY
The military institution and its relationship to society. Emphasis on the role of the military and its social organization; recruitment, socialization, career, combat, deviant behavior, changes in the military, and future trends. Taught alternate years. Junior standing. Pre: 1004. (3H,3C)

4054 (APS 4034): APPALACHIAN LANGUAGES AND CULTURES
An empirical examination of how Appalachian speech both reflects and constitutes regional cultures. Emphasis is on applying sociological and anthropological methods and theories to the study of language in use. (3H,3C)

4094 (APS 4094): APPALACHIAN COMMUNITY RESEARCH
Undergraduate participatory community research as applied to issues of cultural heritage, sustainability, and identity. Students engage in projects defined by community groups and organizations as being critical to their well-being, continuity, or growth. Emphasis is on developing concepts of civic professionalism and developmental democracy. (3H,3C)

4114: THE SOCIOLOGY OF POPULAR MUSIC
Examine the social context(s) of popular music, including the social, economic, and political factors that influence the development of different popular music forms; authenticity within popular music genres; popular music’s impact on social activity and identity; the institutions that connect popular music producers with consumers. Pre: 1004, 1014 or AFST 1714. (3H,3C)

4124 (RLCL 4124): TOPICS IN CULTURE
Uses sociological, anthropological, as well as artistic and humanist paradigms to analyze culture. Discusses 20th and 21st century cultural trends. Analyzes the implications of social context for cultural artifacts such as art. Topics are variable. Example topics include the cultural construction of race and the cultural of the nineteen sixties. Course may be repeated with different course content for up to 6 credits. Junior or Senior standing. Pre: 1004 or 1014 or AFST 1714 or AINS 1104 or RLCL 1004 or RLCL 2004 or WGS 1824. (3H,3C)

4194: SENIOR SEMINAR
Required seminar for majors. Integration and application of prior coursework, including reviews of theory and research methods. Application of sociological knowledge toward an actual needs assessment in a work setting, completion of a social policy analysis, and a written critique of a sociological publication. Course serves as a bridge to graduate study, prepares students for application of sociological knowledge, and provides overall career guidance. Senior standing and sociology majors only. Pre: 3104, 3204. (3H,3C)

4204: APPLIED RESEARCH
Stresses differences between applied research and other methodologies. Examines the topics, purposes, problems, theories, and methods appropriate for applied research. Explores ethical and political issues prevalent in applied settings. Includes qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methodologies. Emphasis on survey construction and administration, experimental designs, evaluation research, and participatory action research as used by applied researchers. Includes data analysis and issues of presenting applied research to lay audiences. Pre: 3204, STAT 3604. (3H,3C)

4294: CAPSTONE: DIVERSITY ENGAGEMENT
In-depth examination of core themes of diversity. Explains patterns and relational/intersectional aspects of diversity, including the history and legacies of inclusion and exclusion, from a variety of perspectives. Synthesizes diverse writings on issues of social justice and community, power and privilege. Uses social science theories and concepts of diversity to examine contemporary issues of diversity and to facilitate and interpret community engagement projects based in students’ major fields of study. Focuses on collective responsibility to eliminate bias and discrimination through students’ community-based project outcomes. This course is restricted to students who have enrolled in the Diversity and Community Engagement Minor. Pre: 2034. (3H,3C)

4304: RESEARCH METHODS TOPICS
Variable topics course that focuses on different research methodologies. Includes topics such as feminist research, qualitative methodologies, survey design, evaluation research, and anthropological methods. Can be taken multiple times if different topic. Pre: 3204, STAT 3604. (3H,3C)

4404: SOCIOLOGY OF LAW
The functions of law as a form of social control. The social forces in the creation, enforcement, and change of the law. The nature of law as a force in social change. Taught alternate years. Pre: 1004. (3H,3C)

4414: DRUGS AND SOCIETY
Examines the use of drugs, including legal and illegal drugs, from a sociological perspective. Cross-cultural and historical patterns of use are discussed and explained. Particular attention is given to drug use within the context of various social institutions. Junior standing. Pre: 1004. (3H,3C)

4444 (PSVP 4444): SCHOOLS, VIOLENCE, AND JUSTICE
Focuses on the nature, extent, causes, and consequences of widely recognized forms of violence within schools, such as bullying, fighting, sexual assaults, harassment, dating violence, and shootings. Examines the effectiveness of violence prevention programs. Includes sociological theories of violence within schools. Explores the social debate over balancing the collective public safety obligations of schools with individual students’ rights/responsibilities. Pre: 3414 or CRIM 3414. (3H,3C)

4454: TOPICS IN SOCIOLOGY
A variable topics course in sociology. In-depth examination of topics such as environmental sociology, the sociology of sport and competition, social networks, and sociology of the body. May be repeated 2 times with different content for a maximum of 9 credits. Junior standing. Pre: 3104. (3H,3C)

4704: MEDICAL SOCIOLOGY
Social and cultural response to illness and infirmity. Emphasis on the sick role, patient role, practitioner role, organization and politics of health care delivery, stratification, professionalism, and socialization of health practitioners. Taught alternate years. Junior Standing. Pre: 1004. (3H,3C)

4714: SOCIOLOGY OF MENTAL ILLNESS
Mental illness and social systems, historically and in contemporary society. Distribution of mental illness with special reference to stratification, role, and deviance theories. Mental health occupations and organization of treatment. Implications for social policy. Taught alternate years. Junior standing. Pre: 1004. (3H,3C)

4754: INTERNSHIP
Placement and sociologically relevant work in one of a variety of human service settings, combined with relevant readings, discussion and written work coordinated jointly by a faculty member and the setting supervisor. Placement settings include human resource agencies, corrections facilities, extension offices, and law agencies. Sociology major or minor required. Junior or Senior standing required. Consent of internship coordinator required. Coursework relevant to placement setting. Variable credit course.

4764 (GEOG 4764) (UAP 4764): INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY AND PLANNING
Examination of major development theories and contemporary issues and characteristics of low-income societies (industrialization, urbanization, migration, rural poverty, hunger, foreign trade, and debt) that establish contexts for development planning and policy-making. Junior standing required. (3H,3C)

4954: STUDY ABROAD
Variable credit course.

4964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course. X-grade allowed.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

4994H: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

Undergraduate Course Descriptions (WGS)

1824: INTRODUCTION TO WOMEN’S AND GENDER STUDIES
Describes feminism and the field of Women’s and Gender Studies. Explains basic theories of social inequality, privilege, oppression and intersectionality. Discusses feminist perspectives on science and culture. Outlines women’s and men’s relative positions in and contributions to such institutions as family, work and the state. (3H,3C)

2114: FEMINIST THEORY
Examination of diverse theoretical perspectives on women and gender, including their historical origins and political implications. Special emphasis on integrative perspectives that also address race, class, and other dimensions of inequality. Pre: 1824. (3H,3C)

2204 (AFST 2204) (RLCL 2204): RACE AND GENDER IN RELIGION AND CULTURE
Influence of race and gender on religion and culture. Overview of approaches to categories of diversity, particularly race and gender, in religious and cultural traditions. Utilization of humanistic and social scientific approaches to investigate geographically variable historical and/or contemporary case studies. (3H,3C)

2224: WOMEN AND CREATIVITY
A study of the philosophical, artistic, and biographical dimensions of women’s creativity in a wide variety of fields. Pre: 1824. (3H,3C)

2244: WOMEN AND SCIENCE
Uses research from the disciplines of science, women’s studies, history, sociology, and philosophy to examine women’s roles in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Starting with historical figures, students will follow the progress women have made in entering and succeeding in science careers. Pre: 1824. (3H,3C)

2254: FEMINIST ACTIVISM
Explores the history of individual and collective action geared toward gaining women’s rights and improving women’s positions in society. Course covers tensions and shifts in feminist movements, as well as the perspectives, agendas, and actions of specific subgroups of women whose perspectives sometimes conflict. Service-learning is a required component of the course. Pre: 1824. (3H,3C)

2264 (AFST 2264) (SOC 2264): RACE, CLASS, GENDER, AND SEXUALITIES
Focuses on how race, class, gender, and sexualities form interlocking systems of privilege and oppression at individual and institutional levels. Emphasizes race, class, gender, and sexualities as changing social constructions and interactive systems that shape social institutions and organizations, meanings, and identities. Pre: 1824. (3H,3C)

2274: WOMEN IN THE MILITARY
This course covers historical and global perspectives on the experiences women have had in and with the military. This course introduces students to issues concerning women fighters and military families, as well as to debates over women in combat positions, military policies, and globalization. (3H,3C)

2284: LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER AND QUEER ISSUES
Introduces students to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Studies. Focuses on sexuality and gender as historical and cultural constructs. Examines the experiences of individuals who do not conform to binary sex-gender systems and the development of diverse identities and LGBTQ communities. Introduces feminist and queer theories that address LGBTQ issues within social, political, legal, and cultural institutions. Examines the institutional oppression of sexual minorities and implications of the intersectionalities of such systems of inequality as gender, race, ethnicity, class, age, and (dis)ability. Pre: 1824. (3H,3C)

2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

3004: TOPICS IN FEMINISM
A variable topics course that addresses how the social construction of gender shapes social, cultural, political, economic, and institutional structures as well as individual experiences and perceptions. The course stresses interdisciplinary approaches to topics of emerging interest in feminist scholarship. Can be taken up to three times for credit with varying topic. In addition to WS 1824, must have taken a 2000-level Women’s Studies course, or have instructor’s consent. Pre: 1824. (3H,3C)

3014 (RLCL 3014): WOMEN AND GENDER IN ISLAM
An examination of women and gender in Islam from a variety of perspectives including Muslim women in Islamic history, normative constructions of the roles of women in Islam, and women’s role in contemporary Muslim societies. Understanding of women in classical Islam; feminist and reformist approaches; and Western constructions of the "rights of women in Islam." (3H,3C)

3134 (ENGL 3134): GENDER AND LINGUISTICS
Exploration of differences--real and imagined--in the speech of men and women, and the relationship between these differences to culture. Exploration of how language can reflect and reinforce gender inequality. Linguistic phenomena covered: pitch, vocabulary, sound change, language ideologies, and discourse strategies and types. Pre: ENGL 1106 or ENGL 1204H or COMM 1016. (3H,3C)

3214: GLOBAL FEMINISMS
An introduction to the gendered analysis of global women’s issues with a special focus on women of color. Examines the multiple and diverse sites of feminist struggle within the third world, and between first and third worlds both in the U.S. and internationally. Studies the impact on women of political movements such as nationalism, colonialism, revolution, authoritarianism and democracy. Compares theories originating with women of color in the U.S. with those from international third worlds. Pre: 2264. (3H,3C)

3324: PERSPECTIVES ON THE BIOLOGY OF WOMEN
Examines historical, social, and cultural views of women’s biology and how those views have impacted women’s physical and mental health. Special attention is paid to the influence of cultural traditions and beliefs on scientific perspectives. Pre: 1824. (3H,3C)

3984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

4214 (GEOG 4214) (UAP 4214): GENDER, ENVIRONMENT, AND INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Key concepts and critiques related to the intersection of gender, environment, and international development. Development institutions and organizations with relationship to gender and environment. Theoretical and applied perspectives on eco-feminism; bio-diversity; climate change; feminist political ecology; agriculture and natural resources; participatory methods and empowerment. Case studies from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Pre: Junior Standing. (3H,3C)

4224: WOMEN’S STUDIES SEMINAR
This multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural course examines a significant topic in Women’s Studies, utilizing the perspectives of history, biology, psychology, political science, sociology, and the arts. Variable topics. Pre: 1824, 2114. (3H,3C)

4334 (STS 4334): SEXUAL MEDICINE
Discusses sex and medicine in contemporary U.S. society. Explores how notions of sexual behavior and "normality" are defined and structured by medical discourse. Examines cultural institutions that play significant roles in formulating ideas about and definitions of deviance, perversity, and tolerated marginality. Critiques medical responses to sexual variations. Examines experiences of people who have sought out, or been the unwilling victims of, sexual medicine. Junior standing required. Pre: 1824. (3H,3C)

4704 (STS 4704): GENDER AND SCIENCE
Investigates the gender dimensions of science in both historical and contemporary perspectives. Discusses feminist studies of science, exploring strengths and limitations. Assesses implications of cultural assumptions about gender for practicing scientists. A 3000 level course in science or engineering may satisfy prerequisite. Pre: 2244 or STS 1504. (3H,3C)

4754: INTERNSHIP
Qualified students will be placed with a community agency or on-campus office which addresses contemporary issues of gender, class, and/or race, and will meet periodically with an appropriate faculty member to discuss assigned readings that will provide a context for the work experience. Students will also be expected to keep a journal and to write up a final evaluation of the experience. Variable credit: may be taken for up to 6 elective credits in the Women’s Studies concentration. Junior standing, screening interviews with Tech faculty and with the service agency and consent required. Variable credit course. Pre: 1824.

4964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

4994H: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.