Sociology
- Overview
- Sociology Major
- Criminology Major
- Minors
- Satisfactory Progress
- Africana Studies Program
- American Indian Studies
- Women's and Gender Studies
- Center for Peace Studies and Violence Prevention
- Center for Race and Social Policy
- Undergraduate Course Descriptions (AFST)
- Undergraduate Course Descriptions (AINS)
- Undergraduate Course Descriptions (CRIM)
- Undergraduate Course Descriptions (PSVP)
- Undergraduate Course Descriptions (SOC)
- Undergraduate Course Descriptions (WGS)
Interim Chair: James Hawdon
Professors: O. Agozino, D. Brunsma, T. M. Calasanti, J. Hawdon, M. Hughes, N. King, J. Ryan, and W. Reed
Associate Professors: S. Bell, J. Bondy, S. R. Cook, K. Harrison, C. Labuski, S. Ovink, A. Peguero, P. Seniors, A. Vogt Yuan, D. W. Wimberley, B. Zare, and H. Zhu
Associate Collegiate Professor: S. Samanta
Assistant Professors: A. Baldwin, L. Brown, N. Copeland, T. Dearden, K. Parti, A. Reichelmann, T. Rocha Beardall, M. Roos, D. Sedgwick
Assistant Professor of Practice: C. Hey
Adjunct Professors: R. Blieszner, D. Breslau, G. L. Downey, N. McGehee
Senior Instructor and Assistant Provost for Diversity & Inclusion: E.T. Graves
Instructor: H. Williams
Career Advisor: D. Sedgwick
Academic Advisor: B. Husser and A. Karnes
Distinguished Professor Emeritus: W. E. Snizek
Emeritus Professors: C. Bailey, C. Burger, J. N. Edwards, B. R. Hertel, L. Gillman, J. Kiecolt, J. W. Michaels, and D. R. Shoemaker
Web: www.sociology.vt.edu
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 for students graduating in 2021 or before and Pathways for students graduating in 2022 and beyond) 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 and three hours in Africana Studies, American Indian Studies, 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 of the General Education (Curriculum for Liberal Education for students graduating in 2021or before, and Pathways for students graduating in 2022 and beyond) 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 or Pathways) (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, Assistant Provost for Diversity & Inclusioin
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
Assistant Professor: Andrea Baldwin
Affiliated Faculty: R. Briggs (Political Science), N. Giovanni (English), B. Faulkner (Political Science), A. Few (Human Development), V. Fowler (English), C. Gitre (History), 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), and P. Wallenstein (History).
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 and Theresa Rocha Beardall
Assistant Professor of Practice: Mae Hey
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: J. Bondy, C. Labuski, and B. Zare
Collegiate Associate Professor: S. Samanta
Assistant Professors: A. Baldwin
Presidential PATHWAYS Teaching Doctoral Fellow: S. M. Cassinell
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); 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); V. Venkatesh (MCLL-Spanish); J. Watson (MCLL--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); P. Olson (STS); S. Ovink (Sociology); E. Satterwhite (Religion & Culture); R. Scott (Religion & Culture); R. Shingles (Political Science); N. Sinno (MCLL-Arabic); C. Giménez-Smith (English); D. Tatar (Computer Science); G. Tilley-Lubbs (ESL & Multicultural Education); A. Walker (Linguistics)
Assistant Professors: K Carmichael (Linguistics); C. Daggett (Political Science); J. Sano-Franchini (English); E. Grafsky (Human Development); R. Hester (STS); E. Jamison (Management); A. Reed (English); A. Reeves (Political Science); 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); A. Lomascolo (Co-Director, Women's Center); 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. Sowisdral (Women's Center); 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 university. 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
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
Introduction to the interdisciplinary study of Africa and
Africa's place in the world. Consideration of history,
politics, economics, arts, and culture of African societies.
Exploration of representations and treatments of Africa in
global context. Discussion of scholar-activism in the study
of Africa.
(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)
2644 (ENGL 2644): INTRODUCTION TO AFRICAN-AMERICAN LITERATURE
An introduction to the principal themes, genres, and
historical contexts of African-American literature. Formal
elements of both the vernacular and written traditions.
Impact of historical and social contexts. Ethical questions
raised in the literature.
Pre: ENGL 1106 or ENGL 1204H or COMM 1016.
(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)
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 (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)
2414 (ALCE 2414): IDENTITY AND INCLUSION IN AGRICULTURAL AND LIFE SCIENCES
Examines histories of persons representing different social
identities, statuses, space, place, and traditions in
agricultural and life sciences. Explores how differences
influence experiences individuals may have in agricultural
and life sciences. Apply ethical reasoning practices to
recognize and addresses critical issues surrounding
inclusion of diverse populations within agricultural and
life sciences education and leadership.
Pre: ENGL 1106.
(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, SOC 2404.
(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: SOC 2404, CRIM 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: 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)
4474: CYBER CRIMINOLOGY
Empirical patterns and consequences of cybercrimes. Emphasis
on applying criminological theories of crime and
victimization to cyberspace. Cybercrime prevention
strategies and tactics. Examination of ethical issues of
privacy, security, and social control. Pre: Junior standing.
Pre: 3414.
(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 institutions, population
dynamics, social change, and social inequality by social
class, race/ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation.
(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)
1XXX3: GEN ED REASONING SOCIAL SCI
(3H,3C)
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 social structural
forces including conflicting economic, 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: SOCIOLOGY OF INTIMATE RELATIONSHIPS
An introduction to concepts, theories, methods, and major
research findings in the sociology of intimate
relationships. A description and analysis of research
findings on the development, operation, and dissolution of
intimate relationships, including how sociocultural and
economic changes have shaped intimate relationships over
time. Emphasis on the United States, including issues of
diversity and inequalities in intimate relationships.
(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
Foundation in social psychological principles of sociology
including the development of the self through social
interaction and intergroup processes. Factors affecting
self-perceptions, ways of thinking, attitudes, emotions,
behavior, and psychological well-being 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)
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)
3314: SOCIAL MOVEMENTS
The study of collective attempts to address social
injustices and implement other social change in and across
societies. Explores sociological and interdisciplinary
conceptions of social movements and their relationships to
society. Social movement emergence, development, engagement
with opponents and authorities, and impact, as shaped by
opportunity structures, mobilizing structures and processes,
framing, collective identity, strategy and tactics, and
other factors. How social movements oppose or promote
inequality, oppression, or violence in the U.S. or
elsewhere, at the local, national, and transnational level.
Application of political process and other current social
movement theories.
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) (PHS 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.
4954: STUDY ABROAD
Variable credit course.
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.