Welcome to the programs of Sociology and Anthropology. We are located on the fourth floor of DeBartolo Hall in room 444 and our program phone number is 330-941-3442.

We offer BA degrees in Anthropology and in Sociology. We also minors in seven different areas, including Archaeology, Forensic Anthropology, and others. All of our programs are hands-on, offering students opportunities for internships, fieldwork, and study abroad so that they emerge well-qualified to pursue graduate degrees and rewarding careers.

SOCIOLOGY

Sociology is the scientific study of society, human social relationships, and social institutions. At the core of sociology is the sociological imagination – a need to make the familiar strange and look beyond what is normally taken-for-granted to more nuanced understandings of social life. Much like society itself, sociological investigations are diverse, covering everything from the analysis of strangers interacting on the street to global social movements. The Sociology Program at YSU gives students a broad education in the field of sociology, emphasizing contemporary issues related to inequality, social institutions, gender and the family, deviance and criminology, aging, and research. Students learn how to think critically about human social life, seek answers to research questions, and help others understand how society works and how we might improve it. Our students have the opportunity to intern with a number of local and regional organizations, such as the Northeast Ohio Coalition Against Human Trafficking and Compass Community and Family Services.

ANTHROPOLOGY

Anthropology is the cultural and biological study of humankind.  It is a discipline that asks such question as, “What makes us human?” “How did we develop biologically and culturally?” “Where did we come from and where are we going?” Through the study of Archaeology, Biological Anthropology, and Cultural Anthropology at YSU, students explore these questions and the ways in which we begin to answer them. Students are broadly trained in the discipline and emerge well-trained to pursue graduate degrees and careers in and related to anthropology. The program offers numerous opportunities to work with materials in the classroom and lab, including osteological and faunal remains and artifacts. Our students participate on faculty-led archaeological class projects in Guatemala, the Bahamas, and in northeast Ohio and have joined anthropological field schools in Belize, Canada, South Africa, Cypress, and elsewhere.

Chair

Loren R. Lease, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Chair


Professor

Amanda Fehlbaum, Ph.D., Associate Professor

Paul B. Gordiejew, Ph.D., Associate Professor

Qi Jiang, Ph.D., Professor

Matt O'Mansky, Ph.D., Associate Professor

Anthropology

ANTH 1500    Introduction to Anthropology    3 s.h.

An exploration of what it means to be human from a biological and cultural perspective using archaeology, bioanthropology, and ethnography to trace over four million years of human development.
Gen Ed: Social Science.

ANTH 1503    The Rise and Fall of Civilizations    3 s.h.

Comparative survey of the archaeological evidence on the origins, development, and collapse of the great early civilizations of the world. The transformation of societies from settled villages to urban states in Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, Mexico, and Peru. Analysis of the archaeological discoveries, alternative interpretations, and general theories of cultural evolution.
Gen Ed: Social Science.

ANTH 2600    Human Osteology    4 s.h.

An examination of the anatomy of the skeleton in a defleshed state to gain an understanding of the characteristics and personal biology of individuals and exploration of the range of human variation within and between populations.

ANTH 3701    Social Statistics    4 s.h.

Measurement and interpretation of social data by the use of descriptive techniques. Examines methods of probability theory as a basis for statistical inference, hypothesis testing, correlation, chi-square, and variance analysis. Listed also as SOC 3701.
Prereq.: SOC 1500 or ANTH 1500, successful completion of ENGL 1551 and MATH 1501 or a level 3 or higher on the math placement exam.

ANTH 3702    Archaeology    3 s.h.

An introduction to the methods and subject matter of archaeology in its reconstruction of Paleolithic and prehistoric cultures as inferred from artifacts.
Prereq.: ANTH 1500 or ANTH 1503.

ANTH 3703    Biological Anthropology    4 s.h.

The physical origins and development of the human species as a member of the primate order and the biological bases of human differences disclosed by human paleontology and archaeology.
Prereq.: ANTH 1500.
Cross-listed: BIOL 3704.

ANTH 3704    Primates    3 s.h.

Primate evolution throughout the Cenozoic Era, from primate origins to the advent of hominids. Examines research into the natural behavior of a wide range of primates, focusing on the social organization of terrestrial monkeys and apes.
Prereq.: ANTH 3703.

ANTH 3705    Cultural Anthropology    3 s.h.

A cross-cultural comparison of the cultural norms that regulate society, emphasizing the functional prerequisites for the existence of society and individual demands on society.
Prereq.: ANTH 1500.
Cross-listed: AMER 3705.

ANTH 3760    Cultures of the Old World    3 s.h.

An examination of the ethnography, cultural contributions, and achievements of Old World peoples, which may include the cultures of Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia or Australia and Oceania. May be taken up to three times for credit if the topic is different.
Prereq.: ANTH 3705 or 6 s.h. in AFST, including AFST 2601.

ANTH 3761    Cultures of the New World    3 s.h.

An examination of various topics in New World cultures. Topics vary by semester and may include native South Americans, native North Americans, Native Americans' civil rights, the reservation system, and others. May be taken up to three times for credit if the topic is different.
Prereq.: ANTH 1500.

ANTH 3762    The Power and Meaning of Food    3 s.h.

Explores the relationship between culture and food in its material and symbolic forms. Examines the patterns of production, distribution, exchange, and consumption of food across time and within particular cultural and global contexts. Topics include the place of food in ritual, gift-giving, maintaining identities, and culture change.
Prereq.: ANTH 3705.

ANTH 3775    Native North Americans    3 s.h.

Detailed discussion of the culture and achievements of the tribal peoples native to North America.
Prereq.: ANTH 1500.

ANTH 3777    Bahamian Archaeology    3 s.h.

Examines the prehistory and ecology of the Bahamas and entails archaeological surveys and excavation of sites. May be repeated once.
Prereq.: ANTH 3702 or permission of the instructor.

ANTH 3778    Archaeological Techniques    1-9 s.h.

Practice in archaeological field methods, including surveying, mapping, excavation, and artifact analysis. Amount of field work and lab analysis can vary from four weeks to one semester. Credit hours may vary accordingly from 1 to 9 hours with approval of the instructor and department chair.
Prereq.: ANTH 3702 or permission of the chair.

ANTH 3779    Fieldwork in Historical and Industrial Sites Archaeology    3 s.h.

Excavation of New World sites after 1492, culminating in the physical examination of the remains of historical, industrial, and post-industrial sites. Techniques for literature search and fieldwork. May be repeated once with different site or theoretical focus.
Prereq.: ANTH 3702 or permission of chair.

ANTH 3780    Forensic Anthropology 1    4 s.h.

Forensics from the perspective of anthropology, especially through hands-on study of human remains. Methods of determining the sex, age, ancestry, and stature of an individual. Field methods for forensic anthropology and trauma analysis. 4 s.h.
Prereq.: ANTH 2600 or BIOL 3705.

ANTH 3790    Aging in Cross-Cultural Perspective    3 s.h.

Examines the phenomenon of aging from cross-cultural perspectives with an emphasis on cultural evolution and its impact upon the status, roles and cultural values associated with aging and the aged. Listed also as SOC 3790 and GERO 3790.
Prereq.: ANTH 1500 or SOC 1500, or GERO 1501.

ANTH 4800    Undergraduate Research    1-2 s.h.

Research participation under the direction and guidance of a full-time faculty member. Designed to acquaint the advanced student with special research problems associated with various aspects of the discipline. May be repeated to a maximum of 4 s.h.
Prereq.: Permission of chairperson and junior standing.

ANTH 4801    Anthropological Thought    3 s.h.

Analysis of the theories and methodology of the major contributors to contemporary anthropological thought, such as the evolutionist, diffusionist, functional, and multilinear schools.
Prereq.: ANTH 3705.

ANTH 4815    Anthropology of Religion    3 s.h.

A survey of anthropological approaches to the study of religion, illustrated by a critical consideration of past and present contributions to the field. Study of selected religious systems, areally and topically.
Prereq.: ANTH 3705 or 6 s.h. in REL including REL 2601.

ANTH 4824    Old World Prehistory: Topics    3 s.h.

Examination of the prehistoric development of Old World (Africa, Europe, Far East, Middle East, and Oceanic cultures). May be taken twice for credit if topic is different.
Prereq.: ANTH 3702.

ANTH 4825    New World Archaeology: Topics    3 s.h.

Examination of the archaeological evidence of the development of New World cultures from early prehistoric to late post-industrial times. Topics vary by semester and may include historical archaeology, North American prehistory, Ohio prehistory, Maya, Aztec and Inca, South American prehistory, and others. May be taken up to three times for credit if the topic is different. Some topics may include field work.
Prereq.: ANTH 3702.

ANTH 4825E    New World Archaeology: Topics International Study Belize    3 s.h.

Examination of the archaeological evidence of the development of New World cultures from early prehistoric to late post-industrial times. Topics vary by semester and may include historical archaeology, North American prehistory, Ohio prehistory, Maya, Aztec and Inca, South American prehistory, and others. May be taken up to three times for credit if the topic is different. Some topics may include field work.
Prereq.: ANTH 3702.

ANTH 4850    Research Methods    3 s.h.

An introduction to methods employed in social research. Attention is given to (1) the logic of sociological inquiry and the relationship between theory and methods; (2) the various qualitative and quantitative methods; (3) research design, data collection, organization, analysis, interpretation and application; (4) the social, cultural, political, and ethical context of social research; and (5) computer skills employed in data analysis. Listed also as SOC 4850 or GERO 4850.
Prereq.: SOC 3701 or ANTH 3701.

ANTH 4859    Senior Thesis 1    1 s.h.

Design and completion of a quantitative or qualitative research proposal for the Senior Capstone in Anthropology.
Prereq.: Senior status in ANTH; ANTH 3701 and ANTH 4801, concurrent with ANTH 4850.

ANTH 4860    Senior Thesis 2    3 s.h.

A capstone experience for the major in anthropology. Implementing and completing a quantitative or qualitative research project and paper on the proposal approved by the thesis advisor during Senior Thesis 1.
Prereq.: Senior status in Anthropology; ANTH 4850 and ANTH 4859.
Gen Ed: Capstone.

ANTH 4881    Forensic Anthropology 2    4 s.h.

A continuation of Forensic Anthropology 1. An in-depth examination of the human skeletal system, its differentiation from other commonly found animal remains, and the ways in which skeletal remains help determine the cause of death, trauma to skeleton, antemortem skeletal conditions, postmortem interval, postmortem changes to bone, additional aspects of individualization, etc. Prereq. ANTH 3780 with "C" or better.

ANTH 4882    Paleoanthropology    3 s.h.

The origin and evolution of the human species in biological terms from studies of human evolution and emergence of certain critical biocultural essentials. Emphasis on fundamentals of paleoanthropological research, evidence of human evolution, important fossil finds and sites, and phylogenetic relationships.
Prereq.: ANTH 3703 with "C" or better; or BIOL 3759 with "C" or better.

ANTH 4890    Advanced Topics in Archaeology    3 s.h.

Study of select subjects dealing with various aspects of advanced archaeological issues, methodologies, techniques, and applications. Topics vary by semester and include archaeological laboratory techniques and cultural resource management. May be taken twice with different topics.
Prereq.: ANTH 3702.

ANTH 6910    Special Anthropological Problems    3 s.h.

Advanced seminars focusing on independent study at the graduate level. The study of archaeology, its methods and functions; human origins and differentiation; anthropology of religion; and cultural change and its impact. May be repeated with different topic.

Gerontology

GERO 1501    Introduction to Gerontology    3 s.h.

Basic introduction to the interdisciplinary study of aging. Includes social, psychological, economic, cultural, health, and policy issues. Discussion of normal vs. abnormal (disease-related) aspects of aging.
Gen Ed: Social Science.

GERO 3703    Aging and Society    3 s.h.

An interdisciplinary introduction to studies in aging. Examines the impact of population aging and its effect on society at large. Also examines individual aging processes and social significance of aging. Listed also as SOC 3703.
Prereq.: SOC 1500 or GERO 1501.
Gen Ed: Social Science, Well Being, Social and Personal Awareness.

GERO 3745    Sociology of Health, Illness, and Healthcare    3 s.h.

Social attitudes toward illness. Cultural and social factors in disease definition of illness, and organization of the health professions and health facilities. Listed also as SOC 3745.
Prereq.: SOC 1500, GERO 1501, or admission to NEOMED-YSU program.
Gen Ed: Well Being, Social and Personal Awareness.

GERO 3755    Theories of Gerontology    3 s.h.

Review and critical analysis of current theories of the social aspects of aging and their use in research. Listed also as SOC 3755.
Prereq.: SOC 1500 or GERO 1501.

GERO 3756    Aging and Ethnicity    3 s.h.

Aging in American subcultures, noting differences in status/role systems, demographic distributions, life styles, methods of dealing with the elderly, and related problems. Listed also as SOC 3756.
Prereq.: SOC 1500 or GERO 1501.

GERO 3757    Aging and Social Policy    3 s.h.

Critical examination of social policies and social systems which affect aging and retirement. Listed also as SOC 3757 and POL 3757.
Prereq.: SOC 1500, GERO 1501, or POL 1560.

GERO 3758    Long-Term Care    3 s.h.

Examines critical issues in long-term care systems, services, and programs. Impacts of social demographic and economic changes on long-term care needs, demands, and supplies. Contemporary trends and future outlooks of long-term care. Listed also as SOC 3758.
Prereq.: SOC 1500 or GERO 1501.

GERO 3759    Physical Change and Aging    3 s.h.

Designed to provide knowledge about physical aspects of human aging and factors that affect physical aging. Students learn about physical changes that occur naturally with advancing age and changes associated with disease or disability (abnormal changes). Behavioral and inherent factors that influence physical aging are discussed with the goal to increase awareness of prevention strategies.
Prereq.: GERO 1501 or SOC 1500.

GERO 3760    Death and Dying    3 s.h.

Introduction of the topics of death and dying and the process of, with the following objectives: to sensitize the student to the subject of death and dying, to aid the student in adjusting to the death of a significant other, to help individuals examine their own feelings and reactions to the death and grieving, to make students aware of the different cultural groups’ death and bereavement, and to examine hospice and palliative care benefits. Cross-listed: SOC 3760.
Prereq.: GERO 1501 OR SOC 1500.

GERO 3761    Elder Crimes - Elder Justice    3 s.h.

Issues in gerontology and aging that affect law enforcement and the criminal justice system.
Prereq.: GERO 1501 or SOC 1500 or CJFS 1500.
Cross-listed: CJFS 3761 and SOC 3761.

GERO 3775    Dementia    3 s.h.

The understanding of the nature, causes, symptoms, and social consequences of dementia. Attention to the status of aging, caregiving, and to the status of those who suffer from dementia in contemporary society.
Prereq.: GERO 1501 or SOC 1500.

GERO 3790    Aging in Cross-Cultural Perspective    3 s.h.

Examines the phenomenon of aging from cross-cultural perspectives with an emphasis on cultural evolution and it's impact upon the status, roles and cultural values associated with aging and the aged. Listed also as SOC 3790 and ANTH 3790.
Prereq.: GERO 1501 or ANTH 1500, or SOC 1500.

GERO 4801    Later Life Issues    3 s.h.

The course is designed as an advanced course in the issues of later life and long term care services and supports. Cross-Listed: SOC 4801.
Prereq.: GERO 3703 OR SOC 3703.

GERO 4804    Family, Health, and Aging    3 s.h.

Examines family and health related aspects of aging. Positive and negative interactions among family members and caregivers, and their impact on mental and physical quality of life of the elderly. Listed also as SOC 4804.
Prereq.: GERO 3703 or SOC 3703.

GERO 4821    Internship in Gerontology    3-15 s.h.

Application of gerontological knowledge in settings such as social agencies, government offices, hospitals, nursing homes, or industry. May be repeated up to 15 s.h., but only a maximum of 6 semester hours can be applied to the gerontology major.
Prereq.: Junior standing, 9 s.h. of Gerontology, and permission of chairperson.

GERO 4850    Research Methods    3 s.h.

An introduction to methods employed in social research. Attention is given to (1) the logic of scientific inquiry and the relationship between theory and methods; (2) the various qualitative and quantitative methods; (3) research design, data collection, organization, analysis, interpretation and application; (4) the social, cultural, political, and ethical context of social research; and (5) computer skills employed in data analysis. Listed also as ANTH 4850 or SOC 4850.
Prereq.: SOC 3701, ANTH 3701.

GERO 4851    Capstone in Gerontology    3 s.h.

A capstone experience for the interdisciplinary study of aging. Students will complete a major research project.
Prereq.: Senior status in Gerontology and SOC 4850.
Gen Ed: Capstone.

GERO 4860    Senior Thesis    3 s.h.

A capstone experience for the major in gerontology. Designing, implementing, and completing an empirical research project and paper on a topic approved by the thesis advisor.
Prereq.: senior status in GERO; GERO 4850 or SOC 4850.
Cross-listed: SOC 4860.

GERO 6905    Social Gerontology    3 s.h.

Social Gerontology. Integration and application of gerontological theories; major conceptual issues regarding life span development; and contemporary gerontological concepts and research.

GERO 6906    Perspectives in Gerontology    3 s.h.

Focus on the major theoretical perspectives of aging and aging related research with a focus on health. Theories from gerontology, epidemiology, sociology, and psychology will be covered.

GERO 6915    Service Delivery Aging Policy    3 s.h.

An interdisciplinary analysis of services for older adults including an examination of major policies, programs, and trends in aging.

GERO 6960    Epidemiology of Aging    3 s.h.

Integration and application of epidemiologic theories; major conceptual issues regarding epidemiology and aging; and contemporary interdisciplinary concepts and research. Primary focus will be on the disease distribution and leading causes of death among our aging population.

GERO 6998    Anatomy and Physiology of Aging    3 s.h.

Using a systems approach, this course will examine the anatomical and physiological changes that occur with aging. It will discuss age-related disorders and evaluate the impact of these changes on activities and daily function.

GERO 6999    Research Methods    3 s.h.

This course serves as an introduction to major methodological issues and basic statistics in the social-scientific study of gerontology. Major topics include developmental perspective and conceptualization of change, basic developmental research design, conceptualization of research problems, research design, measurement, and data analysis. This course should enable students to formulate research questions, design studies, and determine measurement devices and methods of analysis from a developmental perspective.

GERO 7001    Long-Term Care    3 s.h.

This course will introduce students to the following topics: who needs long term care; population distribution of long-term care and its current trends; long-term care industry; human medicine and long-term care; social structures and social inequalities in long-term care; culture components of long-term care; family care and social care; government, laws, and social policies of long-term care; and long-term care in a global perspective.
Prereq.: GERO 6960.

GERO 7090    Field Practicum    1-9 s.h.

Students will complete a 200-hour placement in an aging-related workplace. Variable credit 1-6 s.h. May be repeated for up to 9 s.h.

GERO 7094    Selected Topics    3 s.h.

An examination of contemporary topics in the field of gerontology. Examples of subject areas that may be covered: Nutrition, Pharmacology, Legal, etc. variable credit 1-3 hours may be repeated for up to 6 credit hours.

GERO 7099    Thesis    1-3 s.h.

A substantive research project with approval of a committee chair and committee. Variable credit 1-3 s.h. May be repeated for up to 6 s.h.

Sociology 

SOC 1500    Introduction to Sociology    3 s.h.

An introduction to the science of human societies and groups: analysis of the structures, functions, and processes that bring about changes in societies, groups, communities, classes, and institutions.
Gen Ed: Social Science.

SOC 2601    Social Problems    3 s.h.

A sociological overview of various contemporary social issues, analyzing significant discrepancies between standards of expectation and actual social behavior, attempting to ascertain possible causes, and discussing trends and possible changes.
Gen Ed: Social Science.

SOC 2630    Criminology    3 s.h.

Study of the social context of crime in America. Review of historical theories offered in explanation of criminal behavior.

SOC 2640    Gender in Society    3 s.h.

Sociological analysis of gender role issues by major institutions of society, including political, educational, economic and legal systems as well as media and the family. Focus is on effects of stratification, culture, gender norms, and the socialization process.

SOC 2650    Human Trafficking    3 s.h.

An introduction to human trafficking by exploring the social constructs that define the sex and labor trade and understanding how social institutions support them. Topics include identifying traffickers, buyers and victims/survivors; legislation; state and local responses; coalitions and law enforcement; and society’s efforts to prevent trafficking in persons.
Gen Ed: Social Science.

SOC 2690    Identities and Differences    3 s.h.

A study of personal and social issues that shape the understanding and development of identity and diversity.
Gen Ed: Domestic Diversity, Social and Personal Awareness.

SOC 3700    Minority Groups    3 s.h.

Survey of the origins and characteristics of ethnic and racial minority groups, with emphasis on the significance of membership in such a group for in-group, out-group, and community solidarity.
Prereq.: SOC 1500.
Cross-listed: AMER 3700.

SOC 3701    Social Statistics    4 s.h.

Measurement and interpretation of social data by use of descriptive techniques. Examines methods of probability theory as a basis for statistical inference, hypothesis testing, correlation, chi-square, and variance analysis. Listed also as ANTH 3701.
Prereq.: SOC 1500 or ANTH 1500, successful completion of ENGL 1551 and MATH 1501 or a level 3 or higher on the math placement exam.

SOC 3703    Aging and Society    3 s.h.

An interdisciplinary introduction to studies in aging. Examines the impact of population aging and its effect on the society at large. Also examines individual aging processes and social significance of aging. Listed also as GERO 3703.
Prereq.: SOC 1500 or GERO 1501.
Gen Ed: Social Science, Well Being, Social and Personal Awareness.

SOC 3705    The Family    3 s.h.

Family and kinship systems as major institutions; their development, functions, and relation to other basic institutions found in different cultures and social strata.
Prereq.: SOC 1500 or ANTH 1500.

SOC 3707    Urban Sociology    3 s.h.

A comparative study of cities of pre-industrial and industrial societies, historical and contemporary. The process of urbanization and changing urban structure and functions.
Prereq.: SOC 1500.

SOC 3708    Political Sociology    3 s.h.

The social conditions that affect government and politics and that may help to determine political order and regulate struggles for power; associations and movements leading to stability or change.
Prereq.: SOC 1500.

SOC 3720    Applied Sociology    3 s.h.

Uses of sociology in practical affairs, providing theory and data for public policy, institutional reform, social action programs, and social inventions. Contributions to architectural design, industrial engineering, community planning, and innovative legislation.
Prereq.: SOC 1500.
Cross-listed: AMER 3720.

SOC 3731    Social Deviance    3 s.h.

Focuses on problems of drug abuse, sexual deviation, crime, and other forms of deviance. Theoretical approaches to deviant behavior; etiologies and methods of social control are explored.
Prereq.: SOC 1500 or CJFS 1500.

SOC 3733    White Collar Crime    3 s.h.

Focuses on distinguishing between various types of white collar crime, such as corporate fraud, corruption of public officials, and environmental crime. Also examines theoretical explanations for white collar crime and situates it within larger social contexts of power and status.
Prereq.: SOC 1500 or CJFS 1500.

SOC 3735    Juvenile Delinquency    3 s.h.

Social and psychological factors underlying delinquency; the juvenile court and probation; treatment and preventive measures.
Prereq.: SOC 1500 or CJFS 1500.

SOC 3736    Crime and the Life Course    3 s.h.

Examines the development, stability, and change of criminal behavior throughout different stages of the life course. Themes such as criminal trajectories, transitions, and turning points are discussed.
Prereq.: SOC 1500 or CJFS 1500.

SOC 3740    Complex Organizations    3 s.h.

Structures and processes of large-scale organizations: leadership, control techniques, tensions, bureaucratic pathologies, organizational change.
Prereq.: SOC 1500.

SOC 3741    Social Movements    3 s.h.

Analysis of the role of social movements, intellectual criticism, and socioeconomic trends; study of the dynamics of change initiated outside of regular and institutionalized channels, including mobs and crowds.
Prereq.: SOC 1500.

SOC 3742    Small Group Processes    3 s.h.

A study of small group behavior; influence, attitudes, and values of social microsystems.
Prereq.: SOC 1500.

SOC 3743    Social Stratification and Inequality    3 s.h.

Comparative analysis of social stratification systems with major emphasis on modern Western societies.
Prereq.: SOC 1500.

SOC 3745    Sociology of Health, Illness, and Healthcare    3 s.h.

Social attitudes toward illness. Cultural and social factors in disease definition of illness, and organization of the health professions and health facilities. Listed also as GERO 3745.
Prereq.: SOC 1500, GERO 1501, or admission to NEOMED-YSU program.
Gen Ed: Well Being, Social and Personal Awareness.

SOC 3746    Sociology of the Body    3 s.h.

This course examines the body and its relationship to the self as a product of complex social arrangements and processes. The body is studied as an object of social control and as the focus of shifting race, gender, and sexual categories. Topics include health, medicine, consumerism, sports, and popular culture.
Prereq.: SOC 1500.

SOC 3747    Sociology of Sexuality    3 s.h.

Examines sexuality and how it is perceived, defined, and experienced in the context of society. Sexuality is studied as subject to social norms, attitudes, and beliefs through public and private policies, practices, and institutions. Explores how the social construction of sexuality influences both sexual and non-sexual relationships.
Prereq.: 3 semester hours in Sociology.
Cross-listed: WMST 3747.

SOC 3749    Sociological Theory    3 s.h.

The major theoretical traditions in Sociology emerging from the enlightenment period and evolving to the present.
Prereq.: SOC 1500 or ANTH 2602.

SOC 3755    Theories of Gerontology    3 s.h.

Review and critical analysis of current theories of the social aspects of aging, and their use in research. Listed also as GERO 3755.
Prereq.: SOC 1500 or GERO 1501.

SOC 3757    Aging and Social Policy    3 s.h.

Critical examination of social policies and social systems which affect aging and retirement. Listed also as GERO 3757 and POL 3757.
Prereq.: SOC 1500, GERO 1501, or POL 1560.

SOC 3758    Long-Term Care    3 s.h.

Examines critical issues in long-term care systems, services, and programs. Impacts of social demographic and economic changes on long-term care needs, demands, and supplies. Contemporary trends and future outlooks of long-term care. Listed also as GERO 3758.
Prereq.: SOC 1500 or GERO 1501.

SOC 3759    Sociology of Dementia    3 s.h.

The understanding of the nature, causes, symptoms, and social consequences of dementia. Attention to the status of aging, and to the status of those who suffer from dementia in contemporary society.
Prereq.: SOC 1500.

SOC 3760    Sociology of Death and Dying    3 s.h.

Analysis of the social aspects of human death, dying, and bereavement using various sociological approaches. Explores data from secondary sources, surveys, and field investigations that relate to the institutional contexts of dying and grieving processes. Includes practical application of sociological analysis of dying and death.
Prereq.: SOC 1500.

SOC 3761    Elder Crimes - Elder Justice    3 s.h.

Issues in gerontology and aging that affect law enforcement and the criminal justice system.
Prereq.: GERO 1501 or SOC 1500 or CJFS 1500.
Cross-listed: GERO 3761.

SOC 3790    Aging in Cross-Cultural Perspectives    3 s.h.

Examines the phenomenon of aging from cross-cultural perspectives with an emphasis on cultural evolution and its impact upon the status, roles, and cultural values associated with aging and the aged. Listed also as ANTH 3790 and GERO 3790.
Prereq.: SOC 1500 or ANTH 1500 or GERO 1501.

SOC 3798    Select Topics in Sociology    3 s.h.

In-depth examination of various sociological topics and issues of both current and long-standing interest. May be taken twice with different topics.
Prereq.: 3 s.h. in Sociology.

SOC 4800    Undergraduate Research    1-2 s.h.

Research participation under the direction of a faculty member. Designed to acquaint the advanced student with special research problems associated with various aspects of the discipline. May be repeated for a maximum of 4 s.h.
Prereq.: Permission of chairperson and 20 s.h. in Sociology.

SOC 4801    Later Life Issues    3 s.h.

An examination of contemporary issues and concerns among the elderly. Topics include family relations, finances, entitlements, Social Security, quality of life, and euthanasia.
Prereq.: SOC 3703.

SOC 4810    International Study in Sociology    3 s.h.

Sociological study of a selected international area. Travel to the area of study under the supervision of a Sociology faculty member. The course grade is based on participation in the trip and a term paper or comparable assignments. May be repeated once. Permission of the chairperson.

SOC 4821    Internship in Sociology    3-9 s.h.

Application of sociological knowledge in settings such as social agencies, government offices, hospitals, nursing homes, correctional facilities, and industry. Maximum of 6 s.h. may be applied to the Sociology major.
Prereq.: Junior standing and at least 9 s.h. of Sociology, and permission of chairperson.

SOC 4850    Research Methods    3 s.h.

An introduction to methods employed in social research. Attention is given to (1) the logic of scientific inquiry and the relationship between theory and methods; (2) the various qualitative and quantitative methods; (3) research design, data collection, organization, analysis, interpretation and application; (4) the social, cultural, political, and ethical context of social research; and (5) computer skills employed in data analysis. Listed also as ANTH 4850 or GERO 4850.Prereq.: SOC 3701, ANTH 3701.

SOC 4859    Senior Thesis 1    1 s.h.

Design and completion of a quantitative or qualitative research proposal for the Senior Capstone in Sociology.
Prereq.: Senior status in SOC; SOC 3701 and SOC 3749, concurrent with SOC 4850.

SOC 4860    Senior Thesis 2    3 s.h.

A capstone experience for the major in sociology. Implementing and completing a quantitative or qualitative research project and paper on the proposal approved by the thesis advisor during Senior Thesis 1.
Prereq.: Senior status in Sociology; SOC 4850 and SOC 4859.

SOC 6900    Special Sociological Problems    3 s.h.

Advanced seminars focusing on independent study at the graduate level; social organization in a changing world; social disorganization (or deviance) and social controls; social and cultural factors in personality development; minority relationships; sociology of law; social change; and comparative institutions.

SOC 6905    Social Gerontology    3 s.h.

Integration and application of gerontological theories; major conceptual issues regarding life span development; and contemporary gerontological concepts and research.