University of Maine at Farmington 2007-2008 Catalog
 
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Sociology
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  SOC 101S - Introduction to Sociology
The focus of this multicultural course is to introduce students to the discipline of sociology through the examination of U.S. society.  Students explore various aspects of society, examining how individuals, groups, communities and societies act and interact, utilizing macro and micro perspectives.  Students are introduced to a wide range of conceptual frameworks and approaches used to examine and understand society.  Some of the topics discussed include: the self, socialization, roles and status, culture, cultural diversity, family, social stratification and inequality. Every semester. CCP

Credit: 4

  SOC 104S - Global Sociology
The focus of this multicultural course is to introduce students to the discipline of sociology through a global lens.  Students explore various aspects of society, examining how individuals, groups, communities and societies act and interact around the world, utilizing macro and micro perspectives.  Students are introduced to a wide range of conceptual frameworks and approaches used to examine and understand society.  Some of the topics discussed in clued: the self, socialization, roles and status, culture, groups, family, social stratification and inequality. Every two years. CCP

Credit: 4

  SOC 215S - Social Problems & Social Change
Utilizing various sociological theories, concepts and techniques, this multicultural course examines a wide array of topics considered to be "social problems" in our society.  Students examine such issues of inequality as racism, classism, and sexism as well as institutional concerns surrounding crime, education, health care and the impact of migration and globalization in U.S. society. Students also explore various techniques that have been utilized to create social changes to remedy these "problems". (Pass/Fail option) Every two years. CCP

Credit: 4

  SOC 225S - Popular Culture and Mass Media
Using a sociological lens combined with anthropological influences, students examine the relationship and role of mass media and popular culture in society. Students explore the ways in which mass culture impacts society as well as how the media industry shapes our daily lives on both a micro and macro level. Areas of focus include music, television, film, books and magazines, consumerism as well as the Internet. We will explore the impact of US popular culture on other nations and their impact on our culture. (Pass/Fail option) Every three years. CCP

Credit: 4

  SOC 245S - Constructing Sexualities
This multicultural course examines the ways in which sexualities are defined and understood in society.  Students analyze the social, cultural, political and economic connections to sexuality.  The course also traces some of the main events and issues connected to conceptions and practices of sexuality from the nineteenth century to present day.  Areas of focus include marriage & relationships, reproductive options, sexuality and public policy, social movements and sexuality, and sexuality in the media. (Pass/Fail option) Every two years. CCP

Credit: 4

  SOC 277 - Special Topics in Sociology
This course offers study in a specialized topic in sociology that is not offered in the usual sociology curriculum, at an introductory level.  These topics include but are not limited to Social Policy and Inequality, Health Care and Society, Sociology of Marriage and Family or Social Stratification. (Pass/Fail option) Every three years. CCP

Credit: 4

  SOC 280S - Crime and Society
This is a critical examination of the genesis and impact of crime in society. Various theoretical perspectives are examined. Historical and cross-cultural examples are presented. (Pass/Fail option) Every three years. CCP

Credit: 4

  SOC 301 - Sociology of Deviance
A systematic examination of the theories and concepts that attempt to explain human variance and nonconformity. The relationship of modes of social control to aspects of social deviance are examined. Historical comparative approaches to this area of study are employed. Prerequisite(s): SOC 101S. (Pass/Fail option) Every two years. CCP

Credit: 4

  SOC 302 - Criminal Law and Criminology
This course provides a broad analysis of crime and criminal behavior including its causes, types and frequency. Various means of social control including the police, courts, and prisons are examined. Legal cases are examined to illustrate aspects of the judicial process. Prerequisite(s): SOC 101S. Every two years.

Credit: 4

  SOC 310 - Sociology of Sex & Gender
In this multicultural course, students examine the roles of sex and gender in society from sociological theoretical perspectives.  Students explore the connections of sex and gender with power and status on micro and macro levels of society.  Areas of examination include the relationship of sex and gender with education, politics, work, culture and family. Prerequisite(s): SOC 101S. (Pass/Fail option) Every three years. CCP

Credit: 4

  SOC 315 - Race & Ethnicity in the United States
The focus of this course is to introduce students to sociological theories of race/ethnicity in U.S. society and to examine the consequences of the social construction of race.  This course is multicultural in focus as students explore how different racial and ethnic groups vary in their conceptualization of race and ethnicity.  Students also investigate various ways in which race and racism permeate our society on micro and macro levels, as well as the relationship race has with other markers of difference. Prerequisite(s): SOC 101S. (Pass/Fail option) Every two years. CCP

Credit: 4

  SOC 340 - Theoretical Foundations in Sociology/Anthropology
This multicultural course provides an introduction to various theoretical foundations in Sociology and Anthropology. Students trace the evolution of social thought aimed at understanding societies and cultures within both disciplines. Students study both classical and contemporary theory and learn how to apply these concepts toward understanding contemporary issues in society. Theorists include: Addams, Benedict, DuBois, Durkheim, Foucault, Marx, Smith, and Weber. Prerequisite(s): ANT 101S and ANT 103S and SOC 101S or permission of the instructor. Every two year. CCP

Credit: 4

  SOC 345 - Power, Poverty & Society
This course examines the complex issue of poverty in society. Students will explore the connections between the "world of work," economics, politics, education, cultural capital as well as the effects of social policy in terms of seeking solutions to poverty. Comparisons will be offered between U.S. approaches to ending poverty with other nations around the world. Prerequisite(s): SOC 101S. SOC 215S is not required but is highly recommended. (Pass/Fail option) Every three years. CCP

Credit: 4

  SOC 360 - Social Science Research Methods
This course provides an introduction to various theories and methods of social science research. Students discuss the importance of research, explore different types of social research methodologies and techniques as well as go through the process of creating an actual research design or proposal. The course will help sharpen students' ability to evaluate and critique research, to think logically and critically, to express their own ideas and implement many of the concepts we will explore in class. Additionally students will practice many of the skills they are introduced to as a means of understanding and experiencing the processes involved in conducting research. Prerequisite(s): ANT 101S, ANT 103S, SOC 101S. Every year.

Credit: 4

  SOC 377 - Topics in Sociology
A course designed to explore in depth a particular subject, theme genre of literature, generation, author, or other topic related to Spain or Latin America. Topics varies; please read description in course registration booklet. Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor. (Pass/Fail option) Every two years.

Credit: 2-4

  SOC 397 - Independent Study in Sociology
The purpose of this course is to provide the exceptional student with an opportunity to explore specialized topics within the discipline of sociology.  Students are required to be involved in the design of the course; submitting in writing a detailed outline of their course of study to the instructor they are working with prior to registering for the course.  Students require permission by the instructor to enroll in the course. Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor. Every semester.

Credit: 4

  SOC 400 - Internship
Internships allow students to gain direct experience in areas that are relevant to their fields of study.  Students work directly with faculty to determine which organization to work with as well as to determine what projects the student may do that are relevant to the internship.  Internships must be approved by this faculty member as well as the site where students are performing their internship prior to registration.  Students are strongly encouraged to establish these relationships at least one semester prior to enrolling in the internship. Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor. (Pass/Fail option) Every semester.

Credit: 4

  SOC 460 - Independent Research in Sociology
This course is designed to provide an opportunity for advanced students seeking additional experience performing directed research. Students work individually with instructors on projects driven by the student's interests or as part of larger on-going projects that the instructor is involved in. This course is particularly useful for students interested in attending graduate school. Prerequisite(s): SOC 340, SOC 360 and permission of instructor. (Pass/Fail option) Every semester. 

Credit: 4

  SOC 480 - Senior Seminar/Capstone in Sociology
This course is designed to be a culminating experience for students with a Sociology/Anthropology major. This seminar asks students to build upon previous work in both disciplines, by conducting a research project of their own choosing.  Students are also able to focus their research within a particular discipline or subfield of Sociology. Students work independently but discuss their work with one another, examining the process of research and their progress as a whole. Prerequisite(s): SOC 340, SOC 360 and permission of instructor. Every year.

Credit: 4

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