Courses in Sociology
A SOC 115/115Z Introduction to Sociology (3)
Nature of culture and of human society, personality development, groups and group structure, social institutions, the processes of social change. Only one version of A SOC 115 may be taken for credit.
A SOC 180/180Z Social Problems (3)
Applies the concepts, methods, and ethics of sociology to the analysis of “social problems.” Only one version of A SOC 180 may be taken for credit.
A SOC 200 (formerly A SOC 354) Political Sociology (3)
Analyzes the social bases of political power and the origin, course of development, and duration of social movements; the role of propaganda, communication, and public opinion in political behavior; the structure of political organizations. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115.
A SOC 203 (= R CRJ 203) Criminology (3)
Introduction to the study of crime, including the development of criminal law, the relationship between crime and social structure, and the individual and social causes of crime. Only one of A SOC 203, 381, R CRJ 200, 203 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115.
A SOC 210 Sociology of Culture (3)
The social settings within which culture—literature, painting, theatre, fashion, popular magazines, graffiti, television—are produced and consumed. Special attention is paid to the development of artistic careers, the forces shaping markets for artistic objects and performances, the effects of censorship, and class differences in the consumption of culture. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115.
A SOC 215/215Z Social Origins of the Modern World (3)
This course examines the transformation of individual and governmental attitudes toward family, knowledge and progress, the natural world, and the capacity of humans to be reformed through individual effort and social programs. The readings and class discussion will draw on the work of historians and social scientists who have written for the most part about Western Europe because that is the region of the world where this transformation first occurred and because it remains the main focus of scholarship on "mentalities." Only one version of A SOC 215 may be taken for credit.
T SOC 215 Social Origins of the Modern World (3)
T SOC 215 is the Honors College version of A SOC 215; only one version may be taken for credit.
A SOC 217/217Z Alternatives to Bureaucratic Organization (3)
Whereas some social theorists focus on the functional aspects of bureaucratic organization, such as efficiency and impartiality, others view the specialization and impersonality of bureaucratic work as incompatible with humanistic values. The intellectual roots of these two traditions and various contemporary versions of them are examined. Only one version of A SOC 217 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115.
A SOC 220 (formerly A SOC 223) Introduction to Social Research (3)
Examination of the assumptions and techniques of social research: problems of design, data collection, quantitative and qualitative analysis; review of current research in professional journals; the uses of survey research; application of concepts through individual and class projects. For Sociology majors and intended majors, A SOC 220 is restricted to A-E grading after matriculation at Albany. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115.
A SOC 221 Statistics for Sociologists (3)
Introduction to quantitative analysis of sociological data: methods of summarizing and describing univariate distributions including the use of tables and graphs; methods of examining relationships between two or more measures; statistical inference and hypothesis testing. For Sociology majors and intended majors, A SOC 221 is restricted to A-E grading after matriculation at Albany. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115.
A SOC 225/225W/225Y/225Z (= A LCS 225/225W/225Y/225Z) Global Migration and Transnationalism (3)
The course is an introduction to global and regional migration patterns since the 16th century with a concentration on post-World War II patterns. It has three modules: (1) Introduces basic concepts and approaches related to migration studies; (2) Examines global and regional historical patterns and major forces shaping them since the 16th century; (3) Emphasizes strategies launched by individuals, households, and enterprises related to the process of international migration. Geographically, the course covers several areas of the world, including the Americas, Western and Eastern Europe, and South East Asia. Only one version of A SOC 225 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115. May not be offered 2011-2012.
A SOC 235 (formerly A SOC 335) Sociological Theory (3)
Overview of major schools of theory influencing current sociological inquiry. Discussion of selected works of classical and contemporary theorists. The influence of values on theorizing and the issue of value neutrality. An evaluation of the role of theory in the growth of the discipline. For Sociology majors and intended majors, A SOC 235 is restricted to A-E grading after matriculation at Albany. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115.
A SOC 242 Organizations (3)
This course gives students a set of tools for understanding the organizations that surround them. It looks at organizations through multiple lenses: as rational, efficient ways of organizing complex human activities, as political sites full of individuals and groups seeking power, creating alliances, and pursuing their interests, and as cultural arenas that shape behavior by creating norms, feelings of belonging, and a sense of how members should and shouldn't behave. The class will examine a variety of familiar organizations through these lenses.
T SOC 242Z Organizations (3)
TSOC 242Z is the Honors College version of ASOC 242; only one may be taken for credit.
A SOC 250/250W/250Z Sociology of Families (3)
The family as a social institution; types of family organization; the family as a socializing agency and its interrelations with other institutions; the impact of social change on the American family with particular reference to the transition from a rural-agricultural to a predominantly urban-industrial society. Only one version of A SOC 250 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115.
A SOC 255 Mass Media (3)
The role of newspapers, radio, television, and motion pictures in American society. Changes in these media and their functional relationship to education, the economy, the political process, and public opinion. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115.
A SOC 260/260Z Social Psychology (3)
Survey course covering both theories and topical areas in the field. Both sociological and psychological perspectives are represented, although the former is emphasized. Topical areas include the self, face-to-face interaction, attitudes, communication, interpersonal relationships, small group processes, social structure, and personality. Only one version of A SOC 260 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115 or A PSY 101.
A SOC 262 (= A WSS 262) Sociology of Gender (3)
This course examines how gender is socially constructed in contemporary U.S. society. The course examines how gender orders our everyday lives, our sense of self, our friendships, romances, conversations, clothing, body image, entertainment, work, sexuality, and parenthood. Students will learn how conceptions about gender create and enforce a system of gender difference and inequality. This course will examine the lives, experiences, and representations of heterosexual and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and queer (LGBTQ) persons. The course will reveal the “common sense” world of gender that surrounds us by exposing the workings of institutions such as the family, the classroom, the workplace, and the media. Throughout the course we will emphasize the ways in which people experience gender opportunities and constraints differently according to their race, gender, class, and sexuality. Only one version of A SOC 262 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115 or permission of instructor.
A SOC 270 Social and Demographic Change (3)
This is a computer-based course that investigates how major social, economic, and political changes have affected the demographic structure of the national population in the past four decades. The focus is on gaining an understanding of how major dimensions of the nation’s social and demographic structures have changed from 1950 to the present. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115.
A SOC 282 (= A LCS 282) Race & Ethnicity (3)
The purpose of this course is to provide the student with an introduction to the sociological study of race and ethnicity in the United States. Specifically, the course emphasizes understanding the social, demographic, economic, political, and historical forces that have resulted in the unique experiences of different groups of Americans. Further, the student will be provided with the opportunity to analyze and discuss the impact of public policy on issues that pertain to various racial and ethnic groups. Only one version of A SOC 282 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115.
A SOC 283 (formerly A SOC 383) Juvenile Delinquency (3)
The purpose of this course is to examine the unique aspects of the juvenile justice system and theoretical explanations of delinquent behavior. The course is divided into three sections: 1) conceptual and methodological issues in the study of delinquency; 2) explanations of delinquent behavior; 3) the control of delinquency. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115.
A SOC 289 (= A LCS 289) Special Topics in Ethnicity (1–3)
Intensive examination of the culture and lifestyle of a single ethnic group within American society. The specific ethnic group varies from term to term and is indicated by course subtitle: e.g., Ethnicity; Italian Americans. A SOC 289 can be repeated, but the total credits earned may not exceed 6 credits under different subtitles. Departmental permission required for more than 6 credits. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115.
A SOC 299 Special Topics in Sociology (3)
Investigation of a special topic in Sociology. The topic varies from semester to semester, and is indicated by the course subtitle. May be repeated once for credit if content varies. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115.
A SOC 325/325Z (formerly A SOC 457/457Z) Sociology of Science (3)
Characteristics of scientific belief systems: social background of the development of science; the social organization of scientific activity; the impact of science on society. Only one version of A SOC 325 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115.
A SOC 326 (= A WSS 326) Sociology of Race, Gender, and Class (3)
Examination of contemporary social constructions of race, gender, and class (primarily) in the United States. Analysis of race, gender, and class as interlocking systems that stratify society. Discussion of key institutions that construct race, gender, and class – especially the media, education, and the political economy. Focus on: both oppressed and privileged positions in the social hierarchies; how we learn about our own and others’ race/ethnicity, gender, and social class; how being a member of a particular social category (e.g., a woman or a man; a white person or a person of color; rich, poor or middle class) affects perspectives and opportunities. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115.
A SOC 340 Social Control (3)
Examines how societies maintain social order and discusses ways that governments define and respond to deviance. Primary emphasis is on the sociological study of conflict management, punishment, and crime control. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115.
A SOC 341 Social Inequality (3)
Diverse forms of inequality in human society; causes and consequences of inequality; sociological approaches to the study of inequality. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115.
A SOC 342/342Z Organizations in Society (3)
Analysis of the structure and processes of different types of organizations (e.g., banks, schools, government agencies, computer firms); intra- and inter-organizational relationships; organizations and their environments; organizational effectiveness. Only one version of A SOC 342 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115.
A SOC 344/344Z (= A WSS 344/344Z) Sociology of Women in the Political Economy (3)
The different economic roles women play. The socio-historical determinants of these roles and their implications for the individual and society. Only one version of A SOC 344 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115 or permission of instructor.
A SOC 345 Industrial and Economic Organization (3)
Examination of the relationship between market developments and patterns of industrial organization. The emergence of capitalist market systems and implications for the organization of work. The relationship between markets and production systems in developed industrial economies. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115.
A SOC 350 Social Movements (3)
Mobilization of social, ethnic, national, and gender groups is the focal concern. Both macro and micro approaches will be employed. Motivations, resources, ideologies, patterns, and outcomes will be discussed. Major theoretical models will be presented and evaluated. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115.
A SOC 351/351Z (formerly A SOC 444) Social Conflict (3)
Sources and effects of social conflict; stages in the conflict process; strategies of conflicting parties; social control over conflict situations. Only one version of A SOC 351 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115.
A SOC 357 Sociology of Work (3)
Nature and outcome of work for the individual and the society; considerations of gender, age, race, and ethnicity as they interact with employment and unemployment and career patterns; relationships between work and family; the potential for changing work, and the role of power in the workplace. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115.
A SOC 359/359W/359Y/359Z Medical Sociology (3)
Comprehensive introduction to sociological factors in disease etiology and illness behavior and to the sociology of the organization of medical practice and the health professions. Only one version of A SOC 359 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115.
A SOC 360 Processes of Socialization (3)
Exploration of socialization processes with similarities and differences in occurrence in various social institutions; aspects of socialization in the life cycle of the individual. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115 and 260, or equivalent.
A SOC 362 (= A WSS 363) Sociology of Sexualities (3)
This course reviews the core of the sociology of sexuality from a sociohistorical perspective. Among the topics to be discussed are the theoretical approaches to sexuality, the making of sexual identities, the relationship between sexuality and social institutions, and sexual politics and ethics. Specific examples include hip-hop sexualities, gay marriage, sexual tourism, transgender identities, and heterosexual intimacy. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115.
A SOC 369 Special Topics in Social Psychology (3)
Basic exploration of a specific area in social psychology, with primary emphasis on exposure to relevant theoretical and research literature. Topic varies from semester to semester and is indicated by course subtitle. May be repeated for up to 9 credits if content varies. Departmental permission required for more than 9 credits. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115 and another 3 credits in sociology (a total of 6 credits in sociology) and permission of instructor.
A SOC 370 Social Demography (3)
The purpose of this course is to provide the student with an in-depth introduction to the field of demography and population studies. Specifically, the course emphasizes the impact of population processes and events on human societies. Sociology, along with other social science disciplines, will be employed to facilitate the understanding of how social and demographic factors interact to create problems throughout the world. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115.
A SOC 371/371Z (= A ECO 341/341Z) Urban Economics (3)
Analysis of the city-metropolis and the economic forces which condition its growth pattern and allocation of scarce resources. The public sector, especially local government, is examined in its role of solving the problems of inadequate jobs, housing, education, and other services. Only one version of A SOC 371 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A ECO 110 and 111.
A SOC 373 Community and Urban Sociology (3)
Approaches to the study of community and urban form and process. The city as a coercive product and as a social artifact. The impact of urbanization and other changes on the physical and social structure of communities. The impact of the urban setting upon social institutions, city, metropolis, and megalopolis, the future of cities. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115.
A SOC 375 U.S. Urban Neighborhood Diversity (3)
Examines racial and ethnic diversity in neighborhoods in contemporary urban America. Explores various definitions of neighborhood and measures used to examine neighborhood segregation. It discusses the importance of one’s neighborhood in structuring other aspects of life, including friendships, schools, crime, and health. Attitudes toward integration will be linked to neighborhood change and metropolitan wide patterns of residential segregation. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115.
A SOC 380 (formerly A SOC 480) Sociology of Deviant Behavior (3)
Explores various aspects of deviance: causes of deviant behavior, sources and nature of reactions to deviants, impact of social reaction on deviants, relationships between deviance and social structure. Theories of deviance and selected areas of deviant behavior are discussed. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115.
A SOC 382Z Victimology (3)
Intensive investigation of a range of issues within the field of victimology from a sociological perspective. Exploration of many topics related to criminal victimization, including the history and theory of victimology, the extent and nature of victimization, social characteristics of crime victims, the effects of crime on victims and services available to deal with those effects, the interaction between victims of crimes and the system of criminal justice, victim blaming versus victim defending, the treatment of victims by society and the media, and alternative ways of defining and responding to victimization. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115.
A SOC 384 Sociology of Aging (3)
A broad introduction to aging as a social phenomenon and its implications for both individuals and societies. Specific topics include: historical, cross-cultural, and racial/ethnic differences in the social meanings and consequences of aging, conceptual issues and empirical patterns related to work and retirement, family, residential location, and death and dying; and program and policy issues associated with aging, including retirement and health care policy. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115.
A SOC 385 (formerly A SOC 451) Sociology of Law (3)
The course will examine theoretical and conceptual issues of law and the operation of the criminal justice system. The course is designed to be analytical rather than descriptive. It emphasizes theoretical and research work that has been done on the law and the criminal justice system. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115.
A SOC 389 Special Topics in Sociology of Culture (3)
Examination of a specialized topic in the area of sociology of culture. Topic varies each term, but might include sociology of the arts, literature, leisure, religion, or in areas such as Eastern European, Chinese, or Latin American culture. May be repeated for up to 12 credits if content varies. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115.
A SOC 395 Capitalize on Community (3)
Community forums, focus groups, and face-to-face interviews will be utilized to understand why there is a disconnect between the faith-based community, healthcare providers and the population most at-risk of HIV/AIDS. Students will have an opportunity to provide leadership in the development of programs and policies to enhance efforts to prevent the spread of this dread disease. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115.
A SOC 398 Research Proseminar (3)
Covers sociological investigation including: topic selection, theoretical issues, review of literature, research design, collection and analysis of data, and presentation of results. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115, 220, 221, and 235, or permission of instructor.
A SOC 399 Special Topics in Sociology (3)
Intensive investigation of a specialized topic in sociology. The topic varies from semester to semester and is indicated by the course subtitle. May be repeated once for credit if content varies. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115.
A SOC 410W/410Z Selected Topics Seminar in the Sociology of Culture (3)
An intensive examination of a specialized topic in the area of the sociology of culture, including significant exposure to primary literature and critical class discussion. Possible topics include functions of art in society, the mass media, art, and religion. Only one version of A SOC 410 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115, 220, 221, and 235, and permission of instructor.
A SOC 420W/420Z Selected Topics Seminar in Research Methods (3)
An intensive examination of a specialized topic in sociological research. Topics include survey analysis and reporting, qualitative methods, multivariate analysis, experimental design. Only one version of A SOC 420 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115, 220, 221, and 235, and permission of instructor.
A SOC 430W/430Z Selected Topics Seminar in Sociological Theory (3)
An intensive examination of a specialized topic in the area of sociological theory, including significant exposure to primary literature and critical class discussion. Only one version of A SOC 430 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115, 220, 221, and 235, and permission of instructor.
A SOC 440W/440Z Selected Topics Seminar in Stratification: Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Class (3)
An intensive examination of a specialized topic relating to stratification or inequality among social groups defined by categories of race, ethnicity, gender, or class. Topics will vary from term to term. Only one version of A SOC 440 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115, 220, 221, and 235, and permission of instructor.
A SOC 441W/441Z Selected Topics Seminar in Comparative Sociology (3)
An intensive examination of a specialized topic in the area of sociological theory, including significant exposure to primary literature, and critical class discussion. Topics include: comparative peasant societies, the origins of capitalism, comparative world religions, revolutions and social movements. Only one version of A SOC 441 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115, 220, 221, and 235, and permission of instructor.
A SOC 449W/449Z Selected Topics Seminar in Social Order and Change (3)
An intensive examination of a specialized topic in work and organizations (such as family, comparative organizations, industrial automation). May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115, 220, 221, and 235, and permission of instructor.
A SOC 450W/450Z Selected Topics Seminar in Political Sociology (3)
An intensive examination of a specialized topic in the area of political sociology, including significant exposure to primary literature and critical class discussion. Only one version of A SOC 450 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115, 220, 221, and 235, and permission of instructor.
A SOC 460W/460Z Selected Topics Seminar in Social Psychology (3)
An intensive examination of a specialized topic in the area of social psychology, including analysis of relevant literature and critical class discussion. Topic varies from semester to semester as is indicated by course subtitle. Only one version of A SOC 460 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115, 220, 221, and 235, and permission of instructor.
A SOC 470W/470Z Selected Topics Seminar in the Sociology of Families (3)
A specialized course in the sociology of the family. Topics might include: work and family, aging families, gender and families, cross-cultural studies in the family. Only one version of A SOC 470 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115, 220, 221, and 235, and permission of instructor.
A SOC 473W/473Z Selected Topics Seminar in Community and Urban Sociology (3)
A specialized course in community and urban sociology. Topics might include segregation, the under class, American neighborhoods, suburbanization, evolution of cities, the third world urbanization, and urban policy. Only one version of A SOC 473 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115, 220, 221, and 235, and permission of instructor.
A SOC 475W/475Z Selected Topics Seminar in Demography (3)
A specialized course in demography. Topics might include: fertility, mortality, migration, population policy, family demography, historical demography. Only one version of A SOC 475 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115, 220, 221, and 235, and permission of instructor.
A SOC 481W/481Z Selected Topics Seminar in Crime and Deviance (3)
An intensive examination of how to use data on deviance and crime in evaluating social theories and policies about deviance and crime, including significant exposure to primary literature and critical class discussion. Only one version of A SOC 481 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115, 220, 221, and 235, and permission of instructor.
A SOC 484W/484Z Selected Topics Seminar in the Sociology of Aging (3)
A specialized course in sociology of aging. Topics might include: aging families, cross-cultural and sub-cultural differences, work and retirement, intergenerational relationships, death and dying, and social policy issues. Only one version of A SOC 484 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115, 220, 221, and 235, and permission of instructor.
A SOC 485W/485Z Selected Topics Seminar in Health and Medicine (3)
An intensive examination of a specialized topic in the area of health and medicine, including significant exposure to primary literature and critical class discussion. Only one version of A SOC 485 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115, 220, 221, and 235, and permission of instructor.
A SOC 488W/488Z Research Proposal Seminar (3)
This writing intensive seminar is intended for students who wish to acquire experience in sociological research, are considering writing an honors thesis in sociology (A SOC 498), or may be interested in graduate studies in sociology. Topics covered include the choice of a research question, theoretical issues, review of literature, research design, collection and analysis of data, and presentation of results. A research proposal is written under the supervision of a member of the department of sociology. Only one version of A SOC 488 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115, 220, 221, and 235, and an overall GPA of 3.25 or higher, and permission of instructor.
A SOC 490 Internship in Sociology (3)
Individually designed internships for students who wish to acquire experience in a field or area of sociology that interests them. Student-instructor conferences are arranged at regular intervals. May be taken only once for credit. Open to senior sociology majors only, with permission of instructor. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115, 220, 221, 235; one sociology course directly related to the internship; an overall GPA of 3.0; and permission of Internship Director. S/U graded.
A SOC 495Z Special Topics Seminar in Sociology (3)
Intensive examination of a specialized topic in sociology. The special topic varies from semester to semester and is indicated by course subtitle. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115, 220, 221, and 235, and permission of instructor.
A SOC 497 Independent Study in Sociology (1-3)
Independent reading or research on a selected experimental, theoretical, or applied problem under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite(s) for sociology majors: A SOC 115, 12 additional credits in sociology, and junior or senior standing. Prerequisite(s) for non-sociology majors: senior standing and two courses in sociology. All students must have a contractual agreement with a departmental instructor to supervise project.
A SOC 498 Senior Honors Thesis (3)
Honors Thesis written under the supervision of a member of the sociology department. The student presents proposals and periodic progress reports. The thesis is presented to the adviser and Honors Committee in the final semester of the senior year. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 488Z (Research Proposal).
A SOC 499 Special Topics in Sociology (3)
Intensive examination of a specialized topic in Sociology. The topic varies from semester to semester and is indicated by course subtitle. May be repeated once for credit if content varies. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115.
