Course Catalogue in Sociology at Stony Brook
Undergraduate CoursesGraduate Courses
Spring 2008 Course Schedule
2007 - 2009 Undergraduate Bulletin
Undergraduate Courses
SOC 105-F Introduction to Sociology
A general introduction to the science of sociology. This course emphasizes sociological theory and methods.
Students are taught what is unique about the way in which sociologists analyze human behavior and society. Differences between the sociological perspective and perspectives of other social sciences are emphasized. There is also a heavy emphasis on the types of methods and data that sociologists use to test the validity of their ideas. May not be taken for credit in addition to SOC 106.
3 credits
SOC 106-F Introduction to Sociology: Honors
An enriched introduction to the sociological perspective with an emphasis on how sociologists develop and
test their hypotheses about human behavior. This course requires more reading and covers more complex topics
than SOC 105, providing an introduction to sociology in greater depth. May not be taken for credit in
addition to SOC 105.
Prerequisite: Priority given to Honors College and Honors Program students,
Presidential Scholars, and Freshman Scholars
3 credits
SOC 200-F Medicine and Society
An examination of some traditional concerns of the humanities and social sciences as they occur in basic
health care and its delivery. Practicing physicians or other health care professionals present clinical cases
to emphasize such topics as allocation of scarce resources, issues of dying and refusing treatment,
confidentiality, and cultural factors and disease. Discussion focuses on the social, historical, ethical,
and humanistic import of the cases. Crosslisted with HMC 200.
3 credits
SOC 201 Research Methods in Sociology
Methods of collecting and analyzing empirical data to test sociological hypotheses.
Emphasis is on multivariate analysis of tabular and statistical data. Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106.
3 credits
SOC 202-C Statistical Methods in Sociology
An introduction to the use and interpretation of statistical methods in socialresearch; descriptive
and inferential statistics. May not be taken for credit after AMS 102, ECO 320, POL 201, PSY 201, 203.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; satisfaction of entry skill in mathematics requirement
3 credits
SOC 204-F Intimate Relationships
The dynamics of forming, maintaining, and dissolving intimate relationships. Attention is focused on
dating, partner selection, sexuality, marriage, divorce, and remarriage. Crosslisted with
WST 204.
3 credits
SOC 243-F Sociology of Youth
Adolescent socialization; age structures and intergenerational conflict; peer groups and youth subcultures.
3 credits
SOC 247-K Sociology of Gender
The roles of women and men in American society; changing relations between the sexes; women's liberation
and related movements. Crosslisted with WST 247.
Prerequisites: Completion of D.E.C. categories I and J
strongly recommended
3 credits
SOC 264-J Introduction to Middle Eastern Society
A broad survey of society, politics, and culture in Islamic Middle East and North Africa. The course
includes an examination of Middle Eastern social structure, culture, and religion. Social stratification and
the relationship between the pastoral/nomadic, agrarian, and urban sectors of Middle Eastern societies are
analyzed. The major patterns of social change, modernization of states, and political revolutions in the
20th century are also studied.
3 credits
SOC 268-F Theory and Practice in Student Leadership
Leadership theory, leadership qualities, and group dynamics are explored with an emphasis placed on
experiential learning and group observation. Effective communication skills, understanding group dynamics,
and appreciating cultural diversity are topics of significant relevance.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or
106
3 credits
SOC 302-K American Society
Intended for students who wish to look at American society through the eyes of the sociologist. Included
in the course is the sociological view of American social structure in terms of power and patterns of inequality, the legal system, ethnic and cultural pluralism, social mobility, and urban problems.
Prerequisites: Upper-division standing; completion of D.E.C. categories I and J strongly recommended
3 credits
SOC 303-F Social Stratification
Theories of social stratification; patterns of differentiation in wealth, prestige, and power; social
mobility; power structures and elites.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences
3 credits
SOC 304-F Sociology of the Family
A historical and cross-cultural analysis of the family as a major social institution in society; the
demography of contemporary American families; selected policy issues involving the family. Crosslisted with
WST 304.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences
3 credits
SOC 309-F Social Conflicts and Movements
An examination of aggregate phenomena, revolutionary and counterrevolutionary programs and organizations.
Historical and cross-cultural examples are emphasized.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses
in the social sciences
3 credits
SOC 310-K Ethnic Relations
The comparative experience of ethnic and other minority groups withing the United States, including
formation, migration, and conflict; prejudice, discrimination, and minority self-hatred.
Prerequisites:
SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences; completion of D.E.C. categories I and J strongly
recommended
3 credits
SOC 315-H Sociology of Technology
Social systems and the various "tools" they develop to shape their environment. Concentration on
technologies of highly developed, modern societies and on ethical issues involved in attempts to guide the
development and effects of these technologies. Consideration is given to the role of technology in all societies, from the simplest to the most developed.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences; one D.E.C. category E course
3 credits
SOC 320-F Population and Society
Sources and consequences of changes in population size and composition; the "demographic explosion."
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences
3 credits
SOC 323-K Urban Society
The emergence of cities and the process of urbanization; an examination of urban structure; the
consequences of the urban milieu for interpersonal relations and institutions.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or
106; two other courses in the social sciences
3 credits
SOC 336-F Social Change
Development and modernization are studied in a historical and comparative perspective that emphasizes the
universality of social change in human societies. The approach is macrosociological, focusing on broad patterns of change in economic, social, and political organization in the modern era. Revolutions as dramatic instances of socio-political change receive particular attention.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences
3 credits
SOC 337-F Social Deviance
Competing theories of the nature of social deviance; stigmatizing, labeling, and application of informal
social controls; technical, legal, and ethical issues related to "non-victim" crimes.
Prerequisites:
SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences
credits
SOC 338-F The Sociology of Crime
The application of formal social control to criminally prosecutable offenses; the relationship of law and
society; the criminal justice system.
Prerequisites: SOC 337
3 credits
SOC 339-F Sociology of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse
An examination of the sociological literature on alcoholism and drug abuse. Topics include addictive
careers, the epidemiology (spread) of abuse, history of attempts to control alcohol and drugs, treatment approaches, and policy alternatives.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences
3 credits
SOC 341-F Historical Sociology
Sociological theories and methods applied to the study of historical phenomena such as revolutions,
migration, and industrialization.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences;
a history course is also recommended
3 credits
SOC 344-F Environmental Sociology
Analysis of how populations gain sustenance from their environments through organization, information,
and technology. Evolution of technology and its ecological consequences for population growth, urbanization,
social stratification, environmental destruction, and the quality of life. Problems in managing the human environment and communities.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences
3 credits
SOC 351-F Sociology of the Arts
Theories on the arts and society; the social role of the artist; processes of cultural production.
Examples are drawn from one or more of the arts, including literature and the visual and performing arts.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences
3 credits
SOC 352-F Sociology of Religion
The ways in which sociocultural processes affect and are influenced by religious belief systems and
organizations; changing structures and functions of religious institutions.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or
106; two other courses in the social sciences
3 credits
SOC 355-H Social World of Humans and Animals
Comparison of basic social processes in human and animal groups. Topics coveredinclude dominance,
hierarchies, the distribution of scarce resources, cooperation,and the division of labor.
Prerequisites:
SOC 105 or 106; one D.E.C. category E course in biology
3 credits
SOC 356-F Political Sociology
Social structure and processes as they affect, and are affected by, political behavior and organization;
the sociology of power, authority, and legitimacy.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in
the social sciences
3 credits
SOC 361-F Historical Development of Sociological Theory
Main currents in the development of modern sociology, with an emphasis on Marx, Weber, and Durkheim, among
other leading theorists.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences
3
credits
SOC 362-F Contemporary Sociological Theory
A systematic treatment of the dominant general orientations in sociology including structural-functional
analysis, symbolic interactionism, and modern versions of Marxism.
Prerequisites: SOC 361
3 credits
SOC 364-J Sociology of Latin America
A survey of Latin American societies, social structures, and processes of social, political, and economic
change. Topics include social stratification; occupational structure; demographic characteristics; the state;
class structure; military intervention in politics; conditions for democracy, political stability, and
revolution; policy making; and popular social movements.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses
in the social sciences
3 credits
SOC 365-J Introduction to Afridan Society
Examination of the ways that the slave trade and colonization affected African societies’ incorporation into
the world economy as well as the development of their social and political institutions. The nature of African
institutions, organizations, belief and value systems before the colonial impact and how these histories
were understood and experienced by African men and women are considered. The historical continuities and
discontinuities in contemporary African societies as well as the effects of globalization and modernization
in Africa are examined. This course is offered as both AFS 365 and SOC 365.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or AFS 101 or 102 or POL 101
or 103
in the social sciences
3 credits
SOC 371-K Gender and Work
Gender differences in work force participation and occupational attainment, with an emphasis on the
United States. Covers such topics as historical changes in work force participation; economic, legal, and
social factors affecting employment; career options; and pay equity. Readings and lectures focus on the
historical and contemporary experience of American men and women, including differences by ethnicity and
class. Crosslisted with WST 371.
Prerequisites: WST/SSI 102, WST 103, SOC 105, or SOC 106; two other
courses in the social sciences; completion of D.E.C. categories I and J strongly recommended
3 credits
SOC 373-F Collective Behavior
Major unstructured social phenomena--such as mob violence, panics, fads and fashions, and public
opinion--as the outcome of collective problem-solving activity.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other
courses in the social sciences
3 credits
SOC 378-F War and the Military Topics
The causes and origins of wars, and the impact of war on social change. Topics coveredmay include issues
of military organization, recruitment, training, morale, war planning, and theintegration of women, gays, and
minorities in the military. Crosslisted with HIS 378.
Prerequisites: One History course or SOC 105 or
106
3 credits
SOC 380-F Social Psychology
Individual and social factors in human behavior; the structure of personality; identity development;
communication processes; and attitudes.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106 or PSY 103; two other courses in
the social sciences
3 credits
SOC 381-F Sociology of Organizations
Bureaucracy as a form of organization; the structure of relations between and within organizations.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences
3 credits
SOC 382-F Small Groups
The structure and functioning of face-to-face groups in field and laboratory settings.
Prerequisites:
SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences
3 credits
SOC 384-F Sociology of the Life Course
Change and stability of individuals through the life course (from childhood to old age) in the context of
social structure and interactional processes. Covers such topics as socially structured periods and
transitions in the life course; identity formation; continuity and change; life crises; changing roles and
transitions.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences
3 credits
SOC 386-J State and Society in the Middle East
State building and modernization in the Middle East during the last century and a half are studied in the
context of the Middle Eastern social structure and institutions. The analysis of political change--reform and
revolution--in the Middle East is viewed form a socio-historical perspective.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or
106; two other courses in the social sciences
3 credits
SOC 387-F Sociology of Education
Educational institutions as social systems; social patterns in the life cycles of students and teachers;
class and ethnic factors in educational development.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences
3 credits
SOC 390-F, 391-F, 392-F, 393-F, 394, 395-H, Special Topics
Lectures on topics of current sociological interest, which are announced before the start of the term.
May be repeated as the topic varies.
Prerequisites: SOC 105 or 106; two other courses in the social sciences
Schedule to be announced, 3 credits each
SOC 447 Independent Readings
Selected readings, usually in a special area, to be arranged by the student and the instructor.
May be repeated. A total of no more than six credits of SOC 287, 447, 487, and 488 may be counted toward the
major. A maximum of three credits may be taken with any one faculty member in any one semester.
Prerequisites: Written permission of instructor and director of undergraduate studies
1 to 6 credits
SOC 475 Undergraduate Teaching Practicum I
Work with a faculty member as an assistant in one of the faculty member's regularly scheduled classes.
The student is required to attend all the classes, do all the regularly assigned work, and meet with the
faculty member at regularly scheduled times to discuss the intellectual and pedagogical matters relating to
the course. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading only.
Prerequisites: Upper-division standing; 12 credits of sociology; permission of instructor and director of undergraduate studies
3 credits
SOC 476 Undergraduate Teaching Practicum II
The continuation on a more advanced level of training in the techniques of organization and management in the teaching of sociology courses. Students assume greater responsibility in areas as leading discussions, analyzing results of tests that have already been graded, and observing teaching methods. The course in which a student is permitted to work as a teaching assistant is different from the course in which he or she previously served. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading only.
Prerequisites: SOC 475; permission of instructor and director of undergraduate studies
3 credits
SOC 487 Independent Research
Designing and carrying out a research project selected by the student and arranged by the student and the instructor. May be used for URECA projects associated with faculty research. May be repeated. A total of no more than six credits of SOC 287, 447, 487, and 488 may be counted toward the major.
Prerequisites: Written permission of instructor and director of undergraduate studies. For URECA projects, permission of URECA coordinator required instead of that of the director of undergraduate studies.
1 to 6 credits
SOC 488 Internship
Participation in local, state, and national public and private agencies and organizations. Students are
required to submit written progress reports and a final written report on their experience to the faculty
sponsor and the department. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading only. May be repeated. A total of no more
than six credits of SOC 287, 447, 487, and 488 may be counted toward the major.
Prerequisites: Twelve
credits in sociology; permission of instructor, department, and Office of Undergraduate Studies
3 to 12
credits
SOC 495, 496 Senior Honors Project I, II
A two-semester project for candidates for the degree with honors in sociology, arranged in consultation
with the director of undergraduate studies. The project involves independent readings or research and writing
a paper under the close supervision of an appropriate faculty member on a suitable topic selected by the student.
Prerequisite to SOC 495: Admission to the sociology honors program
Prerequisite to SOC 496: SOC 495
3 credits each semester
Graduate Courses
Note to Prospective Students: The course catalogue does not offer descriptions of courses held under the category of "Graduate Seminar." These comprise many of the Sociology Departments courses, consequently see Courses Offered for more complete descriptions
SOC 501, 502 Research Design and StatisticsA review of the main statistical techniques used in sociologicalresearch. Discussion of and practical
experience in the designof sociological research. These two courses must be taken in thesame academic year.
3 credits each semester
SOC 503 Multivariate Analysis of Social Data
The general linear model and multivariate analysis, includingdummy variable analysis, multiple covariance,
multivariate analysisof variance, and factor analysis.
Prerequisite: SOC 502 or permission of instructor
3 credits
SOC 504 Logic and Practice of Sociology
This course provides an introduction to the logic of empirical researchin sociology. It takes an overview
of both quantitative and qualitativemethods, inductive and deductive reasoning, and the process of theoryconstruction and testing, with an emphasis on research design and the logicof causal analysis. Topics covered include survey research, participantobservation and field methods, the comparative method, experimentaland quasi-experimental design, content analysis, and the logic ofmultivariate analysis
3 credits
SOC 505, 506 Sociological Theory
A review of the intellectual development of the discipline, itsepistemological foundations, current major
theoretical orientations,and newly developing perspectives.
3 credits each semester
SOC 508 Experimental Methods
The design, conduct, and analysis of laboratory and field experiments.
3 credits
SOC 509 Field Work
Practicum in field interviews and observations; problems of rapport,reliability, and validity.
3
credits
SOC 510 Historical Methods in Sociology
Major approaches and philosophical problems of and methods used in historical sociology. Topics covered
include causal analysis, macrosociological comparisons, case-oriented vs. variable-orientedapproaches, ideal types, comparative typologies, narrative, and issues of significance and objectivity. Special attention is givento the problem of concept formation.
3 credits
SOC 511 Population Analysis
A survey of demographic theory and research. Determinants andconsequences of population size, growth rates,
composition andspatial distribution, family formation, fertility, mortality,and migration.
Prerequisite: One course in statistics
3 credits
SOC 512 Globa Sociology, Identities, and Organizations in Global Perspective
This course examines how increasing global integration impacts human society. It reviews the broad trends
that foster globalization in the economic, political, cultural, and social spheres, as well as the consequences global change has had on how individuals and communities identify themselves and how they organize for collective goals. Core issues on the global agenda such as conflict, environment, technological and economic development, demographic change, gender, and human rights will be addressed; research methods for the study of global society will be introduced.
3 credits
SOC 513 The Metropolitan Community
Determinants and consequences of the growth of urban settlements.Their demographic composition and spatial
structure. Problemsin metropolitan community organization.
3 credits
SOC 521 Social Interactions
The study of interaction in formal and informal settings. Thereciprocal influence among group structure,
norms, and interactiveprocesses. A prior course in social psychology is assumed.
3 credits
SOC 522 Socialization and the Self
Socialization as a continuous process throughout the life cycle.Social and cultural sources of identity.
Self-other systems asa form of social control. A prior course in social psychologyis assumed.
3 credits
SOC 523 Sociology of Education
Relationships between education and other institutions. Internaldynamics of the school and the classroom.
3 credits
Causes and consequences of the unequal distribution of wealth,power, prestige, and other social values in different societies.Changes in the stratification system as a result of industrializationand revolution.
3 credits
SOC 532 Complex Organizations
Division of labor, communication, and decision making in largeand formally administered organizations, such
as industrial concerns,governmental agencies, political parties, trade unions, schools,hospitals, and prisons.
3 credits
SOC 541 Conflict and Violence
Conflict and violence as related to social change. Examinationof community controversies, social movements,
uprisings, and war.
3 credits
Survey of recent research literature on various kinds of deviance(crime, delinquency, and morally
stigmatized behavior). Controversialissues in theory and research methods.
3 credits
SOC 545 Social Movements and Collective Behavior
Unorganized collectives and their role in change. Studies of specificsocial movements and other collective
behavior episodes.
3 credits
SOC 546 Sociological Perspectives on American Society
Analysis of American social structure. Political and economicinstitutions and their bearing on social
problems. Students attendthe lectures of CES 581 (consult Continuing Education bulletin)and a supplementary
seminar.
4 credits
SOC 549 Social Change
The image of technological, generational, and cultural forceson social organization from historical and
comparative perspectives.
3 credits
SOC 555 War and the Military
A comparative and historical study of the social organization of war and the military; causes, conduct, and
consequences of war
3 credits
SOC 556 Political Sociology
The study of political institutions and of the politically relevantactions and attitudes of individuals and
groups. Particular stresswill be placed on the reciprocal relationship between social movementsand political
institutions.
3 credits
SOC 561 Sociology of Intellectual Life
A comparative and historical analysis of the social conditionsleading to the development of intellectual
professionals.
3 credits
SOC 562 Sociology of the Arts
The relations between social structure, social change, and thedevelopment of major art forms.
3
credits
SOC 563 Sociology of Science
The relations between science and society; social influences onthe choice of problems and methods; the
social organization ofscientific research.
3 credits
SOC 564 Communications
The social organization of the communications industry; the effectsof mass communication.
3
credits
SOC 571 Sociology of Health and Medicine
Social factors in health and illness; the socialization of healthpractitioners; the social organization of
hospitals, clinics,and other facilities.
3 credits
SOC 590 Independent Study
Intensive reading, under supervision of one or more instructors,of material not covered in the formal
curriculum.
Variable and repetitive credit
SOC 591, 595 Special Seminars
Topics to be arranged. The seminar will be built around actualresearch activities of students and faculty.
The following topicshave been covered: Microsociology; Advanced Topics in MarxistTheory; Sociology of Emotions; Historical Methods; Ethnic Relations;Biosociology; Comparative Stratification; Max Weber; Science ofSociology and Everyday Life; Methods of Behavioral Observation;Social Structure; Sociology of the Family; Cognitive Sociology;Sociology of Work; Economic Sociology; Sociology of Gender; Sociologyof Culture; Development of Capitalism; Film as a SociologicalResearch Tool; The Three Faces of Social Psychology; A StructuralApproach to Organizational Behavior; Professionals and Professionalism;Sociology of Modernity; Research Support in Sociology; Sociologyof Sexual Behavior; Global Sociology; Gender and the Law; Povertyand Homelessness.
3 credits each semester
SOC 598 Research
Execution of a research project under the supervision of one ormore faculty members.
Variable and
repetitive credit
SOC 603 Advanced Topics in Quantitative Analysis
Mathematical and statistical methods in the analysis of quantitativedata.
Prerequisites: SOC 501 and
502 and 503
3 credits
SOC 604 Advanced Topics in Qualitative Analysis
The use of personal documents, official records, field observations,and interviews.
3 credits
SOC 606 Sociological Theory Construction
Modes of conceptualization and theory construction. Problems indeveloping a theory.
Prerequisite:
Permission of instructor
3 credits
SOC 691 Practicum for Teaching and Graduate Assistants
Individualized supervision of initial (first two semesters) teachingassistance. Discussion, examination
construction, student consultation,and grading. Register for section of supervising instructor.
3 credits
each semester
SOC 692 Practicum in the Teaching of Sociology
The exploration of teaching goals, processes, and outcomes. Practicelectures are videotaped and discussed;
classroom visits; planning,outlining, selection of course material; writing of syllabus forIntroductory
Sociology section to be taught as SOC 693 in followingsemester.
Fall, 3 credits
SOC 693 Practicum for Graduate Teaching Interns
Supervised teaching of a section of Sociology 105 using the outlines,materials, and techniques developed in
SOC 692. Includes weeklymeetings of all persons registered for SOC 693 and observationof classes by both
faculty and fellow graduate students.
Prerequisite: SOC 692
Spring, 3 credits
SOC 699, SOC 700, SOC 701 Dissertation Research
Variable and repetitive credit
