Sociology (SO)

Theories and methods of Sociology are applied to the analysis of such issues as social class, race, gender, religion and politics. Falls and Springs. (DICO)

An examination of definitions of white collar crime, of the impact such crime has on society and of societal responses to white collar crime. May be taken as CJ 2405. Not open to students who have earned credit for SO 2400. Springs.

Disasters are social events that reflect the inner workings of our communities, our governments, and our lives. Who recovers from a disaster and who suffers the most is determined by social, economic, political, and cultural forces. Uses an applied, project-based approach to explore these “human dimensions” of disaster, with special focus on conflict, social vulnerability, environmental justice, and risk. Spring of even years.

A sociological investigation of problems that originate in human social interaction and have an undesirable impact on social life. Focuses on problems of poverty, ethnic relations, crime, inequality and alienation, and studies ways of coping with these problems. Not open to students who have earned credit for CO 3060. Springs.

Focuses on the social forces shaping the changing dynamics of contemporary family. Studies theoretical and conceptual frameworks. Addresses at length specific issues and problems such as abortion, single parenting, childcare and domestic violence. Not open to students who have earned credit for SO 3070. Falls.

See CJ 3085 for course description. Not open to students who have previously earned credits for SO 3080.

Combining principles and concepts from anthropology and sociology, examines the cultural and social forces that affect economic behavior, outcomes, and inequality in the United States and around the world. Selected topics include: causes and consequences of class and status differences within societies, social mobility, and how class interacts with race and gender. Also offered as AN 3130.

The sociology of deviance involves the study of differences between people. What differences matter to people? Why do some people choose to be different? Why do people react to difference the way they do? And how does societal reaction affect those who are different? These are some of the fundamental questions that are addressed. Not open to students who have earned credit for SO 3180. (DICO)

Examines specialized areas in sociology which are not covered in regularly scheduled courses.

Examines the dynamics that produce and maintain structured social inequality based on minority status and the social consequences of such inequality. Topics include the nature and definition of race, the origins of prejudice, theories of discrimination, immigration, present-day problems and trends. (DICO)

Examines the role psychoactive substances have played in religions and cultures in world history and the history and politics of drug control today and in the past.

Concepts of illness, wellness, and healing reflect the societies and cultures in which they are found. Compares ways in which a variety of Western (e.g., France, Germany, United States) and non-Western (South American, African) societies and cultures think about and institutionalize health and illness. Selected topics include: changing health and nutritional status from human prehistory to the present, social and cultural definitions of health and illness, ritual healing practices, ethnomedicine, the relationships of social organization and stratification to health and illness; and the social and personal construction of medical knowledge. Not open to students who have earned credit for AN 3500. Falls and Springs. (INCO) (INCP) (WECO)

Prerequisite(s): (AN 2210 or SO 2220) or (AN 2100 or SO 2225).

This course introduces key concepts from anthropology and sociology to analyze the forces that shape individual experiences of health. Select topics include major health transitions in human evolution, ethnomedicine and ritual healing practices, health inequities, and healthcare policies. Contemporary challenges in global health and the organizations working to address them are also explored. Also offered as AN 3510. Springs and Falls. (WECO)

Sustainability is challenging to put into practice professionally. Students help make PSU and their own lives "greener" by learning about sustainability on campuses and beyond by identifying a campus sustainability topic; analyzing the issue; learning how to conduct social science research about the issue; using findings to address the issue. Not open to students who have earned credit for SO 3600. Falls. (WECO)

A study of the relationships between social organization, culture, and current environmental problems and policy issues. Topics include: the meanings of nature and wilderness, environmental justice, the history and workings of the environmental movement, greenwashing, public attitudes towards the environment, and the idea of sustainability. Falls.

See AN 4415 for course description. Falls of even years. (TECO)

Prerequisite(s): MA 2300 or SS 3705 or SW 3705.

Capstone course for majors; provides an overview of anthropological and sociological methodology and theory and their application to careers. Heavily emphasizes research and the practical applications of anthropology and sociology. Spring of odd years. Prerequisite(s) to: (AN 4400 or SO 4400) or (AN 4410 or SO 4410) or (AN 4415 or SO 4415) and Junior or Senior standing as a major. (WRCO)

Students engage in work programs and thereby apply knowledge gained from major and minor courses, areas, or concentrations. Qualifications to be an intern are determined by the Department Chair and a faculty member who acts as a supervising professor. Once placed, student interns have both an immediate supervisor and a supervising professor. With permission.

Provides a more intense background in some aspect of sociology through reading and research, supplementing previous courses or broadening the student's knowledge in some subject area not presently covered by SO courses. Consent required of the instructor who will supervise the independent study and the Department Chair.