SOC3: Sociological Perspectives on Inequality

The Sociological Perspectives on Inequality thematic sequence uses a sociological perspective to approach the issues of social, political, and economic inequality in contemporary society, paying particular attention to inequality as it is determined by class, race, and gender. This thematic sequence begins with an examination of theories of social stratification, then follows a sequence of courses that allows you to develop an in-depth understanding of the major dimensions of social inequality.

SOC4: Sociological Perspectives on Criminality and Deviance

In the Sociological Perspectives on Criminality and Deviance thematic sequence students will use the social dynamics of history and a sociological perspective to understand and critique conformity, crime, deviance, and the justice system in contemporary society, paying particular attention to the social construction of legality, normality, and crime as influenced by various cultural contexts. The sequence begins with an examination of the basic theories and components of deviance/conformity, then follows a sequence of courses that allows them to examine and develop an understanding of the criminology field and concludes with an advanced course.

SOC5: Gender and Family Studies

The Gender and Family Studies thematic sequence exposes students to the major sociological contributions to gender and family issues and gives them experience in connecting the substantive content in the courses. Objectives include:

• demonstrating how various sociological theories differentially contribute to our understanding of gender, sexuality, and families;
• linking the core concepts sociologists employ across three levels of courses;
• highlighting how definitional issues and current research in gender, sexuality, and family intersect; and
• deriving personal insights for reflecting and acting regarding one's position in the social structure as to gender, sexuality, and family.

Note: This thematic sequence is not open to majors in the Department of Sociology and Gerontology. Majors in the Departments of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Family Studies and Social Work must take a minimum of 9 hours outside the department of major.

SOC6: Medical Sociology

The Medical Sociology thematic sequence focuses on social factors in health and illness and the structure and function of health care systems globally. Students completing this sequence will be able to articulate between differences between the sociological model and medical model of health and illness; explain how how health is stratified by social factors such as gender, age, race-ethnicity, and social class; describe the U.S. health care system and contrast it with that of other nations; identify key ethical issues in health care; critically evaluate the stratification and socialization of health care professionals; and analyze the function and structure of various health care settings.