Sociology Course Descriptions
SOC-101 Introduction to Sociology
Provides an intensive introduction to human behavior in groups including a study of family, education, religion, government, ecology, deviancy. Basic concepts and terminology are emphasized. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
SOC-102 Social Problems
Study of the nature, scope, causes, effects, alternatives and solutions to the major problems in society, such as poverty, crime, and health. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
SOC-208 Race:Inequality and Identity
In this course you will learn how race is a social fabrication that predicts individuals' life chances and forms understandings of the self. This course offers sociological perspectives on the process of racial identity formation ranging from the impersonal level of bureaucratic structure to the intimate experience of feeling race in everyday life. Equal emphasis will be placed on describing and explaining contemporary forms of racial inequality in the United States. Prerequisite: SOC-101, SOC-102 or ANTH-101. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
SOC-217 Gender & Sexuality
An introduction to the theories and methods used by sociologists to study masculinity and femininity, the social and historical construction of sexuality, love, and romance. Discussion includes the sociology of homosexuality, bisexuality, and heterosexuality, as well as issues of HIV/AIDS, teen pregnancy, prostitution, pornography, sexual harassment and rape in the United States. Prerequisite: SOC 101 or 102. Must be 18 years of age. Biennially. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
SOC-255 Special Topics
See department for course description.
Credits: 1.00
SOC-266 Deviance
An analysis of definitions of deviance, causes of deviance, and societal reaction to deviance. The relationship between deviant behavior and social justice will be explored. Topics include drug use, mental disorder, the sex industry, suicide, sexual preference, crime and corporate crime. Prerequisite: SOC 101 or 102 or consent of instructor. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
SOC-275 Internship
See department for details.
Credits: 1.00
SOC-300 Introduction to Social Research
Analysis and application of the logic and methods of science in sociology is studied. The student learns by doing a research project that goes through all stages: theory, hypothesis, operationalization, research design, population/ sampling, data collection, and analysis. Prerequisite: Soc 101 or 102. Biennially. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
SOC-301 Social Statistics
Introductory statistics course for students in the social sciences. The emphasis of the course will be on understanding how social scientists use numerical data to understand social phenomena, and how to use and interpret statistical measures and techniques commonly reported in the social sciences literature. Prerequisite: MATH 122. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
SOC-304 Criminology
This course is a general introduction to the social science known as criminology. This discipline, largely a composite of anthropology, psychology, and sociology, places particular focus on the phenomenon of crime in society. Examples of questions criminologists ask are: What defines crime? Who are the ones that commit crime and for what reasons? What are some of the established patterns of criminal behavior we see over time? And, what are some mechanisms society uses to regulate, punish or control crime? Because this course is taught from a sociological angle, particular emphasis will be placed upon viewing crime as a societal phenomenon, that is, one that can be analyzed within a broader social context. Prerequisite: ANTH 101, SOC 101 or SOC 102. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
SOC-309 Families
The primary emphasis is on the relationship between the familial institution and the society in which it is being studied. Attention is given to trans-historical and cross-cultural data and how social change impacts the institution. Additional areas of investigation include definitions of the family, socialization, cohabitation, courtship, marriage, divorce, gender and sex roles, sexuality, socio-economic forces, family violence, alternative forms, and the future of the family. Prerequisite: SOC 101 or 102 or consent of the instructor. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
SOC-312 Social Interaction
A study of the interaction process as the central element in human social life, the primary occasion for communication, and the origin of both social structure and the individual human identity. Attention is given to symbolic communication, interaction, socialization, role theory, self- concept, deviance. Prerequisite: Junior standing or above and 9 credits of Sociology - 3 of the 9 may be taken in Anthropology. Biennially. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
SOC-313 Sociology of Religion
A sociological analysis of religious belief, ritual, experience, and organization. Issues to be considered include the social origins of religion, its significance as a social force and as a form of social control, and the relation between religious institutions and the larger society of which they are a part. Prerequisite: Junior standing or above and 9 credits of Sociology - 3 of the 9 may be in Anthropology. Biennially. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
SOC-317 Sociology of Popular Culture
This course gives a sociological look at the relationship between the many forms of popular culture and social life. What does the term "popular culture" really mean and what implications does it have for our lives? This course will attempt to answer this question through the exploration of four themes. First, we will explore the concept of popular culture and apply it to domestic and international audiences. Second, we will explore many facets of the concepts of high and low culture, highlighting the cultural, economic, and geopolitical aspects of these "modern" phenomena. Third, we will examine how the grammar of television, music, and film can have multiple social, political, and economic effects. Fourth, as popular culture today is truly a global phenomenon, we will explore some of the most relevant issues as they pertain to the international consumption of art, film, music, and reading materials. Prerequisite: ANTH 101, SOC 101, or SOC 102. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
SOC-319 Sociology of Medicine
The course analyzes the social and demographic variables affecting health, morbidity, and the mortality rates. It also examines the social roles in illness (e.g., doctor and patient): their definitions and consequences. Attention is given to the study of medical care institutions and their systems and structures. The relations between social policy and health is debated. Prerequisite: SOC 101. Biennially. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
SOC-321 Sociology of the City
An exploration of the modern United States city. We will use Portland as a "laboratory" for understanding the evolution of cities, how modern cities "work," the problems and successes of urban areas. Prerequisite: SOC 101 or 102. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
SOC-323 Junior Seminar
Students will practice reading and evaluating primary research works in progress. Attention will be given to articulating the research process and to preparing students for their own independent research projects. Students will be instructed in pathways beyond Pacific, for example, how to find and apply to graduate programs, develop a resume, and set up a job-shadowing experience. Prerequisite: Junior standing or above and must be a Sociology, Anthropology-Sociology, or Social Work major or minor. Pass/No Pass. 2 credits.
Credits: 2.00
SOC-342 Consumer Society
This course will explore consumption as a locus of social reproduction and source of meaning in people's lives. Consumer culture plays an increasingly important part in defining who we are, how we live, and how we participate in society. Our daily consumer choices shape our sense of identity and our relationship to the larger society. We will explore some of the far-reaching consequences of a consumer society by looking at education, leisure, bodies and sexuality, homes, community, and the environment.Prerequisite: Soc 101, Soc 102, Anth 101 or Anth 140. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
SOC-345 Culinary Travel
This travel course explores the relationship between cuisine and culture. Before leaving campus, students must complete a series of orientation sessions as well as complete a one-week seminar. During the seminar we will read a collection of essays that will prepare the student to tour a variety of food and wine producing areas and to connect local and regional cultures with food preparation and cuisine. Specific travel destination will vary from year to year. Course may not be repeated for credit, even when travel destination varies. Prerequisite: 3 credits from Anthropology or Sociology at 200-level or above, and instructor approval. Appropriate language classes are encouraged. IS-201 is encouraged. 2 credits.
Credits: 2.00
SOC-347 Global Cap Neo-Colonial Inequalities
This course explores how global dimensions of capitalism intersect with local cultural identities and practices. Students will learn how transnational markets, global lending institutions, and transnational governments both shape and are shaped by questions of national identity, gender norms, racial categories, environmental policies and sexual practices. This course introduces students to perspectives on the meaning and scope of "globalization" from early industrialization to the current post-industrial economy. We will explore the typography of economic inequality on the global scale and examine specific examples of how it is maintained and resisted. The course includes post-colonial critiques that draw attention to how race, nationalism, gender and sexuality are central to the process of constructing, maintaining and resisting imperial domination. Prerequisite: ANTH 101, SOC 101, or SOC 102. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
SOC-355 Special Topics
See department for course description.
Credits: 1.00
SOC-356 Culture, Cuisine and Class
Explores people's relationship to food with regard to the environment, gender, class structure and the increasing globalization and homogenization of food. Of particular importance are the cultural influences on cuisine as food plays a social, symbolic and political-economic role across cultures. Prerequisites: Junior standing or above. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
SOC-395 Independent Study
See department for details.
Credits: 1.00
SOC-414 Sociological Theory
The origin and development of sociology are analyzed through the examination of major historical theorists and of contemporary schools of sociological thought. Prerequisite: Junior standing or above and 9 credits of Sociology. Biennially. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
SOC-450 Directed Research in Sociology
Directed Research in Sociology allows students of advanced standing to participate in a research project with an sociology faculty member in order to gain practical experience in the conduct of ongoing professional-level sociological research. Prerequisite: Junior standing or above and instructor consent. Offered for 1-4 credits. May be repeated for credit, up to 6 credits total.
Credits: 1.00
SOC-455 Special Topics
Credits: 1.00
SOC-475 Internship
See department for details.
Credits: 1.00
SOC-490 Advanced Research Methods
This course advances students' understanding of research methods introduced in SOC 300. This course focuses on how to write a research proposal in the social sciences, ethics in social research, and institutional review board requirements. Students will receive advanced training in crafting compelling sociological research questions, writing effective literature reviews, proposing appropriate techniques for empirical research, an performing a feasibility study. Prerequisite: SOC 300. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
SOC-494 Senior Thesis I
The focus is to assist students in selecting an area of interest from which to draw an independent research project, to do an initial literature review, to develop a theoretical framework, and to develop a research methodology for the senior research project. Prerequisite: 19 credits of Sociology, including SOC-300 and SOC-301. Pass/No Pass. 2 credits.
Credits: 2.00
SOC-495 Senior Thesis II
Student-conducted individual research/theoretical project. Special topics in sociology taught periodically at faculty discretion. Prequisite: 20 credits of Sociology including SOC 494. 2 credits.
Credits: 2.00