B.A. Degree — Sociology Major
In addition to the general education requirements, majors in Sociology must complete 20 s.h. in the Sociology core as described below and a concentration in General Sociology, Criminology, or Human Services.
- Sociology Core Courses 20 s.h.
- SOCI1300 Introduction to Sociology 3 s.h.
- SOCI3330 Social Inequality 3 s.h.
- SOCI3320 Sociology of Everyday Life 3 s.h.
- SOCI4340 Criminological Theory or
- SOCI4350 Sociological Theory 3 s.h.
- SOCI/SOSC4450 Social Research I 3 s.h.
- SOCI/SOSC4460 Social Research II 2 s.h.
- Sociology elective 3 s.h.
- All Sociology majors must also take the following support courses:
- PSYC1300 Introduction to Psychology 3 s.h.
- MATH1380 Introduction to Statistics 3 s.h.
All students who wish to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, International Studies, Social Science, or Sociology in the Social Science Division must successfully complete two semesters of a single foreign language or equivalent as demonstrated by placement examination or status as a native speaker of a language other than English.
A minimum of 19 s.h. of upper division courses in the major must be taken in residence.
- General Sociology Concentration 17 s.h.
- SOCI2310 Social Problems 3 s.h.
- SOCI4800 Sociology Seminar 2 s.h.
- Upper Division Electives in Sociology 12 s.h.
- Criminology Concentration 23 s.h.
- POLS/SOCI2400 Introduction to Criminal Justice 3 s.h.
- PSYC/SOCI3310 Social Psychology or
- PSYC3380 Abnormal Psychology 3 s.h.
- SOCI2500 Criminology 3 s.h.
- SOCI3300 Corrections in America or
- SOCI3400 Policing in American Society 3 s.h.
- SOCI3360 Law and Society or
- PSYC3280 Psychology and Law 3 s.h.
- SOCI3520 Juvenile Delinquency 3 s.h.
- SOCI3530 Sociology of Deviance 3 s.h.
- SOCI4810 Sociology Seminar/Criminology 2 s.h.
- Human Services Concentration 29 s.h.
- PSYC2250 Developmental Psychology or
- PSYC3340 Personality 3 s.h.
- PSYC3380 Abnormal Psychology or
- PSYC3370 Cross Cultural Psychology 3 s.h.
- PSYC4430 Theory and Practice of Counseling 3 s.h.
- SOCI2300 Introduction to Social Welfare and Human Services 3 s.h.
- SOCI2310 Social Problems 3 s.h.
- SOCI2320 Courtship, Marriage, and Family 3 s.h.
- SOCI3430 Methods and Ethics of Social Work Practice 3 s.h.
- SOCI4720 Sociology Internship in Human Services* 3-6 s.h.
- SOCI4800 Sociology Seminar 2 s.h.
- Approved Sociology/Psychology upper division elective 3 s.h.
*NOTE: Internships must be approved by Sociology faculty advisor.
A minor in Sociology consists of 18 semester hours or more in Sociology including SOCI1300, SOCI4350, SOCI4450, and SOCI4460. (Psychology majors may substitute PSYC3320 and PSYC4340 for SOCI4450 and SOCI4460.)
Teacher Certification in Sociology
ONLY FOR NON-SOCIOLOGY MAJORS WHO WANT A SECONDARY SOCIOLOGY ENDORSEMENT (5-12). Non-Sociology majors desiring a secondary Sociology endorsement (5-12) in Iowa must complete the
Secondary Education Program (with SOSC3390 Methods of Teaching Social Studies as the appropriate methods course), a major in a secondary teaching field, and 24 s.h. in Sociology or 30 s.h. in the broad area of Social Sciences to include 15 s.h. in Sociology.
SOCI1300 Introduction to Sociology 3 s.h.
Introduction to the perspective of sociology, its basic concepts and principles and an overview of the field. Includes study of social classes, sex roles, crime and deviance, socialization, social movements and others. Goal 2d (Goal 2C Catalog 0809+)
+ SOCI1350 Cultural Anthropology 3 s.h.
Survey and analysis of diverse cultural patterns. Goal 2d, 7 (Goal 2C Catalog 0809+)
SOCI2000 Individual Study Goal 2d 1-3 s.h.
+ SOCI2300 Introduction to Social Welfare and Human Services 3 s.h.
An examination of society’s commitment to solving social problems in order to improve the welfare of individuals, groups, and communities. The students examine the organized system of social services and social institutions in the United States. Students are exposed to the systems approach used to analyze social problems and social welfare issues. Prerequisites: SOCI1300 and PSYC1300 (grade of C or better). Goal 2d
SOCI2310 Social Problems 3 s.h.
Exploration and analysis of contemporary social problems from a sociological perspective. Includes topics such as poverty, inequality, discrimination, crime, drug abuse, and environmental problems. Prerequisite: SOCI1300 (grade of C or better). Goal 2d
SOCI2320 Courtship, Marriage and Family 3 s.h.
Sociological study of the family institution. Topics include dating, marital roles and interaction patterns, socialization, divorce, and others. Goal 2d
SOCI2400 Introduction to Criminal Justice (Also POLS2400) 3 s.h.
A survey of the structure and process of the criminal justice system, including the study of law enforcement, criminal courts, and correctional agencies. Goal 2c
SOCI2500 Criminology 3 s.h.
Study of the nature, extent and causes of crime, and the analysis of various types of crimes. Prerequisite: SOCI1300 (grade of C or better). Goal 2d
SOCI3000 Individual Study Goal 2d 1-3 s.h.
+ SOCI3210 Conflict Resolution (Also COMM/PEAC3210) 3 s.h.
Focuses on the causes and resolution of conflict at the micro level (family, school, community, church, interpersonal, etc.). Goal 1a, 2d, 4 (Goal 1A Catalog 0809+)
+ SOCI3300 Corrections in America 3 s.h.
Includes the study of theories of punishment and approaches to corrections; the evolution, organization and operation of the correctional system; and corrections issues and policy questions. Prerequisite: SOCI2400 (grade of C or better).
SOCI3310 Social Psychology (Also PSYC3310) 3 s.h.
The study of how people think, feel, and behave in social situations. Attention given to research and application to social perception, interaction, and influence. Prerequisite: SOCI1300 or PSYC1300 (grade of C or better). Goal 2d (Goal 2C Catalog 0809+)
+ SOCI3320 Sociology of Everyday Life 3 s.h.A survey of theories of sociological social psychology and social interaction with special attention given to research on principles of interpersonal relations in social situations, group formation and behavior, and the relationship of the individual to society. Prerequisite: SOCI1300 and PSYC1300 (grade of C or better). Goal 2d
SOCI3330 Social Inequality 3 s.h.Examines the intersection of race, ethnicity, class, gender, and other minority statuses and the relationships to personal identity and social structure. Helps to develop an awareness and understanding of diverse values, life-styles, beliefs, and attitudes of various racial, cultural, and ethnic minorities. Focuses on the social, legal, economic, and political aspects of prejudice and discrimination on socially disadvantaged groups. Goal 2d
SOCI3350 Topics in Anthropology 1-3 s.h.
An in-depth study of topics from one or more fields of anthropology. May be repeated for credit as topics vary. Prerequisite: SOCI1350 (grade of C or better). Goal 2d
+ SOCI3360 Law and Society 3 s.h.The legal system is studied in terms of the activities in creating, interpreting, and enforcing the rules that make up the system. The primary concern is with the ways in which the legal system both effects and reflects society and its culture and social structure rather than being seen as an isolated set of rules and procedures. Prerequisite: SOCI1300 (grade of C or better). Goal 2d
+ SOCI3400 Policing in American Society 3 s.h.
History, functions, and organization of law enforcement, including study of internal operation, legal restraints, jurisdictional problems, and community relations. Prerequisite: POLS/SOCI2400 (grade of C or better).
+ SOCI3430 Methods and Ethics of Social Work Practice 3 s.h.
An introduction to the knowledge, values, and skills required of the beginning social worker. Special emphasis on methods of intervention to promote change within individuals, families, small groups, and communities. Prerequisite: SOCI2300 (grade of C or better). Goal 2d
+ SOCI3500 Services to Children 3 s.h.
A study of the physical, intellectual, and emotional needs of children and the social services offered by public and private child welfare agencies which attempt to meet those needs. Special attention is given to learning how to identify children who are neglected or abused, and how to utilize the programs, services, and benefits available to children in need of protection. Goal 2d
+ SOCI3520 Juvenile Delinquency 3 s.h.
An examination of the social dimension of juvenile delinquency, its nature, extent and patterns. Evaluation of theories and causal explanations of delinquency and investigation of delinquent subcultures. Some attention to legal processing and treatment programs for young offenders. Prerequisite: SOCI1300 (grade of C or better). Goal 2d
+ SOCI3530 Sociology of Deviance 3 s.h.A presentation, evaluation, and integration of sociological theories of deviance. Focus on the social processes producing and maintaining deviance. Consideration is given to a variety of deviant expressions. Prerequisite: SOCI1300 (grade of C or better). Goal 2d
SOCI3900 Advanced Topics in Sociology 1-3 s.h.
Study of topics from one or more fields of sociology, including Collective Behavior, Aging and Society, Social Change, and others. May be repeated for credit as topics vary. Prerequisite: SOCI1300 (grade of C or better). Goal 2d
SOCI4000 Individual Study Goal 2d 1-3 s.h.
SOCI4340 Criminological Theory 3 s.h.Focus on classical and contemporary criminological theories with secondary emphasis on comparative anlaysis of schools of thought showing their development, current research, and future trends. Prerequisite: SOCI2500 (grade of C or better) and senior standing. Goal 2d
SOCI4350 Sociological Theory 3 s.h.
A survey of sociological thought with particular emphasis on classical thinkers. These formulations will be used to gain a greater understanding of the theorizing process and of contemporary society. Prerequisite: SOCI1300 (grade of C or better) and senior standing. Goal 2d
SOCI4450 Social Research I (Also SOSC4450) 3 s.h.
A survey of the principles and practice of social research, including data analysis, research ethics, and the design and implementation of surveys, experiments, and field studies. Students design their own research projects. Prerequisite: MATH1380 (grade of C or better). Goal 2d, 4c1
SOCI4460 Social Research II (Also SOSC4460) 2 s.h.
Students carry out an empirical research project and write a research paper. Prerequisite: SOCI/SOSC4450 (grade of C or better). Goal 2d, 4c1
SOCI4700 Sociology Internship 3-6 s.h.
An intensive internship program in selected corporations, agencies, and organizations. Placements will be supervised by the sociology faculty and developed in conjunction with the interests of the student. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.) Prerequisites: SOCI1300 (grade of C or better) and a major in Sociology with junior/senior status. Goal 2d
SOCI4710 Sociology Internship/Criminology 3-6 s.h.
An intensive internship program in appropriate departments, agencies, or organizations. Placements directly related to criminal justice, law enforcement, or corrections will be supervised by the sociology faculty and developed in conjunction with the interests of the student. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.) Prerequisites: SOCI2400 (grade of C or better) and major in Sociology with junior/senior status. Goal 2d
SOCI4720 Sociology Internship in Human Services 3-6 s.h.
An intensive internship program in appropriate departments, agencies, or organizations. Placements directly related to human services will be supervised by the sociology faculty and developed in conjunction with the interests of the student. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.) Prerequisites: SOCI3430 or RELG2030 or PSYC4430 (grade of C or better) and major in Sociology with junior/senior status. Goal 2d
SOCI4800 Sociology Seminar 2 s.h.
Discussion of current and perennial issues in the field of sociology. Emphasis on reflective and critical thought, application of sociology to life and career. Capstone course. Prerequisites: SOCI4450 (grade of C or better) and Sociology major. Goal 2d
SOCI4810 Sociology Seminar/Criminology 2 s.h.Discussion of current and perennial issues in the field of sociology. Emphasis on reflective and critical thought, application of sociology to life and career. Capstone course. Prerequisites: SOCI/SOSC4450 (grade of C or better) and Sociology major with emphasis in Criminology. Goal 2d
+Denotes an alternate year course.
