Academic Catalog
2023-2024

Sociology (SOC)

SOC-331  Globalization in India and China: Comparative and Cross-Cultural Perspectives    4 Credits

Prerequisites: LA-201 or LS-201
This course will provide a broad overview of the socioeconomic, political, and cultural changes occurring in India and China-the two fastest growing economies of the world-and examine their implications for the United States. It will also introduce students to theoretical and empirical issues concerning globalization. The main objective of this course is to equip students to develop a nuanced understanding of the massive changes taking place in Asia in the context of globalization and appreciate the opportunities and challenges that come in their wake.
Lecture: 4, Lab 0, Other 0

SOC-333  Global Social Movements    4 Credits

Prerequisites: LA-201 or LS-201
One of the most exciting aspects of contemporary globalization is the emergence of a variety of transnational social movements. All over the world, civil society groups are asserting their rights concerning issues such as food security, the environment, energy, land rights, education and so on. This course will explore the main theoretical and empirical approaches to the study of social movements. It will also examine the various ways in which social movements across the globe have synergized their resources and strategies to collectively vindicate their rights. Drawing insights from major social movements in different parts of the world, this course will provide a nuanced understanding of why and how they arise and the extent to which they have been successful in accomplishing their objectives.
Lecture: 4, Lab 0, Other 0

SOC-337  Religion in Society    4 Credits

Prerequisites: LA-201 or LS-201
Minimum Class Standing: Sophomore
A study of the relationships between religion and society. A broad range of religious practices and beliefs selected from diverse human societies will be examined using social scientific perspectives.
Lecture: 4, Lab 0, Other 0

SOC-341  Law, Politics, and Society    4 Credits

Prerequisites: LA-201 or LS-201
This course will provide a broad overview of the myriad ways in which law, politics, and society intersect and how they influence each other. It will help students understand how laws are enacted, enforced, and adjudicated. Whose interests do law and legal institutions serve? What are the strengths and limitations of law in bringing about social change? How do social structures affect legislation and enforcement? How does the justice system deal with issues of race, class, gender, and ethnicity? Why is the justice system inaccessible to the poor? These are some of the questions that will be explored in this course. In addition, it will introduce students to the different theoretical perspectives through which socio-legal issues are understood. The main aim is to equip students with nuanced socio-legal sensibilities to comprehend and analyze complex issues of law, politics, and society.
Lecture: 4, Lab 0, Other 0

SOC-391  Sociology Special Topics    4 Credits

Prerequisites: LA-201 or LS-201
Terms Offered: As needed
An interdisciplinary advanced course focusing on a specific topic. This course is a one-time offering whose content is determined by current faculty interest, and provides a comprehensive and coherent examination of the chosen topic. This course may be repeated for credit under different topic.
Lecture: 4, Lab 0, Other 0