An introductory study of the basic concepts, theoretical approaches, and methods of sociology. Topics include culture and diversity, socialization and the self, the analysis and explanation of social structure, group dynamics, deviance, social stratification, class, race/ethnicity, gender, the family, social change, and global dynamics.

This course focuses on the identification and analysis of contemporary social problems, including topics such as: drug abuse, deviant sexual behavior, violence, crime, inequities of race, class, gender, and sexual orientation, and inequalities within our social institutions. Special attention will be given to (1) the role of power and ideology in the definition of social problems, (2) their causes and consequences, (3) evaluations of proposed solutions, and (4) methods of intervention.

This course explores the social construction of feminine and masculine identities both historically and in cross-cultural contexts and explores both the macro sociological understanding of gender as well as the micro level analysis of how individuals "do" gender. It analyzes the impact of economic and political change on gender expectations and practices.

Examines human behavior and the development of the self in a social context – specifically looking at the impact of culture, socialization, and institutions. Includes an investigation of topics such as social learning; attitudes; persuasion; perceptions; altruism; conformity; liking and loving; aggression; prejudice; collective action; and social movements.

A sociological analysis of the family, including historical and recent changes, present nature and the socio-cultural and economic forces shaping these changes. Including this analysis, the following topics will be covered: dating and mate-selection, communication conflict resolution, dual career families, human sexuality, family planning, parenthood, divorce and remarriage, changing gender roles and family economics.

Examines how and why people are labeled as deviant, the causes and consequences of deviance, and society's methods of social control. Topics include the social construction of deviance, major sociological perspectives of deviance, crime, violence, sexual deviance, substance abuse, mental disorders, criminalization, and stigmatization.