Academic Catalog

Sociology

Office: 2228 Faculty/Administration Building; 313-577-2930
Chairperson: David Merolla
https://clas.wayne.edu/sociology/

The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology is structured to provide students with a broad understanding society and social issues and allow students to develop sociological thinking. Required courses in sociology provide rigorous training in sociological theory, research methods, and quantitative analysis. Internship experiences can be arranged under the guidance of the internship coordinator.

The sociological curriculum also provides training in transferable skills such as critical thinking, quantitative literacy, and along with transferable skills in critical thinking, quantitative literacy, and intercultural awareness that are valuable component of preparation for a variety of careers.

The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology is an ideal major for anyone who:

  1. desires scientific knowledge of social relationships as a part of their general education
  2. is interested in social justice issues
  3. plans to enter a profession such law, medicine or medical administration, social services, non-profit organization, politics, or journalism and new media
  4. anticipates a career in social and statistical research or evaluation and planning
  5. desires to teach social studies and sociology
  6. plans for a career in international studies or service in foreign affairs
  7. aspires to graduate professional training in sociology, social work, public health, urban planning, or other related fields

BREWSTER, ZACHARY W.: Ph.D., North Carolina State University; M.A., Western Kentucky University; B.S., Grand Valley State University; Associate Professor

BROWN, R. KHARI: Ph.D., M.S.W., University of Michigan; B.A., Wayne State University; Professor

BRUMLEY, KRISTA M.: Ph.D., M.A., M.P.H., Tulane University; B.A., State University of New York at Oswego; Associate Professor

DUQUETTE-RURY, LAUREN: Ph.D., University of Chicago; B.A., University of North Carolina; Associate Professor

FASENFEST, DAVID: Ph.D., M.A., University of Michigan; B.A., City University of New York; Associate Professor

GOTTFRIED, HEIDI: Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, Madison; M.A., B.A., University of Michigan; Associate Professor

HANKIN, JANET: Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, Madison; M.A., B.A., Case Western Reserve University; Professor Emeritus

JACOBS, MICHELLE R.: Ph.D. and M.S., Kent State University; B.S. University of Akron; Assistant Professor

KENTOR, JEFFREY D.: Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University; M.A., Antioch University; B.A. George Washington University; Professor

MEROLLA, DAVID M.: Ph.D., M.A., B.A., Kent State University; Associate Professor and Chair

MONTAZER, SHIRIN: Ph.D., M.A., B.A., University of Toronto; Associate Professor

MORTON, PATRICIA: Ph.D., M.A., Purdue University; B.S., Texas State University; Assistant Professor

SWIDER, SARAH C.: Ph.D., M.A., University of Wisconsin; M.S., Cornell University; B.A., Saint Michael's College; Associate Professor

TRUJILLO-PAGAN, NICOLE: Ph.D., University of Michigan; B.A., Emmanuel College; Associate Professor

WANG, CHENG: Ph.D., M.A., University of Notre Dame; B.A., Nanjing University; Assistant Professor

SOC 1010 Understanding Human Society Cr. 3

Satisfies General Education Requirement: Social Inquiry, Social Sciences

Analysis of basic sociological concepts and principles to give the student an understanding of the perspective that sociology brings to the study of human society. Offered Every Term.

SOC 1020 Social Problems Cr. 3

Satisfies General Education Requirement: Diversity Equity Incl Inquiry, Social Inquiry, Social Sciences

Consideration of major contemporary social problems which reveal structural strains, value conflicts, deviations and changes in society. Analysis of socio-cultural factors creating problems and of possible solutions. Offered Every Term.

SOC 2050 The Study of Non-Violence Cr. 3

Satisfies General Education Requirement: Diversity Equity Incl Inquiry

Intellectual and social roots of non-violence and the practice of non-violence in different people's life styles. Historical and political forces and movements related to non-violence. (Some sections linked to Peace and Justice Learning Community.) Offered Every Term.

Equivalent: HIS 2530, PCS 2050, PS 2550

SOC 2100 Topics in Sociology Cr. 3

Specialized and topical studies of sociological themes. Topics to be announced in Schedule of Classes. Offered Intermittently.

Repeatable for 15 Credits

SOC 2200 Sociology as a Vocation I Cr. 2

Introduces students to the sociological literacy framework, the curriculum in the sociology major, the potential career paths that sociology majors can pursue, and sociology as an academic discipline and a vocation rather than just a major. Offered Every Term.

Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major, minor, or concentration in Sociology or Sociology Honors.

SOC 2201 Race Relations in Metro Detroit Cr. 3

This course introduces how race relations are intertwined with the historical trajectory and social processes Metro Detroit. It provides historical and contemporary data about racial inequality and segregation in Metro Detroit. It also considers the role of various social institutions (e.g., educational system, religious institutions, criminal justice system) in resisting and perpetuating racial inequalities in Metro Detroit. Offered Yearly.

SOC 2202 Gendered Worlds Cr. 3

Introduces the ideas that have been central to the sociological study of gender and society. Describes historical and contemporary gender inequalities, the role of various social institutions in perpetuating gender inequality, the social construction of gender, and the way gender roles vary both historically and across cultures. Offered Yearly.

SOC 2203 Social Psychology Cr. 3

Satisfies General Education Requirement: Social Inquiry, Social Sciences

Introduction to the sociological study of social psychology. This course describes the sociological aspect of the self and explores how individuals experience the self in relation to society. Offered Yearly.

SOC 2204 Outsiders and Deviants Cr. 3

Provides an overview of the sociological study of deviance, emphasizing crime and other deviant behaviors and conditions. Offered Yearly.

Equivalent: CRJ 2204

SOC 2205 Sociology of the Environment Cr. 3

Provides an introduction to the sociology of the environment, the study of the interrelationships of human social systems and the environment, with a primary focus on the social aspects of environmental concerns. Offered Yearly.

SOC 2206 Political Sociology Cr. 3

Examines the sociology of politics and explores sociological analysis of political processes in the United States. Offered Every Other Year.

Equivalent: PS 2206

SOC 2207 Sociology of Development Cr. 3

This course covers the major sociological approaches to issues of development and social change, with a focus on the problems and prospects facing the Third World. Offered Yearly.

SOC 2208 Sociology of Sport Cr. 3

Satisfies General Education Requirement: Social Inquiry

Examines the relationship between sport and society, with an emphasis on the relationship of sport to social variables, social institutions, and social problems. Offered Yearly.

SOC 2209 Sociology of Religion Cr. 3

Satisfies General Education Requirement: Social Inquiry

Explores current sociological debates as they pertain to the complex and multi-faceted relationship between religion and other social institutions. Offered Yearly.

SOC 2210 Sociology of Health and Medicine Cr. 3

Satisfies General Education Requirement: Social Inquiry

Designed to introduce the field of medical sociology. The course investigates the impacts of social and institutional variables on health behaviors and outcomes. It also considers the cultural, organizational, and economic functioning of various healthcare institutions. Offered Yearly.

SOC 2211 Numbers in Society Cr. 3

Satisfies General Education Requirement: Quantitative Experience Comp

To fully understand the use of numbers in society, we must consider that numbers and statistics are social products created through people’s actions: people have to decide what to count and how to count it, people have to do the counting and the other calculations, and people have to interpret the resulting statistics, and decide what the numbers mean. This course offers a quantitative experience to students from various social science disciplines. Students do not need a strong mathematical, statistical, or computing background to succeed in this course. The aim is to cultivate critical thinking skills to assess and evaluate numbers and statistics, distinguish between claims with evidence and those without, and tell the information apart from misinformation. Offered Yearly.

SOC 2212 From Cradle to Grave: Drugs and Society Across the Life Course Cr. 3

Substance misuse and abuse is a costly social problem in the United States. This course will follow the life stage metaphor to analyze the effects of substance use and abuse on individuals, communities, organizations, and society. We will examine historical and institutional approaches to the problem as well the causes, consequences, prevention strategies, treatment programs, and policy debates currently comprising the field. Offered Yearly.

SOC 2245 Blacks and Sport in the United States Cr. 3

The intersection between race and sport in the United States, examined to better understand the role of sports in our socialization and cultural construction. Offered Every Other Year.

Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.

Equivalent: AFS 2245

SOC 2300 Social Inequality Cr. 3

Satisfies General Education Requirement: Diversity Equity Incl Inquiry, Social Inquiry, Social Sciences

Structure and process in society, institutions, communities, and organizations. Scientific analysis of organization, conflict, and change in the economy, government, religion, education, and family. Offered Yearly.

SOC 2500 Introduction to Urban Studies Cr. 4

Satisfies General Education Requirement: Diversity Equity Incl Inquiry, Social Inquiry, Social Sciences

In this introductory urban studies course, students learn about the historic and contemporary forces driving urbanization with an emphasis on US cities and urban areas; the effects of these forces on diverse population groups; and challenges facing cities and strategies to resolve them. Although the course will draw from international contexts, wherever possible, experiences of and from the Detroit metro—city and suburbs—will be used to illustrate particular themes. Student learning centers on an examination of issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and broader social phenomena. Offered Every Term.

Equivalent: GPH 2000, HIS 2000, PS 2000, US 2000

SOC 2510 People on the Move Cr. 3

Satisfies General Education Requirement: Global Learning Inquiry, Social Inquiry, Social Sciences

Birth, death and migration investigated with respect to their social causes and consequences for society and human behavior. International migration will be a major focus of this course, since populations are always shifting in global society. Population growth and development will also be covered. Offered Every Other Year.

SOC 2600 Race and Racism in America Cr. 3

Satisfies General Education Requirement: Diversity Equity Incl Inquiry

Examination of the nature and practice of racism in American society from its historical foundations to its contemporary institutional forms. Offered Every Other Year.

Equivalent: AFS 2600

SOC 3050 Basic Sociological Theory Cr. 3

Introduction to sociological theory from a general conceptual framework. Major concepts, theoretical positions and recent trends in theoretical sociology will be considered. Offered Fall, Winter.

Prerequisite: SOC 2200 with a minimum grade of P

SOC 3101 Special Topics in Sociology Cr. 1

Covers introductory topics in Sociology. Offered Intermittently.

Repeatable for 3 Credits

SOC 3200 Methods of Social Research Cr. 3

An elementary research methods course that covers the process of doing social research, including research design, data collection techniques, processing and analysis of data, as well as the interpretation of data. Offered Every Term.

SOC 3220 Introduction to Social Statistics Cr. 3

Introduction to major concepts in social statistics including level measurement, distributions, probability and bivariate hypothesis testing. Discussion of the role that statistics play in discussions and popular understandings of social issues. Offered Yearly.

SOC 3400 Exploring Marriage and Other Intimate Relationships Cr. 3

Students examine, from a sociological perspective, issues concerning intimate relationships. Major emphasis on description and analysis of changes in monogamous marriage. Non-traditional marital forms also examined. Focus upon the intimate relationships as they relate to personal, functional concerns of the student. Offered Every Other Year.

SOC 3440 American Medicine in the Twentieth Century Cr. 3

Major historical benchmarks in the making of the medical system in the U.S., including developments in medicine and medical knowledge, as well as social and political factors that influenced their reception and implementation. Offered Winter.

Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.

Equivalent: HIS 3440

SOC 3710 Learning About Your Community Through Research Cr. 4

Blend of participatory, in-service, and classroom work to enhance undergraduate research skills by linking social science theories and concepts to hands-on community-based learning opportunities. Offered Fall.

Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.

Equivalent: LAS 3710

SOC 3840 Corrections Cr. 3

Description and analysis of legal, social and political issues affecting contemporary correctional theory and practice. Topics include: history of corrections, function and social structure of correctional institutions, institutional alternatives including diversion, probation and parole. Field trips to institutions and community correctional settings normally required. Offered Fall, Winter.

Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.

Equivalent: CRJ 3350

SOC 3900 LGBTQ Health Cr. 3

Centers on LGBTQ voices and takes an intersectional socioecological approach to exploring social determinants of health, and a range of health outcomes and challenges in LGBTQ communities; and the implications for public health research, policy, and practice to improve LGBTQ health. Introduces students to key conceptual frameworks for understanding LGBTQ health across the lifespan and promoting health equity. Offered Yearly.

Equivalent: PH 3900

SOC 3990 Directed Study Cr. 1-3

For students who show evidence of ability and interest, and desire to do advanced reading. Part-time and student instructors are ineligible to supervise directed study. Offered Every Term.

Repeatable for 12 Credits

SOC 4010 Sociology as a Vocation II Cr. 1

Provides an opportunity change for students to think retrospectively about their experiences in sociology and to think prospectively about their next steps in their careers. Students will systematically document the courses they took, projects they participated in, and assignments they completed in the past to build a personal academic portfolio. Offered Fall, Winter.

Prerequisite: SOC 2200 with a minimum grade of P

Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a class of Junior or Senior.

SOC 4201 Seminar in Race and Ethnicity Cr. 3

Introduces contemporary, empirical, and sociological research within the sociology of race and ethnicity. Offered Yearly.

SOC 4202 Seminar in the Sociology of Gender Cr. 3

Provides an overview of the current state of knowledge in the sociology of gender with an emphasis on recent empirical research. Offered Yearly.

SOC 4203 Seminar in Global Inequality and Development Cr. 3

The primary goal of this course is to introduce students to the sociological research on global inequality and development with an emphasis on recent empirical studies. Offered Yearly.

SOC 4204 Seminar in Aging and the Life Course Cr. 3

Provides students with an overview of some major issues and research findings relating to aging and the life course with an emphasis on recent empirical studies. Offered Yearly.

SOC 4205 Seminar in Medical Sociology Cr. 3

Provides students with an overview of the current state of knowledge in medical sociology with an emphasis on recent empirical papers. Offered Yearly.

SOC 4206 Gangs, Bowling Alleys, and the Internet: Seeing Sociology Everywhere Cr. 3

This seminar provides students with a broad overview of the vast breadth and evolution of topics, perspectives, and methodologies encompassed within the discipline of sociology and related fields, by an intensive study of some of the classic works in the sociological literature. Offered Intermittently.

SOC 4600 Internship in Sociology Cr. 3

Sociology majors or minors volunteer at a local organization or agency that relates to their career interests. Assignments include completing internship hours, keeping a journal, completing a resume, and writing a research paper. Offered Fall, Winter.

Prerequisite: SOC 1010 with a minimum grade of D or SOC 2300 with a minimum grade of D or SOC 3200 with a minimum grade of D

Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in the Department of Sociology.

Repeatable for 9 Credits

SOC 4996 Sociology Capstone Cr. 3

Satisfies General Education Requirement: Writing Intensive Competency

This course reviews and extends the sociological knowledge that students have gained throughout the sociology curriculum. Students will discuss contemporary sociological issued in relation to classic sociological ideas. Offered Fall, Winter.

Prerequisites: SOC 1010 with a minimum grade of D-, SOC 2200 with a minimum grade of D-, SOC 3200 with a minimum grade of D-, and SOC 3000-4999 with a minimum grade of D-

Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in the Department of Sociology.

Repeatable for 6 Credits

SOC 4999 Sociology Honors Thesis Cr. 3

Serves as a culminating experience honors students in sociology. Honors students in this course pursue original research under the tutelage of a faculty member of their choosing. Offered Every Term.

Prerequisites: SOC 1010 with a minimum grade of D-, SOC 2200 with a minimum grade of D-, SOC 3200 with a minimum grade of D-, and SOC 3000-4999 with a minimum grade of D-

Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a class of Junior or Senior; enrollment is limited to students with a major in Sociology Honors.

Equivalent: SOC 4996

Repeatable for 6 Credits

SOC 5010 Selected Sociological Topics Cr. 1-4

Topics to be announced in Schedule of Classes. Offered Yearly.

Repeatable for 20 Credits

SOC 5360 Introduction to Medical Sociology Cr. 3

Topics include the definition of illness, the distribution of death and disease in society, health promotion, help-seeking behavior, socialization of health care providers, the delivery of health care, and health care reform. Offered Yearly.

SOC 5410 Marriage and Family Problems Cr. 3

Social and historical context of marriage and family problems. Power, conflict, communication and crisis as they relate to the nature and dynamics of the family. Problem solving techniques; specific family problems: divorce or child abuse. Offered Every Term.

SOC 5570 Race Relations in Urban Society Cr. 3

Theoretical orientations applied analytically to enhance an understanding of the patterned structures of privilege in society which are based on race. Inequality, segregation-desegregation, pluralism; social structural frameworks; some attention to social-psychological aspects of topics such as prejudice and racism. Offered Intermittently.

Equivalent: AFS 5570

SOC 5580 Law and the African American Experience Cr. 4

In-depth examination of the African American experience with law in the U.S.; historical development of the U.S. Constitution; legal barriers to equality and the influence of race on the law; use of law as a political instrument; participation of blacks in the legal process; comparisons with other countries. Offered for undergraduate credit only. Offered Every Other Year.

Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.

Equivalent: AFS 5580

SOC 5700 Seminar in Social Inequality Cr. 3

Sociological framework for analyzing several inequalities in contemporary U.S. society. Race, class, and gender as individual topics and as they intersect in society; inequalities in personal life experience. Offered Yearly.

SOC 5760 Health and Life Course Cr. 3

Personal, interpersonal and institutional significance of aging and age categories. Sociological dimensions of aging based on physical, social-psychological, and demographic backgrounds. Offered Yearly.

SOC 5800 Topics in the Sociology of Sex and Gender Cr. 3

Explores the sociology of gender as one of the most basic organizing mechanisms in society. Covers a broad overview of gender including the following themes: feminist theory, bodies, masculinities, work, work and family, families, migration, and politics. Offered Intermittently.

Prerequisite: SOC 4050 with a minimum grade of D-

SOC 6050 Sociological Theory I Cr. 3

Sociological theorists before 1920, their thought and the historical context in which such thought developed. Offered Yearly.

Prerequisite: SOC 2000 with a minimum grade of C-

SOC 6060 Sociological Theory II Cr. 3

Historical and theoretical analysis of sociological thought in the present century. Current trends in sociological theory. Offered Intermittently.

Prerequisite: SOC 6050

SOC 6070 Sociological Analysis Cr. 3

An intensive examination of a wide range of sociological studies, designed to acquaint the student with how sociologists deal with important theoretical issues, using a variety of methods and sources of data. Particular attention will be paid to the logical coherence of the studies and to the fit between data and interpretation. Offered Every Other Year.

Prerequisite: SOC 6050 with a minimum grade of B

SOC 6280 Social Statistics Cr. 3

Basic techniques for organizing and describing social data, measures of central tendency and dispersion, probability theory and hypothesis testing, tests of significance and confidence intervals, measures of association for two variables, analysis of variance. Offered Yearly.

SOC 6750 Sociology of Urban Health Cr. 3

Review of theories and research on health status and health care delivery issues in urban communities. Offered Intermittently.

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