• SOC 5020

    Introduction to Statistics
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.68

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    SOC 5020 will serve as an introduction to multivariate regression, with an emphasis on applications in the 'eld of sociology. Along the way we will review basic concepts related to probability and inference. More specifically, this course will cover ANOVA, t tests, OLS regression, and logistic regression. In sum, the course is designed to teach graduate students in sociology how to use basic statistics to address concrete sociological problems.

  • SOC 4057

    Family Policy
     Rating

    4.50

     Difficulty

    3.17

     GPA

    3.69

    Last Taught

    Fall 2026

    Studies the relationship between family and society as expressed in policy and law. Emphasizes the effects of formal policy on the structure of families and the interactions within families. The American family system is examined as it has responded to laws and policies of government and private industry and to changes in society. Prerequisite: Six credits of sociology or instructor permission.

  • SOC 4260

    Race, Crime and Punishment
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.69

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    This course is an exercise in critical thinking and writing. We will investigate connections between race and crime in contemporary America. To do so, we will explore constructions of crime and race and patterns of victimization, criminality and punishment. We will uncover shifting definitions of crime and the ways that institutions, policies and practices shape patterns of punishment.

  • SOC 8410

    Race & Ethnicity
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.71

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Studies pivotal issues relating to race in contemporary American society from a theoretical and historical point of view.  These include such topics as the contested meaning of the term "race", the relationship between race and ethnicity, assimilation, the relationship between race and inequality, and crime.

  • SOC 4054

    Politics, Power, and Social Change
     Rating

    5.00

     Difficulty

    1.00

     GPA

    3.72

    Last Taught

    Fall 2026

    Political sociology focuses on the social foundations and patterns of political behavior and the socio-historical mechanisms for political stability and political change. Its focus is not restricted to the formal rules that characterize a given political system, such as laws, regulations, or electoral systems: political sociology rather emphasizes how power, in its multifaceted and complex nature, is socially configured and reproduces global power.

  • SOC 4180

    The American Dream and Its Limits
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.72

    Last Taught

    Fall 2026

    In 1932, referring to the American dream, James Truslow Adams portrayed America as a nation in which life can be "better and richer and fuller for every man, with opportunity for each according to his ability or achievement." To subsequent generations of Americans and immigrants this meant endless upward mobility and material prosperity but, also, the denial of persistent social inequality. This course examines both sides of the American Dream.

  • SOC 5120

    Intermediate Statistics
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.73

    Last Taught

    Fall 2026

    Studies the social science applications of regression models for quantitative and categorical dependent variables. Prerequisite: SOC 5020 and graduate standing or instructor permission.

  • SOC 5100

    Research Design and Methods
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.74

    Last Taught

    Fall 2026

    Studies the steps necessary to design a research project including searching the literature, formulating the problem, deriving propositions, operationalizing concepts, constructing explanations, and testing hypotheses. Prerequisite: SOC 3120, or graduate standing, six credits of sociology; or instructor permission.

  • SOC 5030

    Classical Sociological Theory
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.75

    Last Taught

    Fall 2026

    A seminar focusing on the writings of Marx, Weber, Durkheim and other social theorists. Open to students in related disciplines. Prerequisite: Six credits of sociology or instructor permission; open to advanced undergraduates.

  • SOC 4850

    Media, Culture and Society
     Rating

    4.67

     Difficulty

    3.00

     GPA

    3.78

    Last Taught

    Summer 2026

    Studies the linkage between mass communications and social life. Particular emphasis will be placed upon how electronic media affect public discourse and how electronic media affect behavior by rearranging social situations. Prerequisite: Six credits of sociology courses or instructor permission.