Topics include science as a major institution in modern society; interrelations of science and society; social organization of science; the scientific career (socialization and professionalization); status, roles, and characteristics of science; science policy studies as an emerging discipline; and technological assessment. Prerequisite: SOC 5120 or instructor permission.

Focusing on the fundamental concepts of sociology with special attention to sociological theory and research methods, this course is a more advanced version of introductory sociology. The course is designed to enable students to learn more deeply about the various ideas and concepts of the sociological tradition and to develop their capacity to use them. This course counts in place of SOC 1010 for sociology major and minor requirements.

Analyzes issues in sociological research and supports the writing of a Distinguished Majors thesis under the supervision of a faculty advisor. Prerequisites: SOC 3120 and Admission to the Distinguished Majors Program in Sociology.

This course examines how the medical system is shaped by cultural and societal forces, analyzing unique dimensions of medicine from varying perspectives prominent in the discipline of Sociology. Topics will focus upon the interaction of social categories (e.g., socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, gender/sexuality) upon the distribution of diseases, experiences of illness, and relationships between patients and medical professionals.

This course will focus not so much on methodological as on substantive issues of macro sociological inquiry. Among the topics covered will be: the state, power, revolution, nationalism and class formation. Prerequisite: Six credits of sociology or instructor permission.

This course explores the relationship between science, technology, and society through a topical focus on particular subjects or issues. It uses a variety of sociological approaches to understand the embeddedness of science and technology in society, the social impact of particular scientific or technological developments, or other dynamics of the science, technology, and society interface.

This seminar will provide a broad interdisciplinary overview of the field of memory studies. Participants will include graduate students from UVa along with "virtual" participants from around the world. Leading figures in the field will participate as guest instructors. Enrollment is by instructor permission.

Analyzes the causes and consequences of current social problems in the United States: race and ethnic relations, poverty, crime and delinquency, the environment, drugs, and problems of educational institutions.

Demography is the scientific study of human populations. We will emphasize fertility, mortality, and migration, and the social and economic factors that affect them.

This course will explore the social construction and consequences of gender, covering such topics as work, care, sexuality, identity, politics and inequality. Readings will include the classics as well as newer works in the field.Prerequisite: Graduate status; six credits in sociology or permission from the instructor.