Sociology Undergraduate Courses

This course introduces students to the basic theories and concepts associated with the study of society. Within this framework students will explore the following questions: Why are people poor? What are the dynamics of group behavior? Has modern society lost its traditional values? Do men and women think differently? What is environmental racism? What explains the achievement gap in American education? These questions and more will be discussed and analyzed through a sociological lens. 4 cr.  [ 4 cr. ]

  [ 4 cr. ]

Scientific method, measurement, experimentation, survey research, observational methods, projective techniques, and content analysis used in social science research.   [ 4 cr. ]

An introduction to the major theoretical perspectives used in sociological inquiry and how they apply to contemporary social life. Special emphasis on nineteenth-century European theorists such as Marx, Weber, and Durkheim.   [ 4 cr. ]

Relationship between individual and society in the postindustrial world. Problems in areas of work, education, cities, inequality, sexism, medicine, and law. Broad coverage of concepts dealing with alienation, institutional malaise, and societal ills.   [ 4 cr. ]

The nature of the American family and its ethnic and class variants throughout the family life cycle. Topics include courtship, mate selection, sexual behavior, reproduction, marital stability and divorce, social policies affecting family life, and the interrelationships of the family with other institutions.   [ 4 cr. ]

Relations among various racial, national, cultural, and religious groups, emphasizing the development of black-white relations in American society. Also covers the problems of contemporary minority peoples in America and other societies.  [ 4 cr. ]

Analysis of criminal and delinquent behavior. Evaluation of current theories and research into causes and sociological implications of these behavior patterns. Examination of criminal justice systems, including police, courts, and corrections.   [ 4 cr. ]

Analysis of occupations, professions, and their social setting in modern corporations, government offices, and non-profit organizations. An examination of the role of complex organizations in structuring the demand for certain types of workers and skills. An evaluation of how workers themselves alter their own work settings.   [ 4 cr. ]

This class analyzes Third World women's lives within the context of a political-economic world system. It examines the critical role of international economic relationships in shaping the structure of women's status in developing nations. Using this framework the class explores the following issues: fertility and family planning, militarization and human rights, the refugee experience, women's changing role in agriculture, and community development. Four geographical areas will be targeted for in-depth study: Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa.   [ 4 cr. ]

Examines current issues directly related to the health experiences of women in America and around the world. Topics include an historical overview of women's health and examine in depth issues such as: gender specific medicine; puberty, body image and eating disorders; contraception and the abortion issue; infertility and technology; pregnancy, childbirth and breast feeding; violence against women; incarcerated women and the female brain. Provides a framework to integrate the social variables involved in exploring the roles played by men and women as medical consumers and its affects on overall health and attitudes.  [ 4 cr. ]

This course will look at American family violence across the life span including child abuse, teen dating violence, wife battering and elder abuse. Physical, emotional and sexual abuse will be examined. We will consider how family violence differs by class and ethnic group and its differential impact on women. Institutional responses to family violence in the legal, medical and social service systems will be included as well as the role played by the women's shelter movement. Ideological supports for family violence in gender expectations, religious teaching and the media will also be studied.   [ 4 cr. ]

Sociological issues related to aging in the contemporary world. Life cycle issues of health, medicine, benefits, leisure, and social policy. Review of measures designed to improve conditions for elderly here and abroad.   [ 4 cr. ]

Examination of current theories and research bearing on relationship between personality and social structure; contributions and convergent developments in psychology, anthropology, and sociology.   [ 4 cr. ]

The role of business in the world of politics, economics, and society.   [ 4 cr. ]

The interrelationships of religious and social structures: denominations and social institutions, secular and sacred cultures, group behavior, ideology, and religious beliefs.   [ 4 cr. ]

Sociological theory and research techniques applied to sports. Emphasis on the study of sports in their social contexts as they reflect and reinforce economic, political, and cultural patterns of society.   [ 4 cr. ]

Relationship between technology, environment, and social life. Impact of actual cases of technological development and environmental degradation. Emergence of social problems, and strategies for their solution.   [ 4 cr. ]

Introduction to the sociology of a wide range of legal and illicit drugs. Examines social definitions of drugs and conditions of their use. Considers deviant drug use and effects of social control on definitions and use.  [ 4 cr. ]

SO501 is the designation for "Special Topics in Sociology". The subject matter for SO501 courses changes from semester to semester, and more than one SO501 can be offered in a given semester. For additional information, please contact the MET Applied Social Sciences Department.

SO 501 A1, "Leadership through Service." -- This course explores theories of teamwork, leadership, and organizational behavior through a lens of New England's history and culture. By studying the social and environmental challenges Bostonians have faced, students will gain a deeper understanding of how communities can solve issues facing the world today. Through service learning, students will work in teams and volunteer with non-profit organizations in the Boston area. By the end of the semester, students will have a deeper understanding of major social issues as well as the skills and experience to help solve them.

SO 501 A2, "Developing Sustainable Communities." -- This course explores the many challenges of achieving sustainable development at local, regional, national and international levels. Focuses on improving the quality of people's lives, on disinvested communities, and on the inequitable distribution of income, wealth, and environmental hazards. Investigates the theory of sustainable development, as well as the tools, strategies, and the contexts needed to move towards the ecological integrity, economic security, empowerment, responsibility, and social well- being characteristic of sustainable communities. Case studies drawn from the U.S. and overseas.

SO 501 C1, "The Psychology of Eating." -- The psychology of eating will focus on understanding the psychological processes underlying eating and eating-related health problems. The course will cover the spectrum of eating behavior beginning from what we currently view as healthy eating through body dissatisfaction and dieting and finally ending with obesity and eating disorders. Attention will be devoted to understanding the development of psychological health problems associated with food choice, eating behaviors, and our bodies. We will also spend time examining social and cultural influences on eating and food. Course topics will include healthy eating, food choice and food preferences, the meaning of food, social and cultural influences on eating, body image and dieting, weight regulation, obesity, and eating disorders.

SO 501 D1, "Psychology of Friendship." -- This class explores the development and role of friendship throughout the lifespan. Through research, literature, film, and songs, we will consider what determines who becomes friends, types of friendships, the cycle of these relationships, and why some friendships last while others do not. We will look at the bearing of technological- mediated communication and social networking on these bonds. Students will reflect on their experience of friendships, and interview people from diverse backgrounds to identify consistencies and cultural variations. Students will investigate and report on published studies regarding aspects and/or types of friendships.   [ 4 cr. ]

Community re-integration following imprisonment has long been recognized as a significant problem. Longer sentences and rapid changes have created new problems for both returning inmates and those who provide services both inside and outside the criminal justice system. This course will examine ehabilitation philosophy in theory and practice. Lectures and seminars will address such issues as: the special problems in providing rehabilitation and education in the correctional system, the effect of inmate subculture on rehabilitation, and balancing demands for custody and rehabilitation.   [ 4 cr. ]

Research and substantive findings in the sociology and social psychology of health, disease, and medical practice; particular reference to institutional provision for health.   [ 4 cr. ]