Plattsburgh State

SOC Courses

SOC101 - Introduction to Sociology (3 cr.)

Concepts and methods used in sociological investigations of interpersonal relations. Relationship of the group to the individual; stratification of society; variability of culture. (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter). Liberal arts.

SOC199 - Independent Study (1 to 15 cr.)

Project individually arranged by student and faculty sponsor. Requires completion of the Independent Study form and approval by the Faculty Sponsor, Academic Advisor, Department Chair and Academic Dean.

SOC250 - Criminology and the Criminal Justice System (3 cr.)

An introduction to the social scientific study of crime and criminals and to the criminal justice system. Topics include definitions of crime, nature of law, extent and fear of crime, problems of measurement, types of crime, patterns of victimization, characteristics of offenders, and theories of crime. In parallel with the above, the course includes an examination of the basic agencies of the criminal justice system. (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: SOC101.

SOC251 - Criminal Law (3 cr.)

An introductory course on American Criminal Law. Topics covered will include the common law roots of the criminal sanction, criminal culpability, the elements of crimes, various defenses, and legal argument in the criminal courtroom. (Spring). Prerequisite: SOC101.

SOC253 - Probation and Parole (3 cr.)

Focuses on the basic principles of community correctional method, theory, and practice. Students will cultivate a working vocabulary and basic functional knowledge of community-based supervision for both adult and youthful offenders. (Fall & Spring).

SOC265 - Self in Society (3 cr.)

Introduction to theories and research focusing on the individual in the context of society and interpersonal relations. Topics: socialization and formation of self and self attitudes, interpersonal behavior, attitudes and emotion, interpersonal perception, group dynamics. (Fall/Spring). Liberal arts.

SOC270 - Criminal Investigation (3 cr.)

Criminal investigation will be a practical examination of the investigation process. Students will get a logical framework for understanding the investigation process from start to finish. The course will cover issues ranging from drugs, crime scene procedures, and death investigation, to computer and white-collar crimes. The legal issues of interrogation, search and seizure, and arrest will be examined. (Fall). Prerequisite: SOC250.

SOC299 - Independent Study (1 to 15 cr.)

SOC300 - Research Methods I (3 cr.)

Overview of sociological explanations, project design and methods of research. Issues of measurement. Introduction to descriptive statistics. (Spring, Fall). Liberal arts. Prerequisites: SOC101; MAT160 or MAT161.

SOC301 - Research Methods II: Quantitative (3 cr.)

Overview of quantitative research design and strategies of data collection, inferential statistics and computer assisted data management. Students will be required to design and complete a research project. (Fall). Liberal arts. Prerequisites: SOC300.

SOC302 - Research Methods II: Qualitative (3 cr.)

Overview of qualitative research design methods stressing historical, ethnographic and ethnomethodological techniques, interviewing, content analysis and field observation. Students will be required to design and complete a research project. (Spring). Liberal arts. Prerequisites: SOC300.

SOC303 - Sociology of Development in the Americas (3 cr.)

Effects of development and global integration of the economy and culture on peripheral urban and rural peoples in the Western Hemisphere. Topics include notions of underdevelopoment, branch-plant industry, agri-export economies, subsistence and informal economies, migration, international tourism, squatter settlements, environmental issues related to development, women in development, and movements for local autonomy. (Spring, Fall). Liberal arts. Prerequisites: SOC101.

SOC304 - Sustainable Communities and Cultural Studies in Southern Mexico (4 cr.)

Students will consider philosophies, theories, and aspects of development and community, especially from indigenous perspectives. Includes meetings with nongovernmental organizations and community activists, as well as fieldtrips to communities and project sites. Enrollment is limited to students participating in the Oaxaca Study Abroad Program. Course is bilingual, English-Spanish. (Fall). Liberal arts. Corequisite: SPA213 or higher. Prerequisite: SPA112 or equivalent.

SOC305 - Sociology of Women (3 cr.)

This course examines the social construction of gender. Students will explore the impact of gender on women's everyday experiences, including work and family situations, and the different ways in which gender structures women's lives depending on their race, social class and age. (Fall/Winter/Spring/Summer). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: SOC101 or WMS101.

SOC307 - Social Problems and Social Policy (3 cr.)

Examination of U.S. and world social problems. Focus on the social/political dynamics involved in the construction, causes, consequences of and alternative solutions to various issues/problems. Theoretical approaches are explored and contrasted. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: SOC101.

SOC309 - Sociology of Aging and Death (3 cr.)

This course examines the impact of social structure and history on the experience of aging and death. Age as a basis of social stratification, and the intersection of age with gender, social class, and race or ethnicity. Major issues facing older Americans and anticipated changes in these issues for future generation of elderly people will be examined. (Spring, Summer, Fall). Liberal arts. Prerequisites: SOC101 or PSY101.

SOC312 - Sociology of Families (3 cr.)

A comparative theoretical analysis of family organization in different societies. (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall). Liberal arts. Prerequisites: SOC101.

SOC313 - Sociology of Religion (3 cr.)

The course examines religion in social context: as systems of beliefs, symbols and rituals. Topics include theories of religious organization and behavior, types of religious groups, social definitions of the sacred and profane, and scientific versus religious bases of knowledge. (Spring, Fall). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: SOC101.

SOC314 - Sociology of Mental Health & Illness (3 cr.)

Sociological analyses of mental health and illness: Social processes involved in the etiology and treatment of mental disorder. Epidemiological research on mental health and illness in the U.S. Contemporary policies and issues. Instruction will involve lecture, readings, individual student research projects, films and guest speakers. (Spring, Summer, Fall). Liberal arts. Prerequisites: PSY101 or SOC101.

SOC315 - Sociology of Health and Medicine (3 cr.)

Sociological and social-historical analysis of health and health care. Factors which influence people's response to illness. Survey and comparison of health problems and practitioners in different societies. (Spring). Liberal arts. Prerequisites: SOC101.

SOC316 - Working in Society (3 cr.)

The social organization of work and working in the U.S. and the world. How the labor markets operate, and how they differ across the world. How gender, race, and class affect working, including alienation and satisfaction. The influence of changing technology. How globalizing economic structures affect working in different countries. Labor/ management relations, unionization, and workplace democracy. (Spring, Summer). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: SOC101.

SOC321 - Sociology of Race and Ethnicity (3 cr.)

Social status, culture, and problems of racial and ethnic groups in the United States from the colonial period to the present, including current immigration in a global context. Factors which facilitate or restrict immigration, integration, and assimilation or promote ethnic diversity and movements for autonomy of groups within the broader society. (Spring, Summer, Fall). Liberal arts. Prerequisites: SOC101.

SOC323 - Sociology of Community (3 cr.)

Concept of community which concentrates on the empirically descriptive nature of such structures; theoretical and normative aspects of the community. Relationships between interaction and commitment of groups to a specific place; structured interaction of groups defined by the spatial scene. (Fall). Liberal arts. Prerequisites: SOC101.

SOC325 - Sociology of Urban Life in North America (3 cr.)

The political economy of the city and its sociological consequences. Selected cities in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. will be examined in comparative perspective. The historic legacy and factors determining recent social patterns will be analyzed, including the following: class composition, mobility, ethnicity and subculture formation, urban problems and prospects. (Spring, Fall). Liberal arts. Prerequisites: SOC101.

SOC331 - Sociology of Organizations (3 cr.)

The structure and functioning of formal organizations and their effect on individuals and social institutions. Critiques of bureaucratic structure and alternative forms of organization. Consideration of the use of organizations for social change, policy implementation and profit. (Fall). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: SOC101.

SOC334 - Ethnography in Southern Mexico (4 cr.)

Classroom instruction in ethnographic techniques combined with extended field trip throughout the rural region of Southern Mexico, including Chiapas and Oaxaca, visiting a variety of environments (cloud forest, rain forest, Pacific coast mangrove regions, coffee-growing highlands), communities and indigenous peoples. Independent residence in rural indigenous community for ethnographic research. Enrollment limited to students participating in the Southern Mexico Program. SOC334 and LAS334 are bilingual, English and Spanish. SPA334 fieldwork and written work are in Spanish. (Fall). Liberal arts. Prerequisites for LAS334 and SOC334: SPA214, SOC304/LAS304. Prerequisites for SPA334: SPA315, SOC304/LAS304, or POI.

SOC340 - Sociological Theory (3 cr.)

Overview of sociological theory with emphasis on the work of classical European sociologists. Liberal arts. (Spring, Summer, Fall). Prerequisites: SOC101.

SOC342 - Political Sociology (3 cr.)

The course examines the social influences of the uses of power and the nature of politics in contemporary societies. Political action and political behavior will be analyzed in formal organizations (state, parties, movements) and in the larger national and world political arenas. (Spring). Liberal arts. Prerequisites: SOC101.

SOC352 - White Collar Crime (3 cr.)

Examines white-collar crime in American society, with particular emphasis on the crimes of large organizations. Various case studies will be examined to illustrate different aspects of the white-collar crime problem. These include the explanation of corporate and governmental crime, its social control, recent trends in white-collar crime enforcement, and research strategies for studying white-collar crime. (Spring). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: SOC101.

SOC353 - Sociology of Punishment and Correction (3 cr.)

This course offers a sociological view of punishment and corrections in the U.S., and seeks to place the study of jails, prisons, capital punishment, probation, parole, and community corrections in a macrosociological and historical perspective. (Spring, Summer, Fall). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: SOC101.

SOC354 - Sociology of Policing (3 cr.)

The police socialization process, police-minority relations, organization and control of the police, and police malpractice and corruption are subjected to critical analysis. (Spring, Summer, Fall). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: SOC101.

SOC355 - Sociology of Law (3 cr.)

The course explores the nature of law and develops an understanding of law as a social institution from a variety of sociological perspectives. The functions and forms of law are analyzed in relation to changes in cultural, economic, and political conditions as well as various forms of inequality. (Spring, Summer, Fall). Liberal arts.

SOC356 - Sociology of Organized Crime (3 cr.)

A realistic concept and historical understanding of the problem of organized criminal activity in the United States within a global context. Focuses on theories and the evolution of organized criminal syndicates from many regions of the world -- including Asia, Russia, Europe, Latin America, and Africa -- as well as homegrown organized crime, including political and law enforcement corruption and street and prison gangs. Also studies the rapidly evolving relationship between terrorism and organized crime, the emergence of cybercrime, and the latest strategies for investigation and prosecution. Special emphasis on the politics and mythology of organized crime. (Fall). Liberal arts. Prerequisites: SOC250.

SOC357 - Courts and Criminal Procedures (3 cr.)

Overview of the structure and functions of American criminal courts. Includes jurisdiction, venue, roles of court participants, due process and post arrest procedures employed in adjudication, trial processes and appellate review. Constitutional issues such as discretion, indigent rights, right to counsel, pleas, bail and preventive detention, competency, evidence suppression, double jeopardy, and speedy trial will also be addressed. (Spring). Prerequisites: SOC101 and SOC250.

SOC359 - Human Rights and Law Enforcement (3 cr.)

Analysis of the international standards on human rights which are embodied in the instruments enacted by the United Nations. Exploration of relationship between human rights, human dignity, and democratic law enforcement. Global overview of abuse of human rights. (Fall - Spring). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: SOC101.

SOC364 - Victimology (3 cr.)

An introduction to the social-scientific study of individuals harmed by criminal acts. Topics include the nature of victimization, the sources of victimization data, the role of the victim in victimization, and the impact of the criminal justice system. (Spring). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: SOC101.

SOC367 - Sociology of the Environment (3 cr.)

In the context of current dynamics associated with globalization, Sociology of the Environment approaches environmental issues through a sociological perspective. Topics include: social ideas of nature, environmental justice, environmental social movements, international environmental policy/issues, and the nexus between environmental science and politics. (Spring). Liberal arts.

SOC370 - Juvenile Delinquency (3 cr.)

Theory and concepts of juvenile delinquency and the juvenile justice system; factors underlying delinquency; treatment and prevention. (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: SOC101.

SOC380 - The War on Drugs (3 cr.)

This seminar will touch upon many theories, authors, issues, and problems related to the so-called "Drug War" that is being waged on the streets of America and elsewhere in the world. It will develop in the student an understanding of drug usage, the history of prohibitions of various types, the problem(s) posed by drugs, and the secondary problems posed by the regulation of same from philosophical, sociological, and political perspectives. (Spring). Liberal arts. Prerequisites: SOC101 and SOC250.

SOC388 - Social Change and Social Movements (3 cr.)

Examines the theory and examples of social movements based in social classes or independent areas of the world system; for example labor movements, fascist nationalism, or individual rights movements. Also looks at "new social movements" based on cultural values and personal identity; for example movements for gay rights and for environmental objectives. (Fall). Liberal arts. Prerequisites: SOC101.

SOC390 - Topics in Global Dynamics (3 cr.)

Topics relating to the analysis of the world system and modern societies will be offered so as to utilize the research specializations of faculty. Topics may include: the sociology of restructured labor markets, the sociology of technological change and the world system, global mass media and mass culture, cultures of resistance to globalization. (Winter). Liberal arts. Prerequisites: SOC101.

SOC391 - Topics in Social Inequality (3 cr.)

Topics relating to the analysis of inequality in modern societies and the world will be offered so as to utilize the research specializations of faculty. Topics may include: pay inequity between men and women; the distribution of water and water rights in the world; race and ethnicity in global migration. (Summer, Fall). Liberal arts. Prerequisites: SOC101.

SOC392 - Topics in Social Institutions (3 cr.)

Topics relating to the analysis of social institutions in modern societies will be offered so as to utilize the research specializations of faculty. Topics may include: the rise of gay families; democratic organizations; anti-globalization movements. (Fall). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: SOC101.

SOC393 - Topics in Criminal Justice (3 cr.)

Significant topics relating to the analysis of crime and its correction in modern societies will be offered so as to utilize the research specializations of faculty and provide students with an opportunity to study topics not covered in depth in other courses. Examples: corporate crime, private policing. (Winter, Summer). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: SOC101.

SOC395 - Junior Seminar (3 cr.)

Seminar for junior sociology majors. Concerned with selected issues in sociology, which vary from semester to semester. Approved AWR. (Spring, Summer, Fall). Liberal arts. Prerequisites: SOC101, six sociology credits.

SOC399 - Independent Study (1 to 15 cr.)

SOC403 - Research Practicum (1 to 3 cr.)

Designed to allow an individual or small group of students to engage in sociological research. Students will be expected to meet once a week with the supervising faculty member, research and read related literature and produce written assignments including, but not limited to, a final paper. Projects may emphasize quantitative and/or qualitative research. (Spring, Summer, Fall). Liberal arts. Prerequisites: SOC300, POI.

SOC405 - Selected Issues in Criminal Justice (3 cr.)

A seminar which focuses on key issues in criminal justice. It draws on previous course work in criminal justice, but provides a more in-depth analysis of specific issues. Examines major schools of thought and how they approach these various issues. Approved AWR. (Spring, Fall). Liberal arts. Prerequisites: SOC250, SOC353, and SOC354.

SOC406 - Sociology of Peace and War (3 cr.)

Examination of the causes of war, from social-psychological theories, to group dynamics, to global, social-structural level explanations. Examination of the potentials for peace, including the positive peace of widespread social justice. Analysis of the costs of war: personal, economic, and social costs. Sociological analysis of specific instances of war and peace, historical and current. (Fall/Spring). Liberal arts. Prerequisites: SOC101 and junior standing.

SOC430 - Social Stratification (3 cr.)

Addresses the questions: who gets what and why? How are social resources (e.g., money, status, power) allocated? Why is there inequality? Focus is on class, race, gender, global inequalities and comparisons of systems. (Spring/Fall). Liberal arts. Prerequisites: SOC101.

SOC441 - Sociology of Globalization (3 cr.)

Utilizes a sociological perspective to critically examine the current dynamics of what is now known as "globalization." By placing individual biographies within a larger systemic perspective, sociology provides a crucial lens for developing an analysis of the causes and consequences of globalized economies, politics, media, and culture. Phenomena glossed as globalization have differing impacts on individuals and societies. Differently situated individuals experience globalization in varying ways. Sociology is uniquely positioned to analyze these dynamics in terms of the salience of larger categories such as gender, race, class, geopolitical location. Additionally, sociological themes such as power of transnational corporations and social movements that aim to resist that power will be addressed in the course. (Spring). Liberal arts. Prerequisites: SOC101 and one other upper-level sociology course.

SOC450 - Ethics in Criminal Justice (3 cr.)

A seminar covering theoretical and practical aspects of criminal justice ethics. Classical, modern and postmodern perspectives are analyzed from a sociological point of view. Approaches to solving ethical dilemmas are applied to the realities of life on the job for the criminal justice practitioner and ethical codes of conduct are critically examined. (Spring, Summer, Fall). Liberal arts. Prerequisites: SOC150, SOC250, senior standing, criminal justice major or minor.

SOC496 - Instructional Practicum (3 cr.)

Supervised tutoring or classroom instructional assistance in a sociology or criminal justice course. Each student and instructor will complete a contract specifying each student's duties. Cannot be repeated. Grading will be pass/fail. (Spring, Summer, Fall). Prerequisites: POI, SOC 101 and a grade of B or better in the course in which the student will work, junior or senior standing.

SOC497 - Applied Sociology Seminar (3 cr.)

This course will be taken concurrently with SOC498. It will provide an opportunity for interns to critically evaluate their internship experience and discuss the broad issues that emerge (e.g., problems of bureaucracies, ways of fostering change, etc.). (Fall). Liberal arts. Co-requisites: SOC498 Prerequisites: POI.

SOC498 - Applied Sociology Internship (3 to 12 cr.)

The student placed as an intern in a private or public organization will apply social science methods and theories to a topic of current concern to the host organization. Participation 9 to 18 hr/wk required. (Spring, Summer, Fall). Liberal arts. Co-requisites: SOC497 Prerequisites: POI and chairperson; must be taken concurrently with SOC497.

SOC499 - Independent Study (1 to 15 cr.)

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