Master of Arts (M.A.) Major in Sustainability Studies (Non-thesis Option)

SUST 5105. Practicum in Teaching.

This course introduces graduate instructional assistants to key concepts, methods, and practical skills for teaching college-level courses. Students receive regular in-service training on topics such as course organization, grading practices, classroom communication, and professional responsibilities. The course includes periodic, structured feedback on instructional duties to support continuous improvement in teaching performance. Designed for first-year teaching and instructional assistants in the MA and MS in Sustainability programs, this course emphasizes evidence-based approaches to instruction and familiarity with relevant university policies. Students will develop foundational competencies that prepare them to assist faculty, engage with varied learning contexts, and contribute effectively to the undergraduate classroom environment.

SUST 5197. Directed Study.

This course provides graduate students with the opportunity to pursue individualized study under the guidance of faculty in Sustainability Studies. Students may engage in focused research activities, applied professional practice, or critical review of scholarly literature relevant to sustainability. The structure of the course is determined collaboratively between the student and supervising faculty member. Emphasis is placed on developing advanced inquiry skills, grounding work in established scholarly standards. This course may be repeated once for credit when topics vary.

SUST 5199B. Thesis.

This course provides continued enrollment for graduate students completing a thesis. It enables students to sustain steady progress on research, drafting, revision, and coordination with their thesis committee while meeting continuous‑enrollment requirements established by the university. Students work independently under faculty supervision to advance their project through the necessary stages of development, ensuring that all program expectations for scholarly writing and research activity are met. The course supports the organizational, methodological, and procedural aspects of completing a thesis but does not include formal classroom instruction. Enrollment in this course is required each term until all thesis milestones have been fulfilled and the final manuscript is submitted for binding.

SUST 5297. Directed Study.

This course provides graduate students with the opportunity to pursue individualized study under the guidance of faculty in Sustainability Studies. Students may engage in focused research activities, applied professional practice, or critical review of scholarly literature relevant to sustainability. The structure of the course is determined collaboratively between the student and supervising faculty member to ensure academic rigor, methodological clarity, and appropriate scope. Emphasis is placed on developing advanced inquiry skills, grounding work in established scholarly standards, and producing outcomes appropriate for graduate‑level study. This course may be repeated once for credit when topics vary.

SUST 5299B. Thesis.

This course provides continued enrollment for graduate students completing a thesis. It enables students to sustain steady progress on research, drafting, revision, and coordination with their thesis committee while meeting continuous‑enrollment requirements established by the university. Students work independently under faculty supervision to advance their project through the necessary stages of development, ensuring that all program expectations for scholarly writing and research activity are met. The course supports the organizational, methodological, and procedural aspects of completing a thesis but does not include formal classroom instruction. Enrollment in this course is required each term until all thesis milestones have been fulfilled and the final manuscript is submitted for binding.

SUST 5301. Seminar in Sustainability.

This seminar introduces students to major concepts, debates, and research traditions within the field of sustainability studies. Drawing on perspectives from the social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities, the course examines how sustainability questions are defined, measured, and interpreted across disciplines. Students analyze case studies, evaluate scholarly arguments, and distinguish empirical claims from normative assertions. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, methodological rigor, and the ability to analyze sustainability issues from multiple disciplinary perspectives. The course encourages students to investigate sustainability as a complex and evolving academic domain, developing their own evidence‑based interpretations through research and discussion.

SUST 5397. Directed Study.

This course provides graduate students with the opportunity to pursue individualized study under the guidance of faculty in Sustainability Studies. Students may engage in focused research activities, applied professional practice, or critical review of scholarly literature relevant to sustainability. The structure of the course is determined collaboratively between the student and supervising faculty member to ensure academic rigor, methodological clarity, and appropriate scope. Emphasis is placed on developing advanced inquiry skills, grounding work in established scholarly standards, and producing outcomes appropriate for graduate‑level study. This course may be repeated once for credit when topics vary.

SUST 5398. Professional Project.

This course provides students the opportunity to complete an independent professional project under the guidance of graduate faculty in Sustainability Studies. Students identify a topic relevant to their academic or professional goals, develop a project plan, and carry out research or applied work consistent with graduate-level expectations. The course culminates in a substantial written paper that demonstrates the student’s ability to apply appropriate methods, evaluate evidence, and communicate findings effectively. Emphasis is placed on designing a focused project, documenting procedures, and presenting conclusions clearly without prescribing particular viewpoints or policy positions. This course serves as the capstone requirement for students pursuing the non‑thesis option in the program.

SUST 5399A. Thesis.

This course provides a structured introduction to graduate‑level thesis enrollment and supports students as they initiate the research process for the Sustainability Studies thesis sequence. Students begin developing an appropriate research topic, reviewing relevant literature, and identifying methodological approaches in consultation with a supervising faculty member. The course emphasizes early planning, documentation, feasibility, and the establishment of a realistic research timeline aligned with program expectations. Students work with faculty to clarify research scope, identify required resources, and prepare foundational materials that will guide their continued work in the second thesis course, SUST 5399B. Because this course represents the first phase of a multi‑semester thesis requirement, academic credit is awarded only upon the successful completion of SUST 5399B.

SUST 5399B. Thesis.

This course provides continued enrollment for graduate students completing a thesis. It enables students to sustain steady progress on research, drafting, revision, and coordination with their thesis committee while meeting continuous‑enrollment requirements established by the university. Students work independently under faculty supervision to advance their project through the necessary stages of development, ensuring that all program expectations for scholarly writing and research activity are met. The course supports the organizational, methodological, and procedural aspects of completing a thesis but does not include formal classroom instruction. Enrollment in this course is required each term until all thesis milestones have been fulfilled and the final manuscript is submitted for binding.

SUST 5599B. Thesis.

This course provides continued enrollment for graduate students completing a thesis. It enables students to sustain steady progress on research, drafting, revision, and coordination with their thesis committee while meeting continuous‑enrollment requirements established by the university. Students work independently under faculty supervision to advance their project through the necessary stages of development, ensuring that all program expectations for scholarly writing and research activity are met. The course supports the organizational, methodological, and procedural aspects of completing a thesis but does not include formal classroom instruction. Enrollment in this course is required each term until all thesis milestones have been fulfilled and the final manuscript is submitted for binding.

SUST 5999B. Thesis.

This course provides continued enrollment for graduate students completing a thesis. It enables students to sustain steady progress on research, drafting, revision, and coordination with their thesis committee while meeting continuous‑enrollment requirements established by the university. Students work independently under faculty supervision to advance their project through the necessary stages of development, ensuring that all program expectations for scholarly writing and research activity are met. The course supports the organizational, methodological, and procedural aspects of completing a thesis but does not include formal classroom instruction. Enrollment in this course is required each term until all thesis milestones have been fulfilled and the final manuscript is submitted for binding.

SOCI 5105. Practicum in Teaching Sociology.

This course provides supervised, graduate‑level training in the instructional practices used in postsecondary sociology classrooms. Students engage in structured observation, guided teaching activities, syllabus and assignment design, assessment of student learning, and reflective evaluation of instructional strategies. The course emphasizes evidence‑based pedagogical approaches used within the discipline and introduces students to professional standards for responsible and inclusive teaching without requiring endorsement of any particular ideological framework. Through applied practice and faculty mentorship, students develop foundational skills for effective undergraduate instruction and for evaluating the role of sociological concepts within teaching contexts. The practicum supports the development of independent professional judgment and respect for academic freedom in the learning environment.

SOCI 5110. Proseminar in Sociology.

This course introduces new graduate students to the department, the expectations of graduate-level study, and foundational professional practices in sociology. Students examine strategies for preparing and delivering presentations at professional meetings, approaches to academic writing and publishing, and methods for developing a clear and well-structured curriculum vitae. The course also familiarizes students with available departmental resources, norms of scholarly communication, and opportunities for professional engagement. Emphasis is placed on understanding professional standards within the discipline rather than adopting any particular theoretical or methodological stance. By the end of the course, students will be able to identify key components of successful academic practice and navigate the early stages of their graduate program with confidence.

SOCI 5198B. Applied Research Practicum II.

This course represents a student’s continuing enrollment to complete the practicum project. The student continues to enroll in this course until the practicum project is approved by the practicum committee.

SOCI 5199B. Thesis.

This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.

SOCI 5300. Foundation Studies in Sociology.

This course provides foundational knowledge and skills needed for success in graduate-level sociology coursework. Content is tailored to students’ prior academic preparation and may include theory, methods, disciplinary history, and disciplinary conventions. Emphasis is placed on strengthening competencies required for advanced sociological study, including academic writing, engagement with scholarly literature, and methodological readiness. Because the course functions as preparatory leveling work rather than graduate credit, it does not count toward degree requirements. Students may repeat the course with different emphases as determined by their academic preparation and program needs. Instructor approval is required for enrollment. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

SOCI 5306. Sociological Theory Seminar.

This course examines major developments in sociological theory, emphasizing both classical European traditions and contemporary theoretical perspectives. Students analyze how theorists have approached questions about social order, change, structure, culture, and human behavior, with attention to the historical contexts in which theories emerged. The course treats theoretical frameworks as objects of scholarly inquiry rather than prescriptive models, supporting critical evaluation and comparison across traditions. Through seminar discussion and written analysis, students apply theoretical concepts to the interpretation of social phenomena, research questions, and current events. The course cultivates analytical reasoning, theoretical literacy, and the ability to assess sociological arguments using evidence‑based academic standards.

SOCI 5307. Advanced Statistics for the Social Sciences.

This course introduces advanced statistical methods used in the analysis of social science data. Students examine the theoretical foundations of statistical modeling and apply a range of quantitative techniques to both real and simulated datasets. Topics include multivariate analysis, model specification, diagnostics, and interpretation of results. Instruction emphasizes the development of methodological competence, including the ability to assess assumptions, select appropriate analytical tools, and evaluate empirical findings. Students also gain experience with statistical software commonly used in social research. The course prepares students to conduct independent analyses and to understand the strengths and limitations of various quantitative approaches. Prerequisite: SOCI 3307 with a grade of “B” or better.

SOCI 5308. Seminar in Quantitative Research Methods.

This course provides an in‑depth examination of quantitative research methods used in the social sciences. Students will study the logic of quantitative inquiry, the development of research questions, the design of empirical studies, and the principles of measurement and data analysis. Emphasis is placed on developing practical skills through hands‑on research activities, including data collection, dataset construction and cleaning, and the interpretation of statistical results. Students will engage with methodological literature, evaluate research designs, and apply quantitative tools to real or simulated data. The course prepares students to conduct independent empirical work and to critically assess quantitative findings in academic research. Prerequisite: SOCI 5307 with a grade of "C" or better.

SOCI 5309. Seminar in Qualitative Research Methods.

This course examines qualitative research methods used in sociology, emphasizing classical and contemporary approaches to data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Students study a range of methodological traditions, including interview‑based, observational, and document‑focused techniques, and evaluate how researchers align methodological choices with research questions. The course also explores practical and ethical considerations that arise when working with qualitative data, such as transparency, reflexivity, and the management of evidence. Through structured assignments, students apply selected methods in the development of an independently designed project in which they explain and justify methodological decisions. Departmental approval is required for non‑majors.

SOCI 5316. Seminar in Deviance and Social Problems.

This course provides a systematic sociological examination of contemporary social problems and patterns of human behavior that depart from prevailing social norms. Students analyze major theoretical frameworks, forms of deviance, and the social processes that shape these behaviors and societal responses to them. Attention is given to the role of socialization, institutions, and cultural contexts in the development, labeling, and interpretation of social problems. Throughout the course, students engage with empirical research, compare competing explanations, and evaluate how different methods contribute to the study of deviance. The course emphasizes analytical reasoning, scholarly objectivity, and evidence-based inquiry.

SOCI 5318. Seminar in Advanced Data Applications.

This course introduces students to the application of advanced statistical techniques used in sociological research. Topics include chi‑square tests, correlation, regression, and other procedures commonly used for analyzing quantitative data. Students will learn how to manage datasets, conduct analyses, and interpret results using statistical software such as SPSS. Emphasis is placed on understanding the strengths, limitations, and appropriate uses of different statistical methods. The course prepares students to evaluate empirical findings, design methodologically sound research projects, and apply analytical tools to diverse sociological questions. No prior experience with statistical software is required beyond the stated prerequisite. Prerequisite: SOCI 5307 with a grade of "C" or better.

SOCI 5319. Seminar in Social Psychology.

This course provides an advanced overview of central concepts, theories, and research traditions in social psychology. Topics include identity, perception, motivation, emotion, social interaction, group dynamics, and social environments. Students analyze how social psychological knowledge is generated, how competing explanations are evaluated, and how empirical findings contribute to the study of human behavior. Emphasis is placed on scholarly interpretation rather than prescriptive applications, allowing students to assess evidence and form independent conclusions.

SOCI 5320. Seminar in Demography.

This course provides an advanced examination of demographic concepts, data sources, and analytical techniques used to study human populations. Students will explore the measurement of fertility, mortality, and migration, along with the interpretation of population composition and age‑structure patterns across diverse contexts. The course emphasizes methodological rigor, data quality assessment, and the practical application of demographic tools to real‑world datasets. Students will also examine approaches to population forecasting and evaluate the assumptions underlying projection models. Through seminar discussion, analytical exercises, and engagement with contemporary demographic research, students develop the skills needed to analyze population trends and interpret their implications in a variety of applied and scholarly settings.

SOCI 5322. Impact Analysis Research.

This course introduces students to the systematic assessment of organizational impact. It examines the historical development of evaluation practices, the social and administrative functions of assessment, and contemporary approaches to impact analysis. Students study research design, sampling strategies, and data collection methods relevant to organizational settings. The course emphasizes the development of methodologically sound evaluation plans and the interpretation of quantitative and qualitative findings. Through examples and applied exercises, students learn to analyze the strengths and limitations of various assessment models while maintaining scholarly objectivity.

SOCI 5323. Grant Writing for the Social Sciences.

This course introduces students to the processes, expectations, and strategies involved in grant writing for social science research. Students explore approaches to translating research ideas into fundable proposals, navigating funding databases, articulating project aims, outlining methodological plans, coordinating project timelines, and preparing evaluation and budget components. Through structured practice and instructor feedback, the course emphasizes the practical and procedural aspects of proposal preparation. Students learn how various elements of a grant proposal function together and how to meet the technical and organizational requirements set by funding agencies.

SOCI 5350. Seminar on the Sociology of Gender.

This course is a graduate‑level seminar that examines sociological research and theory on gender in comparative and historical context. Students analyze how gender operates alongside race, ethnicity, social class, and sexuality to shape opportunities, experiences, and institutional arrangements. The course surveys major contemporary scholarly debates about gender, highlighting areas of empirical agreement as well as disagreement across theoretical perspectives. Attention is given to how gender is organized within families, workplaces, educational systems, media, and other institutions. Throughout the seminar, students evaluate empirical studies, practice critical reading of sociological texts, and develop their own evidence‑based arguments about gender as a social structure.

SOCI 5351. Introduction to Dementia Studies.

This course introduces students to the social‑scientific study of dementia, emphasizing how cognitive decline is understood, researched, and addressed across multiple disciplines. Students examine major theories of causation, the social and economic consequences for individuals and communities, and the structures that shape care practices. The course surveys empirical research on diagnosis, caregiving systems, and policy contexts while encouraging students to evaluate how social institutions respond to aging populations. Throughout the course, dementia is approached as a subject of inquiry rather than a site of prescriptive intervention, providing a foundation for further academic or professional study of aging, health systems, and social behavior.

SOCI 5352. Dementia and Caregiving.

This course examines sociological research on dementia and the various forms of caregiving that support individuals living with cognitive impairment. Students explore policy developments, community resources, and organizational contexts that shape caregiver experiences. The course analyzes training models, educational approaches, and evidence‑based practices used in caregiver support programs, emphasizing how sociologists study these systems and evaluate their outcomes. Attention is also given to public sociology perspectives on healthcare, the interplay between social institutions and care provision, and the ways caregiving roles are influenced by demographic and structural factors. Students apply sociological methods to assess research findings, compare care models, and contextualize caregiving within broader discussions of aging, health systems, and social well‑being.

SOCI 5353. Seminar in Community.

This course analyzes how communities are theorized and constructed, examining the social and cultural mechanisms through which individuals and groups define belonging, membership, and collective identity. Students evaluate foundational and contemporary scholarship on modernity, cosmopolitanism, nationalism, and civic life, assessing competing accounts of how communities form and transform under conditions of cultural pluralism and technological change. Topics include polarization, gentrification, and the role of digital media in reshaping social boundaries, with attention to how online platforms and social media alter the conditions of belonging, community formation, and the boundaries between in-groups and out-groups. Through critical reading and writing, students develop theoretical fluency and sustained analytical argument in the sociology of community.

SOCI 5354. Theoretical Perspectives in Aging and Dementia.

This course examines major theories of aging from biological, psychological, and social science perspectives. Students analyze how these frameworks are used to understand age‑related changes, patterns of cognitive decline, and the development of dementia. The course emphasizes theory‑driven inquiry into the social contexts, care environments, and lived experiences of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions. Throughout the term, students evaluate research findings, compare explanatory models, and consider how different disciplines contribute to scholarly understanding of aging processes. Students engage in objective analysis of theoretical approaches and their applications.

SOCI 5355. The Social Psychology of Dementia.

This course examines dementia as a social and social‑psychological phenomenon, emphasizing how meaning, identity, and interaction shape experiences of cognitive change. Students explore theories and research on stereotypes, prejudice, attributions, socialization, emotions, and interpersonal communication in contexts involving dementia. The course analyzes how individuals, families, professionals, and institutions interpret and respond to dementia, and how these responses influence social roles and the self. Attention is given to empirical findings and theoretical frameworks that help explain variation in social interactions and institutional practices. Throughout the course, dementia is approached as an object of scientific and sociological inquiry, allowing students to develop analytical tools for understanding its social dimensions.

SOCI 5356. End of Life Care.

This course examines the sociological dimensions of dying, death, and end‑of‑life care. Students explore how individuals, families, medical professionals, and institutions understand and respond to the end of life. Topics include symptom management, palliative and hospice care, life‑sustaining treatment, and the social, ethical, legal, and cultural frameworks that shape end‑of‑life decision‑making. The course also investigates the role of religion, spirituality, and ritual practices in shaping beliefs and responses surrounding death and funerals. Through sociological theory and empirical research, students analyze how social structures, demographic patterns, and cultural variation influence end‑of‑life experiences. The course approaches these topics as objects of scholarly study and emphasizes analytical, communication, and critical‑thinking skills.

SOCI 5357. Gender and Aging in Society.

This course provides an overview of sociological approaches to understanding gender in the aging process. Topics include identity, embodiment, family roles, health systems, and caregiving practices. Students analyze research that explores how gender norms and social arrangements influence the lives of older adults. The course highlights variation across populations and encourages comparison of multiple theoretical perspectives. Throughout the semester, students evaluate claims using empirical evidence and apply critical reasoning to understand how social science investigates aging in contemporary society.

SOCI 5359. Seminar in Drugs and Society.

This course examines the social, cultural, and institutional factors that shape the use, regulation, and interpretation of both legal and illegal drugs in contemporary society. Students analyze a range of sociological research addressing drug consumption, policy frameworks, enforcement practices, medicalization processes, and the role of the pharmaceutical industry. Emphasis is placed on understanding how different groups, institutions, and historical contexts contribute to varied perspectives and responses to drug‑related issues. The course approaches these topics as objects of empirical study rather than advocacy, enabling students to critically evaluate evidence, compare theoretical frameworks, and engage in informed sociological analysis.

SOCI 5361. Race, Ethnicity, Aging, and Dementia.

This course examines sociological research on how race and ethnicity relate to aging and dementia in the United States. Students study demographic patterns, social determinants of health, and variations in care experiences among different racial and ethnic groups. The course analyzes empirical findings on cognitive aging, structural and environmental influences, and disparities in diagnosis and treatment. Students evaluate multiple theoretical approaches and methodological tools used in the study of aging populations. The course emphasizes critical examination of evidence, scholarly debate, and the complexities of interpreting research across cultural contexts.

SOCI 5362. Rural Aging and Dementia.

This course explores the social dimensions of aging and dementia in rural communities across the United States. Using interdisciplinary scholarship, students examine demographic changes, economic constraints, cultural influences, and the organization of local health and social‑service systems. The course also considers variations in caregiving arrangements, community support structures, and barriers to service utilization. Students analyze empirical research on dementia while treating policy and intervention models as objects of study rather than prescriptive solutions. The course prepares students to evaluate research findings, interpret rural aging trends, and deepen understanding of how social environments shape aging experiences.

SOCI 5363. Seminar in Medical Sociology.

This course examines major sociological approaches to understanding health, illness, and health care systems. Students study empirical and theoretical work addressing social factors that shape morbidity and mortality, processes of professionalization within health care occupations, organizational structures of health institutions, and demographic changes influencing patterns of health and illness. Emphasis is placed on analyzing research findings, comparing competing explanations, and evaluating how social, cultural, and institutional contexts affect health outcomes. The course is designed as a graduate‑level seminar focused on critical engagement with contemporary scholarship in medical sociology.

SOCI 5364. Clinical Gerontology: Interventions for Elders and Persons with Dementia.

This course examines aging and dementia through a clinical sociology perspective, emphasizing how social, psychological, and environmental factors shape the experiences of older adults. Students study major theoretical approaches, research findings, and applied practices used in community and clinical settings. The course analyzes methods for assessing needs, understanding communication patterns, and evaluating intervention models without prescribing specific value commitments. Attention is given to multidisciplinary perspectives, including sociological, psychological, and health‑services approaches. Students develop skills in observing, interpreting, and contextualizing challenges faced by elders and persons with dementia as objects of scholarly inquiry.

SOCI 5366. Race, Class, and Gender: Sociological Perspectives on Inequality.

This course examines sociological approaches to social inequality, with emphasis on class, race, and gender in historical and contemporary contexts. The course analyzes theoretical frameworks and evaluates empirical research used to explain patterns of stratification and intergroup relations. Emphasis is placed on interpreting demographic data and applying sociological concepts to analyze structural and cultural dimensions of inequality. Through engagement with scholarly literature, students conduct evidence-based and comparative sociological analysis.

SOCI 5367. Seminar in Sustainable Cities.

This course explores sociological approaches to urbanization and environmental change. The course analyzes how social structures, economic systems, and governance influence environmental conditions in urban settings. Topics include sustainability practices and patterns of environmental inequality. Emphasis is placed on analysis of scholarly literature and interpretation of quantitative and qualitative data. Through research-based assignments, students evaluate competing explanations for environmental challenges and apply sociological concepts to analyze policy implications and urban development strategies.

SOCI 5368. Seminar in Environmental Sociology.

This course explores how sociologists study the interaction between social systems and ecological conditions. Students investigate the development of environmental problems, the role of institutions and communities, and the relationship between environmental change and social inequality. Readings and discussions emphasize theoretical diversity, methodological rigor, and comparative perspectives across different social contexts. The course encourages students to assess competing explanations, evaluate empirical evidence, and understand how environmental issues are framed in scholarly debates. Attention is given to analyzing research without promoting specific policy solutions. Students develop the ability to interpret findings, compare analytical approaches, and engage with environmental sociology as a field of inquiry.

SOCI 5370. Seminar in Racial and Ethnic Relations.

This course examines sociological research on racial and ethnic relations, focusing on how groups interact within changing social, historical, and institutional contexts. Students analyze patterns of inequality, group stratification, and identity formation as subjects of scholarly inquiry rather than predetermined interpretations. The course surveys multiple theoretical approaches, empirical findings, and methodological tools used to study racial, ethnic, and class dynamics across different settings. Emphasis is placed on evaluating evidence, comparing frameworks, and considering how social structures shape group outcomes. Students are encouraged to weigh competing perspectives and develop independent conclusions grounded in analytical reasoning and academic inquiry.

SOCI 5371. Directed Study.

This course provides an opportunity for individualized graduate‑level study in sociology under the direct supervision of a faculty member. The course is designed to support focused reading, research, or methodological development in a specific sociological topic not otherwise available through regularly scheduled courses. Enrollment is limited to individual students by faculty invitation and requires approval from the department chair and graduate advisor. Academic expectations, scope of work, and evaluation criteria are defined in a written agreement between the student and supervising faculty member. The course may be repeated for credit with approval. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

SOCI 5372. Applied Survey Research.

This course introduces students to the principles and practices of applied survey research. Students learn how to design survey instruments, evaluate question quality, select appropriate sampling strategies, and interpret survey findings using established methodological standards. Emphasis is placed on understanding how design choices influence data quality and how survey methods are used in academic and applied settings. Through hands‑on projects, students will critique existing instruments, construct original questionnaires, and analyze data from real‑world sources. The course highlights methodological reasoning rather than advocating specific viewpoints, enabling students to apply survey methods objectively across diverse research contexts.

SOCI 5383. Seminar on Aging.

This course examines population aging in national and global contexts using social scientific approaches. Students analyze socio-demographic trends, conceptual frameworks, and cultural variations to understand how the process of aging shapes and is shaped by social structures. Methods include critical evaluation of empirical research, interpretation of quantitative indicators, and comparative case studies. Analytical outcomes focus on distinguishing descriptive patterns from normative claims, assessing evidence quality, and synthesizing multidisciplinary perspectives to explain the implications of aging for individuals, communities, and societies.

SOCI 5388L. Applied Analysis using Temporal and Spatial Quantitative Data.

This course provides an applied introduction to methods for analyzing temporal and spatial quantitative data commonly used in the social sciences. Students learn how to import, organize, and manage datasets that include repeated observations over time or geographic location. The course emphasizes foundational principles behind preparing data for analysis, evaluating measurement structures, and identifying common issues that arise in temporal and spatial modeling. Topics include assessing change over time, constructing basic spatial representations, diagnosing serial and spatial dependence, and applying appropriate analytical techniques for multivariate inquiry. Through structured, hands‑on applications, students develop the skills needed to interpret results, communicate findings, and understand the methodological strengths and limitations of different quantitative approaches. Prerequisite: ANTH 5305 or FCS 5302J or GEO 5301 or PA 5311 or SOCI 5307 with a grade of a "D" or better.

SOCI 5388M. Political Sociology.

This course examines major theories, empirical findings, and ongoing debates in political sociology. Students study how states develop, how authority is organized, and how political power operates across institutional and societal contexts. The course analyzes processes such as collective action, political participation, elite formation, policy development, and the emergence of social movements and revolutions. Emphasis is placed on understanding the sociological mechanisms that shape political behavior and governance rather than promoting particular political viewpoints. Through engagement with foundational and contemporary research, students learn to evaluate competing explanations for political change and to apply sociological reasoning to historical and modern political issues.

SOCI 5390. Seminar in Globalization & Development.

This course examines major scholarly approaches to globalization and socioeconomic development, with attention to how researchers study variation in economic, political, and social change across world regions. Students analyze multiple theoretical frameworks, empirical findings, and methodological strategies used to investigate development processes, including discussions and debates regarding the use of some globalization terms or concepts. Emphasis is placed on understanding how different institutions, historical pathways, and structural conditions shape patterns of development and underdevelopment. The course treats all perspectives as objects of study rather than prescriptive models and encourages students to assess evidence, evaluate competing explanations, and formulate independent conclusions.

SOCI 5395. Global Insecurity.

This course examines how various global risks are identified, interpreted, and debated within scholarly and policy contexts. Students explore major sociological theories of globalization and insecurity and analyze perspectives on environmental change, public health, food systems, governance, and human rights claims. Emphasis is placed on understanding how different actors construct, assess, and respond to perceived risks at local, national, and international levels. The course approaches these issues as objects of study and encourages critical, evidence‑based evaluation grounded in academic inquiry.

SOCI 5398A. Applied Research Practicum.

This course offers structured practicum experience in conducting applied research for an external partner organization. Students draw on sociological concepts and research techniques to examine a topic developed collaboratively with the supervising faculty member and the host site. The course provides opportunities to practice project planning, data collection, analysis, and professional reporting. Students gain experience navigating organizational contexts, translating academic training into applied work, and evaluating the strengths and limitations of research decisions. Instruction centers on evidence‑based inquiry, professional communication, and reflective practice, preparing students for research‑oriented roles in public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

SOCI 5398B. Applied Research Practicum.

This course offers structured practicum experience in conducting applied research for an external partner organization. Students draw on sociological concepts and research techniques to examine a topic developed collaboratively with the supervising faculty member and the host site. The course provides opportunities to practice project planning, data collection, analysis, and professional reporting. Students gain experience navigating organizational contexts, translating academic training into applied work, and evaluating the strengths and limitations of research decisions. Instruction centers on evidence‑based inquiry, professional communication, and reflective practice, preparing students for research‑oriented roles in public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

SOCI 5399A. Thesis.

This course provides the initial enrollment for graduate students beginning their thesis research and establishes the structured foundation necessary for completing the graduate thesis sequence. Students work closely with a faculty supervisor to identify a feasible research topic, conduct a focused review of relevant sociological literature, and develop an academically sound proposal that aligns with disciplinary standards. The course emphasizes planning, organization, and methodological preparation to ensure that students enter SOCI 5399B with a clear and workable research design. Activities may include developing research questions, outlining methodological approaches, and establishing a semester‑long work plan. No thesis credit is awarded until all thesis requirements are completed in SOCI 5399B.

SOCI 5399B. Thesis.

This course provides ongoing enrollment for graduate students completing a master’s thesis. This course supports the continuation of supervised research, writing, and revision as students work toward the final submission of their thesis for binding. Students use this enrollment period to synthesize research findings, meet established departmental milestones, and maintain regular communication with their thesis chair and committee members. The course does not prescribe research approaches or theoretical orientations; instead, students apply the methods appropriate to their approved project. This course may be repeated until all thesis requirements have been met.

SOCI 5599B. Thesis.

This course provides ongoing enrollment for graduate students completing a master’s thesis. This course supports the continuation of supervised research, writing, and revision as students work toward the final submission of their thesis for binding. Students use this enrollment period to synthesize research findings, meet established departmental milestones, and maintain regular communication with their thesis chair and committee members. The course does not prescribe research approaches or theoretical orientations; instead, students apply the methods appropriate to their approved project. This course may be repeated until all thesis requirements have been met.

SOCI 5999B. Thesis.

This course provides ongoing enrollment for graduate students completing a master’s thesis. This course supports the continuation of supervised research, writing, and revision as students work toward the final submission of their thesis for binding. Students use this enrollment period to synthesize research findings, meet established departmental milestones, and maintain regular communication with their thesis chair and committee members. The course does not prescribe research approaches or theoretical orientations; instead, students apply the methods appropriate to their approved project. This course may be repeated until all thesis requirements have been met.