Department of Sociology

Undergraduate Academic Center Room 449
Telephone: 512-245-2113 Fax: 512-245-8362
www.soci.txstate.edu

Sociology is the scientific study of individuals and groups within society. Through research and critical examination, sociologists study human interaction and social institutions to answer society's most complex questions. The Department of Sociology is home to student-centered faculty who bring diverse research interests into the classroom. Students have the opportunity to take courses from content areas of race and social class, gender and sexuality, criminology and social deviance, aging and dementia, popular culture, social movements, sustainability, and the environment. Sociology remains essential to a liberal arts education by preparing students to think critically about the world around them while applying practical skills in research methods and data analysis.

Sociology majors may choose the Bachelor of Arts in Sociology or the Bachelor of Science in Applied Sociology. The B.A. degree prepares students for professional or graduate study in the liberal arts tradition; whereas the B.S. provides practical research skills for students who wish to attend graduate school or to enter the work force upon graduation. Both degrees require 39 hours of Sociology coursework; however, the B.S. in Applied Sociology affords students the opportunity to complete an internship prior to graduation. Throughout the internship, students learn how to connect their classroom education to employment or graduate school opportunities.

Both degree programs include a data analysis course where students will use statistical software packages to learn how to collect, analyze, interpret, and present data on a variety of social phenomena. Qualitative and quantitative research courses teach students practical methods for conducting research while enhancing critical thinking and writing skills. Graduates are prepared for a variety of employment opportunities, including law, management, education, non-profit and community work, data analysis, politics and public administration, social services, and human resource management in business, government and industrial settings.

The Department of Sociology provides academic advising and encourages all students - declared and prospective - to take advantage of these services. Suggested degree plans, while helpful in planning an academic schedule, should not be used in lieu of academic advising.

Courses in Latina/o (LATS)

LATS 2300. Introduction to Latina/o Studies.

This course is an introduction to Latina/o studies, which includes an emphasis upon the historical origins, the demographic changes, and contemporary issues facing Latinas/os. It will focus on the development of Latina/o ethnicities, identities, and their impact in American society. (MULT).

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content|Writing Intensive
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

LATS 4300. Independent Research in Latina/o Studies.

This course is an independent study course in Latina/o Studies with readings, research, and tutorials for students pursuing projects outside the context of regularly offered courses. Students engage in learning about Latina/o Studies through readings, research, an oral presentation, and the creation of a bibliography approved by the instructor. (WI) Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Writing Intensive
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

LATS 4325. Latina/o Identities, Communities and Social Change.

This course examines the social continuities, sociopolitical and geographic complexities, and diversities of Latina/os in the U.S. It focuses on crucial issues confronting Latina/os such as the role of race, culture, identity, community development, and leadership practices influencing public policy.(MULT) Prerequisite: LATS 2300 with a minimum grade of a “C”.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content|Writing Intensive
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Courses in Sociology (SOCI)

SOCI 1310. Introduction to Sociology.

A survey of the basic concepts in sociology including social organization, culture, socialization, groups, and human population leading to the development of a sociological perspective of human behavior. SOCI 1310 and SOCI 3300 may not both be counted for credit. (MULT).

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Soc & Behav Sciences Core 080|Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
TCCN: SOCI 1301

SOCI 3307. Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences.

The application of descriptive and inferential statistics of behavioral science data.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 3317. Popular Culture and Society.

The content of popular culture, including movies, television, genre novels, popular music, fads and fashion, sports, contemporary folklore, festivals and celebrations, clothing and body decoration, and related cultural material, is examined and analyzed for social significance. (MULT).

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 3318. Applied Data Analysis.

This course introduces the student to some of the uses of various existing statistical software packages including proper application, limitations, and interpretations of results. Prerequisite: SOCI 3307 with a grade of "D" or better or instructor approval.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 3320. Population Dynamics.

A study of the composition of the world’s population, focusing on growth, problems, politics, and controls. (MULT).

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 3322. Sociology of Latinos and Immigration.

This class will examine the impact that immigration and migration have on the growth of the Latino population as well as current debates surrounding immigration and its future in the U.S.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 3323. Sociology of Consumption.

Consumption is an integral part of social life in the United States, shaping how we see ourselves and others. While consumption can enhance consumers' lives, it is linked to a host of social and environmental problems. This course critically examines such problems and explores alternatives to the way of life that is consumerism.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 3324. Social Stratification.

The study of inequality as it relates to occupational, educational, religious, political, and other social activities. (MULT).

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 3325. Social Deviance.

Theoretical and descriptive analysis of the major types of deviant behavior.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 3327. Sociology of Racial and Ethnic Relations.

This course focuses upon sociological perspectives in understanding race, ethnicity, and the relations between minority and majority groups with special reference to the American scene. (MULT) (MULP).

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Perspective|Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 3328. Complex Organizations.

The study and analysis of complex organizations, bureaucracies, and professions and their influence on individuals and society and its institutions.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 3329. Life Course Sociology.

This course examines major sociological approaches to the study of the human life course. Theoretical approaches reviewed include age stratification, the life course perspective, and constructivist and critical approaches to the life course.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 3330. Globalization and Development.

This course covers the sociology of globalization and development. Students will learn about theories of globalization; the effects of globalization on cultural, economic and political life; and factors at different levels of analysis affecting socioeconomic development, security, human rights, and democracy around the world. (MULT).

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 3331. Social Movements.

This course examines social movements – the repeated display of collective action outside sanctioned political channels to bring about social change. Different theoretical approaches to social movements are reviewed to determine how movements organize, attract members, utilize resources, ideologically frame their issues, and engage in nonconventional tactics to influence public policy.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 3333. The Sociology of Popular Music.

This course explores the dynamic and interactive relationships between music, culture, and society. Popular American music - from blues, gospel, ragtime, jazz, country, and swing to rock, disco, punk, alternative, and rap - will be analyzed as reflections of culture, as society’s “voice,” and as a powerful instrument of socialization and social change. (MULT).

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 3334. Mind and Society.

This course provides an overview of mental health and illness with an emphasis on how social environments and structures influence mental well-being. The course explores the causes and consequences of mental health disorders. The course examines policies and programs aimed at improving mental health in society.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 3337. The Family.

A comparative study of the family in various cultures, both historical and contemporary, with attention to the family in terms of social organization, social change, and social disorganization. (MULT).

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 3338. Family Problems.

This course applies sociological knowledge to common problems encountered in families: spouse and child abuse, elder abuse, catastrophic illness, suicide, unemployment, poverty, teen pregnancy, aging and gender issues. Worldwide traditions and norms affecting the institution of the family are also reviewed. (MULT).

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 3340. Sociology of Sport and Leisure.

The theories and research in leisure and popular culture will serve as the broad framework. An emphasis will be placed on the sub-area of sport sociology, including such topics as sport and aggression, competition, children, women, minorities, professionalism, and others. (MULT).

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 3343. Criminology.

The various theories of crime, the cause of crime, areas of crime, treatment of criminals through the courts, punishment, reform, education, probation, and parole, and means of crime prevention. (MULT).

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 3347. Juvenile Delinquency.

Delinquency in modern society, basic factors and conditions of juvenile delinquency, and the problem of delinquency control. (MULT).

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 3349. Drugs and Society.

A sociological examination of the social context of drug abuse with emphasis on the social factors, processes, and institutions that impact drug abuse. Applications of sociological theories and research methods will be studied. (MULT).

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 3350. Gender and Society.

This course examines the relations between gender roles throughout the world. Special attention is given to changes in these roles and the consequences of such changes for societies, including familial, marital, and sexual relationships. (MULT).

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 3353. Urban Society.

A study of urbanization as a social phenomenon with attention to traditional sociological studies of the community. (MULT).

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 3358. Work and Society.

This course will explore sociological studies of work and occupations, including the structure of work, economic changes, and concerns of workers such as earnings, promotions, and unemployment. It is divided into three main topics: the social organization of work, current work trends, and inequalities at work. (MULT).

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 3363. Medical Sociology: The Sociology of Health and Illness Behavior.

An examination of the social determinants and consequences of human health, morbidity, and mortality, including considerations of health institutions, organizations, professionals, and clients. Social epidemiology of human diseases and mortality and changing relationships of acute and chronic diseases are stressed. (WI) (MULT).

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content|Writing Intensive
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 3365. Society and Environment.

This course addresses issues emerging from the reciprocal relationship between society and its environment. The impacts of social and economic organization, social class, and government policies on the physical and social milieu will be examined in order to produce a better understanding of social and environmental interactions. (MULT).

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 3367. Sustainable Cities.

This course uses sociological insight to develop a broader understanding of key concepts and debates about the sustainability of cities.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 3372. Food and Society.

This course surveys the sociological study of food. Students will examine how people in societies socially construct "food"; how people obtain food and the implications of this process for our health, economy, and environment; and how food relates to issues of race-ethnicity, social class, and gender. (MULT).

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 3375M. Latinos and Aging.

This course offers an understanding of the growing Latino aging population in American society, highlighting issues related to their social, familial, economic, physical, and mental well-being. This course will also cover social programs, health and human service needs, and social policies affecting Latino elders. (MULT).

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Multicultural Content|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 3375N. Urban Sociology in Comparative Perspective.

Topics include the historical development of cities, cities as engines of culture, planning, and gentrification. The comparative emphasis permits analysis of London in light of corresponding phenomena in American cities.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 3375O. Culture and Society in Comparative Perspective.

Topics include cultural change and diffusion and social concerns such as inequality, gender, popular culture, etc. The comparative emphasis permits analysis of these phenomena in England vis-à-vis the United States.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 3375P. Sociology of Religion: A Global Perspective.

This course is an introduction to the tools and concepts central to the sociological study of religion and religiosity. It takes a global perspective on religions, inspecting the ideas of classic and modern sociological theorists concerning the various roles, functions, conflicts, prejudices and symbols of religion.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 3383. Aging and Society.

This course is an introduction to the sociology of aging and social gerontology. It employs a multicultural perspective to examine diversity in the aging process as influenced by societal forces. (MULT).

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 3384. The Sociology of Death and Dying.

A study of the sociological and social psychological perspectives on death and dying in contemporary societies with particular emphasis on the meanings of death, on dying as a social process, and on death in the context of both social organization and the life cycle.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 3390. Technology and Society.

The subject of this course is the relationship between technologies and social institutions. Topics covered may include but are not limited to theories of sociotechnical change, diffusion, social constructivism, modernity and rationalism, and case studies of transformative technologies such as the clock, the car, and the birth control pill.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 3395. Sociology of Sexuality.

Sexuality is explored from a social constructionist perspective, in contrast to essentialist and biological determinist perspectives dominating the Western understanding of sexual roles and behavior. Sexual identity, desire, behavior, response, and health are viewed as socially constructed, largely in response to concerns about societal order. (MULT).

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 4306. Sociological Theory.

This course examines classical sociological theories and the contemporary theories that follow from them. The major approaches covered are functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interaction, and phenomenology. (WI) (MULT) Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content|Writing Intensive
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 4308. Quantitative Research Methods.

Basic issues in social research are introduced, while emphasizing design and analysis of quantitative research studies. Research exercises culminate in a major research paper analyzing secondary data from The General Social Survey. Critique of published research articles is also required. (WI) Prerequisite: SOCI 3307 with a grade of "D" or better. Corequisite: SOCI 3318 with a grade of "D" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Writing Intensive
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 4309. Qualitative Research Methods.

This course examines issues in the sociological research process with an emphasis on qualitative methods. Students will design, propose, and submit a qualitative study based on an extensive review of the sociological literature. (WI) Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Writing Intensive
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 4360. Directed Study.

A course of independent study open to superior students. May be repeated with different emphasis. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

SOCI 4690. Internship in Applied Sociology.

This course is a supervised work experience related to students’ career interests. Requirements include seminars and a 300-hour internship for 15 weeks during long semesters or 10 weeks in the summer. This course is limited to BS majors who meet all prerequisites and can be taken for credit only once.

6 Credit Hours. 6 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Writing Intensive
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Anderson, Audwin L, Associate Professor, Sociology, Ph.D., Texas A&M University

Bonazzo Romaguera, Claude M, Senior Lecturer, Sociology, Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin

Bouzard, Gayle G, Senior Lecturer, Sociology, M.Ed., Texas State University

Chee, Kyong H, Professor, Sociology, Ph.D., Iowa State University

Clement, Matthew T, Associate Professor, Sociology, Ph.D., University of Oregon

Damphousse, Kelly R, President and Professor, Sociology, Ph.D., Texas A&M University

Dietrich, David R, Associate Professor, Sociology, Ph.D., Duke University

Echevarria-Cruz, Samuel, Lecturer, Sociology, Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin

Edwards, Michelle Lynn, Associate Professor, Sociology, Ph.D., Washington State University

Giuffre, Patti, Associate Dean, The Graduate College and Professor, Sociology, Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin

Harris, Deborah A, Professor, Sociology, Ph.D., Mississippi State University

Johnson, Christopher Jay, Clinical Professor, Sociology, Ph.D., Iowa State University

Kim, Seoyoun, Associate Professor, Sociology, Ph.D., Purdue University Main Campus

Kotarba, Joseph A, Professor, Sociology, Ph.D., Univ of California-San Diego

Lamb Weber, Lisa Ann, Senior Lecturer, Sociology, M.S., Univ of Texas at San Antonio

Majumdar, Debarun, Professor, Sociology, Ph.D., Bowling Green State University

Martinez, Gloria P, Professor, Sociology, Ph.D., University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Mosel-Talavera, Kelly M, Senior Lecturer, Sociology, M.A., Texas State University

Pan, Xi, Associate Professor, Sociology, Ph.D., Miami University

Pierson, Colin R, Senior Lecturer, Sociology, M.S., Texas State University

Pino, Nathan W, Professor, Sociology, Ph.D., Iowa State University

Price, Robert, Senior Lecturer, Sociology, Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin

Romero, Rachel, Regents' Teacher and Assistant Professor, Sociology, Ph.D., Texas A&M University

Smith, Chad Leighton, Professor, Sociology, Ph.D., Washington State University

Torres, Isaac A, Lecturer, Sociology, Ph.D., Texas State University

Villarreal, Tina, Senior Lecturer, Sociology, M.S., Texas State University

Watt, Toni Terling, Chair - Professor, Sociology, Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin

Whitehawk, Michael C, Senior Lecturer, Sociology, M.A., Texas State University

Wivagg, Jonathan Robert, Senior Lecturer, Sociology, Ph.D., Baylor University