"Sociology is the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations, and societies, and how people interact within these contexts. Since human behavior is shaped by social factors, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to the hostile mob; from organized crime to religious cults; from the divisions of race, gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture (American Sociological Association 2002:1). The Sociology faculty at UM bring diverse theoretical perspectives to their courses and use a wide array of methodological strategies in their research and teaching. Their interests range from social issues facing our local community and the Northern Rocky Mountain region, to national and global concerns. Faculty research addresses both theoretical issues, such as the causes of criminal behavior, and practical matters, such as the effectiveness of prison rehabilitation programs or the impact of legislation on family policy and poverty programs.
In addition to a general sociology major, students may choose one of three options for structuring their course work. The general Sociology major provides a broad foundation in sociological theory and research, together with exposure to a variety of courses in the main substantive areas of the discipline. Students interested in crime and criminal justice can choose an option in Criminology, while students concerned with the causes and consequences of social inequality can select an option Inequality and Social Justice. Students interested in rural and environmental issues can pursue an option in Rural and Environmental Change. These options allow students to concentrate their studies in a particular area of interest while still acquiring a solid foundation in the discipline of Sociology.
The general sociology major requires a minimum of 33 sociology credits. Students may choose an option in criminology, inequality and social justice, or in rural and environmental change. These options require 39 sociology credits. All sociology majors must complete a required core and four courses from the major content list, in order to insure broad exposure to the field of sociology. No more than 60 sociology credits may count for graduation. In addition to meeting these departmental requirements, students must meet all University wide requirements, as specified in the catalog. These include: completing 120 credits, meeting the General Education requirements including the Upper-division Writing Proficiency Assessment, and taking 39 credits of upper-division course work. See the Academic Policies and Procedures section of this catalog for other requirements.
Upper-Division Writing Expectation: To meet the Upper- Division Writing Expectation of the Bachelor of Arts with a major in Sociology, students must successfully complete one course selected from SOCI 438, 441, 460 or 488; or any other upper-division writing course approved for general education (see Academic Policies and Procedures section of the catalog).
NOTE: Students in the criminology, inequality and social justice, and reach option may count only one course from their respective option as a major content course.
Sociology 101S (SOC110S) is a prerequisite for most courses numbered 200 and above. Additional prerequisites are listed in course descriptions.
Students who have not completed specified prerequisites may enroll only with the instructor's consent. All courses to be applied toward the major must be taken for a traditional letter grade. Majors are expected to earn a "C-" or better in all sociology courses.
To earn 120 credits in four years, students must average 30 credits per year, or 15 credits per semester. Requirements for general sociology majors allow considerable flexibility in choosing courses. However, requirements for the criminology, inequality and social justice, and rural and environmental change options are more stringent.
Students whose primary interest is in a general sociology major are urged to develop a plan of study with their advisor; they must take three electives in addition to the core courses and major content requirements listed above. Any sociology course, including courses from any of the three options may be included in your study plan. The general sociology major prepares students for positions which require a bachelor's degree in one of the social science disciplines, including employment in a variety of government and private-sector agencies, or for a graduate program in sociology. It also provides valuable preparation for related fields such as law, social work, education, counseling, politics, and public administration.
Criminology has been an area of study within sociology since the inception of the discipline at the turn of the twentieth century. Contemporary criminology examines the making of laws, the nature and extent of crime, the causes of crime, and society's efforts to control crime through the juvenile and criminal justice systems. The option builds upon the required course work in sociology and allows students to pursue extended study of crime and the criminal justice system. In addition, the option provides opportunity for practical experience in juvenile and criminal justice systems through internship placement. The criminology option prepares students for employment in public and private criminal justice agencies, as well as graduate study in sociology, criminal justice, and law.
In addition to courses required of all sociology majors in the core and content areas, students concentrating in criminology must complete the following:
Inequality is at the core of most sociological inquires. The option in inequality and social justice examines the causes and consequences of inequalities based on class, gender, race/ethnicity, disability, age, and sexual orientation. Social inequalities at the local, national, and global levels are studied, as are the political, legal, and social processes that contribute to or reduce inequalities. Ethical elements of social justice are considered with regard to inequality. An option in inequality and social justice prepares students for employment in a variety of government and private-sector agencies, especially in social services, or for graduate school in Sociology. It also provides valuable preparation for related fields such as law, social work, education, counseling, politics, and public administration.
Requirements, in addition to courses in the core and content areas, include:
NOTE: No more than one course from the ISJ emphasis may be used to fill the requirements for major content courses.
RECOMMENDED: Students should take 498 (SOC 490) concurrent with 441.
Rural environments, residents and agencies are facing rapid social, economic, demographic and political change. This option develops analytical and practical skills for understanding rural and environmental change globally and in the American West, and its policy implications in such areas as rural health, welfare and work; community development and assessment; native peoples and natural resource management. An option in rural and environmental change prepares students for employment with either a government, private or non-profit agency concerned with the above topics or for pursuing an advanced degree in sociology.
Requirements, in addition to courses in the core and content areas, include:
NOTE: No more than one course from the REACH emphasis may be used to fill the requirements for major content courses.
Students who want to be licensed to teach sociology at the high school level must complete the BA degree requirements in sociology (general sociology, no option required). They also must complete a teaching minor in a second field of their choice and the professional licensure program in the School of Education.
Students may also earn a teaching minor in sociology. See the Department of Curriculum & Instruction for information about admission to the Teacher Education Program and completion of these licensure programs.
| First Year | A | S |
|---|---|---|
| SOCI 101S (SOC 110S) Introduction to Sociology | 3 | - |
| WRIT 101 (ENEX 101) College Writing I | 3 | - |
| M 115 (MATH 117) Probability and Linear Math | - | 3 |
| Lower-division Writing course | - | 3 |
| Electives and General Education | 9 | 9 |
| 15 | 15 | |
| Second Year | A | S |
| SOCI 202 Social Statistics | 3 | - |
| SOCI 211S (SOC 230) Introduction to Criminology, SOCI 270 Introduction to Rural and Environmental Change, or SOCI 220S Race, Gender & Class | 3 | - |
| SOCI 221 (SOC 235) Criminal Justice System or elective | - | 3 |
| Sociology major content courses | 3 | 6 |
| General Education | 6 | 6 |
| 15 | 15 | |
| All sociology majors are expected to have their general education work completed by the end of their sophomore year. The bulk of the work in sociology should occur during the junior and senior years. | ||
| Third Year | A | S |
| SOCI 318 (SOC 201) Sociological Research Methods | 3 | - |
| SOCI 455 Classical Sociological Theory | - | 3 |
| Sociology major content course | 3 | - |
| Upper-division writing course | - | 3 |
| Option courses (Crim ISJ or REACH) or electives | 9 | 9 |
| 15 | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | A | S |
| SOCI 460 Capstone in Rural and Environmental Change (Rural option) or SOCI 441 Capstone in Inequality and Social Justice (ISJ option) | - | 3 |
| Option courses (Crim, ISJ, or Rural) or electives | 15 | 12 |
| 15 | 15 | |
Students choosing an option in criminology are required to complete the core in their option prior to taking the criminology option elective courses. Students choosing the inequality and social justice option should take SOCI 498 (SOC 490) concurrent with SOCI 441. Students choosing the rural and environmental change option should take SOCI 270 first and complete at least two option electives prior to taking SOCI 460.
To earn a minor in sociology the student must complete a minimum of 21 credits in sociology with at least 9 of these credits at the upper-division level. Students must take SOCI 101S (SOC 110S), 318 (SOC 201), 455 and two (2) major content courses.
U = for undergraduate credit only, UG = for undergraduate or graduate credit, G = for graduate credit. R after the credit indicates the course may be repeated for credit to the maximum indicated after the R. Credits beyond this maximum do not count toward a degree.
U 101S (SOC 110S) Introduction to Sociology 3 cr. Offered every term. Overview of the principles and concepts used in the study of human social interaction, groups, communities and societies. Required of all majors.
U 130S Sociology of Alternative Religions 3 cr. Offered spring. Same as RELS 130S. Unconventional religious groups in American society. Topics include recruitment, conversion, commitment, defection, leadership, belief systems, organizational structure and change.
U 191 (SOC 195) Special Topics Variable cr. (R-6) Offered intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
U 199 Lower-Division Electives Variable cr.
U 202 Social Statistics 3 cr. Offered every term. Prereq., M 115 (MATH 117) or consent of instr. Application of descriptive and inferential statistical techniques to sociological data. Required of all majors.
U 211S (SOC 230S) Introduction to Criminology 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., SOCI 101S (SOC 110S). A critical examination of crime in society: how crime is defined, the extent and distribution of crime, theoretical explanations of criminal behavior, and crime control efforts.
U 212S Southeast Asian Culture and Civilization 3 cr. Offered intermittently. Same as AS and LS 212S. Introduction to the cultures, societies, and contemporary social problems of Southeast Asia.
U 220S Race, Gender and Class 3 cr. Offered intermittently. Prereq., SOCI 101S (SOC 110S). Same as WGS 220S. Analysis of the intersecting structure and dynamics of race, gender and class. Focus on power relationships, intergroup conflict and minority-group status.
U 221 (SOC 235) Criminal Justice System 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., SOCI 101S (SOC 110S). A systematic survey of crime and the administration of justice in the United States, including the organizational structures, processes, and dynamics of law enforcement, criminal adjudication, and corrections.
U 225 Community and Environment 3 cr. Offered autumn. Same as EVST 225. Exploration of the various ways that communities address their environmental concerns. Introduction to relevant social science concepts.
U 270 Introduction to Rural and Environmental Change 3 cr. Offered autumn. Introduction to the study of relationships and interactions between people in rural societies and the environment.
U 275S Gender and Society 3 cr. Offered autumn. Same as WS 275S. Exploration of the social construction of gender, especially in western, post-industrial societies such as the U.S. How gender ideologies affect the social definition and position of men and women in work, family, sexual relationships, sexual divisions of labor, and social movements.
U 291 (SOC 295) Special Topics Variable cr. (R-6) Offered intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
UG 306 Sociology of Work 3 cr. Offered intermittently. Prereq., SOCI 101S (SOC 110S). An introduction to contemporary sociological debates on work including overwork, working poor, housework, globalization, mechanization, routinization, surveillance, and unions. Special focus on gender and class impacts on working life.
UG 308 Sociology of Education 3 cr. Offered intermittently. Prereq., SOCI 101S (SOC 110S). The structure and operation of the educational system in the United States, with special attention to the organization and effectiveness of schools.
UG 312 (SOC 333) Criminal Adjudication 3 cr. Offered spring odd-numbered years. Prereq., SOCI 101S, 221 and either 211S or 330 (SOC 110S, 235 and either 230S or 330). An examination of adjudicatory processes applied to the criminally accused. Includes pretrial, trial, and sentencing practices and procedures. Special attention to the sociological dimensions of criminal adjudication: its cultural underpinnings, structural characteristics and interactional dynamics.
UG 314 (SOC 310) Extraordinary Group Behavior 3 cr. Offered intermittently. Prereq., SOCI 101S (SOC 110S). The study of emergent social behavior including rumors, crowds, crazes, riots, panics, terrorism, revolutions and social movements.
U 318 (SOC 201) Sociological Research Methods 3 cr. Offered every term. Prereq., SOCI 101S (SOC 110S). Methods of research in the social sciences including naturalistic observation, interviewing, measurement, experiments, surveys, content analysis, and basic data analysis. Required of all majors.
U 325 Social Stratification 3 cr. Offered intermittently. Prereq., SOCI 101S (SOC 110S). The origins, institutionalization and change of class, status, prestige, power and other forms of social inequality. Special attention to the effects of stratification on individuals.
UG 330 Juvenile Delinquency 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., SOCI 101S (SOC 110S). The study of juvenile delinquency as a social phenomenon, including the emergence of "juvenile delinquency" as a social and legal concept, the nature of delinquency, and theoretical explanations of delinquent behavior.
UG 332 (SOC 300) Sociology of The Family 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., SOCI 101S (SOC 110S). Same as WGS 300. Historical, cross-cultural, and analytical study of the family. Emphasis on ideology, social structures, and agency affecting family composition and roles.
UG 335 Juvenile Justice System 3 cr. Offered autumn odd-numbered years. Prereq., SOCI 101S and 211S or 330 (SOC 110S and 230S or 330). An analysis of the juvenile justice system in the United States, including the historical development of policies and practices. The role of various social agencies in defining, preventing, and responding to delinquency.
U 342 Urban/Metropolitan Sociology 3 cr. Offered intermittently. Prereq., SOCI 101S (SOC 110S). Classical social theories of urban growth. Contemporary urbanization in local, regional, national and global contexts. Internal urban/metropolitan social organization in terms of race, ethnicity, social class and gender.
UG 345 (SOC 320) Sociology of Organizations 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., SOCI 101S (SOC 110S). Historical and analytical study of organizations as social systems, with an emphasis on applying theoretical models to analyzing organizational behavior and change.
U 346 Rural Sociology 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., SOCI 101S (SOC 110S); SOCI 318 (SOC 201) recommended. Demographic, economic and sociocultural change in rural communities with an emphasis on global economy, political structure, urbanization, and economic and social infrastructure. Special attention given to the rural west and Montana.
UG 350 (SOC 340) The Community 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., SOCI 101S (SOC 110S). The study of families, peer groups, neighborhoods, voluntary associations, power structures, social classes and large scale organizations as they come together in local communities.
U 355 Population and Society 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., SOCI 101S (SOC 110S). An introduction to contemporary world population problems including population growth, trafficking, fertility, mortality, population policy, and the relationship between population and environment. Emphasizes gender issues in international context.
UG 362 (SOC 332) Sociology of Law Enforcement 3 cr. Offered autumn even-numbered years. Prereq., SOCI 101S, 221 and either 211S or 330 (SOC 110S, 235 and either 230S or 330). An examination of policing in society, with emphasis on the cultural context in which it occurs, its structural characteristics, and social psychological processes.
UG 371 (SOC 370S) Social Change and Global Development 3 cr. Offered autumn even-numbered years. Prereq., SOCI 101S (SOC 110S). Same as WGS 360. Introduction to the global roots and dimensions of social change. Broad perspective on the forces that have transformed how "development" has shifted from a process of economic growth and welfare assistance organized nationally to a process of globally organized economic, political and cultural change.
U 382 (SOC 350S) Social Psychology and Social Structure 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., SOCI 101S (SOC 110S). The study of the behavior of individuals in social contexts ranging from small groups to societies. Topics include attitude change, conformity, aggression, helping behavior, self-concept formation, and group cohesion and decision-making.
U 386 Preceptorship in Sociology 2-3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., SOCI 101S (SOC 110S) and consent of instr. Assisting a faculty member by tutoring, conducting review sessions, helping students with research projects, and carrying out other class-related responsibilities. Open to juniors and seniors with instructor's consent. Proposals must be approved by department chair.
U 391 (SOC 395) Special Topics Variable cr. (R-6) Offered intermittently. Experimental offerings of new courses or one time offerings of current topics.
U 398 Internship Variable cr. (R-6) Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., consent of department. Extended classroom experience which provides practical application of classroom learning during placements off campus. Prior approval must be obtained from the faculty supervisor and the Internship Services office. A maximum of 6 credits of Internship (198, 298, 398, 498) may count toward graduation.
U 399 Upper-Division Elective Variable cr.
UG 423 (SOC 334) Sociology of Corrections 3 cr. Offered spring even-numbered years. Prereq., SOCI 101S, 221 and either 211S or 330 (SOC 110S, 235 and either 230S or 330). An examination of the purposes, structures, and processes of jails, prisons, and community corrections, including probation and parole. Emphasis on historical development and current trends and issues in corrections.
UG 424 Community Forestry and Conservation 3 cr. Offered spring even-numbered years. Same as FOR 424, RSCN 424. A review of agroforestry, community forestry and opportunities and constraints to the use of trees in rural development and protected areas management.
UG 433 (SOC 423) Addiction Studies 3 cr. Offered spring even-numbered years. Same as PSYX and SW 423. Examination of chemical dependency and behavioral compulsion, including alcohol and other drugs, gambling, eating disorders, sexual addictions. Ecosystems perspective on etiology, treatment, prevention, family dynamics, community response, and societal contributors.
UG 435 Law and Society 3 cr. Offered spring even-numbered years. Prereq., SOCI 101S and either 211S or 330 (SOC 110S and either 230S or 330) recommended. The study of the law and society, including the origin, institutionalization, and impact of law and legal systems.
UG 438 Seminar in Crime and Deviance 3 cr. Offered every term. Prereq., SOCI 101S, 221 and either 211S or 330 (SOC 110S, 235 and either 230S or 330). Advanced studies in criminology/deviance theory and research. Emphasis on public policies related to crime. This course will meet the upper-division writing expectation for sociology majors only.
UG 441 Capstone in Inequality & Social Justice 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., SOCI 101S, 220S (SOC 110S, 220S), one other inequality and social justice elective, and consent of instr. Research and writing on Inequity and Social Justice. Students bring together readings from other inequality content courses and/or independent readings, research methods training, and data and/or internship experience to write a final research paper on a topic of their choice within the ISJ area. Meets upperdivision writing expectation for sociology majors only.
UG 443 (SOC 322) Sociology of Poverty 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., SOCI 101S (SOC 110S). An examination of the roots, prevalence and social characteristics of the poor. Analysis of policies intended to end poverty.
UG 444 Issues in Inequality 3 cr. Offered alternate years. Prereq. SOCI 101S (SOC 110S) and 220S. Analysis of selected topics in inequality and social justice. Possible topics include Native Americans, disabilities, age, sexual orientation, and gender. UG 455 Classical Social Theory 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., SOC 110S. Focus on the historical development of the field of sociology from 1850 to World War I. The classical writings of Comte, Tonnies, Weber, Durkheim, Marx, LePlay and Simmel emphasized. Required of all sociology majors.
UG 455 Classical Sociological Theory 3cr. Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., SOC 110S. Focus on the historical development of the field of sociology from 1850 to World War I. The classical writings of Comte, Tonnies, Weber, Durkheim, Marx, LePlay and Simmel emphasized. Required of all sociology majors.
UG 460 Capstone in Rural and Environmental Change 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., SOCI 101S, 270 (SOC 110S, 270) and at least 2 other rural and environmental change electives and consent of instr. Advanced study of theoretical and substantive issues related to rural, environmental, community, and development sociology; includes a substantial student research project. Meets upperdivision writing expectation for sociology majors only.
UG 470 Environmental Sociology 3 cr. Offered spring even-numbered years. Prereq., SOCI 101S (SOC 110S). Introduction to the field of environmental sociology and influential sociological perspectives on global environmental change. Case examples from agrarian and industrialized regions around the world.
UG 485 Political Sociology 3 cr. Offered spring odd-numbered years. Prereq., junior or senior standing. Analysis of political theory and behavior; social bases of power and policy determination; institutional interrelationships; intellectuals and ideologies; political trends and change; political participation and membership.
UG 488 Writing for Sociology 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., SOCI 101S (SOC 110S), 9 additional credits in sociology and satisfactory performance on the Upper-Division Writing Proficiency Assessment. Advanced study of variable topics or issues in sociology , with emphasis on writing for the discipline. This course satisfies the upper-division writing expectation for sociology majors only.
UG 491 (SOC 495) Special Topics Variable cr. (R-6) Offered intermittently. Prereq., SOCI 101S (SOC 110S). Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
UG 492 (SOC 496) Independent Study 1-3 cr. (R-9) Offered every term. Prereq., SOCI 101S (SOC 110S) and consent of instr. Individual work with a faculty supervisor in an area of special interest. Proposals must be approved by department chair.
UG 494 Seminar/Workshop 2-3 cr. Offered intermittently. Prereq., SOCI 101S (SOC 110S) and at least junior standing. Selected sociological topics.
U 498 (SOC 490) Sociology Internship Variable cr. (R-12) Offered every term. Prereq., SOCI 101S, 318 and 202 (SOC 110S, 201 and 202); 2.75 GPA; junior standing and consent of instr. Supervised placement in an agency or business which involves work experience related to criminology, sociology, rural and environmental change and/or inequality and social justice.
G 520 Contemporary Social Theory 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., SOCI 455. The major sociological theories developed since World War I, including an examination of the critical issues under debate.
G 530 Criminological Theory 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., SOCI 221 & either 211S or 330 (SOC 235 and either 230S or 330). Advanced study of the major theories of crime and criminality; includes the themes and theoretical perspectives of criminology together with relevant research findings.
G 538 Seminar in Crime and Deviance 3 cr. Offered intermittently. Advanced study of a specific criminological topic or issue with special emphasis on research and public policy. Possible topics include women and crime, cross-cultural criminal justice, sentencing, the social location of crime, drugs and crime, causal analysis of crime and criminality.
G 545 Seminar in Inequality and Social Justice 3 cr. Offered spring. Advanced study of variable topics in inequality and social justice held in a small group setting that maximizes opportunities for graduate student research, discussion, and writing.
G 561 Qualitative Methods 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., SOCI 101S and 318 (SOC 110S and 201). Introduction to the basic methods used to conduct qualitative studies including ethnography, focus group, interview and observation. Includes hands-on fieldwork projects, data coding and analysis, and research ethics. Draws on examples and literature from sociology.
G 562 Quantitative Methods 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., SOCI 101S, 318 and 202 (SOC 110S, 201 and 202). Introduction to the basic methods used to conduct quantitative sociological research and program evaluation including proposal development, survey design, sampling techniques, data analysis, and dissemination of findings.
G 563 Social Data Analysis 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., SOCI 101S, 318 and 202 (SOC 110S, 201 and 202). A hands-on introduction to preparing sociological reports and documents, performing research and statistical tasks common to the field. Presumes no previous knowledge of microcomputers.
G 571 Seminar: Rural and Environmental Change 3 cr. Offered autumn. Utilizing a critical perspective, students examine rural and environmental transitions and their implications for policies and debates on managing growth, development and natural resources in rural areas.
G 590 Sociology Internship Variable cr. (R-6) Offered every term. Prereq., consent of instr. Supervised placement for graduate students in an agency or business which involves work experience related to criminology, sociology, rural and environmental change and/or inequality and social justice..
G 594 Graduate Seminar 3 cr. (R-9) Offered intermittently. Selected sociological topics.
G 595 Special Topics Variable cr. (R-12) Offered intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
G 596 Independent Study Variable cr. (R-6)Offered every term. Prereq., consent of instr. Work with a faculty supervisor in an area of special interest.
G 597 Graduate Research 2-3 cr. (R-9) Offered every term. Directed research. Student must develop a specific research or evaluation proposal which is approved by the instructor prior to registration. Those students electing the professional paper option may apply three credits of 597 toward graduation.
G 598 Internship Variable cr. (R-6) Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., consent of department. Extended classroom experience which provides practical application of classroom learning during placements off campus. Prior approval must be obtained from the faculty supervisor and the Internship Services office.
G 599 Thesis/Professional Paper Variable cr. (R-6) Offered every term. Students may apply six credits of 599 toward graduation.
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