This concentration focuses on popular culture, the media, technology, and the arts, as well as cultural diversity in post-industrial society. Students in this concentration will take a critical look at how the culture of everyday life is linked to the economy, state, family, education, and politics. Students interested in pursuing careers in communications, advertising, cultural criticism, market research and journalism should consider this concentration. We strongly suggest that students in this concentration take SOC 280 MASS MEDIA AND CULTURE.
Course Requirements
- Two 200-level courses from the following list:
- Three 300-level courses from the following list:
- Two 300 level electives in Sociology, which may include those courses listed above
- One additional 200 or 300 level elective in Sociology, which may include those courses listed above
Open Electives
Open elective credit also is required to meet the minimum graduation requirement of 192 hours.
SOC 205
SELF AND SOCIETY
The course examines the relationship between individuals and the social and cultural environment. It introduces theories of the self and society (psychoanalytic theories, Weberian perspectives, symbolic interaction and social construction, feminist theories, existential perspectives, etc.). Readings include field studies and case studies. Students are introduced to research methods such as life narrative analysis and observation.
SOC 207
YOUTH AND SOCIETY
Using an historical and cross-cultural perspective, this course examines the social position of youth in today's society; youth subcultures; key institutions within which youth are socialized and controlled.
Prerequisites:
SOC 101 or SOC 105 is a prerequisite for this class.SOC 209
SOCIOLOGY OF WOMEN
Cross-cultural analysis of women's roles. How various social institutions the media, work, the family, education, religion treat sex-role distinctions and how the women's movement is attempting to confront them.
SOC 213
BLACK AMERICAN MUSIC CULTURE: TRADITIONS AND INNOVATIONS
Study in African American culture that deals with the experience of music and musicians. Using some historical references with live contemporary illustrations the course will essentially examine the engagement of African American music/musicians in their community and in the larger multicultural American society.
SOC 233
SOCIOLOGY OF SPORT
This course examines sports as a societal microcosm and as an idealized world for both individuals and institutions. Sport is also viewed as a major element in the making of American mythology.
SOC 280
MASS MEDIA AND CULTURE
Analysis of the relations between modern society and the mass media such as TV, film, radio and the print media.
SOC 281
SOCIOLOGY OF ROCK MUSIC
Rock music is studied as an object of culture, both as art and as mass culture. Attention is given to its creation, dissemination and appreciation.
SOC 309
SOCIOLOGY OF SEXUALITY
Explores social construction of sex and sexuality, the intersection of gender, race, and sexuality, sexual orientations, and major issues in sexual politics, such as the gay/lesbian movement, discrimination, abortion, and sterilization.
Prerequisites:
(SOC 101 or SOC 105) and SOC 209 are prerequisites for this course.SOC 330
THEMES IN SOCIAL THOUGHT
Consideration of the writings of social philosophers regarding the nature, origins and meanings of human society.
SOC 382
QUALITATIVE METHODS
Introduction to qualitative methods in sociology, grounded theory, data collection and analysis, field research, life histories, and unobtrusive measures.
SOC 383
VISUAL SOCIOLOGY
Examines the history of the still photograph as a document of social problems and conditions, a cultural artifact with a linguistic structure of its own. Methodological issues involved in using photographs as research tools are studied. Students conduct own documentary research project.
SOC 384
ETHNOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTARY FILM PRODUCTION
This course imparts the art, craft, and discipline behind the making of sociological ethnographic documentary films. Throughout the course students learn ethnographic concepts and methods, develop film criticism faculties, and build a film production skill set.
SOC 386
POPULAR CULTURE AND THE ARTS
Multiple perspectives, from modern to post modern, are applied to a range of forms of popular culture, both in historical context and in their current forms. Topics to be covered include examining the concept of popular culture, the analytic tools to understand it, and analyzing some of its manifestations (e.g. sports, mass media, gambling, holiday presentations, shopping, theme parks, theme restaurants, etc. Cross-listed with SOC 480.
SOC 387
SOCIOLOGY OF CELEBRITY
"Celebrities are known for being well-known." The course explores the role of media and fans in the making of celebrity and considers celebrity as a key feature of contemporary society.
SOC 388
SOCIOLOGY OF CONSUMPTION
Sociological perspectives on shopping, consumer culture, and social-psychology of consumer behavior.
SOC 390
SEMINAR IN SOCIOLOGY
Selected topics form the basis of an in-depth consideration. Topics vary and may be initiated by students.
SOC 394
COMMUNITY BASED SOCIOLOGY
Combines basic understanding of sociological principles with field experience.
SOC 398
INTERNSHIP
Placement of students in work-study situations relevant to careers in health and human services, social work, juvenile justice, law and society, urban and community services. Clinical and Experiential (can fulfill jr. yr. requirement). (1 to 4 credit hours).