Sociology
Program Description
Sociology is the scientific study of social life. It is the exploration of social change and the complexities of the causes – and consequences – of human behavior, focusing on the ways social factors shape human behavior. Sociologists study a broad range of topics including families, politics, religion, education, race, class, and gender (and much more!). Sociologists ask questions about patterns of human life, and then answer those questions using a variety of theoretical perspectives and research methodologies. Sociologists frequently contribute to public debate about the causes of social problems and what we could do to help bring about positive social change.
The BA in Sociology exemplifies Colorado Mesa University’s liberal arts mission, emphasizing a wide range of skills and content areas. The Sociology program encourages students to develop critical thinking skills, quantitative literacy, and the ability to apply their “sociological imagination” to problems, programs, and policies in the real world. Beyond this, sociology prepares students for responsible action in the social world and provides a foundation for lifelong learning and civic participation.
The American Sociological Association calls sociology a “21st Century Major” because it offers the flexibility students will need in a fast-changing and increasingly global labor market. Graduates who choose to go directly into a career can find work in human resources, social services, government, business, the health professions, the criminal justice system, and a wide variety of other industries. Sociology graduates are also very well-prepared for graduate study in sociology and related disciplines.
Contact Information
Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Houston Hall
970.248.1696
SOCO 144 Marriage and Families-GTSS33 Credits
Survey of patterns of marriage and family life in social context, with an emphasis on sociological explanations of family patterns and relevant policy implications.
Essential Learning Categories: Social and Behavioral Sciences
Colorado Guaranteed Transfer (GT) Pathways General Education Curriculum
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
SOCO 202 Introduction to Sociological Inquiry3 Credits
Orientation to sociology, with a focus on introductory methods of sociological research. Preparation for writing and research requirements of upper-division sociology courses. Exploration of possible careers and marketing of skills after graduation.
Prerequisites: SOCO 260 or SOCO 264.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
SOCO 260 General Sociology-GTSS33 Credits
An overview of sociological concepts, terminology, basic principles, and important theories; introduction to substantive areas of the field.
Essential Learning Categories: Social and Behavioral Sciences
Colorado Guaranteed Transfer (GT) Pathways General Education Curriculum
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
SOCO 264 Social Problems-GTSS33 Credits
Analysis of contemporary social problems from a sociological perspective, including the social construction of problems, theoretical explanations, and policy implications. Specific problems covered will vary but may include topics such as inequality along with problems in social institutions such as the economy, education, and the family.
Essential Learning Categories: Social and Behavioral Sciences
Colorado Guaranteed Transfer (GT) Pathways General Education Curriculum
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
SOCO 296 Topics1-3 Credits
Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.
SOCO 300 Political Sociology3 Credits
The interactions and interrelationships between social and political forces. Topics covered include: state and society, the social bases of power, ideology, and the media.
Prerequisites: SOCO 260 or POLS 101.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
SOCO 303 Sociological Research Methods3 Credits
Methods of sociological research, including practical application of quantitative methods to social science data, culminating in an individual research project.
Prerequisites: SOCO 202 and STAT 215.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
SOCO 305 Environmental Sociology3 Credits
Overview of the interrelations among the physical environment, population, and technology; the origin and basis of environmental social movement organizations; the social construction of environmental issues.
Prerequisites: SOCO 260 or SOCO 264.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
SOCO 310 Sociology of Religion3 Credits
Examination of religious beliefs, practices, and organizations from a sociological perspective. Consideration also given to the intersection of religion with race, class, gender, and sexuality.
Prerequisites: SOCO 260 or SOCO 264.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
SOCO 312 Social Movements and Political Activism3 Credits
Sociological study of historical and contemporary social movements and political activism. Overview of the literature on social movement development, organization, participation, and outcomes.
Prerequisites: SOCO 260 or SOCO 264.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
SOCO 314 Population3 Credits
Basic concepts of population studies in international context. Demographic trends including fertility, mortality and migration, as well as the causes and consequences of those trends.
Prerequisites: SOCO 260 or SOCO 264.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
SOCO 316 Social Inequality3 Credits
Causes and effects of inequality, especially social class, with consideration of race and gender.
Prerequisites: SOCO 260 or SOCO 264.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
SOCO 318 Sociology of Health & Illness3 Credits
Exploration of sociological perspectives relating to the definitions and experiences of health and illness. Overview of the literature on social inequalities in health and illness, cultural constructions of illness, social experiences of illness, and local and global health care systems.
Prerequisites: SOCO 260 or SOCO 264.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
SOCO 320 Life Course and Aging3 Credits
Investigation of development and aging as lifelong processes situated in social context. Exploration and application of a social scientific framework for understanding the interplay between human lives and social change.
Prerequisites: SOCO 260 or SOCO 264.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
SOCO 323 Self and Society3 Credits
Investigation of microsociology, which examines the nature of everyday social interactions, relationships, and groups. Consideration also given to interdisciplinary perspectives that shed light on human social behavior.
Prerequisites: SOCO 260 or SOCO 264.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
SOCO 325 Race and Ethnic Relations3 Credits
Sociological analysis of race and ethnic relations in the United States, both historically and today.
Prerequisites: SOCO 260 or SOCO 264.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
SOCO 340 Sociology of Gender3 Credits
Investigation of sociological perspectives on gender, with an emphasis on the social construction of gender, gender inequality in social institutions, and patterns of gendered social relations.
Prerequisites: SOCO 260 or SOCO 264.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
SOCO 345 Sociology of Sexuality3 Credits
Exploration of sexuality from a sociological perspective. Analysis of the intersections of race, class, and gender as well as social institutions as they apply to understanding sexuality.
Prerequisites: SOCO 260 or SOCO 264.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
SOCO 351 21st Century Families3 Credits
Sociological investigation of changing family structures and intimate relationships, with an emphasis on contemporary constructions of family, diverse family forms, the role of gender in family life, and problems faced by contemporary families.
Prerequisites: SOCO 260.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
SOCO 370 Roots of Sociological Thought3 Credits
Introduction to the origins of sociology and the early development of sociological thought. Emphasis on the relevance of classical perspectives to an understanding and critical evaluation of society today.
Prerequisites: SOCO 202 and SOCO 260.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
SOCO 375 Contemporary Sociological Perspectives3 Credits
Overview of sociological theory from the early 20th century to the present. Emphasis on applying contemporary theories to understanding and critiquing issues in society today.
Prerequisites: SOCO 202 and SOCO 260.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
SOCO 395 Independent Study1-3 Credits
Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 6 credit hours.
SOCO 396 Topics1-3 Credits
Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.
SOCO 399 Internship1-3 Credits
Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.
SOCO 420 Field Studies6 Credits
SOCO 493 Senior Capstone3 Credits
Sociological analysis of contemporary issues in society. Specific topics vary according to current events and instructor expertise.
Prerequisites: SOCO 202 and Senior Standing.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
SOCO 495 Independent Study1-3 Credits
Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 6 credit hours.
SOCO 496 Topics1-3 Credits
Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.
SOCO 499 Internship1-3 Credits
Work experience relevant to sociology in a wide variety of potential settings outside the university community.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.