CSU - Catalogs

Faculty: Beverly Anderson, Leslie Baker Kimmons, Judith A. Birgen, Beverly M. John, Joanne Labonte, Louis Pancho McFarland, Arthur W. Redman, Yan Dominic Searcy.

The Department of Geography, Sociology, Economics and Anthropology offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. Sociology is the social scientific study of society, social groups, and human interaction. There are many sub areas in the field, and these are reflected in the department’s course offerings. At its core, sociology analyzes human interaction, social inequality, social institutions, and social change. Sociology provides excellent training in the social sciences, especially for those individuals who wish to be prepared to meet the challenges of modern society. The program has practical implications for the fields of law, social work, human resource management, gerontology, marketing and market research, urban planning, industrial relations, community organizing, policy research and analysis, and any field in which individuals must deal with people and critically assess social influences and phenomena.

The department also offers undergraduate courses in social work. The array of courses prepares individuals for careers in the social services, in both the public and private sectors. The program prepares graduates to work with disadvantaged and vulnerable populations by developing and applying skills and strategies to effectively confront systemic problems faced by these groups. Cultural awareness, personal growth, and inter-relational sensitivities are integral components of social work education. In addition to the major in sociology, the department offers undergraduate minors in sociology, social work, and gerontology. See the graduate catalog for a description of the Master of Social Work Program.

Admission to the program is contingent upon good academic standing and acceptance by the department. The department will not accept D transfer credits in the major. Achievement of a grade of C or better is required in all major courses at Chicago State University.

Completion of 120 semester hours of work:

6 hours in composition; 6 hours in a single foreign language, 3 hours of mathematics, 9 hours in Humanities, 9 hours in social sciences, and 9 hours in natural sciences. Students will work with advisors to choose appropriate diversity course, critical thinking course, fine arts course, and interdisciplinary course. 42 hours in sociology; 3 hours in required support courses (to be applied to General Education mathematics/science requirements); 36 hours in electives selected with the departmental advisor’s approval; and passing the examination on the state and federal constitutions.

This program is assessed using uniform assessment instruments.

Core Courses (18 credit hours)

SOC 1010/101, 4200/325, 3800/330, 4820/389 or 4810/390, 4830/391, 4980.

Required Courses (15 credit hours)

Students must take a total of five courses (15 credits), at least one from each of the following four areas: Social Foundations-SOC 1110/215, 2050/225, 2030/253, 2100/257; Social Inequality-SOC 1200/255, 2250/259, 2230/270, 3230/303; Social Institutions-SOC 2300/206, 4300/308, 3300/324, 4280/380; Social Change-SOC 2400/202, 2410/252, 3400/302, 3430/355. One additional course from any of the four areas.

Required Support Course (3 credit hours)

CPTR 1060/106 (to be applied to General Education mathematics/science requirements)

Sociology Electives (12 credit hours)

Any four additional courses in Sociology. At least two courses must be at the 3000-level or higher and at least two courses must be at the 4000-level.

The requirements for minors must be completed prior to graduation in order for the minor to appear on the transcript. For more information about minors, see the chairperson of the department.

Required Courses (12 credit hours)

SOC 2250/259, SOC 4580/359, SOC 4250/322, SOC 4950/360

Elective Courses (6 credit hours)

ANTH 4230/323. BIOL 1150/115, H SC 2250/250, H SC 3312/312, H SC 2375/375, NURS 4150/369, POL 4420/342, REC 2580/258, PSYC 3040/309, PYSC 2140/310

Minor in Social Work (18 credit hours)

Required Courses (12 credit hours)

SOC 2500/235, 3500/318, 3510/319, and 4560/335.

Elective Courses (6 credit hours)

Select 6 credit hours from the following:

SOC 2100/257, 4580/359, 3560/310, 4250/332, 4500/338, 4570/340, 3340/347, 4950/360, and 4910/388.

Minor in Sociology (18 credit hours)

Required Courses (9 credit hours)

SOC 1010/101, 3800/330, and 4810/390.

Elective Courses (9 credit hours)

Completion of 9 credit hours selected with the approval of the department. At least 3 credits must be at the 3000 or 4000-level.

Requirements for Admissions to the Honors Program-students must:

Have a 3.25 GPA or higher in the major (after 12 credit hours in the major);

Have a 3.0 GPA or higher overall;

Have junior level status;

Be a declared Sociology Major. Students in other majors or the Board of Governors Program will be considered and offered admission to the honors option contingent on their declaration of a sociology major;

Identify a faculty member who will serve as a program mentor (both in assessing student progress at the end of each semester and the completion or the honors thesis;

Complete an application for admission that is signed by the faculty mentor and approved by the department chair.

Program Requirements-Honors students must:

Complete 12 credit hours designated as honors in sociology major classes;

Within the 12 credits of honors courses, complete at least two, but not more than three designated honors classes at the 3000-4000 level (6-9 credit hours);

Within the 12 credits of honors courses, complete at least one, but not more than two semesters of Senior Honors Thesis (SOC 4990) with a faculty mentor (3-6 credit hours);

Earn a B or above in each honors course;

Maintain a major GPA of 3.25 or higher (students whose GPAs fall below the minimums will be granted one semester grace period to regain the minimum GPA level;

Participate with other Honors students in department-initiated Honors student activities.

Honors sections will require a level of intellectual engagement over and above that of the traditional course. Honors sections will require additional reading and one or more additional projects, papers, or assignments.

The Honors Thesis Project Requirements-In order to complete the honors thesis requirement, a student must:

Enroll with a faculty mentor for one or two semesters (3-6 credit hours) in a section of Senior Honors Thesis;

Develop a project (in conjunction with the faculty mentor) that contributes intellectually to the field of sociology;

Defend the honors thesis before a committee consisting of the faculty mentor and 1-2 additional faculty readers;

Submit a publishable manuscript of the thesis project. Or submit an archive copy and written description of a non-traditional thesis project, such as a documentary film.

1010/101 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY (3)

Survey of sociology and its methods; the study of society; social inequality; social institutions; and social change. S7 900

1099 FRESHMAN SEMINAR IN SOCIOLOGY (1)

Prerequisites: Newly admitted freshmen and transfer students with fewer than 30 credit hours.

Introduction to the expectations of the university. the nature of a sociological approach to learning. Promotion of effective study skills, utilization of university resources, including the academic library and the computer laboratories. Acclimation to the university.

1110/215 SOCIAL PROBLEMS (3)

Prerequisite: SOC 1010/101 or equivalent. Successful completion Reading Qualifying Examination.

Study of social problems, possible causes, and attempted solutions; race and ethnic relations, family instability, violence, alcohol and drug abuse. Credit not given for both SOC 305 and 1110/215.

1200/255 RACE AND ETHNICITY (3)

Prerequisite: SOC 1010/101 or equivalent. Successful completion of Reading Qualifying Examination.

Analysis of race and ethnicity, racial and ethnic relations, and overview of diversity in the U.S. IAI: S7 903D

1250/125 DIVERSITY IN U.S. SOCIETY (3)

Exploration of diversity in the United States in all its forms, including: race, ethnicity, comma, religion, gender, nationality and sexual orientation. Focus on constructions of difference, intergroup relations and Chicago populations.

1300/150 INTRODUCTION TO NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS I (3)

Prerequisite: Consent of the department.

Introduction to the history and philosophical foundations of human service delivery systems. Development of career and employability skills as well as personal attributes necessary for an effective social/human service professional. Field trips to local agencies and presentations by agency professionals. Cannot be used to fulfill general education requirements.

1099 FRESHMAN SEMINAR IN SOCIOLOGY (1)

Prerequisites: Newly admitted freshmen and transfer students with fewer than 30 credit hours.

Introduction to the expectations of the university. The nature of a sociological approach to learning. Promotion of effective study skills, utilization of university resources including academic library and computer laboratories. Acclimatization to university life.

1310/151 INTRODUCTION TO NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS II (3)

Prerequisite: Consent of the department.

General management skills used in social/human service agencies. Focus on board and committee development, risk management, and communication skills. Can not be used to fulfill general education requirements.

1900 SOCIOECONOMIC INEQUALITY OF WOMEN IN THE UNITED STATES (3)

Examination of socioeconomic inequality of women across race, ethinicity, and class in the U.S. Focus on income distribution, public policy, health and mortality, education, employment, social mobility cultural reinforcement of inequality, and feminist responses to these conditions.

2030/253 SOCIOLOGY OF DEVIANCE (3)

Prerequisite: SOC 1010/101 or equivalent. Successful completion of Reading Qualifying Examination.

Theoretical and critical analysis of deviance; types of deviance and responses of society.

2050/225 SOCIOLOGY OF POPULAR CULTURE (3)

Prerequisite: SOC 1010/101 or equivalent. Successful completion of Reading Qualifying Examination.

Analysis of culture and its components. Focus on mass communication in media and the arts in the U.S.

2100/257 GROUP DYNAMICS (3)

Prerequisite: SOC 1010/101 or equivalent. Successful completion of Reading Qualifying Examination.

Structure and functions of human groups. Conditions affecting interactions among small groups.

2120 AFRICAN AMERICANS IN SCIENCE AND SOCIETY

Course emphasizes and brings into focus the important contributions made by African Americans in science. Exploration of the relationship between the scientist and the society in which he/she lived. Interdisciplinary course between Physical Science and Sociology; credit may not be given for both PH S 2120 and Soc 2120.

2200 INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN SEXUALITY (3)

This team-taught course explores human sexuality from biological, physiological, sociological, and cultural contexts. Particular attention is given to the biological processes of sex and its impact on sensuality. The second half of the course explores social norms and values related to sex and explores views on contemporary sexuality that places emphasis on gender roles, gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, and transgendered. An interactive class that incorporates multiple medias, students are encouraged to explore their own views of sexuality.

2230/270 GENDER AND SOCIETY (3)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Reading Qualifying Examination.

An overview of gender stratification in the United States through an analysis of such social institutions as the economy, government, religion, education, and the family. IAI: S7 904D

2250/259 INTRODUCTION TO GERONTOLOGY (3)

Prerequisite: SOC 1010/101 or ANTH 1010/101 or consent of the department. Successful completion of Reading Qualifying Examination.

Analysis of social, cultural and economic factors affecting the aged in modern society.

2300/206 THE FAMILY (3)

Prerequisite: SOC 1010/101 or equivalent, successful completion of qualifying examination in Reading

Social, cultural, and economic forces affecting families in the U.S.; comparison to family organization in other societies and previous eras. Credit not given for both Soc 306 and Soc 2300/206. IAI: S7 902

2310/254 SOCIAL CONTROL (3)

Prerequisite: SOC 1010/101 or equivalent. Successful completion of Reading Qualifying Examination.

Agencies, means, and types of social control. Social and individual norms. Education as social control.

2400/202 COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION AND COMMUNITY PROBLEMS (3)

Prerequisite: SOC 1010/101 or equivalent. Successful completion of Reading Qualifying Examination.

A broad base overview of community organizations and community problems in a multifaceted, complex, and multicultural society. (Enrichment core course.)

2410/252 COLLECTIVE BEHAVIOR (3)

Prerequisite: SOC 1010/101 or equivalent. Successful completion of Reading Qualifying Examination.

Social processes in unstructured social situations. Crowds, mobs, and spontaneous movements. Current social movements.

2500/235 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK (3)

Prerequisite: SOC 1010/101. Successful completion of Reading Qualifying Examination.

Study of social work as a profession and an introduction to the field of social work.

2900/395 SPECIAL TOPICS IN SOCIOLOGY (3)

Prerequisite: SOC 1010/101 or consent of the department. Successful completion Reading and English Qualifying Examinations.

Intensive study of a topic in sociology. May be repeated under different topics for up to nine credits.

3030/301 SOCIAL FACTORS IN JUVENILE DELINQUENCY (3)

Prerequisite: SOC 2030/253 or equivalent. Successful completion Reading and English Qualifying Examinations.

Relationship of delinquency to neighborhood, home, school, and community. Social determinants of delinquency.

3060 HIP HOP AND SOCIETY (3)

Prerequisite: Soc 1010 or consent of the department. Successful completion of Reading and English Qualifying Examinations.

Study of rap music and hip hop culture from a variety of perspectives; historical, sociological, artistic, political, cultural, and economic. Examination of the global impact of rap music and hip hop culture with emphasis on race relations, youth, and gender.

3200 RACE RELATIONS

Prerequisite: Soc 1010 or consent of the department. Successful completion of Reading and English Qualifying Examinations.

Examination of the relationships between different racial and ethnic groups. Topics include racism, settlement patterns, representation, violence and conflict, interracial cultural exchange, cooperation and communication, intermarriage and miscegenation, and segregation. Particular emphasis on how different groups of people of color interact.

3230/303 WOMEN AND SOCIAL ACTION (3)

Prerequisite: SOC 1010/101 or equivalent. Successful completion Reading and English Qualifying Examinations.

How gender stereotypes are transmitted through culture, the media, language, and educational institutions; social control in the areas of politics, the law, religion, and medicine; feminist movements and social action. Emphasis on case studies.

3290 LATINAS/OS IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY

Prerequisite: Soc 1010 or consent of the department. Successful completion of Reading and English Qualifying Examinations.

Study of contemporary issues affecting Latinas/os. Areas of examination include socio-economic, cultural, political, and historical phenomena. Topics include education, immigration, race, gender, sexuality, the arts, and civic participation.

3300/324 SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION (3)

Prerequisite: SOC 1010/101 or equivalent. Successful completion Reading and English Qualifying Examinations.

Examination of religion as a social institution; overview of types of religious experience and spirituality.

3340/347 URBAN SOCIAL POLICY (3)

Prerequisite: SOC 1010/101 and successful completion of Reading and English Qualifying Examinations.

A seminar on social policies in urban areas.

3350/275 COMPLEX ORGANIZATIONS (3)

Prerequisite: SOC 1010/101 and successful completion of reading qualifying examination.

Examination of complex organizations; impact on members and clients, internal dynamics, functions, bureaucracy, and place within the social environment. Theories and research on complex organizations in business, government, religion, the military, politics, and education.

3400/302 THE URBAN COMMUNITY (3)

Prerequisite: SOC 1010/101 or equivalent. Successful completion Reading and English Qualifying Examinations.

Study of urban and suburban social life, populations, spatial patterns, and social institutions.

3430/355 DEALING WITH DIVERSITY (3)

Prerequisite: SOC 1010/101 and SOC 1200/255, or equivalents. Successful completion Reading and English Qualifying Examinations.

A telecourse which provides a substantive and critical review of racial, ethnic, gender, and global trends that lead to polarization.

3500/318 SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE I (3)

Prerequisite: Soc 1010/101, 2500/235, and successful completion of Reading and English Qualifying Examinations.

Introduction to practice, theory, and models of social work intervention; will provide students with knowledge, values, and skills for multi-level generalist practice. Skill development in interviewing and recording emphasized.

3510/319 SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE II (3)

Prerequisite: Soc 3500/318 and successful completion of reading and English Qualifying Examinations.

Development and use of generalist practice skills to facilitate change in diverse individuals, families and groups. Emphasizes skills in engagement, assessment, and evaluation.

3560/310 CRISIS INTERVENTION IN SOCIAL WORK (3)

Prerequisite: SOC 101 and 235. Successful completion Reading and English Qualifying Examinations.

Concepts and techniques needed in dealing with individual and family crisis situations.

3570/311 METHODS OF SOCIAL WORK INTERVENTION (3)

Prerequisite: Consent of the department. Successful completion Reading and English Qualifying Examinations.

A beginning understanding of social work practice theory and skills with emphasis on the practice principles common to casework, group work and community organization in the beginning, middle and terminal phases of the helping process.

3800/330 SOCIAL THEORY (3)

Prerequisite: SOC 1010/101 and 2400/202. Successful completion Reading and English Qualifying Examinations.

Study of major theories in contemporary sociology, their origin and development. Writing emphasis course.

4200/325 SOCIAL CLASS AND STRATIFICATION (3)

Prerequisite: SOC 1010/101 or equivalent. Successful completion Reading and English Qualifying Examinations.

Study of social class, criteria of class placement and social mobility. Writing emphasis course.

4250/322 SEMINAR ON AGING (3)

Prerequisite: SOC 2250/259. Successful completion Reading and English Qualifying Examinations.

Critical review of lifestyles and problems of older people. Emphasis on current programs affecting older members of society.

4280 SEMINAR: THE LAW, PUBLIC POLICY, AND AFRICAN AMERICANS (3)

Prerequisites: SOC 1010/101. Successful completion Reading and English Qualifying Examinations.

4290/380 SEMINAR: THE LAW, PUBLIC POLICY AND AFRICAN AMERICANS (3)

Prerequisite: SOC 1010/101. Successful completion Reading and English Qualifying Examinations.

Analysis of important historical and current issues and legislation with an impact on African Americans. (This course satisfies the elective course requirements for the African American Studies major or minor.) (This course satisfies the elective course requirements for the African American Studies major or minor.)

4300/308 SEMINAR IN SOCIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE BLACK FAMILY (3)

Prerequisite: SOC 1010/101. Successful completion Reading and English Qualifying Examinations.

A critical review and analysis of theories and perspectives about African Americans. Special attention on research and studies which influence public policy. (This course satisfies the elective course requirements for the African American Studies major or minor.)

4450/5450 COMMUNITY ORGANIZING

Prerequisites: Soc 1010 or consent of department.

The techniques, practice, and theories of community organizing; focus on diverse communities facing conditions of social, economic, and/or political decline.

4500/338 PRINCIPLES OF CASE MANAGEMENT (3)

Prerequisite: SOC 4560/335 or consent of the department. Successful completion Reading and English Qualifying Examinations.

Development of knowledge and skills utilized by case managers in human service organizations; emphasis on managed care, assessment, referral and advocacy.

4550/332 /5450 CHILD WELFARE SERVICES (3)

Prerequisite: SOC 1010/101,2500/235, and successful completion of Reading and English Qualifying Examinations.

Principles and policies relating to child welfare services with emphasis on children in poverty.

4560/335 SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY (3)

Prerequisite: SOC 1010/101, 2500/235, and successful completion of Reading and English Qualifying Examinations.

General overview of organization, policies, institutions, and programs relevant to social welfare in contemporary society.

4570/340 ADOLESCENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES. (3)

Prerequisite: SOC 1010/101 and 2500/235, or consent of the department. Successful completion Reading and English Qualifying Examinations.

Exploration of socio-cultural and behavioral factors that negatively impact adolescents and their families; related theories and change strategies included.

4580/359/5580 SOCIAL WORK WITH THE AGED (3)

Prerequisites: Soc. 1010/101, 2500/235. Successful completion of the Reading Qualifying Examination.

Preparation for direct social work practice with vulnerable elderly. Assessment and intervention strategies emphasized. Credit not given for SOC 260 and 359.

4810/390 SOCIAL RESEARCH METHODS (3)

Prerequisite: SOC 1010/101 and 6 additional credit hours in sociology, or consent of the instructor. Successful completion Reading and English Qualifying Examinations.

The techniques of original sociological research; research design, surveys, experiments, content analysis, field research, and comparative research. Evaluation of current research.

4820/389 COMPUTER RESEARCH: SOCIOLOGY/SOCIAL WORK (3)

Prerequisite: SOC 1010/101; CPTR 1060/106, completion of university proficiency examinations. Successful completion Reading and English Qualifying Examinations.

Introduction to the personal computer, its operating system, and word processing. Special emphasis on contemporary social research, such as community needs, assessment, trends, field research, and data management and analysis.

4830/391 QUANTITATIVE METHODS (3)

Prerequisite: SOC 1010/101; 6 additional credit hours in sociology; CPTR 1060/106; and MATH 1200/162 or equivalent; or consent of the department. Successful completion Reading and English Qualifying Examinations.

Computer-based date management and analysis, includes data presentation, measures of central tendency and variability, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, chi-square tests, correlation and regression.

4850/331 SEMINAR IN CULTURAL THEORY (3)

Prerequisite: SOC 1010/101 and 3800/330 or consent of the department. Successful completion Reading and English Qualifying Examinations.

Advanced study and critical analysis of classical and contemporary cultural theory.

4900/350 INDEPENDENT STUDY (3)

Prerequisite: SOC 1010/101 and 2400/202. Successful completion Reading and English Qualifying Examinations.

Individual study and supervised research.

4910/388 EFFECTIVE WRITING FOR THE HUMAN SERVICES (3)

Prerequisite: SOC 1010/101; senior standing. Successful completion

Reading and English Qualifying Examinations.

Development of effective writing skills for completing court reports, writing grants, referral letters, etc., as required in human service agencies.

4950/360 FIELD INTERNSHIP (3-12)

Prerequisite: SOC 1010/101, 2400/202, six additional hours of sociology, and consent of the department. Successful completion Reading and English Qualifying Examinations.

Practical application of sociological theory in career oriented research projects, agency work, or special programs.

4990 SENIOR HONORS THESIS (3)

Prerequisites: Senior Standing, admittance to the Honors in the major program, and consent of the department.

Directed research and writing. May be repeated for a maximum of six total credits.