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Sociology Department
321 Santa Susana Hall
CSU Northridge
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8318

Hours: M-F (8 a.m. to 5 p.m)
Phone: (818) 677-3591
Fax: (818) 677-2059

sociology@csun.edu

 

Upper Division Courses

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300 and 400 level; Prerequisite: Sociology 150 or equivalent

303. The Family (3)
The family as a social institution on the basis of the data of ethnology, history, and contemporary studies. Special attention to contemporary culture patterns.
304. Sociology of Deviance (3)
Deviant behavior in contemporary American society. Various definitions of deviance and social responses to the phenomenon. Theories of structural conditions and personal motivations contributing to different life styles. Analysis of deviant subcultures and individual case studies.
305. Culture and Personality (3)
Prerequisites: ANTH 150, PSY 150, or SOC 150, and completion of the lower division writing requirement. Across-cultural study of the development of individual personality in the socio-cultural milieu. Special attention is given to child rearing practices, social personality, social character, mental health and illness, and conforming and deviant behavior in several western and non-western societies. Not to be taken for credit in addition to ANTH 305. (Available for General Education, Social Sciences.)
306. Jewish Communal and Family Structure (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower-division writing requirement. The study of Jewish communal and family structure in an international context as a function of religious requirements and social circumstances. (Available for General Education, Comparative Cultural Studies.)
307. Ethnic Diversity in America (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of lower-division writing requirement. A description and analysis of contemporary, changing ethnic cultures and lifestyles in American society. Focused analysis of ethnic cultures/lifestyles by social class, family form, sex role and orientation, age-grouping, and influences of social movements and popular culture. (Available for General Education, Comparative Cultural Studies.)
312. American Society (3)
The development, form, and organization of basic institutions in American society and its communities and regions. The social genesis of contemporary problem situations.
324. Sociology of Sex Roles (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower-division writing requirement. Analysis of contemporary and historical sex roles in major societal institutions: economic, political, educational, legal, and medical systems and institutions of marriage and family. (Available for General Education, Social Sciences.)
325. Sex Roles and Work (3)
Examination of current research on women in the labor force in U.S. and other industrial societies: impact of affirmative action programs, changes in structure and function of industrial labor forces, projections of future roles of women and men in the labor force.
328. The Child and Society (3)
The sociology of childhood. Sociological perspective on the changing role of the child, child socialization, the role of social institutions in the shaping of childhood experiences and behavior, and the problems of childhood, in the larger society and in selected ethnic and minority groups.
333. Chinese Society (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of lower division writing requirement. A study of Chinese social order, culture, institutions, values, beliefs, and social personality as they occur in traditional and contemporary China. Special attention is given to those social and cultural transformations that have shaped modern Chinese society. (Available for General Education, Comparative Cultural Studies.)
335. Jewish Identity in the U.S. (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of lower division writing requirement. The social-psychological study of a religious and ethnic minority. Comparison with other sub-cultural groups in America. Social institutions and processes involved in Jewish identity. (Available for General Education, Comparative Cultural Studies.)
340. Sociology of Work (3)
Analysis of the structural context of work in contemporary society, including preparation for access to different positions within the occupational structure. The study of work settings, including formal and informal characteristics, changes in the structure of work, and case histories involving work experiences and occupational subcultures.
345. Social Psychology (3)
A study of the group-setting of the individual: theories, concepts, principles, and their application. History of the field as an interdisciplinary specialty. Current research and trends.
348. Juvenile Delinquency (3)
Extent and distribution of delinquency, with emphasis on the local area. Meaning, implications, and treatment of delinquency. Personal and environmental conditioning factors.
350. Population Dynamics (3)
An analysis of the nature, causes and consequences of major world population trends as they are related to Urban Studies, Medical Sociology, and Ecology. Studies fertility, mortality and migration; sex ratios; race and ethnic composition; marital, educational, and occupational status; census and vital statistics.
355. Criminology (3)
The nature of crime, the causal factors of criminal behavior, and group control of the crime problem.
356. Introduction to Social Welfare (3)
An exploration of social welfare as one of the basic institutions in contemporary society; its historical development and changing philosophy. The place of social services within the institution of social welfare.
357. Introductory Social Work Methods (2)
Introduction to social work practice. Knowledge and theory related to interviewing skills and basic methods of intervention. Required of all Option III: Social Welfare majors. Must be taken concurrently with SOC. 357P.
357P. Introductory Social Work Practicum (1)
Beginning in-service training in social work practice. Must be taken concurrently with SOC 357. CR/NC only.
364. Social Statistics (3)
Prerequisite: MATH 140. Methods of organizing and analyzing quantitative sociological data. Satisfies the statistics requirement for the major. (SOC 364L must be taken concurrently.)
364L. Social Statistics Laboratory (1)
Problem solving, exercises, projects, and data analysis. Use of Sociology laboratory or computer.
368. Sociological Theory I (3)
A study of early sociological theories. Emphasis on whole theoretical systems. Includes Comte, Spencer, Marx, Durkhelm, Pareto, Weber, and Simmel as well as other sociologists who did their major work before 1917. (SOC 368S must be taken concurrently.)
368S. Research Seminar in Sociological Theory (2)
Discussions and analysis of early sociological theories and theorists, from Comte through Weber, including supervised individual or group projects and reports.
390. Race Relations (3)
The study of diverse racial and ethnic groups, including Latino, Chicano, Asian, Black, American Indian, with a focus on the contemporary American scene. Status distinctions, migration and settlement patterns, segregation, integration, assimilation, prejudice, discrimination, economic and political factors, social movements and interaction patterns both within and between these groups, and their effects upon American life are studied.
395. Applications of Computers in Sociology (3)
Prerequisite: Some training in statistics is advised, and/or consent of the instructor. Sociological knowledge as related to the impact of computers on American Institutions. Examination and use of large data files. Application of computers in sociological inquiry.
396A-F. Experimental Courses in Sociology (3)
Selected topics in Sociology with course content to be determined.
400. Organizational Analysis (2)
Analysis of the social structure and interactional dynamics of selected organizational settings, including public and private agencies, hospitals, correctional facilities, educational institutions, and public and private corporations. Two hours lecture and two hours simulation and role-playing activity. Note: Available fall semester only!
400L. Organizational Analysis Lab (1)
Problems and exercises in organizational analysis. Note: Available fall semester only!
401. Class, Status, and Power (3)
Analysis of the distribution of wealth, prestige, and power. Study of the causes of poverty, life chances of the poor, lifestyles of the wealthy, upward and downward mobility, and class and group conflict in society.
418. Women and Crime
Prerequisite: Sociology 250. This course focuses on women as victims of crime, women as perpetrators of crime, and women as agents of social control. The course also critically examines existing stereotypes about women within the criminal justice system.
426. Social Legislation and Social Policy (4)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower-division writing requirement. A study of the social and philosophical elements related to development and operation of poor law, social insurance law, health service, correctional law, juvenile law, mental health law, family law, employment provision and manpower law, child protection law and similar laws. Regular written assignments will be required.
434. Sociology of Law.
Prerequisite: Sociology 250. This course will introduce the student to the sociological study of law and the legal system with emphasis on social analysis of criminal law and the courts. Specifically, the student will study social perspectives on the origins of law and law-making, the application and enforcement of law, and the administration of justice through the legal process. Critical thinking and writing skills will be emphasized in the course through the use of legal case study, essay examinations, and a final research paper dedicated to the application of legal sociology to current crime issues.
438. Diversity and Crime.
Prerequisite: Sociology 250. This course introduces students to a variety of conceptions and explanations of diversity issues in crime. The course beings with an analytic overview of philosophical, ideological, economic, political, and sociological principles underlying human diversity. Each dimension of human diversity is then examined as it relates to crime and criminal justice, with emphasis on historical development, social manifestations, and practical impacts on specific representative populations. The last part of the course deals with social policy reactions to diversity issues in crime and criminal justice.
440. Sociology of Aging (3)
Analysis of aging in its social and social psychological aspects, throughout the life span. Emphasis on particular social problems of the elderly; retirement, widowhood, suicide, housing, income maintenance, attitudes toward death and dying, etc.
445. Social-Psychological Aspects of Health Care Problems (3)
Prerequisites: SOC 345 and HSCI 314. Review of current social psychological theories concerning attitudes, communication, interaction, role and individual behavior as applied to health care and related settings.
450. Medical Sociology (3)
A survey of sociological theory and research techniques related to mortality, illness, and medical treatment. Emphasis is placed upon the epidemiological aspects of these phenomena in various groups, hospitals, community health settings, etc.
451. Sociological Aspects of Human Sexuality (3)
Prerequisite: SOC 230 and SOC 303 or consent of instructor. Emphasizes the sociological influences shaping human sexual behavior with an emphasis on learning social scripts.
452. Sociology of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Communities (3)
An analysis of cross-cultural and historical treatments of homosexuality. A survey of sociological research on homosexuality. An analysis of homophobia and other attitudes toward homosexuality. Study of the problems associated with the adjustment of homosexuals. An exploration of homosexual lifestyles and group involvements.
454. Policing Society.
Prerequisite: Sociology 250. The purpose of this course is to expose students to research and literature related to the study of policing. The course will explore the history of policing; selection, training and socialization of the police; police culture; female and minority officers; community policing; police deviance and ethics; police discretion; private policing; and hazards of policing. We will look at "classic" studies in addition to the most up-to-date research on policing. This course will approach the study of policing from a sociological viewpoint, using sociological theory to address topics of policing.
456. Proseminar on Sexual Dysfunction (3)
Prerequisites: PSY 453, SOC 451, HSCI 441 or graduate standing and consent of instructor. (Same as PSY 456.) An intensive study of sexual dysfunction, including etiology, models of treatment, effects of aging and drug use on sexual attitudes and behavior, disorders of sexual desire, and ethical issues in sex therapy. Specifically designed for students planning careers in clinical or community psychology or counseling.
459. Child Welfare (3)
Trends in the movement toward establishing the rights of the child to protection and care. Emphasis on the child and the law, compulsory education, school social work, child labor legislation, institutional and foster care for the healthy and the sick child, and adoption legislation.
460. Social Epidemiology (3)
Prerequisite: SOC 450. Study of endemic, and emergent conditions which create large scale social incapacities such as emotional disabilities, physical diseases and environmental urban constraints. Methodological techniques for social epidemiology along with procedures to determine differential risk patterns are examined.
468. Sociological Theory II (3)
Discussion of sociological theories since 1917. (SOC 468S must be taken concurrently.)
468S. Research Seminar in Sociological Theory II (2)
Discussion and analysis of contemporary theories and theorists including supervised individual or group projects and reports.
470. Methods of Social Work (3)
Prerequisite: SOC 345, 426. Theories and concepts in social work practice. An in-depth analysis of methods of intervention with individuals, families, groups and communities. Emphasis will be on the integration of theories with practice. Required for Sociology Option III majors.
474. Corrections.
Prerequisite: Sociology 250. This course offers sociological and criminological examination of the field of corrections, both substantively and critically. The course includes patterns and trends in incarceration rates, brief review of police and judicial processes resulting in incarceration, climate and culture of correctional facilities, gender and diversity in corrections, and community-based corrections including probation, parole, half-way houses, and community-based treatment programs. A critical examination of current issues in corrections is also covered.
475AEE/BEE. Supervised Field Instruction I, II (3-3)
Prerequisites: SOC 345, 356, 357, 357P, 426, 470, 492 and GPA of 2.5 in upper division major courses and permission of instructor. Required for all Sociology Option III majors. In service training in social work practice in pre-approved agencies with field and faculty supervision. SOC 472 must be taken concurrently with SOC 475AEE/BEE. If desired, student may enroll for SOC 475AEE and 475BEE concurrently. Pre-enrollment by specified date during the preceding semester is required. An Academic Internship course.
481. Counseling, Interviewing and Intervention (3)
Prerequisite: SOC 345. Experiential training and practice in the skills, methods and techniques of counseling, the helping interview, and intervention in work, group, organizational, and community settings, by means of in-class role playing, simulation, and case studies.
482S0C. Practicum in Counseling and Guidance: Work Settings (3)
Prerequisite: SOC 481. Supervised field experience in counseling and guidance activities, paraprofessional work settings. Community field placements consistent with student career needs. Class size limited to 15 students. An Academic Internship course. This course is offered for Credit/No Credit only.
483. Proseminar in Counseling and Guidance: Work Settings (1)
Prerequisite: SOC 481. Coordination and discussion of on-going intern field placement issues, opportunities, and problems. Integration of theoretical assigned readings and field work experience through discussion, presentations, and individual term projects/papers. Career exploration and guidance. To be taken concurrently with SOC 482.
485A.Special Topics in Criminology.
Prerequisite: Sociology 250. Special seminars in selected topics in criminology will be offered based on student interest and faculty expertise. These topics will involve in-depth study of specialty criminology areas such as gangs, serial murder, victims in society, and domestic violence.
485B. Special Topics in Criminal Justice
Prerequisite: Sociology 250. Special seminars in selected topics in criminal justice will be offered based on student interest and faculty expertise. These topics will involve in-depth study of specialty areas of criminal justice such as minorities in the criminal justice system, victims and the criminal justice system, community policing, and probation & parole.
486SOC. Social Science Career Internship (3)
(Same as GEOG, HIST, PAS, POLS and PSY 486SOC) Prerequisites: Upper division standing in a social or behavioral science major, appropriate methods course as specified by the department, and consent of instructor. Social and behavioral science principles will be applied to the work place. At least nine hours per week of supervised fieldwork is required. Students will complete learning contracts and submit written reports related to their internships. (See section on Academic Internships.)
491. Group Processes: Psychodrama and Sociodrama (3)
A review of the theory and method of psychodrama, sociodrama, and various group therapies as applied in such treatment settings as correctional institutions, psychiatric hospitals, juvenile institutions, probation and parole, and community mental health clinics. Lectures, videotapes and classroom demonstrations of these group methods. (Student participation in demonstrations of group methods is voluntary and is not a course requirement.)
492. Dynamics of Social Behavior and Development (3)
Prerequisites: SOC 345 or PSY 345 or other comparable upper division course and completion of the lower-division writing requirement. Sociological aspects of interpersonal behavior, with emphasis on symbolic interaction, social development, and socialization theories. Analysis of a variety of social-psychological concepts for understanding individual, family, small group and community dynamics. Discussion of application of theory to practice in social work and related human service fields. Regular written assignments will be required.
496. Experimental Courses in Sociology (1-4)
Special Seminar in selected topics in Sociology with course content to be determined.
497. Methods of Social Research (3)
Prerequisites: SOC 202 and 364. Application of the scientific method to social phenomena and analysis of the techniques. Methods of collecting, classifying, interpreting, and presenting social data (SOC 497L must be taken concurrently).
497L. Research Methods Laboratory (1)
Problems and exercises with research design and data analysis.
498AEE-CEE. Field Study and Reports (1-3)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Supervised field observation and study. Written reports. An Academic Internship course.
498S. Seminar in Field Study and Reports (1)
Application of sociological perspectives and methodology to field experience, either practicum or research. Concurrent enrollment in SOC 498, Field Study and Reports is required. Completion of SOC 497 & 497L is strongly recommended.
499A-C. Independent Study (1-3