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ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2016-2017
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SO 208 Criminology (1)
An investigation into the social processes involved in the criminal justice system. Crime
and delinquency, police organization and behavior, and the sociology of law are stressed.
Prerequisite: SO 101.
SO 211 Social Psychology (1)
An introduction to concepts, theories, and methods of social psychology. Topics include
the self, person perception, persuasion, conformity, obedience, stereotypes and prejudice,
aggression, prosocial behavior, group processes, and attraction and relationships. (Also
listed as PY 211, this course may be counted for credit in either psychology or
sociology.) Prerequisite: PY 101 or SO 101.
SO 215 Sociology of Gender and Sexuality (1)
A survey of theory and research on males and females; biological and cultural factors in
development and abilities; perception and treatment of the genders by society; and
current gender issues and their historical context. (Also listed as PY 215, this course may
be counted for credit in either sociology or psychology.) Prerequisites: PY 101 or SO
101. Spring.
SO 235 Race and Ethnic Relations (1)
An examination of some of the major issues in the relations between dominant and
minority groups. Emphasis is on contemporary U.S. society although historical and cross-
cultural analyses are included. Prerequisite: GCS 100 or SO 101. Fall.
SO 293, 393, 493 Independent Study in Sociology (½ or 1)
Directed study for advanced students in the major. Coursework will include directed
readings in sociology. Specific guidelines concerning independent study projects appear
in the “Exploration Term and Contract Learning” section of this catalog.
SO 298, 398, 498 Teaching Experience in Sociology (½ or 1)
A teaching experience course. Upon invitation, qualified students may register for this
course. Specific guidelines concerning teaching experiences appear in the “Teaching
Experiences” section of this catalog.
SO 304 Research Methodology (1)
The scientific method applied to economic, social, and political phenomena: formulating
hypotheses; techniques for collecting data, measuring variables, and interpreting research
findings. The course includes a laboratory in which statistical procedures are applied,
interpreted, and documented through completion of a significant research project.
Laboratory required. (Also listed as EC 304, GCS 304, PS 304, this course may be
counted for credit in economics, global and comparative studies, political science, or
sociology.) Prerequisite: EC 204, GCS 204, PS 204, or SO 204. Spring.
SO 339 Social Stratification (1)
A study of economic class, prestige, lifestyle, and power hierarchies. Causes and
consequences of structural social inequality are emphasized. Prerequisite: SO 101.