Department: Political Science, Economics, Sociology

Alicia A. Weaver

Assistant Professor of Sociology

Office:

Harbert 311

Contact Information:

Birmingham-Southern College
Box 549062
900 Arkadelphia Rd
Birmingham, AL 35254
Office Phone: (205) 226-7745
Office Fax: (205) 226-4847
E-mail: aweaver@bsc.edu

Brief Career Background:

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Educational Background:

B.Phl. Interdisciplinary Studies, Miami University; M.A. Sociology, The Ohio State University; Ph.D. Sociology, The Ohio State University

Areas of Academic Interest:

My primary research interest is environmental sociology, meaning I study explanations for various interactions between humans and the environment, and the implications of these relationships. Past research devoted to this topic has included a study of the influence of socio-demographic and social-psychological characteristics on environmental attitudes and behaviors, as well as dissertation research devoted to an understanding of the extent to which public opinion plays a role in the development of public policy on the environment. As a graduate student I participated in several study abroad trips to Germany and Poland and I have studied adaptation to social change among farmers in Poland. I also have an interest in issues of sustainable development, particularly sustainable agriculture.

Courses Taught:

SO 101 Introduction to Sociology (1)
The study of human society: the processes of social interaction and organization.
Emphasis is placed on learning the basic concepts, principles, and theoretical perspectives of sociology. Prerequisite: MA 115 or equivalent. Fall, Spring, Summer.

SO 102 Contemporary Social Problems (1)
The application of sociological principles and perspectives in the analysis of current issues.The impact of social change, deviations from norms, and conflicts between social structures and social goals and values are considered in relation to social problems (an IC designated course). Fall, Spring.

SO 304 Research Methodology (1)
The scientific method applied to 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. (Also listed as PS 304, this course may be counted for credit in either sociology or political science.) Laboratory required. Prerequisite: SO 204 or PS 204.
Spring.

SO 337 Social Movements and Politics (1) An examination of the relationship between social movements, social change, and politics. Emphasis is placed on social movement theory, types of social movements, and case studies of social movements. Prerequisite: SO 101 or 102.

SO 370 Sociology of Medicine (1)
Investigations of the organization and distribution of health care, and the influence of social factors on health (a Leadership Studies designated course). Prerequisite: SO 101 or 102. Spring.

SO 373 Urban Sociology (1)
Social organization of the urban community; historical and contemporary patterns in the structure and growth of the city; cross-national processes of urbanization and social change. Prerequisite: SO 101 or 102. Fall.

SO 376 Environmental Sociology (1)
Examines environmental issues from a sociological perspective. Emphasis is placed on human causes of environmental change such as science and technology, the government and the economy, population and consumption, and religion and culture; social and environmental consequences of the relationships between humans and the environment. Prerequisite: SO 101 or 102, or ES 150.