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Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2017-2018
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ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
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. A Leadership Studies designated course. Prerequisite:
GCS 100 or SO 101. Fall.
SO 290 Sociology of Drug Use (1)
An exploration of drug-using behavior as viewed from a sociological perspective.
Emphasis is on understanding historical and current U.S. drug use trends and theoretical
approaches regarding drug use, social correlates of drug use, and societal responses to
drugs use, including treatment, prevention, and policy. Prerequisite: SO 101. Spring.
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, SO 204, or UES 204. Spring.
SO 339 Social Inequality (1)
A study of economic class, prestige, lifestyle, and power hierarchies. Causes and
consequences of structural social inequality are emphasized. Prerequisite: SO 101.
SO 340 Social Epidemiology (1)
An introduction to the basic principles of epidemiological study design, analysis, and
interpretation. Emphasis is placed on social causes and consequences of disease, how
disease/illness is spread unevenly among different populations, and how public health
interventions can help control or reduce the spread of disease and chronic illness.
Prerequisites: PHS 213 or SO 101. Spring.
SO 350 Special Topics in Sociology (1)
An in-depth exploration of theory and research in a sub-disciplinary area of sociology.
Topics will vary. May be repeated for credit when the focus of the course is different.
Prerequisite: SO 101.