General introduction to the study of human relationships, group aspects of behavior and social institutions. Considers basic concepts and theories.

In this class we will examine a number of contemporary social problems through a sociological lens. While we will incorporate global issues, it is important to note that we primarily discuss social problems (or at least, what gets labeled as a social problem) from a US-centered context. We will cover a broad range of issues including population and immigration, the environment, the economy and labor market, race, gender, deviance, and disability. Since we have much ground to cover in limited time, we will mainly use class time to help develop an essential tool for anyone interested in sociology and social problems - your sociological imagination. Your sociological imagination helps you see social problems beyond their face-value and illustrates the way our perception of society is affected by social structures and the power they wield.

Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-Superior course.

Why do such profound socioeconomic differences exist among nations, particularly so-called developed and developing countries? Why do these differences seem to be permanent? What keeps developing countries from developing? What is the relationship between development and environmental crisis? In this class, we will explore these questions and more by studying the social relationships behind the production of everyday things.

Sociologists study the ways that humans are “social beings” --the idea that while we are all individuals we are also products of society. Our experiences, identities, and culture influence the way that we see and move through the world. One of the clearest ways to see this influence is through popular culture. The media that we consume impacts what and who we consider normal or strange, right or wrong, and good or bad. This course explores how current trends in media and pop culture both affect and reflect how society is structured. Types of popular culture covered include fashion, fiction and fandom, social media, television, movies, and music.

Introduces the social construction of sex and gender. Focuses on both local and international materials, with particular attention to gender inequality in contemporary societies. Intersections with class, race, nation and other social categories are also explored. Cross listed with GST 210.

An examination of food's role and uses in distinct communities. Topics may include gender, the body, ethnicity, class, belonging, meaning, culture change, ideology, food movements, and food and inequality. Cross listed as ANTH/SOCI 213.

Examines the social production of racial and ethnic categories as well as the practices that enact these categories. After examining the representation of these categories as "natural," the course uses evidence to investigate the institutional and representational processes that historically create and modify race and ethnicity. Focus on Western conceptions of race and ethnicity but global perspectives will also be explored.

Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-Superior course.

Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-Superior course.

Sociology Environmental Science Elective

Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-Superior course.

Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-S course.

Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-Superior course.

Field trips designed by the department faculty to give students direct experiences in foreign countries. Each program includes preparatory reading, orientation meetings, a faculty-supervised study tour, and a detailed written evaluation of learning situations associated with the course. With consent of the relevant program and content adaptation, programs provided by other agencies can be considered for this credit. Students must obtain approval for taking these courses prior to participation. Otherwise the course may not count. For specific degree requirements, consult your advisor. Course can be repeated only if content is different.

Examines deviance from a sociological perspective, or how beliefs and behaviors get labeled as “normal” or "deviant" and why. Deviance in sociology is about situation. The labeling process is not uniform - it is impacted by things like socialization (what norms are in place?), timing, audience, and power. Using theory, we will explore things often considered deviant including bodily and cognitive difference, crime, sexuality and sexual behavior, race and racism, cyber-deviance, and gender.

What does it mean to be “disabled”? What does it mean to be “healthy”? Who gets to label bodies healthy, able, or “sick”? How do these labels affect how we think about people with disabilities and how people with disabilities see themselves? This course focuses on how our definitions and understandings of disability are shaped by society and our social world. Using sociological frameworks, we will explore how our ideas of disability are informed by social institutions like government and law, medicine, sports, and the media that we consume. The focus of the course will be on Western ideas of disability, but global perspectives will also be highlighted.

Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-Superior course.

Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-S course.

Introduction to social science epistemology, the design of research, conduct of research and the analysis of findings. Explores the use of survey, ethnography, in-depth interview, and archival, symbolic, and statistical analytic tools. This course is a prerequisite for the sociology capstone (SOCI 498). We recommend that majors take this class in their junior year.

In this course we will spend the first half of the semester exploring the history and social structure of environmental justice movements. We will discuss both former and current movements. The second half will consist of a discussion of what constitutes a truly ecologically sustainable society and the social changes necessary to bring about sustainability.

How do we become who we are? This course focuses on sociological social psychology. Social psychology from a sociological perspective is all about outcomes: the idea that how we think and feel about ourselves and others is directly impacted by our experience of the world. This course examines how the “self” and identity is formed and the influence that society has on this process. Examines how culture, socialization, stigma, and deviance impact development of self, emotions, and perception.

Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-Superior.

Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-Superior course.

Sociology Environmental Science Elective

Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-Superior course.

Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-Superior course.

In-depth study of specialized current topics in sociology selected by the instructor. May be repeated for credit when instructor and/or topics are different.

Integrates and extends classroom learning through a community-based service or work internship. Credit is granted when the student successfully completes an academic-service/work relationship. The academic component is crucial and credit will not be granted for service/work alone. For every one (1) credit, three (3) hours of service/work per week is expected.

Guided research on a selected sociological topic. Each student produces a formal written research paper based on systematic investigation of sociological question. Individual work in consultation with a faculty thesis advisor will be balanced with collaborative discussions among all students writing theses. The capstone will be a public presentation of each student's research findings. Required of all Sociology majors.

Supervised independent study and/or research in Sociology. Requires prior contract with instructor.