Courses and Syllabi

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.

Sociology Fall 2026

Undergraduate

100-Level Courses in SOCI

200-Level Courses in SOCI

300-Level Courses in SOCI

SOCI 303: Methods and Logic of Inquiry (3 Credits)

Covers basic principles of research methods for sociology. The focus of this course is on learning how to interpret and design social science research studies. Students will learn the role of theory in research, research ethics, concept measurement, surveys, interviews, observational methods and more. The course guides students to identify research questions, design research strategies, and develop a research proposal. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.

Mason Core: Mason Core, Writing Intensive in Major

Registration Restrictions:

Required Prerequisites: SOCI 101^C or 101^XS.
^C Requires minimum grade of C.
^XS Requires minimum grade of XS.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

SOCI 303 - 001: Methods and Logic of Inquiry — Elizangela Storelli — 03:00 PM to 04:15 PM MW - Peterson Hall 1109

SOCI 307: Social Movements and Political Protest (3 Credits)

Course explores all aspects of social movements–including their origins, characteristics, and significance within contemporary societies. Covers social movement research and theory as well as application through practice, including protest. Students will use case study method to learn social movement scholarship and produce their own original research. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

SOCI 307 - 001: Soci Movements/Poli Protest — Ben Manski — 01:30 PM to 02:45 PM TR - East Building 201

SOCI 309: Contemporary Families and Intimate Relationships (3 Credits)

Uses a sociological framework to analyze and understand the diverse forms of contemporary families--traditional marriages, cohabitation, domestic partnerships, single-parents families, stepfamilies, and gay and lesbian families. Explored are topics such as changes in sexual mores, reflected in new dating practices; shifting parenting roles; effects of social class, race and ethnicity; and the outcomes of divorce for couples and children. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

SOCI 309 - DL1: Contemp Fam Intimate Relations — Isabella F Burns - Online

SOCI 310: Sociology of Deviance (3 Credits)

Analyzes macro- and microlevel deviance-producing processes, meaning and control of deviance, and major theoretical approaches to deviance. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

SOCI 310 - DL1: Sociology of Deviance — Patricia Anne Masters — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM W - Online

SOCI 311: Sociological Theory (3 Credits)

Explores sociological tradition through readings and discussions of ideas drawn from writings of selected sociological thinkers from classical to contemporary. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.

Recommended Prerequisite: 6 credits of upper level (300 or 400 level) sociology courses, or permission of instructor.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

SOCI 311 - 001: Soci Theory — Joseph A Scimecca — 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM TR - Innovation Hall 133

SOCI 315: Contemporary Gender Relations (3 Credits)

Considers the ways in which gender structures social life on both the micro level of individual experience and the macro level of social structure. Addresses contradiction between legal equality between the sexes and persistent workplace discrimination and sexual violence; how normative ideals of femininity and masculinity affect our bodies, identities and intimate relationships; how these ideals are circulated through the media, reproduced in social institutions, and articulated in different national, cultural and religious contexts. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.

Mason Core: Mason Core, Social/Behavioral Sciences

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

SOCI 315 - 001: Contemporary Gender Relations — Shannon N Davis — 01:30 PM to 02:45 PM MW - Horizon Hall 3012

SOCI 326: Conflict, Violence, and Peace (3 Credits)

Course examines the causes, consequences, and potential remedies of violence. Exploring topics ranging from poverty to climate crisis, explores how violence is structured, how to shift to nonviolent conflict and institutions, and promote peaceful lifestyles and international relations. Examines direct, structural, cultural, and ecological forms of violence as fundamental problems facing humanity and the ecosphere. Also considers how nonviolent movements have precipitated major positive changes. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

SOCI 326 - 001: Conflict, Violence, and Peace — Lester R. Kurtz — 03:00 PM to 04:15 PM TR - Horizon Hall 3012

SOCI 330: US Immigrants and Immigration (3 Credits)

Explores theoretical, empirical, and policy-related issues pertaining to immigration. Examines case studies of immigrant communities and their adaptation patterns, paying particular attention to immigrants from Latin America, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.

Mason Core: Mason Core, Global Understanding

Schedule Type: Seminar

Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

SOCI 330 - 001: US Immigrants and Immigration — Dae Young Kim — 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM TR - Horizon Hall 3012

SOCI 332: The Urban World (3 Credits)

Examines cities and the people who live in them in the United States and around the world. Includes topics such as: social and economic development, inequality, political protests, urban democracy, and the environment. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.

Mason Core: Mason Core, Global Contexts, Global Understanding

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

SOCI 332 - 002: The Urban World — Johanna Bockman — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM W - Nguyen Engineering Building 1109

SOCI 355: Social Inequality (3 Credits)

Studies class structures and implications for individuals and groups in modern society. Explores issues of race and ethnicity, language and immigration status, sex and gender, social class, age, and sexual orientation. Examines critically the theory and research that explore the construction, experience, and meaning of such differences. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.

Mason Core: Mason Core, Social/Behavioral Sciences

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

SOCI 355 - DL1: Social Inequality — Michelle S. Dromgold-Sermen - Online

SOCI 394: Sociology of Human Rights (3 Credits)

Provides an overview of sociological, theoretical, and methodological approaches to understanding human rights. Examining connections between inequality, conflict, social justice, governance, and human rights, the course focuses on the contexts of meaning within which human rights are invoked and practiced as well as the role that non-state actors play in shaping the development and institutionalization of human rights. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

SOCI 394 - 001: Sociology of Human Rights — John G. Dale — 12:00 PM to 01:15 PM TR - Lecture Hall 2

SOCI 395: Special Topics in Sociology (3 Credits)

Introduces the research interests of the faculty, offering new courses that reflect current issues not yet incorporated into the curriculum. Offers, in addition, advanced study into topics covered in the standing curriculum. Topics change by semester. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 18 credits.

Specialized Designation: Topic Varies

Recommended Prerequisite: SOCI 101

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

SOCI 395 - 001: Mobilizing for Chg & Justice — Agnieszka Paczynska — 01:30 PM to 04:10 PM M - Enterprise Hall 173

400-Level Courses in SOCI

SOCI 416: Internship in Sociology I (3-6 Credits)

Students earn credit for individual internships. Intended to provide students with hands-on experience in sociology and to deepen sociological knowledge, students work in approved internship sites while analyzing the experience and work sociologically. In addition to internship hours, the main course requirements include a final internship-related research paper and presentation. Notes: Students must secure an internship before registering for the course. Minimum 45 hours of work for each credit required. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.

Mason Core: Mason Core, Mason Apex

Specialized Designation: Topic Varies

Recommended Prerequisite: Must have completed at least 85 credits (21 credits must be in sociology) of coursework. Enrollment in or completion of SOCI 213.

Schedule Type: Internship

Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

SOCI 416 - 001: Internship in Sociology I — Patricia Anne Masters - 9900 Main Street

SOCI 481: RS: Sociology Honors Seminar (3 Credits)

Students will expand an independent research project initiated in their Capstone course (SOCI 416 or SOCI 485) into an honors thesis under the guidance of a student-selected faculty mentor. Students must meet Sociology Honors minimum grade requirements and have selected a faculty mentor before course registration is approved. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.

Specialized Designation: Research/Scholarship Intensive

Registration Restrictions:

Required Prerequisites: (SOCI 416^B+ or 485^B+).
^B+ Requires minimum grade of B+.

Schedule Type: Independent Study

Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

SOCI 481 - 001: RS: Sociology Honors Seminar — Elizangela Storelli - 9900 Main Street

SOCI 485: RS: Sociological Analysis and Practice (3 Credits)

This class provides an introduction to the practicalities of conducting original sociological research. Students will collect and analyze both qualitative and quantitative data, and write-up research findings to answer questions about the social world. This class emphasizes a learning-by-doing approach to prepare students to conduct research and present it to varied publics. This class also helps students transition sociological knowledge and skills gained in the major into marketable skillsets; improving their post-graduate career readiness. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.

Mason Core: Mason Core, Mason Apex, Writing Intensive in Major

Specialized Designation: Research/Scholarship Intensive

Recommended Prerequisite: SOCI 303.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

2 Sections Currently Scheduled

SOCI 485 - 001: RS:Sociological Analysis/Pract — Elizangela Storelli — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM M - Innovation Hall 203
SOCI 485 - DL1: RS:Sociological Analysis/Pract — Elizangela Storelli — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM M - Online

Topics in SOCI

Graduate

600-Level Courses in SOCI

SOCI 601: Proseminar in Public and Applied Sociology (3 Credits)

Core course devoted to the philosophical, historical, theoretical, and methodological dimensions of public and applied sociology within the United States. Traces the evolution of the field during the 20th century, from its inception in the Chicago school and the studies of W.E.B. DuBois to more recent formulations, as these bear on the interplay between social scientific knowledge and public decisions and debates. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. May not be repeated for credit.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

SOCI 601 - 001: Prosem Public/Applied Sociolgy — Ben Manski — 07:20 PM to 10:00 PM W - Research Hall 201

SOCI 616: Practicum in Sociology (1-6 Credits)

Supervised graduate research project in engaged sociology in relevant settings including social movement organizations, unions, government agencies, charitable organizations, think tanks, schools, community groups, social services, museums and the arts, cooperatives and social enterprises, public archeology, or media and communications. Notes: Students must complete 45 hours of work at the site for each credit. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.

Recommended Prerequisite: 21 hours of SOCI, including research methods, or permission of instructor.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Internship

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

SOCI 616 - 001: Practicum in Sociology — Patricia Anne Masters - 9900 Main Street

SOCI 620: Methods and Logic of Social Inquiry (3 Credits)

Emphasizes gathering, interpreting, and evaluating scientific evidence. Covers logic of scientific inquiry, including the application of various research designs and data collection methods. Develops critical-thinking skills by using set of rules and logical criteria for evaluation of social science research. Focuses both on how results are obtained and disseminated via research reports. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. May not be repeated for credit.

Recommended Prerequisite: Undergraduate statistics and research methodology, or permission of instructor.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Sociology.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

SOCI 620 - 001: Methods/Logic Social Inquiry — Shannon N Davis — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM M - Innovation Hall 336

SOCI 624: International Migration in the Age of Globalization (3 Credits)

Focuses on theoretical, methodological, and policy-related issues on international migration from a sociological perspective. Explores case studies of immigrant communities and their adaptation patterns, paying particular attention to immigrants from Latin America, Asia, and the Caribbean. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. May not be repeated for credit.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

SOCI 624 - 001: Int'l Migration Age Globaliztn — Michelle S. Dromgold-Sermen — 07:20 PM to 10:00 PM M - Innovation Hall 330

SOCI 633: Special Topics in Sociology (3 Credits)

Specialized inquiry of topics of contemporary sociological research and scholarship. Content varies. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 12 credits.

Specialized Designation: Topic Varies

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

SOCI 633 - 001: Ethnographic Writing — Rashmi Sadana — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM T - Innovation Hall 330

SOCI 634: Qualitative Research Methods (3 Credits)

Examines basic research methods involving observational techniques and procedures used in description and analysis of patterns, configurations, ethos, eidos, structures, functions, and styles typical of whole societies and cultures. Emphasizes case studies, unobtrusive methods, participant observation, longterm residence, choices of observer status role, recording data, uses of technical equipment, key informants, interviewing techniques, and ethical considerations in employing such methods and procedures. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. May not be repeated for credit.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

SOCI 634 - 001: Qualitative Rsch Methods — Amy L Best — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM W - Innovation Hall 330

SOCI 638: Feminist Theory (3 Credits)

This course is designed to introduce students to the ideas and projects that have been formative in the development of feminist theory and to engage students in the important intellectual and political debates in which it has played a significant role. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. May not be repeated for credit.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

SOCI 638 - DL1: Feminist Theory — Anu Aneja — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM R - Online

700-Level Courses in SOCI

800-Level Courses in SOCI

SOCI 851: Globalization and Social Movements (3 Credits)

Analyzes current issues in the study of social movements, with an emphasis on the ways in which globalization shapes and in turn is shaped by social movements. Emphasis is placed on the relations among the strategies, identities, and organizations bound up with transnational social movements and the relation between the dynamics of global political and economic developments and protest movements in core and peripheral societies. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. May not be repeated for credit.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

SOCI 851 - 001: Globalization/Social Movements — John G. Dale — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM R - Innovation Hall 330

SOCI 858: Decolonizing Social Research (3 Credits)

Taking inspiration from indigenous and black studies, anticolonial, postcolonial, and Global South scholarship, and activist practices, this course explores how we can decolonize our research methodologies. Sociology places itself in a privileged position in the established hierarchies of knowledge, with its universalizing tendencies and west-centric concepts that stand for the global, rendering other experiences and other ways of knowing obscure and invalid. The course will examine how scholars have engaged with these issues through critical reflection, respect, reciprocity and learning, embeddedness in social struggles, and collaborative knowledge production. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. May not be repeated for credit.

Recommended Prerequisite: SOCI 620

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy or Graduate.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

1 Section Currently Scheduled

SOCI 858 - 001: Decolonizing Social Research — Manjusha Nair — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM T - Horizon Hall 1007