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 Spring 2026
Undergraduate
SOCI 101: Introductory Sociology (3 Credits)
Introduction to basic sociological concepts. Examines aspects of human behavior in cultural framework, including individual and group interaction, social mobility and stratification, status and class, race and gender relations, urbanism, crime and criminology, and social change and reform. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
SOCI 120: Globalization and Society (3 Credits)
Examines and analyzes important global issues and processes. Considers historical development of globalization and implications for different societies and cultures. Investigates perceptions of global processes by different cultures and nations, and efforts of international institutions to address social, political, economic, and cultural changes in global society. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
2 Sections Currently Scheduled
- SOCI 120 - 001: Globalization and Society — Tom G. Wells — 12:00 PM to 01:15 PM TR - Thompson Hall L004
- SOCI 120 - DL1: Globalization and Society — Pamela Ramirez Graves - Online
SOCI 213: Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (4 Credits)
Fundamentals of applied statistics as used in behavioral science to include descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, correlation regression, analysis of variance, factor analysis, nonparametric statistics, and practical experience with statistical programs in applying statistical analysis to actual problems of the behavioral sciences. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Quantitative Reasoning
Schedule Type: Laboratory, Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
SOCI 302: Sociology of Delinquency (3 Credits)
Examines social factors involved in development of delinquency, including family, political economy, schooling, community environment and culture. Examines various theories of delinquency; rates of delinquency in relation to age, race, gender and social class; and legal system that addresses causes, consequences, and policies of punishment and rehabilitation. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- SOCI 302 - DL1: Sociology of Delinquency — Patricia Anne Masters — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM W - Online
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 101C or 101XS.
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.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- SOCI 303 - DL1: Methods and Logic of Inquiry — Michelle S. Dromgold-Sermen - Online
SOCI 308: Race and Ethnicity in a Changing World (3 Credits)
Explores how race and ethnicity have been shaped by policies and practices in Western and non-Western societies. Explores the evolution of racial and ethnic attitudes from a global and historical perspective. Examines how changing demographic racial patterns may affect definitions of race and ethnicity and the ways in which people individually and collectively act to create new futures. 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.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- SOCI 308 - 001: Race/Ethnicity Changing World — Dae Young Kim — 01:30 PM to 02:45 PM TR - Horizon Hall 3008
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.
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 203
SOCI 314: Sociology of Culture (3 Credits)
Examines how culture, encompassing high art or participatory culture, expressive agency or traditional constraint, is produced and reproduced in everyday social practices and across a wide range of social institutions. Explores the role of culture in public life and political discourse. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- SOCI 314 - DL1: Sociology of Culture — Carol Petty - Online
SOCI 320: Globalization and Social Change (3 Credits)
While focusing on nature and process of change in human society, considers social impact of political, economic, and environmental change and how lives are shaped by complexities of global social forces. Examines specific global issues such as conflict and security; economic disparity; ecological deterioration; populations and migration; legitimization of commerce; diffusion of innovations; and impact of class, status, and power in modern societies. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Global Contexts, Global Understanding, Just Societies, Encore: Sustainability
Specialized Designation: Green Leaf Focused Course
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- SOCI 320 - 001: Globalization and Soc Change — Maxwell David Rollins — 03:00 PM to 04:15 PM MW - East Building 201
SOCI 340: Power, Politics, and Society (3 Credits)
Analyzes how power is defined, attained and sustained in society. Students analyze political power as related to social realities such as democratic elections, class conflict, elite networks, powersharing, protest, and revolution. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- SOCI 340 - 001: Power, Politics and Society — 03:00 PM to 04:15 PM TR - Horizon Hall 1008
SOCI 352: Social Problems and Solutions (3 Credits)
Examines contemporary social problems and their solutions using sociological perspectives. Topics may include housing and homelessness, student debt, mass incarceration, hunger and food insecurity, environment and sustainability, human rights, wealth and global poverty, war and peace. 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.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- SOCI 352 - 001: Social Problems and Solutions — Lester R. Kurtz — 01:30 PM to 02:45 PM MW - Horizon Hall 3008
SOCI 360: Youth Culture and Society (3 Credits)
Introduces sociology of youth and youth culture. Investigates social, economic, and political realities of youth as a group and different groups of youth, including youth cultural production, formation of youth culture, and youth identities in variety of social settings. 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.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- SOCI 360 - 002: Youth Culture/Society — Patricia Anne Masters — 03:00 PM to 04:15 PM TR - Horizon Hall 1010
SOCI 391: Big Data, Technology, and Society (3 Credits)
Examines the transformations in the relationships between self and society taking place at the interface between social networks, digital information and communication technologies, new media, and Big Data. Explores what these changes mean for the future of the social sciences and humanities, and what these disciplines in turn can teach us about these changes that the “analytics” of computational and data sciences cannot. Introduces students to cutting-edge methods in digital sociology and digital ethnography, exploring a variety of emerging technology developments, such as augmented reality, digital fabrication, cryptocurrency, blockchain, automation, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Examines new forms of inequality and intimacy, technologically mediated and distributed practices of human empathy and discernment, and emerging ethical questions for research and university education. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- SOCI 391 - 001: Big Data, Technology, Society — John G. Dale — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM R - Horizon Hall 3008
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.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
4 Sections Currently Scheduled »
- SOCI 395 - DL1: Nonviolent Civil Resistance — Derek Sweetman - Online
- SOCI 395 - DL2: Black Childhoods — Wendi N. Manuel-Scott - Online
- SOCI 395 - 002: Women and Work — Yevette Richards Jordan — 12:00 PM to 01:15 PM TR - Thompson Hall 1017
- SOCI 395 - 003: Violence, Gender, and Sexualty — David Powers Corwin — 07:20 PM to 10:00 PM R - Horizon Hall 1007
SOCI 401: Social Change and the Next System (3 Credits)
Next System Studies seek to explain the relationships between systemic crises, system design, systemic social movements, and system change. A rising global tide of community-based movements and initiatives offers the possibility that out of our current period may emerge a new system that is more democratic, sustainable, and just. Students engage directly with ongoing "next system" initiatives both around the world and in our region, meet with practitioners and policy experts, present and discuss readings and films in a seminar format, and collaborate with communities directly served and affected by George Mason University. This course provides an excellent preparation for careers in public policy and public service, social entrepreneurship, law, cooperative development, community and human services, education and research, labor organizing and worker rights, and social movement organizations and advocacy. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- SOCI 401 - 001: Social Chnge & the Next System — Eleanor Finley — 10:30 AM to 01:10 PM T
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.
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 416B+ or 485B+).
B+ Requires minimum grade of B+.
Schedule Type: Independent Study
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
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.
Specialized Designation: Research/Scholarship Intensive
Recommended Prerequisite: SOCI 303.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
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 319
- SOCI 485 - DL1: RS:Sociological Analysis/Pract — Elizangela Storelli — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM M - Online
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.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
4 Sections Currently Scheduled »
- SOCI 395 - DL1: Nonviolent Civil Resistance — Derek Sweetman - Online
- SOCI 395 - DL2: Black Childhoods — Wendi N. Manuel-Scott - Online
- SOCI 395 - 002: Women and Work — Yevette Richards Jordan — 12:00 PM to 01:15 PM TR - Thompson Hall 1017
- SOCI 395 - 003: Violence, Gender, and Sexualty — David Powers Corwin — 07:20 PM to 10:00 PM R - Horizon Hall 1007
Graduate
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.
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- SOCI 616 - 001: Practicum in Sociology — Patricia Anne Masters
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.
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
2 Sections Currently Scheduled
- SOCI 633 - 001: Anthropology of the City — Rashmi Sadana — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM M - Horizon Hall 1007
- SOCI 633 - DL1: Transnational Iss/Gender/Race — Yevette Richards Jordan — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM R - Online
SOCI 636: Statistical Reasoning for Applied Research (3 Credits)
Intermediate treatment of applied quantitative analytic techniques used in sociology. Topics include sampling, inference, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, and bivariate and multiple correlation and regression. Introduces logic of multivariate analysis. Focus on how results are obtained and disseminated via public and applied research. 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 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.
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- SOCI 636 - 001: Stat Reasoning for Applied Res — Shannon N Davis — 07:20 PM to 10:00 PM M - Innovation Hall 319
SOCI 637: Political Sociology (3 Credits)
This course introduces students to the sociological study of politics through a close examination of relations of power and authority, social institutions, networks, and culture. Using a variety of theoretical texts and case studies from different time periods and schools of thought, the course demonstrates how political sociologists use these fundamental “gateway” concepts, among others, to make sense of more innovative concepts in order to explore and make sense of the dynamism of contemporary politics. Using this framework, the course looks closely at the issue of the struggle for democracy in diverse, complex, and changing modern societies. 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.
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- SOCI 637 - 002: Political Sociology — Johanna Bockman — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM M - Innovation Hall 336
SOCI 712: Contemporary Sociological Theory (3 Credits)
Examines schools in contemporary sociological theory such as structural-functionalism, conflict, exchange, symbolic interactionism, ethnomethodology, humanist sociology, and critical theory. Analyzes contemporary theorists in relation to schools. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. May not be repeated for credit.
Registration Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Sociology.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Non-Degree 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.
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- SOCI 712 - 001: Contemporary Sociological Thry — Joseph A Scimecca — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM T - Peterson Hall 2408
SOCI 804: Sociology of Globalization (3 Credits)
Addresses the social, political, cultural, and economic process of globalization. Explores the limits on globalization during the precapitalist era, the relation between empire and the internal structure of imperialist societies, theoretical debates over the contemporary world system, the relation between cities and globalization, and the link between globalization and social inequality within both developed and developing 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.
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- SOCI 804 - 001: Sociology of Globalization — Lester R. Kurtz — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM W - Horizon Hall 3001
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.
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
2 Sections Currently Scheduled
- SOCI 633 - 001: Anthropology of the City — Rashmi Sadana — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM M - Horizon Hall 1007
- SOCI 633 - DL1: Transnational Iss/Gender/Race — Yevette Richards Jordan — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM R - Online