Phone: (845) 257-3505
Fax: (845) 257-2970
Location: SCB 107
Web address: www.newpaltz.edu/sociology

Sociology is the study of human social life. We are all greatly influenced by the people around us and by the society in which we live. Thus, if we want to understand why people behave and think as they do, we need to systematically examine the social conditions under which people are living. This is what will enable us to understand the origins of social problems such as poverty, racism, violence and gender inequality. A sociological perspective enables us to understand these issues and allows us to develop solutions for such social ills. Through the sociology major students will learn about the methods of sociological research and will gain an understanding of the theoretical perspectives utilized in the discipline. A sociology degree prepares students for a number of specific careers, while providing a perspective that is valuable throughout life.

The Department of Sociology offers three program options. Students who want exposure to a wide array of sociological topics can major in the basic sociology program, which includes a set of core course requirements as well as a broad array of elective topics of the student’s choosing. Students may also elect to concentrate in a particular area of sociological study by taking an additional set of prescribed courses in one of two concentrations. The concentration in human services will prepare students to work directly with people in need of support; the concentration in criminology is designed for students with a focused interest on the issue of crime.

A minimum grade of C- is required for courses to count toward the Sociology major (all concentrations) and minor.

Sociology (BA, BS) Program Learning Outcomes

All Concentrations

  • Demonstrate an understanding of and apply the basic disciplinary perspective (the critical, reflexive “sociological imagination”) to social research, practice, and the broader social world (General Education: Critical Thinking and Reasoning).

  • Identify the changing forms of social inequality and their consequences for social divisions that exist nationally and globally.

  • Identify major theorists in the discipline and compare and contrast different theories utilized to explain social dynamics and institutions.

  • Learn, evaluate, and apply social research methods (General Education: Information Literacy).

  • Communicate effectively, including orally and in writing.

  • Demonstrate capacity to work towards social justice and change in society. 

Criminology Concentration

  • Identify and explain how crime, deviance, and delinquency are conceptualized, researched, and responded to within our society.

  • Demonstrate the capacity to work in fields related to the criminal justice system.

 Human Services Concentration

  • Identify and explain how human service-related needs and issues are conceptualized, researched, and responded to within our society.

  • Demonstrate the capacity to work in the field of human services and other social justice and preventative settings.

SOC100. Intro To Sociology. 3 Credits.

Examines relationships between human behavior and society by focusing on social processes, social interactions, and social inequalities such as social class, race, and gender. Introduces fundamental concepts including culture, norms, status, power, socialization, organizations, an social institutions. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Critical Thinking Introductory
  • Ethical Reflection
  • Information Mgmt Intro
  • Liberal Arts
  • Systematic Inquiry
  • GE4: Social Science
  • GE5: Social Sciences
  • GE3: SSCI
May not be repeated for credit

SOC193. Sociology Select Topic. 1-12 Credits.

Selected topics courses are regularly scheduled courses that focus on a particular topic of interest. Descriptions are printed in the Schedule of Classes each semester. Selected topics courses may be used as elective credit and may be repeated for credit, provided that the topic of the course changes.

May be repeated for credit

SOC220. Social Inequality in the United States. 3 Credits.

Theoretical approaches to the study of social inequality, such as the distribution of wealth, privilege, and power in the United States and the impact on individual life chances and institutional arrangements. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Critical Thinking Introductory
  • Information Mgmt Intro
  • Liberal Arts
  • Systematic Inquiry
  • GE3: USST
  • GE4: United States Studies
  • GE5: US History Civic Engmnt
May not be repeated for credit

SOC250. Crime and Society. 3 Credits.

Introduction to the sociological examination of issues related to crime, criminal law, and the criminal justice system. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Ethical Reflection
  • Liberal Arts
  • Systematic Inquiry
  • GE4: Social Science
  • GE5: Social Sciences
  • GE3: SSCI
May not be repeated for credit

SOC276. Social Problems in a Global Context. 3 Credits.

A critical examination of social problems in a global context. Topics may include poverty, inequality, crime, population, war, terrorism, and environmental degradation. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts
May not be repeated for credit

SOC293. Sociology Select Topic. 1-12 Credits.

Selected topics courses are regularly scheduled courses that focus on a particular topic of interest. Descriptions are printed in the Schedule of Classes each semester. Selected topics courses may be used as elective credit and may be repeated for credit, provided that the topic of the course changes. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts
May be repeated for credit

SOC295. Indep Study Sociology. 1-12 Credits.

May be repeated for credit

SOC301. Self in Society. 3 Credits.

Social roles and the experience of personal essence. Depersonalization in large-scale organizations, and self-actualization in the total life cycle. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC302. Contemporary Sociological Theory. 3 Credits.

An exploration of recent theoretical approaches to understanding the social world. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC303. Sociological Theory. 3 Credits.

Classical and contemporary theories of society are analyzed, with emphasis on critical analysis in historical perspective. The major themes of sociological thought will be examined. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Critical Thinking Intermediate
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC304. Sociology of Religion. 3 Credits.

Analysis of the social and intellectual foundations of the major religions of the world. Study of religious organizations, beliefs, behaviors, and ideologies. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC305. Juvenile Delinquency. 3 Credits.

Sociocultural basis of juvenile delinquency and theories of delinquent behavior. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC306. Research Methods. 4 Credits.

Introduction to data collection and sociological analysis. Practical methods for analyzing qualitative and quantitative data and completion of small-scale research projects. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Research
  • Information Mgmt Intrmd
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC307. Social Statistics. 4 Credits.

Statistical analysis of sociological data with computer applications. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts
  • GE3: MATH
  • GE4: Mathematics
  • GE5: Mathematics
  • Systematic Inquiry

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

  • Math Placement Level Minimum Score of 3 or MAT120 Minimum Grade of C- or MAT121 Minimum Grade of C- or MAT 151 Minimum Grade of C-
  • SOC100 Minimum Grade of D-
May not be repeated for credit

SOC308. Medical Sociology. 3 Credits.

Can medicine and science ever truly exist apart from considerations of rights, justice, and politics? This course will delve into recent and evolving debates on structurally competent and just health care, within nations and globally.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC309. Social Demography. 3 Credits.

Population trends and their social implications. Analysis of mortality, fertility, migration, population characteristics, and distribution problems and policies. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC310. Comparative Political Economy. 3 Credits.

Critical examination and comparisons of different forms and mixtures of capitalist, socialist, and communist social economic, and political systems. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC311. News Media and Public Opinion. 3 Credits.

Role and formation of public opinion in modern societies; in particular, the effect of the news media -- print and broadcast -- on the shaping of political attitudes and behavior. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts
  • Writing Intensive

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

  • SOC100 Minimum Grade of D-
  • (ENG180 Minimum Grade of D- or ENG170 Minimum Grade of D- or ENG206 Minimum Grade of D- or ENG207 Minimum Grade of D-) or ENG 002 Minimum Grade of TD-
May not be repeated for credit

SOC312. Sociology of Violence. 3 Credits.

Sociology of Violence examines violence in our society including violence between families, between acquaintances, and between strangers. Through an examination of empirical research, theoretical writing and popular film, students will gain a better understanding of the extent and impact of violence, explore potential causes of violence, and examine their personal perspectives of why violence exists in our society. As a writing-intensive course it will also develop students' skills in critical thinking, writing, and speaking. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts
  • Writing Intensive

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

  • SOC100 Minimum Grade of D-
  • (ENG180 Minimum Grade of D- or ENG206 Minimum Grade of D- or ENG170 Minimum Grade of D- or ENG207 Minimum Grade of D-) or ENG 002 Minimum Grade of TD-
May not be repeated for credit

SOC314. Sociology of Children and Childhood. 3 Credits.

This course will examine micro (social psychological) and macro (structural) approaches to the study of children and childhood. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC315. Race and Ethnicity. 3 Credits.

Sociological perspectives on the structural causes of racial and ethnic inequality in the U.S. with a focus on social justice movements aimed at eradicating that inequality. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Diversity
  • GE3: DIVR
  • GE5: DEISJ
  • Effective Expression/Oral
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC316. Sociology of War and Conflict. 3 Credits.

The roots of national and international conflicts examined from both historical and sociological perspectives. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC317. Environmental Sociology. 3 Credits.

Society's relation to the natural environment, including the impact of economic and technological development and the political response to environmental degradation. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC318. Sociology of Culture. 3 Credits.

Will examine the wide ranging forms culture may take, including ideology, art, and technology. We will consider how culture produces, manifests, and reproduces social structure and how culture serves as a site of social resistance. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC319. Gender and Crime. 3 Credits.

This course offers a systematic introduction to the study of gender in criminology and criminal justice. Students will explore the relationship between gender and crime, including gender differences in offending, victimization, criminal justice processing, and as criminal justice professionals. The course will also examine the strengths and weaknesses of theoretical approaches to crime and their engagement with issues of gender. A minimum grade of C- ls required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Graduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC320. Social Structure and the Individual. 3 Credits.

Reciprocal influences between the individual and society with emphasis on social-cultural factors. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts
  • Writing Intensive

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

  • SOC100 Minimum Grade of D-
  • (ENG180 Minimum Grade of D- or ENG206 Minimum Grade of D- or ENG170 Minimum Grade of D- or ENG207 Minimum Grade of D-) or ENG 002 Minimum Grade of TD-
May not be repeated for credit

SOC323. Death in American Society. 3 Credits.

A multidisciplinary exploration of dying and death, interaction with the dying, care for the dying, children and death, grief, bereavement, and funerals. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC325. The American Left. 3 Credits.

A history and analysis of the American New Left; topics include the civil rights and black liberation struggles, the student and women's movements, the counterculture, and the anti-Vietnam War protests. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC328. Political Sociology. 3 Credits.

Social conditions influencing political behavior; political structure and dynamics of complex industrial society; mass movement and the conflict of ideologies; totalitarianism and democracy in modern society. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC332. Criminological Theory. 3 Credits.

A theoretical analysis of the nature and causation of crime and its control through readings and discussion of writings which have had a major impact on the development of criminology. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC333. Deviant Behavior. 3 Credits.

The nature of deviance is examined and considered as a socially constructed concept. Different theoretical perspectives on the causes of deviant behavior are critically analyzed. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC336. Social Movements. 3 Credits.

Analysis of ideology, organization, and strategy of mass collective action in the pursuit of political and social change. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC337. Social Change. 3 Credits.

The forces that produce significant changes in social structure and cultural patterns, including how individuals may promote social change. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC339. Human Rights and Social Welfare Policy. 3 Credits.

Examines the context of social welfare policies through a human rights framework. Focuses on vulnerable and marginalized groups, including women, children, and LGBTQ+ people, and the intersections of gender, sexual and gender identity, race, ethnicity, class, and ability.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC340. Poverty and Society. 3 Credits.

This course examines historical and contemporary social, economic, and political forces that create and perpetuate racialized and gendered inequality and poverty in the United States.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC345. Urban Sociology. 3 Credits.

This course will examine how socio-economic forces have contributed to economic transformations of the urban landscape. Growth, politics and the concomitant problems of housing, inflation, gentrification, urban sprawl and residential segregation will be analyzed. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

  • SOC100 Minimum Grade of D-
  • (ENG180 Minimum Grade of D- or ENG206 Minimum Grade of D- or ENG170 Minimum Grade of D- or ENG207 Minimum Grade of D-) or ENG 002 Minimum Grade of TD-
May not be repeated for credit

SOC350. Introduction to Human Services. 3 Credits.

Drawing from national and international social welfare policies and practices, Introduction to Human Services examines the social political context in which human services recipients and professionals are situated. Theories from human services, social work, European social pedagogy, and sociology will be presented. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Diversity
  • GE3: DIVR
  • GE5: DEISJ
  • Ethical Reflection
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must be enrolled in one of the following classes: Sophomore, Junior
May not be repeated for credit

SOC360. Sociology of Gender. 3 Credits.

Sociological perspectives, along with cross-cultural and historical material, used to develop a broad framework for analyzing the position of women in contemporary society. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC361. Images of Poverty in Film. 3 Credits.

An examination of how cinema creates and perpetuates class, gender, and racial stereotypes in U.S. society and how it impacts impoverished individuals. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts
  • Writing Intensive

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

  • SOC100 Minimum Grade of D- or WOM220 Minimum Grade of D-
  • (ENG180 Minimum Grade of D- or ENG206 Minimum Grade of D- or ENG170 Minimum Grade of D- or ENG207 Minimum Grade of D-) or ENG 002 Minimum Grade of TD-
May not be repeated for credit

SOC362. Race, Class, and Gender. 3 Credits.

The socio-historical factors that have structured the experiences of specific disenfranchised groups with a focus on the role that social institutions have played in constructing and perpetuating race, class, and gender inequality. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts
  • Writing Intensive

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

  • SOC100 Minimum Grade of D- or WOM220 Minimum Grade of D-
  • (ENG180 Minimum Grade of D- or ENG206 Minimum Grade of D- or ENG170 Minimum Grade of D- or ENG207 Minimum Grade of D-) or ENG 002 Minimum Grade of TD-
May not be repeated for credit

SOC370. Sociology of Families. 3 Credits.

An analysis of the changing family forms and major trends affecting U.S. families. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC371. Sociology of Aging. 3 Credits.

Social issues of aging in contemporary society. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC375. Race, Crime and Punishment. 3 Credits.

An examination of the relationship between race, crime and punishment in the United States. Draws from historical and sociological literature to examine the ways that race and racism have shaped American approaches to punishment.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC379. Social Interaction. 3 Credits.

Analysis of the sociological origin of beliefs, behaviors, and emotions. An exploration of theoretical perspectives of social psychology including symbolic interactionism and role theory. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts
  • Writing Intensive

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

  • SOC100 Minimum Grade of D-
  • (ENG180 Minimum Grade of D- or ENG206 Minimum Grade of D- or ENG170 Minimum Grade of D- or ENG207 Minimum Grade of D-) or ENG 002 Minimum Grade of TD-
May not be repeated for credit

SOC380. Social and Economic Development. 3 Credits.

Study of socio-economic change in developed and developing societies. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts
  • Writing Intensive

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

  • SOC100 Minimum Grade of D-
  • (ENG180 Minimum Grade of D- or ENG170 Minimum Grade of D- or ENG206 Minimum Grade of D- or ENG207 Minimum Grade of D-) or ENG 002 Minimum Grade of TD-
May not be repeated for credit

SOC381. Immigration & Identity. 3 Credits.

Immigrants have shaped American society for centuries. Students will use a sociological perspective to analyze the social, political, economic, and cultural context in which immigrants and their children are incorporated into society. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC385. Education and Society. 3 Credits.

Analyzes social forces and processes influencing education in the United States. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts
  • Writing Intensive

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

  • SOC100 Minimum Grade of D-
  • (ENG180 Minimum Grade of D- or ENG206 Minimum Grade of D- or ENG170 Minimum Grade of D- or ENG207 Minimum Grade of D-) or ENG 002 Minimum Grade of TD-
May not be repeated for credit

SOC387. Sociology of Sport. 3 Credits.

Analysis of sport in contemporary society with particular focus on dimensions of power, privilege, and prestige. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC393. Soc Selected Topic. 1-12 Credits.

Selected topics courses are regularly scheduled courses that focus on a particular topic of interest. Descriptions are printed in the Schedule of Classes each semester. Selected topics courses may be used as elective credit and may be repeated for credit, provided that the topic of the course changes. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May be repeated for credit

SOC399. Modular Course. 0 Credits.

A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May be repeated for credit

SOC407. Organizations and Work. 3 Credits.

Examines the social organization of the work place, occupational inequality, the management of workers, and industrialism, unionization, and post-industrialization in contemporary societies. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC409. Law and Social Issues. 3 Credits.

Social context of law, its uses to uphold and also to challenge power structures. Impact of race, gender, language and other social factors; conflicting ideas about equality and social justice, personal expression and conscience. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC410. Sociology of Sex & Sexualities. 3 Credits.

Applies sociological methods and theories to the study of the sexed body, desires practices, identities, and communities; especially focuses on sex and sexuality as sites where social inequalities are both produced and challenged. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must be enrolled in one of the following classes: Senior, Junior
May not be repeated for credit

SOC425. Drugs in American Society. 3 Credits.

A review of the major issues in the study and treatment of drug abuse in their social context. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC431. Mass Media and Culture. 3 Credits.

An examination of the impact of mass media on contemporary popular culture. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC432. Sociology of Film. 3 Credits.

Students use sociological theory and research to analyze the content, form, production, and reception of Hollywood, independent, foreign, and documentary films. Themes include gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, immigration, class, stratification, labor, deviance, social control, crime, and law. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC435. Public Health and Social Policy. 3 Credits.

Sociological analysis of issues in health delivery services. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC443. Human Services Theory and Practice I. 3 Credits.

Critical examination of knowledge and skills related to working with families and groups. Emphasis on cultural diversity, a variety of intervention approaches, and group work processes. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Human Services (538H)

Prerequisites:


* May be taken at the same time

Corequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC444. Human Services Theory and Practice II. 3 Credits.

Critical examination and acquisition of human services practice frameworks, including Quality of Life and Positive Youth Development. Emphasis on the right to communication, self-determination, and ethical decision-making. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Human Services (538H)

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC445. Human Services Theory and Practice III. 3 Credits.

Capstone course for the Concentration in Human Services. Critical examination of U.S. as well as international social welfare policy within a human rights framework. Research into and writing of student-selected thesis. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Service Learning
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Community Service
  • Civic Engagement
  • Creative Works
  • Critical Thinking Advanced
  • Information Mgmt Advanced
  • Liberal Arts
  • Writing Intensive

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Human Services (538H)

Prerequisites:

  • SOC444 Minimum Grade of C-
  • SOC481 Minimum Grade of C-
  • (ENG180 Minimum Grade of D- or ENG206 Minimum Grade of D- or ENG170 Minimum Grade of D- or ENG207 Minimum Grade of D-) or ENG 002 Minimum Grade of TD-

Corequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC450. Sociology of Food and Agriculture. 3 Credits.

Examination of the social, economic, and political dimensions of the food and agriculture system in the US and globally. How this system has changed over time, the role of technology, ecological implications, and the possibility for alternatives. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC451. Alienation and Mental Illness. 3 Credits.

A comparative and critical review of those social conditions which systematically produce alienation and mental illness. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC452. Seminar in Criminal Behavior. 3 Credits.

Critical issues in the sociology of crime with a focus on such topics as prevention of street crimes, white collar crimes, and crime against humanity. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC480. Fieldwork in Human Services I. 4 Credits.

This is an introductory field education course in which students examine and practice beginning counseling skills. Concurrently, students do an internship of 132 hours: 104 hours at the field site (8 hours a week); 3 hours in placement coordination and individual supervision with the college instructor; and 20 classes at the college. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Clinical Placement
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Human Services (538H)

Prerequisites:


* May be taken at the same time

Corequisites:

May be repeated for credit

SOC481. Fieldwork in Human Services II. 4 Credits.

This is the second required field education course in which students examine and practice intermediate counseling skills. Concurrently, students do an internship of 132 hours: 104 hours at the field site (8 hours a week); 3 hours in placement coordination and individual supervision with the college instructor; and 20 classes at the college. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Clinical Placement
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Human Services (538H)

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC482. Fieldwork in Human Services III. 4 Credits.

This is the third and last required field education course in which students examine and practice advanced counseling skills. Concurrently, students do an internship of 132 hours: 104 hours at the field site (8 hours a week); 3 hours in placement coordination and individual supervision with the college instructor; and 20 classes at the college. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Clinical Placement
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Human Services (538H)

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC490. Senior Seminar in Sociology. 3 Credits.

Organization, execution, and presentation of selected substantive and methodological problems. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Civic Engagement
  • Research
  • Critical Thinking Advanced
  • Information Mgmt Advanced
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Sociology (538)

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

SOC493. Selected Topic Sociology. 1-12 Credits.

Selected topics courses are regularly scheduled courses that focus on a particular topic of interest. Descriptions are printed in the Schedule of Classes each semester. Selected topics courses may be used as elective credit and may be repeated for credit, provided that the topic of the course changes. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Civic Engagement
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May be repeated for credit

SOC494. Fieldwork in Sociology. 1-15 Credits.

Student volunteers in the community gain an intellectual and a professional experience that allows them to develop an inside understanding of a particular organization, its clients' needs, and its connection to the larger social structure. A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Attributes:

  • Community Service
  • Civic Engagement

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May be repeated for credit

SOC495. Indep Study Sociology. 1-12 Credits.

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May be repeated for credit

SOC499. Modular Course. 0 Credits.

A minimum grade of C- is required for any course to count toward the Sociology major or minor.

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

Faculty

Atterberry, Adrienne
Visiting Scholar
Office: JFT 508
Phone: (845) 257-2772
E-mail: atterbea@newpaltz.edu

Birla, Swati
Lecturer (Ph.D. pending)
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Office: JFT 518
Phone: (845) 257-3503
E-mail: birlas@newpaltz.edu

Bose, Sunita
Professor
Ph.D., University at Albany
Office: JFT 514
Phone: (845) 257-2601
E-mail: boses@newpaltz.edu

Bryant, Karl
Associate Professor, Sociology and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Ph.D., University of California, Santa Barbara
Office: JFT 216
Phone: (845) 257-3035
E-mail: bryantk@newpaltz.edu

Christiansen, Mette
Instructor
Ph.D. Candidate, University at Albany
Office: SCB 108
Phone: (845) 257-3697
E-mail: christim@newpaltz.edu

Connor, Tyrell
Associate Professor
Ph.D., Purdue University
Office: JFT 504
Phone: (845) 257-3508
E-mail: connort@newpaltz.edu

Gjika, Anna
Assistant Professor
Ph.D., CUNY Graduate Center
Office: JFT 504
Phone: (845) 257-3756
E-mail: gjikaa@newpaltz.edu

Halasz, Judith
Associate Professor
Ph.D., CUNY Graduate Center
Office: FOB W4
Phone: (845) 257-2375
E-mail: halaszj@newpaltz.edu

Horvitz, Andrew
Lecturer
Ph.D., University at Albany
Office: JFT 504A
Phone: (845) 257-3505
E-mail: horvitza@newpaltz.edu

Obach, Brian
Professor
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison
Office: JFT 622
Phone: (845) 257-3447
E-mail: obachb@newpaltz.edu

Raynor, Katherine
Instructor
M.S.W., Adelphi University
Office: SCB 108
Phone: (845) 257-3539
E-mail: raynork@newpaltz.edu

Roschelle, Anne
Professor and Chair
Ph.D., University at Albany
Office: JFT 516A
Phone: (845) 257-3502
E-mail: roschela@newpaltz.edu

Vélez-Vélez, Roberto
Associate Professor
Ph.D., University at Albany
Office: SCB 107B
Phone: (845) 257-3506
E-mail: velezr@newpaltz.edu