Sociology

Melissa Barfield, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Sociology;
mabarfield@mckendree.edu; (618) 537-6899; Carnegie Hall 111A

Lyn Huxford, Ph.D., Professor of Sociology;
lhuxford@mckendree.edu; (618) 537-6901; Carnegie Hall 110

Neil Quisenberry, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Sociology;
pnquisenberry@mckendree.edu; (618) 537-6849; Carnegie Hall 111b

Students majoring in sociology develop a greater appreciation for how society influences
individual behavior and an understanding of how societies are structured. Majors develop
the skills to think more critically about their own lives and the many social issues
confronting us in society today. A sociology major prepares students for graduate school
in sociology, social work, and criminal justice in addition to law school and divinity
school. Our graduates pursue many different career opportunities including social services,
criminal justice, community organizing, health care administration, and urban
planning, among others.

The sociology program offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, within a liberal
arts context, by providing three tracks that a student may follow:
1. General Program: This is geared to students who have more general career
plans and for those who plan to attend graduate school in sociology. It is also
intended for those who wish to develop a general understanding of society.
2. Criminal Justice Emphasis: This is for students who wish to pursue careers
in the criminal justice field such as law enforcement, corrections, and court services.
This program is designed to provide students with a broad knowledge of the
workings of the agencies that make up the criminal justice system.
3. Social Work Emphasis: This is for students who wish to pursue careers in the
general area of social work. This program will provide students with a broad
overview of the history, agencies, and philosophy of social work.

There are also three areas where a student may minor within the discipline. 
1. General Sociology: Complete 19 credit hours in sociology including ANT 149, SOC 150, SOC 395. SOC 496W and 6 additional sociology electives taken at the upper level.
2. Sociology with an Emphasis in Criminal Justice: Complete ANT 149, SOC 150, SOC 170, SOC 220, SOC 350 or 360, SOC 371, and SOC 440 or 445 for a total of 21 hours.
3. Sociology with an Emphasis in Social Work: Complete ANT 149, SOC 150, SOC 190, SOC
270, SOC 390, SOC 350 or 360, one SOC elective, and ANT 345W for a total of 24 hours. 

For a course to count toward a major or minor in sociology, a grade better than D is
required. No more than four credits of cross listed courses may count toward a major
or minor in sociology. In addition to any prerequisites listed, SOC 150 is a prerequisite
for all 300 or 400 level sociology courses.

SOCIOLOGY MAJOR REQUIREMENTS: General Track 37 crs.
ANT 149 INTRODUCTION TO CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY (3)
SOC 150 PRINCIPLES OF SOCIOLOGY (3) 
SOC 270 SOCIAL PROBLEMS (3)
SOC 395 CLASSICAL SOCIAL THEORY (3)
SOC 410 CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL THEORY (3)
SOC 496 METHODS OF SOCIAL RESEARCH (W) (4) 
SOC 498 SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS (3)
additional Sociology electives (for general track only) (15)

Supplementary requirements
MTH 310 STATISTICS (4)
CSI 108 INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS SOFTWARE (1)
It is recommended that students take both courses where options are offered.

SOCIOLOGY MAJOR REQUIREMENTS:
Criminal Justice Emphasis 37 crs.
Requirements for the general track plus: 
SOC 170 INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE (3)
SOC 220 JUVENILE DELINQUENCY (3)
SOC 350 SOCIOLOGY OF GENDER (3)
or
SOC 360 RACE AND ETHNIC RELATIONS (3)
SOC 371 SOCIOLOGY OF DEVIANCE (3)
SOC 440 POLICE AND URBAN SOCIETY (3)
or
SOC 445 CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS (3) 

Supplementary requirements
MTH 310 STATISTICS (4)
CSI 108 INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS SOFTWARE (1)
It is recommended that students take both courses where options are offered.

SOCIOLOGY MAJOR REQUIREMENTS:
Social Work Emphasis 37 crs.
Requirements for general track plus: 
SOC 190 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK (3)
SOC 279 COMMUNITY ACTION/ORGANIZATION (3)
SOC 350 SOCIOLOGY OF GENDER (3)
or
SOC 360 RACE AND ETHNIC RELATIONS (3)
SOC 380 SOCIAL WORK PRACTICUM (3)
SOC 390 SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY (3)

Supplementary requirements
MTH 310 STATISTICS (4)
CSI 108 INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS SOFTWARE (1)
additional Sociology elective (3)

Strongly recommended courses
PSI 102 STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (3)
PSY 315 ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY (4)
PSY 450 COUNSELING AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY (4)
SPC 200 SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION (3)

SOC 150 PRINCIPLES OF SOCIOLOGY (3)
An introduction to sociology with an emphasis on basic concepts and theoretical perspectives, and their
application to an understanding of social organization and social processes. Each semester.

SOC 170 INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE (3)
An introduction to the criminal justice system with an emphasis on the structure and functioning of law
enforcement agencies, the courts, and correctional institutions. Annually, Spring.

SOC 190 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK (3)
An overview of the historical development of social work in the United States. An introduction to the
values and principles of social work along with the settings where social workers practice. Pre- or corequisite SOC 150 or consent of instructor. Annually, Fall.

SOC 220 JUVENILE DELINQUENCY (3)
An introduction to the study of juvenile delinquency and a survey of the history and operations of the
juvenile justice system. Prerequisite: SOC 170, or consent of instructor. Annually, Fall.

SOC 240 CROSS CULTURAL PRACTICUM (1 or 3)
An analysis of contemporary social issues through a combination of community service and classroom
sessions. Students enrolled in this course must participate in an extended field experience. No more than four credit hours of credit for this class may be applied toward the major. Pass/Fail only. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. As needed.

SOC 260 SOCIOLOGY OF FAMILIES (3)
A study of the institutions of marriage and the family with an emphasis on the family in the U.S.
Specifically, students will investigate the origin and evolution of the family, human sexuality, love and
marriage, sex roles, parent/child interactions and the relationship between the family and other cultural
institutions. Alternate years, Fall ‘10.

SOC 270 SOCIAL PROBLEMS (3)
A sociological analysis of the social problems confronting contemporary societies, particularly the
United States, and the processes by which they become identified as social problems. Each Semester.

SOC 279 COMMUNITY ACTION/ORGANIZATION (3)
Macro social work deals with organizing the effective delivery of services, strengthening community
life, and preventing social problems. An introduction to community organization, locality development,
social planning, and social action models. Prerequisite: SOC 190 or consent of instructor. Alternate
years, Fall ‘10.

SOC 280-289 SPECIAL TOPICS IN SOCIOLOGY (1-4)
Special topics courses allow offerings not regularly scheduled to be taught. These may be offered by the faculty or students may request courses in areas of their interest and faculty expertise. Depending on the subject matter, this may be cross listed with courses in other disciplines. As needed.

SOC 330 POPULAR CULTURE (3)
Pop-culture artifacts and practices are vital cultural spaces for the articulation of our social, political, and
personal identities. Focusing on popular culture, the course will examine the communicative roles of cultural artifacts and practices. Sites of interrogation will include pop culture texts, locales, practices and
actors. Prerequisite: SOC 150 or consent of instructor. As needed.

SOC 350 SOCIOLOGY OF GENDER (3)
A sociological examination of the social creation of gender and how that concept is transmitted and
maintained. The implications of gender will be studied in relation to social, economic and political stratification. Prerequisites: Soc 150 or consent of instructor. Annually, Fall.

SOC 354 URBAN SOCIOLOGY (3)
An introduction to the study of urban areas. The history and development of urbanization, processes of
urban change and conflict, and social and psychological effects of urban life will be examined.
Prerequisite: SOC 150 or consent of instructor. Alternate years, Spring ‘11.

SOC 360 RACE AND ETHNIC RELATIONS (3)
A study of race and ethnic relations in the United States and other countries. The course examines the
origins of ethnic conflict, the establishment of ethnic group stratification and the factors that perpetuate
ethnic group conflict. Special emphasis will be given to the experience of African Americans.
Prerequisite: SOC 150 or consent of instructor. Annually, Spring.

SOC 371 SOCIOLOGY OF DEVIANCE (3)
An analysis of the sociological theories of deviant behavior. The social construction of deviance will be
examined along with an analysis of some of the actions identified as deviant in our society. Prerequisite:
SOC 150. Annually, Fall.

SOC 380 SOCIAL WORK PRACTICUM (3)
An introduction to social work practice through a combination of community service and classroom sessions. Extended field observation required. Consent of instructor required. Prerequisite: SOC 190 or consent of instructor. Alternate years, Spring ‘11.

SOC 390 SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY (3)
This course focuses on the process of social welfare policy formation at the state and federal level.
Reviews the history of social welfare policy in the United States and the impact changing policy has on
clients, social services and social work roles. Prerequisite: SOC 190, SOC 295 or consent of instructor.
Alternate years, Fall ‘09.

SOC 395 CLASSICAL SOCIAL THEORY (W) (3)
An overview of the development of sociological theory with an emphasis on classical theory. This course
is designed to cultivate in students the analytical skills they will need to be good social thinkers.
Prerequisite: SOC 150. or consent of instructor. Annually, Fall.

SOC 401 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY (3)
Same as PSY 401. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Annually, Spring.

SOC 410 CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL THEORY (3)
A critical examination of the major developments in contemporary sociological theory. Prerequisite:
SOC 150, SOC 295 or consent of instructor. Annually, Spring.

SOC 420 SOCIAL STRATIFICATION (3)
An examination of the relationship between inequality and the historical development of societies.
Various theoretical perspectives on social stratification will be discussed, as will the concept of class conflict and the role of ideology in the maintenance of inequality. Prerequisite: SOC 150 or consent of
instructor. Alternate years, Spring ‘10.

SOC 440 POLICE AND URBAN SOCIETY (3)
An examination of the social and historical origins of the police and the changing nature of police organizations in contemporary urban society. Prerequisite: SOC 170. Annually, Spring.

SOC 445 CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS (3)
An examination and analysis of contemporary correctional systems. Consideration will be given to such issues as the goals of incarceration, prisoner’s rights, prison violence, treatment and rehabilitation programs, and parole. Prerequisite: SOC 170 or consent of instructor. Annually, Fall.

SOC 450 SOCIOLOGY OF SPORT (3)
A sociological examination of sports and sport-related behaviors as they occur in social and cultural contexts. Same as PED 450. Prerequisite: SOC 150 or consent of instructor. Alternate years, Spring ‘10.

SOC 470 INTERNSHIP IN SOCIOLOGY (3-8)

SOC 480 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN SOCIOLOGY (1-4)

SOC 490 SEMINAR IN SOCIOLOGY (2-4)
Selected topics. As needed.

SOC 496 METHODS OF SOCIAL RESEARCH (W) (4)
An introduction to social science writing and research skills. This course is designed to cultivate the student’s skills in evaluating the significance of published research findings and in designing original research. Topics include the interdependence of theory and research, hypothesis formation, research design, sampling techniques, and various methods of observation. Prerequisite: Senior status. Annually, Fall.

SOC 498 SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS (3)
A senior capstone course for sociology majors focusing on a review and integration of sociological
knowledge. Students will explore career and graduate school opportunities. Prerequisite: Senior status,
SOC 400, MTH 310, and CSI 108. Annually, Spring.