SOCI - Sociology (SOCI)

SOCI 203 U.S.-Mexico Border

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Understanding of the U.S.-Mexico border from different theoretical perspectives, including structural violence, identity, power and demography.

SOCI 205 Introduction to Sociology

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. (SOCI 1301) Introduction to Sociology. Overview of sociology; provides theoretical knowledge and interpersonal and analytical skills used in careers like business, education, healthcare, law and law enforcement, nonprofits, social services and public policy; uses critical thinking and analysis skills as well as teamwork and ethical and civic awareness to study everyday interactions and foster a deeper understanding of human society in order to navigate the interconnected world using an evidence-based understanding. In line with the American Sociological Association, sociology is the study of social life, social change and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations and societies and how people interact within these contexts. Since all human behavior is social, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to global communities; from deviance to organized crime; from religious traditions to state institutions; and from the divisions of race, gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture. The specific topics and readings assigned may vary depending on the instructor’s areas of focus and research expertise; also taught at Galveston campus.

SOCI 206 Global Social Trends

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Long-term trends in world societies from ancient times to the present and to the foreseeable future; emphasis on contemporary international issues and problems, techniques of analysis and future projections.

SOCI 207/WGST 207 Introduction to Gender and Society

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Explore the historical, cultural, social, economic and political dimensions of gender; define and distinguish gender roles and norms and identify sociological theories important to the study of gender; examine ideas and expectations about gender including historical and contemporary norms; understanding of scholarship on this topic increases intercultural competence and effective cross-cultural communication for participation in civic contexts and public life. In line with the American Sociological Association, sociology is the study of social life, social change and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations and societies and how people interact within these contexts. Since all human behavior is social, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to global communities; from deviance to organized crime; from religious traditions to state institutions; and from the divisions of race, gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture. The specific topics and readings assigned may vary depending on the instructor’s areas of focus and research expertise. Cross Listing: WGST 207/SOCI 207.

SOCI 210 Sociology of Technology and Science

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Examination of technology and science from a variety of theoretical perspectives; process by which engineered products are influenced by social factors as well as how they in turn, impact society; exploration and critique of classic and contemporary theories of technological development.

SOCI 211 Sociology of Deviance

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Exploring sociological deviance, understood as the violation of social norms and encompassing the differences in behaviors, values, attitudes, lifestyles and patterns of behavior among individuals and groups; explore and clarify the definitions, debates and theories surrounding behavior defined as deviant within specific contexts while emphasizing critical analysis of the concept of "deviance" from a variety of viewpoints; develop the necessary analytical skills and examine the research methods employed in sociology to evaluate the complexities of deviant behavior; engage in discussions that highlight the ethical considerations and social impacts in examining responses to deviance. In line with the American Sociological Association, sociology is the study of social life, social change and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations and societies and how people interact within these contexts. Since all human behavior is social, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to global communities; from deviance to organized crime; from religious traditions to state institutions; and from the divisions of race, gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture. The specific topics and readings assigned may vary depending on the instructor’s areas of focus and research expertise.

SOCI 212 Sociology of Popular Culture

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Examination of the classic and contemporary social scientific definitions and theories of culture, and popular versus “high” or elite culture(s), various forms and arenas of popular culture, such as television, film, and music, institutions and popular culture, identity (race, class, gender and sexuality) and popular culture.

SOCI 213/WGST 213 Gender and Health

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Examines the social and historical context of American health care and health professions and develops analytical and professional skills, especially for those seeking work in nursing, medicine and/or health care; analyzes peer-reviewed research on women’s health disparities; emphasizes professional communication of evidence in discussions and presentations, builds empirical and quantitative skills to analyze health datasets; considers ethical dimensions and community contexts while encouraging students to consider a range of perspectives and experiences while providing an understanding of how gender and health intertwine within a societal context. In line with the American Sociological Association, sociology is the study of social life, social change and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations and societies and how people interact within these contexts. Since all human behavior is social, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to global communities; from deviance to organized crime; from religious traditions to state institutions; and from the divisions of race, gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture. The specific topics and readings assigned may vary depending on the instructor’s areas of focus and research expertise. Cross Listing: WGST 213/SOCI 213.

SOCI 214 Social Problems

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Understand how certain social conditions come to be labeled as “social problems” and recognize the influence of research, policymakers, the media and public perception; explore various social topics and examine research on issues that affect many lives, enhancing our critical thinking, ethical understanding and civic awareness; cultivate key skills such as an awareness of others' beliefs and ability to analyze drivers of behavior, evaluate policy and program options, including trade-offs to real-life problems, and communicate findings to varied professional audiences; use qualitative and quantitative data to assess patterns and convey information; drawing connections between social theory and real-world issues may require addressing challenging topics, but engaging in these discussions respectfully in a structured classroom setting with guided discussion promotes understanding. In line with the American Sociological Association, sociology is the study of social life, social change and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations and societies and how people interact within these contexts. Since all human behavior is social, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to global communities; from deviance to organized crime; from religious traditions to state institutions; and from the divisions of race, gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture. The specific social problems studied and readings assigned may vary depending on the instructor’s areas of focus and research expertise.

SOCI 215/WGST 205 Introduction to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Studies

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. This course is an interdisciplinary survey of the histories and theories regarding lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ+) identities and communities. The course focuses on current scholarship addressing the social construction of sex, sexuality and gender; institutional ways in which homophobia, biphobia and transphobia are systematically deployed; histories and examples of LGBTQ+ activism; evolution of desire and subjectivity; and the contributions of queer scholarship in understanding society. TOPICS. Course may include but is not limited to discussions and readings that address queer approaches to institutions; intersections of sexual and gender identity with race, class, ability/disability and/or nationality; digital activism; gender violence; controversies related to LGBTQ+ issues and politics, among others. Instructors teaching this class will choose texts, assessments and approaches that represent current scholarship, instructor expertise, and satisfy course learning objectives. Cross Listing: WGST 205/SOCI 215.

SOCI 217 Introduction to Race and Ethnicity

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Examine racial and ethnic groups in the U.S.; evaluate the strengths and limitations of quantitative and qualitative information about racial and ethnic groups; synthesize arguments and evidence about the major sources of change in racial and ethnic relations and the processes and mechanisms associated with inequality in the United States historically and today; communicate sociological research findings to varied audiences; and apply sociological research materials to real-world cases and organizational contexts. Understanding how these groups and their histories are rooted in U.S. history not only provides historical context for understanding contributions but also helps us critically analyze social dynamics. In line with the American Sociological Association, sociology is the study of social life, social change and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations and societies and how people interact within these contexts. Since all human behavior is social, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to global communities; from deviance to organized crime; from religious traditions to state institutions; and from the divisions of race, gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture. The specific groups studied and readings assigned may vary depending on the instructor’s areas of focus and research expertise.

SOCI 220 Methods of Social Research

Credits 3. 2 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours. Comprehensive introduction to sociological research methods. Emphasizes skills needed for evaluating knowledge claims and research findings and applying research methods to real-world sociological issues. Focuses on the characteristics, strengths and limitations of various methods of data collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data as well as developing knowledge and skills necessary for evaluating and engaging in research design, including considerations such as the relationship between theory and research, designing empirical research questions, hypothesizing, conceptualizing, operationalizing, sampling and ensuring ethical standards. In line with the American Sociological Association, sociology is the study of social life, social change and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations and societies and how people interact within these contexts. Since all human behavior is social, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to global communities; from deviance to organized crime; from religious traditions to state institutions; and from the divisions of race, gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture. The specific topics and readings assigned may vary depending on the instructor’s areas of focus and research expertise; also taught at Galveston campus.

SOCI 229 Qualitative Methods

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Methodologies in social research with emphasis on qualitative dimensions of inquiry; topics include in-depth interviewing, observation, unobtrusive measures, analysis of documents, fieldwork issues, ethics, note-taking, preliminary data analysis, and an overview of writing research reports based on qualitative research.

SOCI 230 Classical Sociological Theory

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Role of theory in sociological study; the development of classical theoretical perspectives providing the foundation for contemporary theory.

SOCI 285 Directed Studies

Credits 0 to 3. 0 to 3 Other Hours. Special problems not covered by other courses. Course depends upon needs and interest of the student and upon the number of credit hours. Prerequisite: Sophomore classification in sociology.

SOCI 289 Special Topics in...

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Lecture Hours. 0 to 4 Lab Hours. Selected topics in an identified area of sociology. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Approval of instructor; also taught at Galveston campus.

SOCI 291 Research

Credits 0 to 3. 0 to 3 Other Hours. Research conducted under the direction of a chosen faculty member in sociology. May be taken for a maximum of three hours total credit. Prerequisites: Freshman or sophomore classification and approval of instructor.

SOCI 304 Criminology

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Develops analytical and professional skills to understand and assess crime within society; emphasizes the importance of defining crime, differentiating between law-making and law-breaking and examining the social patterns and distributions of crime, victimization and punishment in society and over time; the curriculum is structured into three core areas: understanding different types of crime and victimization, exploring established sociological theories on criminal behavior and developing the ability to analyze the justice system responses to crime; examines peer-reviewed research on topics including mass incarceration and policing practices; provides the tools to apply criminological research to real-world situations, allowing for an evidence-based analysis of criminal behavior and its effects on society. In line with the American Sociological Association, sociology is the study of social life, social change and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations and societies and how people interact within these contexts. Since all human behavior is social, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to global communities; from deviance to organized crime; from religious traditions to state institutions; and from the divisions of race, gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture. The specific topics and readings assigned may vary depending on the instructor’s areas of focus and research expertise. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.

SOCI 311 Social Change

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Survey of major changes in American and Western society, the forces underlying change and tensions caused by social change. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

SOCI 312 Population and Society

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. The causes and implications of major population trends; also taught at Galveston campus.

SOCI 315/WGST 315 Sociology of Marriage and Family

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Explore family life and contemporary family issues and debates, developing practical skills in critical analysis, communication and sociological evaluation that are used in related professional contexts, especially for fields such as counseling, law and law enforcement, public policy and health care; explore diverse family experiences, historical and contemporary norms, and public attitudes toward family structures; apply sociological approaches and research to analyze family forms, functions, processes related to inequality and the dynamics of interaction; evaluate sociological research methodologies and ethical considerations to assess evidence and policy debates; through the examination of themes like love, marriage and conflict, alongside the critical implications of family changes, develop an evidence-based understanding of the complexities and variation present in contemporary U.S. families. In line with the American Sociological Association, sociology is the study of social life, social change and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations and societies and how people interact within these contexts. Since all human behavior is social, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to global communities; from deviance to organized crime; from religious traditions to state institutions; and from the divisions of race, gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture. The specific topics and readings assigned may vary depending on the instructor’s areas of focus and research expertise. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification. Cross Listing: WGST 315/SOCI 315.

SOCI 316/WGST 316 Sociology of Gender

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. An exploration of social construction of gender from a sociological lens, including understanding how social norms, social institutions and social processes are shaped by gendered meanings and contestations. Use empirical and theoretical research to investigate the roles of gender across social institutions such as family, state, law, marriage, nation and others. Also explores how gender intersects with other aspects of social identity such as race, class and citizenship. Students will learn to apply gender theories and empirical research to analyze current social issues and debates, both locally and globally. By the end of the course, students will be able to evaluate how gender shapes outcomes and how research explains change. In line with the American Sociological Association, sociology is the study of social life, social change and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations and societies and how people interact within these contexts. Since all human behavior is social, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to global communities; from deviance to organized crime; from religious traditions to state institutions; and from the divisions of race, gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture. The specific topics and readings assigned may vary depending on the instructor’s areas of focus and research expertise. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification. Cross Listing: WGST 316/SOCI 316.

SOCI 317/AFST 317 Racial and Ethnic Relations

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Status of racial and ethnic groups such as Native Americans, African Americans, Latino Americans, Asian Americans, European Americans, and other groups in the political, economic, legal and social systems of the United States. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: AFST 317/SOCI 317.

SOCI 319/SPMT 319 Sociology of Sport

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Social institution of sport and its consequences for American society; social organization from play to professional sport; violence, discrimination, women in sport; socialization implications from participation in sports. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification. Cross Listing: SPMT 319/SOCI 319.

SOCI 320 Demographic Methods

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Procedures and techniques of demographic analysis; examination of demographic data; calculation of rates; construction of life tables; population estimates and projections. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor; also taught at Galveston campus.

SOCI 323/AFST 323 Sociology of African Americans

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Major elements of the Afro-American subculture in relation to white American society and its major social institutions. Prerequisite: SOCI 205. Cross Listing: AFST 323/SOCI 323.

SOCI 326/RELS 326 Sociology of Religion

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Institution of religion and religious-related behavior; relationship between dynamic and structural religion and contemporary society. Prerequisite: SOCI 205. Cross Listing: RELS 326/SOCI 326.

SOCI 328 Environmental Sociology

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. A comprehensive overview of environmental sociology, including major sociological theories, concepts and policy issues affecting our understanding of environmental changes; emphasizes social factors that impact environmental quality. Prerequisite: SOCI 205 or approval of instructor; also taught at Galveston campus.

SOCI 330 Sociology of Nutrition

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Social factors affecting the kind and amount of food consumed around the world; social consequences of nutritional status for family functioning and for international development.

SOCI 337 International Migration

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Survey of theories and trends in international migration. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification, or approval of instructor.

SOCI 338 Latino Immigration

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Theoretical and empirical examinations of the causes, processes, and impacts of Latin American immigration to the U.S.; Latino/a immigrant experience in the U.S.; effects of immigration on sending and receiving communities. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of the instructor.

SOCI 376/MGMT 376 Entrepreneurial Perspectives

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Entrepreneurship as a career choice and its impact on society and economy; definitions of entrepreneurship; discovery of entrepreneurial opportunities and start-up funding; innovation and entrepreneurship theories for analyzing and predicting success of start-up and established entrepreneurial organizations. Prerequisite: Admission to upper division in Mays Business School. Cross Listing: MGMT 376/SOCI 376.

SOCI 403 Sociology of Latinos

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Exploration of social characteristics and acculturation problems of Mexican Americans in the United States; styles of life and cultural variability, social mobility, the struggle for advancement and identity through social movements.

SOCI 404 Sociology of the Community

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Organization of American communities examining the bases of community, types of communities and the changes faced by communities. Prerequisite: SOCI 205; SOCI-404 also taught at Galveston campus.

SOCI 408 Death and Dying

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Exploration of interdisciplinary social issues surrounding death and dying: the interactions among professionals, families, and dying individuals; the development and functioning of death norms and institutions (e.g., hospitals, funeral homes, hospice, capital punishment); the critical analysis of social/cultural inequalities affecting when and how we die. Prerequisite: Junior of senior classification or approval of instructor.

SOCI 410/WGST 410 Reproduction and Birth

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. This course examines topics related to reproductive practices and experiences and of the meanings surrounding womanhood, motherhood and reproduction. CONTENT STATEMENT. Instructors teaching this class will choose texts, assessments and approaches that represent current scholarship in this field and satisfy course learning objectives. In line with the American Sociological Association, sociology is the study of social life, social change and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations and societies and how people interact within these contexts. Since all human behavior is social, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to global communities; from deviance to organized crime; from religious traditions to state institutions; and from the divisions of race, gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture. The specific topics and readings assigned may vary depending on the instructor’s areas of focus and research expertise. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification. Cross Listing: WGST 410/SOCI 410.

SOCI 411 Social Psychology

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Effects of social experience and groups on the development of personality, attitudes, values and behavior. Prerequisite: 3 hours of sociology or psychology.

SOCI 412 Political Sociology

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Survey of social bases of power; state formation in advanced industrial societies; origins of welfare state; interrelation of nationalism; culture and class formation. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

SOCI 413 Social Movements

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Survey of social movements; emphasis on social movement participation, emergence and outcomes; analysis of revolutions and movements in the developing world; theory and methods of social movement research. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

SOCI 415 Sociology of Education

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Relationship of social structure and change to education; social background and student performance; teachers and their careers; bureaucracy and change in education. Prerequisite: SOCI 205.

SOCI 419 Social Class in Contemporary Society

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Composition and consequences of social class structure; social class explanations for lifestyle patterns, educational and occupational achievements. Prerequisite: SOCI 205.

SOCI 420 Advanced Methods of Social Research

Credits 3. 2 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours. Fundamental statistical concepts and quantitative methodologies relevant to sociological research; generating and describing data, assumptions for statistical inference and statistical methods such as descriptive and inferential statistics, measures of association and multivariate analyses like ordinary least squares regression. Students will learn to apply these techniques using sociological databases, while gaining proficiency in statistical software like R and Stata. The curriculum emphasizes critical consumption of statistical information, understanding relationships between variables, hypothesis testing and effectively reporting findings in a manner accessible to broader audiences, focusing on interpreting results and integrating analyses into comprehensive reports. In line with the American Sociological Association, sociology is the study of social life, social change and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations and societies and how people interact within these contexts. Since all human behavior is social, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to global communities; from deviance to organized crime; from religious traditions to state institutions; and from the divisions of race, gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture. The specific topics and readings assigned may vary depending on the instructor’s areas of focus and research expertise. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in SOCI 220; also taught at Galveston campus.

SOCI 421/WGST 421 Gender & Crime

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Gender & Crime. Gender disparities in contemporary patterns of crime, victimization and incarceration; key concepts, major theories and empirical research studies around gender and crime. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in SOCI 207/WGST 207, SOCI 211, SOCI 304, SOCI 316/WGST 316, WGST 200, WGST 207/SOCI 207, or WGST 316/SOCI 316. Cross Listing: WGST 421/SOCI 421.

SOCI 422 Race, Ethnicity, Crime and Justice

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Racial/ethnic disparities in criminal offending and victimization, as well as different experiences with law enforcement, judicial, and correctional agencies. Prerequisites: SOCI 220 or equivalent. Cross Listing: AFST 422 and LMAS 422.

SOCI 425 Medical Sociology

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Equips students with the skills to understand health and illness through a sociological lens, preparing students to work in medicine, nursing and health-related fields by applying sociological perspectives and research to health and medical care; develops analytical thinking by exploring how social forces shape medicine and health behaviors, dives into social epidemiology and the factors that influence health outcomes; hones research skills by evaluating health distributions and policies in the U.S. while making global comparisons, emphasizing comparative analysis; sharpens communication skills by explaining complex ideas about healthcare delivery and institutions in everyday language. In line with the American Sociological Association, sociology is the study of social life, social change and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations and societies and how people interact within these contexts. Since all human behavior is social, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to global communities; from deviance to organized crime; from religious traditions to state institutions; and from the divisions of race, gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture. The specific topics and readings assigned may vary depending on the instructor’s areas of focus and research expertise. Prerequisite: SOCI 205.

SOCI 430 Contemporary Sociological Theory

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Basic ideas of contemporary sociological theory: structuralism, functionalism, conflict, symbolic interaction, exchange and their application to current research. Prerequisite: SOCI 230.

SOCI 432/MGMT 479 Technology Commercialization

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Examination of the process of introducing to the marketplace new products or services based upon scientific and technological innovations; practical skills for assessing the technology, identifying potential products and services, and quantifying market demand; focuses on value creation, financing, intellectual property law, regulatory, and socio-economic drivers. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or admission to upper division in Mays Business School; SOCI 376/MGMT 376 or MGMT 376/SOCI 376 and SOCI 476/MGMT 476 or MGMT 476/SOCI 476 recommended. Cross Listing: MGMT 479/SOCI 432.

SOCI 445 Sociology of Law

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Introduction to the sociology of law; the relation of law to general social control and to organizational dynamics.

SOCI 446 Sociology of War Crimes

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Sociological and cultural perspectives on war crimes; topics of responsibility, command responsibility, court-martial, and interrogation techniques; theories and concepts from forensic sociology applied to case studies. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification.

SOCI 450 Social Entrepreneurship

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Applying business principles and practices to solve social, economic and environmental problems; social entrepreneurship concepts and issues in scaling social enterprise ventures including management tools, organization structures, funding sources, impact measurement; experience in opportunity recognition, designing, planning, pitching social mission ventures; build social capital with social enterprise founders. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification. Cross Listing: MGMT 478 and PSAA 465.

SOCI 455/WGST 445 Queer Theory

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. This course examines the field of queer theory as it emerged in the U.S. academy in the 1990s and grew and developed within and beyond U.S. borders in the early 21st century. The course includes scholarship on gender and sexual diversity and its overlaps with and divergences from feminist theories, while also highlighting the ways it functions as a critical practice that extends far beyond questions of gender and sexuality. Drawing on philosophy, literature, cultural studies and political theory, the course examines how “queer” operates as a challenge to systems of normalization — of identity, desire, embodiment and knowledge itself. The course considers foundational and contemporary texts in the field. TOPICS. Instructors teaching this class will choose texts, assessments and approaches that represent current scholarship and satisfy course learning objectives. Prerequisites: 6 hours in Women's and Gender Studies; senior classification or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: WGST 445/SOCI 455.

SOCI 463 Gender in Asia

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Gender dynamics in Asia; changes in gender roles; women's movements; women and the economy; women and politics; men's and women's private lives. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification. Cross Listing: ASIA 463 and WGST 463.

SOCI 476/MGMT 476 Entrepreneurship Practice

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Practical skills for creating new businesses; evaluating, planning and operational strategy, including assessing the technology; product and service markets, value creation model; financing strategies; legal, regulatory, socio-economic drivers, risks; leadership to develop management team, advisory board; go-to-market strategy; develop own entrepreneurial opportunities or those of faculty and entrepreneurs. Cross Listing: MGMT 476/SOCI 476.

SOCI 478 Professional Development in Sociology I

Credit 1. 1 Lecture Hour. Career fields available to sociology majors, including the nature of the work, professional expectations, and the credentials for entry in the fields. Prerequisite: Sociology major; junior or senior classification.

SOCI 484 Field Practicum

Credits 0 to 4. 0 to 4 Other Hours. Field Experiences. Participation in an approved agency. Field experience will be supervised by selected agency personnel and appropriate faculty. Experiences and requirements will vary slightly according to placement and student interests. Prerequisites: Major in sociology; 12 hours of sociology; approval of undergraduate advisor; also taught at Galveston campus.

SOCI 485 Directed Studies

SOCI 489 Special Topics in...

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Lecture Hours. Selected topics in an identified area of sociology. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Approval of instructor.

SOCI 491 Research

Credits 0 to 3. 0 to 3 Other Hours. Research conducted under the direction of a chosen faculty member in sociology. May be taken four times for credit. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification and approval of instructor.