Online Courses Fall 2026

Sociological Theory

SYA 3010.001 ♦ Ann Branaman

This course provides an introduction and overview of some of the major theoretical traditions in sociology. Students learn about the development of sociology as a discipline, as well as how to use different sociological theories to make sense of social structures, social action and social change in the contemporary world.

Prerequisite required: SYD 3792 or SYG 1000

Sociological Analysis: Survey of Methods

SYA 3300.001 ♦ Maritza Flores

This course introduces students to social science research methods used to study and understand human societies. Students learn the fundamentals of research design, measurement, sampling, data collection, data analysis and presentation using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Students in this course gain hands-on research experience by designing, executing and presenting a pilot research project based on human subjects.

Prerequisite required: SYD 3792 or SYG 1000

Sociology of Happiness: Research Capstone

SYA 4303.001 ♦ Ann Branaman

In this course, students learn how to conduct sociological research on the topic of happiness. The skills learned about sociological research can be applied to any topic having to do with people and societies. But in this course the topic is happiness. Students complete a final term paper based on individual sociological research on the topic of happiness.

Prequisite required: SYA 3010, SYA 3300 with mimimum grade of "C"

Contemporary Social Problems

SYA 3930.005 ♦ Greg Lukasik

This course features an in-depth analysis of a current issue in society. Topics vary from semester to semester.

Environmental Sociology

SYD 3510.001 ♦ Greg Lukasik

This course exposes students to the sociological study of the relationship between society and the environment. Students gain an understanding of how global economic and political forces shape environmental change, how the environment is socially constructed, the connections between environment and social inequalities, and the emergence and effects of environmental movements.

Race, Class, Gender and Sexuality

SYD 3792.001 ♦ Maritza Flores

This course examines the roles played by race, class, gender and sexuality in identity and group formation as well as societal differentiation. It shows how inequalities along those lines shape and are shaped by social institutions including the media, education, the economy and family.

Gender and Society

SYD 3800.002 ♦

This course surveys the subfield of the sociology of gender. It examines competing theoretical explanations of gender from a sociological perspective. Topics include gender difference, socialization, stratification and gendered social institutions such as families, work and the media.

Race and Ethnic Relations

SYD 3700.004 ♦ Stacy Salerno

Sociological Perspectives

SYG 1000.008 ♦ Bonnie Flory

In this course, students will gain an understanding of the basic sociological concepts and vocabulary, including the methodological tools, sociological perspectives and scientific procedures used by social scientists to collect data and conduct research. Topics generally include: society and culture, institutions, socialization, influences, crime, change, groups, sex, race and ethnicity, family, class, and population. This is a General Education course.

Sociology Internship

SYG 4941.001 ♦ Maritza Flores

This internship opportunity allows sociology majors to gain community experience by working with a local organization or agency in the tri-county region. Students gain firsthand experience and practical knowledge and will be able to apply their studies to real world situations. This internship may serve multiple purposes, including community-centered learning, networking, skills and interest development, and assistance in determining future careers or career opportunities.

Social Health, Medicine, Illness

SYO 3400.001 ♦ Maritza Flores

This course introduces students to the sociological perspective on the social determinants of health and illness. Students study how social factors like race, gender, and class shape individual health outcomes, and how patients and medical providers experience the healthcare system. This course examines the economic structures that distinguish American healthcare from other countries’ healthcare systems.

Class, Status, and Power

SYO 3530.001 ♦ Greg Lukasik

A comparative analysis of the causes and consequences of social inequality. Concentration on the individual and societal effects of differential access to power and privilege in plural societies.

Human Sexuality and Social Change

SYP 3060.002 ♦ Gina Carreno

This course provides a sociological perspective on human sexuality, examining how sexual attitudes, identities and behaviors are shaped by broader cultural, social and historical contexts. Special attention is given to the causes and consequences of society’s beliefs about and organization of human sexuality as well as how those beliefs and structures have changed over time.

Social Movements

SYP 3304.001 ♦ Greg Lukasik

This course explores how forms of social protest may create social change. Through careful analysis of major social movements such as civil rights, labor, feminist/women's, ecological/environmental movements, and others, the course explores why and how social movements emerge, decline, and change social institutions and relationships.

Adolescence Delinquency

SYP 3530.001 ♦ Bonnie Flory

This course examines sociological theories of deviance (non-conformity to social norms) and social control, emphasizing types and causes of deviant behavior and the means of enforcing conformity.

Sociology of Aging and Dying

SYP 3740.001 ♦ Bonnie Flory

This course examines how aging and dying are defined, experienced and managed in contemporary society. Moving beyond purely biological understandings of aging and dying, this course explores how cultural values and norms, social psychological processes, demographic trends and social institutions shape these stages of the life course.

Sociology of Youth

SYP 3714.001 ♦ Laura Backstrom

This course examines how young people's lives are shaped by social forces and how the youth, in turn, help to construct their social contexts. Topics include the social construction of childhood and youth as parts of the life course, the roles of media, schooling, family and peers in shaping youth identities, and the impact of the youth on their societies through music, subcultures and student movements.