Course Descriptions

SOC 100 - Introduction to Gender and Sexuality Studies

3 Credits

This course will provide students with an interdisciplinary approach to the study of gender and sexuality. The course will introduce students to key concepts, theoretical perspectives and analytical tools developed by social scientists and feminist scholars in diverse fields of study. Through this course, students will examine historical movements and contemporary debates, especially as they pertain to the social construction of gender, structural inequalities, and the intersectionality of gender and sexuality with race, class, nationality and dis/ability.

Learning Attributes: WR

MCC General Education: MCC-VE - Values and Ethics (MVE)

SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology

3 Credits

This survey course studies human social behavior with an emphasis on sociological theory; research methods; and key concepts such as society, culture, socialization, social interaction, institutions, deviance, social stratification, and social change. We will define and analyze how social inequality including, but not limited to, the dimensions of race, class, and gender shapes our understanding of society and impacts us on both an individual and institutional level.

Learning Attributes: WR

SUNY General Education: SUNY-SS - Social Sciences (SSCS)

MCC General Education: MCC-CT - Critical Thinking (MCT), MCC-SCI - Scientific Reasoning (MSCI), MCC-SSD - Social Science and Diversity (MSSD), MCC-GLO - Global Understanding (MGLO)

SOC 102 - Social Problems

3 Credits

This survey course studies major social problems in contemporary society, their nature, development, social causes, and possible solutions with an emphasis on the intersection of social identities including, but not limited to race, class, gender, and sexuality. Various topics include the impact of poverty, crime, drug addiction and prejudice on the individual and society.

Learning Attributes: WR

SUNY General Education: SUNY-SS - Social Sciences (SSCS)

MCC General Education: MCC-CT - Critical Thinking (MCT), MCC-SCI - Scientific Reasoning (MSCI), MCC-SSD - Social Science and Diversity (MSSD)

SOC 201 - Sociology of Race and Ethnicity

3 Credits

This course engages students in an academic and personal exploration of the experience, performance, and implications of race and ethnicity in the United States. Incorporating a sociological lens, this course begins with the assumption that race and ethnicity are constructed phenomena that reflect social, political, economic, and cultural forces. In this class, we will examine structural origins of racial inequality in the U.S. We will apply an intersectional lens to explore systemic inequalities created by the co-constructions of race, class, gender and their impact on a personal and institutional level. We explore the ways in which racial social justice movements have transformed our culture over time as well as examining the ways in which we can instigate social change in the future

Learning Attributes: WR

SUNY General Education: SUNY-SS - Social Sciences (SSCS)

MCC General Education: MCC-CT - Critical Thinking (MCT), MCC-SCI - Scientific Reasoning (MSCI), MCC-SSD - Social Science and Diversity (MSSD)

SOC 202 - Introduction to Urban Studies

3 Credits

This course focuses on the social, political, economic, and cultural factors associated with development of urban communities, the characteristics of urban institutions, trends in urban planning, ecological processes, and the effects upon urban communities of development and migration. A student may earn credit for URS100 or SOC202, but cannot earn credit for both courses because they are equivalent courses.

Learning Attributes: WR

SUNY General Education: SUNY-SS - Social Sciences (SSCS)

MCC General Education: MCC-CT - Critical Thinking (MCT), MCC-SCI - Scientific Reasoning (MSCI), MCC-SSD - Social Science and Diversity (MSSD)

SOC 203 - Criminology

3 Credits

The course emphasizes the historical and contemporary theories of crime causation. Problems involving attempts to develop a scientific and objective approach to the phenomena of crime are analyzed. Issues such as the role of law, the political and economic institutions and the social structure which generate crime are investigated.

Prerequisite(s): SOC 101 or SOC 102

Learning Attributes: WR

SUNY General Education: SUNY-SS - Social Sciences (SSCS)

MCC General Education: MCC-CT - Critical Thinking (MCT), MCC-SCI - Scientific Reasoning (MSCI), MCC-SSD - Social Science and Diversity (MSSD)

SOC 204 - Sociology of the Family

3 Credits

A sociological analysis of the family as a social institution: its origin, structure and variations; and patterns of intimate relationships. Examines family organization and disorganization through analysis of mate selection, sexuality, gender and family roles, marriage and divorce, parenthood, and the diversity of family composition. Investigates key concerns for contemporary American families including communication and power, the balance of work and family obligations, the impact of social change, and current social policy issues.

Prerequisite: SOC 101

Learning Attributes: WR

SUNY General Education: SUNY-SS - Social Sciences (SSCS)

MCC General Education: MCC-CT - Critical Thinking (MCT), MCC-SCI - Scientific Reasoning (MSCI), MCC-SSD - Social Science and Diversity (MSSD)

SOC 205 - African-American Family

3 Credits

A comprehensive examination of the diverse and complex issues surrounding the African-American family unit as it has evolved from pre-slavery to contemporary period. It focuses on historical, social, cultural, political, economic and global conditions that have affected that institution. The course discusses key issues, themes and debates in the field and analyzes a variety of theoretical perspectives of examining the African-American family life. A student may earn credit for SOC 205 or AFS 200, but cannot earn credit for both courses because they are equivalent courses.

Learning Attributes: WR

SUNY General Education: SUNY-SS - Social Sciences (SSCS)

MCC General Education: MCC-CT - Critical Thinking (MCT), MCC-SCI - Scientific Reasoning (MSCI), MCC-SSD - Social Science and Diversity (MSSD)

SOC 206 - Sociology of Gender and Sexuality

3 Credits

This course introduces students to the sociological study of gender and sexuality in contemporary U.S. society by examining the ways in which each are socially constructed. The role of gender and sexuality in institutional structures, including the economy, law, education and media will be examined. Historical and cross-cultural variations in gender and sexuality are explored as well as variations by race, ethnicity, and social class. Sociological theory and research will be used to provide analysis for systems of inequality as well as how the meanings and experiences of gender and sexuality have changed over time.

Prerequisite: GSS 100/SOC 100 OR SOC 101

Learning Attributes: WR

SUNY General Education: SUNY-SS - Social Sciences (SSCS)

MCC General Education: MCC-CT - Critical Thinking (MCT), MCC-SCI - Scientific Reasoning (MSCI), MCC-SSD - Social Science and Diversity (MSSD)

SOC 209 - Environmental Sociology

3 Credits

An introduction to the key theoretical approaches and research within the emerging field of environmental sociology, and an examination of the ongoing research on how environmental problems have roots in social processes, such as culture, community, social inequality, social organization and social structure. Students will examine how human values about the environment and the relationships between humans and our physical environment are socially constructed. Students will develop a working knowledge of sociological research methods and theoretical perspectives in their analyses of the relationship between human societies and the physical environment.

Prerequisite: SOC 101

Learning Attributes: WR, GR

SUNY General Education: SUNY-SS - Social Sciences (SSCS)

MCC General Education: MCC-CT - Critical Thinking (MCT), MCC-SCI - Scientific Reasoning (MSCI), MCC-SSD - Social Science and Diversity (MSSD), MCC-GLO - Global Understanding (MGLO)

SOC 210 - Introduction to Global Studies

3 Credits

Individuals, local communities, business enterprises, and nation-states are today inextricably involved in and affected by global relationships. This course provides an overview of the emergence and characteristics of global, social, economic, political, and ecological interdependence. In analyzing global problems, students evaluate and consider alternative strategies to address global inequities including class, gender and global racism. Students also assess their individual needs in the context of human survival and global interdependence.

Learning Attributes: WR, GR

SUNY General Education: SUNY-OWC - Other World Civilizations (SOW2)

MCC General Education: MCC-GLO - Global Understanding (MGLO), MCC-SSD - Social Science and Diversity (MSSD)

SOC 216 - Special Topics in Sociology

3 Credits

This course is designed to address specific topics of interest in sociology. Offerings are more specific and focused than the introductory surveys. Examples of potential offerings could include Sociology of the Body, Sociology of Deviance, or Sociology of Pop Culture. Topics may change from semester to semester based on faculty and student interest. The classes will be primarily lecture and discussion based.

Learning Attributes: WR

MCC General Education: MCC-SSD - Social Science and Diversity (MSSD)