Graduate Courses
Note to Prospective Students: The course catalogue does not offer descriptions of courses held under the category of "Graduate Seminar." The following courses comprise many of the Sociology Department's offerings.
SOC 501: Multivariate Statistics for Social Science
This course is an advanced treatment of descriptive and inferential statistics with emphasis on the latter. Students will gain practical experience in analyzing current data from the social sciences through the use of statistical computer programs. Topics include: sampling, measures of central tendency and dispersion, probability theory, hypothesis testing, point and interval estimation, the normal, binomial, and chi-square distributions, parametric and non-parametric measures of association and correlation, and bi-variate regression.
3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)
SOC 502: Multivariate Regression Techniques
This course provides an in-depth overview of regression analysis, primarily focused on OLS modeling. Topics include: inferences in regression analysis, dummy variables, interaction terms, and diagnostics and remedial measures. The course concludes with an introduction to other regression techniques such as logistic and probability modeling.
3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)
SOC 504: Logic and Practice of Sociology
This course provides an introduction to the logic of empirical research in sociology. It takes a broad overview of both quantitative and qualitative methods; inductive and deductive reasoning; and the process of theory construction and testing, with an emphasis on research design and the logic of causal analysis. A knowledge of advanced statistics is not assumed. Topics covered include survey research, participant observation and field methods, the comparative method, experimental and quasi-experimental design, content analysis, and the logic of multivariate analysis.
3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)
SOC 505: Classical Sociological Theory
A review of the intellectual development of the discipline, its epistemological foundations, and classical theoretical statements.
Fall, 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)
SOC 506: Contemporary Sociological Theory
A review of the current major theoretical orientations and newly developing theoretical perspectives.
Spring, 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)
SOC 509: The Practice of Ethnography
This course has four major objectives: (1) to become familiar with contemporary ethnogaphies; (2) to acquaint students with the methodological literature on qualitative sociology; (3) to consider theoretical and epistemological issues in qualitative research; and (4) to put some data production techniques (observant participation, in-depth interviews, and life stories) into practice.
This course is co-scheduled with WST 610. Spring, 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.) May be repeated 2 times FOR credit.
SOC 510: Historical Methods in Sociology
Major approaches, philosophical problems of, and methods used in historical sociology. Topics covered include causal analysis, macrosociological comparisons, case-oriented versus variable-oriented approaches, ideal types, comparative typologies, narrative, and issues of significance and objectivity. Special attention is given to the problem of concept formation.
3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)
SOC 512: Global Sociology, Identities and Organizations in Global Perspective
This course examines how increasing global integration impacts human societies. It reviews the broad trends that foster globalization in the economic, political, cultural, and social spheres, as well as the consequences global change has had on how individuals and communities identify themselves and how they organize for collective goals. Core issues on the global agenda such as conflict, environment, technological and economic development, demographic change, gender, and human rights will be addressed; research methods for the study of global society will be introduced.
3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)
SOC 514: Advanced Topics in Global Sociology
This course provides an advanced treatment of major topics and debates in the increasingly globalized social sciences. The course is based on research activities of the faculty and students. Topics may include Global Inequality, Globalization and Gender, Poverty and Inequality, Sociology of Human Rights, Sociology of Solidarity, Revolutions and Revolutionary Movements, Transnational Social Movements, Global Political Economy, Globalization, Neoliberalism and Crisis, and Globalization and Immigration.
Fall or Spring, 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.) May be repeated for credit.
SOC 516: Social Inequality
Causes, consequences, and explanations of a prevailing social, political, and economic phenomenon. The course assesses long-run trajectories of inequalities in their various forms and dimensions, and analytically and theoretically considers the topic at the local, national, and global levels.
Fall or Spring, 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.) May be repeated 2 times FOR credit.
SOC 518: Sociology of Gender
This course will familiarize students with the field through a broad survey. Topics include theoretical debates about construction of gender identity, conceptual and empirical issues in the study if gender dynamics and empirical studies of the way gender constituted by social institutions such as family, education, workplace, and media.
Fall or Spring, 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.) May be repeated 2 times FOR credit.
SOC 519: Advanced Topics in Gender Studies
This advanced course will continue the discussion of the graduate seminar on Sociology of Gender, by examining theoretical debates or controversies, examining specific gender identities, examining the gender of a specific institution (i.e., labor,law), or the gendered dynamics of social interaction (in for example, romantic relationships or sexuality). Recent course topics have included Sociology of Masculinities, Gender and the Law, and Sociology of Sexualities.
Co-scheduled with WST 602. 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.) May be repeated 2 times FOR credit.
SOC 545: Social Movements
Unorganized collectives and their role in change. Studies of specific social movements and other collective behavior episodes.
Fall or Spring, 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.) May be repeated 2 times FOR credit.
SOC 549: Social Change
The image of technological, generational, and cultural forces on social organization from historical and comparative perspectives.
3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)
SOC 555: War and the Military
A comparative and historical study of the social organization of war and the military; causes, conduct, and consequences of war.
3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)
SOC 556: Political Sociology
The study of political institutions and of the politically relevant actions and attitudes of individuals and groups. Particular stress is placed on the reciprocal relationship between social movements and political institutions.
3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)
SOC 561: Cultural Sociology
Cultural sociology is a multi-faceted approach used to analyze phenomena as varied as the arts and popular culture, social identities, social movements, markets, and politics. In this course the major theoretical approaches are presented along with the most significant empirical work done in recent years. Classical as well as contemporary texts are considered.
Fall or Spring, 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.) May be repeated 2 times FOR credit.
SOC 566: Funding and Grant Writing in Sociology
This course will provide students with the skills necessary to write grant proposals for both government and private agencies. The main requirement will be to prepare a proposal suitable for submission to a particular agency that funds the kind of research the student plans to do.
Fall or Spring, 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.) May be repeated 2 times FOR credit
SOC 568: Dissertation Seminar
Under the direction of the seminar leader, students help one another (1) prepare for the Preliminary Specialty Field Exam (which includes putting together a reading list) and (2) work on a dissertation proposal and its defense. The details of selecting a dissertation committee and writing a dissertation are also explored.
Fall or Spring, 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.) May be repeated 2 times FOR credit.
SOC 590: Independent Study
Intensive reading, under supervision of one or more instructors, of material not covered in the formal curriculum.
1-12 credits, S/U grading May be repeated for credit.
SOC 591: Special Seminars
Topics to be arranged. The seminar is built around actual research activities of students and faculty. The following topics have recently been covered: Sociology of Consumption, Sociology of the Future, Marxist Analysis, Sociology of Max Weber, Social Networks, Network Analysis, Contagion in Social Networks, Computational Social Science, and Race and Ethnicity.
3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.) May be repeated for credit.
SOC 595: Special Seminars
Topics to be arranged. The seminar is built around actual research activities of students and faculty. The following topics have recently been covered: Sociology of Consumption, Sociology of the Future, Marxist Analysis, Sociology of Max Weber, Social Networks, Network Analysis, Contagion in Social Networks, Computational Social Science, and Race and Ethnicity.
3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.) May be repeated for credit.
SOC 598: Research
Execution of a research project under the supervision of one or more faculty members.
1-12 credits, S/U grading May be repeated for credit.
SOC 603: Advanced Topics in Quantitative Analysis
Mathematical and statistical methods in the analysis of quantitative data. Recent topics have included Categorical Data Analysis, Longitudinal Data Analysis, and Practice of Date Analysis
3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.) May be repeated for credit.
SOC 604: Advanced Topics in Qualitative Analysis
The use of personal documents, official records, field observations, and interviews. Recent topics have included In-depth Interviewing and Ethnographic Methods and Qualitative Sociology.
3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)
SOC 691: Practicum for Teaching and Graduate Assistants
Individualized supervision of initial (first two semesters) teaching assistance. Discussion, examination construction, student consultation, and grading. Register for section of supervising instructor.
3 credits, S/U grading
SOC 692: Practicum in the Teaching of Sociology
The exploration of teaching goals, processes, and outcomes. Practice lectures are videotaped and discussed; classroom visits; planning, outlining, selection of course material; writing of syllabus for Introductory Sociology section to be taught as part of SOC 693 in following semester.
3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)
SOC 693: Practicum for Graduate Teaching Interns
Supervised teaching of a section of Sociology 105 using the outlines, materials, and techniques developed in SOC 692. Includes weekly meetings of all persons registered for SOC 693 and observation of classes by both faculty and fellow graduate students.
3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)
SOC 699: Dissertation Research on Campus
Dissertation research under direction of advisor.
Prerequisite: Advancement to candidacy (G5). Major portion of research must take place on SBU campus, at Cold Spring Harbor, or at the Brookhaven National Lab. Summer, 1-9 credits, S/U grading May be repeated for credit.
SOC 700: Dissertation Research off Campus - Domestic
Prerequisite: Must be advanced to candidacy (G5). Major portion of research will take place off-campus, but in the United States and/ or U.S. provinces. Please note, Brookhaven National Labs and the Cold Spring Harbor Lab are considered on-campus. All international students must enroll in one of the graduate student insurance plans and should be advised by an International Advisor.
Fall, Spring, 1-9 credits, S/U grading May be repeated for credit.
SOC 701: Dissertation Research off Campus - International
Prerequisite: Must be advanced to candidacy (G5). Major portion of research will take place outside of the United States and/or U.S. provinces. Domestic students have the option of the health plan and may also enroll in MEDEX. International students who are in their home country are not covered by mandatory health plan and must contact the Insurance Office for the insurance charge to be removed. International students who are not in their home country are charged for the mandatory health insurance. If they are to be covered by another insurance plan they must file a waiver by second week of classes. The charge will only be removed if other plan is deemed comparable.
All international students must receive clearance from an International Advisor. Spring, 1-9 credits, S/U grading May be repeated for credit.
SOC 800: SUMMER RESEARCH
May be repeated for credit.