85 courses with the subject SOC, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
SOC 100SLeadership and Society ()3
This course addresses the social, political, psychological, economic, and international dimensions of leadership through a social science framework. A specific focus is given to the dynamic interactions between social structures and leadership behavior. Students explore how society shapes leaders and how leaders shape society. Using an introspective approach, students consider their role as current and future leaders in a diverse society.
This course examines social diversity and inclusivity in American society and is designed to sensitize students to the roles that typology such as race, ethnicity, social class, religion, sex and gender, age, health, (dis)ability, sexual orientation, and language play in societal definitions of social diversity.
This course investigates how data science is transforming not only our sense of science and scientific knowledge, but our sense of ourselves and our communities and our commitments concerning human affairs and institutions generally. Social implications of the digital revolution, including ethical issues associated with algorithmic design and privacy will be examined. Students will use a sociological lens to explore how our increasingly digital lifestyle changes institutions and social relations.
This class explores both contemporary and historical aspects of singlehood, courtship, mate selection, cohabitation, marriage, sexuality, and family. Relationship quality, communication, conflict, and the termination of relationships is also examined. Emphasis is placed on examining the diversity of relationships and family structures as well as how our family experiences are shaped by gender, race/ethnicity, class, and sexual orientation.
Sociological analysis of religion as a social institution, of the functions of religion and its relationship to other institutions and to social change, and of the religious behavior of individuals.
This course offers an introduction to the field of population and its interconnection to broader societal changes. It introduces students to the concepts, issues and concerns in population studies and examines the interaction between population processes and economic development, social changes and environment. Topics include theories, fertility, mortality, migration, distribution and composition, population and development, population and environment, and policy. Emphasis is given to a critical assessment of population processes as both causes and consequences of development and societal changes with a focus on comparative patterns between developing countries and the more developed countries. instructor
Six semester hours in human behavior or permission of the
SOC 316Juvenile Delinquency ()3
A study of juvenile misbehavior in the contemporary community, its nature, extent, treatment, and control, including juvenile court procedure and philosophy.
Examination and explanation of minority families' lives in relationship to other societal institutions and historical developments. The course focuses on issues of minority families and places these issues in a sociological framework, e.g., stratification, poverty and gender.
Objectives include: learning appropriate terminology to discuss LGBTQ individuals and reviewing the social issues facing these populations, such as criminalization and damaging cultural stereotypes; critically exploring the history of interactions between LGBTQ communities and agents of formal control, such as schools and the police; evaluating the experiences of LGBTQ youth and adults in the juvenile and criminal justice systems; and interrogating how changing political and social contexts affect policy regarding formal responses to LGBTQ communities.
SOC 201S or six credits in human behavior or permission of
SOC 343Sexualities in Society ()3
This course offers an introduction to the sociological study of sexualities. This course focuses on the ways in which sexuality as a social institution and identity intersects with other hierarchies of privilege and inequality, such as race, social class, and gender. A range of topics will be covered including LGBTQ+ identities, the social construction of sexuality, historical accounts of sexual practices, and contemporary theories and research in sexualities studies.
A critical exploration of applying geographic information system (GIS) to view, understand, question, interpret, and visualize social science and crime data that reveal relationships, patterns, and trends. Students will learn to 1) frame a research question or hypothesis from a location-based perspective; 2) collect, create and examine geographically referenced demographic, social, and criminological data; 3) learn to use GIS mapping software to visualize, manage and analyze this data in order to investigate the relationship between geographic, demographic, social and criminological variables; and 4) arrive upon decisions and conclusions and communicate these via the creation of publishable maps.
SOC 201S or CRJS 215S or permission of the instructor
SOC 347Sport Sociology ()3
This course applies the sociological perspective to the world of sports. It provides the student with a better understanding of the social processes involved in sports. The course looks at how the media, community, tradition, and privilege play an integral role in the participation of sporting events. It also covers why sports exist, who plays sports, and what will become of sports in the future.
Sociological examination of film as an art form, an industry, and a social institution. Major topics include socialization through film, how one’s unique socialization affects the film experience, social inequality (racism/ ethnocentrism/sexism/ageism) as exhibited in film, and as they occur within the film industry, film as an educational tool, gender roles as exhibited in film and perpetuated within the film industry, film and copycat crime, crime in the film industry, portrayal of crime in film, international cinema and globalization. 981 SOC - Sociology
The purpose of this class is to examine and compare various sociological theories/models that pertain to the study of disasters in terms of their contribution to our understanding of disasters. In addition, the class explores how disasters are studied scientifically by sociologists in order to aid students in acquiring a better understanding of the causes and consequences of disasters and the challenges they pose for modern societies.
This course is designed to introduce students to the profession of social work. Students will investigate what social work is and how it is different from other helping professions. Students will examine the theoretical and ethical underpinnings of social work, the different levels of intervention, and the major areas of practice. This course will also focus on the importance of cultural awareness as well as the role of social work in alleviating and at times maintaining systems of inequality and oppression.
This course allows students to volunteer in an agency related to their major for pass/fail credit. Students must volunteer for 50 hours per course credit. Internships for fewer than 3 credits require prior approval by the Internship Faculty Director.
A study of selected topics designed for nonmajors, or for elective credit within a major. These courses will appear in the course schedule, and will be more fully described in information distributed to academic advisors.
A study of selected topics designed for nonmajors, or for elective credit within a major. These courses will appear in the course schedule, and will be more fully described in information distributed to academic advisors.
In this course students grapple with issues concerning war, gender roles, and gender inequality. The course addresses gender roles in war throughout history, globally and across cultures. However, the United States military and military involvement in the 20th and 21st century remain the primary focus areas. Discussions include how social norms and ideals of masculinity and femininity shape, and in turn are shaped by, images and realities of war, including gendered aspects of nationalism and just war theories. The military involvement of men, women (and children) in war and in peacetime, as participants and observers, perpetrators and victims, supporters and opponents of war is also discussed.
This 'child- centered' course examines the interaction of adults in violent conflict with the world of children, children's experience of violence and its meaning in the lives of children. Topics include: valuing children, violence toward children in culture, families, and schools; child physical and sexual abuse and neglect; gangs, violent communities, and children and war. The effects of childhood experiences of violence, children's coping with violence, and alternatives to violence are also developed. CRJS 215S or permission of the instructor
SOC 407Violence Against Children Internationally ()3
This course focuses on the research on child maltreatment abuse internationally, in particular on the most common types of child abuse and neglect—i.e., perpetrated by parents, family members. The negative effects of child abuse and neglect are associated subsequently with every social problem from poverty, teenage motherhood, substance abuse, violent crime, domestic violence, and mental health problems, to ill-health—from cancer to diabetes.
A study of the law concerning children from a children's rights perspective. The rights of children in the US will be compared to other nations with special emphasis being placed on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Knowing or permission of the instructor
A critical exploration of media portrayals of crime and criminal justice. News and entertainment genres are examined. Connections between the mass media and crime, culture, politics, society, and individual behavior receive special attention. (cross listed with CRJS 418)
SOC 201S or CRJS 215S or permission of the instructor
SOC 419Animals and Society ()3
This is a class about the role of nonhuman animals in society. Animals are used to entertain, to do work, to provide companionship, to provide food, and more. In this class, we also discuss the causes and consequences of both individual and institutional animal abuse. Society's relation to wildlife is als an important component and includes poaching, sport and trophy hunting, and society's reaction to wolves, coyotes, and wild horses in the West. Cross- listed with CRJS 419. CRJS 215S, PSYC 201S, COMM 200S, or permission of instructor
A study of various definitions and forms of deviant behavior, theoretical explanations of causes of deviant behavior and the impact of deviant behavior on society and the individual.
SOC 201S or CRJS 215S or permission of the instructor
SOC 423/523 Women, Health and Healing ()3
An examination of women's experiences with health and illness and women's roles in the health-care system as patients and care providers from a feminist sociological perspective. instructor
This course takes an expansive and intersectional approach to studying various forms of gender-based violence, from the interpersonal to the systemic, institutional, and cultural. Prevalence, risk factors, theoretical explanations, and legal remedies related to topics such as intimate partner violence, sexual assault on college campuses, gender-based violence in the military, sexual violence against undocumented immigrants, commercial sexual exploitation, and racism and reproductive health will be examined.
The study of health, illness and society. After exploring how health is conceptualized by the prevailing allopathic medical model, an emergent alternative or "integrative" health perspective is examined with a focus on how wellbeing may be understood.
The study of sociological and social psychological explanations of drug- using behaviors and of legal and medical control of drugs. Topics include changes in the legal status of drugs, cross-cultural and historical variations in the control and use of drugs, and social epidemiology of drug use in o contemporary society.
SOC 201S or CRJS 215S or permission of the instructor
SOC 444Community Justice ()3
This is a service learning course designed to study how the emerging field of community justice, a neighborhood-based strategy, can reduce crime and improve public safety by investing in social, human and cultural capital.
This course examines the laws of the workplace from a sociological and issue-driven approach considering two perspectives – both employer and employee. Relevant laws are identified, explored and made relevant through examples of their application in real-world situations. Sometimes the wisdom of these laws will be challenged; students will be encouraged to raise questions about a law’s utility, justice or fairness, whether in principle or in application.
This course will examine the intersectionality of race, ethnicity, crime, justice and the operation of the criminal justice system and will critically assess controversial issues surrounding race, ethnicity, crime, and justice. Students will discuss contemporary social justice issues as they relate to race, ethnicity, crime, and justice. The theoretical frameworks that explain the intersection between race, ethnicity, crime and justice will be examined. The course will also investigate the broad range of policy issues and recommendations impacting communities of color and the administration of criminal and social justice. Old Dominion University Undergraduate Catalog 2025-2026 982
The advanced study of selected topics designed to permit students to work on subjects of mutual interest which, due to their specialized nature, may not be offered regularly. These courses will appear in the course schedule, and will be more fully described in information distributed to academic advisors.
The advanced study of selected topics designed to permit students to work on subjects of mutual interest which, due to their specialized nature, may not be offered regularly. These courses will appear in the course schedule, and will be more fully described in information distributed to academic advisors.
In this course students grapple with issues concerning war, gender roles, and gender inequality. The course addresses gender roles in war throughout history, globally and across cultures. However, the United States military and military involvement in the 20th and 21st century will remain the primary focus areas. Discussions include how social norms and ideals of masculinity and femininity shape, and in turn are shaped by, images and realities of war, including gendered aspects of nationalism and just war theories. The military involvement of men, women (and children) in war and in peacetime, as participants and observers, perpetrators and victims, supporters and opponents of war is also discussed.
A sociological analysis of the field of child welfare. Topics include social inequality as it applies to children as a group in the U.S. and globally; understanding violence against children within the global context of children's rights; examining data on the degree to which policies, programs and research in the field fail to protect children and why; prevalence, causes and consequences of child sexual, physical and emotional abuse and neglect; evaluation of programs like 'family preservation' and placement in 'substitute' care, i.e. foster care, adoption, institutionalization; changes that would protect and advance the interests and rights of children at the parent- child, agency and societal level.
A study of various definitions and forms of deviant behavior, theoretical explanations of causes of deviant behavior and the impact of deviant behavior on society and the individual.
An examination of women's experiences with health and illness and women's roles in the health-care system as patients and care providers from a feminist sociological perspective.
The study of the process of and responses to the oppression of racial, religious, ethnic, and national minorities in a variety of countries within a historical and comparative perspective. Special emphasis given to American minorities and especially African Americans.
This course takes an expansive and intersectional approach to studying various forms of gender-based violence, from the interpersonal to the systemic, institutional, and cultural. Prevalence, risk factors, theoretical explanations, and legal remedies related to topics such as intimate partner violence, sexual assault on college campuses, gender-based violence in the military, sexual violence against undocumented immigrants, commercial sexual exploitation, and racism and reproductive health will be examined.
The study of health, illness and society. After exploring how health is conceptualized by the prevailing allopathic medical model, an emergent alternative or "integrative" health perspective is examined with a focus on how wellbeing may be understood. Old Dominion University Graduate Catalog 2025-2026 626
Topics include changes in the legal status of drugs, cross-cultural and historical variations in the control and use of drugs, and social epidemiology of drug use in contemporary society.
The advanced study of selected topics designed to permit qualified students to work on subjects of mutual interest which, due to their specialized nature, may not be offered regularly. These courses will appear in the course schedule, and will be more fully described in information distributed to academic advisors.
The advanced study of selected topics designed to permit students to work on subjects of mutual interest which, due to their specialized nature, may not be offered regularly. These courses will appear in the course schedule, and will be more fully described in information distributed to academic advisors.
The application of social science methods to practical problems. The topics of research design, measurement, scaling, sampling, data collection, and research organization are taught with reference to issues of reliability, validity and ethical concerns.
This course explores racial inequality in the United States. The course is organized by the question: “Why, in 21st Century United States, are there still different social outcomes for the descendants of American slaves and descendants of European immigrants?” Students are given a selection of materials from a variety of perspectives attempting to answer the question.
An examination of classical and contemporary sociological theories about the relations between the individual and society; the ways theory shapes and informs the study of social issues; and the relationship among theory, research and practice.
This course examines the many ways in which violence against women functions as an agent of social control. Violence is viewed on a continuum in order to determine how a variety of acts contribute to the subordination of women. Specific types of violence are explored including: wife assault, rape, incest, sexual harassment and pornography.
This course is a graduate-level introduction to social statistics as they may be applied to various practical problems. Students will learn the appropriate use of various statistical procedures through discussion and application.
This seminar integrates the skills needed to complete a master's thesis. Exercises include formulating research questions, developing a research design, and writing a publishable paper. Students practice these skills assignments in class and by completing their thesis proposal. 627 SPAN - Spanish
SOC 610, SOC 620 or CRJS 620, SOC 630, and SOC 640
SOC 668Internship ()3
Students gain first-hand experience in professional settings which are deemed appropriate given their academic background and career objectives. Students will be required to complete a research project which corresponds to their specific internship placement.
Approval of department chair and 6 hours of graduate credit
SOC 998Master's Graduate Credit ()1
This course is a pass/fail course for master's students in their final semester. It may be taken to fulfill the registration requirement necessary for graduation. All master's students are required to be registered for at least one graduate credit hour in the semester of their graduation.
This course is a pass/fail course doctoral students may take to maintain active status after successfully passing the candidacy examination. All doctoral students are required to be registered for at least one graduate credit hour every semester until their graduation.
