Overview of major research methods: survey analysis, personal interview, participant observation, content analysis, and experimental design. Each student designs and completes a research project. Students are strongly urged to have completed SOC 599 prior to enrolling.

Health and Illness are considered as a sociocultural phenomenon. Meanings are attached to health and illness as they are influenced by our social values and our cultural beliefs, which to a large degree are influenced by available medical technologies. People's experiences of health and illness are shaped by a range of social factors (e.g., race, class, gender) and follow clear patterns of social inequality. A critical approach is taken to examine topics such as the social determinants of health, illness and healthcare; the social construction of illness; the medicalization of society; and the social organization of health care.

This course explores the causes and consequences of social change in societies around the world. Case studies of important social trends such as the diffusion of culture, international migration, health pandemics, changing status of women, environmental degradation, and promoting more equitable development enable investigation of the broad social implications of the process of globalization.

Provides upper level sociology majors with an opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom to the real world. This will provide the opportunity for students to work individually with a faculty member on an Internship with the option of variable credit. There is no formal class time required. Students will arrange meetings with supervising faculty to plan assigned readings, update internship progress and complete semester projects. Project ideas are developed with faculty and internship site supervisor.