This course is a critical analysis of human cultural adaptations in various societies around the world.

This course is a critical analysis of the complex and interconnected ways in which drugs and society influence each other. The course also examines contemporary trends in drug usage, policy, treatment, and enforcement.

This course critically examines the relationship between individuals and their social environment including how individuals are influenced by, yet also shape groups and organizations. Social psychological questions, issues, and social problems are explored with theories from both disciplines - Psychology and Sociology. Prerequisite: SY101 or PG100.

This course introduces students to the practice and routines of social work. Students will complete at least 60 hours of work in a social work placement in a social-service agency as a part of their coursework outside of regular class time. This course is not accepted for the Social Science General Education requirement. Prerequisite: SY102.

In this course, students investigate sustainable cities and environmental justice from the perspectives of social science scholars, focusing on the meaning of the global environmental crisis for particular urban areas. Throughout the course, students will identify, describe, and evaluate multiple theories and findings that attempt to explain and uncover how cities strive to be sustainable but fall far short of the demands for environmental justice. This course will enable students to attribute multiple social science theories and findings accurately, to take a position based on these theories and findings, to raise and answer counterpoints to these theories and findings, to pose solutions to environmental-based urban problems, and to use sustainability and environmental justice as frameworks for problem-solving.

This course examines the underlying social and cultural dynamics of selected multicultural groups in the U.S. and around the world, emphasizing intersectionality, dimensions of unequal power, and racism.

This course offers a critical analysis of crime with reference to behavior of those who engage in, or become victims of criminal behavior. Prerequisite: SY101.

This course, using sociological concepts, theories, and research, examines the relationships between sports, culture, and society. Critical questions are raised around the complex intersections between sport(s) and gender, race/ethnicity, social class, age, ability, etc. The course provides a historical and contemporary account of both popular/mainstream and controversial issues within the institution of sport. While the course focuses on the contemporary phenomenon of sport within an American context, it also considers/contrasts/compares sport from other perspectives and cultures.

A critical survey of social theorists who shaped early sociology and remain relevant today. Also covers theorists who extended and challenged the sociological perspective, with attention given to critical race, queer and feminist theories that are fundamental to contemporary sociological thought. Emphasizes the development and application of theory in relationship to contemporary issues. As a part of the engaged department initiative, students will complete 10 hours of participant observation in a community-based initiative, organization, or cultural event outside of the classroom. Prerequisite: SY101.

This course examines the sociology of gender. As a social construction, gender influences various aspects of social life. Particular attention will be given to the role of ideology in shaping conceptions of gender, how those conceptions are constructed through socialization practices, how they are maintained through social institutions, and how gender shapes experiences. This course uses a critical, intersectional approach to understand gender more holistically.

This course explores systems of inequality focusing on the political, economic, and social forces that shape inequality and social stratification. Various sociological concepts and theories of inequality will be examined to help describe and explain social inequality in the United States and elsewhere. As a part of the engaged department initiative, students will complete 40 hours of participant observation and field research in community-based initiatives, organizations, or cultural events outside of the classroom pertaining to social stratification. Prerequisite: SY202 and 291.This course is not accepted for the Social Science General Education requirement.

The sociology of health and illness also known as medical sociology is a broad field examining the social production of health, wellness, illness and mortality. Students will examine how the topics of health and illness include a variety of social, political, economic, and cultural forces as well as biological phenomena and medical knowledge. The “Medical Mile” development in Grand Rapids offers students a community site in which to begin exploring these ideas. 

This course will investigate the causes, consequences, and outcomes of human movement across the world from a sociological perspective. Topics will include why people migrate, factors leading to anti-immigrant sentiment, the scope of immigration control policies, and experiences of immigrant inclusion and exclusion.

In this field placement course, students spend at least 150 hours, or 10-15 hours per week, in service-work/learning-work situations relevant to careers in public, social service, or non-profit organizations, in addition to regular meetings with the instructor. This practicum provides the practical experience for deepening community engagement and raising important questions about society and social justice. Prerequisites: CL100 or SY101. This course is not accepted for the Social Science General Education requirement.

Individually negotiated program of readings on selected topic established between instructor and student. Contracts filed with Registrar. Prerequisite: approval of the department chairperson. This course is not accepted for the Social Science General Education requirement.

Students will explore qualitative and mixed-methods approaches to study their communities and society. Students will experiment with these sociological methods by proposing research projects, which they will complete in SY 403. Should be taken the fall of senior year.