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Duluth Campus

Sociology B.A.

Justice Culture Social Change
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Program Type: Baccalaureate
  • Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2020
  • Required credits to graduate with this degree: 120
  • Required credits within the major: 42
  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts
Sociology focuses on the relationships between social structure and the dynamics of establishing, maintaining, and changing patterns of human social behavior. The program is built around a theoretical-methodological core with courses integrated to develop students' conceptual and research competence. These courses focus on understanding how our everyday lives and actions are influenced by broader social structures and processes. The major provides a background for careers in human services and business and preparation for related graduate and professional school study. Honors requirements: The department honors program recognizes majors who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, provides special educational opportunities for such students, and encourages the development of specialty areas within the major. Honors students participate in independent research, working closely with a faculty member. Qualified majors apply to the honors program before the end of the second week of the first semester of their senior year. See department or department website for further information.
Program Delivery
This program is available:
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Admission Requirements
For information about University of Minnesota admission requirements, visit the Office of Admissions website.
General Requirements
  1. Students must meet all course and credit requirements of the departments and colleges or schools in which they are enrolled including an advanced writing course. Students seeking two degrees must fulfill the requirements of both degrees. However, two degrees cannot be awarded for the same major.
  2. Students must complete all requirements of the Liberal Education Program or its approved equivalent.
  3. Students must complete a minimum of 120 semester credits completed in compliance with University of Minnesota Duluth academic policies with credit limits (e.g., Satisfactory/Non-Satisfactory Grading Policy, Credit for Prior Learning, etc).
  4. At least 30 semester credits must be earned through UMD, and 15 of the last 30 credits earned immediately before graduation must be awarded by UMD.
  5. At least half of upper-division (3xxx-level or higher) credits that satisfy major requirements (major requirements includes all courses required for the major, including courses in a subplan) through UMD.
  6. If a minor is required, students must take at least three upper division credits in their minor field from UMD.
  7. For certificate programs, at least 3 upper-division credits that satisfy requirements for the certificate must be taken through UMD. If the program does not require upper division credits students must take at least one course from the certificate program from UMD.
  8. The minimum cumulative University of Minnesota (UMN) GPA required for graduation is 2.00 and includes only University of Minnesota coursework. A minimum UMN GPA of 2.00 is required in each UMD undergraduate major, minor, and certificate. No academic unit may impose a higher GPA standard to graduate.
  9. Diploma, transcripts, licensure, and certification will be withheld until all financial obligations to the University have been met.
Program Requirements
1) A second field of study (either a minor, another major, or dual degree). 2) Study abroad is encouraged for all students and the department makes every effort to facilitate such experiences.
First Term Requirement (1 cr)
Transfer students with 24 or more credits and current UMD students who change colleges to CLA are exempt from this requirement. New first-year students with 24 or more PSEO credits may request to be waived from this requirement.
UST 1000 - Learning in Community (1.0-2.0 cr)
Lower Division Core (8 cr)
A grade of C or better is required in each course.
SOC 1101 - Introduction to Sociology [LE CAT, LECD C, SOC SCI, CDIVERSITY] (4.0 cr)
SOC 2155 - Introduction to Research Methods and Analysis (4.0 cr)
Upper Division Core (15 cr)
After successfully completing SOC 4587, a student must wait at least one semester before registering for SOC 4597. Students intern in a setting related to their career interests. Take SOC 4597 for at least 6 credits. (Students also majoring in psychology may request to substitute PSY 3020 for SOC 3155. See the department head for approval.)
SOC 3155 - Quantitative Research Methods and Analysis (4.0 cr)
SOC 4111 - Sociological Theory (4.0 cr)
SOC 4587 - Internship Preparation (1.0 cr)
SOC 4597 - Internship (6.0-8.0 cr)
Inequality Course (3 cr)
Additional SOC inequality courses may apply as elective credit towards the major.
Take 1 or more course(s) from the following:
· CRIM 4323 - Women and Justice (3.0 cr)
· CRIM 4340 - Racial Inequality and Criminalization [RACE JUST] (3.0 cr)
· SOC 3330 - The U.S. Civil Rights Movement [SOC SCI, CDIVERSITY] (3.0 cr)
· SOC 3945 - Social Stratification (3.0 cr)
· SOC 4947 - Sociology of Gender (3.0 cr)
· SOC 4949 - Race and Ethnic Relations [RACE JUST] (3.0 cr)
Sociology Electives (12 cr)
Take 3 - 4 course(s) from the following:
· SOC 3210 - Sociology of Media (3.0 cr)
· SOC 3306 - Deviance (3.0 cr)
· SOC 3595 - Special Topics: (various titles to be assigned) (3.0 cr)
· SOC 3821 - Sociology of Community (3.0 cr)
· SOC 3831 - Organizations and Society (4.0 cr)
· SOC 3901 - Social Change and Social Policy (3.0 cr)
· SOC 4222 - Sociology of Space and Time (4.0 cr)
· SOC 4370 - Sociology of Mental Health and Illness (3.0 cr)
· SOC 4860 - Environmental Sociology [SUSTAIN] (3.0 cr)
· SOC 4925 - Sociology of Rape (3.0 cr)
· SOC 4935 - Peace Studies (3.0 cr)
· SOC 4981 - Social Movements, Protest and Change (4.0 cr)
· SOC 4982 - Political Sociology and the Global Economy (4.0 cr)
· SOC 4985 - Critical Animal Studies (4.0 cr)
· SOC 3701 - Social Psychology [SOC SCI] (3.0 cr)
or PSY 3201 - Social Psychology (3.0 cr)
· SOC 3xxx-4xxx
· Optional Elective
Take 0 - 1 course(s) from the following:
· SOC 1080 - Development of Social Selves [LE CAT8, SOC SCI] (3.0 cr)
· SOC 1xxx-2xxx
· ANTH 3xxx-4xxx
· WS 3xxx-4xxx
· Optional Experience
Take 0 - 3 credit(s) from the following:
· SOC 4991 - Independent Study in Sociology (1.0-3.0 cr)
· SOC 4999 - Honors Project Sociology (1.0-4.0 cr)
· SOC 4910 - Teaching Assistantship in Sociology (1.0-3.0 cr)
Advanced Writing Requirement (3 cr)
WRIT 3140 or 3160 are recommended.
WRIT 31xx - Adv Writing (3 cr)
 
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· College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

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· Fall 2023
· Fall 2022
· Fall 2021

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· Sociology B.A.
· Study Abroad (one term)

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· Sociology B.A.
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UST 1000 - Learning in Community
Credits: 1.0 -2.0 [max 2.0]
Course Equivalencies: EHS 1000/UST 1000/ ES 1000
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Facilitates the successful transition into college learning and student life at UMD. Credit will not be granted if already received for EHS 1000.
SOC 1101 - Introduction to Sociology (LE CAT, LECD C, SOC SCI, CDIVERSITY)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course will help students develop a 'sociological imagination' - that is, an understanding of the relationship between the individual and the wider society. Students are introduced to the discipline of sociology, which is the systematic study of social interaction, social organization, social institutions, and social change. The course covers the main concepts, theories, and methods of sociology that are used to explore everything from daily interactions to widespread social problems.
SOC 2155 - Introduction to Research Methods and Analysis
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Principles/practice of research design, sampling, data collection including field observation/surveys. Data management, analysis, and reporting of quantitative/qualitative data. Ethics/administration in sociological research. Introduction to SPSS statistical software. Lab
SOC 3155 - Quantitative Research Methods and Analysis
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Descriptive statistics. Measures of central tendency, deviation, association. Inferential statistics focusing on probability and hypothesis testing. T-tests, Chi-square tests, analysis of variance, measures of association, introduction to statistical control. Statistical software (SPSS) used to analyze sociological data. Lab. prereq: 2155, crim major or soc major or URS major, min 30 cr
SOC 4111 - Sociological Theory
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Analysis of classical and contemporary sociological theory. Major theorists, including Durkheim, Weber, and Marx; major paradigms and their importance to sociological thought. prereq: 1101, 30 cr, no grad credit; credit will not be granted if already received for SOC 2111.
SOC 4587 - Internship Preparation
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Introduction to internship by learning about internship expectations, developing internship objectives, exploring internship opportunities, and identifying potential internship sites. After successfully completing SOC 4587, a student must wait at least one semester before registering for SOC 4597. prereq: CRIM majors - CRIM 1301, 2311, SOC 2155; SOC majors - SOC 1101, 2155; min 60 cr, no grad credit
SOC 4597 - Internship
Credits: 6.0 -8.0 [max 8.0]
Prerequisites: Internship coordinator consent, sociology or criminology major, 4587, WRIT 31xx; no grad credit
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Supervised internship of at least 300 hours in a setting related to academic preparation and career interests. prereq: Internship coordinator consent, sociology or criminology major, 4587, WRIT 31xx; no grad credit
CRIM 4323 - Women and Justice
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: CRIM 4323/WS 4323
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Women's involvement in the civil and criminal justice systems, both historic and contemporary, primarily in the United States. Attention given to women as criminal and civil defendants, issues of women's civil rights, and to women practitioners within each system. Intersection of social class, gender and race/ethnicities. prereq: ANTH 1604 or CRIM 1301 or SOC 1101 or WS 1000 and 60 credits, or instructor consent; no grad credit
CRIM 4340 - Racial Inequality and Criminalization (RACE JUST)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
Examines the intersection of race/ethnicity, gender, and class within the U.S. criminal justice system, with some attention given to global trends and international comparisons. Considers the racialized effects of crime control and criminal justice practices, including law enforcement, prosecution, sentencing, police-minority community relations, and the disproportionate representation of racial/ethnic groups in the prison system. Explores attitudes and perceptions of crime from the perspective of racial/ethnic minorities, and differential crime rates among majority/minority groups. prereq: CRIM 1301 or SOC 1101 or ANTH 1604 and 60 credits or instructor consent
SOC 3330 - The U.S. Civil Rights Movement (SOC SCI, CDIVERSITY)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Examination of theories and research relating to the U.S. civil rights movement, including precursors and influence on subsequent social movements. Role of organization, resources, leadership, recruitment, ideology and consciousness, gender, social control, and counter-movements.
SOC 3945 - Social Stratification
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Theories and research about the effects of economic inequality in people's lives. Social class formation and the effects of institutionalized power structures. Intersection of social class, gender and race/ethnicity. Primary focus on the United States but with international comparisons. prereq: 1101 or CRIM 1301 or CSt 1101 or Anth 1604, min 30 cr or instructor consent
SOC 4947 - Sociology of Gender
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Soc 4947/WS 4947
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Status and experiences in society through the exploration of gender identities, systems, and social structures. Topics include politics, discrimination, family, education, workplace, popular culture, and changing definitions of gender. Emphasis on the expectations and performance of masculinity/femininity and the intersection of gender, race, and class. Some consideration given to global explorations and international comparisons. prereq: 1101 or CRIM 1301 or ANTH 1604 or WS 1000, min 60 cr or instructor consent
SOC 4949 - Race and Ethnic Relations (RACE JUST)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Overview of race and ethnic relations in America; conditions of major racial and ethnic minorities; formation of racial/ethnic identities, sources of prejudice, discrimination; intergroup conflict; assimilation, persistence of ethnicity; intergroup diversity; major racial and ethnic groups; the new immigrants. prereq: 1101 or CRIM 1301 or CSt 1101 or Anth 1604, 60 cr, or instructor consent
SOC 3210 - Sociology of Media
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This course will apply the insights of sociology to the study of media and culture. It will examine the role media play in various social phenomena, including social interaction, social power, and the constitution of identity. It will combine this sociological perspective with a historical one, considering in turn the sociological dimensions of print, electronic, and digital media. Moreover, students will be encouraged to reflexively consider the role of media in their own lives. pre-req: SOC 1101, minimum 30 credits or instructor consent
SOC 3306 - Deviance
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Behaviors, beliefs, and physical characteristics defined as deviant; legal and other formal and informal reactions to deviance; subjective and objective effects of being defined as deviant. prereq: 1101 or CRIM 1301, min 15 cr
SOC 3595 - Special Topics: (various titles to be assigned)
Credits: 3.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Topics in sociology not included in the regular curriculum. Students may apply a maximum of two different topic courses with this course number towards their degree. prereq: Minimum 30 credits or instructor consent
SOC 3821 - Sociology of Community
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Theoretical orientations and empirical investigations of community structure, processes, conflict, and change. Community components and types; community development strategies reviewed and applied. prereq: 1101, 30 cr
SOC 3831 - Organizations and Society
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Sociological examination of structure and processes of public and private formal organizations and patterns of adaptation to external social environments. Role of voluntary organizations in society. prereq: 60 cr or instructor consent
SOC 3901 - Social Change and Social Policy
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Social change and maintenance forces as they affect social life. Emphasis on social theory and research along with formation and implementation of social policy leading to both change and maintenance. prereq: 30 cr or instructor consent
SOC 4222 - Sociology of Space and Time
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This course will explore the organization of space and time as fundamental features of social experience. A central proposition will be that space and time are not only physical realities but also socially constructed categories. Both will be considered in relation to dynamics of social interaction, social power, and the self. Classical and contemporary approaches will be addressed and integrated. Broadly, space will be examined in terms of its relation to meaning and experience on the one hand, and domination and resistance on the other; time will be treated as a basic organizing principle of work and leisure, itself subject to contestation over power. Finally, the concept of social construction will be expanded to take into account sociohistorical construction, i.e., how the organization of space and time has shifted historically through 'premodern,' 'modern,' and 'late modern' stages. pre-req: minimum 30 credits or instructor consent
SOC 4370 - Sociology of Mental Health and Illness
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Examines mental health and illness from multiple sociological perspectives; particular emphasis placed on contemporary United States. Topics include theories and alternative understandings, differences in cultural perspectives, social determinants, deterrents, response to and consequences of mental illness and institutional contexts of mental illness and criminal justice. prereq: 60 credits or instructor consent; no grad credit
SOC 4860 - Environmental Sociology (SUSTAIN)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Environmental sociology examines the social roots of contemporary ecological problems. This course explores how the science of the natural environment interacts with economic, social, cultural, and political forces in a local, national and global context. It emphasizes the social justice implications of contemporary topics, such as climate change, sustainable agriculture and energy. We will also explore diverse positions and actions of environmental movements and possible solutions to environmental problems. prereq: 60 cr or grad student or instructor consent
SOC 4925 - Sociology of Rape
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Soc 4925/WS 4925
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Spring & Summer
Social, moral, and legal definitions and implications of rape. prereq: ANTH 1604 or CRIM 1301 or SOC 1101 or WS 1000 and 60 cr earned, or instructor consent
SOC 4935 - Peace Studies
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Prerequisites: 60 cr or grad student or instructor consent
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This course focuses on the field of peace, nonviolence, and conflict resolution studies.  We will study peacemaking theories and practices at all levels - from the interpersonal to the international. This includes the field of mediation, the history of nonviolent resistance, and contemporary examples of nonviolent political action. Throughout the course, we will consider how gender, race/ethnicity, economics, religion, and language influence peace and conflict resolution. You will learn from people in the local community who are actively involved in violence prevention, conflict transformation, and peacemaking. During class exercises and projects, you will practice applying peace theories and methods to current social problems and your life. prereq: 60 cr or grad student or instructor consent
SOC 4981 - Social Movements, Protest and Change
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
This course provides a study of collective behavior and social movements. The course includes a survey of theories and phenomenon making up the "collective behavior" paradigm from which early studies of social movement were conducted. Here, the focus is on: fads, crazes, panics, riots, rumors, and mass hysterias. The bulk of the course is dedicated to the study of the emergence, structure, and dynamics of contemporary social movements and political protest. The range of their investigation extends from research on the dynamics of recruitment within social movements to the study of protest tactics to the policing of protests and counter-insurgency. prereq: 60 cr or grad student or instructor consent
SOC 4982 - Political Sociology and the Global Economy
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Explores the field of power and economics, understanding the major theoretical debates and issues both past and present. Examines the nature of the state and economy, while also examining how class, race, and gender shape both the political and economic process. Focuses on how power is constructed, legitimated, and delegitimated concentrating on state formation, expansion, rebellion, and revolution. prereq: 60 credits or instructor consent or grad student
SOC 4985 - Critical Animal Studies
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: ANTH 4985/SOC 4985
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This course explores the ways in which animal lives intersect with human lives, including the evolution of social, cultural, scientific, and religious attitudes toward animals. We will examine the dynamics of power and visualization in the ways animals are culturally framed and constructed. Students will also learn to critically analyze a variety of ethical debates about animals in society, such as the eating of animals, animal experimentation, zoos, hunting, ownership, and legal status. prereq: minimum 30 credits earned or instructor consent; no grad credit
SOC 3701 - Social Psychology (SOC SCI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Theory and research issues regarding relation of individual to society. Socialization, effects of social organization and disorganization, and interpersonal interaction. prereq: Min 30 cr or instructor consent
PSY 3201 - Social Psychology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
How thoughts, feelings, and behavior of individuals are affected by others. Social influence and interaction. Attitude measurement and change, conformity, impression formation, attribution theory, aggression, and prosocial behavior. prereq: 1003 or instructor consent
SOC 1080 - Development of Social Selves (LE CAT8, SOC SCI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Examines how the self develops. The primary focus is the socialization process, a process which continues throughout the life course. Special attention will be given to childhood and adolescent socialization. How do we learn? How do we understand behavior? What are the consequences of inadequate socialization?
SOC 4991 - Independent Study in Sociology
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Directed reading, research, or involvement in social action leading to preparation of a paper or other product. prereq: instructor consent
SOC 4999 - Honors Project Sociology
Credits: 1.0 -4.0 [max 8.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Advanced individual project in any area of sociology, demonstrating sound theoretical and research foundations and resulting in a written report. prereq: 90 cr and instructor consent; no grad credit
SOC 4910 - Teaching Assistantship in Sociology
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Practical experience in teaching-related activities in sociology courses. prereq: 60 cr and instructor consent; no grad credit