University of Missouri - Kansas City : Sociology (SOCIOL)

Examines the development of social theory in Europe up to the beginning of the twentieth century, with a focus on its intellectual precursors of social theory, debates over the nature of society, and controversies over the distinct features of sociology as an emerging academic discipline. The major perspectives covered include the intellectual origins of sociological thought in Great Britain, France, and Germany, and the debates as reflected in the writings of Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, Max Weber, and Georg Simmel. Prerequisite: undergraduate course in Sociological Theory. Offered: Fall.

3 hrs

SOCIOL 5502 Social Theory II

Examines the major sociological theories developed during the twentieth century and contemporary debates over the nature of society and the nature of our knowledge about society. Theories to be examined include behaviorism, symbolic interactionism, structural functionalism, phenomenology, conflict theory, postmodernism, those that attempt to integrate social agency and structure, and feminist theory. Prerequisite: SOCIOL 501. Offered: Winter.

3 hrs

SOCIOL 5503 Controversies In Contemporary Social Theory And Practice

This course critically examines central issues in contemporary debates among social theorists over the nature of society and how it should be studied. Offered: Fall

3 hrs

SOCIOL 5506 Colloquium: Research And Dissertation Project

A colloquium of Ph.D. students to be taken during the Fall semester of their second year in the program. Students will be guided to develop their dissertation proposal under faculty direction and exchange their experience. The focus of the seminar is on students developing and refining a research agenda that will eventually result in their dissertation proposal. Issues to be addressed include how to state the research question, how to identify and evaluate theoretical perspectives, how to review the literature, how to determine the methodology to be used as well as the options for data collection, and how to put all of this information into a readable and operational research proposal. Note: Fall.

3 hrs

SOCIOL 5510 Sociological Methods I

A survey of methods used by sociologists: selection and formulation of problem, research design, survey research, participant observation, sampling, reliability and validity, use of scales, and data analysis. Crosslisted with CJC 510. Offered: Fall Prerequisite: SOCIOL 362 or equivalent.

3 hrs

SOCIOL 5511 Sociological Methods II

Quantitative research is the primary focus of the course; emphasis is placed on problem formulation; research design; sampling procedures; questionnaire construction and interviewing techniques; data collection; problems of scaling, validity and reliability; uses of secondary data sets; data analyses and report writing. Crosslisted with CJC 511. Prerequisite: SOCIOL 362 or equivalent. Offered: Winter.

3 hrs

SOCIOL 5512 Qualitative Methodology

Experience in field research and participant observation methodology with focus on the research process including the role of the researcher, data collection and analysis, ethical issues, and the value and limitation of qualitative methodologies. Prerequisite: One semester of research methods.

3 hrs

SOCIOL 5516 Intermediate Statistics

A systematic development of the logic and practice of selected statistical methods used in sociological research. Included are analysis of variance and covariance, regression analysis, multiple contingency, and non-parametric tests. Prerequisite: SOCIOL 363 or equivalent. Crosslisted with CJC 516.

3 hrs

SOCIOL 5523 Sociology Of Deviance

A seminar devoted to a critical examination of the predominant studies on the subject as well as to a discussion of some of the major forms of deviance in contemporary American society.

3 hrs

SOCIOL 5525 Complex Organizations

Examination of the more important studies and theories concerning organizations such as business, factories, governmental bureaus, churches and universities. The communication-decision process, status system, socialization, legitimization of power, and the interrelationships of formal structures.

3 hrs

SOCIOL 5530 Anthropology Of Gender

This class explores theories of the social construction of gender in cross-cultural contexts. It will also explore global issues of diversity, local and international politics, the economy and work, education, etc.

3 hrs

SOCIOL 5531 Feminist Theories

This class introduces the major feminist theories and their primary authors over the last 200 years. The class takes both an historical (we begin with two millennia of male-centered theories about women) and a conceptual approach (theories are grouped by common ground) and familiarizes the student with both the historical processes that necessitate feminist theories as well as with the breadth of the historically and currently available scholarship. Graduate students are expected to fulfill all undergraduate requirements at graduate-level quality, including independent research components; in addition, graduate students are required to be prepared to lead class discussions. Prerequisites: Introduction of Women's Studies Offered: Every Winter

3 hrs

SOCIOL 5534 Spatial Thinking in Social Science

This course will review ways in which social scientists have incorporated the concepts of space, place, and distance into their theories and research. Readings will be drawn from interdisciplinary work in the areas of urban sociology, criminology, health and demography that deal with spatial organization of communities and cities, spatial disparity of health and crimes, and mobility.Generic computer file management skills are required and knowledge of research methods is desirable.

3 hrs

SOCIOL 5537 Anthropology of Religion

This course explores the ways anthropologists have gone about studying religion from the opening decades of the 20th century to present. The course introduces students to the diversity of human religious expression and experience through anthropological literature and to the diversity of anthropological expression especially as it has been revealed in social scientific studies of religious life. The course is designed to generate a critical dialogue about the special role that religion has played in the ongoing anthropological engagement with "other" societies and cultures over time.

3 hrs

SOCIOL 5538 Gender, Work And Social Change

This course examines the role of gendered work and consumption in global social change. Drawing from sociological perspectives on gender and work, this course foregrounds a global comparative analysis of societal development and working contexts, including tourism employment, sex work, domestic work, and agricultural, garment, and informatics production. Graduate students are required to carry out independent research or complete work in the area of public sociology and academic-service learning. Students will write a conference paper or journal quality article from this research. Offered: Every Winter

3 hrs

SOCIOL 5540 Urban Social Structure

An examination of the social structure of the American city with special reference to the historical development of American cities. Attention will be focused on the role of social institutions as they have changed in relation to urban problems.

3 hrs

SOCIOL 5550 Sociology Of Aging

A seminar in which theoretical orientations, methodologies, and findings from crosscultural and community research in gerontology are systematically reviewed, within a social change framework.

3 hrs

SOCIOL 5554 Sociology Of The Aging Woman

An exploration of the intersection of gender and aging issues with special attention to cultural images of women, the development of self-concept and identity in mid-life and beyond, caring roles in the family, work and retirement, and health and mental health issues. These issues are examined within the context of social class, race, and ethnicity. Implications for community programs and social policy are considered. Graduate students will be expected to carry out a research project and to lead a class session.

3 hrs

SOCIOL 5556 Aging And Developmental Disabilities

This course explores the experience of aging with a developmental disability or mental retardation within the context or normative aging. Among the comparisons made between older persons with and without developmental disabilities are their demographic characteristics, physical and cognitive functioning, role transitions and losses, identities and self-concepts, and family and caregiving issues. Policies, programs, and emerging concepts of best practices are considered within the context of quality of life, ethical, and community inclusion bases.

2 hrs

SOCIOL 5557 Practicum In Aging And Developmental Disabilities

Students gain experience in working with and defining issues of older persons with developmental disabilities through placements in sheltered workshops, senior centers, residential group homes, and other community-based programs. Students must be simultaneously enrolled in SOCIOL 556.

1 hr

SOCIOL 5558 Cultures Of The African Diaspora

The course will explore the cultures of African people and their descendents who settled in Europe, the Caribbean or the Americas due primarily to the impact of the Trans-Atlantic trade in human beings. The focus will be comparative, with emphasis on cultural adaptation, kinship systems, music and religion

3 hrs

SOCIOL 5560 Sociology Of Death And Dying

This course examines attitudes, behaviors, and institutions related to death and dying in contemporary American society. Topics include the meanings of death in American society, social settings for dying, interaction with the dying, customs and practices surrounding death, role transitions of survivors, and suicide. Special attention is given to issues of aging and dying.

3 hrs

SOCIOL 5573 Latin American Immigrants and Refugees in the U.S.

This course is the study of history, culture and societies of immigrants and US citizens of Latin American heritage living in the U.S.

3 hrs

SOCIOL 5580 Special Studies In Sociology

An opportunity to explore in depth topics not included in usual course offerings. One or more topics will be announced in advance of registration.

1-3 hrs

SOCIOL 5580 A Special Studies In Sociology

1-3 hrs

SOCIOL 5580 AC Special Studies in Sociology

An opportunity to explore in depth topics not included in usual course offerings. One or more topics will be announced in advance of registration.

1-3 hrs

SOCIOL 5580 Special Studeis in Sociology

An opportunity to explore in depth topics not included in usual course offerings. One or more topics will be announced in advance of registration.

1-3 hrs

SOCIOL 5580 Special Studies In Sociology

1-3 hrs

SOCIOL 5580 B Special Studies In Sociology

1-3 hrs

SOCIOL 5580 Special Studies In Sociology

1-3 hrs

SOCIOL 5580 Soecial Studies in Sociology

1-3 hrs

SOCIOL 5580 C Special Studies In Sociology

1-3 hrs

SOCIOL 5580 Special Studies In Sociology

1-3 hrs

SOCIOL 5580 D Special Studies In Sociology

1-3 hrs

SOCIOL 5580 Special Studies In Sociology

1-3 hrs

SOCIOL 5580 Special Studies In Sociology

1-3 hrs

SOCIOL 5580 Special Studies In Sociology

1-3 hrs

SOCIOL 5580 Special Studies In Sociology

1-3 hrs

SOCIOL 5580 J Special Studies In Sociology

1-3 hrs

SOCIOL 5580 R Special Studies In Sociology

1-3 hrs

SOCIOL 5580 Special Studies in Sociology

1-3 hrs

SOCIOL 5580 Spec Studies in Sociology

1-3 hrs

SOCIOL 5580 RH Spec Studies in Sociology

1-3 hrs

SOCIOL 5580 Special Studies in Sociology

1-3 hrs

SOCIOL 5580 Special Studies Sociology

1-3 hrs

SOCIOL 5580 Special Studies in Sociology

1-3 hrs

SOCIOL 5580 Special Studies in Sociology

1-3 hrs

SOCIOL 5580 Special Studies In Sociology

1-3 hrs

SOCIOL 5580 RV Special Studies In Sociology

1-3 hrs

SOCIOL 5580 Special Topics in Sociology

1-3 hrs

SOCIOL 5580 Special Topics In Sociology

1-3 hrs

SOCIOL 5580 Special Topics In Sociology

1-3 hrs

SOCIOL 5580 Special Studies In Sociology

1-3 hrs

SOCIOL 5595 Directed Research Experience

Research project supervised by faculty.

3 hrs

SOCIOL 5597 Independent Readings

Intensive readings in an area selected by the student with prior consultation with the instructor.

1-3 hrs

SOCIOL 5599 Thesis And Research

Directed specialized research. Before writing a thesis, the student must clear the topic and research design with the Supervisory Committee. The course also involves the writing of the thesis.

1-6 hrs

SOCIOL 5699 Dissertation Research

Individual directed research leading to preparation and completion of doctoral dissertation.

1-12 hrs

SOCIOL 5899 Required Graduate Enrollment

1 hr