| 253.535.8305 | www.plu.edu/sociology-criminal-justice/ | soci@plu.edu |
| Laura McCloud, Ph.D., Chair |
Bachelor of Arts Degree
Majors are required to attain a minimum grade of C- in sociology and criminal justice classes.
Major in Sociology
40 semester hours, including:
- SOCI 101, 240, 301, 302, 496, 499
- 4 semester hours of SOCI Inequalities elective coursework
- Choose from 210, 309, or 332
- 12 semester hours of Sociology elective coursework not already selected above
- Choose from 210, 230, 287, 309, 332, 336, 378, 387, 391, 393, 495, or CRIM 226
Major in Criminal Justice
40 semester hours, including:
- SOCI 101, 301, 302, 499
- CRIM 102, 413
- 4 semester hours of SOCI Inequalities elective coursework
- Choose from SOCI 210, 240, 309, or 332
- 12 semester hours of Criminal Justice elective coursework
- Choose from CRIM 226, 287, 387, 495; SOCI 336, 393, 495; PHIL 125, 128, 227, or 229
- Students may only take 4 semester hours of PHIL courses for the Criminal Justice major
- Choose from CRIM 226, 287, 387, 495; SOCI 336, 393, 495; PHIL 125, 128, 227, or 229
Requirements for students co-pursuing majors and minors in Sociology and Criminal Justice
- A maximum of 8 credits may be double-counted for a Sociology major and Criminal Justice minor, Criminal Justice major and Sociology minor, or a Sociology and Criminal Justice double minor.
- Due to the shared core curriculum, students may not double major in sociology and criminal justice.
Minors
Minors are required to attain a minimum grade of C- in sociology and criminal justice classes.
Minor in Sociology
20 semester hours, including:
- SOCI 101
- 16 semester hours of Sociology coursework
- Choose from SOCI 210, 230, 240, 287, 301, 302, 309, 332, 336, 378, 387, 391, 393, 495, 496, or CRIM 226
Minor in Criminal Justice
20 semester hours, including:
- SOCI 101
- 4 semester hours of SOCI Inequalities elective coursework
- Choose from SOCI 210, 240, 309, or 332
- 8 semester hours of Criminal Justice elective coursework
- Choose from CRIM 226, 287, 387, 495; SOCI 336, 393, 495; PHIL 125, 128, 227, or 229
- Students may only take 4 semester hours of PHIL courses for the Criminal Justice minor
- Choose from CRIM 226, 287, 387, 495; SOCI 336, 393, 495; PHIL 125, 128, 227, or 229
Transfer Student Policy
Students may transfer up to 16 semester hours towards the Sociology or Criminal Justice major and 8 semester hours towards the Sociology or Criminal Justice minor, unless they have permission from the chair of the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice.
Criminal Justice (CRIM) - Undergraduate
CRIM 102 : Introduction to Criminal Justice
An examination of the American Criminal Justice System. This course will address law enforcement the court system and correctional system, along with attention to race, class, and gender inequalities. (4)
CRIM 226 : Delinquency & Juvenile Justice
An examination of juvenile delinquency in relation to the family, peer groups, community, and institutional structure. Includes consideration of processing the juvenile delinquent by formal agencies of control. (4)
CRIM 287 : Special Topics in Criminal Justice
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
CRIM 288 : Special Topics in Criminal Justice
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
CRIM 289 : Special Topics in Criminal Justice
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
CRIM 387 : Special Topics in Criminal Justice
Selected topics as announced by the department. Prerequisite: SOCI 101, CRIM 102, or consent of instructor. (1 to 4)
CRIM 388 : Special Topics in Criminal Justice
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
CRIM 389 : Special Topics in Criminal Justice
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
CRIM 413 : Criminological Theories
An analysis of influential criminological theories of the 19th and 20th centuries, to the recent contemporary schools, and to the underlying patterns of thought which both unite and divide the criminological tradition. Required for senior criminal justice majors. Prerequisites: SOCI 101, CRIM 102, and declared major or minor in criminal justice. (4)
CRIM 487 : Special Topics in Criminal Justice
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
CRIM 488 : Special Topics in Criminal Justice
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
CRIM 489 : Special Topics in Criminal Justice
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
CRIM 491 : Independent Study
Readings or fieldwork in specific areas or issues of sociology or criminal justice under supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite: departmental consent. (1 to 4)
CRIM 495 : Internship
Students receive course credit for working in community organizations and integrating their experiences into an academic project. Placements are usually arranged by the student and may include the public school system, private and public social service organizations, criminal justice system agencies, local and state governmental agencies, and businesses. Prerequisite: SOCI 101, CRIM 102, declared major or minor in criminal justice. (1 to 4)
Sociology (SOCI) - Undergraduate
SOCI 101 : Introduction to Sociology - ES
An introduction to the discipline of sociology. Features an analysis of contemporary American society with emphasis on the interconnections of race, class, and gender. Sociological concepts include socialization, social roles, stereotypes, power, and stratification. (4)
SOCI 210 : Gender and Society - ES
An examination of gender as a social construction and a system of stratification. Focus is on the structural aspects of gender and upon the intersection of gender with other social categories, such as race, class, and sexuality. (4)
SOCI 230 : The Family
An examination of the institution of the family in the United States, with emphasis on how families are affected by social forces such as the economy, race and ethnicity, gender, and social politics. (4)
SOCI 240 : Social Problems - ES
Critical examination of poverty, discrimination, drugs, crime, homelessness, violence, and family breakdown. Course addresses contemporary social problems, an analysis of their social roots, and an evaluation of the policies designed to eradicate them. (4)
SOCI 287 : Special Topics in Sociology
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
SOCI 288 : Special Topics in Sociology
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
SOCI 289 : Special Topics in Sociology
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
SOCI 291 : Directed Study
To provide individual undergraduate students with introductory study not available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as DS: followed by the specific title designated by the student. (1 to 4)
SOCI 301 : Quantitative Research Methods - QR
An overview of the quantitative research methods social scientists use to explore, describe, and analyze the social world. General issues in the design and implementation of research projects, as well as specific issues that arise in constructing and administering surveys, analyzing existing data, and planning program evaluations. Required for criminal justice, sociology, and social work majors. Prerequisite: SOCI 101, CRIM 102, or consent of instructor. (4)
SOCI 302 : Qualitative Research Methods
An overview of qualitative research methods in sociology, criminal justice, and social work. Students will learn how to design qualitative research projects, collect qualitative data, and manage and analyze qualitative data. Students will also learn how to manage, analyze, and report findings from the data they collect. Required for criminal justice, sociology, and social work majors. Prerequisite: SOCI 101, CRIM 102, or consent of instructor.
SOCI 309 : Social Stratification
An examination of the cultural and structural causes of social stratification and its consequence, social inequality. The course focuses on stratification and inequality on the basis of race, class, and gender, exploring what social forces shape individuals' differentiated access to society's valued resources. Prerequisite: SOCI 101, CRIM 102, or consent of instructor. (4)
SOCI 332 : Race and Racism - ES
A critical examination of race and racism in the United States. The course will explore the social construction of race and how racism shapes social institutions, such as the economy, education, and criminal justice. Prerequisite: SOCI 101, CRIM 102, or consent of instructor. (4)
SOCI 336 : Deviance
An examination of social norms and the deviation of social norms. We explore power structures that determine what behavior is normative and deviant, the implications for individuals who deviate from norms, and social control structure in place to reinforce conformity. Prerequisite: SOCI 101, CRIM 102, or consent of instructor. (4)
SOCI 378 : Consumption
An examination of the relationship between goods, individuals, and society. The course deconstructs the social bases of consumption to better understand the role consumption plays in shaping our identities and maintaining social distinctions. The course also addresses the relationship between consumption and social problems like consumer debt, inequality, and sustainability. Prerequisite: SOCI 101 or consent of instructor. (4)
SOCI 387 : Special Topics in Sociology
Selected topics as announced by the department. Prerequisite: SOCI 101 or consent of instructor. (1 to 4)
SOCI 388 : Special Topics in Sociology
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
SOCI 389 : Special Topics in Sociology
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
SOCI 391 : Sociology of Religion
An investigation of the American religious scene with particular emphasis on religious group dynamics and processes, how people become religious, and measuring religiosity. This course will examine the interplay between religion and society and focus on how sociologists study religion. Prerequisite: SOCI 101 or consent of instructor. (4)
SOCI 393 : Gender & Violence
An examination of gendered violence in American society. Focal topics will vary by semester and may include sexual violence, intimate partner violence, stalking, or masculinity and violence. The course will address how violence is gendered, theoretical explanations of gendered violence, and the response of the criminal justice system. Prerequisites: SOCI 101, CRIM 102, GSRS 201, or consent of instructor. (4)
SOCI 487 : Special Topics in Sociology
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
SOCI 488 : Special Topics in Sociology
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
SOCI 489 : Special Topics in Sociology
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
SOCI 491 : Independent Study
Readings or fieldwork in specific areas or issues of sociology or criminal justice under supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite: departmental consent. (1 to 4)
SOCI 495 : Internship
Students receive course credit for working in community organizations and integrating their experiences into an academic project. Placements are usually arranged by the student and may include the public school system, private and public social service organizations, criminal justice system agencies, local and state governmental agencies, and businesses. Prerequisite: SOCI 101 and declared major or minor in sociology or criminal justice. (1 to 4)
SOCI 496 : Sociological Theories
An analysis of influential sociological theories of the 19th and 20th centuries with attention to the classic theories of Marx, Durkheim, Weber, DuBois, and Gilman to the recent contemporary schools, and to the underlying patterns of thought which both unite and divide the sociological tradition. Required for senior sociology majors. Prerequisites: SOCI 101 and declared major or minor in sociology. (4)
SOCI 499 : Capstone: Senior Seminar - SR
Students design and carry through an independent research project involving the collection of data and the analysis of findings. Students demonstrate their mastery of the field by relating their research to the existing body of sociological literature and knowledge. Required for senior majors. Prerequisites: SOCI 301, 302, and declared major in sociology or criminal justice. (4)