Consult the University Seminars web page at www.virginia.edu/provost/USEMS.html (copy and paste Web address into browser) for specific descriptions.

This course will examine various types of inequality (race, class, gender) in the US and abroad. We will discuss sociological theories covering various dimensions of inequality, considering key research findings and their implications. We will examine to what extent ascriptive characteristics impact a person's life chances, how social structures are produced and reproduced, and how individuals are able or unable to negotiate these structures.

Topics vary from semester to semester and will be announced.

Introduces the study of race and ethnic relations, including the social and economic conditions promoting prejudice, racism, discrimination, and segregation.  Examines contemporary American conditions, and historical and international materials.

Hate groups are defined by their extreme antipathy towards minority groups of all types, especially racial groups. Typically, they are particularly active when dominant groups feel threatened because minority groups gain power. Hate groups exist to reassert this dominance through fear and terror. This course analyzes the origins, manifestations, and behavior of hate groups from a theoretical, historical, and sociological point of view.

Surveys basic theories and methods used to analyze structures of social inequality. Includes comparative analysis of the inequalities of power and privilege, and their causes and consequences for social conflict and social change. Prerequisite: Six credits of sociology or instructor permission.

This course provides the opportunity to offer a new topic in the subject area of sociology.

Racism, the disparagement and victimization of individuals and groups because of a belief that their ancestry renders them intrinsically different and inferior, is a problem in many societies. In this course we will examine the problem of racism by investigating the workings of these sociological processes theoretically, historically, and contemporaneously.

Independent research, under the supervision of a DM faculty adviser, for the DMP thesis. Prerequisites: SOC 3120 and Admission to the Distinguished Majors Program in Sociology.

Writing of the DMP thesis under the supervision of a DM faculty adviser. Prerequisite: SOC 4980

Studies pivotal issues relating to race in contemporary American society from a theoretical and historical point of view.  These include such topics as the contested meaning of the term "race", the relationship between race and ethnicity, assimilation, the relationship between race and inequality, and crime.

For master's research, taken before a thesis director has been selected.

For master's thesis, taken under the supervision of a thesis director.

Independent study with a faculty member. 

This course covers selected topics in sociology of race, ethnicity, and migration.

For doctoral dissertation, taken under the supervision of a dissertation director.