Courses in Sociology
SOC 110.
Introduction to Sociology.
An introduction to the sociological perspective with a focus on how individual behavior is shaped by the social context. The nature and characteristics of human societies and social life are examined from a perspective known as the "sociological imagination". Topics range from the influence of culture on human behavior, the development of the self, group dynamics, deviance, population, and social inequality. 3 credits.
SOC 120.
Introduction to Anthropology.
Introduction to both physical and cultural anthropology including human evolution, human variation, and cross-cultural analysis and comparison. 3 credits.
SOC 210.
Social Problems.
Contemporary social problems are examined from a constructionist perspective. Topics selected for study vary according to societal trends but typically include an examination of social change, poverty, globalization, environmental degradation, deviance, and health. Prerequisite: SOC 110. 3 credits.
SOC 220.
Forensic Evidence.
This course involves the application of scientific methods to solving crimes. The course will explore the many ways in which an offender leaves evidence behind at a crime scene and carries evidence away from that crime scene. A range of topics will be covered including, but not limited to: ballistics, DNA, Fingerprints, tire prints, odontology and entomology. Prerequisite: SOC 110. 3 credits.
SOC 224.
The Native American Experience.
A review of the development of Native American society, culture, politics and economy from prehistory to the present with special emphasis on the relationships between Native Americans and other immigrants to North America. 3 credits.
SOC 226.
Women's Issues, Women's Voices.
An examination of women's contributions to the world, their roles in social institutions, and issues arising from their uniqueness and social situations. Topics will include images of women and their writings; biology and health; issues of sexuality and gender identity; and women's roles in the family, religion, education, and in the worlds of work and politics. Prerequisite: SOC 110. Cultural Diversity Studies. 3 credits.
SOC 230.
Sociology of Marriage and the Family.
An overview of family focusing on family structure and interaction. Diverse topics range from sexuality and love, mate selection and dating, parenting, dysfunctional families, and divorce. A historical and cross-cultural approach is employed in addition to a sociological approach. Prerequisite: SOC 110. 3 credits.
SOC 240.
Diversity and Understanding.
The major objective of this course is to help students become aware of the degree to which behavior (including one's own) is culturally determined. As we continue to move toward a global society with increasingly frequent intercultural contacts, we need more than simple factual knowledge about cultural differences; we need a framework for understanding inter-cultural communication and cross-cultural human relations. Through lecture, discussion, simulations, case- studies, role-plays and games, students will learn the inter-cultural communication framework and the skills necessary to make them feel comforatble and communicate effectively with people of any culture and in any situation involving a group of diverse backgrounds. Prerequisite: SOC 110. 3 credits.
SOC 245.
Crime and Criminals.
An examination of different types of crime including a broad range of violent crimes, property crimes, white collar crimes and organized crime. Characteristics of both offenders and offenses will be examined. Case studies of prototypical offenders will be included. 3 credits.
SOC 261.
Perspectives on Aging.
Introduction to the study of aging from a multidisciplinary perspective. Topics include biology of aging, demographic trends in aging, amd aging impacts on social institutions and society. Prerequisite: SOC 110. 3 credits.
SOC 262.
Race, Minorities and Discrimination.
An examination of the patterns of structured inequality in American society, including a variety of minority, racial and ethnic groups. Prerequisite: SOC 110, junior standing or permission. 3 credits.
SOC 270.
Forensic Psychology.
This course will focus on three critical areas that fall under the umbrella of forensic psychology. First, students will be introduced to the area of legal psychology, including applied empirical research on issues important to the legal system such as eyewitness accuracy, police selection, jury decision making, and legal assumptions about human behavior relevant to the rights of defendents, victims, children, and consumers of mental health services. Second, the area of psychological jurisprudence will be explored by studying efforts to develop a philosophy of law and justice based on psychological values. Third, students will be introduced to the concepts generally thought of as forensic psychology, such as criminal profiling, insanity defense, competence to stand trial and child custody decisions. 3 credits.
SOC 271.
Child Abuse.
The study and analysis of child abuse in its various expressions with additional focus on physical and sexual abuse. Emphasis will be on models and theories of causation, dynamics, treatment and research. Prerequisite: SOC 110. 3 credits.
SOC 272.
Substance Abuse.
An examination of the problems associated with substance abuse including a study of the prevalent myths concerning substance abuse, and exploration of the causes of substance abuse and an exploration of how it affects the individual, the family and society as a whole. In addition, the course will examine current methods of intervention and treatment. Prerequisite: SOC 110. 3 credits.
SOC 278.
Juvenile Justice.
An examination of the causes and effects of juvenile delinquency, the juvenile justice system and treatment programs for the juvenile offender. Prerequisite: SOC 110. 3 credits.
SOC 280.
Sexuality and Society.
Study of human sexuality from psychosocial and cultural perspectives. The course will include an examination of such topics as developmental sexuality, gender roles, sexual communication, sexual orientation, coercive sex, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV, and religious and ethical perspectives on sexuality. Prerequisite: SOC 110. 3 credits.
SOC 311.
Research Methods in Sociology.
Experiential-based course covering fundamental concepts and problems in social science research. Topics include ethics of research on human behavior, design, measurement, sampling, and interviewing and questionnaire construction. There is an emphasis on four research methods: available data, survey research, experiments, and field research. Prerequisite: SOC 110, junior standing or permission. 3 credits
SOC 321.
Social Theory.
An intensive examination of the major sociological theorists and movements. Prerequisites: SOC 110 plus 9 credits in sociology at the 200-level or above, or permission of the instructor. 3 credits.
SOC 324.
Medical Sociology.
An examination of the societal bases of health, illness and health care. The course will include an examination of the three components of medicine: the patient, the medical professional and the health care organization. Specific topics will include: the role of the patient; doctor-patient relationships; the socialization of medical professionals; the hospital as a complex organization, cross-cultural comparisons of health care and current topics of concern such as the AIDS epidemic, new technologies and social response to the terminally ill patient. Prerequisites: SOC 110 plus 9 credits of sociology at the 200-level or above, or permission of the instructor. Writing process. 3 credits.
SOC 327.
Urban Sociology.
The city provides a setting for cultural events, commerce, innovative services, and the arts. The city is also associated with crime, poverty, and environmental problems. Throughout the course a variety of approaches to urban life will be considered by combining theories of the urban world, empirical study, and urban field experience. Topics include city growth and decline, urban life-styles, and the impact of city life on individuals, families, neighborhoods, and government. Prerequisites: SOC 110 plus 6 credits of 200-level or above sociology course, or permission. 3 credits.
SOC 331.
Criminology.
An examination of the causes of crime. The question of whether or not victimless crimes such as pornography, prostitution and drug use should be considered crimes is explored.This is primarily a theory course for criminal justice majors. Prerequisites: SOC 110, SOC 245, and 6 additional credits in sociology and junior. Writing Process. 3 credits.
SOC 333.
Criminal Justice.
A sociological, historical, and philosophical examination of punishment and the criminal justice system. Rights of the accused, victimology, prisons, and the death penalty are studied. Prerequisite: SOC 110, junior standing or permission. Writing process. 3 credits.
SOC 340.
Group Structure and Dynamics.
An overview of the theory and research on small group organization and process including issues related to leadership, effective communication in groups, conformity and influence. Application of basic principles to practical situations. Exercises designed to improve group leadership and participation skills. Prerequisite: SOC 110, junior standing or permission. 3 credits.
SOC 370.
Adoption.
This course will focus on populations involved in adoption, including birth parents, adoptees, foster and adoptive families and agencies, in both domestic and transnational adoptions. Special consideration will be given to recent policies and vehicles that have been put into place to facilitate the permanency placement of children. A consideration of ethics in adoption will be a central theme of the course. An examination of cultural, economic and policy factors in countries involved in transnational adoption will be included. The health (both physical and psychological) and cultural issues of adoptees and services that address these will be addressed. Prerequisites: SOC 110 and 6 credits of sociology at the 200-level or above, or permission of the instructor. 3 credits.
SOC 382.
Sociology of the Mass Media.
Seminar on how society shapes the mass media and the effects of the mass media on individuals and society. Topics include propaganda, television violence and aggression, and advertising. Special attention is given to values and images protrayed by the mass media. Prerequisite: 12 credits in sociology, junior standing or permission. Writing process. 3 credits.
SOC 390.
Special Topics.
This course focuses on the philosophy and current practices in the area of incarceration, community based corrections, probation and parole. Prerequisites: SOC 110 and SOC 245. 3 credits.
SOC 400.
Internship.
Field experience in a Sociology environment. 1-12 credits.
SOC 499.
Senior Seminar.
A critical analysis of selected themes and issues in contemporary sociology. Topics may vary. This course is conducted as a seminar requiring extensive student participation. Writing process. Prerequisites: SOC 110 plus SOC 321 or 331 and 9 additional credits in sociology. This course is for sociology and criminal justice majors only. 3 credits.
SOC ELE.
Sociology Elective.
Sociology Elective for transfer credit.