Sociology
The purpose of the study of sociology is to develop an understanding of human relationships, and to acquire the ability to apply this knowledge in future career settings, as well as in any other situation in everyday life. Course work focuses on two levels of analysis to give a balanced perspective on social action: first, from the perspective of the individual who must interact with others within the social structures of modern society; second, from the perspective of the social system with its institutionalized properties and elements. Further consideration is given to the social factors and groups which contribute to the creation, as well as the resolution, of current social problems.
|
Credits | ||
| SOC 110 | Principles of Sociology | 3 |
| SOC 220 | Social Problems |
3 |
| SOC 313 | Evaluation of Behavioral Research |
3 |
| SOC 392 | Sociological Theory |
3 |
| MATH 220 | Elementary Statistics | 3 |
|
At least five of the following:
|
15 | |
|
One of the following:
|
3 | |
|
Electives in Sociology (see full list of sociology offerings) |
6 | |
|
Total |
39 | |
At least 15 semester hours must be earned in courses numbered 300 or above.
SOC 110 Principles of Sociology 3 credits
A basic introduction to sociology as a scientific analysis of the social relations and practices of human beings. Specific attention is given to social psychology, various forms of social stratification and inequality, social institutions and social change.
SOC 220 Social Problems 3 credits
A critical investigation of selected social problems, their causes, development and the alternative social policies that address these problems. Topics will include: substance abuse, the problems of family life, poverty and its relation to different forms of social inequality.
SOC 224 Introduction to Criminal Justice 3 credits
History of the development of the criminal justice system in America. The everyday practices in this subsystem and the articulation amongst policing, judicial and correctional institutions.
SOC 232 Group Dynamics 3 credits
An analysis of group behavior in small and large groups of various types. The focus is on social interaction in the formation and operation of groups, and on the social system’s approach to understanding group behaviors. Note: Same as PSY 232.
SOC 237 Criminal Law 3 credits
Surveys the historical development of criminal law in America. Analysis of the effects of English common law, a federal structure, court decisions, legislated codes, historical events and social changes.
SOC 240 Diverse Cultures in America 3 credits
This course provides sociological perspectives for recognizing the diversity within our society and for analyzing the development and current position of complex subcultures within the structure of modern America. This course meets the cultures requirement in the general education requirements.
SOC 250 Special Topics 3 credits
SOC 260 Gender Roles 3 credits
An analysis of the changing cultural notions and social realities regarding male/female roles and relationships. Topics may include: cross-cultural research concerning gender differences; the role of various socializing agents in shaping sexual identities; and the effects of gender differences on political and economic processes. Same as PSY 260.
SOC 299 Special Project 1-3 credits
SOC 302 Substance Abuse 3 credits
This course studies the effects of psychoactive drugs, along with the origins of substance abuse, characteristics of substance abusers and consequences for the individual, family and society. Approaches to substance abuse treatment are presented. Same as PSY 302.
SOC 310 Social Psychology 3 credits
This course explores the social aspects of human behavior, including group dynamics, attitude formation, public opinion, prejudice, socioeconomic status, sex status and roles. Same as PSY 310. Prerequisite: SOC 110 or PSY 190.
SOC 313 Evaluation of Behavioral Research 3 credits
This course is intended to familiarize the student with the format, mechanisms of, and the presentation of research in the social sciences. Same as PSY 313. Prerequisites: PSY 190 or SOC 110 and MATH 220.
SOC 315 Juvenile Justice 3 credits
Development and operation of juvenile courts, treatment and rehabilitation strategies. Prerequisites: SOC 110 and junior status
SOC 321 Juvenile Delinquency 3 credits
Juvenile gangs; causes and consequences of delinquency; prevention, treatment and control of delinquency. Prerequisite: SOC 110.
SOC 323 Sociology of Charisma and Terrorism 3 credits
The history and ideology of charismatic movements that have resorted to terrorism as a methodology of obtaining social goals. Prerequisites: SOC 110 or junior standing.
SOC 333 Criminology 3 credits
An analysis of various forms of crime, as well as various elements of the criminal justice system. The emphasis is on theories of crime. Topics will include: street crime, organized crime, white-collar crime and the role of substance abuse in criminality. Prerequisite: SOC 110.
SOC 337 Victimology 3 credits
Development and operation of policies and programs for the victims of crime, victim compensation schemes from colonial to modern times, victim/offender confrontation programs. Prerequisites: SOC 110 and junior status.
SOC 347 Deviance and Social Control 3 credits
Basic theories of the causes and consequences of deviant behavior: the contribution of agents and agencies of social control in the labeling of deviant actors and their subsequent careers. Prerequisite: SOC 110.
SOC 353 Sociology of Law 3 credits
The history of criminal, civic and administrative law in America, the impact of society upon law and law upon society, sociology of the legal professions. Prerequisites: SOC 110 and junior status.
SOC 361 Marriage and the Family 3 credits
This course represents a sociological approach to understanding the family as a social institution: courtship, marital and family practices, the family as an agent of socialization and changes in the family in the 20th century. Prerequisite: SOC 110.
SOC 363 Social Stratification 3 credits
An analysis of major theoretical perspectives on social stratification, with emphasis on the social dynamics involved. Consequences of different forms of social stratification will be emphasized. Topics may include: social mobility, social inequality, the relations between stratification and the distribution of power and the effects of industrialization on class differences. Prerequisite: SOC 110.
SOC 365 Sociology of Policing 3 credits
The history of policing in America; structure and functions of policing in contemporary America; police community relations in urban and rural settings. Prerequisites: SOC 110 and junior status.
SOC 373 Research Methods 3 credits
This course reinforces the language of research, various methods for conducting research, APA format usage, and how to identify and synthesize research literature. In addition, designing and completing a research study including statistical analysis and formally reporting research findings are key components. Same as PSY 373. Prerequisites: PSY/SOC 313.
SOC 375 Methods in Human Services I 3 credits
A survey of public and private human service agencies and systems; the nature of the professional helping relationship; interviewing techniques; case management; problem-solving strategies. Same as PSY 375.
SOC 380 Corrections and Punishment 3 credits
The history of corrections in American society, corrections and punishment in contemporary America, alternatives to institutional treatment. Prerequisite: SOC 110.
SOC 384 Social Welfare Programs and Policies 3 credits
An analysis of social policies in the United States, with emphasis on the dimensions of choice and alternative policies. The course assesses contemporary social welfare issues, programs and legislation. Prerequisite: SOC 110.
SOC 390 Complex Organizations 3 credits
An exploration of the structural and functional characteristics of formal organizations such as corporations, government agencies, schools, etc. Special attention will be given to such topics as: theories of management from Taylor to Theory Z; the relations between the internal structure of organizations and the different forms of social stratification throughout American society, i.e., class, racial, ethnic and gender stratification systems; and the new forms of management strategy in the global economy. Same as BA 390. Prerequisites: SOC 110 and junior status.
SOC 392 Sociological Theory 3 credits
Development of social theory from Auguste Compte to Anthony Giddens. A critical appreciation of the concepts, models and analytical schemes employed in contemporary theories. Prerequisites: junior status and nine credits of sociology.
SOC 397 Social Gerontology 3 credits
This course focuses on personal, interpersonal and societal factors in the human aging process. Emphasis is on family, community and governmental responsibility in defining and resolving problems of the aged in a modern industrial society. Note: Same as PSY 397.
SOC 398 Justice Administration 3 credits
This course studies the management and control of the criminal justice system. The student will be able to discuss the reasons for and effectiveness of management techniques applied to the justice system. Prerequisite: SOC 110.
SOC 403 Internship 3 credits
In this course, students gain supervised field experience in a selected setting. Note: Consent of the instructor is required.
SOC 450 Special Topics 3 credits
SOC 499 Special Project 1-3 credits
