Sociology

STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY Sociology can be defined as the systematic study of human societies. In order to engage in this study, students will be introduced to major theoretical and methodological issues of the discipline. Students will be able to choose from a wide selection of topical courses. These courses bring various theoretical and methodological understandings to the analysis of specific social structures and processes.

MINOR IN SOCIOLOGY (18 HOURS) Core Courses (15 hours)

SOC 102: Introduction to Sociology (3)

SOC 203: Social Problems (3)

SOC 315: Criminology (3)

SOC 317: Juvenile Delinquency (3)

SOC 326: Social Psychology (3)

Elective Courses (3 hours) 3 hours of sociology electives

SOCIOLOGY COURSES

SOC 102: Introduction to Sociology (3)

Introduction to the study of people and society. This course presents the basic elements of sociology from the framework of the sociological paradigms. Included are theories of human development, behavior, and the efforts made in trying to understand the interrelationships between people and society. Offered every semester.

SOC 203: Social Problems (3) Significant contemporary social problems are studied, including poverty, family disorganization, mental illness, population growth, social stratification, war, and crime. Prerequisite: SOC 102.

SOC 211: Sociology of the Family (3) A sociological survey of the aspects and issues of the family. Included are the demographics, issues, trends, definitions, problems, and the philosophies related to marriage and family. Prerequisite: SOC 102 or consent of instructor.

SOC 212: Corrections See CJ 212. (3)

SOC 289: Selected Topics in Sociology (1–3) A study of selected issues not covered in other courses. May involve field trips and/or travel. Course may be repeated. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

SOC 299: Study Abroad (1–3) Students will study a variety of topics by combining college classroom activities with travel. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Offered as needed. SOC 310: Deviant Behavior See CJ 310. (3)

SOC 311: Race and Ethnicity (3)

The ways in which race and ethnicity are socially constructed and the efforts on individuals and society of these constructions are examined in this intense, but exciting 3-week offering. It is not popular in today’s cultural climate to be openly racist, yet we continue to see covert racism practiced daily. From deciding on home loans to job interviews, from introducing a person of another race or ethnicity to the family, to securing a college education, we each experience discrimination or practice it, often without even realizing it. Who benefits, who loses, and what can be done about equalizing the playing field are central to understanding the impact of power and privilege and difference.

SOC 313: Patterns of Social Class and Inequality (3) A study of societal structures, patterns of stratification, functions and purposes of social inequality, and implications for the future. Prerequisite: SOC 102.

SOC 315: Criminology See CJ 315. (3)

SOC 316: Violence and the Family (3) Exploration of child abuse, intimate partner abuse, and elder abuse in what should be “loving relationships.” Emphasis is on characteristics of abusers, effects on victims, and intervention strategies at the societal and individual levels.

SOC 317: Juvenile Delinquency (3)

This course studies the nature, extent, causation, treatment, and prevention of juvenile delinquency. The course also focuses on understanding why juveniles become delinquent by examining various theories of explanations of delinquency. This course explores the extent to which delinquency is caused by individual traits, peer group, family, school, and other factors. Prerequisite: SOC 102 or CJ 105 or consent of instructor. Offered every spring of even-numbered years.

SOC 320: Introduction to Social Research See CJ 320. (3)

SOC 326: Social Psychology See Psy 326. (3)

SOC 401: Minority People and Race Relations (3) Majority-minority relationships with special attention given to racial, religious, and ethnic groups in the United States. Enduring patterns of majority-minority conflict are explained, and mechanisms for the resolution of conflict are outlined. Prerequisite: SOC 102 or consent of instructor.

SOC 418: Victimology See CJ 418 (3) SOC 483: Independent Studies and (3)

Sociological Research Individual or group projects in sociology under the supervision of the instructor. Prerequisites: consent of the instructor and six hours in the field.

SOC 489: Selected Topics in Sociology (1–3) A study of selected issues not covered in other courses. May involve field trips and/or travel. Course may be repeated. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

SOC 490: Senior Seminar (3)

Assesses the graduating seniors in their major field and assists in preparing them for post graduate studies and/or for their professional career.

SOC 498: Global Studies (1)

This course will focus on materials that will enable students to fully engage with the academic content of the immediately following 3-week travel course. This course will also enable travel course leaders to monitor passports, visas, payments, and application document completion. Offered each 12-week session in conjunction with an international travel class being offered in the 3-week session.

Soc 499: Study Abroad (1–3) Students will study a variety of topics by combining college classroom activities with travel. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Offered as needed.