Course Descriptions research in written documents. Student will learn to recognize and value excellence in academic work. Required of all new undergraduate day students with fewer than 15 credits.
Sociology SOC 112 Introduction to Sociology (3 credits) This course studies the organization of social behavior and its relationship to society and social conditions. Culture, norm stratification, systems, structure, social institutions and social change are emphasized. SOC 213 Sociology of Social Problems (3 credits) Students in this course analyze contemporary social problems in America and other societies. Issues include economic limitations, class and poverty, race and ethnic relations, sexism, ageism, and environmental and population concerns. Prerequisite: SOC 112 or permission of the instructor. SOC 317 Sociology of the Family (3 credits) This course is a sociological examination of the family institution in America and other societies. Traditional and nontraditional family patterns are studied to provide students with a structure for understanding sex, marriage, family and kinship systems. Prerequisite: SOC 112 or permission of the instructor. SOC 318 Sustainable Communities (3 credits) How do we build a society fit for living? This course looks to the field of environmentally sustainable community development (ESCD) for answers to this question. Students explore the principles and practices of ESCD using patternmapping of community needs, site visits, and other experiential learning tools that turn communities into classrooms, and bring the challenge of building environmentally sustainable communities to life. In the process, students identify assumptions that lead to unsustainable social practices, and develop the skills necessary to help create livable local landscapes and sustainable local futures through individual and community action. This course is cross-listed as ENV 318. Prerequisite: SOC 112. SOC 320 Sociology of Gender (3 credits) The examination of gender in society. Students will explore the social construction of gender, gender identity development, sexuality and power, and other aspects concerning the meanings and implications of being “male,” “female,” or “transgendered.” SOC 324 Sociology of Crime & Violence (3 credits) The course examines the nature, causes, and consequences of crime and violence to a society. Applying a legal and sociological perspective, the course examines: 1. the structure of the law and the criminal justice system; 2. the nature and causation of criminal behavior; and 3. the various types of crime and criminality. SOC 326 Sociology of Deviant Behavior (3 credits) This course is a sociological analysis of the nature, causes and societal reactions to deviant behavior, including mental
illness, suicide, drug and alcohol addiction and sexual deviation. Prerequisite: SOC 112 or permission of the instructor. SOC 328 Sociology of Aging (3 credits) Students in this course examine basic social processes and problems of aging. Social and psychological issues and issues involved with death and dying are discussed. Prerequisite: SOC 112 or permission of the instructor. SOC 330 Sociology of Minority Relations (3 credits) This course examines minority relations in America and other societies. It focuses on the nature of minority-dominated interaction, the sources and operation of prejudice and discrimination and the typical reactions of minorities to their disadvantaged positions. Prerequisite: SOC 112 or permission of the instructor. SOC 333 Sport and Society (3 credits) This course examines the major issues and controversies of sport in society. Students will develop an appreciation of the ways sport in society contributes to analyzing and understanding human behavior in sports contexts. Students will be encouraged to ask questions and think critically about sports as part of social life. This course is cross-listed with SPT 333. SOC 335 Technology and Society (3 credits) Students in this course examine how technology and science impact society and relate to other disciplines, including economics, ethics, the arts and religion. This course is crosslisted with SCI 335. Prerequisites: ENG 121 and at least three science credits or permission of the instructor. SOC 480 Independent Study (3 credits) This course allows students to investigate a sociology subject not incorporated into the curriculum. Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor, the program coordinator/ department chair and the school dean.
Special Education SPED 210 Early Childhood Issues/Disabilities (3 credits) This course will explore types of disabilities, developmental delays and exceptionalities, as well as the effects of disabling conditions on cognitive, physical, language, social and emotional development and functioning of children birth to Grade 3. Additional topics include the identification and evaluation of children with exceptional learning needs, as well as instructional methodology and strategies for selecting and modifying materials and equipment to provide differentiated instruction that addresses and accommodates individual strengths and challenges. Legal requirements and responsibilities for providing education to students with special needs will be addressed. Students will become familiar with the purposes and procedures for developing and implementing Individual Education Plans (IEPs), 504s, and Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs). SPED 230 Implications of Special Education (3 credits) Students will examine the personal, physical, social, and academic issues related to programming for children with disabilities. An emphasis is placed on practical aspects of 165