SOC - Sociology

An introduction to the theories, scientific methods, and basic findings of sociology concerning group behavior, society, culture, social institutions, and social change.

Principles and methods of research on human behavior. Scientific method as an approach to problem identification, analysis, and solution. How to evaluate methods and findings. How to design studies relevant to a given problem.

Introduction to psychological and sociological research with emphasis on quantitative methods. Topics include sampling, hypothesis testing, statistical analysis, and computer usage.

This course introduces the study of social problems in contemporary society and highlights the application of sociological concepts and methods to understand their nature, origins, and possible solutions.

A systematic and in-depth review of criminal justice in America from a sociological perspective. Course evaluates the historical development of policing, the judiciary, and corrections, and examines the culture and organizations of criminal justice institutions. Significant attention is paid to examining public policy issues in criminal justice.

Views the variety of lifestyles and belief systems with which humans live and have lived.

Examination of historical and recent changes and role expectations for men and women. Included is an analysis of real vs. perceived differences and biological vs. socially induced differences. Discussion focuses on the consequences of gender roles and work and family including responses to changing gender roles.

Examines from a sociological perspective, the growing interest and participation in sports activities in the U.S. and around the world. Special attention will be given to the importance of sports in the socialization of children, the growth of women's participation in sports, and the American approach of integrating sports with the education system.

This course considers issues of human diversity focusing on cultural pluralism and race and ethnic relations. Students will explore concepts of privilege, oppression, prejudice, and discrimination in the context of U.S. communities and human service professions and learn strategies for dismantling oppression and promoting socially just practices. Other dimensions of diversity (e.g., gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability) are explored.

Examination of inequality in the distribution of wealth, power, and prestige. Focus will be on stratification within societies and on the nature, extent, and significance of inequality of wealth and power between societies.

This course examines race and ethnic relations from a sociological perspective, with particular emphasis on social institutions such as employment, education, and criminal justice. Students will apply sociological theories and concepts to understand the contours of intergroup relations, contemporary issues, and the socio-political processes of social change in American society.

Study of behavior which differs from cultural expectations. This course is concerned with social deviance and will consider the history of the concept of deviance, the legal aspects, social aspects, deviant subcultures, self images, social organization, causes of deviance, and strategies for response.

Psychological behavior of an individual as a member of a group; the influence of culture and society on attitudes, personality, and behavior; the dynamics of group interaction.

Criminology is the body of knowledge regarding delinquency and crime as social phenomena. Includes the development of a body of general and verified principles and of other types of knowledge regarding process of law, crime, and reaction to crime. Focus is on the adult offender.

Comprehensive study of sociological theories from the late nineteenth century to the present; the relationship between theory and research. Required of majors in sociology.

Credit arranged.

Credit arranged.

This course emphasizes a spatial approach to the study of social problems. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, students will gain experience in making maps, obtaining data, and uncovering spatial patters (e.g., "hot spots" of criminal activity or residential segregation) to inform public policy.

The course explores the way gender is associated with violence as well as the roots and manifestations of gender-based violence. Particular attention will be paid to sexual assault, prostitution and domestic violence. Students will be able to explain and apply theories of violence and will have a choice of actively working to reduce violence or conducting a research project to better understand violence.

Topics include the origin and development of cities; the social-psychological consequences of living in the urban environment; the social problems associated with urbanization in both industrial and third world cities; and the future of cities.

Supervised in-service experience in some aspect of the criminal justice system. This might include work in corrections, police activities, court room procedures, or legislative internship. Criminal justice track students only.

This course provides students with an introduction to issues surrounding immigration and resistance and seeks to develop understanding of contemporary organizing efforts on behalf of immigrant communities. After several weeks surveying the larger context and recent patterns in contemporary immigration, students will examine the struggles of immigrants and their efforts to organize for social justice around a variety of issues.

This course introduces students to the field of gerontology. The course examines the aging process and its impact upon the individual, the family, and society. The course also covers various social, cultural, political, and economic issues for older adults in our society.

This course is about child and youth development as embedded in social and cultural contexts. The particular emphasis will be on early childhood through the transition into adulthood, and on thinking about childhood and youth as social phenomena. The course is reading/discussion intensive and involves a community-based learning project.

A sociological, theological and ethical examination of the institution of marriage. Historical changes over time are discussed along with their moral implications. Issues of gender, love, mate selection, cohabitation, decision making, work, and child rearing are considered along with the moral controversies regarding abortion, divorce, and homosexuality.

Guided inquiry for superior students by special arrangement with the sociology faculty.

Credit arranged.

Credit arranged.

Participate directly in the research process with a faculty member. Before enrolling, a student must consult with a faculty member to define the project.

Participate directly in the research process with a faculty member. Before enrolling, a student must consult with a faculty member to define the project.

Practical field experience working within a human service organization. Internships are individually arranged and may be done in a wide array of settings. Students will be required to supplement their experience with a classroom seminar. Sociology majors may take up to 6 credits in internships.

Advanced analysis, integration, application, and criticism of the field of sociology. Students will complete a senior project. Sociology majors only.

Research, study, or original work under the direction of a faculty mentor, leading to a scholarly thesis document with a public presentation of results. Requires approval of thesis director, and department chair.