Course Catalog

Sociology


Note: courses designated “SCJ” have interdisciplinary content and can often be applied in more than one program of study.

101. Introduction to Sociology.
An introduction to the ways that group relations affect human behavior. Considers interactions between individuals, institutions, communities, and culture. Examines ongoing processes that shape society. Cornerstone 3. Three hours.

190. Special Topics in Sociology.

204. Modern Social Problems.
An overview of the nature and meaning of selected social problems from an interdisciplinary social science perspective. Topics normally examined include such problems as racism, sexism, poverty, crime, and environmental pollution. This course includes an analysis of proposed solutions to such problems. Cornerstone 3. Three hours.

210. Statistics for the Social Sciences.
An introduction to statistical techniques that is applicable to the disciplines of majors in the departments of Education, Psychology and Sociology and Criminal Justice. Topics include scales of measurement, measurement of central tendency and variability, parametric probability distributions (normal and “t”), hypothesis testing and confidence intervals, linear regression and correlation, non298 parametric probability distributions (Chi square, Mann-Whitney, binomial sign test), and choosing the appropriate technique. Prerequisite. : One of the following: Math 105/105T, Math 130/130T, Math ACT of 22 or higher, or Math SAT of 530 or higher. Not open to those who have received credit for Mathematics/Economics 201. Same as Psychology

210. Cornerstone 2B. Three hours.

211. Sociology of the Family.
An examination of historical and contemporary lifestyles ranging from single adulthood through polygamous unions, unmarried cohabitation, blended parent, utopian communities, and traditional monogamous marriages with a view toward families of the future and the student’s adoption of an intentional personal lifestyle. Cornerstone 3. Three hours.

219. Employment Experience in Sociology.

222. Social Psychology.
Consideration of individuals in their social context. Attention is given to such topics as aggression, affiliation, attitudes, social influences, prejudice, social judgment, and the dynamics of small groups. Same as Psyc 222. Prerequisite: Psychology 101 and at least one other psychology or sociology course. Three hours.

252. Standards for Professional Behavior in the Human Services.
Ethical concerns in human services professions will be examined. Dilemmas involving confidentiality and privacy, conflicts of interest, deception, coercion and control, and human subjects review will be explored within the broader context of the concepts of justice, fairness and respect. In addition to theoretical constructs of ethical issues that arise in social science disci- plines, various written codes of conduct (such as National Association of Workers, American Corrections Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police, American Bar Association and American Psychological Association) will be explored. Alternate years. Three hours.

290. Special Topics in Sociology.

311. Women: The Struggle for Equality.
This course explores women’s struggle for equality in the United States. The minority/ subordinate status of women will be addressed through such perspectives as conservatism, liberalism, traditional Marxism, radical feminism, and socialist feminism. Cornerstone 6. Three hours.

319. Internship in Sociology.

320. Sociological Theory.
A survey of the form and substance of both classical and contemporary sociological theory. Emphasis is given to the construction and critique of theory, and to the place of theory in everyday life. The course will examine such topics as Marxism, feminism, postmodernism and social change theories. Prerequisite: Junior standing or six hours of 300-level sociology courses. Three hours.

321. Methods of Social Research I.
Contemporary methods are employed in assembling, analyzing, and interpreting social data. Data base management and statistical software packages are used to evaluate research findings. Individual research assignments and class projects introduce the student to techniques for dealing with specific types of theoretical and social research problems. Prerequisites: Sociology 210 and Sociology 320. Three hours.

323. Methods of Social Research II.
Methods of Social Research II asks students to work in teams designing and executing an original class research project of either quantitative or qualitative design. The course emphasizes data analysis techniques, including both content analysis and the use of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Depending on enrollment, different teams of students will pursue both quantitative and qualitative projects, and a seminar format will allow the teams to share experiences in solving problems of data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Prerequisite: Sociology

321. Three hours.

331. Complex Organizations.
We live out much of our lives interacting with organizations. This course aims for both a theoretical and concrete understanding of several types of social organizations, such as government, business, medical, and media organizations. We emphasize organizations’ “internal” relationships with their members and “external” relationships with their clients and other organizations. Cornerstone 3. Three hours.

SCJ 340. Race and Ethnic Relations.
This course explores the dynamics and results of inter-group relations. Prejudice and discrimination are examined in both historical and international perspective. Among the concrete topics discussed are affirmative action, multiculturalism, institutional discrimination, and the interrelationship of sex, class, and ethnicity. Cornerstone 6. Three hours.

SCJ 341/541. Family Crisis Intervention.
This course is designed to present conceptual frameworks and useful methods of intervention to help us understand and address a variety of crises confronting people in families. We will examine numerous situations, which may be family crises, and the behavioral manifestations of family members in crisis. Such topics as family violence, divorce/separation/desertion, sexual abuse of children in families, loss of family members through death, chemical abuse, criminal victimization, and suicide will be examined within the family context. Three hours.

SCJ 347. Field Experience and Seminar.
Fieldwork in selected community agencies relative to survey or evaluation research, community organization, social action or other topics as approved by the instructor. Approximately 120 hours of field placement plus meetings with the instructor and other practicum students. Open to majors only. Prerequisite: Senior standing or permission of instructor. Three hours.

350. Environmental Sociology.
This course examines how people affect places. Some topics covered include the population size and distribution on life quality with respect to health, nutrition, housing, air and water, economic opportunity, political stability, and other issues in a global context. Cornerstone 3. Three hours.

360. Social Movements.
This course examines the history and theory of social movements such as the American women’s and civil rights movements, the international “Green” movement, revolutionary movements, and conservative movements. The course will focus on movement organization, strategy, use of media and interactions with government. Among the questions to be explored are: What kinds of experiences turn everyday people into “activists”? Why do some social movements succeed while others fail? How have social movements altered American culture, economy, and politics? Prerequisites: One course in sociology. Three hours.

SCJ 380. Independent Study.

390. Special Topics in Sociology.

SCJ 391-392. Honors Tutorial Program.

Last Updated: 6/10/09