Sociology

SOC 110 — (S) Introduction to Sociology — 3 credits

Fundamental principles in the field of sociology. Stratification, ethnicity, deviance; basic institutions of society; social change and demographic trends.

SOC 112 — (S) Social Problems — 3 credits

Application of sociological principles to major issues in contemporary society.

SOC 115 — Introduction to Social Work — 3 credits

Growth of social work as a professional endeavor. The scope of social work; casework in the medical, psychiatric, family and child welfare, and guidance fields, community organization, social research, social planning, social group work. Current trends in social work.

SOC 132 — Introduction to Archaeology — 3 credits

An introduction to the study of archaeology from anthropological and historical perspectives. Areas to be explored include survey and site recognition, excavation planning, record keeping, treatment of artifacts, and above-ground archaeology.

SOC 210 — (D, W) Marriage and the Family — 3 credits

An historical, comparative, and analytical study of marriage and family institutions. Problems of courtship, mate selection and marriage adjustment in modern society.

SOC 211 — Methods of Social Research — 3 credits

This course is designed to help the student understand the range of research methods used in sociological and gerontological research/investigations and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. It will also help students to appreciate some basic problems involved in the collection and analysis of data.

SOC 212 — Religion and Society — 3 credits

A survey of religious systems and their interrelations with society and social institutions, with emphasis on the social consequences and determinants of religious behavior. The theories of Durkheim, Weber, Parsons, Bellah, Berger and Luckman will be examined.

SOC 213 — Collective Behavior and Social Movements — 3 credits

This course will examine collective behavior which includes protest demonstrations, riots, mass or diffuse phenomena such as fads and crazes, social movements, and revolution, with a decided emphasis on social and political movements. This course is recommended for those interested in sociology, political science, history, or other social sciences.

SOC 214 — Sociology of Sport — 3 credits

The role of sport in civilized societies; sport as work and recreation; women and minorities in sport; sport in education; sport and the mass media.

SOC 216 — Medical Sociology — 3 credits

The social dimensions of health and illness; role of physician, nurse and patient; social organization of health services; the content of medical practice; culture and health disorders; mental health and mental illness.

SOC 218 — Sociological Theory — 3 credits

An examination of the major theoretical developments in sociological theory from the classical period of Marx, Weber, and Durkheim to contemporary schools such as structural-functionalism, conflict theory, exchange theory, and symbolic interaction.

SOC 219 — Community Organization — 3 credits

A general introduction to the process of community organization, as a field of both social work and human endeavor. The coordination and financing of welfare activities, methods of appraising community needs and resources, planning and the initiation of welfare services. Services of a voluntary and governmental nature, strategies of power.

SOC 220 — (S,D) Social Stratification — 3 credits

This course will investigate the varying levels of inequality in our society, based on the intersections of race, class, and gender. An assessment of various social inequality issues and institutional realms, such as politics and the economy, will be made from a sociological perspective.

SOC 224 — (S, D) Race and Ethnic Relations — 3 credits

An introduction to the sociology of race and ethnicity, this course focuses on the historical construction and continued significance of these categories over time. Various racial and ethnic group experiences will be studied in terms of their treatment by dominant social institutions and their access to social, cultural, and political power in the United States.

SOC 226 — Sociology of Work and Professions — 3 credits

The nature and role of contemporary occupations and professions in the life cycle are discussed; occupational choice, career patterns and occupational mobility are noted. The student is made aware of the relationship among education, work and aspirations. The career path from entry-level job to retirement is examined.

SOC 227 — Business and Society — 3 credits

Modern industrialism as social behavior. Social conditions in the rise of industrialism and their effect on the worker; collective bargaining and industrial conflict, the industrial community; social classes and the industrial order. This course also shows how the business sector impacts on society and on the globalization of the economy.

SOC 228 — Social Psychology — 3 credits

Study of individual behavior as affected by cultural and social stimuli. Emphasis on the analysis of human conduct in social settings.

SOC 229 — Crisis in Population — 3 credits

A study of the basic variables of population, birth, death and migration, socioeconomic and cultural variables affecting population growth, projections and forecasts. The chief natural and social demographic theories. Population policies and practices in selected world areas.

SOC 234 — (S, D) Cultural Anthropology — 3 credits

Cultural and social organization among primitive or preliterate societies; marriage, property, religion, magic and tribal control. Significance of the study of primitive cultures for understanding of urban industrial civilizations.

SOC 235 — Peoples of East Asia — 3 credits

The anthropology of the East Asian culture area, focusing particularly on China and Japan. Topics include basic social institutions, world views, culture and personality, and the problem of modernization.

SOC 284 — Special Topics in Sociology

(Prerequisite: Consent of the chair and the instructor) Courses designed to meet specific needs of individual students or courses offered on a trial basis to determine the value of placing them into the regular curriculum.

SOC 315 — Feminism and Social Change — 3 credits

This course examines the relationship between feminism and social change, studying feminist movements and how feminist ideologies, strategies, and individuals influenced social movements. It also explores outcomes of women’s movements, the mobilization of counter-movements, and the consequences of feminism for Society for various organizational and professional roles and for individual women.

SOC 317 — (D, W) Family Issues and and Social Policy — 3 credits

This service-learning course examines family problems of work and poverty, separation and divorce, family violence, and elder care, addressing each in terms of describing the social problem and why it exists and the program/policies designed to address it. Students are offered solutions and are helped and are helped to apply multicultural interpretations.

SOC 323 — (D) Great American Cities — 3 credits

A sociological exploration of selected major U.S. cities will review a variety of cultures and examine that matrix of ideas, creeds, religions, races, ethnicities, attitudes, habits, artifacts and institutions – social, educational, artistic, political and economic – which condition the way the people in each city live.

SOC 328 — Child Welfare — 3 credits

Development of child welfare in the United States. Educational, health, recreational and child-labor regulations. Study and treatment of children in their own homes, foster homes and institutions. Child care and protective programs on federal, state and local levels.

SOC 330 — Social Policy and Aging — 3 credits

Review of major legislation affecting older adults, including the Social Security Act, Older Americans Act, Medicare, and various local, state, and national programs for the aged

SOC 331 — Urban Sociology — 3 credits

Urban ecology and culture as the dominant form of community life in contemporary society; their characteristics, peculiarities, and problems.

SOC 382-383 — Independent Study in Sociology — 3 credits

(Prerequisite: Consent of the chair and instructor) Designed for advanced students who are capable of independent study. A program of planned research under the guidance of a faculty member.

SOC 480-481 — Internship in Social Work — 3 credits

(Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing; permission of instructor) Supervised experiential learning designed to broaden the educational experience of students through practical experience and work assignments with governmental and/or community agencies in the field of social work. Supervision by a faculty member and agency supervisor.

Approved courses from other curricula:

Sociology majors may be advised to choose several courses taught in the Criminal Justice sequence; courses so approved include:

GERO 110 — (S) Introduction to Gerontology — 3 credits

A multidisciplinary examination of the cognitive and affective aspects of aging. The course covers social, physiological, psychological, economic, and health aspects of aging, as well as service delivery systems. It explores planning and action strategies aimed at enhancing the quality of life and providing adequate benefits and services for the elderly. Students who have taken HADM 110 are not eligible to take GERO 110.

GERO 216 — Aging and the Community — 3 credits

Consideration of selected community strategies effecting desired changes in the development and implementation of social services and programs for the elderly: legislative action, interagency relationships, the citizen role. Students who have taken HADM 216 are not eligible to take GERO 216.

GERO 218 — Health and Aging — 3 credits

An explorative study of the mental and physical health problems prevalent in the older adult population, with emphasis upon the preventive aspect of health care as applied by themselves and health-care providers. Health-care approaches appropriate to the various problems, and relevant resources within the home and community are considered. Students who have taken HADM 218 are not eligible to take GERO 218.

GERO 220— Crime and Aging — 3 credits

A consideration of crime as it affects aging: examining the older adult as victim, offender, practitioner, and perpetrator, in light of current thought, policy, and law.

GERO 232 — Aging and Death — 3 credits

This course offers the student an opportunity to explore the mystery and meaning of death. Focus is on a number of aspects of dying and the death process, such as the dying individual and the family; cross-cultural perspectives; terminal illness; professions and death; rites and rituals. Students who have taken HADM 232 are not eligible to take GERO 232.

GERO 284 — Special Topics in Gerontology — 3 credits

(Prerequisite: Permission of the chair and the instructor) Courses designed to meet specific needs of individual students or courses offered on a trial basis to determine the value of placing them into the regular curriculum.

GERO 382-383 — Independent Study in Gerontology — 3 credits

Designed for advanced students who are capable of independent study. A program of planned research in gerontology under the guidance of a faculty member. Registration upon approval of the chairperson of the department and the instructor directing the study.

GERO 480-481 — Internship in Gerontology — 3 credits

(Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing; permission of instructor) Supervised experiential learning in one or more organizations that serve older adults. Supervision by a faculty member and agency supervision required.