The scientific study of human society, including ways in which groups, social institutions, and individuals affect each other. Causes of social stability and social change are explored through the application of various theoretical perspectives, key concepts, and related research methods of sociology. Analysis of social issues in their institutional context may include topics such as social stratification, gender, race/ethnicity, and deviance. (R,W)
Grade Basis: L
Credit hours: 3.0
Lecture hours: 3.0
Application of sociological principles to the major problems of contemporary society such as inequality, crime and violence, substance abuse, deviance, or family problems. (R,W)
Grade Basis: L
Credit hours: 3.0
Lecture hours: 3.0
Sociological and theoretical analysis of the structures and functions of the family, the varied cultural patterns of the American family, and the relationships that exist among the individuals within the family, as well as the relationships that exist between the family and other institutions in society. (R,W)
Grade Basis: L
Credit hours: 3.0
Lecture hours: 3.0
Prerequisites:
Restrictions:
This course will provide an overview of the broad field of human sexuality. Topics will be covered from various perspectives – biological, sociological, anthropological, etc., but will focus primarily on the psychological perspective. The goal is for each student to learn factual, scientifically based information that will provoke thought and contribute to his/her own decision-making on sexual issues outside of the classroom. (R,W)
Grade Basis: L
Credit hours: 3.0
Lecture hours: 3.0
Prerequisites:
Restrictions:
This course studies minority-majority group relations, addressing their historical, cultural, social, economic, and institutional development in the United States. Both sociological and social psychological levels of analysis will be employed to discuss issues including experiences of minority groups within the context of their cultural heritage and tradition, as well as that of the dominant culture. Core concepts to be examined include (but are not limited to) social inequality, dominance/subordination, prejudice, and discrimination. Particular minority groups discussed may include those based on poverty, race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or religion. (R,W)
Grade Basis: L
Credit hours: 3.0
Lecture hours: 3.0
Prerequisites:
Restrictions:
Study of individual behavior within the social environment. May include topics such as the socio-psychological process, attitude formation and change, interpersonal relations, and group processes. (R,W)
Grade Basis: L
Credit hours: 3.0
Lecture hours: 3.0
Prerequisites:
Restrictions:
The course surveys various theories of crime, with an emphasis on understanding the social causes of criminal behavior. The techniques for measuring crime as a social phenomenon and the characteristics of criminals are examined. This course addresses crime types (such as consensual or white-collar crimes), the criminal justice system, and other social responses to crime. (R,W)
Grade Basis: L
Credit hours: 3.0
Lecture hours: 3.0
Study of the use and abuse of drugs in today's society. Emphasizes the physiological, sociological, and psychological factors. (R,W)
Grade Basis: L
Credit hours: 3.0
Lecture hours: 3.0
An instructional program designed to integrate on-campus study with practical hands-on experience in sociology. In conjunction with class seminars, the individual student will set specific goals and objectives in the study of human social behavior and/or social institutions. (R,W)
Grade Basis: L
Credit hours: 3.0
Lecture hours: 3.0