Credits: 3.00 Credits
Sociology is the scientific study of society and social groups. This introductory course discusses the research methods, basic concepts, theories and perspectives used by sociologists. Among the topics covered are culture, socialization, social structure, deviance, social stratification, diversity, globalization, minority groups, gender, and selected social institutions.
SOCI 1183 Contemporary Social Problems
Credits: 3.00 Credits
The purpose of this course is to acquaint the student with a broad spectrum of social problems within contemporary United States. The factors causing social and cultural problems will be emphasized. Students are required to conduct research and analyze a specific social problem and create new policy to deal with the social problem. Students will discuss and critically analyze social policies that address social topics discussed in class.
SOCI 1193 Marriage & Famly Acrs Wrld Clt
Credits: 3.00 Credits
This course provides a cross-cultural perspective on marriage and family while giving students the opportunity to explore similarities and differences in marriage and family practices. Specific cultures will be examined to enhance student understanding of cultural and environmental influences on beliefs, values and practices relating to kinship patterns.
SOCI 1223 Power, Privilege, & Difference
Credits: 3.00 Credits
This course examines the social forces at work directing the distribution of power and privilege in American society. Using a sociological perspective, students learn about the multiple hierarchies defined by class, race/ethnicity, gender, and sexuality and the consequences of one's location in them. Students will learn intersectionality theory and its application to the study of inequality; that "difference" is socially constructed in systems of privilege to create "otherness," and, in turn, prejudice and discrimination.
Credits: 3.00 Credits
The course introduces the study of crime, criminal behavior, and the justice system. Included in this study is the process of making laws, breaking laws, and society's reaction to the breaking of laws. Students will be introduced to theories of crime as demonstrated in the current policies of crime and punishment. In addition, there will be an overview of the criminal justice system: law enforcement, the courts, and corrections.
Credits: 3.00 Credits
This upper-level course focuses on the how and why of doing research in the social and behavioral sciences, including evaluation research. The research techniques used by human services practitioners and social and behavioral scientists are emphasized including correlational and experimental methods. Ethical ways to conduct research and to build knowledge through research are examined. Writing in professional formatting style is stressed, as is understanding the parts of a journal article, the methods utilized within those professional journal articles, and how research is disseminated at professional conferences.
SOCI 5033 Soc. Life & Visn. of the Futr.
Credits: 3.00 Credits
This course teaches sociological thinking by examining our world and visions of future social life. Concepts and themes from the social sciences will be mapped to representations of future social life as students develop their sociological understanding. Students will think critically about modernization, social change, the relationship between self and society as well as the intersection of class, race gender and sexuality in our contemporary social life. Dystopian and utopian visions of the future will provide fruitful "counterfactuals" to compare with current and historical lived experiences.
SOCI 5213 Science, Technology & Society
Credits: 3.00 Credits
This course is a survey of the growth of science and technology and their impact upon society as a whole with primary emphasis upon the United States. Major concentration is on the period since the mid-nineteenth century emphasizing the intellectual climate leading to and resulting from scientific and technological changes and the influence of these developments upon industry, government, education, agriculture, ecology and other areas.
SOCI 5233 Gerontology-Sociology of Aging
Credits: 3.00 Credits
This course provides an overview of the sociological, psychological, physical and cultural aspects of the aging process. It will review demographic trends, theories and contemporary issues for this population. The course will also provide students with the opportunity to explore their views and attitudes on aging. Students will complete a research paper that examines the implications of the aging population on the student's intended major.
SOCI 6003 Juvenile Justice Admin
Credits: 3.00 Credits
This juvenile justice course examines the evolution of the juvenile justice system and the transformation of the juvenile court within the United States. This course is a critical analysis of the juvenile justice system in the United States - its components and functions. Students will evaluate adjudication of juveniles, apply legal cases, and social policy resulting in legislative initiatives. Students evaluate ethical decision making and diversity in the adjudication and treatment of juveniles. Differences between the United States system and that of other countries are also examined. Students will apply course findings to a case study in a significant written document for final evaluation.
Credits: 3.00 Credits
This course examines the phenomena of international and domestic terrorism from the historical and criminological perspectives. The course evaluates historical and political viewpoints and examines the changing trends in security and justice. Students will examine ethical issues including an analysis of diversity factors and policy issues for consideration. This terrorism course provides a critical analysis of leadership styles required to alleviate fears of civil liberties erosion and public safety. The course will culminate with a research project.
