Academic Courses

Sociology

SOC 101
Introduction to Sociology
3-0-3
Understanding the social nature of humans and the social world in which they live. Analysis of such topics as culture, socialization, social groups and social institutions, stratification, the family, gender relations, race and ethnicity, minorities, social deviance, social change and technology, the urban community, population and the environment. Both Western and non-Western cross-cultural comparisons are provided throughout the course.

SOC 105
Health and Society
3-0-3
This course focuses on the analysis of health, disease, and the health care delivery system in the United States. It examines the relationship between health and various social factors, the interaction between patients and health care professionals, as well as some contemporary biomedical and health care issues. Continuing attention is given to the role of technology on the nature and definition of health, illness and health care in our society.

SOC 115
Women and Men in American Society
3-0-3
This course takes a sociological approach to the study of gender within the United States. Students will explore basic theories of gender and examine gender as it operates in various areas of social life, including, but not limited to the family, work, the economy, medicine, education and sexuality. Attention will be given to both historical changes and cross-cultural variations in gender, as well as how gender is experienced in relation to race, ethnicity, social class and sexual orientation. Prerequisite: ENGL 101.

SOC 212
Sociology of Marriage and Family
3-0-3
Critical, sociological analysis of inti-mate, personal interactions, relation-ships, roles and social selves as major features of the dominant patterns of marriage and family in the United States. Cross-cultural comparisons and the historical development of marriage and family structures are also discussed. Prerequisite: SOC 101 or ANTH 112.

SOC 215
Criminology
3-0-3
Examination of the contemporary and historical nature and extent of crime. Specific attention is given to various forms of crime in our society, including white collar crime, delinquency, organized crime and violent crime. Contemporary theories and research related to crime causation and the methods, past and present, of dealing with offenders; the police, courts and prisons also are discussed. Prerequisite: SOC 101 or ANTH 112.

SOC 231
Social Problems
3-0-3
Social Problems examines the contemporary and historical origins of major social problems in the United States. These problems include poverty, sexism, racism, ageism, crime, delinquency, family dissolution, drug and alcohol abuse, physical and mental health, population dynamics, environment, education, urban conflicts, and work. Prerequisite: SOC 101 or ANTH 112.

SOC 233
The Sociology of Ethnic and Minority Group Relations
3-0-3
Examination of the historical and present position of various minorities within our society including African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians, as well as women and other minority groups. Emphasis is on the diversity of American minorities and the description and explanation of historical, social, economic, and structural inequalities that exist within and among them. General attention is also given to the analysis of the social and cultural causes of prejudice and discrimination. Prerequisite: SOC 101 or ANTH 112.