SOC 111 GE: Introduction to Sociology (3:3:0)
This course examines the nature of social phenomena, fields and methods of sociology, and social processes involved in the evolution of human society.

SOC 231 GE: Marriage and Family (3:3:0)
This course examines the "family" in its various forms. Special attention will be placed on an analysis of the family as an ideological construct that upholds lines of difference according to race, class, gender, and sexual identity. Family change is studied throughout the course, including shifts in patterns of dating and courtship, cohabitation, the division of both paid and unpaid labor, divorce and blended families.

SOC 241 GE: Contemporary Social Problems (3:3:0)
This course introduces students to the sociological study of social problems facing contemporary American society. It explores the social, political, and cultural causes, consequences, and possible solutions to social problems related to health care, crime, poverty, and inequality based on social class, racial and ethnic background, gender, and sexual orientation. Prerequisite: SOC 111.

SOC 251 Sociological Inquiry (3:3:0)
This course will familiarize students with the sociological perspective, the history of sociology, and major contemporary sociological paradigms and their historical roots. We will examine the role sociology plays in the larger society, consider the theories and research methods used by sociologists, and develop skills needed for a rewarding academic career as a major in our department. The course is also designed to help students sharpen their analytic and critical thinking skills as well as become more effective writers, listeners, and participants in the sociologically examined life. Prerequisite: SOC 111 (with a C or better)

SOC 254 Quantitative Approaches in Sociology (3:3:0)
This course is a survey of the quantitative approaches for students in sociology. This course is designed to introduce the basics of the quantitative approaches in sociology to students majoring in sociology. The main emphasis will be on the applications of the quantitative methods and the interpretation of results in sociological reports and writings. Students will learn the logic and the applications of the quantitative methods of data analysis that are commonly utilized in sociology. Potential strengths and weaknesses of various quantitative methods of data analysis in sociological research will be discussed. Prerequisite: SOC 111 (grade of C or better)

SOC 290 Special Topics (Semester hours arranged)
These courses are designed to meet specific needs of groups of students or are offered on a trial basis in order to determine the demand for and value of introducing them as part of the university curriculum.

SOC 301 GE: The American, British, French, Italian, and German Cultures: Comparison (3:3:0)
The central aim of this course is to introduce students to the basic sociological concepts of personality system, social system, cultural system, and the formation of a national character. This analysis will help students to better understand themselves, the sociocultural environment in which they live, and the sociocultural differences that exist between people coming from different societies. After having developed a theoretical framework and a practical paradigm to understand the notion of "national character" these will be applied to define the national character of Americans, British, French, Italians, and Germans. Prerequisite: SOC 111.

SOC 310 GE: Introduction to Social Welfare (3:3:0)
This course is designed to help students understand social welfare as a social institution, gain a practical knowledge of the working of various programs, and achieve some insight into the meaning of social welfare to the human beings involved. The student is encouraged to develop critical judgment about the adequacy of social welfare programs. Prerequisite: SOC 111.

SOC 311 Introduction to Social Work (3:3:2)
This course is intended for students interested in social work and other helping professions to become familiar with theory and practice in the three major social work fields (casework, group work, and community organizations), to gain some insight into social work research, supervision, and social policy making, to study the generic principles common to the major fields of practice (i.e., suitable for a variety of situations calling for intervention with individuals, groups, and communities), and to explore employment opportunities. Prerequisite: SOC 111.

SOC 312 Research Methods (3:3:0)
This course examines procedures for planning, organizing, and conducting qualitative and quantitative sociological research projects. Students will acquire the skills to implement research using a variety of methodologies, including surveys, interviews, and ethnographic field research. Prerequisite: SOC 111, 251, 252.

SOC 331 Sociology of Aging & the Life Course (3:3:0)
This course examines the aging process across the life course from a sociological perspective. It focuses on providing a framework for understanding aging as a social construct that is influenced by changing social structures and historical, cultural and social forces. This course also highlights sociological research on aging and explores the implications for social policy. Prerequisites: 6 credits in SOC including SOC 111.

SOC 338 The Sociology of Poverty and Homelessness (3:3:0)
This course focuses on helping students develop an understanding of the dimensions of poverty and homelessness in the United States and explores the implications for distributive justice. Students will assess the effectiveness of the social policies and programs created to combat poverty and homelessness and participate in course-based service-learning and social action projects. Prerequisite: SOC 111 and 310.

SOC 341 GE: Criminology (3:3:0)
This course is an examination of theories of crime causation, demographic characteristics of criminals, the history of theories of punishment, and modern reformative and rehabilitative methods. Prerequisite: SOC 111.

SOC 342 GE: Juvenile Delinquency (3:3:0)
This course is a study of the delinquent as a person and juvenile delinquency as a social problem and theories of delinquent causation, methods of correctional treatment and community preventive projects will be systematically studied. Prerequisite: SOC 111.

SOC 343 GE: Racial and Cultural Minorities (3:3:0)
This course examines dominant-minority relations in the U.S. Special emphasis will be placed on how social, economic, and political power and privilege help create and perpetuate prejudice and discrimination. As America becomes more racially and culturally diverse, we need to make a greater effort to understand, respect, and benefit from the diversity around us. This course is intended to help students discover these benefits as well as deal with the challenges that go hand in hand with an increasingly multicultural society. Prerequisite: SOC 111.

SOC 344 Social Deviance (3:3:0)
This course will explore how and why certain acts come to be defined as deviant. Students will examine how deviance is defined, how the "actors" are maintained, and how violators of the definitions are processed and treated. A historical analysis of political processes that inform the evolution, modification, and enforcement of "deviant" categories will be discussed through the lens of various sociological perspectives. Prerequisites: 6 credits in SOC including SOC 111.

SOC 370 Sociological Theory (3:3:0)
This course is designed to give the student an overview of sociological theory. Students will be introduced to a wide range of theories and theoretical orientations and the major theorists associated with them. The course covers both classical and contemporary sociological theory. Special emphasis is placed on the strengths and weaknesses of each approach and the link between theory and substantive research. Prerequisites: SOC 111, 251.

SOC 372 Sociology of Religion (3:3:0)
This course explores religion in its varied manifestations as a social institution, as a cultural practice, and as a pattern of beliefs and practices that are shaped by and, in turn, shape societal conditions. Emphasis is placed on the role of religion in the public arena (political, the economical, and popular media), religious pluralism and conflict, the impact of race, gender, and social class on religion and the ongoing debate over the appropriate role of religion in social life. Prerequisite: SOC 111 and 102.

SOC 374 Political Sociology (3:3:0)
This course is the study of the social causes and consequences of given power distributions within or between societies and of the conflicts that lead to changes in the allocation of this power. The social backgrounds of extremist movements and of the "True Believers" that join them will be analyzed. Prerequisite: SOC 111.

SOC 377 GE: WS: Sociology of Women (3:3:0)
This course is specially designed to afford the student and/or professional person an open and non-threatening opportunity to examine both societal and personal sex role stereotyping and the attendant societal mechanisms by which these roles are mandated and enforced. A brief survey of women in society will be followed by an in-depth look at the women's movement and institutional change. Prerequisite: SOC 111.

SOC 378 GE: American Community (3:3:0)
This course examines the nature, structure, and functions of the community. It includes a study of the inter-relations of major institutions in the community; attention is directed to the city, the small town, and the rural community. Prerequisite: SOC 111.

SOC 390 Field Work and Observation (3:3:0)
This course is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to obtain practical experience with an agency in the community. Supervision will be given by both the community agency and the instructor. Periodic meetings will be held to discuss the experience. Prerequisites: SOC 111, consent of instructor.

SOC 485 Independent Study (Semester hours arranged)
This course consists of directed research and study on an individual basis. The student wishingindependent study must contact a member of the Department of Sociology who is willing tosupervise the study. The student's request for independent study must then be approved by the members of the Department. A minimum of five (5) hours per credit of exclusive time with the supervising faculty member will be made available to the student. Prerequisite: Advanced standing of 90 credits.

SOC 486 Field Work and Observation (Semester hours arranged)
This course is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to obtain practical experience with an agency in the community. Supervision will be given by both the community agency and the instructor. A weekly seminar class will be held with the instructor to discuss the experience. Prerequisites: Advanced standing of 90 credits, arrangements with and consent of instructor before registration.

SOC 487 & 488 Foreign Travel I & II (3:3:0), (3:3:0)
This course consists of a study trip to observe at first hand the metamorphosis of postwar Europe, a study of the history and governmental systems of Western European countries, their economic growth and integration through the common market, investigation of the social environment on a formal and informal basis, and a general study of Western Europe in the post-war world. Prerequisites: Advanced standing of 90 credits, consent of the chair of the department.

SOC 490 Social Implications of Computers (3:3:0)
This course presents concepts on how computers impact our lives and our society. It provides a framework for professional activity that involves explicit consideration of the social impacts of computers and presents tools and techniques which are applicable to the problems posed by the social implications of computers. Prerequisites: CPSC 111, 112, 231, 251.

SOC 495 Seminar (3:3:0)
This course consists of discussion and intensive study of selected topics, issues, problems, sociological writings, and investigations. Prerequisites: Advanced standing in Sociology, consent of instructor, SOC 111, 21 additional SOC credits including SOC 412 and 472.

SOC 498 WS: Seminar in Women's Studies (3:3:0)
This seminar is designed to enable students from various disciplines to analyze and synthesize data, ideas, and academic perspectives as they focus on the personal and societal dimensions of gender and roles as these differentiate and affect female experience and activities. Prerequisite: Completion of 9 credits of Women's Studies courses, including SOC 377.

Sociology - Criminal Justice Courses
For more information, see Criminal Justice Administration

SOCJ 150 Introduction to Criminal Justice (3:3:0)
This course is an overview of the role of police, prosecution, court, and correctional processes in the administration of criminal justice in the United States. This course is offered in cooperation with the Criminal Justice Administration Program. It will not count toward the Sociology major.

SOCJ 151 Introduction to Security (3:3:0)
This course discusses the history, nature, and scope of private security in modern society, the basic principles of physical security, internal loss prevention, defensive systems, fire prevention and safety, and the security function in the corporate structure. This course is offered in cooperation with the Criminal Justice Administration Program. It will not count toward the Sociology major.

SOCJ 250 Corrections (3:3:0)
The correctional process (sentencing, incarceration, and release) will be examined. Prison classification, treatment systems, life "inside," discipline, inmates' rights, and parole prediction are studied. The course is offered in cooperation with the Criminal Justice Administration program. It will not count toward the Sociology major.

SOCJ 251 Police Organization and Administration (3:3:0)
This course is an examination of the historical development and present organization and administration of police departments and a consideration of the principles of organization best adapted to ensure effective service to the community. This course is offered in cooperation with the Criminal Justice Administration Program. The course will not apply toward the Sociology major.

SOCJ 252 Organized Crime (3:3:0)
The history, growth, structure, philosophy, and scope of Organized Crime will be studied. Effective methods of prosecuting this type of crime will be reviewed. The course is offered in cooperation with the Criminal Justice Administration program. It will not count toward the Sociology major.

SOCJ 253 Violence in Society (3:3:0)
This course is an in-depth study of violence, with topics such as riots, campus and civil disorders, violent crime, terrorism, and assassinations discussed in detail to give the student an insight into this deviant behavior. The course is offered in cooperation with the Criminal Justice Administration Program. It will not count toward the Sociology major.

SOCJ 350 The Criminal Process (3:3:0)
This course provides an overview of the criminal process from arrest through trial and sentencing. It includes discussions of the law and procedures applicable at each stage, including classification of crimes, warrants, searches and seizures, confessions, evidence, preservation, preliminary hearings, motions, pleas, and trials. Particular crimes are treated substantively as necessary to supply examples. Practical exercises are contemplated. This course is offered in cooperation with the Criminal Justice Administration Program. The course will not apply toward the Sociology major. Prerequisite: SOC 150.

SOCJ 351 Police Investigation (3:3:0)
This course considers appropriate conduct at the crime scene, techniques of interview, interrogation of witnesses and suspects, the uses of informants, studies of specific investigative methods for particular kinds of cases, and the presentation of police cases in court. The course is offered in cooperation with the Criminal Justice Administration Program. It will not count toward the Sociology major. Prerequisite: SOC 150.

SOCJ 352 Police and Community Relations (3:3:0)
This course is a review of the problems confronting the police and the community, a study of minorities to gain an understanding of their particular problems, an in-depth look at ways of achieving trust, understanding, respect, and cooperation from the public that the police serve. This course is offered in cooperation with the Criminal Justice Administration Program. The course will not apply toward the Sociology major. Prerequisite: SOC 150.

SOCJ 353 Crisis Management in Law Enforcement (3:3:0)
This course will introduce students to the current issues of managing critical incidents and hostage situations that occur in law enforcement and corrections. It will focus on those activities necessary to stabilize life and property threatening incidents. It will provide an understanding of commanding high-risk incidents, pre-incident planning, and critical incident stress reactions. This course is offered in cooperation with the Criminal Justice Administration Program. The course will not apply toward the Sociology major. Prerequisite: SOC 111 or SOCJ 150.

SOCJ 354 Drug Use and Abuse in Society (3:3:0)
This course will focus on drug use and abuse as it pertains to today's society. It will offer an indepth look into the various types of drugs and how they affect the body along with the implications that arise through the abuse of these substances. It will explore the concept of addiction to the various controlled substances that are available pharmaceutically and on the black market. Stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogens will be discussed in-depth, along with the various State and Federal Laws that apply to the Controlled Substance Acts. Lastly it will look at alcohol use and abuse, over the counter medications, and the emerging trends of drug use that are ever changing in our society. This course is offered in cooperation with the Criminal Justice Administration Program. The course will not apply toward the Sociology Major. Prerequisite: SOC 111 or SOCJ 150.

SOCJ 460 Schools, Gangs, Violence and Society (3:3:0)
This course will examine the various aspects of violence as they relate to the school setting. It will take an in-depth look at gangs, weapons, and drugs in the school environment. This course will discuss some of the more recent approaches from law enforcement perspective that have worked in combating school violence. This course is offered in cooperation with the Criminal Justice Administration Program. The course will not apply toward the Sociology major. Prerequisite: SOC 111 or SOCJ 150, and a second course in Sociology.

Sociology - Social Work Offerings
For more information, see Social Work

SOSW 321 Helping Philosophies and Methods for Social Workers (3:3:0)
This course provides an introduction to the main modern therapies that professional social workers can use with their clients or take into consideration in making referrals. The main assumptions, concepts, and methods of dynamic psychotherapy, behavior therapy, and humanistic psychotherapy will be analyzed and illustrated. Prerequisite: SOC 311. Not for the Sociology major.

SOSW 322 Theory and Practice in Groups (3:3:0)
The focus of this course is small group theory and practice as applicable to social work practice. Social work intervention with family groups, problem-centered groups, and social action focused groups will each be examined. Focus will be both on developing understanding of group dynamics and group process, and developing skills in group work practice. This course will not count for the Sociology major. Prerequisite: SOC 311.

SOSW 325 Crisis Intervention (3:3:0)
This course will introduce students to the theoretical knowledge and practice skills necessary to competently intervene as crisis counselors in selected crisis situations. This course does not count for the Sociology major. Prerequisite: SOC 311 or permission of instructor.

SOSW 326 Child Welfare Services (3:3:0)
This is a social welfare policy course providing a comprehensive study of principal child welfare policy and services. Supportive, supplementary, protective, substitute services will be covered with a special focus on the problem of child abuse and neglect. Emphasis will be on child welfare services as a field of social work practice. This course will not count toward the Sociology major. Prerequisite: SOC 311.

SOSW 483 Social Work Practice and Skills I (6:2:arranged)
This course is designed to provide in-depth knowledge and skills in the professional practice of social work through an integrated class and agency-based learning experience. Major theories related to professional practice will be examined and skills in assessment, planning change, and evaluation will be developed. Emphasis is placed on the development of an increased understanding of the use of self in the professional social work role. This course will not count toward the sociology major. Prerequisites: SOC 310, 311.

SOSW 484 Social Work Practice & Skills II (6:2:arranged)
This course concentrates on the advanced study of social work knowledge, method, and skills through the integration of class and field involvement in a social agency. Students will be assigned, prior to class, to a specific social service agency where they will spend approximately 12 hours per week in addition to a two hour class. Only students enrolled in the Social Work concentration may enroll. This course will not count toward the Sociology major. Prerequisites: Completion of all requirements of the Social Work Concentration including SOC 310, 311, 483.