Sociology Courses
- SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology
- SOC 103 Social Problems
- SOC 130 Introduction to Youth and Family Systems
- SOC 220 Criminology
- SOC 224 Minorities/in United States
- SOC 230 Sociology of Families
- SOC 234 Gender and Sexuality in American Society
- SOC 244 Sociology of Death & Dying
- SOC 250 Terrorism & Counterterrorism
- SOC 254 Aging in American Society
- SOC 255 Organized Crime
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology
Credits: 3.00This course introduces the scientific study of human society. It presents the basic components of sociology, i.e., groups, society, culture, socialization, institutions, collective behavior, stratification, and social change, for review and critique. Social structures, social rules and change within society is explored with respect to the history of societal development as well as current social trends.
SOC 103 Social Problems
Credits: 3.00Analysis of the condition, causes, and possible treatment and reduction of social problems: drugs, crime, poverty, urban decay, racial tension and violence.
SOC 130 Introduction to Youth and Family Systems
Credits: 3.00This introductory course examines children and youth within the context of their familial role. Emphasis is placed upon non-traditional as well as traditional family systems and the impact that issues such as divorce, substance abuse, child abuse and incarceration has on the various units in the family system.
SOC 220 Criminology
Credits: 3.00The theory of investigation, conduct at crime scenes, the collection, handling and preservation of criminal evidence and other criminal investigation practices and procedures, discussion of scientific aids and their uses in investigation; preparation of cases, emphasizing methods and problems of information and interrogation.
SOC 224 Minorities/in United States
Credits: 3.00This course is designed to study the social structure of the United States, i.e., "elitism," "pluralism," and the major ethnic, racial and religious minorities therein; reasons for their migrations, problems encountered, and prohibitions preventing some from participating in the mainstream of American life will also be discussed. Focus is both sociological and historical.
SOC 230 Sociology of Families
Credits: 3.00This course explores the historical development of families; class, ethnic and sexual variations of family structure in contemporary societies; social issues that impact contemporary families; the division of labor and power in families; and current trends in American family patterns.
SOC 234 Gender and Sexuality in American Society
Credits: 3.00This course examines the gendered organization of American society and how it impacts the way in which women and men live their lives. Students will assess the theoretical models sociologists use to understand how gender differences and inequalities emerge, gain an in depth understanding of contemporary gender inequalities and how they are maintained in the areas of paid work households and intimate relationships, and evaluate the role that gender differences and inequalities play in contemporary issues such as body image and eating disorders, sexual violence, and same sex relationships. Also considered are the ways that gender differences and inequalities might be challenged through social action by men and women. Special attention is given to the effects of race, class, and sexuality on gendered experiences.
SOC 244 Sociology of Death & Dying
Credits: 3.00The course consists of an investigation of the following topics: individual attitudes on death and dying, social and cultural attitudes on death and dying, socializing the individual into attitudes on death and dying, medical concept of death and dying, legal concept of death and dying, demographic data on death and dying, death and dying and its effect on the economy, the family and death, religion (attitudes and ritual) and death, euthanasia and suicide as well as practical methods for dealing with death and the dying.
SOC 250 Terrorism & Counterterrorism
Credits: 3.00Terrorism in the 21st century is a global phenomenon. This course is designed to provide a comprehensive and interdisciplinary survey of the history, theory, and modern-day political manifestations of terrorism and counter-terrorism. Terrorism will be evaluated in terms of its underlying cultural, economic, political, and psychological root causes. Effective counteraction and profiling requires empathetic explorations and analyses by students into causes and mind-sets. Counter-terrorism strategies and tactics will also be examined specifically in light of the legal and procedural safeguards that are fundamental to the maintenance of liberal democratic social and political values. Prerequisites: A passing grade in a least one introductory level course in any of the following: Criminal Justice Studies, History Political Science, or Sociology. This course is cross-listed with: CJS 250 & POL 250
SOC 254 Aging in American Society
Credits: 3.00This course is an in-depth exploration of the current social issues concerning older adults in United States society. Students will examine the social needs which confront all older people and those needs of particular subgroups of the older population, such as the frail, elderly, women and minorities. Emphasis will be placed on reviewing the legislation which has led to the creation of programs and services for meeting the needs of older adults and on analyzing the system of services to detect areas of unmet needs, such as the need for "long term care." Students will have the opportunity to gain an understanding of the techniques of advocacy which can be used on behalf of or in concert with older persons. Open to all majors (also listed as HSW 254).
SOC 255 Organized Crime
Credits: 3.00This course examines the problem of organized crime (OC) from an interdisciplinary perspective, including a series of key legal, law enforcement and social issues, with a focus on American OC and enterprise crime in comparative perspective. Topics will include: the concept and definition of OC; a range of theoretical perspectives on OC; the relationship between white collar, criminal organized crime, enterprise crime and non-criminal economic activity; historical origins; ethnic connections; international linkages; models of organized crime; major organized crime groups; major organized criminal activities; emerging organized criminal activities; the relationship of OC to public corruption; strategies for combating organized crime; and the future outlook. Prerequisites: CJS 100 or SOC 101, or permission of the division head. This course is cross-listed with CJS 255.
