SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology
Credits: 3.00
This 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.
This course meets General Education Core Goal 2:
Analytic Skills; Core Goal 5: Information
Literacy; Core Goal 9: Behavioral and Social
Sciences; and Core Goal 12: Global Perspectives
and Diversity
SOC 103 Social Problems
Credits: 3.00
Analysis of the condition, causes, and possible
treatment and reduction of social problems:
drugs, crime, poverty, urban decay, racial tension
and violence.
This course meets General Education Core Goal 5:
Information Literacy; Core Goal 9: Behavioral &
Social Sciences; and Core Goal 13: Ethical
Reasoning & Behavior
SOC 105 Social Policy & Ethics in Human Services
Credits: 3.00
This course examines the relationship of social
policy, ethics, and the human services field.
Students will address ethical dilemmas,
particularly as they relate to current and needed
social policies on local, state, and national
levels. A basic understanding of social welfare
theories will assist the student in evaluating,
assessing, and advocating for change in both a
micro / macro perspective. The Ethical Standards
of Human Service Professionals (National
Organization for Human Services) will serve as a
backbone for students to use in decision-making,
assessment of clients and client groups, and
promotion of change in a diverse setting.
This course meets General Education Core Goal 9:
Behavioral & Social Sciences; Core Goal 12: Global
Perspectives & Diversity; and Core Goal 13:
Ethical Reasoning & Behavior
SOC 130 Introduction to Youth and Family Systems
Credits: 3.00
This 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: 3.00
The 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: 3.00
This 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.
This course meets General Education Core Goal 9:
Behavioral & Social Sciences and Core Goal 12:
Global Perspectives & Diversity
SOC 230 Sociology of Families
Credits: 3.00
This 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: 3.00
This 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: 3.00
The 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: 3.00
Terrorism 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: 3.00
This 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: 3.00
This 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.
PREREQUISITE(S):
CJS 100 - Introduction to Criminal Justice, or
SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology, or
Permission of the Division Dean
This course is cross listed with CJS 255.
Last updated: 9/29/11
