Sociology (BA) - Curriculum

This course is designed to offer the student a historical and cultural understanding of Africa India China and Japan in their interactions with the western world Offered every year in the fall Recommended for majors in History and Social Studies Education with a concentration in History Global marker

This course reviews the emergence of various belief systems and their differences and similarities Students explore the role of religious belief in the course of human history Whenever possible speakers representing various religions are invited to the class Special emphasis is given to the five major religions Hinduism Buddhism Judaism Christianity and Islam Global marker

Cognitive psychology focuses on mental processes we explore research and theory relating to memory thinking problem solving and language Applied topics will include learning skills to help improve memory accommodating memory language disorders such as Alzheimer s disease and dyslexia and understanding how brain scanning techniques can be used to understand memory

This course is the study of preliterate and changing societies that emphasizes social organization and cultural aspects Global marker

This course examines the implications of global location and topography for the people of planet Earth Students will explore how geography shapes the dynamics of human societies with an emphasis on the geoenvironmental geopolitical and geosocial phenomena that help to define the modern world Global marker

This is a fundamental course in the application of statistics In this course students will learn to apply statistical techniques to a variety of applications in business and the social sciences Students will learn how to solve statistical problems by hand and through the use of computer software Topics will include probability distribution functions sampling distributions estimation hypothesis testing and linear regression

This course offers a broad introduction to research methods in the social sciences including surveys case studies experiments and quasi experiments Students learn to spot design flaws in research intended to generate scientifically sound conclusions about social phenomena and to evaluate critically the interpretations of social science research results by third party observers such as reporters Students also learn how to draft a research proposal that would satisfy the requirements of peer review within the community of professional social scientists

This colloquium serves as the capstone course for students in the sociology law and politics and environmental management majors Students learn from their instructor and from each other as they apply the knowledge and skills acquired in their other course work to a directed research project in the appropriate discipline or field Prerequisite Senior standing in the sociology law and politics or environmental management major

This course studies the organization of social behavior and its relationship to society and social conditions Culture norm stratification systems structure social institutions and social change are emphasized Offered every semester

Students in this course analyze contemporary social problems in America and other societies Issues include economic limitations class and poverty race and ethnic relations sexism ageism and environmental and population concerns Offered every year

Sociology is the study of social life and behavior Sociologists study societies by researching social groups patterns interactions and institutions We are interested in how they work how they change and their connection to people s lives This course will build on what students learned in SOC 112 Introduction to Sociology It will engage students in a discussion of what we know theoretically in the discipline of sociology through the work of key voices in the sociological tradition The course intends to cultivate your ability to see social things with the hope that as Peter Berger states things are not what they seem In other words in this class students will learn to rethink assumptions about social facets of society that are commonly taken for granted

This is a team taught course which will examine Ethics and Morality as seen through the distinct perspectives of the various social sciences Anthropology Economics Environmental Sciences Geography Information Technology Justice Studies Political Science Psychology and Sociology Instructors from each of these disciplines will conduct sessions on selected topics on ethical and moral issues as viewed by the social science perspective Not only will the student learn about issues defined as important by the instructors but will also discover how each discipline examines issues in somewhat different ways In this manner both the similarities and differences of social sciences can be investigated and applied

This course is a sociological examination of the family institution in America and other societies Traditional and nontraditional family patterns are studied to provide students with a structure for understanding sex marriage family and kinship systems Offered every other year

How do we build a society fit for living This sustainable community development ESCD for answers to this question Students explore the principles and practices of ESCD using pattern mapping of community needs site visits and other experiential learning tools that turn communities into classrooms and bring the challenge of building environmentally sustainable communities to life In the process students identify assumptions that lead to unsustainable social practices and develop the skills necessary to help create livable local landscapes and sustainable local futures through individual and community action

The examination of gender in society Students will explore the social construction of gender gender identity development sexuality and power and other aspects concerning the meanings and implications of being male female or transgendered

The course examines the nature causes and consequences of crime and violence to a society Applying a legal and sociological perspective the course examines 1 the structure of the law and the criminal justice system 2 the nature and causation of criminal behavior and 3 the various types of crime and criminality

This course is a sociological analysis of the nature cause and societal reactions to deviant behavior including mental illness suicide drug and alcohol addiction and sexual deviation Offered every other year

Students in this course examine the basic social processes and problems of aging Social and psychological issues and issues involved with death and dying are discussed Offered every other year

This course examines minority relations in America and other societies It focuses on the nature of minority dominated interaction the sources and operation of prejudice and discrimination and the typical reactions of minorities to their disadvantaged positions offered as needed

This course examines the major issues and controversies of sport in society Students will develop an appreciation of the ways sport in society contributes to analyzing and understanding human behavior in sports contexts Students will be encouraged to ask questions and think critically about sports as part of social life Offered every spring semester

This course examines how technology and science impact society and how they influence our lives and our thinking such as the economy ethics religion and the arts Topics include the positive and negative aspects of technology the role of technology in historical change how technology changes what we do as a society and as individuals and appreciating the limits of technology Topics range from television and airplanes to organ transplants and cloning

G R E E D Globally Responsible Environmental and Economic Decisions This course explores the scientific social and ethical aspects of environmental degradation and evaluates practices and attitudes that will lead to sustainable practices Part 1 G R E E D is explored as a threat to sustainable development Part 2 G R E E D is explored through team based research as a sustainable alternative This course is cross listed as PHL 350

A course designed to explore community services to individuals and groups through a volunteer experience that involves observation and participation in activities Classroom experiences are geared to giving the student both exposure to and an understanding of services available in the field today

A course designed to give the student a working experience in some area of the social services The student will find a site that is of interest work out a schedule of no less than 120 hours at the site and develop a syllabus that addresses the learning outcomes of the course This is a hands on course in which the student works closely with a site supervisor the instructor of the course as well as engage in some productive function within the agency