General Catalog 2007-2009

Sociology

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SOC100  Introduction to Sociology

Fall-Spring Semesters

This course is designed to be an introduction to the academic discipline of sociology. It focuses on the history and central theories in the field, as well as acquainting the students with the techniques of analysis used by sociologists as they conduct research. Students in this course will study topics such as gender issues, population, race and minority relations, the family, and social change.

3 credit hours. Satisfies ADR II.

SOC210  Drug/Alcohol Addiction

Spring Semester

This course is designed to teach the student about the societal aspects of addiction. By putting the addicted person into the context of the group, family and society, the student is given theoretical approaches which helps them to understand current treatment and prevention strategies. Prerequisite: SOC100.

3 credit hours.

SOC220  American Social Problems

Fall-Spring Semesters

A study of the contemporary social problems surrounding major social institutions and society. Emphasis is on theories for assessing causes and remedies. Prerequisite: SOC100.

3 credit hours. Satisfies ADR II.

SOC225/WGS225  The Family

Fall-Spring Semesters

This course includes topics such as economic, political, and social movements that have affected family life, family adjustments, and organization. Additionally, it presents sociological data that can help students consider practical approaches to preparation for marriage and adjustments after marriage. Students will be learning about the history of this field of study, the central sociological theories that guide our studies, and about the use of statistical data and analysis to understand more about trends and changes in the family. As part of this course, students will be required to complete examinations, participate in some form of research assignment using information technology and/or presentations, and will be encouraged to think more critically and creatively about our families. Prerequisite: SOC100.

3 credit hours. Satisfies ADR II.

SOC230  Development of Sociological Theory

Fall Semester

An analysis of the historical development of social thought and theory from Comte to Simmel. Prerequisite: SOC100.

3 credit hours.

SOC235  Contemporary Sociological Theory

Spring Semester

A study of the recent developments and main currents in contemporary sociological thought, starting with functionalism. Prerequisite: SOC100.

3 credit hours.

SOC240  Theory and Policy for the Human Service Professional

Fall Semester

This course is designed to introduce the student in human services concentration to the major theoretical perspectives used to understand ethical and professional issues relevant to the field. The competencies and skills required of the human service professional worker, the client’s right to dignity, respect, and understanding, and other pertinent ethical issues will be discussed. The development of social policy and its impact on both the worker and the client will focus on meeting the demand in the current social, economic, and political landscape. Prerequisite: SOC100.

3 credit hours.

SOC305  Working with Children and Youth

Fall-Spring Semesters

Based on the theoretical approaches learned in the Theory and Policy course for the Human Service Professional, this course will focus on issues of child/adolescent welfare. It will describe specific problems faced by this segment of the population and will address various treatment options as well as agency policies relating to them. Students will be involved in projects that will help them learn more about issues such as latchkey children, child abuse, and adoption/foster care. Prerequisites: SOC100 and SOC240.

3 credit hours.

SOC310  Sociology of Organizations

Fall (even-numbered years)

An analysis of organizations as social systems. The structure of organizations, their patterns, and the impact of society on organizations will be examined. Prerequisite: SOC100.

3 credit hours.

SOC315  Ethnic and Minority Relations

Fall Semester

An analysis of the bases of ethnic conflict, accommodation and assimilation of ethnic, nationality, religious, and racial minorities. A domestic and global perspective is utilized. Prerequisite: SOC100.

3 credit hours.

SOC320  Criminology

Fall-Spring Semesters

An analysis of the creation of law, criminal causation, and corrections. Prerequisite: SOC100.

3 credit hours.

SOC330  Sociology of Religion

Spring Semester (even-numbered years)

In this course, students will use a social psychological and structural approach to understand the nature of American religious systems. Using major theoretical perspectives such as authoritarian personality structure, conflict theory, and structural-functionalism, students will learn how to assess the impact of religion on the society and on groups within the society. Prerequisite: SOC100.

3 credit hours.

SOC335  Research Methodology I

Fall Semester

This course is the first of two research courses required for Behavioral Science majors. The course will introduce students to the concepts and principles of behavioral research. This knowledge will then be used to design research projects and collect data. Prerequisite: BEH260.

3 credit hours.

SOC336  Research Methodology II

Spring Semester

This course is a continuation of SOC335, Research Methodology I. The emphasis in this course will be on data analysis and presentation and report writing. Students will apply statistical techniques to data collected in SOC335. The results of the data analysis wil be used to prepare written reports and computer-generated presentations. This course will conclude with research results being presented to the community organization for which the research was conducted. Prerequisite: SOC335.

3 credit hours.

SOC340  Urban Sociology

Spring Semester (odd-numbered years)

A study of the sociological development of modern cities and the impact of urbanization and urban problems on individuals, groups, and neighborhood or community formation. Prerequisite: SOC100.

3 credit hours.

SOC345  Human Service Techniques

Fall-Spring Semesters

An analysis and application of skills in client-worker relationships, information gathering, interactional skills, and the referral process. Prerequisite: SOC100.

3 credit hours.

SOC350  Community Social Issues

Fall Semester

Students will learn how urbanization and social class impacts different types of neighborhoods. Emphasis is on how local and community neighborhoods function and their ability to organize. Course topics include such social issues as urban sprawl, education, crime, and integration. The course will consider trends in contemporary community research and will aid students interested in careers in education, criminal justice, urban economic development, and urban studies. Prerequisite: SOC340.

3 credit hours.

SOC355  Program Design and Evaluation

Fall Semester (even-numbered years)

This course provides the skills required to design and evaluate social programs. It is especially suited for students interested in human services or criminal justice.

3 credit hours.

SOC360  Gender and Society

Fall Semester

This course introduces gender as a social construct and an organizing principle of culture and society.  Course material focuses primarily on gender relations in American society, with cross-cultural examples introduced throughout the course as well.  Students will examine gender at multiple levels of sociological analysis, as a key factor in identity formation, social interaction, and the organization social institutions.  Historical patterns of gender inequality and progress will be addressed.  Students will also examine the relationship between sex and gender, as well as the intersections of gender with race/ethnicity, class, and sexuality.  Prerequisite:  SOC100.  Fulfills ADRII requirements.

3 credit hours

SOC410  Population Trends

Fall Semester (odd-numbered years)

A study of population dynamics and their effects on society. Emphasis will be placed on the United States. The topics will be especially relevant to behavioral science, political science, and business majors. Prerequisite: SOC100.

3 credit hours.

SOC415  Grant Writing for

Non-Profit Agencies

Spring Semester

In this course, students will use a variety of approaches to learn about the process of grant writing. The course provides a review of non-profit organizations and funding policies that affect them. Additionally, the student will learn to write grant proposals for local organizations. Each proposal will be reviewed by representatives from the funding sources. Prerequisites: SOC100 and SOC355.

3 credit hours.

SOC420-422  Selected Topics In Sociology

Fall-Spring Semesters

Selected Topics in Sociology is a course designed to meet the special interests of students and faculty. Each semester a different topic will be studied, such as gender studies, victimology, and grant writing. Prerequisite: SOC100.

3 credit hours.

SOC490  Sociology Seminar

Fall-Spring Semesters

This seminar is designed to provide graduating seniors with opportunities to integrate both the theories and the research techniques acquired during their college experiences. Senior will participate in discussions, do original research, and present their findings to the class and/or community. Prerequisite:  Senior standing.

3 credit hours.

SOC495, SOC496  Sociology Internship

Fall-Spring Semesters

A program that provides on the job experiences to qualified students in the application of Behavioral Sciences. The student spends a minimum of 120 hours per semester with a selected agency. The internship provides an opportunity to explore job possibilities as well as make academic work more meaningful. Prerequisites: GPA of 2.5 and 60 credit hours. Students must meet the College requirements for all internships. This course is graded on a pass/fail basis.

3 credit hours.

SOC498, SOC499  Independent Study

Fall-Spring Semesters

The Independent Study Program affords an opportunity for the student who wishes to undertake a well-defined research project. While the student conducts his work under the guidance of a faculty member of his own choosing, the project is carried out in an independent manner without regular class meetings. Effective independent study is characterized by a reduction in formal instruction and an increase in the individual student’s responsibility and initiative in the learning process. Prerequisite: SOC100.

1-3 credit hours each semester.

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