Sociology (SOC)
SOC 110 Introduction to Sociology Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Course Description: An introduction to the discipline of sociology; basic sociological concepts and theories; a survey of the major topics such as culture, society, social interaction, groups, crime, race/ethnicity, class, gender, the family, education, religion, medicine, economy, politics. Cross-cultural comparisons.
CORE 42: MOTR SOCI 101; General Sociology (attribute MO11)
SOC 120 General Anthropology Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall.
Course Description: The bio-cultural evolution of the human species, with emphasis on culture as adaptation for survival; comparison of human non-literate societies, stressing cultural variability, cultural relativity, and similarities between cultures.
CORE 42: MOTR ANTH 101; General Anthropology (attribute MO11)
SOC 230 Social Problems Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall.
Course Description: An analysis of contemporary American social problems, such as poverty, social inequality, crime and law enforcement, health and health care, population and the environment, problems in the family, education, politics and the economy. Global comparisons. Prerequisite(s): SOC 110.
CORE 42: MOTR SOCI 201; Social Problems (attribute MO11)
SOC 283 Introduction to Research Methods in Sociology Credits: 1-2
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Introduction to basic research methods in sociology. Individual and team projects involving methods for solving sociology-related research problems. Prerequisite(s): Departmental approval.
SOC 310 Deviant Behavior Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Spring (even-numbered years).
Course Description: Introduction to the basic research, theories and topics that characterize this area of sociology including, but not limited to such topics as substance abuse, sexual deviance, violence, mental illness and other behaviors considered deviant in American society. Cross-cultural comparisons are made whenever possible. Prerequisite(s): SOC 110.
SOC 325 World of Islam: People, Cultures and Societies Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: An introduction to the fundamentals of Islam, and a survey of cultures, traditions, social life, and history of Islamic societies. The course provides an interpretation of current events in the world of Islam. Special topics of interest would include the origin and history of Islam; religious life (belief and practices, and observance); Islamic cultures; Islamic arts, literature, and architecture; economic applications of Islam; Islamic laws and theology; marriage and Muslim families; women's rights and position in Muslim families and society; political Islam (Islamic groups: modern and militant Islamic movements, the question of leadership); and, Islam and the West. The course is, however, open to the type of interests that students show in the subject matter. Same as REL 325.
SOC 330 The Family Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Spring.
Course Description: The family as a basic institution; the structure and functions of the modern family in a changing urban environment. Prerequisite(s): SOC 110.
SOC 360 Sociology of Health, Illness and Medicine Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Spring.
Course Description: A sociological analysis of health, illness and medicine; the impact of the physical, social, economic and political factors on the production and distribution of illness, disease, sickness and health care. International comparisons. Prerequisite(s): SOC 110.
SOC 400 Racial and Ethnic Relations Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Spring, Summer.
Course Description: An analysis of the major racial/ethnic groups in the United States; group conflicts and their sources such as prejudice, discrimination, ethnocentrism, racism; majority-minority relations; critical issues such as affirmative action, immigration. A brief comparison with other societies such as Canada, Northern Ireland, the Middle East, Brazil, South Africa. Prerequisite(s): SOC 110.
SOC 430 Criminology Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall.
Course Description: Explanations of criminal behavior; relationship between crime and social factors such as social class, age, gender, occupation; types of crimes; crime statistics; crime victims; the criminal justice system: the police, courts, corrections; ethical and other critical issues such as capital punishment, crime and mental illness, juvenile crime and punishment. International comparisons. Prerequisite(s): SOC 110.
SOC 440 Sociological Theory Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall.
Course Description: An analysis of both classical and contemporary sociological theories and their application to historical and current events. Prerequisite(s): Completion of nine credit hours in sociology.
SOC 450 Independent Research/Project Credits: 1-3
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course Description: Investigation of a research problem, project, or topic on an individual conference basis. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours. Prerequisite(s): Junior or senior standing, a minimum 3.0 GPA in major field, and departmental approval.
SOC 460 Methods of Social Research Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall.
Course Description: Tools, methods, ethical and theoretical foundation of research process; investigates hypothesis construction, empirical techniques for collecting and analyzing data, and testing their validity; employs computers and statistical analysis as appropriate to the social sciences. Prerequisite(s): Completion of nine credit hours in sociology (at least 3 credit hours numbered 300 or higher).