Department of Social Sciences and Humanities
Dr. Dominic DeBrincat, Chairperson
ddebrincat@missouriwestern.edu
(816) 271-5608
missouriwestern.edu/social-sciences-and-humanities/
The Department of Social Sciences and Humanities is an interdisciplinary department that covers a wide range of related disciplines: Economics, History, Humanities, Sociology, Philosophy, Political Science, and Religion. The courses offered by the faculty contribute to the general education of students at Missouri Western in addition to providing students with transferable skills that promote workforce readiness once they complete their degree programs at Missouri Western.
Social Science and Humanities Disciplines
Economics
The discipline of economics studies the ways in which people make choices as they assume the various roles of consumer, worker, small business owner, business or non-profit manager, investor, government policymaker, and the like. The manner in which the economy is organized determines the opportunities available to individuals for achieving their goals in a wide variety of areas, and it is one of the key factors affecting the quality of life in any society. Recently, with the increasing reliance on free market economic principles at home and around the globe, students across the country have demonstrated a renewed interest in the study of economics. The background they acquire will serve them well whether they are preparing for careers in business, government or the non-profit sector, or plan to enter graduate school or law school.
History
History is the study of change over time. While people often think of history as the study of warfare and great leaders, everything, every place, and everyone has a history; politics, economics, sexuality, medicine, religion, law, and the natural world are just a few of the major sub-fields of history. The discipline of history prepares students to understand how transformation takes place over time. It is also a scientific discipline that requires critical analysis of different types of data and evidence-based interpretation. The study of history develops skills in contingent thinking and the valuing and synthesis of multiple perspectives, preparing students to better understand the reasons for human and natural diversity and to envision alternate futures. Through course work, internships, and applied learning opportunities, history students at Missouri Western develop skills that prepare them for careers in finance, law, government, education, public and social service, and in arts and cultural institutions such as museums, libraries, and archives.
Humanities
Humanities courses focus on the study of core texts typically considered central to the development of the western cultural tradition, while also providing some exposure to works from non-western cultures. These courses offer students opportunities to examine human intellectual and cultural history from the perspective of the studia humanitatis formulated during the Renaissance period of modern western history as well as the "cultural studies" orientation of more recent post-structuralist thinkers.
Philosophy
The philosophy faculty is committed to cultivating student inquiry into all of the major areas of traditional western philosophical inquiry, including logic, metaphysics, epistemology, and the value areas of ethics and political theory, aesthetics and the philosophy of art, and the philosophy of religion. This commitment is realized primarily through the development of courses that offer students opportunities to examine philosophical issues and debates drawn from both historical and contemporary sources. Courses in philosophy thus promote the development of critical thinking skills and the ability to communicate well-reasoned personal beliefs clearly in both written and oral discourse, in and outside the classroom. Students can apply these skills and their experience in career areas such as law, business, engineering, computer science, and the health professions.
Political Science
The discipline of political science studies political institutions, the political behavior of groups, and the political behavior of individuals within groups. More specifically, the discipline of political science includes the study of American and foreign entities, political history, constitutional and policy issues, interest groups, and the media. Although the field is sufficiently diverse to cover virtually any topic of a political nature, MWSU offers a traditional range of courses that support other degree programs at the institution.
Religion
Students in religion courses explore the beliefs and practices of humanity including the Abrahamic faiths of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, the Chinese traditions of Confucianism and Daoism, the Samsaric religions of Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, and the variety of small-scale and indigenous traditions around the world.
Sociology
Sociology is the study of group life, social interaction, and relationships in society. Sociology deals with issues relevant to people and social life. Sociology is concerned with such topics as marriage and the family, urban and rural life, crime, social class, race and ethnicity, sex and gender, demographic changes, environment, technology and communication. Sociology addresses these and other pressing contemporary issues by applying both a specific body of theory as well as the systematic methods of scientific research.
Economics (ECO)
ECO 101 Current Issues in the Economy Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Course Description: Introductory course covering current economic events and economic problems facing society. Topics include health care, the environment, crime and poverty, globalization, and recession and growth in the national economy. As the economic aspects of these issues are explored, the student is introduced to the methods used by economists to analyze problems and to develop possible solutions.
CORE 42: MOTR ECON 100; Introduction to Economics (attribute MO11)
ECO 260 Principles of Macroeconomics Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Course Description: Introduction to basic principles of economics with emphasis on the analysis of unemployment, GDP, inflation, and public debt; discusses fiscal and monetary theories and public policies.
CORE 42: MOTR ECON 101; Introduction to Macroeconomics (attribute MO11)
ECO 261 Principles of Microeconomics Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Course Description: Introduction to economic fundamentals with emphasis on supply and demand analysis, factor markets, different market structures, international economics, and various economic problems.
CORE 42: MOTR ECON 102; Introduction to Microeconomics (attribute MO11)
ECO 362 Public Finance Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall.
Course Description: Studies principles of taxation and public expenditures, impact of fiscal policy on economic and social activity, and recent trends in public finance at the federal, state, and local levels. Prerequisite(s): ECO 260 and ECO 261.
ECO 363 Money and Banking Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall, Summer.
Course Description: Continuation and expansion of money and banking concepts introduced in ECO 260; includes money, banks, and other financial intermediaries, the Federal Reserve System, concepts of monetary control, monetary policy, and international banking. Prerequisite(s): ECO 260 or ECO 261.
ECO 375 Economics of Health Care Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall.
Course Description: Examines the application of economic theory to the health care industry. Topics include the demand for health and health care, the market for health insurance, managed care, the market for health care practitioners, hospital services, and pharmaceuticals, and the role and operation of Medicaid and Medicare. Current proposals for reform of the health care system and of government health care policy will be carefully examined. Prerequisite(s): ECO 260 or ECO 261.
ECO 376 Economics of the Environment Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Spring.
Course Description: Application of economic principles and insights to environmental issues, and to the development of potential remedies. Areas of examination include valuing the environment and sustainable development, natural resource economics (incl. energy, water, and biodiversity), and environmental economics (incl. air, land, and water pollution, and poverty and development). Prerequisite(s): ECO 260 or ECO 261.
ECO 450 Independent Research/Project Credits: 1-6
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course Description: Investigation of a research problem, project, or topic on an individual conference basis. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite(s): Minimum of 2.5 GPA in major field and departmental approval.
ECO 460 Business and Economic Forecasting Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall.
Course Description: Basic and intermediate forecasting of business and economic variables. Forecasting of business variables such as sales, production, and stock prices. Economic forecasts of GDP, unemployment, and consumer prices. Techniques include judgmental methods, trend calculation, smoothing techniques, time series methods, and regression analysis. Prerequisite(s): ECO 260 or ECO 261, and GBA 210 or MAT 111 or MAT 111E.
ECO 461 International Trade Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Spring.
Course Description: Introduction to the theory of international economics, with an emphasis on economic models of trade and on economic arguments for and against the use of trade barriers. The course examines the changing nature of international economic institutions and increasing world economic interdependence. Prerequisite(s): ECO 260 and ECO 261.
ECO 466 Economics in Action Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: In-depth study of one of the following specialty areas in economics taught on a rotational basis each semester offered. Content will cover such topics as Economics of Crime and Justice, International Finance, Mathematical Economics, Economics of Sport, or Economics and the Media. Course may be repeated for credit up to five times with different topics. Prerequisite(s): ECO 260 or ECO 261.
History (HIS)
HIS 120 Modern World History Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: A survey of the political, social, and economic history of the world (Europe, Africa, Middle East, India, Far East, and Latin America) from 1815 to the present.
CORE 42: MOTR HIST 202; World History II (attribute MO11)
HIS 140 American History to 1865 Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course Description: Pre-contact and colonial North America; the American Revolution; early national political, economic, and religious developments; western expansion and sectionalism; and the U.S. Civil War.
CORE 42: MOTR HIST 101; American History I (attribute MO12)
HIS 150 American History since 1865 Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course Description: Continuation of HIS 140. Reconstruction, industrialization, urbanization, emergence as a world power, progressivism, World War I, the New Deal, World War II, and postwar America.
CORE 42: MOTR HIST 102; American History II (attribute MO12)
HIS 200 Ancient and Medieval Civilization Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course Description: The western world from antiquity to the fifteenth century; the emergence of civilization in the Nile and Tigris-Euphrates valleys; the political, social, economic, and intellectual contributions of Greece, Rome, and medieval Europe.
CORE 42: MOTR WCIV 101; Western Civilization I (attribute MO52)
HIS 210 Early Modern Europe Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course Description: Europe within a global context c. 1400-1800; the Renaissance, the emergence of global commerce, the establishment of European overseas empires, the Protestant Reformation, the Wars of Religion, the rise of constitutional and absolutist states, the Scientific Revolution, the Enlightenment, and the French Revolution.
CORE 42: MOTR WCIV 102; Western Civilization II (attribute MO52)
HIS 230 Modern Europe: 1789 to the Present Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course Description: The French Revolution and Napoleonic periods; reaction, nationalism, and revolution; rise of socialism; imperialism; World War I; the Russian Revolutions and Soviet communism; the rise of fascism; Hitler, Stalin, and World War II; the Holocaust; the postwar bi-polar world order; the bloc system.
CORE 42: MOTR WCIV 102; Western Civilization II (attribute MO52)
HIS 300 American Colonial History Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: The founding of North American colonies by Spain, France, and Great Britain; cross-cultural interactions between Europeans and Native Americans; race and slavery; religious diversity; economic growth; imperial conflicts; British colonial administration and the path to Revolution.
HIS 301 Early National Period Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Transition from colonial settings to constitutional republic; birth of political parties; Jeffersonian republicanism; Native American conflicts; race and slavery; women's expanded opportunities; War of 1812; economic growth and transportation innovations; Jacksonian democracy.
HIS 302 Antebellum America Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Postwar expansion; rise of American nationalism and the growth of the West; revival of the two-party system; Jacksonian democracy; humanitarian crusades; the Mexican War.
HIS 305 The American Frontier Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Westward expansion of the United States over three centuries; colonial frontier, trans-Appalachian frontier, trans-Mississippi frontier; significance of the frontier in American history.
HIS 306 American Women's History Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: This course provides an introduction to the study of women in American history from the colonial era through the 20th century, with particular emphasis on the everyday experiences of ordinary women, including women's work, family life, religious experiences, health, and sexuality.
HIS 308 African American History Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: This course surveys major themes in African American History starting with enslavement through the Long Civil Rights movement of the 20th century. Will focus on how freedom expanded and contracted for African Americans as well as the various strategies of protest and self-expression they used to gain equality and justice.
HIS 311 Race, Science, and Medicine in American History Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: This course explores the complex relationship of medicine and science in the construction of race in American history. Will explore the concept of race in early anthropology, monogenism and polygenism, enslavement, eugenics, and the rise of IQ and DNA testing among other topics.
HIS 325 American Economic History Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: English mercantilism, laissez-faire and its effect on American economic development, the emergence of the corporation and the trust, the issue of government regulation, and the role of the government in the economy of today.
HIS 330 Recent United States History Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: United States since 1945; wartime mobilization; rise of American hegemony; Cold War anticommunism; Civil rights; suburbanization; gender politics; cultural rebellions; Great Society; Conservative ascendency; Globalization; war on terror, Great Recession.
HIS 345 Military History Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Spring (even-numbered years).
Course Description: An American history course from the pre-settlement period to the present, with concentration on the developments of military organization, technology, leadership, heritage, war objectives and strategies, and the American public's relationship with its military. This course aligns with federal ROTC requirements and objectives. Prerequisite(s): ROTC students only.
HIS 365 Methods of Teaching Social Studies Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall.
Course Description: Principles and methods of teaching social studies in secondary school: objectives, problems, materials, and methods applied to the social studies curriculum. Methods include electronic portfolio, website technology, and traditional lesson plans/unit plans for each discipline involved. Those disciplines include economics, geography, government and political science, history, psychology, and sociology. Prerequisite(s): Departmental approval. Must be taken prior to Junior Teaching Experience.
HIS 375 The American Revolution Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Imperial-colonial conflicts; declaring independence; political, social, economic, religious, and military considerations of war; the Confederation period; constitutional drafting and ratification.
HIS 380 The French Revolution and Napoleon Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Old Regime France; the origins of the French Revolution; political, social, religious, and cultural reforms; political shifts from monarchy to republic to dictatorship; popular and state-sanctioned violence; counter-revolution; the Terror; the Directory; the rise of Napoleon; the Napoleonic Wars; the impact of the French Revolution and Napoleon on the world.
HIS 383 European Colonialism and Imperialism Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: This course examines the impact that European colonialism and imperialism had on Europe and the world between the sixteenth and twentieth centuries. We will begin with an examination of first contact between Europe and the Americas. We will then examine the evolution of European colonies during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The next stage of the course will examine the decline of the early modern colonial empires in the face of revolutionary movements and the rise of the new imperialism in the nineteenth century. The course will conclude with an examination of the decline of European states as imperial powers in the twentieth century and the legacy and long-term impact of European colonialism and imperialism.
HIS 385 United States Constitutional History Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: An examination of the social, economic, political, and legal developments related to the United States Constitution; emphasis on constitutional foundings, balance of federal and state authorities, protection of individual liberties, and racial and gender equality.
HIS 390 Heresy, Witchcraft, and Magic in Pre-Modern Europe Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Examines the evolution of religious beliefs and practices in pre-modern Europe. Particular attention is given to how definitions of heresy, witchcraft, and magic changed over time and methods used by Church and State to enforce religious conformity.
HIS 400 Civil War and Reconstruction Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Westward expansion; U.S.-Mexican War; sectional crises and coming of the Civil War; slavery and abolition; political, social, and economic developments in the Civil War; African-American freedom; political, social, and economic effects of the nation's reconstruction.
HIS 450 Independent Research/Project Credits: 1-5
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Investigation of a research problem, project, or topic on an individual conference basis. May be repeated for up to six credit hours. Prerequisite(s): Department approval.
Humanities (HUM)
HUM 203 Humanities: Ancient and Medieval Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: The social and intellectual history of humanity as reflected by literature, art, music, drama and discourse from the classical period to the Renaissance.
CORE 42: MOTR WCIV 101; Western Civilization I (attribute MO52)
HUM 204 Humanities: Middle Ages to the French Revolution Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: The social and intellectual history of humanity as reflected by literature, art, music, drama and discourse from the Middle Ages to the French Revolution.
CORE 42: WCIV 102; Western Civilization II (attribute MO52)
HUM 205 Humanities: American Revolution to the Present Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: The social and intellectual history of humanity as reflected by literature, art, music, drama and discourse from the American Revolution to the present.
CORE 42: WCIV 102; Western Civilization II (attribute MO52)
HUM 314 Technology and Society Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Participatory course emphasizing a particular problem and/or issue related to technology and society. Class participants will investigate the semester's theme using currently available technologies. Same as BIO 314, ENG 314, PSY 314, PSC 314.
Leadership (LDR)
LDR 140 Introduction to Leadership Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: This course provides a comprehensive background on different styles of leadership and of the knowledge base that is needed by anyone in a leadership position.
Philosophy (PHL)
PHL 210 Introduction to Philosophy Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course Description: Survey of the origins and development of philosophical thought focusing on texts selected from the classical, medieval, modern and contemporary periods.
CORE 42: MOTR PHIL 100; Introduction to Philosophy (attribute MO58)
PHL 219 Reasoning and Argumentation Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall.
Course Description: Introduction to the skills necessary to construct and evaluate deductive and inductive arguments for use in a variety of disciplines, professions and everyday life. Topics include identifying valid forms of arguments, formal and informal methods of evaluation and the use of these skills when reading and writing.
CORE 42: MOTR PHIL 101; Introduction to Logic (attribute MO58)
PHL 220 Symbolic Logic Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Introduction to a symbolic language for representing the structure of valid arguments. Introduces formal rules for demonstrating the validity of arguments. Covers natural deduction for sentential and predicate calculus. Prerequisite(s): ACT math score of 20 or higher or the equivalent.
CORE 42: MOTR PHIL 101; Introduction to Logic (attribute MO58)
PHL 230 Ethics Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course Description: An introduction to ethical theory focusing on the major traditions of Western philosophical ethics and their practical application to contemporary moral issues.
CORE 42: MOTR PHIL 102; Introduction to Ethics (attribute MO58)
PHL 231 Healthcare Ethics Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course Description: An introduction to ethical theory focusing on the major traditions of Western philosophical ethics and their practical application to contemporary moral issues in healthcare.
CORE 42: MOTR PHL 102; Introduction to Ethics (attribute MO58)
PHL 232 Business Ethics Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course Description: An introduction to ethical theory focusing on the major traditions of Western philosophical ethics and their practical application to contemporary moral issues in business.
CORE 42: MOTR PHIL 102P; Introduction to Ethics- Business and Professional (attribute MO58)
PHL 257 Theory and Criticism of Visual Culture Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall.
Course Description: A practical, experience-based multi-disciplinary introduction to contemporary and classic approaches to art theory and criticism. Same as ART 257. Prerequisite(s): ART 100 or ART 205 or CIN 100 or ENG 210 or ENG 220 or HUM 203 or HUM 204 or HUM 205 or MUS 101 or THR 113.
PHL 308 History and Philosophy of the Natural Sciences Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Spring.
Course Description: A study of the history of the natural sciences with an emphasis on the philosophical analysis of these events. Same as CHE 308 and BIO 308. Prerequisite(s): Completion of General Studies Mathematics and Natural Sciences requirements.
PHL 316 Philosophy of Law Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: This course will survey several of the central schools of thought in the philosophy of Anglo-American jurisprudence. To do this, we will consider five major questions: What is law? What, if any, connection is there between law and ethics? When should law be used to restrict the liberty of individuals? To what extent should democratic states permit civil disobedience? What justifies inflicting punishment on those who violate the law? Same as LAT 316. Prerequisite(s): Any previous philosophy course.
PHL 325 Ethics of Environmental and Natural Resource Policy Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: A study of alternative theories of environmental ethics, the implications of these theories for natural resource and wildlife policy, and their application to some contemporary natural resource and wildlife management issues. Prerequisite(s): Any previous course in philosophy, religion, or humanities.
PHL 330 Topics in Ethical Theory Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Survey of major theoretical alternatives in western philosophical ethics with reference to contemporary trends in ethical theory. Prerequisite(s): Any previous course in philosophy, religion, or humanities.
PHL 353 Philosophy of Biology Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: An introduction to current issues in the philosophy of biology such as the nature of biological organization, classification, and living systems and some of the problems that have arisen in the attempt to understand these complex systems. Same as BIO 353. Prerequisite(s): BIO 101 or BIO 105 or BIO 106.
PHL 360 Selected Topics in Philosophy Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Specialized course work focusing on individual figures, movements, recent trends or topics in philosophy. May be repeated with departmental approval for a total of 6 credit hours if course content varies significantly. Prerequisite(s): Any previous course in philosophy, religion, or humanities.
PHL 365 Selected Topics in Peace and Conflict Studies Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Specialized course work in interpersonal and/or international conflict studies. May be repeated as content varies for a maximum of 9 credits.
PHL 435 Foundations of Professional Ethics Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: A study of ethical issues that arise in various professions. The course surveys ethical theories and their application to contemporary issues in professions as well as moral aspects of decision making. Each version of the course focuses on ethical issues in a different profession. These include but are not limited to ethics in leadership, healthcare, business, engineering, criminal justice and legal professions, and natural resource ethics. Prerequisite(s): Any previous course in philosophy.
PHL 450 Independent Research/Project Credits: 1-3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Investigation of a research problem, project, or topic on an individual conference basis. Consent of departmental chairperson is required. Students are normally expected to discuss proposed work with PHL faculty two semesters before registration is anticipated. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours. Prerequisite(s): Departmental approval.
Political Science (PSC)
PSC 101 American National Government Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Course Description: The American constitutional system, including Congress, the presidency, and the courts; and public issues.
CORE 42: MOTR POSC 101; American Government (attribute MO12)
PSC 110 American State and Local Government Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Spring.
Course Description: Colonial and revolutionary origins of state government; state constitutions; referendum, initiative, and recall procedures; state legislatures; governors; state courts; county and municipal governments. Prerequisite(s): PSC 101.
PSC 111 Understanding the Missouri Constitution Credits: 1
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course Description: This course provides students with an overview of the Missouri Constitution. Includes examinations of federalism, the Missouri Constitution's historical development, key constitutional structures, and the Missouri Bill of Rights. This course is designed for college students transferring to Missouri Western to complete the state-mandated graduation requirement for knowledge of the Missouri Constitution. Prerequisite(s): Department Approval.
PSC 200 International Politics Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall (even-numbered years).
Course Description: The nature of politics at the international level; the national state system and state capabilities; foreign policy objectives, formulation, and execution; international organizations and alignments; contemporary world tensions.
CORE 42: MOTR POSC 201; International Relations (attribute MO11)
PSC 210 Comparative Political Systems Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall (odd-numbered years).
Course Description: Structural-functional analysis of major European political systems; comparison and contrast among such systems and with others of contemporary significance.
CORE 42: MOTR POSC 202; Introduction to Comparative Politics (attribute MO11)
PSC 314 Technology and Society Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Participatory course emphasizing a particular problem and/or issue related to technology and society. Class participants will investigate the semester's theme using currently available technologies. Same as BIO 314, ENG 314, HUM 314, PSY 314.
PSC 320 Public Administration Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Organization theory; bureaucracy; public personnel and policy; issues in American public administration. Prerequisite(s): PSC 101.
PSC 350 Judicial Process Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: An exploration of the judicial process in the United States, including the institutions and considerations that affect the administration of justice under law in the American political system. Prerequisite(s): PSC 101 and PSC 110.
PSC 370 American Public Policy Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: A survey of the policy process and specific policies or issues in government selected from a variety of areas, such as crime and punishment, health and welfare, bioethic, education, energy, environment, spending, taxation, civil liberties, immigration, and homeland security. Prerequisite(s): PSC 101.
PSC 420 Constitutional Law Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: An examination of the intersection of law with American politics with an emphasis on the Constitution as a living document, the evolution of judicial review, theories and process of constitutional interpretation and legal decision making, and specific analysis of Supreme Court decisions in crucial subject areas of American politics. Prerequisite(s): PSC 101.
PSC 450 Independent Research/Project Credits: 1-5
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Investigation of a research problem, project, or topic on an individual conference basis. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite(s): A minimum of 2.5 GPA and departmental approval.
PSC 493 Applied Learning Experience Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Course Description: This course offers an applied learning experience in public service. Students arrange an applied learning experience with a public agency, governmental organization, or non-profit that interacts with government subject to the approval of the Department of Social Sciences and Humanities via its Applied Learning Director. The field work will provide first-hand experience with the operations, institutions, and policy concerns of cooperating agencies, organizations and groups. Applied learning experiences must be arranged with and approved by the Applied Learning Director in the semester preceding the internship. For more details contact the Director of the Public Service Applied Learning Experience in the SSH department. Prerequisite(s): Junior Standing; PSC 110: State and Local Government
Religion (REL)
REL 150 Religions of the World Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Survey of major and minor religions around the world with relevant historical and cultural elements.
CORE 42: MOTR RELG 100; World Religion (attribute MO59)
REL 250 Religions of East Asia and Oceania Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Survey of major and minor religions with relevant historical and cultural elements, focusing primarily on religious traditions with origins in East Asia and Oceania.
CORE 42: MOTR RELG 100; World Religion (attribute MO59)
REL 251 Religions of the West Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Survey of major and minor religions with relevant historical and cultural elements, focusing primarily on religious traditions with origins in West Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
CORE 42: MOTR RELG 100; World Religion (attribute MO59)
REL 252 Religions of South Asia and Africa Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Survey of major and minor religions with relevant historical and cultural elements, focusing primarily on religious traditions with origins in South Asia and Africa.
CORE 42: MOTR RELG 100; World Religion (attribute MO59)
REL 260 Introduction to Biblical Studies Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Introduction to the method and content of Biblical scholarship, covering the Jewish (Hebrew) Bible and the Christian (Greek) New Testament, with some discussion of relevant apocryphal and non-canonical texts.
CORE 42: MOTR RELG 100; World Religion (attribute MO59)
REL 263 Religion of the Hebrew Bible Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion .
Course Description: Introduction to the major elements of the Hebrew Bible from the perspective of contemporary biblical scholarship.
CORE 42: MOTR RELG 101O; Religious Texts, New Testament, Old Testament (attribute MO59)
REL 265 Religion of the New Testament Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Introduction to major elements of the New Testament from the perspective of contemporary New Testament scholarship.
CORE 42: MOTR RELG 101N; Religious Texts, New Testament, Old Testament (attribute MO59)
REL 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 SOC 325.
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).
Dominic DeBrincat (2015) Associate Professor, History. Ph.D., University of Connecticut.
Lane DesAutels (2016) Associate Professor, Philosophy. Ph.D., University of Maryland.
Angela Haas (2015) Associate Professor, History. Ph.D., Binghamton University.
Evan Hart (2017) Associate Professor, History. Ph.D., University of Cincinnati.
Ali Kamali (1996) Professor, Sociology. Ph.D., Michigan State University.
Joachim Kibirige (1991) Professor, Sociology. Ph.D., University of Missouri-Columbia.
James Okapal (2005) Professor, Philosophy. Ph.D., University of Tennessee.
Edwin Taylor (2010) Associate Professor, Political Science. Ph.D., University of Oregon.
Sathiavanee Veeramoothoo (2020) Assistant Professor, Economics. Ph.D., Drexel University.