Sociology (SOC)

Introduces the fundamental concepts and principles of sociology with attention to sociological theory, research methods, and the impact of social inequality. Examines a variety of topics such as culture, race, social class, gender, major social institutions and their role in contemporary society, and the processes of social change. Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.

Examines the origins, development, research, diversification and evolution of human cultures. Includes exposure to the variability of both Western and Non-Western aspects of culture. Provides an introduction to the nature of culture and its relationship to various social institutions and societies. Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.

Inquires into the origins, development, and diversification of human biology and human cultures. Includes fossil records, physical origins of human development, human population genetics, linguistics, cultures' origins and variation, and historical and contemporary analysis of human societies. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Introduces tools to study family life through the sociological lens. Explores a variety of topics including various familial forms, divorce, and domestic violence. Lecture 3 hour per week.

Analyzes influence of major social institutions and socialization in shaping and changing sex roles in contemporary society. Examines differential access to positions of public power and authority for men and women. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Studies research and causal theories of criminal behavior. Examines crime statistics, crime victims, and types of criminal offenses. Introduces role of police, judicial, and correctional system in treatment and punishment of offenders. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Introduces study of aging with special emphasis on later stages of the life cycle. Includes theories of aging, historical and comparative settings, social policy, and future trends of aging. Lecture 3 hours per week.

SOC 247 and PSY 266 cannot both be taken for credit toward graduation. Studies theoretical, practical, and historical aspects of death. Focuses upon student's own ideas, feelings, and attitudes toward death and dying and the significance and consequences of those attitudes. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Analyzes varieties of human behavior, bELIefs, and values in western and nonwestern cultures. Emphasizes similarities and variations among social institutions such as family, law, Religion, economics, and government. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Considers race and ethnicity as social constructs that deeply affect personal experience and social institutions. Examines the relationships of racial and ethnic groups with each other and with larger society including ideas of racial inequality both individually and systemically. Introduces significant theoretical approaches to the study of race and ethnicity. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Introduces the fundamental concepts underlying social problems construction with attention to how these problems are defined, understood and arbitrated. Examines a variety of topics such as researching social problems and policymaking. Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.