Sociology: Course Descriptions
| SOC 214 Research Methods: Design—3 cr. hrs. |
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Principles and methods of research on human behavior. Scientific method as an approach to problem identification, analysis, and solution. How to evaluate methods and findings. How to design studies relevant to a given problem. (Prerequisite: MTH 161 or permission of instructor. Also listed as PSY 214, SW 214.)
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| SOC 215 Research Methods: Analysis— 3 cr. hrs. |
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Introduction to psychological and sociological research with emphasis on quantitative methods. Topics include sampling, hypothesis testing, statistical analysis, and computer usage. (Prerequisite or corequisite: SOC or PSY 214 or permission of instructor. Also listed as PSY 215.)
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| SOC 275 Urban Plunge—1 cr. hr. |
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A 48-hour immersion into the inner city in which students observe and/or work with programs striving to meet the needs of the urban poor. The plunge takes place on two of the first ten days of January prior to the beginning of the spring semester. Three-hour workshop in November prior to the Plunge, two follow-up reflection sessions in January, and a reflection paper. (Also listed as SW 275.)
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| SOC 276 Rural Plunge—1 cr. hr. |
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Five days living and working with migrant and seasonal workers. After orientation sessions, students will take part in a variety of opportunities including refinishing some of the huts where migrant farm workers will live, serving meals, and bringing food to people in the labor camps. Each evening there will be a reflection session for the participants. Topics include the role and influence of the Church in this area, the problems that “undocumented workers” face, and conflicts between growers and the workers. (Also listed as SW 276.)
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| SOC 277 Border Plunge—1 cr. hr. |
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A five-day service-immersion program in the U.S.-Mexico border area. Participants will meet with resource persons on both sides of the border to discuss issues of immigration policy, free trade and global economic issues, U.S.-Mexican relations, public health, the environment, and the role of the church in social change. In addition, students will provide service to a neighborhood center in Mexico which supplies daily meals to low-income children and families. Course includes a pre-trip orientation, daily reflection sessions during the program, and a reflection paper. This program will take place during spring break.(Also listed as SW 277.)
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| SOC 305 Sociology of Crime and Justice— 3 cr. hrs. |
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A systematic and in-depth review of criminal justice in America from a sociological perspective. Course evaluates the historical development of policing, the judiciary, and corrections, and examines the culture and organizations of criminal justice institutions. Significant attention is paid to examining public policy issues in criminal justice.
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| SOC 325 Cultural Diversity and Cultural Competence—3 cr. hrs. |
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Course addresses the pluralistic nature of American society and the world through analyses of the social psychology of prejudice and discrimination. Students learn to apply critical thinking to an understanding of cultural differences. The course also covers various theories and strategies of culturally competent social intervention. (Also listed as SJP 325, SW 325.)
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| SOC 343 Human Behavior and the Social Environment—3 cr. hrs. |
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This course analyzes human behavior in the social environment from a life span developmental approach. The content of this course is designed to increase the student’s potential for effective social work interventions with individuals, groups, families, social systems, and communities. Students will examine the effects of social structures, social policies, and cultural patterns on individuals at all stages of life. Students will study the effects of poverty, gender roles, discrimination, spirituality, and sexual orientation on the human growth and development of individuals from childhood to old age. A systems approach is combined with an ecological perspective to analyze social conditions and to identify problem areas in society. (Also listed as SW 343.)
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| SOC 350 Social Psychology—3 cr. hrs. |
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Psychological behavior of an individual as a member of a group; the influence of culture and society on attitudes, personality, and behavior; the dynamics of group interaction. (Also listed as PSY 350.)
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| SOC 355 Gendered Perspectives on the Body and Human Sexuality—3 cr. hrs. |
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Provides students with varying perspectives about human sexuality and how body image, body change (i.e., disability, illness, aging) and body variations fit within the context of human sexuality. Students will explore the social construction of gender, body image, and sexuality as well as the consequences that differing meanings of “body” and “sex” can have on individuals in our society. Attention will be given to strategies of interventions with individuals who present with sexual or body image/change issues. (Prerequisite: PSY 101 or SOC 101. Also listed as SW 355, PSY 355.)
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| SOC 360 Criminology—3 cr. hrs. |
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Criminology is the body of knowledge regarding delinquency and crime as social phenomena. Includes the development of a body of general and verified principles and of other types of knowledge regarding process of law, crime, and reaction to crime. Focus is on the adult offender.
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| SOC 375 The Self—3 cr. hrs. |
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This course will examine the social self; competing needs for uniqueness and similarity; the meaning of self-identity and self-concept; individual coping strategies; attributional analyses; social influence and defining gender. (Also listed as PSY 375.)
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| SOC 380 Sociological Theory—3 cr. hrs. |
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Comprehensive study of sociological theories from the late nineteenth century to the present; the relationship between theory and research. Required of majors in sociology.
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SOC 391-392 Seminars—credit arranged.
| SOC 401-402 Internship I and II—1 or 2 semesters—variable credit |
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Practical field experience working within a human service organization. Internships are individually arranged and may be done in a wide array of settings. Students will be required to supplement their experience with a classroom seminar. This course may be taken twice. Limited to majors and minors. (Also listed as PSY 401-402.)
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| SOC 405 International Welfare: Health Systems in Mexico—3 cr. hrs. |
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Students will spend six weeks with a Mexican family while learning advanced Spanish and participating in health-related social service experiences in Morelia, Mexico and surrounding villages. The focus will be on issues impacting the mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing of individuals and communities in Mexico and the service systems designed to address these issues. (Prerequisite: Two years of college- level Spanish or equivalent required. Also listed as SJP 405, SPN 405, SW 405.)
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| SOC 410 Sociology of Corrections—3 cr. hrs. |
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Overview of the correctional process demonstrated through the use of an actual case record. Highlights the role and function of law enforcement, legal services, and the court. Stresses the rehabilitation function of correctional institutions and probation and parole.
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| SOC 422 Sociology of Gender—3 cr. hrs. |
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Examination of historical and recent changes and role expectations for men and women. Included is an analysis of real vs. perceived differences and biological vs. socially induced differences. Discussion focuses on the consequences of gender roles and work and family including responses to changing gender roles.
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| SOC 423 Sociology of Sport—3 cr. hrs. |
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Examines the significance, from a sociological perspective, of the growing interest and participation in sports activities in the U.S. and around the world. The history of the growth of sport, the influence of sports play in the socialization of children, and the tie between the American education system and sports will all be examined. Issues regarding sports participation and race, class, and gender will also be considered.
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| SOC 434 Urban Society—3 cr. hrs. |
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Topics include the origin and development of cities; the social-psychological consequences of living in the urban environment; the social problems associated with urbanization in both industrial and third world cities; and the future of cities.
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| SOC 435 Social Class and Inequality—3 cr. hrs. |
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Examination of inequality in the distribution of wealth, power, and prestige. Focus will be on stratification within societies and on the nature, extent, and significance of inequality of wealth and power between societies. (Also listed as SJP 435.)
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| SOC 436 Race and Ethnic Relations— 3 cr. hrs. |
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This course introduces students to basic concepts and terms surrounding race relations from a sociological perspective. In addition, students will engage in lectures, essays, and exams that focus on race relations in the U.S., including how race intersects with class and gender, interpersonal relationships, pop culture, crime and justice, and the environment.
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| SOC 444 Sociology of Deviant Behavior— 3 cr. hrs. |
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Study of behavior which differs from cultural expectations. This course is concerned with social deviance and will consider the history of the concept of deviance, the legal aspects, social aspects, deviant subcultures, self images, social organization, causes of deviance, and strategies for response.
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| SOC 461 Introduction to Gerontology— 3 cr. hrs. |
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This course introduces the student to the field of gerontology and the different ways in which social workers and other helping professionals are involved with the growing aging population. The course examines the aging process and its impact upon the individual, the family, and society. Students will examine the demographics of aging, as well as physical and psychological changes associated with aging. The course also will cover social, cultural, political, and economical issues for older adults in our society. (Also listed as PSY 461.)
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| SOC 463 Children, Youth, and Society— 3 cr. hrs. |
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This course is about child and youth development as embedded in social and cultural contexts. The particular emphasis will be on early childhood through the transition into adulthood, and on thinking about childhood and youth as social phenomena. The course is reading/ discussion intensive and involves a community- based learning project. (Also listed as PSY 463 and SJP 463.)
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| SOC 464 Cultural Variations in Aging— 3 cr. hrs. |
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This course considers how culture and life experience influence and shape the aging process. How do different age cohorts position themselves in life and how does that affect the rest of society? Students gain an understanding of key issues in cultural variations in aging and an ability to demonstrate this knowledge of their own lives as well as aging services. (Also listed as SW 464, PSY 464.)
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| SOC 465 Violence and the Individual— 3 cr. hrs. |
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This course investigates the phenomenon of violence as it affects individuals. Students will learn about theories of the motivation and impact of violence in America. Individual, structural, and cultural aspects of violence are presented in an analytic framework.
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| SOC 466 Violence, Poverty, and the Environment— 3 cr. hrs. |
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This course is designed to engage students in a critical analysis of the social phenomenon of violence and poverty as they are influenced by the environment. Through classroom and experiential learning, students will have an opportunity to thoroughly study the topic in a way that will enable them to assess the societal consequences of environmental changes and their effect upon violence and poverty as well as to develop a sense of personal values toward the implications for equity and social justice. Students will also consider strategies for social change, social equity, and social justice as part of this course. (Also listed as SJP 466.)
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| SOC 481 Marriage: Social and Ethical Dimensions—3 cr. hrs. |
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An inquiry into the theological, philosophical, psychological, and social aspects of marriage, with specific emphasis on commitment and the bond of love. The moral problems of abortion, divorce, and homosexuality in the modern context will be addressed. (Also listed as THEP 481.)
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SOC 491-492 Seminars—credit arranged.
| SOC 493-494 Research—1-3 cr. hrs. |
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Participate directly in the research process with a faculty member. Before enrolling, a student must consult with a faculty member to define the project.
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| SOC 498 Senior Project Seminar—3 cr. hrs. |
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Advanced analysis, integration, application, and criticism of the field of sociology. Students will complete a senior project. Sociology majors only. (Prerequisites: SOC 214 and SOC 380, or permission of instructor.)
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| SOC 499 Senior Thesis—1-6 cr. hrs. |
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Research, study, or original work under the direction of a faculty mentor, leading to a scholarly thesis document with a public presentation of results. Requires approval of thesis director, and department chair. (Prerequisites: Senior standing; 3.0 G.P.A. in the thesis area, or good standing in the honors program, SOC 214, and SOC 380.)
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