(See also Criminal Justice)
SOC 100 Introduction to the Social Sciences
This course examines the social sciences in their historical context, and their relationship to the individual and the group. It provides a fundamental understanding of the dynamics of individual and group behavior as well as a sense of how economic, political, and social systems function. (Also listed as ECO 100, POL 100, and PSY 100.) (3)
SOC 131 Principles of Sociology
A study of the fundamental principles of social interaction. The course analyzes social relationships (family, peer, group, school, organization); culture; deviant behavior; and political institutions. (3)
SOC 200 Law and Society
Introduces students to the field of law in our contemporary society by exploring different types of legal careers. In addition, students will gain an understanding of the origin, development, and role of law in American society. (3)
SOC 203 The Global Village
Globalization refers to the increasing connectedness of people around the world and has resulted from economic, political, and cultural exchanges that transcend national boundaries. Corporate growth, modern transportation, and technological innovation facilitate this connectivity. In this course, a sociological perspective will be used to examine how this increasing global interdependence impacts daily life. The degree to which social life still takes place within national borders will be analyzed and the meaning of citizenship in the new global village will be discussed. (3)
SOC 205 Crime, Media, and Culture
Provides an overview of the relationships of mass media, crime, criminal justice, and culture. In particular, the course will address the social construction of crime, crime and justice in the mass media, the media’s effects on attitudes toward crime and criminal justice, the media as a cause of crime, the media’s influence on the judicial system, etc. Such topics will be addressed using a sociological perspective, thus necessitating the analysis of the media’s relationship to sociological and criminological theories. (3)
SOC 250 Deviant Behavior
Current theories of the genesis and distribution of deviant behavior and implications for a general theory of deviance. Definitions of deviance, social control, labeling theory, and secondary deviance are explored. Prerequisite: SOC 100 or
SOC 131. (3)
SOC 303 Development of Social Thought
Introduces students to the mainstreams of social thought from 19th-century Europe to the present and examines the relevance of historical theory to contemporary social issues. Prerequisite: SOC 100 or SOC 131. (3)
SOC 304 Applied Research Methods
An examination of the techniques and resources of applied social research. Emphasis is placed on quantitative research techniques, survey research, program evaluation, and the ways in which research informs social and public policy. Prerequisites: SOC 100 or SOC 131, and MA 132 or equivalent; or PSY 201 or equivalent; or permission of instructor. (Also listed as CJ 304.) (3)
SOC 305 Criminology
Examines crime in the United States through the lens of sociology, based on the assumption that one cannot understand crime without viewing it in its social and cultural contexts. Prerequisite: SOC 100 or SOC 131. (3)
SOC 306 Social Class in American Society
An overview of the process of social stratification, how individuals and groups in society are ranked and evaluated, and the consequences of the evaluations. Topics covered include the historical origins of inequality, theories on the development of classes, and structural explanations of their presence. Prerequisite: SOC 100 or SOC 131. (3)
SOC 307 Juvenile Justice
A systematic study of the history and purpose of the juvenile justice system that includes examination of the role of the U.S. Supreme Court. The course also evaluates the extent and nature of juvenile delinquency and addresses the physical, emotional, and societal problems faced by juveniles today. Other topics covered are the treatment and punishment of juvenile offenders, modern juvenile subcultures, and controversial issues in juvenile justice. (Also listed at CJ 307.) (3)
SOC 309 Religion as a Social Phenomenon
Religion exists in a social context; it both shapes, and is shaped by, the social world it inhabits. In this course, religious beliefs, practices, and organizations will be analyzed from a social perspective, with a primary focus on religion in the contemporary U.S. The course will begin by defining the sociological approach to studying religion. The processes by which individuals acquire religious beliefs and identities will then be explored, as well as the functions religion serves for its adherents and for society. Changes in the organizational structure of religion, the mutual influence between religion and other special social institutions and practices (such as family, work, politics), the capacities of religion to inhibit and facilitate social change, and the dynamics of religious decline and persistence in modern societies will also be examined. Prerequisites: SOC 100 or SOC 131, (3)
SOC 322 Race and Ethnic Relations
An examination of the various systems, structures, and processes that surround majority-minority relationships in American society. Topics addressed include the social and cultural meanings of race and ethnicity and the social outcomes of contact, stability, and change. Prerequisite: SOC 100 or SOC 131. (3)
SOC 350 Social Justice: Ethical Dilemmas in Social Context
This upper-division interdisciplinary seminar presents a social science analysis of social justice using a series of case studies. Specific ethical dilemmas faced in contemporary society are investigated, with an emphasis on the key players and conflicting interests involved as well as the social, economic, and political institutions that gave rise to these dilemmas. Contemporary and historical case studies focus discussion on the social context of issues such as the human rights of women, children, and refugees; economic justice associated with the international debt; and environmental protection. Prerequisite: junior standing. (3)
SOC 351 Addressing Injustice: Activism and Advocacy
This upper-division interdisciplinary seminar examines how others have addressed social injustice through collective mobilization, activism, and advocacy. Qualitative techniques are explored to analyze contemporary community challenges. Students will develop a proposal for one of two options: SOC 433 Research or SOC 421 Project. Proposals will target the investigation of one specific social injustice and suggest specific strategies for addressing that injustice. Prerequisite: junior standing. (3)
SOC 360 Britain Today: Myth and Reality
In order to explore the various social dimensions of contemporary British life, this course provides students in the London Program with a comparison of British and American histories and cultures. Current issues and major social institutions, such as government, the monarchy, legal systems, family, education, media, and religion, are carefully examined and discussed. (3)
SOC 400 Internship
Practical experience in an applied criminal justice or social service setting. Field experience is supervised and course is open only to senior Sociology majors. Prerequisite: permission of the internship coordinator. (6)
SOC 421 Project
Research of an original topic in sociology in collaboration with or under the direction of a faculty advisor. The project is intended to demonstrate ability to conduct and report independent research. (1-3)
SOC 433 Research
A student in this course will conduct collaborative research (scholarly work leading to new knowledge) under the direction of a faculty member. Prerequisite: application and approval of department chair. (1-6)
SOC 495 Current Issues in Crime and Social Justice
This capstone course provides an in-depth examination of current issues and social challenges that impact both the criminal justice system and society as a whole. For students nearing the completion of their coursework in Criminal Justice and Sociology, this course builds on the knowledge and skills they acquired earlier in their academic careers. Prerequisites: SOC 303-304, senior standing, and permission of the instructor. (3)