Sociology

SOC 110 - Introduction to Sociology 3
A review of how social forces shape the patterned behavior of social groups in families, schools, churches, in jobs, and other social settings. Emphasis is placed on the influence of social classes, minority group identification, and social control systems. Students will learn how sociologists collect and analyze data. Fall

SOC 115 - Social Problems 3
Students will have the opportunity to become familiar with a variety of contemporary national and international social problems. Students will learn how major issues become defined as social problems, how major theoretical perspectives and data sources help explain the social problems as they currently exist, and how conclusions are reached about public policy approaches and possible solutions to the problems. Spring

SOC 225 - The Criminal Justice System 3
An introductory overview of the American criminal justice system, including the police, courts, probation, jails, prisons and parole systems. The emphasis in on the U.S. but comparisons with criminal justice systems in other societies may be included. Offered on demand

SOC 315 - Public Opinion 3
A review of the social and political forces which shape public opinion, with emphasis on the linkages between public opinion and voting behavior. Students will learn the methods of survey research and data analysis. Offered on demand

SOC 320 - Deviant Behavior 3
Instead of asking why some people are different, this course asks why some people are treated differently. An analysis of the social processes which result in the social definition and reaction to behavior as deviant in the context of families, social networks, subcultures, and agencies of social control. Offered on demand

SOC 325 - Research Methods 3
Introduction to research methods in social and behavioral sciences, with emphasis on the scientific method, research design, data collection, and data analysis strategies of experimental, observational, and survey research methods. Offered on demand

SOC 350 - Development of Sociological Theories 3
A survey of major sociological theories which provide the basis for sociological research and interpretation of social processes. Major schools of thought and major theorists are covered. Offered on demand

SOC 360 - Sociology of Aging 3
An analysis of aging within the context of the life cycle with emphasis on the major issues of concern to the elderly and the social policies, especially Social Security and health care, which have an impact on the lives of the elderly. Offered on demand

SOC 365 - Urban and Rural Communities 3
A comparative analysis of the characteristics of urban and rural communities within the context of social change. Special features of the course include a review of the major population shift from urban to rural regions, and the influence of rural and urban environments on lifestyle. Offered on demand

SOC 370 - The Family 3
The study of the institution on the family with a focus on the major changes in the life cycle patterns and demographic trends from the era of industrialization to the current era. Includes a review of the major challenges facing contemporary families, an examination of changing gender roles and parenting styles, and an analysis of the prospects for the families of the future. Offered on demand

SOC 380 - Medical Sociology 3
An analysis of the social processes which effect illness and illness behavior, the relationships between health care professionals and patients, the administration of health care organizations, and policies directed at health care delivery systems. Proposed reform of the health care system is a special topic of this course. Offered on demand

SOC 385 - Criminology 3
Sociology has been the core field in the study of crime in this century. The course reviews the contributions of sociologists including a comparison of public opinion on crime with the observations which arise from social theory and research on crime. Special features of the course include a review of major issues such as guns and crime, drugs and crime, and capital punishment. Offered on demand

SOC 291, 491 - Sociology Seminar 1-6
This course is designed for the exploration of specific topics which are not covered in regularly scheduled course work.

SOC 292, 492 - Experimental Course 1-4
A unique course, designated by an instructor and/or department, not currently listed in the University catalog. An experimental course may be offered for a maximum of two semesters. After that time, the course must be either assigned an appropriate permanent course number and formally listed in the University catalog, or its usage must be discontinued.

SOC 293, 493 - Peer Tutoring 1-6
Students may earn credits by offering their services to other students by assisting them with their studies as an academic tutor. Tutors are needed every semester in almost all academic areas. Interested students should contact Student Support Services (second floor) May Hall, room 211, for specific information. (Maximum eight credits may be applied to graduation.)

SOC 294, 494 - Independent Study, Undergraduate Research 1-6
INDEPENDENT STUDY: An individualized study not listed as a regular course in the University catalog. Content, etc., to be determined by instructor and student. Requires approval by department chair. Offered on demand
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH: Research topic must be approved prior to registration by instructor. Written analysis of research activities required at end of semester. Requires approval by department chair. Offered on demand

SOC 295, 495 - Service Learning 1-6
Credits may be granted for extra-curricular activities for which there is a direct connection and correlation between the activity and the academic objectives of a specific course in the University catalog. The appropriateness of the activity and subsequently awarding of academic credit will be at the discretion of the appropriate departmental chair.

SOC 296, 496 - Study Tours 1-6
Provides students the opportunity to make an extensive trip to a location either inside or outside the United States, which will subsequently provide the student with life experiences that relate directly to a specific academic discipline. Not available in all departments. Available at departmental and discipline discretion only.

SOC 297, 497 - Sociology Internship, Externship, Cooperative Education 1-12
Students will be placed in an off-campus company or agency which will provide the student with specific activities that will demonstrate the correlation between academic study and an actual work experience. The number of credits will be determined by the length of the internship and the hours worked.

SOC 299, 499 - Special Topics, Readings 1-6
SPECIAL TOPICS: A uniquely-designed advanced topics course within a specific discipline. Course content and other related academic requirements to be determined by the instructor.
READINGS: Readings in educational and various specific professional publications and journals related to a specific academic discipline.