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Sociology Courses

SOC 103 Introduction to Sociology
SOC 111 Introduction to Criminal Justice
SOC 206 Marriage and the Family
SOC 236 Cultural Diversity
SOC 246 Race and Ethnicity
SOC 250 Social Problems
SOC 255 Social Psychology
SOC 261 Introduction to the Political Economy
SOC 276 Native American Studies
SOC 304 Deviant Behavior and Social Control
SOC 321 Juvenile Justice: Policy and Practice
SOC 337 Methods of Behavioral Research
SOC 339 Research Methods and Statistical Analysis
SOC 341 Sex and Gender Roles in Society
SOC 343 The African American Experience
SOC 360 Crime and Justice in Contemporary Society
SOC 369 Gerontology
SOC 371 Introduction to Peace Studies 3 credits

The course offerings in sociology are designed to give students a better understanding of human cultural organization. The perspective is broad, critical, multi-cultural, cross-cultural and historical. The discipline studies human interaction, the use of language and symbols, social exchange, behavior in groups, norms and values and institutions. Particular focus is granted to the institutions of the family, education, the economy, and the political system. No major or minor is offered in Sociology, although several courses are offered for general education and to support majors such as Social Work and Criminal Justice.

Sociology Courses

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SOC 103 Introduction to Sociology 3 credits
An introduction to the subject matter, principles and methods of sociology as the scientific study of the behavior of human beings in groups. This course includes such topics as group dynamics, collective behavior, social institutions, social control and social change.

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SOC 111 Introduction to Criminal Justice 3 credits
An introduction to criminal justice. Designed to give the student systematic exposure to the fields of criminology and criminal justice in America. This course will cover the concepts of crime; and the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, the courts, and correctional programs. (Cross-listed as CRJ 111)
Prerequisite: SOC 103 Introduction to Sociology.

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SOC 206 Marriage and the Family 3 credits
Provides a foundation in knowledge, theory and research related to the functioning of family systems. The course explores gender roles, intimacy, sexuality, the processes of relationship building, communication, parenting, and diverse family forms and experiences. Modes of intervention in families are also explored. (Cross-listed as SWK 206.)

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SOC 236 Cultural Diversity 3 credits
A study of social issues, theories, concepts, patterns of oppression and discrimination, and family and community life related to the experience of major ethnic groups in the U.S. It includes an introduction to the history, cultures, world views, and strengths of contemporary African Americans, Native Americans (especially the Plains tribes), Latinos (with emphasis upon the Chicago experience), Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders. The course focuses on developing cultural competence, building community, and confronting oppression in a pluralistic society. (Cross-listed as SWK 236.)
Prerequisite: SWK 114 Introduction to Social Work or SOC 103 Introduction to Sociology.

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SOC 246 Race and Ethnicity 3 credits
This course will focus on interracial and interethnic relations in the United States from a socio-historic approach. Students will consider theories and processes through which members of one group come to be included within another including prejudice, discrimination, racism, stereotyping and social distance.
Prerequisite: SOC 103 Introduction to Sociology.

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SOC 250 Social Problems 3 credits
This course will deal with many of the most controversial issues of the day, including capitalism, poverty, unemployment, the welfare system, racism, crime and sexism. Students will consider theories and perspectives and use evidence to weigh the validity of competing perspectives.

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SOC 255 Social Psychology 3 credits
A study of the effect of the group upon the behavior of the individual. Included are such subjects as basic tendencies, norms, suggestion, group behavior, custom, leadership, communication and public opinion. (Cross-listed as PSY 255)

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SOC 261 Introduction to the Political Economy 3 credits
An introduction to the operation of government, the economy, social policy making, and the inter-relationships between them. Emphasis will be placed on how economic and political systems impact social policy development and implementation and how social policy impacts the economic and political system.
Prerequisite: SOC 103 Introduction to Sociology.

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SOC 276 Native American Studies 3 credits
Explores the history of Native Americans as well as various internal and external influences that have shaped the distinctive lifestyles of Native cultures. Includes a study of relations with the dominant society, spirituality, Native American law, and contemporary society. (Cross-listed as SWK 276)

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SOC 304 Deviant Behavior and Social Control 3 credits
A study of patterns of behavior defined as deviant by society. The course will explore theories of causation, incidence and social control of such problems such as substance abuse, suicide, mental disorders, sexual deviance, street crime, white-collar crime, organized crime, and corporate crime.
Prerequisite: SOC 103 Introduction to Sociology.

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SOC 321 Juvenile Justice: Policy and Practice 3 credits
This course will explore the complexities of juvenile delinquency, sociological theories of delinquency and societal responses to juvenile offenders. (Cross-listed as CRJ 321.)
Prerequisite: SOC 103 Introduction to Sociology and SOC 111 Criminology.

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SOC 337 Methods of Behavioral Research 3 credits
A survey of and actual experience in the methods of research used by behavioral scientists. Techniques and methods to be covered include: research design, sampling, instrumentation, questionnaire construction, interviewing, and a diversity of methodological applications, including the evaluation of one’s own practice. (Cross-listed as SWK 337)
Prerequisites: SOC 103 Introduction to Sociology, and math competency.

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SOC 339 Research Methods and Statistical Analysis 3 credits
A study of the use of statistics and computers in the analysis of research data and in the evaluation of human service programs and the professional's own practice. Emphasis will be placed upon the appropriate use of statistical methods and tools, the interpretation of data, and statistical analyses currently used in professional social work and related fields. Lecture 3 hours, computer lab 1 hour. (Cross-listed as SWK 339)
Prerequisite: SWK 337 Methods of Behavioral Research.

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SOC 341 Sex and Gender Roles in Society 3 credits
An examination of the changing roles of females and males as related to social processes and institutions. Students will consider the implications of these roles for work, family life, leisure activities and friendship patterns.
Prerequisite: SOC 103 Introduction to Sociology.

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SOC 343 The African American Experience 3 credits
A study of the social dynamics of African Americans as members of their own unique communities and as citizens of the mainstream society, focusing on understanding the social and political forces which shape the African American experience as a means of competently conducting creative social work practice. (Cross-listed as SWK 343.)

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SOC 360 Crime and Justice in Contemporary Society 3 credits
A comprehensive survey of the competing models of responding to crime in the United States. This course addresses the development of current policies and practices of the American criminal justice system as well as various programs attempting to solve the crime problem in the United States. The emerging trend toward community-based solutions and restorative justice practices will be highlighted. (Cross-listed as CRJ 360.)
Prerequisites: SOC 103 Introduction to Sociology and SOC 111 Criminology.

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SOC 369 Gerontology 3 credits
An introduction to the physical, psychological and social aspects of aging. Students review the reciprocal relationship between individual and societal responses to important issues such as work and retirement, family relationships, and death and dying. Planning, programming, and working with the aged are included. (Cross-listed as SWK 369)
Prerequisite: SWK 334 Human Behavior and the Social Environment II or permission of department. Offered as needed.

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SOC 371 Introduction to Peace Studies 3 credits
This course will explore and contrast the characteristics of a culture of war with a culture of peace. Content will include international perspectives on war and peace, issues related to social and economic justice, human and civil rights, and the interconnections of economic inequality and oppression with global violence. (Cross-listed as SWK 371)
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or permission of instructor.

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Last Updated on February 27, 2007