SO 111 Introduction to Sociology

This course invites you to see the world sociologically. We will examine culture, social structure, inequality, gender, race, deviance, and socialization from the sociological perspective. General Education Choice for Part B. Generally offered every semester. 3 credits

SO 218 Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences(Same as PY 218)

Addresses basic concepts and methods of statistical data analysis as applied in psychology and other social/behavioral sciences, including organizing, analyzing, and interpreting data. The course will provide students with a foundation in descriptive and inferential statistics, touching on frequency distributions, probability sampling, and hypothesis testing. Analyses conducted by hand and using SPSS. P: Fulfillment of a Level A math requirement. 3 credits

SO 219 Quantitative Research Methods

This course is a “hands on” approach to research in which the student will learn to design and carry out field observations, experiments, content analyses, or surveys. P: SO 111 or permission of Department Chair. Generally offered every Fall semester. 3 credits

SO 373 Sociological Theory

An exploration of social theory as a set of organizing logics for asking and answering questions about social interaction and institutions. The course will explore the underlying conceptual framework of sociology past and present in order to understand that what sociologists know is shaped by how they know it. Focus on theories of social structure and inequality, micro and macro theories, and the socio-historical context of theory production. P: Junior or senior status, or permission of Department Chair. Generally offered every Fall Semester. 3 credits

SO 374 Qualitative Methods

This course will examine strategies for gathering and analyzing qualitative data using approaches such as participant observation, content analysis, focus groups, and interviews. The focus of the course will be on understanding what types of questions are best answered through qualitative research methods, and will highlight how social theory is tested and applied through social research. Attention to the use of qualitative analysis in program evaluation, and as a basis for engaged citizenship. Emphasis on ethical issues and researcher responsibilities. P: Sociological Theory, or permission of Department Chair. Generally offered every Spring semester. 3 credits

SO 391 Senior Seminar

Consideration of a social problem with an eye to utilizing the “sociological imagination” and skills gained through the prior major courses, both required and elected. This course should be a culminating experience for those who have chosen this major, resulting in a heightened awareness of the sociological perspective. P: Senior status, Sociology or Social Science major or permission of the Department Chair. Generally offered every spring semester. 3 credits

Five substantive sociology courses chosen in consultation with the Department Chair (15 credits)

CJ/SO 121 Contemporary Social Problems

Focuses on how institutional and organizational features of societies generate problems for people. Particular attention is directed at a set of problems related to political and economic inequalities, health and illness, education, the environment, and the criminal justice system. P: SO 111 or permission of Department Chair. General Education Choice for Part C and Designated W course. Generally offered every Fall semester. 3 credits

CJ/SO 231 Deviance and Criminology

Consideration of deviant behavior and crime as behavioral and social phenomena, with analysis of data and theories of the causation of crime. The effects of labeling deviants are also considered. P: CJ/SO 111 or permission of Program Coordinator. Generally offered every other fall semester. 3 credits

CJ/SO 232 Juvenile Delinquency

Investigation of delinquency as a separate phenomenon, including its theories of causation and particular patterns of delinquency, as well as consideration of the variables which affect the rates of delinquency. P: SO 111, CJ 111 or permission of Department Chair. Generally offered every other fall semester. 3 credits

CJ/SO 233 Corrections

Examination of philosophy, theory, and practice of criminal punishment and of the processes which characterize arrest, prosecution, trial, and sentencing. Formal and informal operation of law enforcement agencies are studied, with special attention to patterns of differential treatment accorded different social and economic groups. P: CJ 111 or permission of Department Chair. Generally offered every spring semester. 3 credits

CJ/SO 310 Sociology of Law and Social Control

A consideration of social control, law creation and law enforcement in their social and political context. Discusses major theories of law and the modern state. Law will be considered as both a cause and effect of social change P: SO 111, CJ 111, or permission of Department Chair. Generally offered every other fall semester. 3 credits

CJ 380 Criminal Justice Internship (Senior Year)

Fieldwork experience. Admission only with approval of Program Coordinator. P: CJ 280 and senior status. Generally offered every semester. 3 credits

SO 121 Contemporary Social Problems

Focuses on how institutional and organizational features of societies generate problems for people. Particular attention is directed at a set of problems related to political and economic inequalities, health and illness, education, the environment, and the criminal justice system. P: SO 111 or permission of Department Chair. General Education Choice for Part C and Designated W course. Generally offered every Fall semester. 3 credits

SO 212 Social Work: History and Practice

After reviewing the history of Social Work in the United States, this course examines the practice settings of social work as a profession: case work, group work, community organization and advocacy, and policy and planning. Includes the study of the values and assumptions of social work with an eye towards problem-solving applications with specific populations, as well as social welfare policy critique. Generally offered every other spring semester. 3 credits

SO 213 Social Work: Populations and Policies

An examination of human behavior in the social environment as we study the individual in families, groups, and society. We will further explore the special needs of specific populations such as families, youth, the elderly, the poor, women, and minorities, and investigate social welfare policy as a means to meet those human needs. Establishing a knowledge base as well as effective communication techniques will be stressed. Generally offered every other spring semester. 3 credits

SO 242W Minorities and Diversity

This course examines the positions of “minorities” in the status hierarchy of the United States, and teaches a critical perspective on the economic, political, and social oppression of subordinate groups by dominants. Multiculturalism will be examined from this perspective: since the United States comprises various racial and ethnic groups, what does it mean to be “American” and who gets to define this? General Education Choice for Part C and Designated W Course. Generally offered every spring semester. 3 credits

SO 380 Social Work Internship

Fieldwork experience. Admission only with permission of the Department Chair. P: SO 111 plus a minimum of 15 hours in sociology and senior status. Generally offered every semester. 3 credits

PY 250 Community Psychology

A multidisciplinary approach emphasizing the prevention and treatment of psychological problems in a community setting. Offered every other year in the evening. P: PY 111. 3 credits

SO 121 Contemporary Social Problems

Focuses on how institutional and organizational features of societies generate problems for people. Particular attention is directed at a set of problems related to political and economic inequalities, health and illness, education, the environment, and the criminal justice system. P: SO 111 or permission of Department Chair. General Education Choice for Part C and Designated W course. Generally offered every Fall semester. 3 credits

SO 241 Urban Sociology

We shall study the effects of the urban environment on social institutions and populations and examine the modern crises of urban living with an eye towards answering the question: Can cities survive? P: SO 111 or permission of Department Chair. This is a Distance Learning course. Generally offered in the Accelerated Degree Program every spring. 3 credits

SO 242 Minorities and Diversity

This course examines the positions of “minorities” in the status hierarchy of the United States, and teaches a critical perspective on the economic, political, and social oppression of subordinate groups by dominants. Multiculturalism will be examined from this perspective: since the United States comprises various racial and ethnic groups, what does it mean to be “American” and who gets to define this? General Education Choice for Part C and Designated W Course. Generally offered every spring semester. 3 credits

SO 380 Social Work Internship

Fieldwork experience. Admission only with permission of the Department Chair. P: SO 111 plus a minimum of 15 hours in sociology and senior status. Generally offered every semester. 3 credits