Sociology (SOC)

SOC 100. The Sociology of Human Relations. 3 Credit Hours.

The study of sociology provides a framework for understanding the ways in which social institutions influence how people think about themselves and how they behave with others. This course applies this human relations framework to questions about how to build effective communities in diverse environments. Topics may include developing open-mindedness toward cultural variations, working in diverse environments, adjusting to change, social responsibility for behavior, and conflict management.
Prerequisites: Reading Proficiency

SOC 101. Introduction to Sociology (MOTR SOCI 101). 3 Credit Hours.

Introduction to Sociology is a general survey of the discipline of sociology. The course explores the reciprocal relationship between individuals and social institutions. Specifically, it examines how social forces both shape and are shaped by beliefs and behaviors regarding ourselves and others. (Credit is only allowed for either SOC 101 or SOC 102.)
Prerequisites: Reading Proficiency or concurrent enrollment in RDG 079

SOC 103. Work and Society. 3 Credit Hours.

Work and Society is designed to give a broad understanding of work and how social forces have shaped the workplace. It will take a historical perspective, examining work from before the Industrial Revolution to today. The course will also examine major sociological theories related to work, shifting demands of the workplace on workers, worker resistance to increasing dominance and control, transnational workers, inequality in the workplace, and issues related to work/family balance.
Prerequisites: Reading Proficiency

SOC 126. The Spectrum of Drugs and Society. 3 Credit Hours.

The Spectrum of Drugs and Society will focus on information on addictive substances, behavioral effects, and pharmacotherapy options for drugs of abuse. It will examine institutional and structural practices that reinforce addiction. It also examines societal views of addicts and implications thereof. Topics will also include the physiological processes and impacts of psychoactive drugs on the individual including risk factors related to addiction, acute and chronic health problems and communicable diseases. Prevention and harm reduction, including strategies for communities, will be explored. The economic and social impacts of addiction are covered as well as local community resources.
Prerequisites: Reading Proficiency

SOC 201. Aspects of Aging. 3 Credit Hours.

Aspects of Aging examines sociological forces that affect life quality in the later years. Social, psychological, and physiological aspects of aging will be considered, emphasizing influences in the socio-cultural context that enhance and impede continued growth of the person.
Prerequisites: SOC 101, PSY 200, or HMS 100 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency

SOC 202. Social Problems (MOTR SOCI 201). 3 Credit Hours.

Social Problems offers a sociological examination of select global social problems. Topics of examination may include poverty, delinquency and crime, education, population, racial inequality, healthcare, gender inequality, alcohol and drugs, and environmental degradation, among others. The course also emphasizes research methodologies used to examine these problems as well as theoretical perspectives which can be used to understand the problems and, in turn, to create social change.
Prerequisites: SOC 101 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency

SOC 203. Introduction to Criminology (MOTR CRIM 205). 3 Credit Hours.

Introduction to Criminology is a survey of classical and contemporary theories of crime, sources of crime, societal responses to crime, crime typology, and crime statistics. The relationship between crime and aspects of social structure and social institutions is examined.
Prerequisites: Reading Proficiency

SOC 204. Introduction to Family Studies (MOTR SOCI 204). 3 Credit Hours.

Introduction to Family Studies is a survey of historic and contemporary dynamics of the family as a social institution. The course examines the social, interpersonal, structural, institutional, and cultural aspects of families over time and cross-culturally.
Prerequisites: Reading Proficiency

SOC 211. Substance Use, Abuse, and Dependence. 3 Credit Hours.

Substance Use, Abuse, and Dependence explores historical and sociological perspectives on the use, abuse, and dependence of psychoactive drugs. It presents an overview of the physiological processes and impacts on the person including risk factors related to addiction. The course is designed to understand the interdisciplinary approach to treatment and prevention, using tools which are sensitive to age, culture, and gender. Identifying the impact of substance abuse in current life situations and the effects of continued use and abuse is also explored.
Prerequisites: Reading Proficiency

SOC 212. Race and Ethnicity (MOTR SOCI 202). 3 Credit Hours.

Race and Ethnicity explores the social and historical processes that shape each concept, focusing on the consequences for students' everyday lives. Students investigate how each are embedded in societal systems of privilege and oppression. The course ultimately challenges common definitions of race and offers students the opportunity to understand their lives within the context of racial injustice, ethnic diversity, and socially created difference.
Prerequisites: SOC 101 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency

SOC 216. Introduction to Gender Studies (MOTR SOCI 203). 3 Credit Hours.

Introduction to Gender Studies is a survey of the interdisciplinary scientific study of gender in the United States and globally. The personal, social, structural, political, economic, cultural, and historical processes that shape and are shaped by gender and sex are explored. Contemporary social issues related to sex and gender including inequities, marginalization, and intersections with race, class, age, and sexuality will be evaluated. (Credit is only allowed for either SOC 216 or WMS 100.)
Prerequisites: Reading Proficiency