Course Search Results

  • 3.00 Credits

    Introduces students to the concepts, theories and methods of sociology. The course cultivates a "sociological imagination", enabling students to understand how social and cultural forces guide our lives and impact the course of history. Specific topics include but will not be limited to: theory, methods, and major substantive areas of sociological study such as social class, gender, race, families, organizations, and other social institutions.
  • 3.00 Credits

    Defines what constitutes a social problem and examines the negative impacts of a wide range of objective and subjective social problems in contemporary American society. Specific attention is paid to poverty, racism, sexism, homophobia, crime, environmental and a host of other current issues that affect large numbers of Americans. The course uses a sociological lens to uncover the effects of stereotypes, implicit biases, prejudice and discrimination upon vulnerable and marginalized groups of people living in The United States.
  • 3.00 Credits

    Examines the role of sports in American society from a sociological standpoint. Specific attention is paid to the influences of race, class and gender upon sports. The violent, commercialized and deviant dimensions of sports are also explored. This class is geared towards anyone with an interest in learning more about sports and human behavior.
  • 3.00 Credits

    Examines diverse forms and ideas of marriage and family life in society as reflected in changing social conditions and social policies. Focus is given to the identification and function of a wide range of values, norms, and codes, which often vary within and between societies or cultures, relevant to marriage and family decision-making. Investigates key concerns for contemporary families including communication and power, the balance of work, and family obligations.
  • 3.00 Credits

    Introduces students to the sociological study of societies with racial and ethnic diversity. Emphasizes theories, concepts, and evidence for understanding racial and ethnic inequality and intergroup relations. Uses a sociological lens to understand the history and current status of selected minority groups in the United States. Examines causes and consequences of prejudice and discrimination, the systemic nature of racial and ethnic inequality, and means for personal and social change.
  • 3.00 Credits

    Introduces students to social science research methods common in sociology and criminal justice. Finding, reviewing and critically evaluating research literature and exploring essential components in the design of ethical research projects are central. Quantitative techniques are emphasized but attention is given to other approaches as well (e.g., qualitative and evaluation research). The course is required for sociology and criminal justice majors but is open to other interested students.GC
  • 3.00 Credits

    Introduces students to the logic and practice of quantitative analysis in social science research. Exposes students to important statistical tests common in non-experimental social science and sociological research. Students learn how survey questions are designed, variables are coded, and social science data are processed for descriptive and decision-making purposes. Required for sociology majors.
  • 3.00 Credits

    Examines classical social theory that impacted the development of sociology as an academic discipline. Emphasizes key figures like Durkheim, Marx, Weber and Mead, but others may receive attention as well. Explores how classical theories illuminate aspects of modernization and contemporary society. Shows the influence of classical theories on contemporary perspectives in sociology. Compares and contrasts the major theoretical paradigms in sociology in order to illuminate their strengths and weaknesses.
  • 3.00 Credits

    Introduces students to the study of social stratification in and across societies. Students will investigate the dimensions of inequality among social positions, analyze the means by which individuals and groups attain unequal rank, and critique theories regarding the intersection of class, race, and gender. Explores the history and issues associated with theorizing and measuring social class and inequality.
  • 3.00 Credits

    Analyzes the social construction of economic activities and institutions using both a classical and contemporary sociological approach. Examines how economic action is embedded in social relations, and how economic institutions are socially constructed culturally and historically. Emphasizes the connection of economics to modern day issues and explores topics such as labor markets, stratification, healthcare, the Federal Reserve, corporate subsidies, central planning, production and consumption, market regulation, the national debt, housing, and cryptocurrency.