Sociology (SO)

SO 201. Introduction to Sociology. 3 Credits.

An analysis of the order and change in social life, both at the micro (interactional) and macro (societal) levels. An examination of fundamental concepts and research methods applied to understanding culture and socialization; social groups and organizations; social stratification; and social change.

SO 202. Problems of Modern Society. 3 Credits.

This course examines the problems of American social institutions such as the family, the economy, and education, using basic sociological principles and paradigms. The course also covers problems of inequality, deviance, and problems of change and modernization.

SO 209. Methods of Social Science Research. 4 Credits.

An examination of the methodological foundations of the social sciences; the logic and technique of empirical inquiry; the nature of social facts, the operationalization of concepts, and the construction of hypotheses; research designs including surveys, interviews, experiments, observation, and evaluation; the organization and analysis of data; graph and table construction and interpretation; the common problems of empirical social research; and research ethics. Emphasis given to criminal justice applications. The lab part of the course instructs students how to use and apply SPSS and other relevant software. Cross-listed with CJ209. Offered fall semester. Classroom and Laboratory 4 hours.

SO 212. Cultural Anthropology. 3 Credits.

Principles and methods in the comparative study of cultures. An examination of the concepts and theories in terms of which cultural anthropology is pursued. Offered in fall semesters.

SO 214. Racial and Cultural Minorities. 3 Credits.

A study of relations between racial and ethnic groups in modern America. Attention is also given to selected subordinate groups in the U.S. and other countries.

SO 216. Soc of Health, Wellness & Med. 3 Credits.

Introduction to the sociology of health, wellness and medicine. Examines the cultural and institutional aspects of health, wellness, and healthcare systems through basic sociological principles, paradigms and methods. Explores inequality in health outcomes, access to resources, and within the medical field. Includes an international comparative approach. Offered annually in the fall semester. Open only to Nursing majors in their third semester of the degree program, students with a Sociology minor, or by permission of the Instructor and the Department Chairperson (3 credits).

SO 300. Topics in Criminal Sociology. 3 Credits.

Selected topics offered on occasion.

SO 316. Aging in Society. 3 Credits.

Introduction to the sociological study of aging in society. This course examines the cultural, relational and institutional interpretations of aging through the life course using basic sociological principles, paradigms and methods. Students will explore inequality as it relates to aging and diverse populations in terms of health outcomes, in access to resources, and within the medical field. Offered annually in the fall semester. Prerequisites: SO216 or S0201, or by permission of the instructor. 3 lecture hours.

SO 320. Drugs and Society. 3 Credits.

This course focuses on the interrelationships between drugs and the social order. Issues considered include: the nature and effects of legal and illegal drugs; the determinants of drug effects, especially the social determinants; the history of drug prohibition; drug addiction and drug treatment; and drug policy. Cross-listed with CJ320. Offered every other year.

SO 330. Military Sociology. 3 Credits.

This course provides a sociological perspective of the military as both an institution as an occupation. It examines the social structure and functions of the military and the social factors that influence behavior in and of the military. In terms of function, it examines the changing purposes of the military in view of changing national and international conditions; and in terms of structure, it examines the norms, values, traditions, organizations, and culture of the military. It is designed to provide greater insight into the routine life within the military and into contemporary issues confronting the military. Course taught in spring every other year.

SO 400. Independent Study. 3 Credits.

An opportunity for qualified upper class students to engage in an intensive research program in fields of interest not satisfactorily covered by regular course offerings. Periodic conferences will be required. Prerequisite: written consent of the instructor to a specific project presented by the applicant. Open only to students with a cumulative quality point average of 2.5. Offered on occasion. Prerequisite: Sociology minor and SO201. 3 lecture hours.

SO 402. Law and Society. 3 Credits.

An analysis of various theoretical perspectives on the nature, courses, organization and operation of law and legal systems. Emphasis will be placed on law creation, conflict resolution, the legal profession, and the role of law in social change. Cross listed with CJ402. Offered every other year.