Sociology

SO 188 No Norwich Equivalent 6 Cr.

SO 201 Introduction to Sociology 3 Cr.

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 Cr.

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 Cr.

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. 4 Lecture hours and 4 Lab hours. Cross-listed with CJ 209; not permitted to earn credit for both SO 209 and CJ 209. Offered: Fall, Spring.

SO 212 Cultural Anthropology 3 Cr.

Principles and methods in the comparative study of cultures. An examination of the concepts and theories in terms of which cultural anthropology is pursued. Cross-listed with SOCI 401, not permitted to earn credit for both SO 212 and SOCI 401. Offered: Fall.

SO 214 Racial and Cultural Minorities 3 Cr.

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. Prerequisite: Sophomore or higher.

SO 216 Sociology of Health, Wellness & Medicine 3 Cr.

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. Prerequisite: Open to Nursing majors and Sociology minors. Offered: Fall.

SO 218 Intro to Cultural Competence 3 Cr.

Introduces key concepts and theories in the study of cultures and societies, explores how culture and cultural contexts and language influence values, expectations, behavior, communication styles and conflict resolution. Examines the role that culture plays in the human communication process and how this is related to conflict at the interpersonal and international level. Emphasizes intercultural communication competence in an increasingly diverse society through immersion in a different socio-cultural context. Reflection on personal experience of a new cultural environment is an integral part of this course. Cross-listed with SOCI 335; not permitted to earn credit for both SO 218 and SOCI 335.

SO 288 No Norwich Equivalent 6 Cr.

SO 300 Topics in Sociology 3 Cr.

Selected topics in Sociology. Offered: Occasionally.

SO 316 Aging in Society 3 Cr.

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. Prerequisite: SO 216 or SO 201. 3 Lecture hours. Offered: Fall.

SO 320 Drugs and Society 3 Cr.

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. Prerequisite: Sophomore or higher. Cross-listed with CJ 320; not permitted to earn credit for both SO 320 and CJ 320. Offered: Every other year.

SO 330 Military Sociology 3 Cr.

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. Prerequisite: Sophomore or higher. Credit in SO 330 cannot also be earned in SOCI 330. Offered: Spring, every other year.

SO 360 Inequality and Society 3 Cr.

Compare major classical and contemporary sociological theories of social stratification and inequality, and review the historical development of class systems with emphasis on American society. Apply theory to a contemporary case study on topics such as: income and wealth; mobility; gender and race inequality; power and global inequality. 3 Lecture hours. Prerequisite: SO 214. Offered: Spring, even years.

SO 362 Media, Justice and Society 3 Cr.

An overview of major theories regarding mass society, mediation, and social constructionism, exploring media impact and public perceptions of social problems, policies, justice, crime and deviance. 3 Lecture hours. Prerequisites: SO 201, or SO 202 or CJ 101. Offered: Fall, odd years.

SO 364 Theories of Justice 3 Cr.

An introduction to major classical and contemporary theories of justice, with applications to social interactions and institutions from both a historical and contemporary perspective. 3 Lecture hours. Prerequisites: SO 201 or CJ 101 Sophomore or higher. Offered: Spring, even years.

SO 388 No Norwich Equivalent 6 Cr.

SO 400 Independent Study 3 Cr.

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. Prerequisite: Sociology minor and SO 201, Cumulative quality point average of 2.5, Permission of Instructor.

SO 402 Law and Society 3 Cr.

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 CJ 402; not permitted to earn credit for both SO 402 and CJ 402. Prerequisite: Sophomore or higher. Offered: Every other year.

SO 488 No Norwich Equivalent 6 Cr.