SO 120 Life in Society (3)
Designed as an introductory course in the social sciences for the general student as well as preparing social work and criminal justice majors for advanced work in their respective majors. The course content will examine human social life beginning with individual life span and family dynamics then moving to an understanding of the structure and functions of small and large groups and concluding with a multi-dimensional view of community and society. Theoretical perspectives and discussions from a variety of social science disciplines will be introduced as well as substantial attention given to issues of diversity throughout the course.
SO 235 Social Problems (3)
A survey of selected social problems such as crime and delinquency, poverty, alcoholism within the framework of the sociological approaches of deviant behavior, social disorganization, value conflicts.
SO 239 Marriage and Family Life (3)
A functional course which deals with relationships from dating through the marital life cycle. It focuses on the dynamics of family interactions and communications as well as various systems to analyze families and to intervene in family dysfunctioning.
SO 265 Cultural Diversity (3)
Designed as a course in race and ethnic relations, this study focuses primarily on the United States with an emphasis on historical and current events. The content of the course explores forms and mechanisms of oppression, discrimination as well as the strategies of change that advance social and economic justice. The course is taught as preparation for the performance of professional roles in culturally diverse settings in the areas of criminal justice, education, social work and/or any other human-service related profession.
SO 270 Sociological History of Sports in the United States (3)
This course will examine the development and modernization of sports in the United States from colonial times to the present and the socio-cultural factors which have affected their growth.
SO 301 Research Methods (3)
An introduction to the principles and methods of organizing, conducting and interpreting behavioral, and social research. Examination of survey, experimental, single case design, evaluation, and observational techniques as well as issues of measurement are addressed. Prerequisite: PY/SW 230 or permission of instructor.
SO 310 Social Psychology (3)
An analysis of individual, group, and collective behavior from both psychological perspectives. Topics include general theories, methods, and empirical data on attribution, social perception, attitude formation and conformity. Prerequisite: PY 110 (not open to freshmen).
SO 320 Sociology of Sport (3)
Contemporary sport from a sociological perspective. Topics will include the discussion of the relationship of sport to social institutions, the individual's socialization into sport, and stratification factors within sports.
SO 361 Delinquency Prevention and Control (3)
An analysis of the sociocultural factors leading to crime with an emphasis on crime causation theories and methods used to prevent and control criminal behavior. Prerequisite: CJ 111 and SO 120.
SO 471 Criminology (3)
A critical evaluation of delinquency causation theories and the social structures and their interrelationship with delinquency prevention and control. Prerequisite: CJ 111 and SO 120.
SO 496 Readings
Through a readings program, students may explore the literature of a specific field in preparation for a later independent research project, can fill a void in their background, or can read the literature of a subject for its own value. In all cases, the program is directed toward some specific goal or purpose. The student is expected to submit application through a faculty supervisor.
