Sociology (SOC)

Students who enroll in sociology courses must have placed in ENGL 1100 and are encouraged either to have completed ENGL 1100 or to be enrolled in that course when scheduling a sociology course.

Online/Distance Learning (DL) versions of several SOC courses are available. Students taking the web-based version of these courses must be familiar with computers, have an e-mail address, and access to the Internet. Course content is identical to that presented in a traditional classroom setting. Examinations for online/distance learning courses are administered at the Testing Center.

SOC 1101 Introduction to Sociology (A, SP, SU)

3 credits
This course introduces the basic concepts, methods and findings of sociology as a scientific discipline. The sociological perspective, emphasizing social interaction and structure, is used to explore the following topics: culture; socialization; social groups, including organizations; deviance; various types of social inequality; major social institutions; collective behavior, social movement and social change.
Lecture: 3 hours
Prerequisite: Placement into ENGL 1100     Lab fee: $3.00

SOC 1194 Special Topic: Sociology (On Demand)

1 - 3 credits
A detailed examination of selected topics of interest in sociology.
Lecture: 1- 3 hours

SOC 2193 Independent Study in Sociology (On Demand)

1-3 credits
An individual, student-structured course that examines a selected topic in Sociology through intensive reading or research. The independent study elective permits a student to pursue his/her interests within the context of a faculty-guided program.
Lecture: 1 3 hours
Prerequisite: Instructor permission required     Lab fee: $3.00

SOC 2202 Social Problems (A, SP, SU)

3 credits
This course examines how various conditions within society come to be defined as social problems. Individual, social, cultural, economic and political causes and consequences of such problems are analyzed with contemporary social science research. Possible intervention strategies are also assessed. Problems covered include health and well being; social and interpersonal violence; conformity and deviance; social and economic inequality associated with poverty, minority status, aging and sex roles; institutional change; and future issues and trends.
Lecture: 3 hours
Prerequisite: Placement into ENGL 1100     Lab fee: $3.00

SOC 2209 Sociology of Criminal Justice System (A, SP, SU)

3credits
This course is an introduction to the criminal justice system as a social institution in society. Topics covered include an overview of the historical development and functions of the criminal justice system in the United States, theories of justice and punishment, the emergence and development of the modern police and court systems, and the structure and function of the correctional system. The social roles of personnel in the criminal justice system, including police, lawyers, judges, correctional officers, and parole officers will also be examined.
Lecture: 3 hours
Prerequisite: Placement into ENGL 1100     Lab fee: $3.00

SOC 2210 Sociology of Deviance (A, SP, SU)

3 credits
This course explores the major sociological perspectives and theories of deviance. This introductory course includes the study of the definition, identification, treatment and management of types of deviance, such as crime, mental illness, alcoholism and other pathologies.
Lecture: 3 hours
Prerequisite: Placement into ENGL 1100     Lab fee: $3.00

SOC 2309 Law and Society (A, SP, SU)

3 credits
This course examines the interrelationships between law and other social structures and processes. The structure of law, the origin of laws, the organization and function of the legal system, the impact of the law, and the relationship between law and social change will be examined.
Lecture: 3 hours
Prerequisite: Placement into ENGL 1100     Lab fee: $3.00

SOC 2330 Marriage and Family Relations (A, SP, SU)

3 credits
This course examines the impact of modern society upon the family as it relates to courtship, size of family, member relationships, economic problems, and marital stability. This course compares alternative life styles and marriage and family relations throughout the life span.
Lecture: 3 hours
Prerequisite: Placement into ENGL 1100     Lab fee: $3.00

SOC 2380 American Race & Ethnic Relations (A, SP, SU)

 3 credits
This course explores racial and ethnic relations in the United States. The current and past experiences of selected American racial and ethnic groups are examined with respect to theories and patterns of intergroup relations and issues of prejudice and discrimination (both individual and institutional). Possible future trends in American intergroup relationships are addressed.
Lecture: 3 hours
Prerequisite: Placement into ENGL 1100     Lab fee: $3.00

SOC 2410 Sociology Aspects Criminology (A, SP, SU)

3 credits
This course is an introduction to the sociological study of criminology and examines fundamental issues of the discipline such as the nature and social distribution of crime, criminal law, and theories of crime. The primary focus of the course is on understanding theories surrounding the causes and correlates of criminal behavior and developing a critical perspective from which social policies on crime can better be understood.
Lecture: 3 hours   Prerequisite: Placement into ENGL 1100     Lab fee: $3.00

A, Autumn
W, Winter
SP, Spring
SU, Summer

DL, Distance Learning