SOCIOLOGY COURSES

Soc 230 Introduction to Sociology credits 3 hr.

The course is a survey of the scope, methods, and general principles of sociology. Topics emphasized include culture, group behavior, social interaction, inequality, social institutions, and social change.

Soc 232 Ethnic Identity credits 3 hrs.

This course focuses on ethnic identity as a unique dimension in the development of social self withinthe context of an ethnically diverse society.

Soc 236 African American Community credits 3 hrs.

This course examines the structure and functions of community for African Americans. Both continuity and change are emphasized in the integration of family, religion, education, and politics in transition from rural to urban communities.

Soc 330 Social Problems credits 3 hrs.

This course addresses traditional areas of social problems analysis (i.e., poverty, sexism, racism, child abuse, crime, etc.); however, students are encouraged to place the study of social problems in abroader social system context. Seen from this perspective, emphasis is given to the process by whichsocial problems are constructed within society.

Soc 331 Social Psychology credits 3 hrs.

The study of how personality and behavior are influenced by the social context. Topics include socialization, communication, attitudes, interpersonal perception, personal identities, and social interaction.Appropriate for non-majors. This course is cross-listed with Psy 331.

Soc 332 Sociological Theory credits 3 hrs.

The foundations of sociological thought are studied through the works of the early theorists Marx,Durkheim and Weber and African American theorists covered include DuBois, Frazier, William Julius Wilson and Elijah Anderson.

SSCJ 333 Social Science Statistics credit 3 hrs.

Statistics is approached as a tool in social research and in applied social services. Measures of central tendency and dispersion, probability, tests of significance, and correlation are covered. Prerequisites: Math 132 and Math 134.

SSCJ 334 Research Methods credit 3 hrs.

This course fully describes the scientific method with emphasis on critical evaluation of research.Experimental, observation, and survey research designs are covered. Students gain hands-on experience with the steps in the research process. Prerequisites: Math 132 and Math 134.

Soc 335 Urban Sociology credits 3 hrs.

The historical growth of the cities, the socio-economic importance of cities and urban areas, and theimpact of urbanization, density, and crowding on social and personal relations are covered in thiscourse. Present urban problems and possible solutions are explored.

Soc 336 Sociology of Deviance credit 3 hrs.

Biological, psychological, and sociological theories of causes of deviance are critically examined.Traditional forms of deviance (crime, mental illness, etc.) and everyday forms of deviance (obesity,career failure, tobacco use, etc.) are examined. Social processes by which deviance is created anddealt with are emphasized. Offered alternate years. Appropriate for non-majors.

Soc 337 Sociology of Family credits 3 hrs.

The role, functions, and structure of the family with particular emphasis on the African American family are studied.

Soc 338 Sociology of Sport and Leisure credits 3 hrs.

This course focuses on sport as a part of social institutions, particularly the educational and economic institutions. The functions of sport and leisure for both the individual and society are examined.

Soc 339H Cultural Anthropology credit 3 hrs.

This survey course focuses on small, traditional societies. Topics include socialization, sex roles, marriage, family, religion, medicine, and art. Ethnographic profiles from Africa, South America, and Oceania are given special attention. Appropriate for non-majors. An honors section is offered as Soc 339(H).

Soc 430 Race and Ethnic Relations credit 3 hrs.

Patterns of race and ethnic relations in the United States are examined, including patterns of structural inequality for African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanic- Americans, and Asian Americans. Offered alternate years. Appropriate for non-majors. An honors section is offered Soc 430 (H).

Soc 431 African American Sociologists credit 3 hrs.

This course provides an in-depth analysis of the theory, research, and careers of both early and contemporary African American sociologists

Soc 432 Sociology of Religion credits 3 hrs.

The structure of religion as a major social institution is examined. The functions for both society and the individual are emphasized.

Soc 433 Demography credits 3 hrs.

This course provides a basic introduction to the concepts, theories, and methods of population analysis. Major issues related to population growth, including fertility, mortality, immigration, and migration are covered.

Soc 434 Applied Research credits 3 hrs

This course provides the student with an opportunity to further develop research skills by conductinga research project as well as constituting the senior paper.

SSCJ 111,112, 211, 212, 311, 312, 411, 412 Seminars credit 1 hr. ea. (Course descriptions for all seminars are on pages 75-76.)

This course explores cross-cultural concepts of disease. The organization of medical institutions is examined. Social inequality in health care is also covered.

This course is an examination of current theory and research in the genesis, course, and consequences of contemporary organizations advocating or resisting political and/or social change.

Sociological analysis of education as a basic institution constitutes the course content. Major emphasis includes the formal and informal organization of educational systems, the relationship of education to socialization and the major trends in education.

This course is an analysis of inequalities of social class in the United States. Topics include distribution of wealth, power, occupational prestige, and occupational mobility. Correlates of class such as educational opportunities, health, and family stability are explored. Offered alternate years.

This course focuses on the relationship between the cultural values of freedom, individualism, material success, and the creation of criminality in the United States. The social construction of categories of crime, public concern, media influence, reform movements, and solutions to crime are covered.

The course requires volunteer work in a state or federal agency. Students may substitute other kinds of practical learning experience, subject to approval of the department chair.

Source: Benedict College Catalogue, 2007-2009.