A general introduction to the study of human culture. Topics: anthropology as an academic discipline, nature of human language, human culture, history of anthropological thought, and human social organizations.

A general introduction to the study of geography, with special emphasis on linking geography’s basic concepts to the realms and major regions of the world.

The nature and foundations of society and the individual, the main forces that strengthen and weaken social groups and the conditions that transform social life is examined in this course.

This course examines the major sociological perspectives in conjunction with an instruction in the logic and procedures of gathering information about social phenomena. The course covers topics such as: the logic of the scientific method, research design, hypotheses formation, theory and methods of scaling, and research analysis.

Also offered as PS242. Prerequisites: S110 and either ST132 or ST232.

A field exploration in sociology involves supervised field work in particular areas of the student’s interest. The student is expected to commit at least ten hours per week to the field exploration experience (varies according to the number of credits assigned to the field exploration).

The study of deviant behavior as it relates to the definition of crime, crime statistics, theories of crime causation, and crime typologies are treated. The course covers topics such as criminological research, explanations of crime and delinquency, and the development of criminal justice policies.

Prerequisites: CJ111 and S110.

This course is devoted to an interdisciplinary examination of fundamental questions regarding the nature of man, politics and social relations. Values, ideas and practice as gleaned from the theories and writings of major thinkers from the 14th through early 20th centuries are explored. Special focus is directed toward ideas of Khadun, Machiavelli, Locke, and Durkheim. Other theorists, such as Marx, Weber and Gandhi are also considered.

Also offered as PS304. Prerequisite: either PS102 or S110.

This course is devoted to an interdisciplinary examination of fundamental questions regarding the nature of man, politics and social relations. Values, ideas and priorities as gleaned from the theories and writings of major thinkers from the late 19th and 20th centuries are explored. Special focus is directed toward ideas from the Federalists, Economic Interventionist and Social Elitists. Other topics are selected based on student and instructor interests.

Also offered as PS305. Prerequisite: S110.

Selected topics in sociology may be offered depending on student and faculty interest.

This course focuses on the concept of youth in contemporary society in terms of their behaviors, roles, experiences, and treatment. It does so within the context of the evolution and structural development of two major social institutions: the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. The course uses a sociological framework to emphasize the social, economic, and political realities of childhood in American society.

Offered spring semester.

This course offers a working experience in the purpose and tools of qualitative field methods. The course covers rapport, methods of observation, field notes, data coding and analysis, ethnography, focus groups and interviews, as well as an introduction to quasi-experimentation.

Offered fall semester. Also offered as PS342. Prerequisite: PS242/S250.

Prerequisites:

PS242 Logic of Analysis

S250 Logic of Analysis

The course is an attempt to provide an introduction to a field which is rapidly becoming one of the major areas of research in the social sciences and to bring about an awareness and knowledge about the process of aging. Old people and their needs, the impact of growing numbers of old people in our institutions, and the effect of these institutions on the aged is examined.

Prerequisite: S110.

Specialized courses in particular areas of interest.

Prerequisite: consent of department.

This seminar course examines the enduring conflict that exists between the biophysical realm and humanly produced environments. Topics may include, but are not limited to, the social construction of environmental problems, the treadmill of production and nature, rationalization and environmental problems, and environmental justice.

Prerequisites: S110 and junior or senior status.

This course examines the life cycle and impact of social and political movements, focusing on how the process of frame alignment, mobilizing networks and political opportunities shape movements.

Also offered as PS334. Prerequisite: PS102 or S110.

This course provides numerous theoretical perspectives on ethnicity, class and gender along with a variety of activities which ensure each student an opportunity for developing an experience base with members of various ethnic, social class and gender communities.

Also offered as CJ425. Prerequisite: S110.

A comprehensive study of the family and associated institutions, theories and research in American family structure and function, cross-cultural comparisons, family interaction dynamics, disorganization, and change is included.

Prerequisite: S110.

This course provides the student with an introduction to the science of population. It examines how population demographics impact all aspects of modern societies, including (but not limited to) poverty, illness and health, marriage and divorce, urbanization and political power. The student examines the various theoretical approaches to this science, as well as the value choices behind demographic policies.

Prerequisite: S110.

Individual research supervised by the department.

In this course the student starts on the thesis requirement for the social science and sociology majors. The student is expected to select a topic and design the research project. The course is conducted primarily on an independent basis in consultation with an advisor.

Prerequisite: S350.

In this course the student is expected to complete an original research project which is required for the Social Science and Sociology majors.

Prerequisite: S489.

This off-campus internship provides qualified juniors or seniors an opportunity to participate in field experience under the guidance and supervision of competent professionals.

Prerequisite: consent of department chair.

This in-depth paper, written under supervision of sociology faculty, involves an integration of theoretical and experience research related to the student’s social science or sociology internship.

Prerequisites: minimum 6-credit internship and consent of department chair.