201: Introduction to Sociology – 3 credits
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.
202: Problems of Modern Society – 3 credits
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.
209: Methods of Social Science Research – 3 credits
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 questionnaires, interviews, experiments, observation, and evaluation; the organization and analysis of data; graph and table construction and interpretation; the common problems of empirical and social research; and research ethics. Cross listed with CJ209.
212: Cultural Anthropology – 3 credits
Principles and methods in the comparative study of cultures. An examination of the concepts and theories in terms of which cultural anthropology is pursued.
214: Racial and Cultural Minorities – 3 credits
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.
320: Drugs and Society – 3 credits
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. Cross-listed with CJ320.
325: Deviance – 3 credits
This course explores the lives of people who differ form what others within a social order define as “normal” topics include the process of social definition of what counts as deviant; the organizations, rules, and practices of deviant subcultures; and the formation, management, and transformation of deviant identity. Students will also be introduced to a wide range of theories of deviance and deviant behavior. Prerequisite: CJ201 or permission of instructor required. Cross-listed with CJ325.
330: Military Sociology – 3 credits
Military Sociology: 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. Course taught in spring every other year.
402: Law and Society – 3 credits
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 CJ402.