SO 101. Introduction to Sociology
This course gives an understanding of and a feeling for the society in which we live. The concepts and theories discussed relate to humanity, its culture and society, and to those forces that contribute to the smooth operation of this society as well as those forces that contribute to conflict and social problems. Topics include culture, socialization, stratification, population, and patterns of social organization.
Credits: 3
SO 202. Marriage and Family Living
This course explores two of the major social institutions, marriage and family. Sociological theory provides an understanding of the interconnection between these institutions and other social institutions, such as the economy, religion, education, and government. Changing forms and functions of marriage and family are examined in historical and cross-cultural perspectives, while aspects and issues confronting contemporary families are topics of importance. Prerequisite: SO101 Introduction to Sociology.
Credits: 3
SO 203. Urban Sociology
This course traces the history of cities and urban development. It examines urban areas as dynamic centers of opportunity and social change on macro and micro levels. Incorporating insights and theories drawn from sociology and related disciplines, it looks at the impact of the global environment on cities of today. Prerequisite: SO101 Introduction to Sociology.
Credits: 3
SO 204. Contemporary Issues in Society
This course examines current and persistent social issues confronting human society. Emphasis is placed on analysis of the history, causes, and dimensions of social issues such as population, the urban environment, consumer concerns, poverty, cri me and criminal justice, racism, sexism, and drug and alcohol abuse. Prerequisite: SO101 Introduction to Sociology.
Credits: 3
SO 205. Racial and Ethnic Minorities
This course explores racial and ethnic subcultures that exist in American society. The emphasis is on those values and behaviors that contribute to the social boundaries of the group, provide a structure for interaction with outside groups, and maintain the group’s integrity as a minority subculture. The adaptive strategies employed by minorities as well as dimensions of disadvantage experienced by minorities within American society are explored. Prerequisite: SO101 Introduction to Sociology.
Credits: 3
SO 206. The Social Significance of Gender
This course assumes that human life is gendered and that gendered social expectations limit and enrich individuals and groups. Theories of sex and gender development, the history of social movements related to gender equity, and the impact of intersecting systems of stratification are emphasized. The influence of social forces including biology, religion, family, sexuality, education, the polity, economics, media, law, medicine, social sciences, social policy, and systems of stratification are examined. Prerequisite: SO101 Introduction to Sociology.
Credits: 3
SO 207. Sociology: Comparative Religion
This course utilizes a socio-historical and comparative approach to study the development of world religions, their basic beliefs, and the relationship between religion and society. As one of the oldest of all social institutions, religion has been and continues to be a major force within society and thus this course looks at the impact these belief systems have on our world. No one religion is emphasized; rather the sociological functions of religion and how religions serve these functions within their historical and cultural context are compared and contrasted. Prerequisite: SO101 Introduction to Sociology.
Credits: 3
SO 208. Sociology of Aging
Societies throughout the world address issues associated with the aging in a variety of ways, including how societies define the role of the elderly and how social institutions adapt to changes in the elderly population. This course explores historical developments, cross-cultural adaptations, societal problems, and issues related to health and well-being of aging populations. Prerequisite: SO101 Introduction to Sociology.
Credits: 3
SO 210. Deaf Culture and Community
This course introduces aspects of deaf culture and the deaf community. The distinctions between the two are reviewed and characteristics of both are identified. The language, norms of behavior, values, traditions and possessions (materials) of the deaf are covered. The evolution of a pathological view of the deaf to a cultural one is analyzed from a historical and sociological perspective. Intercultural issues relating to the role of hearing people within the deaf community are covered.
Credits: 3