Course | Description |
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SO 101 Introduction to Sociology | This course introduces students to the discipline of sociology as a systematic study of human behavior and society. This course explores the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives that sociologists use to analyze the social world. Emphasis will be on the social construction of reality, the influence of social structure, and the implications of social stratification. Adopting a sociological perspective, students will examine how, and in what way, our cultural values, norms, and belief systems shape their day-to-day lives. This course fulfills the Social Science General Education requirement. |
SO 102 Social Inquiry & Activism | Society is a contact sport. Through our beliefs about the world and the actions (or lack of actions) those beliefs inspire, we literally create social reality as we go along. This course helps prepares students to be responsible citizens in a participatory democracy by (1) challenging them to think critically about the reality claims in contemporary public discourse and (2) providing an in-depth introduction to social activism. |
SO 104 Social Inequality | This course explores the development, maintenance, and influence of various forms of social inequality in US society. Students will draw on sociological theories and concepts to explore how intersecting systems of inequality impact the outcomes of groups and the lived experiences of individuals. Paying particular attention to the role of social structure, students will explore how the unequal distribution of resources becomes embedded in cultural practices and everyday life. This course fulfills the Social Science General Education requirement. |
SO 201 Social Problems | The purpose of this course is to introduce students to some of the contemporary social problems and issues facing American society. Throughout the course, we will analyze the nature, causes, and consequences of these problems with an eye toward developing a critical understanding and exploring potential solutions. This course fulfills the Social Science General Education requirement. |
SO 301 Cultural Anthropology | Cultural anthropology is a unique field of study which examines humanity by exploring the social arrangements and customs of humans around the world and through history. We are able to better understand ourselves and our own social systems after looking at others, and this course will foster an understanding of cultural relativity which permits students to reexamine their own beliefs and assumptions about what is natural and unnatural. This course fulfills the Foreign Culture and Language General Education requirement. |
SO 306 Cultural Diversity: Ethnic and Racial Relations | This course familiarizes the student with the backgrounds and lifestyles of ethnic and racial minority groups within the United States. The emphasis is on the diversity within and the contributions made to our society by these groups. A variety of socio-cultural concepts (such as culture, race, ethnicity, cultural pluralism) and theories are covered to increase the student’s knowledge, awareness of, and understanding of the American cultural mosaic. This course fulfills the American History/Western Civilization General Education requirement. |
SO 320 Loss, Grief and Dying | This multi-disciplinary course is developed to sensitize students to the issues of loss, grief, and dying that are part of every individual's life experience. Students will explore their own relationship with death and various loss-related experiences and explore the ways in which societal attitudes influence how and when we die and how we live as we deal with the knowledge of death and loss. Subject matter will encompass a blend of psychological, socio-cultural and historical perspectives on death. Topics will include issues of loss related to relationships, social role change, and life-span development, as well as detailed discussions of topics surrounding death, dying, and loss experiences. Both the roles of the interpersonal self and the professional self in working with those encountering death and grief/loss will be explored. |
SO 332 Marriage and the Family | This course takes a close look at marriage, family, and alternative lifestyles. A major theme of the course is the tension between individuals and the societal environment in which they make their decisions. Increasing flexibility forces individuals to make many difficult choices with regard to family values and personal autonomy: often these decisions are being made in the context of conflicting cultural values. Another focus of the course is the shift from viewing marriage as an institution to viewing it as a relationship in which the partners expect to find companionship and intimacy. |