SOC

This course provides an introduction to the discipline of sociology, its major concepts, theories, and research methods, as well as key findings in the field. Using scientific and theoretical principles, students learn about the relationship between social organization, group dynamics, and human behavior, and about the functions of institutions such as religion, family, economy, government, education, the media, and medicine. Sub-topics include culture and identity development; group formation and dynamics; urban life and social change; causes and consequences of social inequality in areas of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and social class.

This course examines the aging process and problems of aged people. The biological, psychological and sociological dimensions of aging are explored. Implications for social policy will be addressed.

This course examines the family as a social institution and explores its functions, structure, structure and change. The family in a multicultural environment is examined and a comparative approach is applied. Challenges of modern times are addressed.

This course focuses on the interactions between the natural environment, social organizations, and social behavior, with studies of the social factors that cause environmental problems, the societal impacts of those problems, and societal efforts to solve these problems. The course explores issues of science and technology, popular culture, economics, urbanization, racial and gender relations, as well as social movements. This course develops a broad understanding of society and environmental issues.

This course examines the dysfunctions and contradictions in social institutions, structures and processes. The role of power in social and individual problems is emphasized.

The course examines the diversity of world religions and their structure and functions from the sociological perspectives. The role of religion in pluralistic societies will be explored. The conflicting trends of fundamentalism and secularization will also be addressed.

This course covers historical and contemporary as well as philosophical and scientific approaches to the understanding of criminal behavior. Medical, psychological, political, economic and sociological dimensions will be explored. Crime statistics are also examined.

This course examines the structure, functions, and conflicts associated with race and ethnic relations, and the interaction between minority and majority groups. Emphasis is placed on the intersection of race, ethnicity, gender, class and religion and its impact on racial/ethnic identities. Historical and contemporary experiences of various racial/ethnic groups will be explored and various sociological perspectives will be applied. Race and ethnic relations will be explored from both the national (U.S.) and the global perspectives.

This course offers an introduction to the main concepts and methods of social research. It is designed to develop an understanding of scientific methods of inquiry. Both quantitative and qualitative methods are covered. Students gain expertise in report writing. Creative and critical thinking skills are also emphasized.