Sociology

An introduction to and overview of the field of sociology. Gives students a basic working knowledge of the major institutions present in American society and their relationship to power, conflict, and social change.

This course is designed to introduce students to a variety of contemporary social problems. Using sociological theory and concepts, students will come to better understand potential origins and remedies of modern-day social concerns.

This course provides an overview of the nature of crime, causes of criminal behavior, and the main sources of crime data. Major emphasis is given to the principal theories of criminality and the application of these theories to contemporary crime issues. A discussion of the characteristics and behavioral patterns of the offender will be included as well as the relevance of these factors for prediction, prevention, and control of crime.

This course explores the nature and extent of juvenile delinquency in the United States. An emphasis will be placed on the biological, sociological, and psychological factors contributing to the phenomenon of juvenile delinquency. Examines the history, philosophy, and development of the American juvenile and family court system with an emphasis on the rights of juveniles, dispositional alternatives, and current trends.

This course is designed to assist students in developing a sociological imagination through an examination and analysis of literature. Works of fiction and nonfiction can serve as effective vehicles for social commentary, analysis, and criticism. To that end, this course will examine key social relations, concepts, and theoretical models, using a sociological perspective, through the study of literary texts.

This course is a sociological analysis of gender in a variety of socio-economic and cultural contexts. After exploring the origins and evolution of gender, students analyze both the social construction of gender and the gendered structure of social life in contemporary U.S. society. The course examines the impact gender has on the lives of women and men in the areas of family, education, work, friendship, love, sexuality and violence.

This course is designed to illuminate the relationship between society and the environment. Particular attention will be given to the issues of sustainability and justice. Topics include the means of production, consumption, population, health and legislation. After completing this course, students will be able to apply sociological theory to environmental concerns utilizing critical analysis that examines both the social institutions of society and the practices of individuals.