SOC 152   Introduction to Sociology 4 credits

This course provides an introduction to the systematic study of society and social behavior. Investigation will focus on the values and norms shared by society's members, the groups and institutions that compose social structure, and the forces that are transforming social reality.

SOC 203   Correctional Ministry 2 credits

This course is designed to change the fundamental perceptions which most people commonly hold toward those who are incarcerated and to understand them without fear, prejudice, or personal judgment, to view both crime and correction from a spiritual perspective, and to offer strategies which will aid prisoners with the process of reentry.

SOC 252   Social Problems 4 credits

Students identify and analyze social problems that are social-structure in origin and discuss potential responses. Using the concept of sociological imagination, the problems of individual members of society are seen within the broader context of society as a whole. Specific social problems studied include drug abuse, poverty, crime, and aging.

SOC 253   Marriage and Family 4 credits

This course considers the family as one of the primary social institutions within the larger social system. It explores the family's internal structure and functioning, how it serves the needs of both individuals and society, how it is changing in contemporary American society, and the societal challenges of families in crisis. (Prerequisite: SOC 152)

SOC 256   Introduction to Criminal Justice 4 credits

The course uses a sociological perspective to analyze the meaning of crime for a society, theories of criminal behavior and crime prevention. Emphasis is placed on understanding the law enforcement, judicial and corrections systems. Current issues such as police discretion, gun control, capital punishment and corporate crime are examined. (Prerequisite: SOC 152)

SOC 325   Minnesota Criminal Codes and Statutes 2 credits

The course covers the elements and effects of the Minnesota Criminal Code. Students study basic procedural law; crimes against persons, crimes against property, juvenile law, traffic law, and laws relating to domestic violence. Pertinent court cases are discussed in relation to each topic. (The course is required for students who intend to take the POST exam for Minnesota law enforcement officers.) Prerequisite: SOC 152

SOC 351   Juvenile Justice 4 credits

The course examines the nature and extent of juvenile crime in American society. It includes an analysis of the historical and intellectual foundations of the juvenile justice system and the interpretation of Constitutional law as applied to children. Emphasis is placed on the role of the family and community in the prevention and treatment of delinquency. (Prerequisites: SOC 152, SOC 256)

SOC 352   Police and Community 4 credits

Though this course addresses the primary purposes and functions of policing, instructional priorities include scientific police management; the dynamics of community policing; theories underlying crime prevention and control; the ability of law enforcement of effectively address cultural diversity, police ethics; emerging technologies; and the application of Constitutional and Minnesota State law and procedures to current practice. (Prerequisites: SOC 152, SOC 256)

SOC 353   Themes in Adult Development and Aging with a Lifespan Perspective 4 credits

This course explores a variety of themes in development throughout the lifespan beginning with youth and ending in the last stages of adulthood including aging, death and dying. Lifespan, sociological, psychological, and family science perspectives will be used to examine a variety of themes. (Prerequisite: SOC 152)

SOC 354   Sociology of Law 4 credits

This course examines the formal, public responses to crime. It includes a discussion of the nature of criminal law and its purposes and the classification and grading of various criminal wrongs. Case law examples are used to enable students to understand, critique and apply criminal laws to situations in contemporary society. (Prerequisites: SOC 152, SOC 256 or consent of instructor)

SOC 357   Class and Community 4 credits

This course analyzes the nature and functions of American social class and community life. The primary focus is on patterns of social in equality and resulting systems of stratification, both of which are evaluated in terms of their consequences for the individual and the community. The debate of rights verses responsibilities forms the basis of inquiry into the individual-community relationship. (Prerequisite: SOC 152)

SOC 358   Minority Groups 4 credits

Students study various racial, ethnic, and other social groups in the broad context of American society. Attention is given to the concept of minority status as it relates to prejudices, discrimination and segregation in contemporary life. (Prerequisite: SOC 152)

SOC 359   Social Welfare as an Institution 4 credits

This course examines basic social welfare theory and methods in order to understand the structure and function of public and private welfare in American society. Social welfare is examined as part of the larger American social structure, reflecting cultural values as well as political and economic processes. Attention is given to several areas of social welfare in which specialization has occurred, including work with the elderly, the chemically dependent and battered children and adults. (Prerequisite: SOC 152)

SOC 451   Social Psychology 4 credits

Students examine how the individual's personality, behavior and attitudes are shaped through interaction with others. The course deals with such issues as conformity, persuasion, aggression, altruism, and attraction. Individual behavior is understood in light of symbolic communication and the social construction of the self. (Prerequisite: SOC 152 or PSY 101)

SOC 452   Social Organization 4 credits

This course addresses the fundamental question of how and why social organization is possible. Attention is given to major concepts and theories of social structure, forms of social organization (groups, communities, networks, formal organizations), basic social processes (integration, differentiation, regulation, change), the emergence of social organization from individual decision-making, and the sociology of work and occupations. (Prerequisite: SOC 152)

SOC 453   Social Theory 4 credits

This class provides an overview of classic and contemporary theory including a discussion of the works of Karl Marx, Max Webber, Georg Simmel, Emile Durkheim, George Herbert Mead, Talcott Parsons, Ralf Dahrendorf, Anthony Giddens, and others. Social theory is examined as a continually evolving process that both inspires and enlightens sociological research. **This course serves as the capstone experience for the sociology major. (Prerequisite: SOC 152)

SOC 488   Independent Study 1-4 credits

With the help of an instructor, students design their own learning activities, which may include readings, independent research, projects, and papers. (Prerequisite: SOC 152)

SOC 498   Internship 1-15 credits

Students participate in internships in social service agencies, local government, urban studies and related fields of interest under supervision of field professionals and staff members of the sociology department. (Prerequisites: SOC 152; sociology majors only)