Sociology (SOC)

SOC 151   Introduction to Sociology 3 credits

This course will promote sociological imagination, a common-sense approach to culture, politics, history, and psychology, and empower evidence-based reasoning. This course provides an empirical investigation into theory, family dynamics, cultural inequities, organizations, capitalism, democracy, and globalization in application-based exercises, albeit promoting critical thinking and problem skills developing a deeper understanding of social sciences.

SOC 196   Servant and Ethical Leadership 3 credits

This course focuses on servant leadership and faith-based intervention, collaboration, and practices as grounding for the action work toward change advocacy. At an intrapersonal level, students will explore culturally dynamic populations developing community relationships within the human service context that creates them for the sake of the common good.

SOC 243   Social Theory 3 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 151)

SOC 338   Minority Groups 3 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 151)

SOC 343   Social Welfare as an Institution 3 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 151)

SOC 412   Class and Community 3 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 versus responsibilities forms the basis of inquiry into the individual-community relationship. (Prerequisite: SOC 151)

SOC 424   Social Organization 3 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 151)

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 151)

SOC 498   Sociology Internship: Leadership in Community Service and Engagement 1-15 credits

The internship provides the student with firsthand experience in work setting providing services that pertain to the student's major and field of interest. The student learns to apply theories, concepts, and principles learned in the classroom. In conjunction with the university supervisor, the student selects a suitable internship site that meets the needs and interests of the student and the organization in which they serve. (Prerequisites: SOC 151, SOC 358, SOC 359)