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 198   Servant and Ethical Leadership 4 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 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 220   Class & Community 3 credits

This course analyses the nature, functions, and tensions of American social classes and community life. The primary focus is on the historical and modern expressions of stratification, which are evaluated in terms of their consequences for the individual and the community. The debate and tensions of rights versus responsibilities form the basis of inquiry into the individual-community relationship. (Prerequisites: SOC 151, SOC 198, CJU 200 and PSY 201)

SOC 225   Minority Groups 3 credits

This course explores and analyses the various racial, ethnic and socially marginalized groups. Further exploration is made on the psychology of diversity examining possible systemic and historical considerations as they relate to modern issues. Attention is given to understanding minority and majority issues and how they relate to prejudices, discrimination and segregation in contemporary life. Further, how these issues affect access to areas such as education; employment; acquiring shelter etc.. Also explored is the individual and corporate role such as the role of organizations, policy makers and government agencies. Students will select and engage directly with a social group and/or organization to gain an enhanced understanding of the dynamics and effects of a minority and majority status and propose possible methods for understanding and proposed solutions.

SOC 236   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. Examinations of social problems both globally and domestically are made focusing on the American social structure. Explorations will highlight broad historical trends and explanations of today’s social controversies, built upon the understanding, and use of sociological theory, which ties facts together to create meaning and deepen insight. Attention is given to several areas of social welfare in which specialization has occurred, such as work with the elderly, poverty, gender inequality; and people experiencing homelessness.

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 151)

SOC 311   Social Theory 3 credits

This class provides an overview of the history of sociological theory, exploring classical and contemporary theories and how these are expressed in society through examinations, discussions and applications of the works of Karl Marx, Max Weber, Georg Simmel, Emile Durkheim, George Herbert Mead, and others. Social theory is examined as a continually evolving process that both inspires and enlightens sociological research.

SOC 321   Social Organization 3 credits

This course will theories and analysis of social organization in its historical and present context. Emphasis will be on the interrelationship between individuals and other institutions and as 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, and formal organizations), basic social processes (integration, differentiation, regulation, and change), the emergence of social organization from individual decision-making, and the sociology of work and occupations

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 151)

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 versus responsibilities forms the basis of inquiry into the individual-community relationship. (Prerequisite: SOC 151)

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 151)

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 151)

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 151)

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 151)

SOC 476   Sociology Capstone Portfolio 4 credits

This Sociology Capstone course is an integral component to enhance a student’s total academic experience through a Portfolio model used throughout their academic Sociology journey. Students will design a personalized Portfolio consisting of personal and professional artifacts linking theoretical, conceptual, and practical experiences to examine, challenge, question, and broaden their educational experience. This course will further expose students to an opportunity to formalize their career goals. (Prerequisites: SOC 151, SOC 198, SOC 220, SOC 225, SOC 236, SOC 311, SOC 498, and SOC 321)

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)