Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

LCS105

Elements of Organization - 3 Credits

Students need a basic understanding of how organizations work in order to manage their personal and professional lives. This course provides an interdisciplinary perspective on the foundations underlying all organizations (businesses, non-profit and governmental organizations) specifically as they relate to the nature of: management and leadership, economics both domestically and internationally, ethics, social responsibility, entrepreneurship, human resource management, marketing/advertising, e-commerce, information technology, accounting, investments, money and personal finances.

ENG110

College Writing - 3 Credits

This course is designed to develop and refine the analytical/critical reading skills and the substantive writing skills of freshmen.  This intensive writing class will focus on writing essays of varying length and expose students to the various rhetorical modes of writing that will contribute to their success in university courses and their chosen careers.

ENG120

College Writing II - 3 Credits

College Writing II looks to expand upon the writing skills attained in ENG110. As a student-centered course, students explore their own writing in peer, group, and self-review skill sessions. Students enhance self-editing skills and increase awareness of the revision skills needed in both college coursework and in careers. The course will further develop students' understanding of the writing process from pre-writing to final draft. This course encourages students to have their writing evaluated across the curriculum. The course culminates in a research essay and portfolio of original work.

Pre-requisite: ENG110.

COM107

Intro to Communications - 3 credits

This introductory course will focus on the knowledge and skills that students need to become competent communicators.  This information and these skills will include speaking, listening, media literacy, computer-mediated communication, cultural sensitivity, workplace communication, group dynamics, and critical thinking.  Students will prepare and present speeches and group projects that utilize media and technology.  Emphasis will be place on personal, social and workplace interaction both individually and in group settings.

CIS112

Introduction to Computing - 3 Credits

This course strives to meet the high level of computer literacy required of all students earning a degree from the university. Special emphasis is placed on the ethical use of computer technology for information analysis and communications. Computer units introduce the Internet, Windows, word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software. Students who feel they have attained computer literacy and earn 70 percent on an exemption exam may substitute any other 3-credit course for this core requirement. 

Students may prove competency by passing a waiver examination.  No credit is granted if the requirement is waived.

SOC420, SOC421

Issues in Contemporary Sociology I, II - 3 Credits each

These courses focus on special areas of interest, such as sociology of mental illness, death and dying, work and leisure, criminal justice, etc.

Prerequisite: SOC340, SOC341 (for both)

PHL203

Ethics - 3 Credits

This course includes an analysis of some of the major classical and contemporary ethical theories. Topics include ethical relativism, ethical absolutism, egoism, natural law, utilitarianism, and situation ethics. Application of ethical theories to moral issues in our society are discussed. Issues of pornography, abortion, euthanasia, affirmative action, capital punishment, and environmental issues may also be discussed.

SOC101

Principles of Sociology - 3 Credits

This course is an introduction to the basic concepts in Sociology and an analysis of culture, socialization, stratification, social organization, class, social interaction, social change, and conflict.

SOC301

Social Problems - 3 Credits

This course is an in-depth study of the major problems confronting society. Some of the problems studied include crime and violence, sexual inequalities and discrimination, health and illness, poverty and affluence, population and pollution, and crises in the institutions of the family, religion, economics, education, and the political system.

Prerequisite: SOC101.

SOC310

Social Stratification - 3 Credits

An examination of the causes and consequences of inequality historically, cross-culturally, in America and around the world, including difference in wealth, power and prestige. Also considered are the factors of race, ethnicity, age, and gender in social inequality.

Prerequisite: SOC101.

SOC340

Sociological Theory - 3 Credits

This course traces the development of sociological thought in the Western world from Comte to contemporary social theorists, including Durkheim, Marx, Weber, Simmel, Parsons, Merton, Goffman, Garfinkle, and Collins.

Prerequisite: SOC101.

SOC341

Research Methodology for the Social Sciences - 3 Credits

This course emphasizes the methods and techniques of research in psychology and sociology, including both laboratory and survey techniques. Emphasis is placed on the development of empirical questions from theory, research design and control, construction of survey instruments, statistical analysis, and interpretation of results. Exercises include development of an original research project appropriate to the students' major field.

Prerequisites: MAT220 and either PSY102 or SOC340.

SOC398, SOC399, SOC400

Internship in Sociology I, II, III - 3 Credits each

This course is a credit-bearing opportunity for students to apply sociology in a professional setting. Internships are arranged individually for each intern, and may include service in a variety of off-campus settings such as hospitals, residential treatment facilities, social welfare agencies, businesses, correctional and parole organizations, etc. To qualify for an internship, students must provide an acceptable written internship proposal, and must secure the cooperation of a faculty supervisor and a field supervisor at the site of the proposed internship. A minimum of 10 hours work per week at the internship site are required. (Students may have three different internship experiences).

Prerequisite: Junior Sociology Major.

MAT120

College Algebra - 3 Credits

This course provides a deeper understanding of the concepts of algebra including function applications, inequalities in two variables, matrix operations, linear programming, quadratic and polynomial applications, and solving rational and radical equations. This course is integrated with an online program designed to assist students in achieving their goals of high level performance in and out of the classroom. Course requires subscription to a supplementary online program.

Prerequisite: C or better in MAT102 or Department Permission.

MAT105

Quantitative Methods (course intended for non-business majors) - 3 Credits

This course surveys topics in elementary algebra, personal finance, probability, and statistics and is integrated with an online homework and tutorial program designed to assist students in achieving their goals of high level performance in and out of the classroom. Topics include solving algebraic equations, solving ratio and proportion problems, applications involving percentage and interest, applying the definition of probability, measures of central tendency, descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, graphical representation of data, and applications of the normal distribution. Topics focus on real-life situations, decision making skills, and problem solving. Some working knowledge of elementary algebra is expected. Course requires subscription to a supplementary online program. Scientific or graphing calculator strongly recommended.

MAT220

Statistics - 3 Credits

This course offers students an opportunity to experience statistics as it would occur in various settings. This course is integrated with a state of the art online program designed to assist students in achieving their goals of high level performance in and out of the classroom. Topics are presented through real life case studies and include an overview of the fundamentals of statistics, collective and descriptive statistic techniques, data collection and sampling, the normal distribution and probability, hypothesis testing, population inferences, simple linear regression, and correlation. An understanding of basic algebra is required. Course requires subscription to a supplementary online program. Scientific or graphing calculator and access to a spreadsheet program is recommended.

CSA101

Exploring Self: Inside Out - 3 credits

This course will focus on self-discovery and interaction with others to provide learners with the foundation for examining and further developing their own personal effectiveness. An environment of trust will be built within the class to enable individual and collective openness, discovery, and engagement in personal learning. The course will use experiential learning, personal reflection, and group interaction as primary approaches. This is a hybrid course, with classroom interaction time blended with online learning and interaction through the Blackboard learning management system.

CSA260

Professional Success Seminar - 1 credits

This course will enable students to develop their own individualized plans for personal, academic, and career success. Students will engage in self-evaluation exercises and highly interactive classroom activities to evaluate their own “fit” for certain careers. Students will also participate in resume and cover letter writing activities to prepare for the experiential learning of the next course. Students will establish short-term career goals and begin a career portfolio to be refined during successive semesters.

CSA400

Career Capstone - 2 credits

This course is the culmination of the career and self-awareness series, a comprehensive program for career and life planning. The course prepares students for a transition from university life to independent work life. Students will learn valuable financial and money management skills. Students will explore life balance issues, life roles, and self-concept as they relate to their future plans. Students will explore employment issues, such as the changing nature of work, diversity, trends, and job outlook. The course will require students to engage in networking and a job search with the goal of employment upon graduation. In addition, students who are seeking to enter graduate school will engage in the application process, including interviewing practice, and admissions essay writing.

Prerequisite: CSA260

SOC322

Criminology - 3 Credits

This course examines the origin, causes, history, and theories of crime. Special emphasis is placed on the criminal justice system from arrest to imprisonment, the careers of law enforcers and criminals, organized “white collar” crime, organized syndicate crime such as the Mafia, and the “victimless crimes” of prostitution, drug addiction, etc.

Prerequisite: SOC101.

SOC317

Alcohol & Drugs - 3 Credits

This course is concerned with the use patterns, distribution, and social control of drugs and alcohol in modern society. Special emphasis is given to heavy alcohol and drug usage and its impact on such areas as the family, health, crime and delinquency, and work. Cross-cultural comparisons are considered together with intra-cultural factors such as socio-economic patterns, ethnicity, gender, and urbanization. The approach is interdisciplinary and includes contributions from anthropology, social psychology, as well as sociology.

Prerequisite: SOC101.

SOC330

Juvenile Delinquency - 3 Credits

An overview of the study of criminal behaviors committed by youthful offenders.  The course includes an examination of the various theoretical frameworks developed to explain causation, rehabilitation and prevention.  The influences of the family, schools, gangs and the criminal justice system are also explored.

SOC321

Aging - 3 Credits

This course examines the physical, social, and psychological problems of the aging in contemporary society. Emphasis is placed on the concept of Sociology 203 aging from the early twenties throughout the life cycle. Specific attention is given to the relationship of aging to the family, work, and the community in historical and cross-cultural contexts.

Prerequisite: SOC101.

SOC326

Medical Sociology - 3 Credits

This course applies sociology to the field of medicine: social and cultural factors in the etiology of illness and wellness, the sick role, physician patient relationship, the social organization of the hospital, medical careers, and health care.

Prerequisite: SOC101.

HSV301

Interviewing Methods – 3 Credits

This course provides an opportunity to learn basic communication skills and interviewing techniques essential for working with people. An emphasis is placed on developing skills in listening, intake, assessment and evaluation, referral and report writing. Case studies will be used to explore typical presenting problems and appropriate responses.

HSV303

Introduction to Counseling – 3 Credits

This course provides an introduction to the basic principles, skills, methods and techniques employed in the counseling process. The focus is on establishing rapport, developing a therapeutic alliance, assessment, conceptualizing strategies for intervention, and the planning and delivering counseling services. The course will also promote exploration into personal values and professional ethics.

HSV309

Theories of Counseling – 3 Credits

This course will introduce the student to the basic concepts, theories and approaches that are applied to human services counseling. Students will compare and contrast the various theories that impact contemporary counseling including analytic, experiential, relational, action-oriented and systems approaches.

HSV330

Group Counseling – 3 Credits

This course presents a theoretical foundation for group process and counseling techniques. Students are introduced to the skills and requirements needed for effective group counseling including communication, leadership, problem solving, decision-making, and establishing group membership, norms and goals.

HSV368

Crisis Intervention - 3 Credits

This course provides an introduction to the concepts and strategies of crisis theory and practice carried out in a social-psychological and cultural framework. Effective crisis management is explored to learn how people feel, think, and behave during periods of crisis, and what strategies and resources are available to them.