38 courses with the subject SOC, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
SOC 1000Introduction to Sociology: The Sociological Imagination3
Fall and Spring Semesters This course serves as an introduction to the discipline of Sociology. Sociology is the study of human interaction and society. This includes both the power of individual actors and larger structures within society. Often times we may understand our decisions and actions to be entirely and exclusively our own, when in fact they are the complicated product of the interaction between ourselves and the institutions and structures of our society. In this course, we will begin to understand the interaction between society and the individual, and how sociologists study and explain social phenomena. Key concepts introduced include: culture, groups, socialization, social interaction, institutions, and inequality. This course meets the Curry Core Social Science Breadth and Information Literacy Enhancement requirements. Not open to students who have taken SOC 1000: Perspectives on Society and Culture or SOC 1000: Social Life.
Offered periodically within a three-year academic cycle This course examines the social significance of popular culture historically and in the contemporary era. Topic covered include theories of popular culture. Distinctions between “high” and “low” culture, domination and resistance in popular culture, the effect of mass culture on contemporary society, fan cultures, and “textual poaching.” In our examination of popular culture we will also learn about sociological theories and concepts. This course meets the Curry Core Social Science Breadth and Information Literacy Enhancement requirements. 456 / 615
SOC 1140Quantitative Data Analysis for the Social Sciences3
Fall and Spring Semesters This course provides students with an understanding of how social science research is conducted and how one systematically evaluates quantitative research reported in the social scientific literature. Traditional data analysis, including the topical areas of measures of central tendency and dispersion, probability, sampling distributions, and univariate and multivariate techniques for hypothesis testing are examined. Students learn how to select appropriate statistical tests and how to properly interpret results. Utilizing analysis software such as SPSS or MS Excel, students perform analysis on a variety of social science data. (Same course as CJ 1140). This course meets the Curry Core First Year Core Quantitative Literacy requirement.
Successful completion of MATH 1000 or demonstrated proficiency on the Mathematics Assessment.
SOC 2050Social Problems3
Offered periodically within a three-year academic cycle This course systematically analyzes a small selection of major contemporary social problems such as unemployment, environmental degradation and pollution, drugs, and crime, using current research and data. The focus of the course is on the sources, patterns, consequences, and current efforts at intervention and improvement of these problems, and understanding the complexity and interconnectedness of social problems. Understanding how a social problem is constructed and framed in popular media is an important part of understanding not only what is viewed as a social problem, but what we as a society conclude are viable solutions. This course meets the Curry Core Social Science Breadth or the Curry Core Diversity requirement.
Offered periodically within a three-year academic cycle Climate change has already begun to disrupt the Earth and society in many ways. It threatens the suitability of the Earth and therefore the future of society. As with other environmental justice issues, climate change threatens the most socially vulnerable among us both in the United States and globally. This course explores climate justice; the unfair and uneven way in which people in different areas of the country (and world) experience the effects of environmental harms caused by climate change. We will explore the links between climate change and socioeconomic factors such as race, class and gender. Emphasis will be placed on the connections between the climate crisis and power, inequality, resistance and social change. Students will critically analyze consumption, public opinion, and denial. Readings and current news on climate issues and movements will guide students as they explore the agendas and methods of various organizations and campaigns, and develop hands-on group projects that serve to apply this knowledge to local or regional efforts around climate and energy issues. Topics include: conflicts over natural resources, climate refugees, forms of resistance including divestment, and uneven adverse health outcomes caused by climate change. 457 / 615
Offered periodically within a three-year academic cycle In this course, students will explore the disproportionate burdens of environmental contamination and environmental health disparities affecting marginalized communities. Race, class, and gender as well as other socioeconomic factors influence access to a clean environment. We will analyze the concept, available research, and how communities and groups have organized to improve the environments in their neighborhoods, cities, and on native lands. We will also explore the larger environmental justice movement; beginning in the U.S and which is now global. Both the causes and consequences of policies to eradicate these disparities will be examined. Topics include: The Superfund program, clean-up and restoration of contaminated sites, cancer and health disparities research, privatization of water, and hydraulic fracking. Throughout the course case studies are drawn upon to illustrate ideas and facilitate learning. Students will be asked to engage in problem solving and action in their own environments. This course meets the Curry Core Diversity requirement or the International/Global Interdependence requirement.
Offered periodically within a three-year academic cycle An analysis of urban social systems with a focus on life-styles and change in contemporary American society. The course will center on ethnicity and ethnic groups, using cross-cultural case studies, data on immigrants, and life-styles and family framework. Emphasis will be placed on strategies groups employ to manage and effect political and economic change in an urban ethnic setting. (Same course as CJ 2160). This course meets the Curry Core Diversity requirement.
Offered periodically within a three-year academic cycle Explores the US immigration system, including past and current legislation, migrant admission categories and the visa system, as well as the role of the Department of Homeland Security in immigration processes. The course will utilize sociological perspectives to examine why people migrate, types of immigrants, and their experiences in that process. The relationship between stereotypes about immigration and crime will be critically examined. Immigration systems in other countries will be contrasted with the US system, including the global impact of out- migration. (Same course as CJ 2175). The course meets the Curry Core International/Global Interdependence requirement.
SOC 2340Developing a Foundation for Success: Wellness, Internships and Employment3
Fall and Spring Semesters This course is about you—your interests, values, personal qualities, and work interests/workstyle—and the skills and experiences you want to develop to achieve your academic and career goals. You will use internship search strategies, evaluate internship opportunities of interest to you, and go through a mock internship application process by creating a professional resume, cover letter, and reference list. You will complete a career interest assessment, explore, and assess career options, and engage in career research and analysis of required skills, experience, career pathways, occupational outlook and earnings estimates to shape your career goals and plans. This course may not be used to fulfill requirements for the SOC or CJ minor. (Same course as CJ 2340). This course is a prerequisite requirement in order to complete a for-credit SOC/CJ Internship.
Fall and Spring Semesters Examines how cultural and individual human differences intersect with the criminal justice system. The course will explore the interaction of the criminal justice system with issues of race, gender, age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, physical and mental disabilities, culture, religion, and other human differences. The focus will be on how human differences impact all people within the criminal justice system, including victims, offenders, and service providers and how the criminal justice system responds to and/or should respond to human differences, with an emphasis on providing positive solutions and social justice. (Same course as CJ 2350). This course meets the Curry Core Diversity requirement.
Offered periodically within a three-year academic cycle In this course, students will learn how social policies are one of the most powerful means for reducing inequalities and improving society’s well-being. Students will critically analyze social policies with attention to: values and assumptions; strengths and weaknesses; evolving population needs; and input from various stakeholders. Current social policies will be placed in context with their historical, philosophical, ethical, and political roots and rationale. Impact on communities, implementation and effectiveness of policies, as well as social justice involvement and implications, will be emphasized. Social policies that may be addressed include: education, aging, poverty, health, homelessness, immigration, workplace, family, and environment. This course meets the Curry Core Diversity Requirement.
SOC 2490Grassroots: Organizing, Leadership and Social Change3
Offered periodically within a three-year academic cycle This course serves as an introduction to community organizing and similar forms of activism and advocacy. The course material combines theory, case studies, and practical guides that will help students develop the knowledge, skills, and leadership potential necessary to create social change from the bottom up. Students will actively practice what they learn in the classroom through a semester-long community-based action project. This course meets the Curry Core Diversity and Curry Core Active Learning requirements.
Fall and Spring Semesters This course will critically examine qualitative and quantitative research methods used by social scientists to study the social world. The ways in which social scientists study societies and social issues are carefully examined. This course will challenge students to think more critically about the science of research methods and to become critical thinkers and examiners of data about social life. (Same course as CJ 2600).
Offered periodically within a three-year academic cycle A popular image of the “family” is that of a male father and female mother and their children; a self-contained entity. This course explores why that image does not match reality and demonstrates that there are many different kinds of family, kinship, and household arrangements. These variations are the products of custom, and are influenced by social, economic, and political variables/realities. The course examines the various forms families can take, the various roles family members perform, and the function of families in social life. Recent challenges to traditional families, the result of the struggles of people to survive and adapt to a wide range of societal situations, challenges, and changes will be considered. This course meets the Curry Core Diversity requirement.
*Course may be used as an elective after core requirement is satisfied Electives (5 courses/15 credits) 15 Students must take 5 courses/15 credits at the 2000- or 3000-level with at least 1 from 3000-level. These courses may also be used toward a concentration. Elective options include any course with a SOC designation or cross- listing. Sociology courses used toward concentrations may be used to meet elective requirements (CJ only courses CJ 2170, CJ 3300 and CJ 3212 may not.) Requirements in Related Areas: CJ/SOC 2340 Developing Foundations for Success 3 CJ/SOC 3901 College to Career Transitions 1 SURVIVOR/VICTIM ADVOCACY CONCENTRATION AND MINOR The concentration, by promoting empathy and human rights, helps prepare students for careers in informed advocacy for people who have witnessed or have been victimized by crime. Also available as a minor for students outside of the major. 215 / 615
Offered periodically within a three-year academic cycle Most accounts of health, medicine, and the body focus on biological and physiological factors. Sociology argues that health, illness, and our bodies are deeply social. Health and illness shape how we perceive ourselves and how others perceive us, and are therefore part of our social identities. Access to health care is unequal—due to political, geographic, social and economic forces—which means our mortality and health experiences are social. Politicking and economic bargaining often influence medical policies and institutions; even other institutions, like religion and education, play a role here. Medical knowledge is not purely objective, but is shaped by social dynamics and in turn, medical knowledge shapes societal beliefs. Finally, health social movements shape the treatment, experiences, and visibility of diseases and disabilities. The experience of illness, the social and cultural factors of health and disease, the institution of medicine and its global history will be the focus of this class. Students will be asked to complicate purely biological understandings of health and disease, and reckon with the complex history of medicine. This course meets the Curry Core Diversity requirement.
SOC 1000 or one Curry Core Social Science breadth course.
SOC 3390Crisis Intervention3
Offered periodically within a three-year academic cycle Designed to familiarize participants with a definition of crisis from the standpoint of the individual, the family, and a larger social context. Students will develop a specialized understanding of life crises such as adolescence, family violence, and disaster from the perspective of systems theory, learning theory, and developmental theory, using ethnographic materials. Operational models of intervention will be examined. (Same course as SWK 3390). 464 / 615
Synthesizing theory and research requires critical reflection and evaluation. Students draw on their acquired knowledge to demonstrate a strong understanding of the discipline through actively doing sociology. Graduating seniors are asked to integrate sociological knowledge, theory, methods, research design, and action to create and complete EITHER a research project on an approved topic OR act as a Teaching Assistant for an introductory sociology course and creating their own Sociology syllabus and lecture. The course will help the student prepare for their own professional journey post-graduation, whether that be transitioning to work in the field, professional advancement, and/or pursuing graduate school. Students may take this course more than one time for credit. Signature of Chair required. This course meets the Curry Core Active Learning requirement.
