10 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.
The course is concerned with cultural and social processes, collective behavior, stratification and mobility, race relations, human ecology, population trends, and the changing social world. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
Students will acquire an awareness regarding the concepts of juvenile delinquency, the sociological and developmental views of delinquency as well as environmental influences. Selected theories on delinquency and causes of juvenile delinquency will be presented. The role of the different components of the juvenile justice system including the police, courts, and correctional facilities will be discussed; their impact on prevention and rehabilitation will be emphasized. Juvenile justice advocacy, intervention, preventions and the future of juvenile delinquency and juvenile justice will also be presented. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
This course will introduce the central sociological concepts of deviance, social order, social power, identity construction, and identity management. We will use the topic of deviance to see how groups of people have the power to shape social definitions and apply them onto others. We will then look at the consequences for those defined as deviant of this label. We will look at how people come to develop a deviant identity and what that means to them in the exercise of their everyday lives. Note: This is a reading and writing intensive course. Assigned readings are designed to take us through the material in an interesting and informative manner, and the writing assignments are intended to help you develop your critical thinking and communicative skills. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
The aim of this course is to identify patterns of drug use and abuse within a historical, legal and sociological context, to familiarize students with methods of intervention and treatment, and to develop a more accurate understanding of the effects of various drugs on the individual and society. The course will focus on both recreational and therapeutic drugs and on both illicit and licit drugs, and explore the current issues surrounding the topic, including issues such as the legalization of cannabis, the therapeutic uses of psychedelic drugs, and ethical issues connected with the pharmaceutical industry. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
This course is a broad overview of the core elements in population studies: fertility, mortality, and migration. This course pays particular attention to the causes and consequences of population change. Changes in fertility, mortality, migration, as well as technology, lifestyle, and culture have dramatically affected the nations of the world. These changes have implications for a number of areas: hunger, disease, environmental degradation, health services, household formation, the labor force, care for the elderly, birth control, poverty, urbanization, business, and many other areas of interest. Understanding demographic processes is critical to understanding any social science and can contribute to understanding other disciplines as well. Through readings, discussion, and hands-on research, students will develop skills for thinking strategically about the problems and issues facing the world in the present and future, as well as opportunities for developing diverse responses and solutions. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
This course introduces students to Gender and Diversity Studies, an interdisciplinary field of academic study. The course surveys contemporary gender issues, focusing on the social construction of race, sexuality, and gender and the relationship of gender to the self, others, and society. Along with the focus on the U.S., the course incorporates international perspectives on gender constructions and experiences. This course aims to connect our academic explorations with our lived experiences. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
This course explores the sociological implications of book censorship and challenges to literary freedom. Students will analyze why certain books have been banned or challenged in different cultural and historical contexts, examining the social, political, and moral factors that drive censorship. The course will cover themes such as freedom of speech, cultural control, identity, and power dynamics, with a focus on how banned literature reflects and shapes societal values. Through discussions, readings, and research projects, students will critically engage with the role of literature in society and its impact on social change. 3 Hours, 1 Semester Return to Table of Contents Nichols College 2026-2027 Catalog 161
This course examines in depth a major issue, problem, or theme in the area of sociology. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
The Nichols College Third-Year Experience course offers students an immersive, hands-on opportunity to explore the complexities of social responsibility from global to local levels. Designed to be unique, memorable, and engaging, the course challenges students to think critically and act collaboratively to address pressing real-world problems, focusing on advocacy and community building. Students will engage in experiential learning activities that emphasize teamwork, problem-solving, and project-based work. Through partnership with local organizations and community leaders, students will tackle pressing issues such as sustainability, climate change, ethical leadership, or food insecurity. Specific societal challenges will be selected each semester based on community needs and faculty guidance, allowing for diverse, contemporary, and relevant topics. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
In this course, students will have an immersive opportunity to explore the complexities of social responsibility from global to local levels. Designed to be individualized and meaningful, students will select an important issue facing society and their community for in- depth examination. The course will challenge students to think critically and creatively, proposing realistic and novel solutions to address real-world problems. Designed for Undergraduate Online (UGO) students only. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
Source: Nichols College's catalog, linked per course · table learning_unit · CourseShelf publish 61
