31 courses with the subject SO, 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.
SO 110The Origins of Human Society3
An anthropological perspective on earlier forms of human culture in prehistory are examined. Topics include non-human primates; presapient hominids; the origin of language; field methods in archaeology; Paleolithic cultures; people living in a variety of environments with subsistence patterns ranging from foraging to early agriculture; and the rise of early civilizations.
This course is a close-up look at the peoples and places of the world. Historically, humankind is traced from its origins 200,000 years ago to the present, including the migrations from Africa throughout the Eurasian Landmass to the New World. Geographically and culturally, the variety of human homelands is noted and our many forms of family, religion, education, economics, and politics are examined.
This course examines the general concepts and theories in cultural anthropology. The focus is on the analysis of selected primitive socie- ties of the world; the comparative study of social structures, eco- nomic organization, and social institutions; and the application of an- thropological methods to the study of modern societies.
The main focus of this course is on the major elements and dynamics of family life. While emphasis is placed on the prominent patterns of family life in America, this course also explores global cultural varia- tions in what constitutes a family and what family life consists of. Some of the major topics are courtship, mate selection, and marital and parental roles.
Study of selected social problems including issues of living in an ur- ban society; poverty, violence, racism, and sexism within the context of their historical development and with consideration of the value issues involved. Students may have the opportunity to perform com- munity service learning.
SO 255Sociological Perspectives on Religion and Cults3
This course will examine the beliefs and practices of the institution of religion from a sociological point of view. The course will survey why societies and individuals adopt religious beliefs, how the various rituals and practices of religion are chosen and how these practices impact upon the society as a whole as well as upon individuals. Alt- hough traditional, mainstream religions will be a major area of focus, the course will also examine new religious movements and cults. Topics that will be investigated include the sociological history of re- ligion, explanations for evil, superstition and the supernatural, reli- gious intolerance and aggression, and faith in other contexts.
The general theme is that of the interdependence of the world’s peo- ple, ecology, economy, political systems, and technical systems. The major focus is on the interdependence of the United States and the Third World. Sociology, as well as concepts from history, econom- ics, political science, anthropology, and geography will be used to understand the roots and contemporary status of global interdepend- ence. Formerly SW 333PG and PO 335PG. (See PO 320)
This course will focus on personal, institutional, and cultural levels of ethnic group formation, development, and maintenance in the United States. Several theoretical perspectives and current empirical studies with regard to ethnicity, ethnic group salience, prejudice, and discrimination will be discussed and examined in relation to behavior toward ethnic group members. Personal value positions and priorities will be discussed. Topics include immigration, intermarriage, social programs and affirmative action, civil rights movements and counter- movements.
An inquiry into the field of child welfare, a term used broadly to in- clude activities which promote the welfare of children. Specific at- tention is given to the actual services provided in the contemporary United States. These services are examined in view of their historical, political, socio-economic, and particularly legal contexts and are compared to child welfare systems in other countries. (See SW 331)
This course serves as an introduction to the historical origins and contemporary development of African-American communities. We will focus on issues that shape the social fabric of African-American communities. We will discuss evidence of prejudice and discrimina- tion against African-Americans as reflected in societal patterns. We will also identify aspects of gender and class privilege as they relate to African-American communities. The parallel systems of domination and resistance will also be analyzed. Readings, lectures, films, and di- alogue are the main forms of learning.
SO 339Organizational Behavior: Uses and Abuses of Power
and Authority (3) A study of socio-political forces which affect the work lives of organ- izational participants. This course examines the uses and abuses of power within and between modern formal organizations. (See SW 339)
An inquiry into psychological, sociological, cultural, biological, and spiritual aspects of aging. A major focus of the course is on the needs of the elderly and the government’s response to those needs. Students may have opportunities to perform community service. (See SW 342)
An investigation of a variety of aspects of the delivery of health care in the United States. Attention will be given to the socio-cultural in- fluences upon health and illness. Ethical issues raised by medical and technological advances will be discussed. (See SW 440)
Sports have played a vital role in contemporary American culture, especially over the last hundred years. Sports provide a useful win- dow into many aspects of a society, especially in relation to the or- ganization of society and the experiences of many groups of people. Events in the wide world of sports can have significance beyond a single game, season, or sport. This course will examine the nature of various sports and their changing impact on American society. We will consider the relationship between sports and such issues as race, ethnicity, class and gender in order to determine how developments in sports have influenced, and have been influenced by, American society and culture. Other themes include the political economy of sports, the effects sports can have on children’s development, and the close connection between the media and both professional and amateur sports.
An exploration of issues in our understanding and assessment of na- tional leaders, with particular reference to George Washington, Si- mon Bolivar, and the struggles for independence in the Americas; questions include why we call some leaders good and others bad, what their rights and responsibilities are, and how we decide if they have succeeded or failed. Readings of major political thinkers such as Plato, Machiavelli, and de Tocqueville.
