DEPARTMENT OF
PSYCHOLOGY AND SOCIOLOGY
Chair: Dr. John R.
Hester
Faculty: Barnes-Young,
Bridger, Broughton, Brunk, Dorsel, Eargle, Hester, F. Hughes, Hunter,
PSYCHOLOGY – The Department
of Psychology and Sociology offers an undergraduate psychology major along with
a minor and collateral. The purpose of the undergraduate major is to provide
students with an understanding of psychology as the science of behavior and
experience including the major theories and issues within psychology; to
emphasize the role of the liberal arts in higher education and personal
development; to promote an appreciation for individual and cultural diversity;
to develop critical thinking skills; to develop competence with methods of
scientific research and data analysis; to assure that students have the
necessary research experiences and coursework to undertake graduate education;
and to assist students in developing their skills in library research,
scientific writing, public presentations, and computer applications.
Psychology majors will
become aware of the various career options related to the major. The program
also provides opportunities for internships in applied settings. A major in
psychology will provide students with a broad-based education that will equip
them for entry-level positions in business, government, and a wide variety of
human service organizations.
The major also prepares
students who wish to pursue further education in areas such as law, medicine,
business, or seminary, as well as psychology. The department also offers a
graduate program.
SOCIOLOGY – The Department
of Psychology and Sociology offers a major, minor, and collateral in sociology.
The program operates in accord with the general purpose of
Coordinator: Dr. Joel H.
Thayer
No major in anthropology
is offered.
No minor in anthropology
is offered.
No collateral in
anthropology is offered.
200 Introduction to
Anthropology (3) F, S, SU. The science of man; a general analysis of biological
and cultural systems with an emphasis on social organization and behavior.
Coordinator: Dr. Jesse
J. Jordan
A major in psychology
requires 39 semester hours to include the following:
1. Psychology 206, 216,
220, 302, 303, 304, 319, and 499
2. At least one course
from each of the following required core areas:
a. Experimental Core -
Psychology 321, 322, 323
b. Developmental Core -
Psychology 315, 334 (Only one may be counted toward the major in psychology)
c. Individual Differences
Core - Psychology 325, 326 3. One course from among the Integrative Experiences
courses of Psychology 470, 496, 498
4. Neither of the
following Psychology courses may be counted toward the Psychology major: 230,
316
5. Six hours of
psychology electives
6. Mathematics 114 or
equivalent
7. CS 150 or equivalent
8. Biology 105
A psychology major may
only count Psychology 206 and 216 towards the General Education Requirements
(Sciences). Psychology majors should attempt to gain a strong background in the
science areas as this will help in their chosen field.
9. Minor/collateral
requirements (two options)
a) two 12-hour
collaterals approved by the faculty adviser
b) an 18-hour minor
approved by the faculty adviser
The minimum number of
semester hours required in major courses for a major in psychology is 39 (plus
10 hours outside the department). The minimum number of semester hours in all
courses (major and non-major) required for the major in psychology is 120.
FOUR YEAR PLAN FOR PSYCHOLOGY MAJORS
Freshman Year |
|||
Course |
Fall Sem. Hrs. |
Course |
Spring Sem. Hrs. |
English 112 |
3 |
English 200 |
3 |
Math 111 or 112 |
3 |
Math 114 |
3 |
Psychology 206 |
3 |
Psychology 220 |
1 |
Psychology 216 |
1 |
Psychology 334/315 or 325/326* |
3 |
Pol. Science 101 or 103 |
3 |
Computer Sci. 150 |
3 |
|
|
History 3 |
|
Total Credits |
13 |
Total Credits |
16 |
Sophomore Year |
|||
Course |
Fall Sem. Hrs. |
Course |
Spring Sem. Hrs. |
Literature |
3 |
Speech Communication |
3 |
Social Science |
3 |
Appreciation (Art, Music, or Theatre) 3 |
|
Biology 105/Lab |
4 |
Chemistry, Physics, or Physical Sci/Lab
|
4 |
Psychology 302 |
3 |
Psychology 303 |
3 |
Psychology 319 |
3 |
Psychology 334/315 or 325/326* |
3 |
|
|
*You choose one course from each
set: (334 or 315) – (325 or 326) |
|
Total Credits |
16 |
Total Credits |
16 |
Junior Year |
|||
Course |
Fall Sem. Hrs. |
Course |
Spring Sem. Hrs. |
Social Science |
3 |
Psychology 304 or Exper. Core |
3 or 4 |
Humanities |
3 |
Minor Course |
3 |
Psychology 304 or Exper. Core |
3 or 4 |
Minor Course |
3 |
Psychology Elective |
3 |
General Elective |
3 |
Minor Course |
3 |
General Elective |
3 |
Total Credits |
15 or 16 |
Total Credits |
15 or 16 |
Senior Year |
|||
Course |
Fall Sem. Hrs. |
Course |
Spring Sem. Hrs. |
Psychology 470, 496 or 498 |
3 |
Psychology 499 |
3 |
Minor Course |
3 |
General Elective |
3 |
Psychology Elective |
3 |
Minor Course |
3 |
Minor Course |
3 |
General Elective |
3 |
Minor Course |
3 |
General Elective |
1 |
Total Credits |
15 |
Total Credits |
13 |
Total Hours Required
for Degree 120
A minor in psychology
requires 18 semester hours, including Psychology 206. Psychology 216 is highly
recommended.
Only one course among
Psychology 315, 316, and 334 may be counted toward the minor in psychology.
A collateral in
psychology requires 12 semester hours, including Psychology 206. Psychology 216
is highly recommended.
Only one course among
Psychology 315, 316, and 334 may be counted toward the collateral in
psychology.
203
Educational Psychology (3) S. Application of the basic principles of perception,
motivation, learning, personality, intelligence, developmental psychology, and
social psychology to the classroom situation. May not be applied to General
Education Requirements (Sciences).
206 Introductory
Psychology (3) F, S, SU. Survey of the biological, experimental (including
sensory processes, learning, memory, and motivation), social, personality, and
developmental processes. In addition to these content areas, an understanding
of scientific methodology will be studied.
216 Introductory
Psychology Laboratory (1:3) (Prerequisite/Corequisite: 206) F, S. The main focus will
include hands-on experiences with scientific methodology used in psychology
including observation of phenomenon, data collection, data analysis, critical
analysis of findings, and report writing.
220 Careers in
Psychology (1:1) F, S. Provides general knowledge concerning careers that may
be pursued in Psychology. Topics include strategies in making career decisions,
how to apply to graduate schools and how to seek bachelor’s level jobs.
Entry-level evaluation of the major will occur. May not be applied to satisfy
the General Education Requirements (Sciences).
230 Psychology of
Family Life (3) (Prerequisite: 206 or permission of department) F, SU.
Application of principles and concepts from clinical, developmental,
educational, social, health, learning, motivation, and cognitive psychology to
the biopsychosocial challenges of marriage and family life. May not be applied
toward the Psychology major.
300 Leadership and
Group Dynamics (3) (Prerequisite: 206 or Sociology 201) (Same as Sociology 360)
F, S, SU. Designed to provide the student with the main theoretical constructs
concerning leadership and to introduce him/her to the leadership process.
Emphasis is placed on the dynamics of the interaction of the group. May not be
applied to satisfy the General Education Requirements (Sciences).
302 Quantitative and
Psychometric Methods (3) (Prerequisite: 206, 216, Mathematics 114, Computer Science 150
or permission of department) F, S, SU. Survey of psychometric theory of
correlational analysis, norms, reliability, validity and item analysis. Topics
also discussed will include fundamental descriptive statistics and an
introduction to inferential statistical analysis.
303 Research
Methodology (3:2-2) (Prerequisite: 302) F, S, SU. Introduction to the
experimental method in the study of behavior, with laboratory exercises to
provide practical knowledge and skill in experimental design and technical
writing. Advanced inferential statistics.
304 Brain and Behavior
(3)
(Prerequisite: 206, Biology 105) F. Study of the role of the nervous system in
the generation of behavior, feelings, and thoughts. Attention will be given to
methodologies used by neuroscientists-particularly physiological
psychologists-to study the nervous system and behavior. Primary emphasis will
be on the role of neuronal activity in “normal” behavior; however, problems
(e.g. addiction, amnesia, mental illness) will be studied as examples of some
products of a malfunctioning nervous system.
310 The Psychological
Focus (3)
(Prerequisite: 206) F, S, or SU. Indepth study of an area of interest within
psychology, including literature review and consideration of the relevant
applications to contemporary society. May be taken twice with departmental
approval.
311 Sport Psychology (3) (Prerequisite: 206 or
permission of department) S. Introduction to the field of sport psychology
emphasizing the application of basic principles of psychology to the
understanding of and competitive effectiveness in various sports. Topics
addressed may include the warm-up phase of sport, relaxation and concentration,
confidence building, visualization, analytical thinking, stress management,
motivation and pressure, effective practice techniques, and the interaction of
personality with sport. Teaching methods may include lecture and discussion, as
well as student research and experiential exercises in sport psychology.
312 Human Sexuality (3) (Prerequisite: 206 or
permission of department) SU. Survey of important issues in sexuality including
sexual development, reproductive sexuality, social issues in sexuality, and
dimensions of sexual expression.
314 Health
Psychology/Behavioral Medicine (3) (Prerequisite: 206) F. Introduction to the
affective, behavioral, and cognitive aspects of health and illness. Topics
include such issues as lifestyle change, stress management, and chronic pain,
as well as a survey of specific physical diseases which are known to involve a
dominant psychological component.
315 Child Behavior:
Growth and Development (3) F, S, SU. Study of heredity and environment; maturation,
intelligence, achievement; classical conditioning; operant conditioning and
language acquisition; anxiety; and methodological advances in child psychology.
May not be applied to General Education Requirements (Sciences).
316 Adolescent
Behavior: Growth and Development (3) F, S, SU. Study of the adolescent today;
his/her intellectual behavior; attitudes, and values toward sex, the family,
school, peers, delinquency, drugs, activism, work, and his/her personality. May
not be applied to General Education Requirements (Sciences). May not be applied
toward the Psychology major.
317 Applied Behavior
Analysis (3)
(Prerequisite: 206) F. Overview of current research in experimental and applied
behavior analysis directed toward the understanding of simple and complex
animal and human behavior. Review of applications of behavior analysis in such
applied areas as parenting, education, and psychological treatment of
disabilities and disorders.
319 Social Psychology (3) (Prerequisite: 206)
F, S. An overview of classic and contemporary research in social psychology. A
wide range of topics will be covered that relate to everyday social life drawn
from the areas of attitudes and persuasion, social cognition and selfprocesses
and interpersonal relationships.
321 Learning and
Cognition (4:3-3)
(Prerequisite: 303) F, S, or SU. Provides students with hands-on laboratory
experience in the area of learning and cognition. Topics include data design,
data collection, data interpretation, and APA-style reports on instrumental and
classical conditioning, perception, attention, memory, thinking, and language.
322 Sensation and
Perception (4:3-3) (Prerequisite: 303) F, S, or SU. Study of sensory and
perceptual processes in humans. Coincident with the presentation of the topics
will be a discussion and evaluation of classical (psychophysics) and
contemporary (decision analysis) methodological strategies used in research.
323 Motivation and
Emotion (4:3-3)
(Prerequisite: 303) F, S, or SU. Survey of current perspectives of emotion and
motivation theory and research. Basic nature of emotion and its functions will
be covered. Both primary and secondary motivational systems are covered. The
laboratory provides students with hands-on laboratory experience in the area of
motivation and emotion. Topics include research design, data collection, data
analysis, data interpretation, and APA-style reports on motivation and emotion
research.
325 Abnormal
Psychology (3) (Prerequisite: 206 or permission of department) F, S, or SU.
Historical survey of various forms of mental illness and maladjustment,
including mental deficiency and antisocial behavior. Specialized methods of
therapy, research, and theoretical concerns are emphasized.
326 Theories of
Personality (3) (Prerequisite: 206) F, S, or SU. Survey of biological,
intrapersonal, and social theories of personality. Evaluation of research
methodology and assessment techniques as they relate to theories is reviewed.
334 Life Span
Development (3) (Prerequisite: 206) F, S, or SU. Survey of major theories of
development across the life span. Includes physical, cognitive, emotional,
social, and moral aspects of development and issues presented in a
developmental context. Research methods and empirical results of significant
studies are covered.
390 Psychological
Testing (3)
(Prerequisite: 206) F. A review of psychometric principles and a survey of
tests dealing with intelligence, special aptitudes, personality, and attitudes.
470 Senior Research (3) (Prerequisite: Senior
standing and one Experimental Core course) F, S, or SU. Directed psychological
research under the supervision of faculty member. Research content will vary
depending upon faculty and student’s research interests. All individual
research is reviewed by a faculty committee.
496 Senior Project (3) (Prerequisite: Senior
standing and one Experimental Core course) F or S. Students with faculty
supervision will develop a project that will require integrative use of
psychological concepts. The project will result in a written summary
documenting the student’s understanding of the psychological concepts employed.
497 Special Studies (3), (2), or (1)
(Prerequisite: permission of department) F or S. Open only to juniors and
seniors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in their major courses. A maximum of 3
semester hours may be earned. All individual research projects are reviewed by
three faculty members from two different disciplines. May be taken for credit
(3 hours) towards the Honors degree by special arrangement.
498 Academic
Internship in Psychology (3) (Prerequisite: Senior standing and one Individual
Differences Core course) F, S. Directed psychology internship in various
settings. Course content will depend on internship site. Students will be
expected to relate internship experiences to the psychological literature.
499 Senior Seminar (3) (Prerequisite:
Semester of graduation or permission of department) F, S, or SU. Course
integrates various content areas around major psychological themes. Emphasis is
placed on critical thinking, writing and oral expression. Evaluation of core
knowledge and skills of the major will occur.
501 Biological Basis
of Behavior (3) F. Survey of basic neuroanatomy and physiology of the nervous
system. Emphasis on ways in which the environment affects behavior via the
nervous system. Current research relevant to biological basis of behavior is
reviewed. With written departmental approval, seniors may take courses numbered
500-599 for either undergraduate or graduate credit. Designation of credit as
undergraduate or graduate must be made at registration. Freshmen, sophomores,
and juniors may not take 500-level courses.
530 Interviewing and
Case Formulation (3) F. Examination of fundamental skills used in the helping
interview with emphasis on assessment and case conceptualization models, case
report writing, and basic counseling strategies. Particular attention toward
ethical and professional issues. With written departmental approval, seniors
may take courses numbered 500-599 for either undergraduate or graduate credit.
Designation of credit as undergraduate or graduate must be made at
registration. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors may not take 500-level courses.
Students must be concurrently enrolled Psychology 600C, Psychological
Intervention Practicum
531 Psychological
Assessment: Intelligence, Abilities, and Achievement (3) F, S. Review of
measurement statistics, psychometric theory and examination of frequently used
intelligence, ability, adaptive behavior, and achievement tests. Skill
development in test administration, scoring and interpretation of test results
and psychological report writing. Examination of cultural diversity, ethical
issues, and emerging technology in psychological assessment. With written
departmental approval, seniors may take courses numbered 500-599 for either
undergraduate or graduate credit. Designation of credit as undergraduate or
graduate must be made at registration. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors may
not take 500-level courses. Students must be concurrently enrolled in
Psychology 600B, Psychological Assessment Practicum.
536 Behavioral
Assessment and Intervention (3) S. Review of functional behavioral assessment procedures
and behavioral intervention strategies, especially manipulation of antecedent
conditions and contingency management; program evaluation using single case
research designs; computerized expert systems and data analysis; statute, case
law and ethical issues involved with behavioral intervention. Special emphasis
on behavioral intervention with children and adolescents in the school setting.
Coverage of direct intervention and indirect intervention through consultation
with parents, teachers, and paraprofessionals. With written departmental
approval, seniors may take courses numbered 500-599 for either undergraduate or
graduate credit. Designation of credit as undergraduate or graduate must be
made at registration. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors may not take 500- level
courses. Students must be concurrently enrolled in Psychology 600C,
Psychological Intervention Practicum.
545 Prevention of
Substance Abuse (3) F. An overview of the prevention field emphasizing current
models and community strategies. Included would be environmental, regulatory
approaches as well as discussion of public policy issues, systems level. With
written departmental approval, seniors may take courses numbered 500-599 for
either undergraduate or graduate credit. Designation of credit as undergraduate
or graduate must be made at registration. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors may
not take 500-level courses.
599 Psychology of
Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (3) SU. Critical analysis
of the current literature in assessment, diagnosis, learning characteristics,
and social and emotional adjustment of individuals with mental retardation and
related developmental disabilities. Review of educating and training, school
and community programs, current legislation, and regulations. With written
departmental approval, seniors may take courses numbered 500- 599 for either
undergraduate or graduate credit. Designation of credit as undergraduate or
graduate must be made at registration. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors may
not take 500-level courses.
Coordinator: Dr. Joel H.
Thayer
General Track: A major in sociology
requires the following:
1. Six hours of
introductory courses in sociology: Sociology 201, 202.
2. Thirty semester hours
of courses numbered 300 and above in sociology, including Sociology 303, 403,
425, and either 407 or 419.
Other sociology courses
must include:
Two courses in Culture
and Social Organization: 360, 361, 373, 375, 381, 382, 387, 389
Two courses in
Inequality and Diversity: 306, 308, 310, 315, 327, 331
One course in Deviance:
341, 342, 343, 344
One additional course
numbered 300 and above.
3. Minor/collateral
requirements (two options)
a) two 12-hour
collaterals approved by the faculty adviser
b) an 18-hour minor
approved by the faculty adviser The minimum number of semester hours required
in major courses for a major in sociology is 36. The minimum number of semester
hours in all courses (major and nonmajor) required for the major in sociology
is 120.
Optional Track: A major in sociology
with a concentration in criminal justice requires the following:
1. Six hours of
introductory courses in sociology: Sociology 201, 202
2. Twelve semester hours
of courses in sociology numbered 300 and above, including Sociology 303, 403,
425, and either 407 or 419
3. Criminal Justice
concentration courses must include six hours of core courses:
Sociology 341
(Criminology)
Political Science 230
(Introduction to Criminal Justice)
Nine hours of sociology
courses:
Sociology 342 (Social
Deviance)
Sociology 343 (Juvenile
Delinquency)
Sociology 344 (Violent
Behavior)
Three hours of Political
Science selected from:
Political Science 322
(Civil Rights and Civil Liberties)
Political Science 330
(Perspectives on Policing)
Political Science 331
(Administration of Justice)
4. Minor/collateral
requirements (two options)
a) two 12-hour
collaterals approved by the faculty adviser
b) an 18-hour minor approved
by the faculty adviser
The minimum number of
semester hours required in major courses for a major in sociology with a
concentration in Criminal Justice is 36. The minimum number of semester hours in
all courses (major and nonmajor) required for the major in sociology is 120.
The minor in sociology
requires 18 hours, including Sociology 201 and 202.
A collateral in
sociology requires 12 semester hours, including Sociology 201 and 202.
TEACHER CERTIFICATION
OPTION IN SOCIOLOGY
(FOR SOCIAL STUDIES
CERTIFICATION)
The
As they grow as
professional educators, students must: (1) acquire knowledge about learners,
pedagogy, and content; (2) use reflection as they integrate theory, planning, and
practice; and (3) engage in collaboration as they develop and hone communication
and leadership skills necessary to work with diverse populations of students,
parents, colleagues, and community members. Interwoven in these components are critical
thinking, assessment, and the effective use of technology.
The rationale and
organizing principles that guide the
The Department of
Psychology and Sociology provides the knowledge base for students certifying to
teach social studies in the state of
General Education |
51 hours |
Communications |
12 hours |
ENG 112 |
3 |
ENG 200 |
3 |
SPCO 101 |
3 |
Computer Science |
3 |
Social Sciences |
9 hours |
ANTH 200 or GEOG 101 |
3 |
POL 101 or 103 |
3 |
Additional 3 hours to be chosen from
anthropology, economics, geography, political science, or sociology |
3 |
Humanities |
12 hours |
Literature (in any language) |
3 |
History |
3 |
ART 101 |
3 |
MU 101 |
3 |
Mathematics |
6 hours |
MATH 111, 112 or higher |
6 |
Natural Sciences (Both biological and
physical sciences must be represented; labs are required; psychology does NOT
count as science for
teacher certification) |
12 hours |
Biological Science with lab |
4 |
Physical Science with lab |
4 |
Additional four hours (biological or
physical) |
4 |
Professional Education |
32 hours |
EDUC 290 |
2 |
EDUC 299 |
2 |
EDUC 300 |
4 |
EDUC 303 |
2 |
EDUC 380 |
2 |
EDUC 393 |
2 |
EDUC 435 |
3 |
EDUC 488 |
2 |
EDUC 489 |
1 |
EDUC 490 |
12 |
Supporting Courses |
6 hours |
HLTH 301 |
3 |
PSY 316 |
3 |
Sociology Major Courses |
36 hours |
SOCI 201 |
3 |
SOCI 202 |
3 |
SOCI 303 |
3 |
SOCI 403 |
3 |
SOCI 425 |
3 |
Two courses in Culture and Social
Organization from SOCI 360, 361, 373, 375, 381, 382, 387, 389 |
|
SOCI ____ |
3 |
SOCI ____ |
3 |
Two courses in Inequality and Diversity
from SOCI 306, 308, 310, 315, 327, 331 |
|
SOCI ____ |
3 |
SOCI ____ |
3 |
One course in Deviance from SOCI 341,
342, 343, 344 |
|
SOCI ____ |
3 |
Choose either SOCI 407 or SOCI 419 |
|
SOCI ____ |
3 |
Choose one additional 3-hour sociology
course above the 299 level. |
|
SOCI ____ |
3 |
Supporting Teaching Field Courses (if
not previously taken as part of the major, minor, general education, or
collaterals) |
|
|
( ) |
|
( ) |
European History |
( ) |
Non-Western History |
( ) |
POL (200-level or above) |
( ) |
ECON 203, 204, or 250 |
( ) |
ANTH 200 |
( ) |
SOCI 310 |
( ) |
GEOG 101 or 103 or 104 |
( ) |
Minor or Collaterals (choose either one
18-hour minor or two 12-hour collaterals approved by the faculty adviser) |
18-24 hours |
201
Principles of Sociology (3) F, S, SU. Introduction to the concepts and methods of
sociology. Investigation of socialization, group processes, social
institutions, and social change.
202 Methods of Sociology (3) (Prerequisite: 201) F, S, SU.
Introduction to the principles and techniques of organizing, conducting, and
interpreting sociological research; the appropriateness of particular
methodologies for different kinds of research problems; emphasis on data
collection.
205 Courtship and Marriage (3) F, SU. Mate selection; meaning of love,
engagement; physical, psychological, and social adjustments in marriage; the
development of research in marriage; legal aspects of marriage; the past,
present, and future of marriage.
290 Computer Applications in the Social Sciences (3) (Prerequisite: 303 or
Psychology 302 or Mathematics 312 or equivalent) F. Computer use for analyzing
social science data; introduction to statistical packages, e.g., SPSS, BMD, and
SAS, for both data management and analysis; survey of other computer applications
in the social sciences such as simulating social systems; a technical,
experiential course for the beginning social science computer user.
301 Sociological Focus (3) (Prerequisite: 201 or permission of
department) F or S. In-depth study of one sociological subject emphasizing
interpretations, methodologies, and relevant applications to contemporary
society. May be taken twice for academic credit with departmental approval.
303 Quantitative Methods in Social Research (3) (Prerequisite: 202)
F, S, SU. Introduction to probability and sampling; levels of measurement and
choice of research method; known and unknown parameters in sociological
research; relationship, association, and correlation in data analysis.
306 Modern Social Problems (3) (Prerequisite: 201 or permission of
department) S, SU. Critical review of problems resulting from social inequality
(distribution of wealth, racial and ethnic relations, sexism, health care),
violations of social norms (substance abuse, violence, property crime), social
change (population growth, food, urbanization, environment).
308 Social Stratification (3) (Prerequisite: 201 or permission of
department) F, SU. Consideration of class analysis versus strata analysis;
strata as policy decision versus natural order; indices of power versus
criterion of prestige; community versus natural stratification; hierarchical
bias versus egalitarian bias; definable classes versus merging continua.
310 Racial and Cultural Minorities (3) (Prerequisite: 201 or
permission of department) F, S, SU. Survey of racial and cultural conflicts in
contemporary civilization, theories of race and culture; the status of racial,
religious, and ethnic minorities in the
315 Sex and Gender in Social Contexts (3) (Prerequisite: 201 or
permission of department) SU. Study of feminine and masculine roles and
lifestyles, with emphasis upon socialization experiences in settings such as
home and school; expression of gender roles in family, work, spiritual,
artistic, and recreational activities; inequalities of opportunities and
rewards, cultural influences upon preferred gender roles.
327 Social Gerontology (3) (Prerequisite: 201 or permission of
department) F, SU. An introduction to the study of aging as a social
phenomenon, with emphasis upon the composition of the elderly population,
family relationships, social support systems, living arrangements, work and
retirement, death and dying, aging and inequality.
331 Environment, Power, and
341 Criminology (3) (Prerequisite: 201 or permission of
department) F, S. Factors in the genesis of crime and the organization of
criminal behavior from the perspective of the individual and society; methods
of dealing with criminals; police courts, prisons, probation, and parole.
342 Social Deviance (3) (Prerequisites: 201 or permission of
department) S. Introduce several theoretical perspectives from which deviant
behavior is analyzed, following a basic distinction between “kinds of people”
theories versus explanations focused upon society and culture. Current research
on several forms of deviance - violence against persons, sexuality, substance
use, organizational crime, economic crime.
343 Juvenile Delinquency (3) (Prerequisite: Soc 201 or permission
of department) F. Critical examination of alternative theoretical explanations
of juvenile delinquency and the various programs developed to prevent and control,
with consideration of their assumptions, arguments, and research support.
344 Violence in Society (3) (Prerequisite: Soc 201 or permission of
department) S. Exploration of the various forms of violence, with attention
given to how the reporting of and reactions to violence are shaped by the way
it is defined and measured; causes of violence are framed in terms of culture
and social structure 360 Leadership and Group Dynamics (3) (Prerequisite: 201 or
Psychology 206) (Same as Psychology 300) F, S, SU. Designed to provide the
student with the main theoretical constructs concerning leadership and to
introduce him/her to the leadership process. Emphasis is placed on the dynamics
of the interaction of the group.
361 Society and the Individual (3) (Prerequisite: 201)
S. Survey of selected micro-sociological theoretical orientations and
methodological procedures and illustrative substantive data examining the
relationship between society and the individual. Emphasis on symbolic
interaction and dramaturgy.
373 Complex Organizations (3) (Prerequisite: 201 or permission of
department) F, S. Historical overview of development of complex organizations;
how individual behavior is influenced by complex organizations; how subunits
function to comprise the whole; the relationship between complex organizations
and the larger society.
375 Sociology of Health and Illness (3) (Prerequisite: 201 or
permission of department) F. Trends and group differences in health and
illness; data sources and analysis techniques; rival theoretical perspectives
on health; the sick role; seeking and using health services;
patient-practitioner relationships; social characteristics of physicians,
nurses, and alternative providers; social organization of hospitals; current
issues and problems.
381 Sociology of Sport (3) (Prerequisite: 201 or permission of
department) F. Uses various social theories to examine how sports are tied to
the following major spheres of social life: family, economy, media, politics,
education, and region.
382 Families Public and Private (3) (Prerequisite: 201 or
permission of department) S. Consideration of the families in private settings
and as a focus of public policy; impacts of social inequalities (class, race,
and ethnicity) on family life; changing patterns of family relationships; work
and family life; conflict and disruption in family relationships including
divorce, remarriage, and step/blended families.
387 Death and Dying in Social Contexts (3) (Prerequisite: Soc
201 or permission of department) F, SU. An overview of the perspectives on
death in different cultures, social influences on those perspectives, death in
relation to modern health care systems and related ethical issues, models of
grief and its expression, last rites, consequences for survivors, suicide,
contemporary risks of death.
389 Sociology of Religion (3) (Prerequisite: 201 or permission of
department) F. Scientific study of religion as a social phenomenon; the
interplay between religion and other institutions; correlation between
religious and social variables.
403 Research Design and Analysis (3) (Prerequisite: 18
hours of sociology including 303 or permission of department) F, S. Selection
of a research problem and formation of testable hypotheses with support drawn
from published studies, application of sampling and concept measurement,
collection of data and file creation, data analysis using statistical software.
Student research project is central focus. Survey research is emphasized.
407 Urban Sociology (3) (Prerequisite: 202 or permission of
department) F. Historical and current urban growth patterns, theoretical
perspectives regarding urban structure and change, distribution of power and
other resources in urban settings, urban cultural and social forms, problems of
urban areas, strategies of urban planning.
419 Population and Society (3) (Prerequisite: 202) S. Scientific
study of population size, composition, and distribution; analysis of trends and
differentials in birth rates, death rates, and migration; consideration of
actual and potential pressures of population on natural resources; the
interrelationship of population and the social structure.
425 Sociological Theory (3) (Prerequisite: 202, 303, and advanced
standing in sociology) F, S. Designed to help acquaint the student with general
theory in sociology. A consideration of classical to contemporary theories with
emphasis on the influence that theory and research have on each other.
440 Social Change (3) (Prerequisite: Advanced standing in
sociology) F, S. Examination of the phenomenon of change on social structures.
Particular attention is given to surveying the research literature on social
change. Functional and conflict models of change are studied in order to relate
theoretical and research implications of social change.
497 Special Studies (3), (2), or (1) (Prerequisite: Permission of
department) F or S. Open only to juniors or seniors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
in their major courses. A maximum of 3 semester hours may be earned. All
individual research projects are reviewed by three faculty members from two
different disciplines. May be taken for credit (3 hours) towards the Honors
degree by special arrangement.
498 Sociology Internship (3:1-6) (Prerequisite: 18 hours in
sociology, including 201, 202, and 303, and permission of the department) F, S.
Providing a structured experience working in a community service agency.
Students are expected to observe and participate in contacts with agency
clients, agency planning and evaluation meetings, and contacts with other
agencies. Each student is expected to work 6 to 10 hours each week on-site, as
arranged with the cooperating agency. Participating students will meet weekly
as a group.