Department of Social Sciences
Dr. Joshua R. Meddaugh, Chair
Mission and Goals
The Department of Social Sciences at Clayton State University is concerned with applying social scientific theory, methodology, and research to studying Criminal Justice, Legal Studies, Government, Sociology, and Social Services. The mission of the Department is to educate future professionals so that they can apply their social scientific knowledge and critical thinking skills to solve problems in their respective careers and future educational pursuits. The Department obliges to teach students the fundamentals of research in the Department’s constituent disciplines and the importance of service to the community. The Department also seeks to encourage and support the individual scholarship of its faculty members, and the incorporation of this knowledge into Department curricula. Through fulfilling these responsibilities, the Department of Social Sciences at Clayton State University endeavors to prepare students for professional lives in academia, government, the non-profit community, and the private sector, as well as for intellectually enriched and socially fruitful lives.
The department is responsible for the following programs:
- Associate of Science (AS) degree in Paralegal Studies
- One Year Certificate in Paralegal Studies
- Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Legal Studies.
- Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Government & Law
- Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Sociology & Social Services
- Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree
- Service courses that support Interdisciplinary Studies and that may serve other programs as general electives.
- Core curriculum courses in Area E
Criminal Justice (CRJU)
The course is an overview of the criminal justice system. Students are introduced to its three major components: law enforcement, courts, and corrections.
This course provides an overview and critical examination of major criminological theories used to explain the nature and causes of crime. Biological, psychological, economic, and sociological perspectives will be covered.
This course will examine how the issues of crime and justice are played out in the context of a diverse society. The course will consider three major issues; 1) how the law affects and has affected different groups in American society; 2) the differential involvement in crime and the criminal justice system across groups; and 3) the differential responses of the justice system to various groups.
This course explores the relationship between crime and the media. Topics covered include the nature and extent of crime in media; how media shapes public perceptions and understanding of crime and justice; and how the public influences and responds to media portrayals of crime.
This course examines how the intersections of race, gender, and class lead to inequalities in crime and criminal justice responses.
This course explores the intersection between gender and crime by focusing on the experiences of women as crime victims, criminal offenders, and criminal justice professionals, experiences which are very often interrelated and overlapping. Such experiences can only be fully understood through careful examination of gender constructionism, women's historically disadvantaged status in a patriarchal society, and the multiple ways through which law, and the criminal justice system in particular, help maintain modern systems of patriarchy. Topics include gender inequality, social and cultural constructions of gender, women's sexualization and objectification, masculinities, gender differences in offending, and several specific to crime issues such as rape, domestic violence, and sexual harassment. The course encourages ideas and suggestions that can be put in place to end gender based inequality and crime, and to promote social justice.
This course examines police, the largest group of law enforcers in the United States. Topics covered include their history, role, organization, and contemporary issues they face.
This course examines the criminal investigative process. Topics covered are its history, methods used to investigate crime, problems with criminal investigations, and current issues in criminal investigations.
This course addresses issues related to domestic terrorism and violent extremist criminal activity, including detection and investigation, early interdiction and prevention, and readiness.
This course examines the theories of motivation, leadership, and organization in criminal justice administration. Also covered are the major functions of administrative and management units.
This course examines the relationship between law enforcement agents and the community they serve. Topics include regular and meaningful police involvement in the community, quality of life conditions, problem solving and coordination with community service organizations, and policing in a culturally diverse society.
This course explores digital crime and control. Specifically, it addresses the various types, causes, and effects.
This course examines the medicolegal death investigation system in the United States. Topics covered include its historical development, how death investigations are conducted, and their causes and consequences.
A study of the history, structure, and functions of corrections, and the legal and philosophical basis for the punishment of criminal offenders. Study will include the role of corrections as one of the three major components of the criminal justice system.
This course explores the relationship between the correctional system, prisons, and the community. It examines the community-based alternatives to incarceration, including but not limited to probation and parole. It examines the historical development of major correctional programs based in the community, and explores the current vision of community corrections. Concepts and problems in administration, organization, investigation, and supervision are discussed. Selection and discharge processes will be examined.
This course offers a study of correctional offender counseling and treatment. Particular attention will be given to the history corrections, the organizational structure of the correctional system, and the primary functions of the correctional system. This class will also examine the legal and philosophical basis for the case-management of convicted criminal offenders in the US criminal justice network.
This course offers a general understanding of the processes and functions of criminal court systems in the United States. The following topics will be examined: the historical development of criminal courts; different types of law; characteristics of federal and state courts; functions and responsibilities of prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges; the criminal trial process; plea bargaining; sentencing options and decisions; and characteristics of appellate courts.
An overview of criminal law and of the fundamental elements of criminal procedures, including methods and rules of police investigation and arrest, adjudication, sentencing, and appellate review by higher courts.
This course examines the nature and extent of three broad types of crimes: violent, property, and public order. Within each category, emphasis is placed on the major offenses committed and variation in their methods of commission.
This course provides students with an in-depth view of the juvenile justice system in the United States focusing on crime patterns, police-juvenile relations, juvenile courts, and corrections practices.
This course offer a multidisciplinary overview of criminal victimization including the legal and philosophical issues regarding victimization, social science research into victimization, theories of victimization, the role of victims in criminal justice and legal system and the social and psychological impacts of victimization.
This course offers a critical examination of the historical and philosophical roots, and the principles and practices of an alternative model of justice broadly known as restorative community justice.
This course examines crime prevention. Topics covered include theories of crime prevention and crime prevention strategies.
This course examines the ethical considerations facing the criminal justice practitioner. Topics include determining moral behavior, ethics and law enforcement, ethics and the courts, ethics and corrections, policy and management issues.
This course examines a range of issues concerning the death penalty as it is currently practiced in the United States. Topics include constitutional challenges to the death penalty, the role of judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys in implementing the death penalty, the process of jury selection and deliberation in capital cases, as well the many arguments for and against the death penalty.
Civil Liberties is an intensive study of the rights of Americans as guaranteed by the Constitution. The changing character of civil liberties problems in the United States will be stressed with attention given to the legal, historical and political context of the cases studied.
This course provides an overview of theoretical, treatment, and legal issues related to sex offenders and sexual deviance. Topics covered in this course include: Theoretical/explanatory models of sexual offending; typologies of sexual offenders; risk assessment; clinical treatment and management of sexual offenders; current sex offender legislation.
This course provides a general overview of the topic of white collar crime with a focus on the following topics: definitional dilemmas; occupational and corporate white collar crime; victims of white collar crime; the financial, social, human impact of white collar crime; theoretical explanations; and the regulation and punishments of white collar crime offenders.
This course provides first-hand accounts of everyday life and culture in urban cities. Topics covered include poverty, crime, policing, and race. An examination of how urban spaces shape identities and communities will be explored.
An exploration of contemporary topics and issues in the field of criminal justice.
An exploration of contemporary topics and issues in the field of criminal justice.
Directed study in criminal justice may be arranged in consultation with a faculty member and approved by the department chair.
Prerequisites: CRJU 1150
A continuation of directed study in criminal justice may be arranged in consultation with a faculty member and approved by the department chair.
Prerequisites: CRJU 4900
Legal Studies (LGST)
This course provides an overview of the legal system and the role of attorneys and paralegals within the system. The course also focuses on critical thinking, communication skills, case analysis, criminal and civil laws, and ethical issues confronted by legal professionals.
This course focuses on federal and state legal research utilizing print and online resources. Students will also learn proper legal citation and grammar usage skills and how to perform legal analysis. This course requires extensive independent research and writing time.
An introduction to the legal process as a whole, including the functions of courts, lawyers, and other actors in the legal system. Specific issues such as court reform, crime control, civil liberties, and civil rights will be covered. The Supreme Court and the development of constitutional interpretation through judicial decision-making will also be explored.
This course discusses the importance of administrative law, how administrative agencies operate and are held accountable, and how professionals in the private and public sectors interact with administrative agencies. It includes a discussion of statutory and constitutional law and the interplay of administrative rules with other sources of legal authority.
This course offers a general understanding of the processes and functions of criminal court systems in the United States. The following topics will be examined: the historical development of criminal courts; different types of law; characteristics of federal and state courts; functions and responsibilities of prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges; the criminal trial process; plea bargaining; sentencing options and decisions; and characteristics of appellate courts.
An overview of criminal law and of the fundamental elements of criminal procedures, including methods and rules of police investigation and arrest, adjudication, sentencing, and appellate review by higher courts.
This course examines and applies case analysis, rules, and policies governing the type of information that may be received by the court at trial. It focuses on all phases of the trial process and examines how evidence can be properly developed with an emphasis on persuasiveness in presentation and problem solving in the adversarial system.
This course challenges students to prepare and review more sophisticated and complex legal documents. Students will gain additional expertise in electronic legal and factual research and legal citation skills. This course requires extensive independent research and writing time.
Prerequisites: PARA 2205
This course constitutes an independent (individual or small group) internship which will allow students to simultaneously experience the "real-world" application of law and to apply legal methodology, research, and analysis to actual law office or law-related applications. The student will prepare and submit a significant law-related paper and/or project. Requires approval of the Program Coordinator.
This course explores civil legal matters routinely encountered throughout an individual’s lifetime. Students will learn to research the law to address legal questions. Topics include family law, negligence, employee rights, debt collection, landlord-tenant obligations, wills and estates, and business formation.
This course examines the relationship between formal law and social institutions. Specifically, the course will focus on the U.S. Constitution, theories of law and law creation, law and inequality, law as a vehicle for social change, and the role of law in modern American society. Some effort will be made to compare law in U.S. society to the development and function of law in other societies.
Provides an in-depth study of the constitutional status of federalism, the separation of powers doctrine, and the constraints on the power of the United States Supreme Court by discussing relevant Supreme Court case law.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101 or POLI 101
Provides an in-depth study of the fundamental principles of individual rights in American federal constitutional law. It surveys the areas of due process, equal protection, state action, and the Bill of Rights. The course will also cover the broader theories of constitutional interpretation.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101 or POLI 101
This course is designed to provide students with a detailed view of the relationship between the needs of homeland security/emergency management, the Patriot Act and the "traditional concepts" of the legal system. Special emphases are placed on the role of public law, the government's demands for more power and civil liberties.
An exploration of historical or contemporary topics and issues in the field of law.
An exploration of historical or contemporary topics and issues in the field of law.
An exploration of historical or contemporary topics and issues in the field of law.
An exploration of historical or contemporary topics and issues in the field of law.
An exploration of historical or contemporary topics and issues in the field of law.
This course will provide an opportunity for students to review the major legal concepts taught in the Legal Studies program. It will allow students to see how these different legal practices and theories coalesce into a single legal system.
Prerequisites: PARA 1101
This course helps students who are interested in law school to develop their skills in logical reasoning, reading comprehension, and analytical reasoning. Students will also learn about the law school admissions process, life in law school, and different career paths available to attorneys.
Paralegal Studies (PARA)
This course provides an overview of the legal system and the role of attorneys and paralegals within the system. The course also focuses on critical thinking, communication skills, case analysis, criminal and civil laws, and ethical issues confronted by legal professionals.
This course focuses on drafting skills and the procedural rules and statutes governing state and federal civil courts. It is designed to take the student through all facets of a case: the initial client interview, the initiation of a case (or alternative dispute remedies), preparation of pleadings and discovery, motion practice, drafting of settlement and trial documents and the appellate process.
Prerequisites: PARA 1101 (may be taken concurrently)
This course focuses on federal and state legal research utilizing print and online resources. Students will also learn proper legal citation and grammar usage skills and how to perform legal analysis. This course requires extensive independent research and writing time.
This course focuses on the criminal justice system and related statutes and constitutional issues. Students learn substantive and procedural rules and become familiar with pleadings filed in criminal court by prosecutors and defense attorneys.
This course focuses on the legal rules commonly applied in commercial settings, the basic concepts of contract law, and the formation, operation and dissolution of business entities, such as sole proprietorships, general partnerships, limited partnerships, and corporations.
Prerequisites: PARA 1101 (may be taken concurrently)
This course introduces students to computer applications commonly used in a legal environment. Students gain hands-on experience working with software used for litigation and graphic support, case management and docket control, timekeeping and billing, advanced word processing and spreadsheets, trial preparation, eDiscovery, and web conferencing.
Prerequisites: PARA 1101 (may be taken concurrently)
This course examines real property law concepts, with a focus on the buyer-seller relationship, title examinations and title insurance, and closing procedures. Students prepare a closing statement and draft other documents needed to prepare for a real estate closing.
Prerequisites: PARA 1101 (may be taken concurrently)
This course teaches students to learn about the documents filed in bankruptcy court by attorneys representing debtors and creditors in Chapter 7, 11 and 13 cases. In addition, the course will discuss collection remedies on judgments obtained in civil court by secured and unsecured creditors.
A minimum of 150 hours of on-the-job paralegal or other substantive law-related training in an approved work situation. Students work an average of 10-15 hours each week. Prerequisite(s): Completion of at least 75% of all paralegal career courses and program approval.
This course teaches students the terminology and laws applicable to wills and trusts, and how to prepare these documents. Students also learn the procedural rules of Probate Court.
Prerequisites: PARA 1101 (may be taken concurrently)
This course focuses on marriage, annulment, antenuptial agreements, divorce and adoption. Students prepare all of the documentation necessary to file a divorce.
Prerequisites: PARA 1101 (may be taken concurrently)
This course teaches students the legal issues involved in the health care industry. Students review and analyze contracts prepared by paralegals and attorneys for hospitals, doctors and Health Maintenance Organizations.
This course takes a practice-oriented approach to the fields of patent, trademark, and copyright litigation and persecution.
This course explores the interaction between legal professionals and administrative agencies. Topics include the Administrative Procedures Act and related statutes and administrative rules, in areas such as environmental and social security law.
This course involves the student in practical problem solving and hands-on scenarios that may occur in a law office, such as those regarding ethical issues, written communications, document management, and timekeeping/billing procedures.
Prerequisites: PARA 1101 (may be taken concurrently)
The study of selected topics or current issues in the law relevant to paralegal studies.
The study of selected topics or current issues in the law relevant to paralegal studies.
The study of selected topics or current issues in the law relevant to paralegal studies.
The study of selected topics or current issues in the law relevant to paralegal studies.
Political Science (POLS)
An introductory level survey of the American political system in an international context, emphasizing across cultural approach to the study of the structure and processes of policy decision-making. The course incorporates comparison of the American political system and other types of political systems. The course also includes the study of world geography, emphasizing a knowledge of the global configuration of nation states.
An introduction to concepts and methods appropriate to the understanding and analysis of individual and group political behavior and political systems.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101
Provides an in depth study of the political process and administrative procedures used in American state and local governments to address social, economic, and political issues.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101 or POLI 101
An examination of current global issues.
Provides an in depth study of the political process and administrative procedures used in American state and local governments to address social, economic, and political issues. Comparative analysis of relevant actors and strategies across the states is incorporated.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101 or POLI 101
An introduction to the legal process as a whole, including the functions of courts, lawyers, and other actors in the legal system. Specific issues such as court reform, crime control, civil liberties, and civil rights will be covered. The Supreme Court and the development of constitutional interpretation through judicial decision-making will also be explored.
This course discusses the importance of administrative law, how administrative agencies operate and are held accountable, and how professionals in the private and public sectors interact with administrative agencies. It includes a discussion of statutory and constitutional law and the interplay of administrative rules with other sources of legal authority.
This seminar is designed to introduce students to the political and contemporary issues related to U.S. foreign policy. The course covers American foreign policy in the 20th century with an emphasis on national security issues. Then the course will proceed with an in-depth coverage of major groups and institutions involved in formulating American foreign policy. The particular focus will be on the roles of the presidency, Congress, executive branch (e.g., State Department), interest groups, mass media, and public opinion.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101
An analysis of selected public policy issues and the interplay of organizations and politics in the policy- making process.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101 or POLI 101
An introduction to the comparative approaches for the study of politics, focusing on patterns of development and change in contemporary political systems.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101 or POLI 101
Focuses on the historical roots of international human rights regime. It will examine the various actors and organizations in human rights debate, including: states, international organizations, non-governmental organizations and non-state actors. The course will challenge students to think as human rights advocates in the examination of issues such as the use of military force to promote human rights, war crimes, crimes against humanity, humanitarian intervention, women’s rights, child labor, human trafficking and the international Criminal Court (ICC).
Prerequisites: POLS 1101 or POLI 101
Provides students with an understanding of the diversity and complexities of the developing world, sometimes referred to as the “Third World,” “Global South,” “Less Developed World” and “Non Industrialized Countries.” It will examine the general characteristics of developing countries as well as illuminate many contrasting features. Similarly, the course will familiarize students with the many challenges that these countries face, and acquaint students with the various mechanisms used to measure the levels of development in the developing countries.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101 or POLI 101
Examines the methods and procedures of governmental administration and the control of public bureaucracies in democratic societies.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101 or POLI 101
International Relations examines the international order, conflict and war, determinants of foreign policy, global actors and the dynamics of political interaction between nation-states.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101
Provides an overview of the U.S. Congress and Presidency. Topics may include elections, voting behavior of Congressional members, political parties, the multiple views of the committee system, and the interaction between the branches of government. Character typologies of the presidency, the internal organization of decision-making in the White House, and the relationship of the presidency to the public and the mass media will also be discussed. A portion of the course may be devoted to an examination of the campaign and election process.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101 or POLI 101
Examines the nature, structure, and functions of interest groups and political parties in differing national cultural contexts with particular attention to electoral activity and its role in the policy making process.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101 or POLI 101
Provides an in-depth knowledge of themes pertaining to women in politics, both within the U.S. and the international sphere. Emphasis will be placed on the universal suffrage movements, women’s social movements, and the participation of women in politics and public policy.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101 or POLI 101
Provides an in-depth look at the process of selecting governmental leaders in the United States. Includes a segment on foreign elections.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101 or POLI 101
Examines the role of the mass media in society. Emphasis is placed on the media's role in the social, legal, and political processes in the United States, as well as other democratic and non-democratic countries.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101 or POLI 101
An examination of African American political behavior, including the theoretical underpinnings of political action, the electoral preferences of African Americans, and the role of African Americans in United States political institutions.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101 or POLI 101
This course focuses on the ever-changing role that international organizations and non-governmental organizations play in international politics. Coverage will include theoretical and practical aspects of these organizations and the global problems that they attempt to address.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101 or POLI 101
Political Philosophy is a survey of the political thought such great thinkers as Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Burke, Hume, Hegel, Mill and Marx emphasizing the aspects of their thought most relevant to the development of Western political institutions.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101
Introduces normative political theories about the moral foundations of politics to try to answer questions about how the world ought to work. Political thought is therefore a component of the realm of philosophical inquiry known as “ethics.” The course covers different topics including, but not limited to, American exceptionalism, African-American political thought, and Feminist theory, but the focus will be on applying these to specifically political questions.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101 or POLI 101
African American Political Thought examines major African American Political thinkers and activists. Historical and contemporary thinkers will be included.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101
Provides an in-depth study of the constitutional status of federalism, the separation of powers doctrine, and the constraints on the power of the United States Supreme Court by discussing relevant Supreme Court case law.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101 or POLI 101
Provides an in-depth study of the fundamental principles of individual rights in American federal constitutional law. It surveys the areas of due process, equal protection, state action, and the Bill of Rights. The course will also cover the broader theories of constitutional interpretation.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101 or POLI 101
The study of major topics in the philosophy of law concerning the relationship of law to morality, justice and social structure, the nature of law in general, the importance of the rule of law and limits to the rule of law; relevant legal theory, and examination of fundamental principles in specific areas of law and the application of legal concepts to contemporary American society.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101
Designed to acquaint students with political institutions and processed of individual European nations and regional organizations including NATO and the European Union in the post-Soviet era. Particular emphasis will be placed on analysis of the relations of these countries with the United States on selected issues of contemporary relevance. This course examines key countries and studies their political structure in detail.
Examines contemporary sociopolitical and economic characteristics needed to understand the many countries of Africa. In addition, a "country profile" approach will also be used. Particular emphasis will be placed on analysis of the relations of these countries with the United States on selected issues of contemporary relevance. This course examines key countries and studies their political structure in detail.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101 or POLI 101
Examines U.S. cultural trends through films about politics. Shifts between cynicism and idealism in the media industry’s portrayal of politics will be examined. The difference between left and right wing propaganda and documentaries will also be examined.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101 or POLI 101
This course gives students the chance to study and empirically test how voters form attitudes and opinions, what drives voters to the polls, and how voters make decisions. This course also covers voter turnout, partisanship, the role of the mass media in electoral coverage, and discusses the various models of voting behavior.
GA Legislative Internship I will be offered to all students who get accepted to the Georgia Legislative Program (GLIP) hosted by Georgia State University. This section of the course requires 100 hours of internship work and a detailed account of the first 15 days of the Legislative Session. This course requires acceptance into the program by the GLIP Coordinator, the Political Science program coordinator, and the department head.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101
GA Legislative Internship II is the second course for students accepted into the Georgia Legislative Internship Program (GLIP) hosted by Georgia State University. This course requires 200 hours of internship work and a detailed account of days 16 - 40 of the Legislative Session. Acceptance into the course is contingent upon acceptance into the GLIP Program by the GLIP Coordinator, the Political Science Program Coordinator, and the department chair.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101
An exploration of contemporary topics and issues in the field of political science.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101 or POLI 101
An exploration of contemporary topics and issues in the field of political science.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101 or POLI 101
An exploration of contemporary topics and issues in the field of political science.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101 or POLI 101
May be arranged in consultation with a faculty member and approved by the Program Coordinator.
Prerequisites: POLS 2401
Sociology (SOCI)
A survey of the discipline of sociology. Topics will include sociological theory, methods, and selected substantive areas.
A theoretical and empirical analysis of selected major social problems confronting American society.
A comparative study and critique of social though and sociological theories. Special study is made of major sociological theories of the 19th and 20th centuries and the role of theory in empirical social science.
A sociological examination of the institution of religion, its role in society, and its interaction with other social structures and institutions. In particular, this course will explore the influence of religion on social behavior and the role of religion in shaping how we contemplate the world and our place in it.
This comprehensive course explores alcohol and illegal drug use and abuse in society. The primary goal of the course is to engage students in a process of critical thinking about the topic of drugs in American society. Included will be a historic overview, the role of culture in the use of drugs, and legal and social implications of illegal drug use.
Prerequisites: SOCI 1101
This course explores the deeper meanings and social significance of sports in the United States and globally. Particular attention to the relationship between sports and issues of race, gender, class, history, social mobility, education and politics.
Prerequisites: SOCI 1101
This course explores the social construction of gender, gender roles and performance, gender-based stratification, and the role of gender in the institutions of contemporary society.
Prerequisites: SOCI 1101
Provides students with the basic conceptual and analytical skills for studying the nature and implications of racial and culture diversity. Racial/ethnic groups selected from around the globe are examined in terms of their histories and cultures. The complexity of functioning in the multicultural society of the contemporary United States is explored, and cultural concepts are applied to key social issues associated with diversity.
Prerequisites: SOCI 1101
This course investigates the nature of inequality and stratification, including its forms, causes, and consequences. Literature will be examined from a number of perspectives, including economic inequality, racial inequality, sex and gender inequality, status inequality, and the inequality connected with social movements.
Prerequisites: SOCI 1101
This is an upper division course designed to explore the nature of social deviance at the individual, group, and organizational levels.
Prerequisites: SOCI 1101
This course explores intersectionality by examining the ways in which the social construction of race and gender impacts individuals' life chances and shapes understandings of the self and our perception of others.
Prerequisites: SOCI 1101
This course is designed to increase students' understanding of the history, social relations, problems, and conflicts of the inner city. Through classical and theoretical readings, historical ethnographies, and current case studies, students will gain an in-depth understanding of how and why cities exist, how they have developed, and what impacts they have on individuals and their social relationships.
Prerequisites: SOCI 1101
Introduction to statistics, including measures of central tendency and dispersion, probability, statistical inference and hypothesis testing, regression and correlation, and analysis of variance.
The course will address how cultural values and social institutions affect and define work. The value that society assigns to different types of work and the impact of that valuation on the individual and members of various social groups will be considered, in light of shifting economies, business models and technology. Modern values will be compared to more traditional viewpoints, including the examination of the role of technology, money and individual choices. As a cross-listed course, Work & Society may not be taken more than once using a different letter prefix, given that only one completion will be counted toward degree requirements.
This course explores the social nature of health and illness, the social organization of health care institutions, differential access to health care in the US and abroad, and selected dilemmas in the ethical delivery of health care.
Prerequisites: SOCI 1101
This course offers a review of the history of African Americans in the United States from a sociological viewpoint. Special attention will be given to important African American sociologists who contributed to our understanding of the Black experience in the United States.
This course is designed to explore the relationship of human aging, individual processes and American society. Though focusing on the sociological aspects of aging, this course also provides an interdisciplinary understanding of aging as a powerful process that reflects the growth and development that takes place later in life and the impact on society that increasingly includes adult populations that are living longer.
Prerequisites: SOCI 1101
This course examines the relationship between formal law and social institutions. Specifically, the course will focus on the U.S. Constitution, theories of law and law creation, law and inequality, law as a vehicle for social change, and the role of law in modern American society. Some effort will be made to compare law in U.S. society to the development and function of law in other societies.
The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with the practice of social science research. The course will cover various aspects of the research process, including research ethics, causal relationships, measurement, sampling and research design.
An exploration of contemporary topics and issues in the field of sociology. This course may be repeated for credit when the topic varies.
Prerequisites: SOCI 1101
An exploration of contemporary topics and issues in the field of sociology.
Prerequisites: SOCI 1101
An exploration of contemporary topics and issues in the field of sociology.
Prerequisites: SOCI 1101
An exploration of contemporary topics and issues in the field of sociology.
Prerequisites: SOCI 1101
Directed study in sociology may be arranged in consultation with a faculty member and approved by the department chair.
Prerequisites: SOCI 1101
The practicum will constitute an independent (individual or small group) sociological research project. The student will prepare and submit a significant sociological paper and/or project. Requires prior completion of the upper-division Sociology core and approval of Program Coordinator.