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SOC601

INTRODUCTION TO

SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY

3 sem. hrs.

This is an introductory course in sociological

theory designed to acquaint the student with

methodological and substantive problems of

sociological knowledge; the role of theory in

research; controversial issues in theory and

research. The main focus is on the works of

particular sociologists whose theories have not

only historical interest, but also have great

impact on the subject matter and methods of

contemporary sociology. Prerequisite:

SOC200 or permission of the instructor.

SOC605

URBAN SOCIOLOGY

3 sem. hrs.

This course is the study of the urban commu-

nity and the role that it plays in the social, cul-

tural, economic and political aspects of Amer-

ican society. Included will be the historical

development of the city in other parts of the

world and the impact of urban values and atti-

tudes on the American way of life. Graduate

students will demonstrate a deeper under-

standing of social stratification as determined

by the instructor. Prerequisite: SOC100 or per-

mission of the instructor.

SOC610

POPULATION AND

ECOLOGY

3 sem. hrs.

An analysis of the composition and distribu-

tion of human population and their impact on

the ecological system. Study of fertility,

morality and migration, the theory of demo-

graphic transition and the changing ecological

bases of social organization. Current problems

with emphasis on the relationship between

population pressure, life style and environ-

mental deterioration. Prerequisite: SOC100 or

permission of instructor.

SOC611

SOCIAL ORGANIZATION

3 sem. hrs.

An analysis of the various processes and forms

of social organization, with particular attention

on theoretical approaches to the study of for-

mal organizations. Emphasis on key concepts

and their use in analyzing hospitals, churches,

schools, voluntary associations, work organi-

zations and societies. Prerequisite: SOC200.

SOC633

METHODS OF POLICY

EVALUATION IN SOCIAL

SCIENCE

3 sem. hrs.

An application of social scientific methods

and concepts to critically analyze and compre-

hensively evaluate contemporary public policy

in America and its impact upon society. Case

studies include reform proposals and policy on

health care, poverty, housing, education, crim-

inal justice, taxes, childcare, and the environ-

ment. Prerequisite: SOC100 or permission of

the instructor.

SOC640

THE FAMILY AS A SOCIAL

INSTITUTION

3 sem. hrs.

This course presents the family as a major

social institution within the American social

system. Functional interdependencies between

the family and other institutions, particularly

education will be emphasized. Family patterns

of some prominent subcultural groups will be

included.

SOC643

SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION

3 sem. hrs.

This course emphasizes the scientific study of

religion based on an examination of religious

belief and practices in literate and non-literate

cultures. The course also focuses upon the

relationship of religion to economic and polit-

ical structures as well as upon other aspects of

life in an industrialized society. Students who

complete this course will have a better under-

standing of the interaction between society

and religion. Prerequisite: SOC100 or permis-

sion of instructor.

SOC647

WORK AND SOCIETY

3 sem. hrs.

This course acquaints the student with work

organizations in contemporary societies. The

social significance of industrial and service

employment is treated with regard to leisure,

social control, value systems and social struc-

tures. The relationship of the work place to the

community in pre- and post-industrialized

societies will be discussed from both a practi-

cal and theoretical point of view. Prerequisite:

SOC100 or permission of the instructor.

SOC664

RACE AND ETHNIC

RELATIONS

3 sem. hrs.

This course acquaints the student with the

major racial and ethnic groups in contempo-

rary America. Various sociological approach-

es, both past and present, are used to critically

examine ethnicity, racism, discrimination, and

interethnic relations. Graduate students will

demonstrate a deeper understanding of social

stratification as determined by the instructor.

Prerequisite: SOC100 or permission of the

instructor.

SOC670

SOCIAL GERONTOLOGY

3 sem. hrs.

The intent of this course is to provide a brief

but comprehensive introduction to the field of

human aging, with particular emphasis on the

social dimension. A brief summary of the

impact of aging on biological and psychologi-

cal functioning is included as useful informa-

tion enabling the student to better put the

social aspects of aging into a realistic context.

Graduate students will demonstrate a deeper

understanding of the social dimensions of

aging as determined by the instructor. Prereq-

uisite: SOC100 or permission of the instructor.

SOC675

SOCIAL PRINCIPLES OF

RELIGION AND MYTH

3 sem. hrs.

A thorough review and comprehensive analy-

sis of social principles contained within the

sacred literature of world religions and

mythology with an emphasis upon the social

justice traditions of Christianity and the social

impact of applied creeds as expressed in liber-

ation theology, creation spirituality and the

social gospel. Prerequisite: SOC100 or per-

mission of instructor.

SOC700

ADVANCED RESEARCH

METHODS

3 sem. hrs.

Students in the course will study the method-

ology and techniques of social research. The

focus is on research design, execution, and

data analysis. The course is designed for soci-

ology majors, but other graduate students may

enroll. Prerequisite: SOC500.

SOC730

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

METHODS FOR THE

SOCIAL SCIENCES

3 sem. hrs.

This is a course introduces students to the

research methods and strategies used by qual-

itative researchers in the social sciences.

Emphasis is placed on the qualitative study of

human behavior and society. Topics addressed

include the design of qualitative research, eth-

ical concerns, interviewing, focus groups,

ethnographic field strategies, action research,

archival strategies, case studies, and content

analysis. This course will be useful for sociol-

ogy majors, and majors from a variety of other

disciplines, who expect to work in the area of

human service. Prerequisite: SOC100 or per-

mission of instructor.

SOC757

SOCIAL STRATIFICATION

3 sem. hrs.

This course is designed to acquaint prospec-

tive students with types and forms of systems

of differential ranking within societies and

their various subsystems. Emphasis is placed

on theories and methods in this area, as well as

on substantive findings. The theories of class

division, problem of mobility, and the source

of power-elites, oligarchies, and ruling minori-

ties, bureaucracy, and social power. The socio-

logical framework will focus on social class,

social mobility and caste. Graduate students

will demonstrate a deeper understanding of

social stratification as determined by the

instructor. Prerequisite: SOC100 or permis-

sion of the instructor.

SOC790

INDEPENDENT STUDY

2-5 sem. hrs.

The independent study program aims to serve

those students whose scholarly bend seems

most clearly adapted to independent work.

Students are permitted, with faculty supervi-

sion, to undertake an advanced research proj-

84/Social Sciences Program