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Principles of Sociology (3)
An introductory study of cultural her it age, social nature, group relationships, social inst it utions, and social change. Meets the General Education requirements for American Cultures and Inst it utions and a Social Science course. Offered each semester.

SOC 202
Problems in Society (3)
The nature and treatment of social problems such as race, population, crime, mental illness. Offered each Spring.

SOC 256          
Sociological Research Methods (3)
Examines the methods sociologists use to study the social world. It compares the rationale behind the adopting of quant it ative and qual it ative research techniques. Special attention will be given to research design, sampling, data collection, and the ethnographic approach. The question of ethics w it hin the research process will also be considered. Offered on demand.

SOC 310
American Minorities (3)
A study in the strains experienced by various minor it ies in the Un it ed States , particularly the black population, w it hin both historical and contemporary contexts. Emphasis is upon understanding the lim it ations in practice of the American democratic ideal. A further purpose is to promote an awareness of recent changes in the status and att it udes of minor it ies in light of that ideal. Prerequis it e: SOC 201 or SWK 222. Offered each Fall.

SOC 340          
Gender Studies (3)
The course focuses on perceptions of gender and uses sociological analysis to examine issues related to male/female interaction and ident it y. Theoretical perspectives will be explored along w it h a focus on gender roles. A section on media representations of masculin it y and feminin it y will also be included. Prerequis it e: SOC 201. Offered each Spring.

SOC 355          
Sociology of Religion (3)
Examines the major sociological theories of the nature and role of religion in society and charts a progression of sociological thought. This course considers the classical work of Durkheim, Weber and Marx, secularization theory, and rational choice theory. It also explores organizational/denominational typologies. Prerequis it e: SOC 201. Offered Fall 2006 and alternate Fall semesters.

SOC 362          
The Sociology of Crime and Deviance (3)
This course examines sociological perspectives of deviant and criminal behavior w it hin contemporary society. The objective of this course is to survey the current information and research on selected types of deviance in society in order to understand the personal and social structural dimensions of the behavior, including the implications for social policy and control. Emphasis will be placed on individualistic versus sociological explanations of criminal behavior, crime data and research methods, patterns of criminal it y and victimization, and criminal justice and the search for solutions. Prerequis it e: SOC 201. Offered Fall 2007 and alternate Fall semesters.

SOC 450
Advanced Topics (1-3)
An opportunity for the superior student to pursue, under supervision, an area of special interest e it her on his/her own in it iative or in a seminar group. Open to juniors or seniors who are majors in this area and who have completed or are taking regularly scheduled courses. Enrollment by permission of the Department Chair.