A critical analysis of contemporary American society with review of major sociological theories, research methods, culture, socialization, groups, social structure, social institutions, deviance, social inequalities, social processes and social change.
3 Credit Hours
A critical and analytical examination of the Appalachian experience from the 1700s through the present day with emphasis on the Appalachian family (both rural and urban) as a varied and complex social system, including an examination of the diverse populations within the Appalachian region.
3 Credit Hours
This course is a sociological examination of theoretical perspectives on the institution of family. Topics include the historical context of the family, the role of marriage and family in society, family formation, socialization, divorce, parenting, family issues, family throughout the life course and social policy. Variations in family types and lifestyles among diverse groups worldwide are examined.
3 Credit Hours
Exploration of contemporary popular culture and popular culture in a historical context: examination of influence of popular culture on the development of a unique American society and culture through media, music, sports, entertainment and/or food.
3 Credit Hours
An examination of what is meant by culture and a review of the various theories and methods in Cultural Anthropology. Includes a comparison of the similarities and differences among world cultures as well as comparative analysis of family organization, religious beliefs, educational systems, economics and governmental systems.
3 Credit Hours
Orientation to the sociological, biological and psychological dimensions of the aging process and society's response to its older members and social concerns. Examination of social forces that impact the aging process.
3 Credit Hours
A critical analysis of the interrelatedness of sociological, cultural, biological, psychological and religious factors influencing attitudes towards sexuality.
3 Credit Hours
This course focuses on the issue of global poverty. It includes a comparison of relative poverty and absolute poverty. This course specifically examines three areas of global poverty through both a sociological and interdisciplinary perspective(including a comparison of western and nonwestern perspectives). The three areas include an examination of the many hypotheses and theories about the causes of global poverty, an examination of the consequences of poverty at the micro, meso and macro levels, and an examination of the theories and solutions to reduce/solve global poverty.
3 Credit Hours
Sociological explanation of the nature and scope of family violence: child abuse, spousal abuse, elder abuse, sexual abuse, neglect and emotional abuse. Analysis of social and legal implications; intervention and prevention will be explored.
3 Credit Hours
An introduction to social problems facing large, complex societies using sociological theories and methodology to examine causes, treatments and solutions. Among the topics discussed are: mental illness, health care, alcohol and drug abuse, violence, crime, delinquency, inequality, poverty, immigration, family, global and environmental issues.
3 Credit Hours
Examines historical and current racial, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation, linguistic, and social class stereotypes and biases as related to youth in the United States and globally. Students identify personal preconceptions and learn ways of becoming culturally responsive working with youths.
3 Credit Hours
Introduction to the study of human populations and the process that governs their change, fertility, migration and mortality. Application and comparison of demographic data related to the United States Census, emphasizing current and future social and economic trends through computer applications for demographic research.
3 Credit Hours
Sociological exploration of American racial and ethnic diversity. Emphasis given to the social construction of race and ethnicity, patterns of intergroup contact and global migration. Historical comparative analysis of selected groups with emphasis given to economic, political and structural inequalities.
3 Credit Hours
This course presents a framework for studying the nature and the causes of crime and criminal behavior. Focus is provided through criminal typologies and the myriad of theories using multi-disciplinary perspectives.
3 Credit Hours
Varied content offering of special interest to the discipline but not covered within existing courses; may be scheduled in a classroom/seminar setting or in nontraditional format.
0.5 - 9 Credit Hours