SOC 201. The Individual in Society.
An introduction to the science of sociology. An analysis of society through a study
of social principles, concepts, and theories. Three hours credit. Fall/Spring.

SOC 204. Social Problems.
This course takes a community and problem-based approach to investigate the causes and consequences of problems associated with health care, education, crime, substance abuse, poverty, homelessness, urbanization, social inequality, immigration, and the environment.  Case studies will be used to examine the impact of select problems on communities and how various groups have sought to resolve these problems through innovative and creative solutions. Three hours credit. Fall.

SOC 205. Cultural Anthropology.
A study of the nature of culture, with an emphasis on contrasting different cultures to uncover similarities and differences. Video material is used to focus on various aspects of cultures, such as marriage and family, religion, ways of making a living, and political structures. Three hours credit. Spring.

SOC 288, 388, 488. Special Topics.
Variable credit. May be repeated.

SOC 303.  Social Thought and Theory.
The course provides an overview of key axioms and principles in social thought and their importance in the development of classical and contemporary sociological theory.  Emphasis will be placed on the practical application of past and present theoretical insights to understanding select facets of modern life.  Three hours credit.  Fall Prerequisite:  SOC 201 or permission of the instructor.

SOC 305. Social and Global Inequalities.
A study of the various factors that both contribute to and reduce social and global inequalities.  Emphasis is placed on the intersection of race, ethnicity, class, and gender as a basis for inequality.  The effects of globalization on inequality are also considered and various theoretical explanations for inequality are examined.  Three hours credit.  Prerequisite:  SOC 201 or permission of the instructor.

SOC 306. Religion, Society and Culture.
An exploration of religious beliefs, rituals, and communities across cultures and focusing on the role of religion in society and its meaning for individuals. Emphasis is given to religious beliefs, institutions, changes in religious attitudes, and emerging cults in U.S. society. Three hours credit. Spring. Alternate (odd) years.

SOC 310. Social Deviance.
An examination of various types of norm breaking by individuals and groups,
theories that consider the social context in understanding deviance as well as
community responses, and how deviant behavior is addressed in various societies.
Topics include: terrorism; rape; domestic violence; illegal drug use; white-collar,
corporate, and government norm breaking; sexual deviance; religious cults; and
mental disorders. Three hours credit. Alternate years.

SOC 318. Quantitative Applications in Sociology.
Exploration of the quantitative methods and goals of conducting sociological research through existing research reports and small projects.  Focus will be on framing research questions as well as addressing problems of measurement, survey construction, sampling, inferential statistics and ethical issues.  Short writing projects will be integrated into the course.  Statistical software will be used to illustrate multiple issues that arise in quantitative research.  Three hours credit.  Fall.  Prerequisite:  SOC 201 and the completion of MTH 131 or higher with a grade of "C" or better.

SOC 319. Qualitative Applications in Sociology.
Exploration of qualitative methods and goals of conducting research through existing research reports and development of a data-based research report.  Students will learn to develop interview guides, conduct semi-structured interviews, engage in field observation, and be introduced to qualitative software and ethical issues.  The final project will require that students develop a research question, gather data, analyze their data, and present their study in written and oral format.  Three hours credit. Spring. Prerequisite: SOC 201.

SOC 320. Marriage and the Family.
 A study of: (1) the history, structure, functions, and organization of the family;
(2) the impact of the family on its members in the context of social change; and
(3) courtship patterns and marriage, with emphasis on personal relationships. Three hours credit.

SOC 355. Death and Dying.
A cross cultural study of historical and contemporary attitudes and practices regarding death and dying, utilizing the insights of theology, sociology, anthropology and psychology. Three hours credit.

SOC/COM 357. Women and Culture.
An interdisciplinary survey of a wide range of topics and themes that are important
to an understanding of women's status, roles, and experiences. Three hours credit. 

SOC 411-413. Independent Study.
The study of a particular research problem with the permission of the chair of the
department and under the supervision of a member of the instructional staff. Three hours credit. Each semester. Restricted to Sociology majors.

SOC 470.  Community Development.
In this course students will develop practical skills for planning, evaluating, analyzing and implementing community and agency programs.  In addition, special attention will be directed at the impact select social problems, to include inequality, crime, and unemployment, have on community development efforts in urban communities.  The role of faith-based organizations in community development will also be explored.  Three hours credit.  Prerequisite:  Senior status or permission of the instructor.

SOC 471-474. Student Intern Program.
Six to fifteen hours credits.

SOC 499. Senior Seminar.
A capstone experience in which students, in collaboration with faculty, will be expected to integrate and synthesize the knowledge gained from their study of sociology in conducting and independent research project on some issue of sociological significance.  In addition tot he written report, students will also be required to make an oral presentation of their findings. Three hours credit. Spring. Prerequisites:  Open only to senior sociology majors who have completed, or are currently taking SOC 303, 318, and 319 or their equivalent.