Sociology

Fall
This course is designed to introduce the exploration of chemical dependency and/or substance use disorder (SUD), examining its effects on individuals and society. Students will develop an understanding of chemical dependency, various drugs that are used, and available treatment options for chemical dependency and/or SUD. Through a combination of lectures, case studies, and interactive discussions students will develop foundational references in identifying chemical dependency and/or SUD in a diverse context. This course is beneficial for students in the disciplines of Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, healthcare, education, and related fields, as well as those interested in gaining insight into chemical dependency and societal implications.

Fall
This course is intended to engage and educate students about topics and issues relating to substance use in society. Students will be encouraged to examine the motivation for substance use, societal implications, legal ramifications and factors affecting how drugs interact with the human body (psychologically and physiologically). Historical and cultural context surrounding substance use and abuse, information regarding specific types of substances, and evaluation of treatment options, educational strategies and prevention approaches will also be explored throughout the course. This course is beneficial for students in the disciplines of Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, healthcare, education, and related fields, as well as those interested in gaining insight into substance use and societal implications. 

Fall
This course focuses on the family system in the U.S. society, and explores a sociological analysis of the family as a social institution. It introduces students to how sociologists study families including historical development, contemporary patterns in the United States, and possible future trends. A central theme will be diversity and change, as this course explores the many ways families have changed from generation to generation, and the various forms of family diversity in the U.S. society. 

Fall, Spring, Summer
This is an introductory course that will familiarize the student with the basic principles and theories associated with sociology. This course will prepare students to look critically at a variety of social issues. Critical thinking is emphasized as students are provided thought provoking opportunities in challenging them to examine their diverse world.
 

Fall, Spring
This course text examines and debates the nature and causes of each major social problem currently experienced in the United States. The course explores the parameters which define a course as a social problem and then explores social control and social action with respect to each particular problem. All lesson content uses both a micro to macro approach to the problem under study, pointing out the interrelationships among today's social problems and the several perspectives which can be used to evaluate the problem. Socio-political solutions are presented for each chapter, surveying both political and private attempts to alleviate the problem. Current methods used for studying social problems are examined and practiced. Data relating to social problems is collected and discussed in class. Current issues relating to governmental initiatives, social movements and unintended consequences form the basis of debate. Technology will be a thread throughout the entire course. The ability of technology to influence social problems, positively and negatively, underscores the future solutions to our American social issues.

Spring
This course examines some of the ways societal systems operate to construct our ideas, beliefs, values, behaviors, and attitudes toward ourselves and others, as well as how differences between and among people are created and maintained. Attention will be drawn to differences within society and how hierarchies are established from such perceived differences. Students will examine the concept of social construction and how it can help us see the ways systems of race, class, gender, and sexuality function to establish the boundaries of our lives. The power of words, of definitions, of language itself is explored for students to consider the multiple ways they might participate in or be impacted by structures of domination from a historical and sociological perspective. Topics will be explored through reading original empirical research and review; and utilize APA style research.

This course will offer a multidisciplinary and multicultural study of the scholarship on women and gender with two approaches.  First, an introduction to feminist theory and methodology will be provided for a thoughtful approach to how sociocultural constructs of gender influence, and are influenced by, race, ethnicity, class, nationality, and other dimensions of human identity.  Second, an application of culture studies will be utilized to gain valuable insight on how feminist and gender theory likewise are impacted in the arts and literature, throughout history, within philosophy, religion, and language.  Through the combination of social sciences and humanities, it is the goal of this course to familiarize students from an array of academic backgrounds with how the plurality of feminist viewpoints can be integrated into any field of study for a more holistic understanding.