Compiled from the Undergraduate Catalog:

Sociology (SC)

Dr. Janet Armitage, Chairperson

B.A. degree with Major in Sociology -- 128 semester hours.

SC 1311 is a prerequisite for all Sociology/Anthropology courses except SC/AN 2331, SC/AN 2332, SC 3300, and SC 3381

Sociology is the social science which studies human groups and society. It explores multiple influences which groups exert in our personal lives: friendships, marriages, families, work units, businesses, schools, neighborhoods, organizations, com-munities, churches, clubs, etc. In addition, Sociology analyzes how and why groups form, hold together, and sometimes break up. It seeks an accurate and scientific understanding of society and of social life. Likewise, Sociology explores the many social and cultural forces which operate throughout society -- forces which form individual persons, shape their attitudes and behaviors, and determine social events. While describing what is, while explaining how and why it is and while predicting what will probably occur, Sociology offers countless applied and practical ways to change and to improve human life and society.

SC 1311 Introductory Sociology 3 sem. hours
An introduction to the scope and methods of sociology, emphasizing the concepts of social structure, organization, institution, culture and socialization, and including analyses of primary and secondary groups, sex roles, social control, stratification, minorities, collective behavior, and population dynamics.

SC 2331 Cultural Anthropology (same as AN 2331) (ANTH 2331) 3 sem. hours
An examination of the unity and diversity of cultural patterns in both simple and complex societies, including consideration of their political, intellectual, technical, aesthetic, and other social institutions in cross-cultural perspective.

SC 2332 Introduction to Archaeology (same as AN 2332)3 sem. hours
Introduction to scientific study of material remains (fossil relics, artifacts, monuments, tools, pottery, graves, buildings, etc.) of past human life and activities. How archaeologists retrieve, process, analyze, interpret surviving prehistoric materials. Insights into cultural values, symbols, norms, customs, traditions, etc.

SC 3300 Special Topics in Sociology (same as AN 3300) 3 sem. hours
Topics vary from semester to semester. SC 3300 may be retaken for additional credit when a different topic is offered.

SC 3301 North American Indians (same as AN 3301) 3 sem. hours
Survey of Indians from the time of European contact through the present, emphasizing the situation of contemporary Native Americans.

SC 3302 Ancient Civilizations of the Americas (same as AN 3302) 3 sem. hours
Survey of prehistoric civilizations of the Americas, particularly the Aztecs, Mayas, and Incas. Deals with their development and histories, political and economic structures, religion, etc.

SC 3306 Qualitative Research Methods (Same as AN 3306, CJ/CR 3306) 3 sem. hours
An introduction to the methods used to conduct qualitative research in natural social settings. An examination of the methods of ethnography, participant observation/ non-participant observation, focus group, interview, and use of documentary sources will be included. Students may have the opportunity to engage in hands-on research. Additional topics include data coding, data analysis, and research ethics. Prerequisite: Junior standing and have completed nine hours of psychology or sociology related courses.

SC 3308 Sociology of Religion (same as AN 3308) 3 sem. hours
An introduction to basic issues in the sociology of religion, including alternative definitions of religion, the relationship of religion to economic, political and other social institutions, and the influence of religion on personal development, social order, conflict, and change. Religious institutions are viewed in historical and cross-cultural perspective.

SC 3310 Sociology of Sex Roles (same as AN 3311) 3 sem. hours
An examination of the process of learning male and female roles. Topics include sexual identity, gender stereotypes, cross-cultural differences in gender roles and socialization, and changes in these roles in contemporary society.

SC 3315 Future Societies (same as AN 3315) 3 sem. hours
An introduction to social forecasting and the sociology of the future. This course explores a range of alternative possibilities for the future of human societies, including both optimistic and pessimistic scenarios. Topics include the impact of technology on social relations, the future of major social institutions, and prospects for the solution of global problems.

SC 3320 Social Stratification (same as AN, CJ/CR 3320) 3 sem. hours
An analysis of social stratification utilizing social class as the unit of study. The course will focus on the structure of social classes in the U.S. as a major factor influencing individual and group life chances with regards to education, crime, health, and disease, world views and life styles.

SC 3321 Social Issues 3 sem. hours
Current discussions of contemporary social problems, including issues related to family and sexuality, health and substance abuse, education, poverty, prejudice and discrimination, population and environment, war and peace.

SC 3324 Juvenile Delinquency (same as CJ 3324) 3 sem. hours
An examination of juvenile delinquency in the U.S.: its nature, extent, causes, effects, prevention and rehabilitation. Sociological approaches to delinquency are emphasized, but psychological and legal approaches are also considered.

SC 3325 Criminology (same as CJ/CR 3325) 3 sem. hours
An overview of the study of crime and the development of criminology. The nature, extent, causes, effects, rehabilitation and prevention of crime are examined from a sociological perspective. Psychological, legal, and philosophical approaches to crime are also considered.

SC 3342 Social Organization & Social Systems (same as AN 3342) 3 sem. hours
An analysis of human behavior in organizations viewed as social systems. Topics include formal and informal structures, corporate cultures, organizational goals and problems, communication, interpersonal relations, adaptation, and change.

SC 3343 The Family (same as AN, CR 3343) 3 sem. hours
A study of the family as an institution and social system, including discussions of dating and mate selection, premarital and extramarital sex, birth control, abortion, illegitimacy, family planning, spousal relationships, interracial and interfaith marriages, socialization, social control, and change.

SC 3351 Social Psychology (same as AN, CR/CJ, PS 3351) 3 sem. hours
Theories and research on social factors in behavior, including such topics as attitudes, perception, leadership, and attraction.

SC 3352 Group Dynamics 3 sem. hours
An analysis of the structure, functions and processes of small groups from a social-psychological perspective. Practical applications are explored for education, counseling, social work, business, and law.

SC 3353 Public Opinion and Propaganda 3 sem. hours
An examination of the nature, extent, and purposes of propaganda and of other social and psychological influences on public opinion. Topics include techniques of persuasion and the role of mass media and advertising in shaping public attitudes.

SC 3355 Internship in Sociology (same as AN 3355) 3 sem. hours
Experiential education related to the theoretical and research topics studied in sociology. The experience consists of pre-professional work in social agencies, community programs, and other appropriate settings approved by the department. Junior/Senior status and at least 9 hours of upper-division sociology are prerequisites. Involves written sociological analysis. 3 to 6 semester hours of credit, with a maximum of 3 hours per semester.

SC 3361 Urban Sociology (same as AN, CJ/CR 3361) 3 sem. hours
An analysis of cities, their historical development and social organization. Topics include urbanization in developed and developing societies, urban stratification and lifestyles, and urban, metropolitan and regional planning.

SC 3362 Demography and Ecology (same as AN, CJ/CR 3362) 3 sem. hours
The demographic study of human populations, including fertility, mortality, migration, age, sex, class composition. The ecological study of relations between human societies and their environments. Analysis of environmental problems and proposed solutions.

SC 3371 Minority Relations (same as AN, CJ/CR 3371) 3 sem. hours
A study of ethnic, religious and racial relations in the U.S. and other countries. Topics include power relationships, prejudice, discrimination, ethnic stratification, migration, assimilation and pluralism. Minorities to be considered include Blacks, Mexican-Americans and Native Americans.

SC 3381 Introductory Statistics (same as AN, PS, SE 3381) 3 sem. hours
An introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics designed for the student of behavioral sciences.

SC 4300 Social Gerontology (same as AN 4300) 3 sem. hours
A study of the aging process, with emphasis on its social, cultural and psychological aspects. Topics include the effects of aging on personality, intelligence, sexuality and maturity; family relationships; the demography of aging; and the relevance of gerontology theory and research for social policy.

SC 4305 Death and Dying (same as AN 4305) 3 sem. hours
A holistic treatment of the dying person and his/her environment. Topics include cross-cultural differences in grief and mourning behaviors, psychological process of the terminally ill, funeral practices, hospice alternatives, and ethical problems related to the medical extension of life.

SC 4383 Sociological Research 3 sem. hours
An introduction to the history and methods of sociological research. Topics include the logic of scientific research, observation, questionnaires, interviews, content analysis, experiments, descriptive statistics, sampling, computerized data analysis and presentation. Students conduct actual research project.

SC 4384 Sociological Theory 3 sem. hours
An overview of major European and American social theorists and their influence on current sociological research and applications.