SOCS (Sociology)

SOCS 1010 - General Sociology - 3 Credits

This is an introductory course presenting a description and analysis of the structure and dynamics of human society. It focuses on social norms, groups, inter-group relations, social change, stratification and institutions. Social interaction and the values that orient behavior in groups are examined. Contemporary society and its problems are discussed. Lecture: 3 hour

SOCS 2020 - Marriage and Family - 3 Credits

This is a survey of the basic factors of courtship, mate selection, engagement, marriage and rearing children in preparation for successful marriage and parenthood. Marital values and problems are discussed. The course studies the family as the basic unit in society and its relationship to society as a whole. Current changes in family life and their causes are examined. Lecture: 3 hours

SOCS 2030 - Urban Sociology - 3 Credits

This course analyzes the influences of urban interaction on group relationships. Consideration is given to multi-factors inherent in problems pertaining to urban population movements, economic dislocations, minority-majority cultural conflicts and pluralistic power patterns. The role of public media and pressure groups is also studied as integral to contemporary urban group relationships. Lecture: 3 hour

SOCS 2040 - Cultural Diversity - 3 Credits

This course uses the sociological perspective in analyzing the formation and development of selected minority groups (including, but not limited to: Asian-Americans, Native Americans, African-Americans, Cape Verdeans, Dominicans, Haitians and Liberians). Contemporary issues regarding racial, ethnic, religious and gender minority groups are explored. Note: May be taken as an alternative to SOCS 1010 in Human Services programs. Lecture: 3 hour

SOCS 2050 - Social Problems - 3 Credits

This is a survey of the sociological aspects of major contemporary social problems in the United States. Emphasis is placed on personal pathologies (alcoholism, drug addiction, sexual pathology, suicide) population problems, educational problems, racism, sexism, ethnic problems, family problems and crime. Lecture: 3 hour

SOCS 2070 - Sociology of African-American Religions - 3 Credits

This course looks at the many ways in which religious practice and faith have contributed to the development of contemporary African-American society and culture. Christian and non-Christian doctrines may be considered, including African and African-American Catholicism, conventional and Evangelical Protestantism (particularly Pentecostalism) as well as Islam, African traditional spirituality, syncretic traditions of the Caribbean such as Vodou, Santeria, Obeah and Rastafarianism. The course also investigates the influence of rap, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, etc. on African-American spirituality. Lecture: 3 hour

SOCS 2080 - Global Seminar - Man and the Environment - 3 Credits

This distance learning seminar provides students the opportunity to explore the dynamic linkages between sustainable development, food security, population, the environment and socio-economic progress from a global perspective. Students across the different sites interact via Internet, satellite and video conferencing technologies to analyze a series of interdisciplinary case studies related to global sustainable development. Teams of international students collaborate on a number of projects that are presented at the end of the semester. Lecture: 3 hour

SOCS 2110 - Introduction to Anthropology - 3 Credits

This course is an introduction to the basic principles and methods of cultural anthropology. Emphasis is placed on the concept of culture as a way of explaining human behavior, with illustrations from selected preliterate societies. The biocultural evolution of mankind is covered. Lecture: 3 hour

SOCS 2300 - Criminology - 3 Credits

This course considers the nature of crime and the criminal who commits social infractions. Emphasis focuses equally on theoretical and applied criminology. Lecture: 3 hour

SOCS 2310 - Introduction to Corrections - 3 Credits

This course is a survey of the past, present and possible future of the process of correction and correctional institutions in American society. Visits to a penal setting maybe included. Lecture: 3 hour