This course is an introduction to sociology, the systematic study of human groups and social relations. We will analyze the basic structure of society and the issues confronting contemporary life in America. Special emphasis will be placed upon the problems and concerns that bring about change in modern society. Prerequisite: ENGL1050 (3 credits)

These courses present topics that are not covered by existing courses and are likely to change from semester to semester. Refer to the semester schedule for the courses offered that semester. Contact the faculty assigned for more information about the course topic. Prerequisite: Completion of an English Sequence (4 credits)

This course explores sociology, the systematic study of groups and social relations. Sociology investigates the intersection of biography and history by relating the life of the individual to the operation of social institutions; how a person's life interacts with the collective experience of others. We will analyze the basic structure of society and the issues confronting contemporary life in America. Special emphasis will be placed upon forces and problems that bring about cultural change in American society today. In addition, we shall broaden our perspectives to include issues of globalization. Prerequisite: Completion of an English Sequence (4 credits)

This course explores the disappearing line between nature and technology. Themes and topics explored include: art history with an emphasis on Modernism and contemporary art; the literature of Hawthorne and Zizek; relationship between nature, culture and science; cyborgs, plastic surgery, and immortality; the importance and effects of ideas and inventions on society. Prerequisite: Completion of an English sequence (4 credits)

This course provides an introduction to the methodology of the social sciences. Major topics include: the logic of scientific inquiry, problem formulation, research design, conceptualization and measurement, techniques of data analysis, and ethical issues involved in the study of social phenomena. The primary objective is to cultivate skills that will enable students to understand the significance and the limitations of contemporarysocial research. Prerequisite: Completion of an English Sequence (4 credits)

A study of the history of food production, consumption and culture in America from the settlement era to the present. Students will analyze the relationships among food and race and ethnicity, socio-economic class, gender, and regionalism at different periods in American history. Prerequisite: Completion of an English sequence (4 credits)

This course will provide an introduction to the field of criminology. It examines the nature of criminal law, the social distribution of crime, casual explanations for criminal behavior, and selected types of crime. The main objective of the course is to expose students to theories, methods, and research findings in contemporary criminology. Prerequisites: Completion of an English sequence (4 credits)

The purpose of this course is to examine in some depth the unique aspects of the American juvenile justice system and theoretical explanations of delinquent behavior. Although some attention will be paid to the work on juvenile delinquency in other disciplines, emphasis is on research done from a sociological perspective. The course is divided into three thematic units: conceptual and methodological issues in the study of delinquency; control of delinquency; and explanations of delinquent behavior. Prerequisite: Completion of an English Sequence (4 credits)

What is a social problem? How does a particular social phenomenon become defined as a social problem? These are the types of questions that this course will begin to answer. This course will provide an analysis of some of the most significant social problems in the United States, and other nations, including: poverty, homelessness, racism, segregation, health, and environmental destruction. We will examine the social and structural factors associated with the creation of these and other problems as well as ways to address and overcome them. We will pay particular attention to how issues become defined as social problems, who gets to define them, and the implications that these problems have for society and its members. Using a sociological perspective, we will delve deeper into these issues to gain a better understanding of their causes and possible solutions and how people experience and make sense of these issues. By the end of the course, you should come away with a better understanding of what constitutes a social problem and possible ways of addressing and solving them. Prerequisite: Completion of an English Sequence (4 credits)

This course explores marriage and families from a sociological perspective. The goal of Sociology, as a social science, is to better understand social institutions through the use of empirical research. In this course we will examine current and historical patterns in family formation, theoretical perspectives on family processes, how social policy shapes and influences family life, and the role of family in contemporary American society. Using readings, films, and class discussions, we will explore a myriad of issues related to family life including: gender, parenting, adoption, divorce, family diversity, family violence, and more. Finally, we will examine the social construction of family and explore how cultural contexts and social forces help shape our ideas and beliefs about what family should be and how individual agents work to reshape families. Prerequisite: Completion of an English Sequence (4 credits)