Biology - Major in Biology Program

Requirements for a sociology major with a family studies concentration:

Core courses:
SOC 110 Introduction to Sociology

An introduction to the sociological perspective with a focus on how individual behavior is shaped by the social context. The nature and characteristics of human societies and social life are examined from a perspective known as the "sociological imagination". Topics range from the influence of culture on human behavior, the development of the self, group dynamics, deviance, population, and social inequality. Fulfills requirement: Intercultural Competence. 3 credits.

SOC 210 Social Problems

Contemporary social problems are examined from a constructionist perspective. Topics selected for study vary according to societal trends, but typically include an examination of social change, poverty, globalization, environmental degradation, deviance, and health. Fulfills requirement: . Prerequisite: SOC 110. 3 credits.

SOC 300 Research Methods in Social Science

Experiential-based course covering fundamental concepts and problems in social science research. Topics include ethics or research on human behavior, design, measurement, sampling, and interviewing and questionnaire construction. There is an emphasis on four research methods: available data, survey research, experiments, and field research. Prerequisite: SOC 110, plus 9 credits of Sociology at the 200-level or higher. 3 credits. (This course is cross-listed with CRJ 300)

SOC 301 Research Statistics for Social Sciences

This laboratory course builds skills in basic data management, statistical analysis, and interpretation of statistical information. The course reviews how to interpret both descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. The skills acquired in this lab are employed in research methods to aide students in the design, analysis, and presentation of their research project. Fulfills requirement: Quantitative Reasoning. Prerequisite: SOC 300, or permission of instructor. 3 credits. (This course is cross-listed with CRJ 301)

SOC 321 Social Theory

This course covers a critical examination of selected classical and contemporary theorists, including Marx, Durkheim, Weber, Parsons, Foucault, Bourdieu and Giddens. Classical, modern, post-modern and globalization theories will be covered. A meta-analytical approach will be used, looking at the social construction of theory. Prerequisite: SOC 110 and 6 credits in sociology at the 200-level or above, or permission of the instructor. 3 credits.

SOC 330 Marriage and Family

This course examines selected topics and research in the interdisciplinary field of marriage and family studies. Students will explore how the definitions and functions of families are changing by researching demographic trends, theories, myths, and media representations. Students should leave this course with a basic understanding of the historical context of marriage and family; familiarization with the tools used to study marriage and family issues; a general knowledge of how gender, social class, family structure, and race impact definitions of family; and a heightened awareness of interactions between work and family responsibilities. Prerequisite: SOC 110. 3 credits.

SOC 499 Senior Seminar: Inequality

A critical analysis of the selected topic: Inequality. This course will specifically focus on poverty and the impact of adverse child experiences on human outcomes. The course will be conducted as a seminar with a significant portion using a service learning format. This is a capstone course, required of all graduating Sociology and Criminal Justice majors. Fulfills requirement: Immersive Experience. Prerequisite: SOC 110, 310, 311; SOC 321 or 331; and senior standing. 3 credits.

15 credits from the following courses (at least six credits must be at the 300 level or higher):
CRJ 278 Juvenile Justice

An examination of the causes and effects of juvenile delinquency, the juvenile justice system and treatment programs for the juvenile offender. Prerequisite: CRJ 110. 3 credits.

SOC 226 Women and Gender Issues

An examination of women's contributions to the world, their roles in social institutions, and issues arising from their uniqueness and social situations. Topics will include images of women and their writings; biology and health; issues of sexuality and gender identity; and women's roles in the family, religion, education, and in the worlds of work and politics. Fulfills requirement: . Prerequisite: SOC 110. 3 credits.

SOC 261 Perspectives on Aging

Introduction to the study of aging from a multidisciplinary perspective. Topics include the biology of aging, demographic trends in aging, and aging impacts on social institutions and society. Policies on aging are reviewed. Fulfills requirement: . Prerequisite: SOC 110. 3 credits.

SOC 271 Child Abuse

The study and analysis of child abuse in its various expressions with additional focus on physical and sexual abuse. Emphasis will be on models and theories of causation, dynamics, treatment and research. Prerequisite: SOC 110. 3 credits.

SOC 272 Substance Abuse

An examination of the problems associated with substance abuse including a study of the prevalent myths concerning substance abuse, and exploration of the causes of substance abuse and an exploration of how it affects the individual, the family and society as a whole. In addition, the course will examine current methods of intervention and treatment. Prerequisite: SOC 110. 3 credits.

SOC 292 Special Topics in Family Studies

Topic announced at the time of registration. This course may be repeated for credit as topic changes. 3 credits.

SOC 324 Medical Sociology

An examination of the societal bases of health, illness and health care. The course will include an examination of the three components of medicine: the patient, the medical professional and the health care organization. Specific topics will include: the role of the patient; doctor-patient relationships; the socialization of medical professionals; the hospital as a complex organization, cross-cultural comparisons of health care and current topics of concern such as the AIDS epidemic, new technologies and social response to the terminally ill patient. Fulfills requirement: . Prerequisites: SOC 110 plus 9 credits of sociology at the 200-level or above and junior standing, or permission of the instructor. 3 credits.

SOC 370 Adoption

This course will focus on populations involved in adoption, including birth parents, adoptees, foster and adoptive families and agencies, in both domestic and transnational adoptions. Special consideration will be given to recent policies and vehicles that have been put into place to facilitate the permanency placement of children. A consideration of ethics in adoption will be a central theme of the course. An examination of cultural, economic and policy factors in countries involved in transnational adoption will be included. The health (both physical and psychological) and cultural issues of adoptees and services that address these will be addressed. Prerequisites: SOC 110 and 6 credits in sociology at the 200 level or above, or permission of the instructor. 3 credits.

SOC 392 Special Topics in Family Studies

Topic announced at the time of registration. This course may be repeated for credit as topic changes. 3 credits.