Sociology and Anthropology

SOC

050(I)

INDEPENDENT STUDY

One to four credit hours

See Independent Study Program, Section II.

SOC

070

INTERNSHIP

Credit hours to be arranged

See Internship Program, Section II.

SOC

259,359,459

FACULTY-STUDENT COLLABORATION

Credit hours to be arranged

See FSC Program, Section II.

SOC

100D

PRINCIPLES OF SOCIOLOGY

Four credit hours

Would you like to learn important life skills that will help you meet difficult challenges in life? This class introduces you to the controversial issues, competing theories, and scientific methods in sociology. You examine the impact of culture, socialization, and social institutions on human behavior. You also learn to apply the sociological perspective to a study of social class, race, gender, and deviance. Interactive computer exercises aid your understanding of key issues in society. This fun class is comparative in nature, drawing on examples from both the United States and around the world.

SOC

106

ORGANIZATIONS

Three credit hours

In our modern world, obtaining an understanding of organizations is necessary to succeed. This course is a study of the structure and function of formal organizations, from schools to business and government. Authority, conflict, motivation, socialization, participation and alienation are examined through social research. Examples are drawn from the kinds of organizations familiar to students from their own experiences (schools, colleges, work settings) and future career sites (large corporations, criminal justice agencies, professional partnerships, etc.).

SOC

180

ARCHEOLOGY AND HUMAN EVOLUTION

Three credit hours

Voices speak from the dust in this anthropological study of human evolution, from origins through the formation of major early civilizations. Emphasis is on understanding the changing nature of the relationships between human biology, the environment, and adaptation of culture as a way of life.

SOC

181I

CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY

Three credit hours

From the exotic to the more familiar, anthropological study offers unique insights in this introduction to the nature of culture and a comparison of contemporary non-western cultures worldwide. Readings, slides and films help review cultural similarities and differences in subsistence technology, language, social organization, politics and religion. An analysis that views culture as humankind’s most important adaptive tool, a strategy for survival, also suggests cultural anthropology’s relevance for appreciating the modern world's social, economic and ecological problems.

SOC

201D

SOCIAL PROBLEMS

Four credit hours

We face many challenges in society today. This course addresses selected social problems and issues in our world today. Emphasis is on conceptions and misconceptions regarding the causes of social problems at the national and international level. Possible solutions and policy implications to these problems are also explored. Working collaboratively with the Community Outreach Office at Baldwin-Wallace College, students enrolled in this course may choose to work in various social agencies to address social problems in the greater Cleveland area.

SOC

206

CRIME IN ORGANIZATIONS

Three credit hours

Crime isn’t always complex or committed by those in positions of power, but sometimes it is. The primary focus of this course is to acquaint students with the nature and extent of criminal behavior within an organizational context. Accordingly, the course will focus upon analyzing organizational crime and deviance within corporate, governmental and criminal justice settings. Societal attitudes, social and economic consequences and control of these activities are also addressed.

SOC

210

WORK MATTERS: THE SOCIOLOGY OF WORK AND WORK SETTINGS

Three credit hours

Prerequisite: At least 6 months of full time work experience

A rewarding career requires understanding of the role work plays in our lives and the nature of different work settings. Sociologist study the way work roles interrelate on the job and in our families. We will look at issues of diversity, career paths, and the impact of organizational growth and the human toll of downsizing. We will also try to understand the role work plays in the lives of executives, professionals, middle managers, skilled and unskilled workers, and what it means to have no work role because one is unemployed. Students’ will study their own work settings as part of the course and will draw on their own work experience and career goals in class discussion.

SOC

212

FAMILIES, COUPLES AND SINGLES

Three credit hours

Have you ever wondered about the “health” of today’s family? The meaning of the word itself is changing, as are the circumstances around it in society. This course presents an analysis of family life and the historical development of the family through the examination of comparative family organizations in various societies. A review of recent research in American family structure is undertaken to discover the strengths, weaknesses and the future of various types of domestic lifestyles, including living together couples, single-parent families and other alternative forms. Social policies are also explored in this class.

SOC

223

JUVENILE DELINQUENCY AND THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM

Three credit hours

(cross-listed as CRJ 223)

This course examines competing theories of juvenile delinquency as well as measures which aid in the prevention and control of this behavior. Juvenile justice procedures and cases are presented. Attention is also given to the social consequences of juvenile delinquency and corresponding legal and social reactions.

SOC

250(I)

TOPICS IN SOCIOLOGY

Three credit hours

Content will vary. Students may take this course more than once provided that the topic is different each time. Examples: Sociology of Sport, Sociology of Religion, Policies on Aging.

SOC

260

DEATH AND DYING

Three credit hours

The principal purpose of this course is to provide students with an opportunity to study death in modern society. Course objectives include: applying the sociological perspective to understanding death and dying in modern U.S. society; learning how grief is a life-long human dilemma and will study models of grief and bereavement adaptation; developing an inter-disciplinary understanding of the complex nature of death in our modern healthcare system and global societies. Students will be challenged to understand the difficult ethical and moral end-of-life medical decisions confronting the terminally ill, their families and health care professionals.

SOC/
CRJ

270I

TERRORISM: ROOTS AND RESPONSES

Three credit hours

Terrorism is often touched on in the news, but how much do you really know about its causes and consequences? Among the topics that are explored are: how terrorism is defined (and sometimes justified), the factors that promote its existence, features of terrorist organizations, the impact of media coverage of terrorist incidents, and the array of counter-terrorism measures undertaken by governments. While the course examines various terrorist campaigns around the world—past and present—the emphasis is on what is sometimes referred to as the “new terrorism.” That is, religiously motivated violence involving radical Islamist factions whose terrorist tactics and extreme violence set it apart from other examples of terrorist campaigns.

SOC

280

RESEARCH METHODS

Four credit hours

Prerequisite: SOC 100D or SOC 106. Required of all Sociology majors.

In today's market, no matter what college graduates pursue as a career goal, they can be expected to provide scientific and objective assessments at different levels. This course is designed to help the student understand the theoretical principles on which scientific research is based and to see how those principles are reflected in the established techniques for doing research. Upon completion of this course, a student can expect to be fairly knowledgeable of concepts in and the structuring of Scientific Inquiry; Modes of Observation, with special emphasis on computer applications in data interpretation; and the social context of research. In addition to the logistical and technical matters, research ethics and relations to public policy are also covered in this course.

SOC

281

SPSS: DATA ANALYSIS

Four credit hours

Prerequisite: PSY 279 or ECN 279 or MTH 135, and a research course in either sociology or psychology. Required of all Sociology majors

Students use the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences to create data files, recode variables, and analyze relationships in the data. Participants learn how to formulate research hypotheses and empirically test them in a user-friendly computer lab. Thought you didn’t like statistics? Let the computer do the math, and you concentrate on what the outcome really means in human terms. Do analysis of your own choosing, starting with the data and ending with impressive tables and graphs with which to convey the findings to the world. You will have a skill that is used in social analysis and in market research in business. You might even like statistics in the end like many students who took the class before you!

SOC

288

ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIOLOGY

Three credit hours

Prerequisites: LAS 200 (SOC 100D is recommended)

What are the cultural and institutional mechanisms that have both contributed to and responded to environmental problems? This course investigates how groups conceptualize and impact natural systems by studying cultural norms and values, and studying how communities and organizations respond to environmental threats.  An overview of environmental movements includes an emphasis on environmental justice, both domestically and internationally.  Students will propose optimal mechanisms to transform cultural elements and social structures to achieve sustainable societies.          

SOC

290D

GENDER ROLES

Three credit hours

This course examines gender dynamics from an interdisciplinary perspective. Students use scholarly publications to explore the impact of the media, politics, and the workplace on individual experiences. Both macro (social structure) and micro (interpersonal relations) perspectives and social policies are investigated. The focus is primarily on the contemporary United States, but references to other countries, particularly developing countries, will be made where appropriate.

SOC

301D

SOCIAL INEQUALITIES

Three credit hours

Prerequisite: SOC 100D or SOC 106 or SOC 201D

Have you ever wondered why some people have more than others, and why these inequalities persist in modern society? This course examines some dominant forms of inequalities, their causes, and some of the social consequences that are adjunct to the process. The course explores the ways in which these impact life in the United States and other nations, and prepares students with some the life skills that will help them cope with these and at the same time make positive changes in their society and the larger global scene. The course covers intermediate level concepts of social inequalities seen from a sociological perspective; forms, causes, and consequences of inequalities; sociological data interpretation; and cross-cultural perspectives on these issues. Social and public policies are also addressed as a necessary corollary to the topics covered in class.

SOC

302I

RACIAL AND CULTURAL MINORITIES

Three credit hours

Prerequisite: SOC 100D or SOC 106 or SOC 201D

Increase your understanding of cultural conflict. Many Americans do not realize that most nations in the world have minority populations. We will use macro concepts (social structure) and micro analysis (interpersonal relations) to examine the position of African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and major religious minorities in the U.S. in contrast with conditions of groups in several other countries, including South Africa, Northern Ireland, Brazil, and Canada. Learn a little world geography as a side benefit!

SOC

303I

URBAN COMMUNITY LIFE

Four credit hours

Prerequisite: SOC 100D or SOC 106 or SOC 201D. Required for all Sociology majors

This course presents an overview of the historical development of the urban community. The dynamics of urbanism are studied, including population changes, different life styles, and urban ecology. An integral component of this course may involve work in the community coordinated through the Community Outreach Office. Students will actively participate in the community applying and integrating knowledge acquired in the classroom with actual programs, social policies, and concerns of the urban community.

SOC

310

WORK IN AMERICA

Four credit hours

An examination of the meaning of work through the findings of empirical research. Executives, professionals, middle managers, skilled and unskilled workers and the unemployed are studied to learn how the tasks, personal associations and social status connected with work influence values, life style and family relationships. Students’ own work experience and career goals are incorporated into the course.

SOC

313

CRIMINOLOGY

Three credit hours

Prerequisite: SOC 100D or SOC 106 or SOC 201D. Required of all Sociology majors

This course focuses on the sociological study of crime. The course includes an examination of the nature of criminal laws, the variety of theoretical explanations for criminal behavior, the measurement of crime, patterns of crime, and the mechanisms for control of criminal behavior.

SOC

315

SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY

Three credit hours

Prerequisite: SOC 100D or SOC 106 or SOC 201D, plus 2 additional courses in sociology. Required of all Sociology majors.

This course provides an in-depth coverage of major theoretical contributions in sociology. Students will acquire a sense of how social theory has developed historically, understand the strengths and limitations of each theory studied, and develop an ability to evaluate and discuss theories critically. The interdisciplinary nature and relevance of social theory on contemporary society are also investigated.

SOC

317

SOCIOLOGY OF DEVIANCE

Three credit hours

Prerequisite: SOC 100D or SOC 106 or SOC 201D

This course studies the nature of social deviance, including an overview of differing theoretical perspectives on deviance. Emphasis is on an assessment of causality, typical life styles of various classes of deviants, current societal reaction and possible alternative responses by society to deviancy in its various forms.

SOC

344D

AGING AND SOCIETY

Three credit hours

This course examines the social, cultural and group forces involved in aging. Topics include a survey of the larger field of social gerontology (aging studies), the social psychology of the aging individual and social forces involved in the life span in various cultures. Specific issues of health and human services are also covered, such as family relationships, personal growth after retirement, and death and dying.

SOC

345

MEDICAL SOCIOLOGY

Three credit hours

This course uses sociological concepts, perspectives and research methods to examine the socio-cultural aspects of health and illness, disease prevention and disease treatment. The course explores the epidemiology and social demography of health, examines the behaviors associated with health and illness, and reviews the experience of illness in various societies. Attention is given to the doctor/patient interaction, the medical professions in changing societies, and the health care delivery systems and social policies regarding medical care in the United States and other nations.

SOC

350

TOPICS IN SOCIOLOGY

Three credit hours

Prerequisite: SOC 100D or SOC 106 or SOC 201D

Content will vary. Students may take this course more than once, provided that the topic is different each time. This course designation will include a significantly greater component of academic rigor and/or computer labs/service learning/additional research obligations for students enrolled in this course designation. Examples would be: Social Policies on Aging, Race and Racism from a Socio-Anthropological Perspective, or a sociological study about a particular country.

   SOC

350I

MODERN CHINA

Three credit hours

Would you like to learn about contemporary China, often seen as America’s future rival in the world? Many Americans including national leaders know very little about China. Information related by the news media is not only frequently inaccurate but also misleading. In this fun and informative class, you get to learn about the Chinese culture, its people, and its achievements. You also explore the complex processes causing the rapid change in China and the pressing social problems its people face every day. You will also become aware of how the solutions to these problems affect issues Americans care about such as American trade imbalance with China, intellectual property protection, energy consumption, environmental pollution, nuclear non-proliferation, and global war against terror. Participation in field trips to local cultural attractions is required. Ideal for students who seek to work in areas of international business, politics, and comparative studies in the humanities and social sciences.

SOC

361

CORRECTIONS

Three credit hours

(cross-listed as CRJ 361)

This course acquaints students with an analysis of sentencing, probation, parole and a diverse number of critical issues in penology. Such issues may include the prison environment, deterrence, rehabilitation, retribution, prison violence, capital punishment, prisoners rights, and reform of the system.

SOC

386I

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

Three credit hours

Prerequisite: LAS 200 or SOC 100D

You are living in a world where the local is the global, and vice versa. The primary purpose of the course is to provide a sociological interpretation of global human dynamics, with a special emphasis on political economy conditions. Issues cover areas of global political economy, development and social change, and international relations. Other areas that are covered include: the diverse perceptions of the world; ethnicity and global diversity; economic development; ecological sustainability, and war and peace. This course examines the sources of order and conflict in the world social system. It also looks into how the United States and other nations interpret their existence and role in the new world order.

SOC

400

APPLIED SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH

Three credit hours

Prerequisite: SOC 280 and SOC 281, Senior standing and Sociology Major. Required of all Sociology majors.

The whole class will undertake an applied research project for an on-campus or off-campus client. The class will design the study, develop the instruments, gather the data, analyze the data, and report the findings to the client.

SOC

418D

SOCIAL MOVEMENTS

Three credit hours

Prerequisite: SOC 100D or SOC 106 or SOC 201D, plus 2 additional courses in sociology

Social movements are collective actions by which groups bring about or resist social and political change. Power is a primary conceptual theme -- how it is distributed, organized, retained or lost. The women’s movement, gay rights, the environmental movement and fundamentalism are some of the topics studied.

SOC

450

SOCIOLOGY PROSEMINAR

Two credit hours

Prerequisite: Senior status and Sociology Major. Concurrently with SOC-400. Required of all Sociology majors.

Integrating your knowledge of sociology and its applications are the key element of this course. Students will apply knowledge gained to a special topic throughout the semester. Discussions and assignments will integrate concepts and theories from other courses in the major. Students also prepare a portfolio containing a resume, information about careers, graduate programs, and a network file. Classes may include meetings with Career Services and speakers on graduate schools and various career fields.

SOC

263(I) and 463(I)

SEMINARS IN SOCIOLOGY

One to four credit hours

Offered occasionally on a variety of topics.