Sociology (SOC)

SOC 103. Introduction To Sociology. 3 Credits.

Students are introduced to the scientific study of society through basic sociological concepts. Concepts covered will include culture, socialization, social statuses and roles, social inequalities (race, class, gender and age), social institutions (such as family, education, religion, economy, government, politics, media and health), deviance, and social change. In order to create global awareness, students will develop critical thinking skills by making connections between their own lives and the broader social community. Students will be introduced to theoretical perspectives of sociology and use these theories to examine the various topics. Students will also examine and explain systems of stratification; and critically apply the concepts discussed to issues in their lives and the world. Prerequisites: ENG 098, FYE 101, RDG 098, or placement.

SOC 125. Gender Development and Cultural Changes. 3 Credits.

This course examines the social forces that influence the formation of gender identification and role expectations in different cultures. Students will examine the socially constructed nature and diversity of how gender has changed in the last few decades. A distinction will be made between sex and gender. This course will examine other forms of identity development which intersect with gender identity which include race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. We will explore the issue of gender inequality and the social activism movements that are actively advocating for gender inequality. Students will examine the impact social forces and policy changes have on lifestyle choices. Prerequisites: ENG 098, FYE 101, RDG 098, or placement. Spring.

SOC 129. Drug Use And Abuse In American Society. 3 Credits.

This course offers a sociological analysis of the drug problem in the United States and the consequences of drug addiction to individuals and society. It includes a factual exploration of selected drug types, reasons for use, drug laws, and drug treatment programs. Prerequisite: ENG 098, FYE 101, RDG 098, or placement.

SOC 150. Cultural Awareness. 3 Credits.

This course focuses on understanding cultural differences. Students will examine their own culture and other cultures. Students will examine how racism, prejudice, and discrimination are embedded in all levels of society. Students will understand that race and ethnicity are historically, culturally, and socially bound and constructed. Students will examine the privileges that accompany whiteness. Students will examine intersectional research approaches that examine marginalized groups and explore race, ethnicity, gender, age and sexuality and how they are interconnected. This is the same course as HST 150. Prerequisites: ENG 098, FYE 101, RDG 098, or placement. Fall.

SOC 204. Sociology of the African American. 3 Credits.

This course is a sociological analysis of African-American society in the United States. Key social institutions will be examined: media, schools, family, political, economic, religious, and legal as related to the criminal justice system on micro and macro levels, as they pertain to African-Americans. This course will examine the sociological point of view of African Americans from slavery through current events. Prerequisites: ENG 101, SOC 103. Spring.

SOC 205. Social Problems. 3 Credits.

Students are exposed to major problem areas such as crime and delinquency, poverty, racial bias, family, and education issues by evaluating their magnitude, their development, and society's attempts to alleviate the problems. Students will cultivate an understanding of basic sociological concepts and methods for studying social problems. Students will build an understanding of various persistent and widespread social problems in contemporary American society. Students will evaluate the effectiveness of existing social policies intended to address social problems. Students will investigate the impact social problems have on individuals and groups by utilizing intersectional analysis. Prerequisite: SOC 103. Spring.

SOC 206. Marriage and Family Formations. 3 Credits.

This course examines the positive and negative results of rapid social change in our culture and its influence on household formation. Students will explore the range of living forms people choose (e.g., living together; marriage; choosing to have or not have children; and singles choosing to live a permanent single life). Students will examine the socially constructed nature and diversity of how family structures have changed in the last sixty years with expanding equity, legal rights, and gender socialization. Students will analyze how race, ethnicity, class, sexual orientation, and age each contribute to choosing a lifestyle. Students will examine the impact social forces and policy changes have on lifestyle choices. Prerequisites: ENG 098, FYE 101, RDG 098, or placement. Spring.

SOC 208. Juvenile Delinquency. 3 Credits.

This course presents an overview of the nature of the adolescent offender and the juvenile justice system. Students will study various theories of delinquent behavior, social forces that affect delinquency, the origins and philosophy of the juvenile justice system, and current methods of preventing and treating delinquency. Prerequisite: SOC 103. Fall.

SOC 210. Child Abuse And Neglect In American Society. 3 Credits.

Students investigate the growing problem of child abuse and neglect in American society. Psychodynamic and sociocultural factors that contribute to child abuse will be considered with an emphasis on prevention, reporting of abuse cases, intervention, and treatment. Prerequisite: SOC 103. Spring.

SOC 212. Victimology. 3 Credits.

This course presents an overview of the emerging field of victimology and the scientific study of crime victims. It looks at the extent of victimization, demographic patterns influencing the likelihood of victimization, and the social and psychological effects of being a crime victim. Special categories are examined, including victims of family violence, the elderly, sexual assault victims, child victims, homicide victims and their survivors, victims of hate crimes, and victims of terrorism. The course also covers the legal rights of victims, their treatment within the criminal justice system, and the range of civil remedies and social service programs available to victims, both nationally and in Massachusetts. Prerequisite: SOC 103. Fall.