Course Descriptions
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This course introduces students to the methods and theories used by sociologists to explore the nature of society. Selected topics may include culture, socialization, social interaction, groups, social organization, deviance, social institutions, and social stratification. Credit will not be given to students who have credit for SOCI 1101H.
Hours:
3
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Honors Introduction to Sociology offers an enriched introduction to the methods and theories used by sociologists to explore the nature of society. Selected topics include culture, socialization, social interaction, groups, social organization, deviance, social institutions, and social stratification.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: Permission of the Honors Program Director
Hours:
3
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This course introduces students to the sociology major and minor, helping them to understand the practical applications of the discipline in their future careers. Students will receive guidance on navigating their coursework with long-term career goals in mind. Students will explore how sociology connects to a wide range of professional opportunities and learn how emerging technologies may influence those paths. The course will focus on the development of core interpersonal skills like collaboration, communication, and stakeholder engagement. Throughout the course, students will build an academic and career plan to support their success at ¶¶Òõ̽̽App and beyond. This course is required in the Field of Study for sociology majors.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101 with a grade of C or higher, or permission of instructor
Hours:
3
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This course is a theoretical and empirical analysis of selected current social problems, their social and cultural causes, consequences, and various proposed solutions. It also examines the interconnectedness of local, national, and global problems.
Hours:
3
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This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the diverse research methods used in the Social Sciences, including their strengths and weaknesses, and conveys the necessary practical skills required for their application. Students are taught how to analyze social and political phenomena in a rigorous and scientific manner, requiring an understanding of research design. Students learn how to discriminate among theories, pose proper research questions, construct a relevant hypothesis, make valid causal inferences, operationalize concepts, and test hypotheses. As a result of taking the course students are able to critically evaluate both quantitative and qualitative research studies and utilize data collection techniques involving questionnaires, observation and interviews, as well as database material. The course also examines the ethical principles involved in social science research and develops the skills required for both written and oral dissemination of research results. Credit toward meeting graduation requirements will only be granted for completion of SOCI 2000.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101 and ENGL 0989 (when required)
Hours:
3
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The goal of this course is to familiarize students with basic statistical methods that are frequently used by social scientists. Statistics is one of the most powerful tools available to scientists. It allows us to compare different groups, to determine how different variables are related to one another, to determine the probability of certain events, and much more. As such, social scientists use it to evaluate social programs and policies, to test theories, and to describe society. Even those social scientists that do not use statistics themselves need to understand statistics in order to be capable social scientists. In this course, you will be introduced to many of these techniques, as used in the "real world."
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101
Hours:
3
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In this course, we critically examine the social construction of difference, focusing on race, class, gender and sexuality. These constructions are pivotal and interesting concepts in the analysis of social and economic inequality, laying a foundation for further investigation and insight in advanced sociology courses. The course spotlights the involvement of social institutions in the construction process and how the consequences create systems of inequality that privilege few while oppressing many.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101 and ENGL 0989 (when required)
Hours:
3
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This course involves a study of the family as a social institution in American society and is an introduction to the structure, processes, problems and adjustments of contemporary marriage and family life. Selected topics may include love, dating, marital quality, communication, sex and parenthood, conflict and power, family violence, divorce and remarriage. This course is a split-level course. Students who have successfully taken SOCI 3293 may not take SOCI 2393 and receive credit.Â
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101
Hours:
3
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This course is an exploration of the major theoretical concepts and perspectives in classical social theory. We examine the origins and development of these perspectives in the nineteenth and early twentieth century, emphasizing their application in contemporary social research. NOTE: This course is a pre-requisite for SOCI 4100.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101
Hours:
3
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Special interest courses which may not be transferable are offered in response to student demand and interest. Topics may include but are not limited to race relations, juvenile delinquency, drugs and drug abuse, human sexuality, sociology of death, gender inequality, and family violence.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101
Hours:
3
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Special interest courses which may not be transferable are offered in response to student demand and interest. Topics may include but are not limited to race relations, juvenile delinquency, drugs and drug abuse, human sexuality, sociology of death, gender inequality, and family violence.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101
Hours:
3
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Special interest courses which may not be transferable are offered in response to student demand and interest. Topics may include but are not limited to race relations, juvenile delinquency, drugs and drug abuse, human sexuality, sociology of death, gender inequality, and family violence.
Hours:
3
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This course introduces sociology majors to the principles and practices of sociological research. It addresses the logic and practice of research design, including the relationship between theory and research, framing a research question, and assessing the methods best suited to answer various questions, measuring concepts, using sampling procedures, data collection strategies, and data analysis. It includes an embedded lab which provides students with hands-on experiences to apply theoretical material and become familiar with the use of data analysis software packages such as SPSS and NVivo.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisites: SOCI 1101 and MATH 1401 or SOCI 2050 with grades of C or higher
Hours:
4
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This course examines racial, ethnic and cultural groups in the United States from a sociological perspective. Particular attention will be paid to the political, economic, social, historic and cultural development of race as an idea; racialized opportunity in social institutions; and the historical and economic functions of racism and discrimination, as well as their implications for a pluralistic society.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101
Hours:
3
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This course explores the social context of health, illness, and the health care system in the United States. We will examine the social construction of health and illness, the experience of illness, and the effects of social inequality on health. The course offers a critical perspective on health and illness and highlights the connection between social justice, social transformation, and health and illness.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101
Hours:
3
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Explores the economic, political and social basis of stratification and inequality in the U.S. today. Attention is given to the origins and nature of social classes, as well as other social divisions such as occupation, sex, ethnicity, wealth and power.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101
Hours:
3
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The course examines formal education from pre-school through graduate and professional schools and applies the sociological theoretical paradigms to illuminate the meaning and impact of each level of institutionalized education.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101
Hours:
3
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The course examines the role of sports in societies from local to regional, national and international. Focus will extend from youth activities to school sports, international amateur sports competition, professional sports and finally seniorhood.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101
Hours:
3
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This course is an analysis of mass movements and collective protest from an historical and behavioral perspective. Emphasis is on understanding social movements as both agents and products of social change and their relationship to various other forms of collective phenomena.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101
Hours:
3
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The purpose of this course is to examine the nature, history measurement, and environmental influences of juvenile delinquency, with particular emphasis on prevention and treatment, and philosophies and practices of the juvenile justice system.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101
Hours:
3
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The course reviews theories, concepts and categories used by sociologists to explain social change with emphasis on institutional change, social movements, and nonviolence. The course is commonly conducted with a Service Learning component. Cross-listed with ENST 3230.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101, SOCI 1160 (with a grade of C or higher), or ENST 2030 (with a grade of C or higher), or permission of instructor
Hours:
3
Cross-listed
ENST 3230
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This 3-hour course examines violence in the family from sociological and other perspectives. It includes the types and causes of violence in families and domestic units, with special focus on those directed against more vulnerable populations (woman battering, courtship and dating conflict, and child abuse). Throughout the various types of family violence, intervention and prevention measures are examined as well as the social and legal implications of these measures.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101
Hours:
3
Notes:
This course will not be a part of the curriculum, but will count as a 3-hour upper level elective for some four-year programs.
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This course involves a study of the family as a social institution in American society and is an introduction to the structure, processes, problems and adjustments of contemporary marriage and family life. Selected topics may include love, dating, marital quality, communication, sex and parenthood, conflict and power, family violence, divorce and remarriage. This course is a split-level course. Students who have successfully taken SOCI 2293 may not take SOCI 3293 and receive credit.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101
Hours:
3
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This course explores the processes of globalization and how they impact societies, groups, and institutions, as well as how local lives and global trends are increasingly interconnected. Students will examine how globalization makes societies more similar and the world smaller while at the same time creating new conflicts and differences. Attention is given to the political, economic, technological, cultural, and other social changes that are restructuring the world. Issues such as transnational migration, global trade, global governance, human trafficking, drug trafficking, crime, war, the environment, gender, and global inequality are explored. We will focus on the differential consequences of globalization for developed and developing countries and seek to ascertain who benefits from globalization.
Hours:
3
Notes:
This course will not be a part of the curriculum, but will count as an upper level elective for some four-year programs.
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This course examines popular culture, its nature, its role in our lives, and its broad effects on society, individuals, and culture from a sociological perspective. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding how sociologists approach and study culture and mass media/popular culture; the organization of the mass media industry; the production and consumption of popular culture (including media effects); the representation and reproduction of race, class, gender and sexuality in popular culture; and new media.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101
Hours:
3
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A sociological analysis of political systems and power and their relationship to social and economic forces. Attention is given to exploring the question of "who rules America" and the process involved in maintaining and legitimating political order.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101
Hours:
3
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This 4-credit hour course covers theories that explain the origins of conflict, factors that contribute to escalation and de-escalation, and the theories and strategies of conflict transformation. Because this class is about strategies for conflict transformation, it may be particularly appealing if you are considering a career in government, the non-profit community, consulting, academia, law, business, public administration, social work or education. People in these professions are frequently charged with summarizing, analyzing, and conducting research. And this is certainly a useful course for anyone considering an advanced degree in social science disciplines. But again, this is a course designed for anyone interested in gaining skills of solving conflicts in the workplace and society.Â
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisites: Admission to Workplace Interpersonal Relations Certificate program and SOCI 1101
Hours:
4
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This course examines the world of work, the changing nature of work, and the implications of these changes for individuals and families. Key themes include theories of work and labor process, intersections of race, ethnicity, and gender, job satisfaction and motivation, labor unions, technological and global challenges, and the structure of professions and occupations.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: Admission to Workplace Interpersonal Relations Certificate program
Hours:
3
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This course is an analysis of the size, composition, and distribution of human populations. Social consequences and policy implications of population dynamics are emphasized for the U.S., selected other countries, and the world.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101
Hours:
3
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A comprehensive exploration of the sociological relationships between technology, economic policies, natural resources, population growth, and environmental degradation. Emphasis is on understanding these problems from an ecological perspective and the seriousness of these issues for future survival.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101
Hours:
3
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An in-depth examination of the interdisciplinary field and literature of Environmental Studies to include: conflict and contradictions, societal responses to environmental problems including social adjustments to natural and technological hazards, socio-cultural aspects of technological risk, and emergence of environmental social policies and movements explored via case studies and interviews with local experts. This class also has a substantial service learning component of at least 30 hours in the field.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisites: SOCI 1101, ENST 2030, or permission of instructor
Hours:
3
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The empirical and analytical study of images as they appear as a part of material culture and as they shape human social behavior. Sociological theory and methods will be applied to existing images and the course will also explore how images are created with social content, primarily by the employment of photography.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101
Hours:
3
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Hispanics and Latinos/as/xs are considered the largest and fastest growing minority group in the United States. This course examines the incredible diversity of this population in the United States, one which includes recent immigrants from Latin America as well as communities that have been within the territorial United States for centuries. Topics include the social construction of Latino/a/x identity, colonialism, immigration and assimilation.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101 or SOCI 1101H
Hours:
3
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This course examines age as a social construct and aging as a social process. We will explore the effects of societal norms and social institutions on the aging experiences of individuals as well as the effects of qualities of generations and the age structure of a population on a society and its institutions. Students will become familiar with major sociological theories of aging. We will discuss issues of age-related inequality and its confluence with social class, race, and gender inequalities. We will analyze major contemporary issues in aging.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101 or HSDA 2100, or permission of the instructor
Hours:
3
Cross-listed
GERO 3482
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This course is an analysis of occupations, professions, and work roles from an organizational perspective. Attention is paid to such topics as occupational inequalities, mobility, and professional ethics, as well as the effect of technology on work and job satisfaction.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101
Hours:
3
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This course examines religious theory and comparative religions, investigates contemporary American religions, and explores personal religiosities with sociological insight and imagination. Course readings and fieldwork underscore religion's role as a pivotal institution that influences and shapes societal discourse.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101
Hours:
3
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A sociological investigation of the social, cultural, and historical construction of sexual knowledge, identity, behavior, and desire.
Hours:
3
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Current sociological perspectives on death and the experience of dying are explored with special attention to the psycho-social needs of the terminally ill and their families.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101 or HSDA 2100, or permission of the instructor
Hours:
3
Cross-listed
GERO 3530
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A study of the causes and consequences of behaviors labeled problematic and reactions to them on the part of American society.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101
Hours:
3
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The subject of drug use transcends many fields and disciplines: Biology, counseling, history, law, criminal justice, political science, psychology, sociology, and social work. The literature is massive and diverse. This course explains the place of the sociological perspective within that body of work. Students will gain an understanding of US drug policy, its evolution, its current status, and alternatives in place around the world. New data on prevention and treatment are explored, the historical progression of law enforcement approaches are traced, and drug use in popular culture is reflected upon. Students will acquire greater understanding of the lived experience of drug users across race, gender, age, and social class via analytical reviews of ethnographic fieldwork publications.
Hours:
3
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Ethnography is the systematic study of social groups primarily by direct observation. The sociological paradigm of symbolic interactionism is frequently employed. This methodology emphasizes use of qualitative analysis, but quantitative analysis will be utilized when appropriate.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101
Hours:
3
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This course will investigate contemporary military institutions using sociological theory, concepts, and methods. It looks at the changing social organization of the military, civil-military relations, military recruitment and socialization, the military as a profession, modern warfare, and the role of the military in various nations.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101
Hours:
3
-
A theoretical evaluation of self-creation, reviewing major sociological theories from a micro-perspective.
Hours:
3
-
This course considers issues of gender from a sociological perspective. Gender plays an important part of our lives as individuals, but also structures life within U.S. society. We will focus on gender socialization, practices, and inequalities in the contemporary United States. Specifically, we will examine the influence of gender in interpersonal relationships, at work, in education, in families, and in other areas of social life. Although this course is primarily about gender, we will examine how masculinities and femininities are shaped by other social factors such as race, class and sexual orientation.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101
Hours:
3
-
Intensive directed study in selected topics in Sociology. The course is repeatable for up to 6 hours of degree credit.
Hours:
3
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This course is organized as a seminar which is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the origins, nature, legal status, mission, functions, funding, leadership, management and operations of nonprofit organizations and their impact on and relations with the communities they serve. Participants will gain insights into the donors, members, employees, board members, beneficiaries, volunteer management and fund raising of these organizations. The seminar will serve the needs of students who are working, volunteering or training with nonprofit organization now or in the future. Through readings, case studies, discussions, lectures, group projects, service learning attachments and presentations from nonprofit managers, students will develop practical and theoretical understanding of nonprofits and their role in the community.
Hours:
3
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This course serves as a study into the category of "animal" as a social construct and the relationship between humans and non-human animals, which produces consequences of difference and subsequent inequality. We will be utilizing different sociological perspectives to examine the social patterns, processes, and institutions that establish our lived experiences with non-human animals.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101
Hours:
3
-
This course will use popular cinematic films to explore sociological concepts. While developing their sociological imagination, students will learn about a variety of sociological phenomenon; topics include but are not limited to racism, LGBTQ identities, medicalization, and mental health issues. In addition to learning about emerging trends, students will learn critical media literacy through analytical engagement with conceptions (and misconceptions) about cultural phenomenon.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101
Hours:
3
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This course examines the social dimensions of the HIV/AIDS pandemic within the United States and around the world. We will consider the social forces that impact and determine the course and experience of the pandemic, and also explore the impact that the pandemic has had on communities and cultures worldwide.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101
Hours:
3
-
This course questions the extent and limits of social influences on people's knowledge and their ability to exercise power through knowledge.
Hours:
3
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This course examines tourism through a sociological lens. Tourism is a major cultural and economic force that shapes the world and the way people experience place and culture. Major questions include: What is tourism? How is meaning ascribed to place? How are tourist attractions created, sold, and consumed? What narratives about place, history, and community are constructed and how do these stories shape our understandings of the places that we visit and the people who inhabit (or inhabited) them? What role has tourism played in economic development? How has mass tourism changed? How does tourism intersect with categorical identities such as race, class, and gender?
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101
Hours:
3
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The course examines three forms of sociological practice: public, clinical, and applied sociology. Students will be exposed to the ways in which sociological skills can be, and have been, applied in real world scenarios. They gain a strong understanding of what sociological practice is and how it is carried out across a variety of professional and civic contexts. Students communicate their skills and accomplishments in the form of a final professional portfolio.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101 or SOCI 1160
Hours:
3
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This course familiarizes students with the genealogy of punishment in the US context and the causes and consequences of mass incarceration. The course focuses on the social-structural drivers of punishment and the impact that mass incarceration has on individuals, communities, and institutions. Students learn how intersecting inequalities and systems of power are embodied in approaches to punishment and criminal justice-related social reforms are examined.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101 or SOCI 1160
Hours:
3
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Exploration of the major theoretical concepts and perspectives in contemporary social theory. Course examines the modern and postmodern forms of theorizing from the mid-twentieth century to the present, focusing on the innovative ways in which social theorists establish critical concepts and perspectives as essential and relevant to the challenges of living in the 21st century.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 2400
Hours:
3
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This course provides a substantial experiential learning opportunity that links student interest and sociological principles in an applied workplace setting. Through direct observation, reflection, and evaluation, students gain an understanding of the organizational site, including its structure, mission, interpersonal relationships, power dynamics, conflict, and how these relate to opportunities for possible constructive organizational change. Students produce critical reflection on their experience demonstrating how they have addressed specific learning goals.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisites: Admission to Workplace Interpersonal Relations Certificate program and SOCI 3374
Hours:
3
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A study of basic communication skills and how they may be used effectively in a wide array of situations.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101
Hours:
3
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The Internship Program in the Department of Sociology and Human Services is intended to provide students with an applied experience relevant to their coursework and career prospects. Students in good standing while attaining the status of Junior or Senior, majoring in Sociology are eligible to enroll. This course is repeatable for 6 hours of degree credit.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1101 with a grade of C or higher
Hours:
3
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This course provides an introduction to the field of Human Services. Students will learn about the roles and functions of the human service professional, including counseling services, the helping process, delivery models, the range of populations and needs served, and the ethical responsibilities of Human Services professionals. Particular emphasis is given to the socio-cultural, historic, political, and economic context in which the profession and human service delivery systems have evolved.
Hours:
3
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This course will introduce students to ethical decision-making and skill development within the helping professions. Professional roles and stresses in human service work will be analyzed through an ethical lens and explored in the context of social issues and case studies that arise when helping others. Students will also examine the impact of context, culture, diversity, and moral and ethical codes on real-life applications of ethical principles.
Hours:
3
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HSDA 2200 serves as an essential foundation for students entering the field of Human Services, guiding them through the early stages of professional identity formation, skill development, and career planning. The course introduces the values, principles, and practices that define human services as a profession while preparing students for success in advanced practicum courses (HSDA 3201, 4200, and 4201). Through an applied, reflective approach, students begin to understand the helping relationship, the role of case management, and the ethical standards that guide practice across diverse human service settings.
Hours:
3
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Introduces the human services student and those in other related programs to the wide range of individuals who may be recipients of services and care in helping professions' settings. We will acknowledge and explore the statuses and conditions that promote or limit human functioning. The course will cover topics including socioeconomic class, racial and ethnic inequality, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religious differences, disability, aging, and other statuses that can impact access to resources.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: SOCI 1160 with a grade of C or higher, or permission of the instructor
Hours:
3
-
This is a course in learning how to lead out-patient groups. Psychotherapeutic techniques used in small groups and large-group interventions are covered to demonstrate group processes. This course includes reviews of the current research, legal, and ethical issues associated with paraprofessional and professional practice in the human services field.
Hours:
3
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This course is designed to provide the theoretical foundation as well as knowledge and skills to prepare students to pursue administrative roles in various human service organizations including non-profit organizations and government agencies. Topics for inquiry include organizational management, supervision, legal issues, risk management, recruiting and managing volunteers, constituency building, and other advocacy techniques.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: HSDA 2100 with a grade of C or higher, or permission of instructor
Hours:
3
-
This course is a multidisciplinary survey of the nature of conflict and models of conflict resolution, including mediation, negotiation, and collaborative problem solving, particularly as they relate to leadership and human services.
Hours:
3
-
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of how ethical theory is applied to everyday situations by those involved in health, policy, administration and other areas of bureaucratic responsibility within the field of human services. Particular emphasis is placed on the philosophical basis of ethical theory, including the virtue-ethics of Aristotle, natural law theory as expressed by Thomas Aquinas, the rational egoism of Hobbes, the deontology of Kant and the utilitarianism of Mills.
Hours:
3
-
This course is a survey course in applied data management. Students will gain the necessary knowledge and skills to appropriately obtain, organize, analyze, evaluate, and disseminate information in order to facilitate the delivery of effective human services.
Hours:
3
-
This course teaches students about effective program planning and development. Special emphasis is placed on the systematic analysis of service needs and selection of appropriate intervention strategies; program planning, development, implementation, and evaluation; and effective fundraising techniques, proposal writing, and fiscal management.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: HSDA 3150 or permission of instructor
Hours:
3
-
This course involves the practical application of knowledge and experiences gained in HSDA 2200. Students will work with the course instructor to integrate prior skills and knowledge through experiential learning. Students are expected to complete 150 hours at a single designated agency during the semester. Field Practicum courses must be taken sequentially. Course grading will be Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: HSDA 2200
Hours:
3
-
This course will be an in-depth examination of a specialized topic in the human services field. The content and requirements of this course will vary depending on the instructor and the subject of the course. The course is repeatable for a total of 9 credit hours.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: HSDA 2100 with a grade of C or higher
Hours:
3
-
This course focuses on the conditions that promote or limit human functioning within the context of the life course. Particular emphasis is placed on the historical, cultural, psychological physiological, biological and social contexts of aging across the life course.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: HSDA 3100 or SOCI 1101 with a grade of C or higher, or permission of instructor
Hours:
3
Cross-listed
GERO 4100
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This course provides an overview of the theories and research related to successful aging. Topics might include religion, creativity, work, and leisure in relation to the life course.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: HSDA 2100 or SOCI 1101 with a grade of C or higher, or permission of instructor
Hours:
3
Cross-listed
GERO 4110
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Introduces students to services available for older adults and to careers in the field of aging services. Content includes theoretical and practical issues, advocacy, barriers to services, as well as exposure to opportunities for service and employment. This course also offers a survey of current resources for an aging population, including the family, private, local, state, and federal programs, with a focus on multicultural impacts and advocacy.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: HSDA 2100 with a grade of C or higher
Hours:
3
Cross-listed
GERO 4120
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This course introduces students to the theory of human development with an emphasis on service delivery to individuals, including interpersonal communication skills, professional strategies, the relationship of interpersonal systems to larger systems and an understanding of cultural factors (including nationality, religion, spirituality, gender, race, etc.) as they relate to developing a working relationship between the human service helper and clients.
Hours:
3
Notes:
Cross-leveled with HSDA 6125
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Focuses on differential communication skills, including communicating with clients, families, and caregivers. Also covered are discussions of health literacy and ways to improve the health literacy of clients and caregivers and communications research including verbal, non-verbal, and written communications and application of findings for excellence in communications skills. This course will provide the necessary intervention knowledge, theory, and skills to effectively communicate with older adults in facilitating maximum autonomy and functioning. The course will meet the needs of students who are training to be human services professionals such as caregivers, services brokers, advocates, and teachers.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: HSDA 3120 with a grade of C or higher
Hours:
3
Cross-listed
GERO 4130
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This course focuses on organizing, advocacy, and social change in relation to community development. Students will explore how communities develop and change. Particular emphasis will be placed on theories of social change and practical tools for creating directed social change within a community context. Important themes include diversity, community organization, power, empowerment, and transformative social change through local and global activism.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: HSDA 2100 with a grade of C or higher, or permission of instructor
Hours:
3
Notes:
Cross-leveled with HSDA 6145
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An introduction to helping families cope with decision making in old age, including advance directives (health care surrogates, proxies, power of attorney for health care), health care decision making, hospice care, and other issues (i.e. living alone, driving, finances). This course will introduce the lifespan development and the final stages of death and dying. Students will compare and contract historical and modern attitudes toward death and dying found in literature, rituals, religion, philosophy, film, medical-legal issues, and in the process clarify their attitudes and values.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: HSDA 3170 with a grade of C or higher
Hours:
3
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Introduces students to and provides an understanding of the factors influencing public policy development and key legislation that impacts older adults' economic and health status. The students will become familiar with public policy frameworks, needs assessment tools, and evidence-based policy development. Students will study the impact of media, advocacy, and effective utilization of coalitions on changing public policy. The students will be challenged to think strategically and to understand the key elements of a direct action advocacy campaign. Students will understand the future public policy challenges to develop and address a rapidly growing and changing older adult population.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: HSDA 2100 with a grade of C or higher
Hours:
3
-
This course involves the practical application of knowledge and builds on the experiences gained in HSDA 3201. Students will work with the course instructor to integrate prior skills and knowledge through experiential learning. Students are expected to complete 150 hours at a single designated agency during the semester. Field Practicum courses must be taken sequentially. Course grading will be Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: HSDA 3201 with a grade of C or higher
Hours:
3
-
This course involves the practical application of knowledge and experiences gained in HSDA 4200. Students will work with the course instructor to integrate prior skills and knowledge through experiential learning. Students are expected to complete 150 hours at a single designated agency during the semester. Field Practicum courses must be taken sequentially. Course grading will be Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: HSDAÂ 4200
Hours:
3
-
This course is an introduction to qualitative research methodology and design. This course will provide the student with knowledge and skills in information and data management.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisites: SOCI 2000 and MATH 1401
Hours:
3
-
An examination of human services organizations in relation to other systems, with an emphasis on organizational theory, influencing systems and outcomes, and the roles of human services professionals in organizations. This course is designed to present the student with an advanced-level view of the public and private sectors when it comes to the administration of human services. We will examine the importance of corporate culture and philosophy on organizational theory. We will examine the importance of culture and the significance of various limits put on policy in several directions, i.e. environmentally, economically, and socially. Also examined are the importance of public law and legal processes and the complexity of intergovernmental and intersectoral relations. This course provides to the human services graduate an in-depth view of the administrative structures in both the public and private sectors. It looks at the three branches of government within our system: the Executive, the Legislative, and the Judicial and their various roles in the administrative process. We will look at the effect the legal system has on the administration of public services. Finally, we will examine how public policy is developed and implemented in-service systems and the financing and budgeting components involved.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: HSDA 2100 with a grade of C or higher
Hours:
3
-
The purpose of this course is to provide an in-depth understanding of data analysis and applications in social scientific research. In this context, the course will expose you to the theoretical and mathematical foundations of the technique. The primary focus will be on the use of SPSS for analysis. it will also provide information on useful extensions of techniques that help the researchers deal with issues of non-linearity and simultaneity in cross-sectional data.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: MATH 1401 with a grade of C or higher
Hours:
3
-
This course is an applied course in program planning, evaluation, and funding. The purpose of this course is to give students the necessary knowledge and skills to appropriately assess client needs, develop and implement suitable interventions, and obtain assessment data on the effectiveness of the interventions that can be used to improve the intervention's effectiveness. This is an active learning course.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: HSDA 3190 with a grade of C or higher
Hours:
3
-
This course focuses on information management skills, which include obtaining, organizing, analyzing, evaluating, and disseminating information. The course introduces students to the organization and mechanics of technical and professional communications, both visual and verbal. Emphasis is placed on gathering and evaluating information; planning, organizing, and writing; designing visual aids; editing, and using multi-modal forms of communication.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisites: ENGL 1102 and HSDA 3190 with grades of C or higher
Hours:
3
-
This course provides an integrated interdisciplinary approach to analyzing and addressing global/international human service and social issues needs and provides students with the necessary skills to work with globally diverse populations.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisites: HSDA 2100, HSDAÂ 3110, HSDA 3120, and SOCI 1160
Hours:
3
-
The 40 hours of training consists of mediation skill set instruction and a practicum in civil mediation as required by the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution (GODR) which is designed to teach the various steps of general mediation. This course lays the foundation for all specialty mediation trainings such as domestic, juvenile, special education, personal injury, EEOC, community disputes and many more venues which employ alternative dispute resolution methods. This course provides students with an integrated interdisciplinary approach to analyzing and addressing social conflict necessary for addressing conflict resolution needs. Students are required to have a minimum of 60 hours of academic credit with a 2.5 minimum GPA.
Hours:
3
-
This course provides an introduction to the profession of social work, including the various fields of practice and current issues facing the profession.
Hours:
3