Course Descriptions

POL100 THE AMERICAN POLITICAL SYSTEM (3). An introduction to politics in the United States, focusing on issues, ideas, and institutions. Topics include the structure and function of American political institutions, coordination and conflict among policy makers, constitutional limitations on governmental power, and avenues of citizen involvement in the political process. Each Fall/Each Spring.

POL175 MOCK TRIAL SEMINAR (1). Preparation and presentation of a mock trial based on American Mock Trial Association case materials. Students will compete in collegiate-level mock trial scrimmages and invitations. May be repeated three times for a total of four hours. Each Fall.

POL203 THE JUDICIAL PROCESS (3). A political and legal analysis of American court systems. Topics include the structure of American courts, judicial selection, dynamics of courtroom workgroups, and a substantive overview of civil law. Each Spring.

POL205 GLOBAL POLITICS (3). An introduction to global politics that investigates the behavior of states and other actors in the global system. The focus is placed on the relationship between theories of global politics and global realities. Topics include system transformation, the Cold War, political economy, supranational and transnational actors, conflict between the developing and industrialized states, balance of power, and nuclear issues. Prerequisite: Sophomore, junior, or senior standing or POL100 recommended. Each Fall.

POL309 POLITICAL PROBLEMS: AMERICA (3). A critical examination of the causes, consequences, and policy implications of political problems in the United States. U.S. approaches to social and economic policy are contrasted with those of other countries.

SOC201 SOCIAL PROBLEMS (3). An overview of the causes, consequences, and potential solutions of modern social problems such as crime, mental illness, divorce, poverty, homelessness, and the environment. Alternate years. Spring 2007.

SOC204 FOUNDATIONS OF SOCIOLOGICAL AND POLITICAL THOUGHT (3). An overview of modern social and political thought with a focus on its origins in Western rationality and its application to contemporary issues in society and human services. Alternate years. Spring 2006.

SOC212 TOPICS IN SOCIAL CHANGE (3). Topics such as Social Change in the Developing World or Social Change in Central America. May be repeated when topics vary. Alternate years. Spring 2007.

SOC221 THE SOCIOLOGY OF CRIME AND DEVIANCE (3). A study of criminal and deviant behavior from the perspective of sociology. Emphasis is on explanations of criminal behavior, models of deviant behavior, and societal reactions to all forms of deviance. Each Fall.

SOC328 SOCIETY AND BUSINESS (3). Critically examines selected issues surrounding the relationship between the U.S. economy and several areas of social concern. Areas of study include: the restructuring of the U.S. economy in the 80s and 90s, the persistence of poverty in the U.S., gender inequities, global underdevelopment, and African-American development and underdevelopment. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing. Each Fall/Each Spring.

SOC329 THE SOCIOLOGY OF STRUCTURED INEQUALITIES (3). Explores the major theoretical explanations for the development and perpetuation of social differentiation and social inequality with particular emphasis upon the nature and consequences of inequality for different groups in society. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. Each Spring.

SOC349 TOPICS IN SOCIOLOGY (3). Advanced topics in sociology or social thought, such as African-American social thought, crime, media and society, and character and social structures. May be repeated when topics vary. Not offered 2005-06.

SOC410 SEMINAR IN SOCIAL JUSTICE (3). Examines issues of human rights, institutional responsibility, justice, fairness, and equity. Special emphasis on the role of the individual in directing and influencing social change, fostering the rights of individuals, and the increased social responsibilities of institutions. Prerequisites: Senior standing and completion of four courses in the Social Sciences division. Each Fall/Each Spring.

SPS307 RESEARCH I WITH DESCRIPTIVE STATISTICS (4). An introduction to the methods and techniques used in qualitative and quantitative social science research. Statistical manipulation of computer-generated databases is stressed. No previous computer, research, or statistical background is required. Laboratory. Prerequisites: MTH120, junior or senior standing and two Social Science courses. Each Fall.

SPS308 RESEARCH II WITH INFERENTIAL STATISTICS (4). Continues the study of the methods used in qualitative and quantitive social science research. Statistical manipulation of computer-generated databases is stressed. Laboratory. Prerequisite: SPS307. Each Spring.