A sociological examination of family dynamics with emphasis upon the development of the self, interaction patterns in mate selection, marriage and parenthood; and the effects of social class and ethnicity upon the family. The focus is upon contemporary American society with attention to historical and cross-cultural comparisons.
In addition to a thorough examination of theoretical perspectives on aging, the course will also address other social dimensions of the aging experience. Special emphasis will be devoted to social roles and life events while exploring the interrelatedness of aging and social institutions (health, politics, economics, religion, and family).
GERO 220
A survey of the relationship between social cultural backgrounds and medical and health practices. Topics include the socio-cultural context of illness; role of medical specialists in modern society; and the hospital as a social organization.
Although Americans tend to think of gender, work and family only in terms of private experience, these actually constitute three distinct but closely interconnected social systems which have profound impact on the life experiences of everyone. The course will examine the historical connections among these social institutions as well as the changes that have occurred and are occurring.
GENS 235
Introduces student to the problems of crime and delinquency, especially the nature and extent of crime, theories of criminal behavior and social response to crime.
Examines the various ways in which gender is a basic component of social organization in contemporary and traditional societies and the ways in which this aspect of society is currently undergoing change.
The course is organized around the broadest possible definition of archeology: the study of artifacts in relation to human behavior at any time and place. Tracing the journey of humankind across two million years of evolution from crude chopping tools to high speed computers, archeology provides a framework for reading the stories of change from the material evidence. SOCI 270 or 271 may be counted toward the SOCI major, but not both courses.
An anthropological study of diverse cultures, past and present, focusing upon technologies and structure, kinship and family patterns, political relations, religious concepts, and artistic forms. SOCI 270 or 271 may be counted toward a SOCI major, but not both courses.
This course explores the dynamics of multicultural society. It takes a dual focus - one detailing the subjective processes of identity construction among diverse racial and ethnic groups and the other examining the experiences and consequences of discrimination and oppression. Particular attention will be paid to contemporary issues of multiculturalism.
Examples of possible topics courses: Rural Studies; Human Communities; Sociology of Religion; Social Change.