This course examines the processes of social change from a sociological perspective. In particular, it looks at the origins, dynamics, and consequences of social movements such as the labor movement, civil rights, feminism, gay rights, and the environmental movement. Social movements emphasized vary with instructor.
Prerequisite(s): SOC 003 Introduction to Sociology or SOC 004 Social Problems.
(Normally offered alternate years.)
SOC 003 Introduction to Sociology (3 hours)
This introductory course presents the basic processes of human interaction in everyday life while introducing students to the theories and methods governing social inquiry. The sociological perspective is used to study the impact of the forces of culture, socialization, social stratification, race, gender, and population on human thoughts and actions.
(Normally offered each semester.)
SOC 004 Social Problems (3 hours)
By studying the interconnections between social structure, social forces, and societal problems, students learn to apply the sociological perspective to analyze and understand selected social problems in the United States. A primary objective is to show that the social forces which produce institutional arrangements and social problems operate to shape students' own views of those arrangements and problems. Strong emphasis is placed on the relationship between culture and social inequality and the various social problems under study.
(Normally offered each year.)