Sociology

This is an introductory course which presents the basic processes of human interaction and the concepts which describe their operation in everyday life. It studies the impact of culture, how we learn and conform to culture, and why deviance occurs. Principles of group behavior and social organization are viewed in the context of American culture and subcultures. Prerequisite: A passing score on the College's writing and reading placement tests or C or better or concurrent enrollment in ENG 091 or ENG 092. Three lecture hours per week. Gen. Ed. Competencies Met: Ethical Dimensions, Global and Historic Awareness and Multicultural and Social Perspectives.

This course focuses on the structure and dimensions of social problems confronting populations both in the United States and across the globe. Emphasis is placed on the problems of global poverty, work and unemployment, gender and racial inequities, environmental degradation, crime and drug addictions, disease and health care delivery, civil conflicts, and terrorism. The course attempts to understand the social structural causes of these problems and explores potential solutions. Prerequisite: A passing score on the College's writing and reading placement tests or C or better or concurrent enrollment in ENG 091 or ENG 092. Three lecture hours per week. Gen. Ed. Competencies Met: Ethical Dimensions, Global and Historic Awareness and Multicultural and Social Perspectives.

This course analyzes the social-structural forces that shape the global food system with particular focus on societal problems emanating from the fossil-fuel-based, industrial agricultural model that now dominates world-wide food production, distribution, and consumption. Areas covered include a historical overview of subsistence strategies, the Green Revolution, threats to food security and water access, first-world obesity and third-world famine, the impact on food systems due to climate change and fossil fuel depletion, population swells, food-based social movements, and alternative food systems. Three hours of lecture per week. Gen. Ed. Competencies Met: Critical Thinking, Ethical Dimensions and Global and Historic Awareness.

This course explores the various forms of contemporary family constructs with an emphasis on the social forces that impact family life. Micro-level psycho-social issues include sexual identity and orientation, courtship patterns, mate selection, role expectations and family planning practices. Macro-level socio-political economic factors include economic transformations, contemporary employment patterns, variation in family structures, childcare and childbearing issues, elder family member issues, and domestic violence. Prerequisite: A passing score on the College's writing and reading placement tests or, C or better or concurrent enrollment in ENG 091 or ENG 092. Three lecture hours per week. Gen. Ed. Competencies Met: Ethical Dimensions, Global and Historic Awareness and Multicultural and Social Perspectives.

This course explores the social-structural, social-psychological, and socio-political dimensions of human relations evolving in the midst of rapid social transformations occurring throughout the contemporary world. Focus is placed on the changing character of human relations within the context of work, family, and civil society as traditional social patterns give way to globalization. Potential developments of future societies and patterns of interaction are explored. Prerequisite: A passing score on the College's writing and reading placement tests or, C or better or concurrent enrollment in ENG 091 or ENG 092. Three lecture hours per week. Gen. Ed. Competencies Met: Ethical Dimensions, Global and Historic Awareness and Multicultural and Social Perspectives.

This course is a survey course of contemporary environmental and social science theory, research and data analysis. It explores the social construction of reality, the role of the corporate and social media, as well as, public policy formation and its consequences for humanity, civilization and the biosphere. The course concludes with an analysis of creative responses to environmental crises and their impact in human consciousness, education, science, culture, society, social movements, social change, human rights, environmental, social and economic justice, and revolution. It explores alternatives to the old infinite growth model of economics and social organization. Prerequisite(s): A passing score on the College's writing and reading placement tests or, C or better or concurrent enrollment in ENG 091, or ENG 092. Three lecture hours per week.

This course explores the social structural forces and the psycho-social dynamics influencing contemporary U.S. race and ethnic relations, cultural identities, and cross-cultural perceptions. Particular emphasis is on social inequality in education, work, income, housing, healthcare, the media, sports, crime and the judicial system. Groups of particular interest included Native Americans, African Americans, Asian American and Latino Americans. Additionally, issues of immigrant and refugee populations dislocated due to poverty, environmental stresses and civil disorders are examined. Prerequisite(s): A passing score on the College's writing and reading placement tests or, C or better or concurrent enrollment in ENG 091 or ENG 092. Three lecture hours per week. Gen. Ed. Competencies Met: Ethical Dimensions, Global and Historic Awareness and Multicultural and Social Perspectives.

This course is designed to address social issues which are impacting loss experiences such as divorce and single parenting problems, child abuse, aging issues and losses, pet death, disability, disfigurement, disenfranchisement, rape, alcoholism, unemployment, euthanasia and new trends in technology which are bringing about new losses. The ethnic, cultural and religious customs and traditions which are employed to deal with loss will also be discussed. Three lecture hours per week. Gen. Ed. Competencies Met: Ethical Dimensions and Multicultural and Social Perspectives.

A one-semester course on a specific topic in sociology. Topic to be announced each semester. Prerequisite: SOC 101. Three lecture hours per week. Gen. Ed. Competencies Met: Multicultural and Social Perspectives.

This course actively engages the student with a myriad of issues in the aging process with on-site programs at service agencies and presentations by senior care representatives. An in-depth study of the social trends effecting lifestyles examines such issues as senior living arrangement, health care programs and benefits, senior organizations and community services, elder abuse and seniors as victims of crime, stress factors, legal and end-of-life issues as well as profiles of the three aging stages with specific concerns and required responses. The course also examines career opportunities for senior assistance and guidelines for care management. Three lecture hours per week.

This course offers an in-depth examination of a variety of resources available for seniors to live a healthy, happy, and satisfying life. The student is introduced to the numerous community organizations, activities, and educational opportunities that can engage seniors. The course addresses the new challenges of grandparenting, lifestyles, technology, and anti-aging therapies as well as preparation modes for the baby-boomer generation. The course includes a fun activity of role playing senior values and interests and a "Life Review" project of a selected family senior. Three hours of lecture per week.