• Anthropolgy
• Criminal Justice
• Sociology

Following certain course descriptions are the designations: F, Sp, Su. These indicate the semesters fall, spring, summer in which the course is normally offered and are intended as an aid to students planning their programs of study.

Anthropology (ANTH prefix)

ANTH 101 Introduction to Anthropology (3) A survey of the disciplines of anthropology: physical anthropology, archaeology, cultural anthropology, linguistics, and applied anthropology. The nature of language and culture and the processes of biological and sociocultural evolution are major topics examined. No prereq. F, Sp

ANTH 200 Special Topics in Anthropology (3) A study of selected topics of current interest and importance in anthropology. These topics will vary in accordance with the interests of the students and faculty. Students may repeat the course without limit as the topic changes. No prereq.

ANTH 251 Peoples of Latin America (3) An introduction to the ethnology and ethnography of modern Latin America with emphases on: the Native-American peoples of the Andean highlands, southern Mexico and Guatemala, and the lowland rainforests; African-American peoples of the Caribbean Islands, the Guianas, and Brazil; the Brazilians and Luso-Brazilian culture; and the Spanish-speaking peoples and Hispanic culture in Cuba, Mexico, and urban Peru. Global issues are addressed including the drug trade and rainforest deforestation. No prereq. ANTH 101 recommended.

ANTH 255 The Cultures of Asia (3) An introduction to the societies and cultures of Asia: China; Japan; Southeast Asia with emphases on Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam; and Central Asia with special attention to Mongolia, Tibet, and the Turkic-speaking peoples of western China and Kazakhstan. No prereq.

ANTH 261 Introduction to Archaeology (3) An introduction to archaeological theories, concepts and methods, and their application in the reconstruction of both prehistoric and historic cultures. This course includes laboratory sessions during class periods and a weekend field project. No prereq.

ANTH 262 Archaeology of North America (3) Designed to introduce students to the cultural history of North America before European conquest, focusing on the processes of social and cultural evolution. No prereq. ANTH 101 or ANTH 261 recommended.

ANTH 305 Indians of North America (3) The ethnography of Native American cultures through a detailed study of representative tribal units by cultural areas. The course includes an examination of historic Native American cultures from first contact with Europeans to the role of North American Indian populations as an important ethnic group in modern American life. Prereq: ANTH 101 or ANTH 262 or consent of instructor.

ANTH 333 Cultural Anthropology (3) A global, comparative study of all aspects of culture. Topics comprise technology, political economy, social organization, gender, religion, values, war, languages, ethnicity, and cultural change. Prereq: ANTH 101, SOC 121, or consent of instructor.

ANTH 353 Human Origins (3) An examination of the biological bases of human society and culture. This course surveys human evolution from pre-human ancestors to the appearance of Homo-Sapiens. Prereq: ANTH 101.

ANTH 370 Seminar in Anthropology (3) An intensive, small-group discussion of recent, provocative books on topics of current interest to anthropologists. The seminar format will emphasize critical thinking and discussion. Students may take the course more than once as the reading list changes. Prereq: consent of instructor.

ANTH 397 Archaeological Field School (3) This course is designed to give students experience in archaeological field methods through participation in a site excavation. Students lern basic excavation techniques, mapping, and artifact identification. Prereq: ANTH 101 and permission of instructor. Su

ANTH 407 Psychological Anthropology (3) Examines theories of the relationship of culture and the individual. Topics covered include cognition and perception, enculturation processes, emotional patterning, “national character,” culture change, and deviant behavior, from a cross-cultural perspective. Prereq: ANTH 101 or SOC 121 or PSY 201.

ANTH 489 Independent Study in Anthropology (3) An extensive examination of the main anthropological ideas on a specific topic. The major paper is a product of critical reading or advanced research. The course may be taken up to six hours. Prereq: nine hours sociology/anthropology and consent of instructor.

ANTH 499 Internship in Anthropology (3) An opportunity for work experience in the area of anthropology. For students interested in graduate school, the internship will involve field research. The course may be taken for up to six credit hours with different placements. Prereq: nine hours in anthropology/sociology and consent of instructor.

Criminal Justice (CRIM prefix)

CRIM 141 Introduction to Criminal Justice (3) A survey of the criminal justice system of the United States. The main topics include the theories of crime, laws and the courts, juvenile justice, policing, and corrections. F, Sp

CRIM 200 Special Topics in Criminal Justice (3) This course allows for the study of selected topics of current interest and importance in criminal justice. These topics will vary in accordance with the interests of students and faculty. Students may repeat the course without limit, as the topic changes. Prereq: CRIM 141

CRIM 244 Police & Society (3) This course explores how the various law enforcement agencies interact with society. The main topics include the history of law enforcement in the U.S. and other countries, and current issues and controversies in policing. Prereq: CRIM 141. Sp

CRIM 301 Criminal Justice Administration (3) Analysis of the public institutions which determine policy and practice in the administration of the criminal justice system. This will include the legislature, the police, the courts, and correctional systems. Prereq: CRIM 141 or SOC 121 and junior level standing. Sp

CRIM 302 Criminal Law (3) History and development of criminal law as a system of social control; the relationship among criminal laws; and the workings of courts and correctional systems. Prereq: CRIM 141 or SOC 121 and junior level standing. F

CRIM 370 Seminar in Criminal Justice (3) An intensive, small-group discussion of recent, provocative books on topics of current interest to criminal justice professionals and criminologists. The seminar format will emphasize critical thinking and discussion. Students may take the course more than once as the reading list changes. Prereq: consent of instructor.

CRIM 401 Probation and Parole (3) The processes of probation and parole in the United States in terms of its historical development, philosophy, and standards; attention is focused on the utilization of parole and probation as tools of social control with special emphasis on the implications of the philosophical impact of probation and parole on field practices. Prereq: CRIM 141 or SOC 121 and junior level standing. F

CRIM 489 Independent Study in Criminal Justice (3) An extensive examination of the main criminal justice/criminology ideas on a specific topic. The major paper is a product of critical reading or advanced research. The course may be repeated for up to six credit hours. Prereq: nine hours sociology/criminal justice and consent of instructor.

CRIM 499 Internship in Criminal Justice (3) An opportunity for work experience in the area of criminal justice. For students interested in graduate school, the internship will involve field research. The course may be repeated for up to six credit hours with different placements.

Sociology (SOC prefix)

SOC 121 Principles of Sociology (3) An examination of social dynamics and consequences of social life. The main topics are culture, social groups, socialization, deviance, social stratification, race relations, gender, and family. It is required of majors and minors. No prereq. F, Sp, Su

SOC 200 Special Topics in Sociology (3) This course is a means for the study of selected topics of current interest and importance in sociology. These topics will vary in accordance with the interests of students and faculty. Students may repeat the course without limit as the topic changes. Prereq: SOC 121.

SOC 221 Computer Applications in Sociology (3) This course is designed to both teach the basic areas of sociology and increase students’ ability to effectively use the computer. Students work at their own pace through a series of projects in which they collect, organize, and present data in various forms. No prereq.

SOC 225 Criminology (3) A consideration of criminality, its nature and extent, particularly in the United States. Includes analysis of the etiology of criminal behavior, the sociology of criminal law, and societal reaction to criminals. Prereq: SOC 121. F, Sp

SOC 231 Social Problems (3) Examination of the nature, extent, causes, and effects of selected contemporary social problems, such as gender, sexual behavior, drugs, environment, economic inequality, racial inequality, crime, and education. Prereq: SOC 121. F, Sp

SOC 235 Juvenile Delinquency (3) Definitions and interpretations; theories of causation and prevention; organization and functions of community agencies and institutions including police, courts, and probation services. Prereq: SOC 121. F, Sp

SOC 251 Principles of Social Psychology (3) A general consideration of human behavior in social situations with particular emphasis on communication processes, socialization, social roles, social self, and social groupings. Prereq: SOC 121.

SOC 261 Marriage and Family (3) The course examines research about the family life cycle. The specific areas investigated are sex roles, a history of the American family, dating, sexual behavior, marriage, childbirth, children, the middle-aged, the elderly, divorce, and step-parenting. Prereq: SOC 121. F, Sp

SOC 341 Sociology of Medicine (3) The social organization of medical care. The course considers patterns of morbidity and mortality, social epidemiology of disease, social effects of disease, doctor-patient relationships, cost of medical services, hospitalized patients, modes of medical practice, hospital organization, and programs of medical care. Prereq: SOC 121. F

SOC 343 Sociology of Death and Dying (3) The social structures and processes involved with death and dying. The course considers different concepts of death, death as a social disease, the demography of death, the determination of death, the funeral industry, the social psychology of dying, dying patients, and the survivors of death. Prereq: SOC 121. Sp

SOC 345 Simulated Games of Society (3) The study of society through the use of simulated games. The power structure, the social class system, the justice system, sex roles, different cultures, whole societies, ghettos, economic systems, municipal politics, and national political parties are simulated in classroom games to provide the student with experiential knowledge of these processes. Prereq: SOC 121. F

SOC 370 Seminar in Sociology (3) An intensive, small-group discussion of recent research on topics of current interest to sociologists. The seminar format will emphasize critical thinking and discussion. Students may take the course more than once as the reading list changes. No prereq. F, Sp, Su

SOC 371 Classical Sociological Theory (3) An examination of 19th and early 20th century developments in sociological theory. Course examines developments in some of the major theoretical traditions. The context and key ideas of each tradition will be considered.  Students will read original texts. Prereq: SOC 121 and three hours of sociology or consent of instructor.

SOC 372 Contemporary Sociological Theory (3) Contemporary Sociological Theory: An examination of early 20th century to present developments in sociological theory. Course examines developments in some of the major theoretical traditions. The context and key ideas of each tradition will be considered. Students will read original texts. Prereq: SOC 371.

SOC 375 Social Change (3) An investigation of change in cultural patterns, behavioral relationships, and social structure. Topics comprise social movements, work, urbanization, family, computerization, social organizations and other aspects of American society. Prereq: Soc 121.

SOC 391 Introduction to Sociological Research (3) An examination of the various methods that sociologists use to conduct research. Course work includes concept formation, sampling, questionnaire construction, content analysis, experiments, and field observations. Students learn how to conceptualize and design their own research project. Prereq: SOC 121, six other hours of sociology courses. F

SOC 392 Statistics for Social Research (3) An introductory course in descriptive and inferential statistics. Course work includes probability, univariate statistics, bivariate statistics, and statistical modeling using the SPSS computer analysis software package. Students learn how to write research reports using statistical evidence. Prereq: SOC 121, SOC 391, MATH 108 or MATH 111. Sp

SOC 415 Sociology of the Environment (3) A sociological approach to understanding the interaction of society and the natural environment. It focuses on social causes and consequences of environmental problems and mitigating actions taken toward them. It also addresses inequality in the distribution of environmental problems. Several specific cases are studied in detail. Prereq: six hours of sociology or consent of instructor.

SOC 421 Race and Ethnicity (3) A sociological exploration of the origins and influence of race, ethnicity, and cultural/national identity in American and international stratification systems. Prereq: six hours of sociology or consent of instructor.

SOC 424 Population (3) The quantitative and qualitative aspects of population and population trends in significant areas of the world; emphasis is on cultural implications with some attention to population research techniques. Prereq: six hours of sociology or consent of instructor.

SOC 426 Sociology of Deviant Behavior (3) An examination of various concepts of deviant behavior, the nature and prevalence of such behavior, and the theories developed to explain deviance. The course emphasizes the relationship of such behavior to social structure and social processes. Prereq: six hours of sociology or consent of instructor.

SOC 431 Gender and Society (3) An exploration of gender patterns. The course focuses on gender differences. It analyzes the causes and the consequences of these differences for social life, including the various social inequalities between males and females that have become institutionalized in American society. Prereq: six hours of sociology or consent of instructor. F, Sp

SOC 441 Social Movements (3) Consideration of social movements as attempts to establish a new order of life. Analyzes states of development from inception to the achievement of full institutionalization. Specific social movements are examined such as the labor movement, the women’s movement, and racial, religious, and political movements. Prereq: six hours of sociology or consent of instructor.

SOC 461 Sociological Issues in Education (3) An examination of current problems and controversies in American education from preschool to college, particularly issues involving quality and equality. The course explores the reciprocal influence between educational institutions and other institutions in American society. No prereq.

SOC 463 Wealth and Poverty (3) An examination of social stratification in U.S. society with comparisons to other countries. The course explores different indicators of inequality, the social class system, theories of inequality, poverty, social mobility, and legitimation of inequality. It also explores racial and gender stratification. Prereq: six hours of sociology or consent of instructor.

SOC 481 Contemporary Social Thought (3) Last semester offered was Fall 2005.

SOC 483 Development of Sociological Theory (3) Last semester course was offered: Spring 2006.

SOC 489 Independent Study (1-3) An extensive examination of the main sociological ideas on a specific topic. The major paper is a product of critical reading or advanced research. The course may be taken up to six hours. Prereq: nine hours in sociology and consent of instructor. F, Sp

SOC 499 Internship in Sociology (3) An opportunity for a job-related experience in the area of sociology. Students will be placed in an agency that reflects their future occupational interests. The course may be taken up to six hours. Prereq: nine hours in sociology and consent of instructor. F, Sp