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This course introduces students to the major theories, theorists, concepts, and methods used in the study of society. It considers a variety of topics including culture, socialization, gender, racial, economic, and social class divisions.

Sociological perspectives and theories are used to study major social problems confronting the United States and the world today. Among these are problems in race, gender, poverty, work, family, education, crime, health care, the environment, drugs, the media, politics, and others. Possible solutions to these problems are also explored.

Approaches to understanding children and their social environments. This includes societys response to accelerating rates of childhood poverty, child abuse, the impact of changing patterns on the relationship between parents and children, schools, and the media as socializing agents.

This course studies the principles of culture and of social organization through an intensive exploration of other societies and of American society, with special emphasis on gender roles and the status of women in different societies.

Living in communities-small groups where neighbors meet often, share, and cooperate-has been part of life. We explore the nature of com - munities in different societies, and study and debate the sociological perspective that commu - nities have been declining and disappearing since the rise of industrialism. We also examine ways to preserve and restore community.

This course will examine non-violent theory and practice from a sociological perspective. Students will be introduced to new paradigms for understanding and resolving conflict on a global, national, and local basis. The course will include both a theoretical focus (by employing sociological methods and criticisms to nonviolent theory) and a practical focus (by training students in techniques of non-violent communication and new approaches to conflict resolution).

This interdisciplinary course will be co-taught by a professor from religious studies and a professor from sociology. Students will explore the spiritual enrichment and sociological insight that service work provides. Students will be placed in religious and secular settings that engage in direct service and advocacy. This course will engage students in applying sociological and theological concepts and theories to their experiences performing service work in a variety of settings.

Applies the major methods of sociological research to the study of an issue, topic or problem in contemporary American society. The preparation and written and oral presentation of students individually designed research projects comprise the major part of the course. SO 201, SO 304, SO 309.

This course will study groups that are oppressed, discriminated against, and stereotyped because other groups exploit them economically and politically and because of cultural and behavioral differences. Students will study the social, political, historical, economic, and cultural experiences of oppressed groups (minorities) and compare these traditional minorities to women, older people, people with disabilities, and others.

Broadens students understanding and utilization of the sociological perspective and its application to historical and critical understanding of contemporary American society. Course content includes theoretical approaches of classical, modern and contemporary social theorists. SO 201.

Examines the historical, social, political, and economic conditions that shape family life (love, marriage, childbearing, etc.), with special emphasis on the roles and lives of women in families and in society. SO 201.