This course introduces basic concepts, theories, and methods in the discipline of sociology that reveal the relationship between the individual and society and challenge students to develop a sociological perspective. Students are exposed to diverse cultures and social structures with an emphasis on the dynamics of power and inequality on the local, national, and global levels as they are influenced by the social constructs of race, ethnicity, class, gender and sexuality.

This course explores the interface between individuals and their social context. It uses sociological perspectives such as symbolic interactionism, functional theory and conflict theory to examine the relationships we as individuals have to our society. The course also examines the extent to which our roles and status are determined at birth, and the role we play in shaping ourselves as well as the institutions in which we live. How social factors influence individual perceptions and choices is viewed in the context of the institution of marriage; family structure and relationships; demographics such as age, gender, race, ethnicity, and class; attitudes and moral behavior; violence and aggression; and work and authority.

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1. Describe the process of socialization and discuss how individual differences affect the socialization process and shape life experiences.
2. Discuss the development of attitudes, beliefs, and values and explain how these may evolve into prejudice or bigotry.
3. Compare and contrast the gender-based differences which influence individual experiences.
4. Analyze how aspects of personal power are exercised and how individuals can make changes to increase their ability to influence others.
5. Explain how people’s sense of personal effectiveness influences their social behavior; recognize how a sense of impotence can lead to aggressive outbursts.
6. Discuss how cultural attitudes towards devalued groups such as elders, minorities, homeless people or people with disabilities influence public policy.
7. Compare and contrast related theoretical perspectives, e.g., symbolic interactionism, functional theory, and/or conflict theory, in the analysis of human social behavior.

This course analyzes the social nature of work in industrial societies. Topics include the study of occupations, training, automation, unemployment, and the role of minorities in the workplace. Through ethnographic case studies and recent articles, the course compares work structures in North America, Asia, and Europe.

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1. Describe the major trends in the history of work as a society’s economic base changes from agriculture to industry to service.
2. Discuss sociological perspectives on work.
3. Explore the socialization process that surrounds training and establishes subcultures in a variety of occupations.
4. Identify major work-related sociological concepts such as the work ethic, diversity in the multicultural/global and multigenerational workplace, work-life balance, social class status, bureaucracies, alienation, etc.
5. Apply sociological methods such as observation and interview as appropriate within the student’s field of study.
6. Analyze the impact of technological changes on workers and workplaces.
7. Compare and contrast work structures and organization across industrial societies.

This course provides an examination of child maltreatment from a variety of perspectives, including theoretical, cultural, historical, and legal. It offers definitions of the types of child abuse and neglect, and allows students to reflect on how culture and history play roles in the defining process. Students learn to identify signs and symptoms resulting from maltreatment, and take an in-depth look at how trauma affects all areas of child development. The roles of child protection workers, the complex child protection system, and the legal systems are explained. Students have the opportunity to critically review current research and debate emotionally charged ethical issues. This course challenges students to consider the dynamics that may lead people to harm children, and that it is only through this understanding can prevention strategies be developed.

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1. Define child abuse and neglect from historical and cultural perspectives.
2. Identify the types and indicators of child maltreatment.
3. Recognize child and family risk and protective factors associated with child abuse and neglect.
4. Outline character attributes and family dynamics often found within abusive families.
5. Explain the probable outcomes of child abuse and neglect on child development and adult well-being.
6. Summarize current research regarding childhood trauma and outcomes for adults.
7. Recognize multiple perspectives on ethical issues such as mandated reporting, parents’ rights, and sex offender registries.
8. Explore individual biases and their impact on professional fields when confronting controversial issues in child abuse and neglect.
9. Chart the child protection and legal systems in terms of prevention, intervention and treatment. 1
10. Explain the importance of empathy and a non-judgmental approach when working with victims, offenders, family members, and others affected by child abuse and neglect.

This course explores important complications that arise when dealing with addiction-related issues of special populations (e.g., children, homeless, criminal justice system involvement, gender, sexual orientation, etc.). Emphasis will be placed on exploring the ways to educate and connect people to the services available.

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1. Articulate their own attitudes, values, and other characteristics in working with diverse populations.
2. Explain the sociocultural barriers to mental and physical health care for addictions-related individuals in special populations.
3. Identify cross-cultural strategies related to addictions-related human services work.
4. Demonstrate planning and assessment strategies based on the needs of special populations.
5. Create a plan to connect at least one special population with the community services available.