Home Academics Admissions Athletics Student life Faith Alumni Giving About NWC

Sociology courses

SOC101 Principles of Sociology
SOC110 Contemporary Marriage and Family Living
SOC202 Social Problems
SOC204 Demography
SOC214 Social Psychology
SOC218 Deviance and Social Control
SOC272 Selected Topics in Sociology
SOC290 Cultural Anthropology
SOC303 The Criminal Justice System
SOC304 Minority Groups
SOC307 Corrections
SOC309 Sociology of Gender
SOC311 Sociology of Organizations
SOC312 Sociology of Religion
SOC316 Latin American Societies and Cultures
SOC317 Native North American Societies and Cultures
SOC340 Sociological Research
SOC341 Philosophy of Social Science
SOC351 Ethnographic Research
SOC398 Directed Study
SOC401 Sociological Theory
SOC417 Internship
SOC499 Honors Research
 
SOC101 Principles of Sociology 4 credits
(general education option under social science) An introduction to sociology, its major concepts, tools and perspectives. This course provides an understanding of societies; of culture; of major social institutions such as the family, religion and education; of social inequality; and of social change. (4 credits)
 
SOC110 Contemporary Marriage and Family Living 4 credits
A study of the basic sociological theories of the family from a Christian perspective. Topics include: the structure and functions of families; historical and social changes; cross-cultural analysis; institutional and functional aspects of dating, courtship, marriage adjustment, gender roles, parenthood and child rearing. (4 credits)
 
SOC202 Social Problems 4 credits
A discussion of myths and facts, leading toward an understanding of many social problems, such as sexual deviance, drugs and alcohol, health care and illness (physical and mental), crime and delinquency, violence, wealth and poverty, inequality of opportunity, work, aging, sex inequality, racial minorities and discrimination, education, family problems, war, pollution, ecology and population. Emphasis is placed upon difficulties in defining, critiquing and proposing meaningful solutions. (4 credits)
 
SOC204 Demography 2 credits
An introduction to demography and human population studies. Comparisons and contrasts between the population of the United States and other developed countries and that of less developed countries. Interrelations of population, technology and resource use. Uses of demographic knowledge and research in business, teaching and government. (2 credits; alternate years, consult department)
 
SOC214 Social Psychology 4 credits
This course involves the study of the way individuals think about, influence and relate to one another. Topics include: attitude change, social thinking, conformity, obedience, persuasion, prejudice, aggression, altruism, roles, norms, and environmental influences on social behavior. The major aim of the course is to encourage an appreciation of the relationship between personal and situational determinants of social behavior. Prerequisites: Psychology 111, 221, or Sociology 101. Cross-referenced in psychology. (4 credits)
 
SOC218 Deviance and Social Control 2 credits
This class focuses on a sociological understanding of deviance. We will explore how both culture and structure may shape the prevalence, definition and reaction to deviance. Various theoretical perspectives will be examined and discussed to see how deviance may be both understood and even perhaps, predicted. Finally, a number of more "concrete" areas will be examined, to both see how the theory holds up in real life, and to deepen the understanding of deviance and attempts at social control of deviance. (2 credits)
 
SOC272 Selected Topics in Sociology 2-4 credits
A study of selected topics in sociology which are not adequately covered in other courses. Offered as a response to student or faculty needs or interests. Possible topics include: social change, social reform movements, the sociology of unconventional life styles, sociology of women, sociology of education, medical sociology, sociology of war and terrorism, and native American issues. May be taken more than once provided a different topic is studied. (2 or 4 credits; non-yearly, consult department)
 
SOC290 Cultural Anthropology 4 credits
(general education option under social science or cross-cultural studies. Cannot count toward meeting both requirements) An introduction to the study of humanity across time and space, comparing societies and cultures to identify likenesses and differences. The study of anthropology develops an appreciation for the diverse ways human beings have approached universal situations: relationships between individuals and groups, adaptations to physical and economic environments, approaches to the infinite. Western and non-Western cultures are studied, ethnographic field work goals and techniques discussed, and problems of ethnocentrism and culture change addressed. (4 credits)
 
SOC303 The Criminal Justice System 4 credits
A study of the development of, issues in, and new directions for, the American criminal justice system. Each step of the system is critiqued in terms of intended and unintended consequences as well as official and operative goals, and is related to a detailed discussion of various correctional treatment programs: prisons, halfway houses, group homes, community-based treatment programs, probation, parole and others. Those in the criminal justice career concentration should take Sociology 218 first. Prerequisite: general education writing requirement. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)
 
SOC304 Minority Groups 4 credits
(general education option under cross-cultural studies) A study of racial and cultural minority groups in the United States and other societies emphasizing value systems, power relationships, forms of social organization and cultural contributions. This course helps students develop an understanding of, appreciation for, and capacity to relate effectively with minority groups. Appreciation for heterogeneity is stressed. In-depth treatment of Hispanics and Hispanic culture in the United States. Prerequisite: general education writing requirement. (4 credits)
 
SOC307 Corrections 4 credits
Evolution of and debates concerning community and non-community based correctional programs; relationships between correcting, reforming, rehabilitating and punishing; tensions between protection of public safety and rights of the accused; evaluation of incarceration, probation, parole, diversion, alternate and restorative justice programs; issues in "proactive" and "reactive" debate. Prerequisites: general education writing requirement; Sociology 217 and 303. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)
 
SOC309 Sociology of Gender 4 credits
An examination of the topic of gender, predominately using a sociological perspective. The study of gender from a sociological perspective develops an appreciation for how social structure, institutions and culture shape gender roles and the lives of those who play these roles - at the same time that gender roles shape culture, institutions and social structure. Attention will also be given to the "inherent or constructed" debate about gender roles, the role of the media in shaping gender, and the intertwining of gender and family, politics, work and religion. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)
 
SOC311 Sociology of Organizations 4 credits
The study of simple and complex organizations with emphasis on business, political and religious forms. Emphasis is placed on the impact of environment, size, complexity, formalization, internal processes, power, conflict, morale and motivation, and the development of models and tools for organizational analysis. Prerequisite: general education writing requirement. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)
 
SOC312 Sociology of Religion 2 credits
A sociological examination of the meaning and function of religion in human society. Gives attention to the development of religious organizations, the relationship of religion to class and politics, the nature of the sacred, dimensions of religiosity, and denominational diversity and evangelicalism in the United States. Prerequisite: general education writing requirement. (2 credits; alternate years, consult department)
 
SOC316 Latin American Societies and Cultures 4 credits
(general education option under cross-cultural studies) A general survey of the peoples, cultures and societies of Latin America. Attention given to indigenous, European and African influences; geography; family structure; social class; race; religion; population characteristics and growth; urbanization; economic, political and social development; and Latin America's relationship to the United States. Prerequisite: general education writing requirement. (4 credits)
 
SOC317 Native North American Societies and Cultures 4 credits
(general education option under cross-cultural studies) This course surveys the historical development of American Indian peoples, particularly during the period of contact and conquest by Euro-Americans and particularly in the trans-Mississippi West region of what became the U.S. Topics include pre-contact life; oral literature; Indian accommodation and selective adaptation to Euro-American societies; Spanish, French and U.S. Indian policies; Native American religion; Christian mission work among American Indians; activism by and on behalf of American Indians; and reservation life. Prerequisite: General education writing requirement. Cross-referenced in history. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)
 
SOC340 Sociological Research 4 credits
A comprehensive introduction to sociological research methods with emphasis on survey research. An opportunity for sociology majors or others to apply this methodology in the conduct of major research in an area determined in consultation with the instructor. Finished research reports will be considered for presentation at various sociological association meetings. Prerequisite: general education writing requirement; Sociology 101 or equivalent. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)
 
SOC341 Philosophy of Social Science 4 credits
An in-depth study of the philosophical foundations of the social and cognitive sciences. Issues discussed include, e.g., a) laws and explanations in social science, b) objectivity and values in the social sciences, c) rationality, d) relations between different social sciences and the physical sciences, e) philosophy of mind. Prerequisites: at least one philosophy course. Philosophy 202 or 342 may prove helpful, but not required. Cross-referenced in philosophy. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)
 
SOC351 Ethnographic Research 2 credits
An overview of ethnographic methods, goals and the theoretical assumptions underlying them. Ethnography, the description and analysis of human life or culture, is based on qualitative field work. The goal is to understand the "native's" point of view, to learn from people rather than study them. Students will have an opportunity to practice field work methods and write a brief ethnography. Preceding course recommendation: Sociology 290. Prerequisite: general education writing requirement. (2 credits)
 
SOC398 Directed Study 2-4 credits
 
SOC401 Sociological Theory 4 credits
The study of major theories and theorists, addressing such theories as functionalist, conflict, social exchange, symbolic interactionist, ethnomethodological/phenomenological and sociobiology. Emphasis is placed on how various perspectives impact and alter our understanding of reality; of causation; of the past, present and future. Prerequisites: general education writing requirement, Sociology 101, sociology major or permission of instructor. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)
 
SOC417 Internship 6-8 credits
(4 credits may apply toward the major)
 
SOC499 Honors Research 2-4 credits


Research the programs
Contact
Dr. Scott Monsma
Department of sociology
Northwestern College
101 7th St. SW
Orange City, IA 51041
712-707-7088
monsma@nwciowa.edu

  Search our site for people   

 
  Print this page