Social Science Courses

ANTH 253 Survey I Culture and Language (3)
A survey of sociocultural anthropology and anthropological linguistics. The course takes a comparative approach to the study of culture. Topics include: family, kinship, and marriage; cultural ecology and economics; political organization; gender roles and socialization; religion and ritual; and culture change. Basic concepts, methods of research, and analytic perspectives are introduced. 

ECON 251 Principles of Macroeconmics (3)
Economic principles relating to the functioning of the aggregate economy, including the fundamentals of national income measurement and determination, money and banking, fiscal and monetary policies, and economic growth.

ECON 252 Principles of Microeconmincs (3)
Microeconomics examines the various segments contained in the circular flow — consumer behavior, production, how firms behave in various product markets, labor markets and their resulting income issues and why the market fails, at times, to provide efficient results. How market forces allocate limited output to best satisfy society’s changing unlimited wants is central. A strong emphasis is placed on real-world business applications to show the importance of economic analysis and business 

ENVS 217 Environmental Policy (3)
This course introduces the processes by which policy is made at local, state, national, and international levels of government with attention to the special challenges of creating sound environmental policy. It examines the strengths and weaknesses of policies currently in place and prepares students to intervene constructively in the formation of environmental policy.

NURS 123 FYS: Health Habits for Positive Partnerships (3)
Using a forensic nursing lens and a trauma-informed care approach, this class is designed to help young women foster self-awareness, cultivate self-love, and develop the skills necessary to engage in healthy, supportive relationships. Whether navigating friendships, family dynamics, or romantic partnerships, this course will equip students with practical tools to set healthy boundaries, communicate effectively, and recognize the signs of toxic relationships. Please be aware that some of the material covered in this class includes sensitive topics that may be distressing or triggering to some students. Students will be introduced to different types of interpersonal violence as well as campus and community resources which exist to provide compassionate care for victims of violence. The aim of the course is to empower women with the knowledge needed to live safely, confidently and courageously. This course is a First Year Seminar. 

POSC 201  American Politics  (3) 
This course serves as an introductory survey of the major principles, institutions, processes, functions, and behavioral patterns of the American political system. It helps students to develop a broad, diverse, and articulate base of knowledge and understanding of American politics and government.

POSC 207 Comparative Politics (3)
An introduction to the use of theory, analytic concepts, and evidence to compare political history, processes, institutions, and outcomes in select nation-states.

PSYC 157 Introduction to Psychology: Science for the Citizen (3)
An introductory survey of theories, topics and applications in psychology. Courses cover a wide range of classic and contemporary topics in psychology, which may include: brain and behavior, child development, thinking and intelligence, social influences on behavior, and psychological disorders. The 157 course emphasizes social science methodology and, therefore, students will conduct basic studies to address psychological questions using appropriate research methods. 

SOC 110 FYS: The Culture of College: Decoding the Hidden Curriculum (3)
It has been said that the culture of college includes an official curriculum, found in the subjects of classes, like literature, mathematics, and science, and a hidden curriculum, a secret lesson plan that some people know and others do not. What is this hidden curriculum and who wrote it? Why do some people seem to know the hidden curriculum and others have to learn it the hard way? How does knowing the hidden curriculum help you do well in school? Can we re-write the hidden curriculum? In this seminar, we will explore the hidden curriculum through readings about education, family life, and college. You will gain a better understanding of the culture of college and learn ways to enhance everyone’s college experience This course is a First Year Seminar. 

SOC 153 Sociological Imaginations (3)
A general survey of the basic concepts and processes necessary for an understanding of society, culture, groups, institutions, and social behavior. The applications of the discipline are emphasized to encourage the student to appreciate the utility of the sociological approach.

SOC 203 Social Problems (3)
This course focuses on some of the phenomena that have been identified as social problems in the United States. Among the issues discussed are poverty, gender and racial stratification, hyperconsumerism, changing family structures, inequality in the educational system, health care issues, the work environment, drug abuse, and crime. Particular attention will be given to the role of the social structure in the creation and perpetuation of social problems, and how social problems are interrelated.

SOC 255  Race, Ethnicity, and Identity in the United States (3)
Race and ethnic identity have played and continue to play an important role in shaping the nation’s political policies, social relationships, and cultural beliefs. In this course students will consider how race and ethnicity are socially constructed, what is meant by racism and racial/ethnic identity, how laws like Affirmative Action or immigration policies impact specific racial and ethnic groups, and how race/ethnicity shapes one’s experiences in various social institutions such as school, work, family, and the legal system. Over the semester students will develop a sociological understanding of the structural and cultural barriers experienced by various racial and ethnic groups in the United States, and students will discuss social policies focused on achieving racial equity. 

SOC 257 Sociology of Families (3)
This course will examine family life through the lens of the sociological perspective. Students will study topics such as family roles, mate selection, marriage, and divorce. Contemporary issues facing families such as balancing work and family, parenting, aging, and abuse will be explored. Additionally, students will examine how families are shaped by economics, politics, and culture. Finally, students will consider how families reflect inequalities of gender, sexuality, race, and class.

SOC 273 Introduction to Crime and Society (3)
As an introduction to the topic of criminology, this course examines crime as a social problem within American society. Particular attention is given to the nature and function of law in society, theoretical perspectives on crime, victimology, sources of crime data, the social meaning of criminological data, and the various societal responses to crime. These topics are addressed through specialized readings, discussion, and analysis.

SW 202 Introduction to Social Work (3)
This course is an introduction to the profession of social work through an exploration of social work issues related to increasing the well being of, and making a difference with, individuals, families, groups, communities, organizations, and society. Course includes an examination of social work global and national practices, case studies, policies, values and ethics, research, and literature of social work. Overview of the different fields in which social workers engage in leadership positions, including global social work, medical and health care social work, public policy analysis and planning, political social work, program administration, clinical/mental health social work (psychotherapy and counseling), criminal justice (forensic) social work, school social work, gerontological social work, and child welfare/family services social work, including social work practice with trauma-informed care and the application of neuroscience. 

SW 141 FYS: Inclusive Leadership & Influence (3)
Everyone has the unique potential to be an effective leader and influencer of positive social change. This course provides the foundational knowledge needed to be an inclusive leader when working with diverse groups in community and workplace settings. Throughout this course, you will expand upon your understanding of what it means to be an inclusive leader, while learning interpersonal skills and leadership strategies that foster belonging among group members. By participating in personal reflection, you’ll recognize your own strengths and personal leadership styles, while exploring practices that promote inclusivity in diverse environments. You will also gain an increased awareness of the role diversity plays when examining social problems and learn how to manage conflict in group settings. At the end of the course, you will leave with the inclusive leadership skills needed to empower others, influence human behavior and advocate for social change in your communities. This course is a First Year Seminar. 

SW 235 Human Behavior and the Social Environment (3)
This course examines human behavior and the social environment using the generalist social work theoretical framework to explain the interactions of individuals, families, and groups. Special emphasis is given to the biological, social, psychological, and cultural factors that affect human behavior within these micro and mezzo systems.