Social Sciences

An introduction to the study of macroeconomics. Provides a brief history of economics, from Adam Smith to the present. Students will learn the theories of contemporary macroeconomics, as well as their application and impact in today’s world.

An introduction to the study of microeconomics. Focuses on individual markets and the personal choices concerning those markets. Students gain an understanding of what determines the prices of particular goods and services, as well as what determines the output and profits of individual firms and wages of individual workers.

Prerequisites: SOC201

An introduction to cultural anthropology. Examines the norms, values, and practices of a variety of cultures around the world. Course gives specific attention to those universals which are found in nearly all societies.

An introduction to the study of sociology. Examines the social institutions that shape and influence the behavior of the individual and groups in society, with emphasis on examining contemporary social problems. Topics include the foundation of the study of human social life, theories and methods of sociology, and basic sociological concepts.

An introduction to contemporary political forces and political theory. Provides historical background on current political issues as institutions and stresses political tools for problem solving.

An introduction to the history and traditions of American policing. Examines the role of the police in advancing justice in a democratic society. Topics include law enforcement operations and strategies such as profiling, organizational structure, community affairs, the police use of force, and various major concerns in public policy.

An introduction to the various causes of crime in a free society. Considers factors such as free will, biology, and other possible causes, such as DNA, nutrition, hormones, and subcultures of violence.

An introduction to the basic principles of psychology and their direct application to the understanding of human behavior. Topics include human development, learning, memory, thinking, intelligence, creativity, motivation, emotion, adjustment, perception, abnormal behavior, and therapy.

Students will develop the interpersonal skills known to be key ingredients for successful everyday interactions with coworkers, supervisors, and customers/clients at any work environment. Some major skill areas covered in the course include making a good impression with your employer, managing conflict with difficult coworkers, working on a team with diverse groups of people, providing exceptional service for customers/clients, and managing on-the-job stressors.

Studies people’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in social situations. Topics covered include self and social knowledge, culture and gender, leadership, attraction and intimacy, prejudice, and conformity.

Involves readings and discussions organized around selected topics in the social sciences. Topics will vary each quarter.

An introduction to the traditional and changing family as a social institution with multicultural and cross-cultural differences. Examines family roles and patterns, with emphasis on the forms they assume in different cultures and subcultures, including ethnic and class variations.

An introduction to the various cultural influences on communication. Emphasizes the obstacles and portals to effective communication. Students study the communication styles of different cultural groups and learn to apply cultural perspectives to their daily interactions in business and in their lives.

Reviews the evolution of healthcare policy. Examines proposals for changes in the structure, organization, and funding of the health services industry.

Examines the factors that contribute to juvenile delinquency and ways in which the American juvenile justice system responds to youthful offenders. Students examine societal shifts between punitive and therapeutic approaches to delinquency and the merits of various formal and informal treatment options.

Provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the misuse of legal and illegal psychoactive drugs. Explores the different control policies regarding the enforcement of the use, sale, and manufacture of illegal drugs. Fosters awareness concerning the effects of drugs on users and the different dimensions in enforcing drug policy.

Explores relationships between race, gender, and class. Examines reality in the determination of socioeconomic mobility and analyzes the perceived role of race and gender in American society.

An introduction to the commercial and financial relationships between the United States and the rest of the world. Emphasizes the development of the international monetary system, including a detailed comparison of floating exchange rates with the workings of the gold standard and the Bretton Woods system.

Explores global trends that have impacted all societies. Emphasizes developing nations experiencing extensive technological and social change. Students examine case studies which focus on ethnic separatist and religious fundamentalist movements that emerge as rapid modernization processes erode traditional belief systems.

An introduction to the major theories of personality development. Perspectives presented are analyzed for their scientific rigor and discussed in terms of their contributions to understanding the thoughts, feelings, intentions, and actions of the individual.

Prerequisite: SOC225

Examines the criteria used to define abnormal behavior in specific cultural and historical contexts. Students gain an understanding of experiential and therapeutic responses to mental illness and a basic knowledge of the medical model as it applies to the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders.

Prerequisite: SOC225

Special topics in social sciences are studied in depth at an advanced level.

Prerequisite: any 200-level course in Social Science