Social & Behavioral Sciences

SS 1110 Introduction to Sociology (3 Cr.):

Sociology is a strategy to understand social behavior. This course explores basic concepts and knowledge obtained through sociological analysis. Selected topics can include: socialization, groups, deviant behavior, family, bureaucracy and work. Format consists of lectures, class discussions and student assignments.

SS 1520 Introduction to Anthropology (3 Cr.):

Surveys the study of human cultural development and variation. The course includes three major subfields: archeology, cultural anthropology and physical anthropology. Liberal Arts elective.

SS 2100 Principles of Psychology (3 Cr.):
A study of the basic principles of human behavior with particular attention to the objectives and methods of psychology. Human development and aging, learning and memory and personality and motivation are studied to better understand the capacities and potentials of human behavior.

SS 2500 American Politics and Government (3 Cr.):
A review of the basic principles that undergird the American governmental system, followed by an examination of the interrelationships between such groups as political parties, pressure groups, the Presidency, the Congress and the Courts. Students become actively engaged with the topics through political exercises and simulations.

SS 2510 Cultural Anthropology (3 Cr.):
Culture is resources adapted to human needs. This course is an introduction to cultural analysis, examining social institutions common to all cultures, e.g. family, food getting, healing and death, religion and rites of passage. Dimensions of cultural variation such as secret associations, economic systems and social inequality are also included. Format consists of lectures, ethnographic analysis and class discussion and ethnographic films. Liberal Arts elective. (Prerequisite: SS 1110 or SS 1520 or equivalent)

SS 2520 Economics (3 Cr.):
An introduction to the operation and development of the American economic system. The course is an overview of basic economic principles covering both macroeconomics and microeconomics. A computer simulation game and discussion of current economic events are used to help students apply the principles to real situations. Lectures and discussions.

SS 2530 International Politics (3 Cr.):
Forces and factors in the struggle for world power and influence are studied. Focus is on the role of nationalism in struggles both in Europe and the Third World, and on the new role of the United Nations in the wake of the Cold War. Class discussion involves students in the critical analysis of major world issues. Liberal Arts elective.

SS 2540 Social Psychology (3 Cr.):
Introduction to the knowledge of how social variables influence individual behavior. Topics can include attraction, cooperation, dominance, influence and leadership. Students learn to participate more effectively in daily social interaction. Format consists of lecture, class discussion, films and specific assignments. Liberal Arts elective. (Prerequisites: SS 1110, SS 2100)

SS 2550 Social Problems (3 Cr.):
Social problems occur when social policies and behavior contrast with societal values. Purpose of this course is to provide current information and knowledge about the causes of social problems in American society and evaluate alternative responses. Topics can include: crime, minority relations, substance abuses and poverty. Format consists of lectures, class discussion, films and specific assignments. Liberal Arts elective. (Prerequisite: SS 1110 or equivalent)

SS 2560 Family in Modern Society (3 Cr.):
Explores the development of intimacy as foundation for marriage and family life within social and family structures. Focus is upon contemporary families in the United States. Topics include: self-revelation, child raising, crises, second families and life in the elder years. Format consists of lectures, group activities, class discussion, guests and relevant films. Liberal Arts elective. (Prerequisite: SS 1110 or equivalent)

SS 2570 Human Growth and Development (3 Cr.):
Study of the physical, psychological and social developments throughout the human life span through lectures, discussion, video presentations and activities. Liberal Arts elective. (Prerequisite: SS 2100 or equivalent) 

SS 3510 Deviant Behavior (3 Cr.):
Deviance occurs when behavior does not conform to social expectations. This course is an opportunity to understand the social roots of deviant behavior including the application of deviant labels to behavior, the process of becoming deviant, and sociological explanations of deviant behavior. Types of deviance can include: substance addictions, sexual deviance, criminal behavior and suicide. Format consists of: lectures, ethnographic analysis, and class discussion. Liberal Arts elective. (Prerequisite: SS 1110 or equivalent)

SS 3520 Social Foundations of Religion (3 Cr.):
An inquiry into the relationships between religion and society. Emphasis is on the contemporary United States. Topics include: the elements of religion, commitment, conversion, secularization and religiosity. Specific organizations, changes and trends of religious expression are selected each time the course is offered. Format consists of: lectures, class discussion, films and specific assignments. Liberal Arts elective. (Prerequisite: SS 1110 or SS 1520 or equivalent)

SS 3590 Social Aspects of Aging (3 Cr.):
The purpose of this course is to study the social effects of aging processes. Stereo-types of aging, differences between needs and desires, health, public policy issues, and adjustment to a changing social identity are major topics covered. Format consists of: lectures, class discussion and specific assignments. Liberal Arts elective. (Prerequisite: SS 1110 or SS 1520 or equivalent)

WE 3500 International Relations/World Politics (3 Cr.):
Focusing on the politics and policies among nations, this course explores balance of power, balance of terror, terrorism, developing countries, international economic transactions, multinational corporations, international organizations and the foreign policies of the major powers. Writing emphasis elective. Liberal Arts elective. (Prerequisite: SS 2500. A student cannot receive credit for both SS 2530 and WE 3500)

WE 3510 Psychology of Personality (3 Cr.):
An investigation of psychological theories which attempt to explain how personality is determined. Frequent writing assignments encourage students to ponder and answer universal, broad questions relating to personality theory. Writing emphasis elective. Liberal Arts elective. (Prerequisite: SS 2100)

WE 3520 Abnormal Psychology (3 Cr.):
A survey of mental disorders, their signs, symptoms, underlying causes and treatments. Students will learn how a given disorder develops, signs and symptoms which characterize the disorder, how the disorder is treated, and the outcomes of treatment. Students will develop case conceptualization skills to systematically evaluate the critical elements of a clinical case. Writing emphasis elective. Liberal Arts elective. (Prerequisite: SS 2100, or permission of the instructor)

WE 3530 History of The Cold War (3 Cr.):
An analysis of humanity’s search for peace and security from 1945 to the present, especially the superpower rivalry among the United States, the former Soviet Union and China. The competing global agendas of the world’s superpowers provide a unique historical backdrop for students to sharpen critical reading and thinking skills through lectures, discussions, films and written work. Writing emphasis elective. Liberal Arts elective. (Prerequisite: HU 2001 and HU 2002)

WE 3550 Studies in Social Psychology (3 Cr.):
Selection of substantive areas such as aggression, social cognition, collective behavior, influence of media, presenation of self and processes of social definition. Format consists of lectures, library and observation assignments, class discussions and student presentations. Written assignments will apply and elaborate course content. Writing emphasis elective. Liberal Arts elective. (Prerequisites: SS 1110 and SS 2100 or equivalents)