Area of Emphasis: Human Services (Sociology)
Individuals interested in a career in Human Services will be in high demand in the 21st Century. The changes set in motion in the latter years of the 20th Century, the reduced government appropriations for human services and the heightened demand for such services, require that persons delivering human services be prepared with the skills necessary in this new environment. The dismantling of the welfare state, the shifting of the policy role to state and local governments and the appearance of managed care strategies combine to redefine the skills necessary for Human Services professionals.
To receive an area of emphasis in Human Services, the student must complete 12 credit hours from Sociology Programs. A sample of courses might include but are not limited to:
SOC 140 Understanding Society: Introductory Sociology (3)
Provides an understanding of basic concepts and theoretical paradigms and recognizes the contribution of major figures in the discipline. This includes the study of social processes, institutions, and the relationship of the individual to social structures.
SOC 145 Cultural Anthropology (3)
An investigation of basic principles associated with all human cultures including historical evolution of culture; using macro-sociological and cultural anthropological perspectives specific preliterate and modern cultures are compared and analyzed.
SOC 343 Sociology of Gender Roles (3)
Traces the consequences of being born male or female. Sex roles are viewed as social constructions which influence and, in some cases, define an individual's life. The formulation, transmission, maintenance, and reformulation of sex roles is examined.
SOC 350 Family Communication (3)
This course provides a framework and perspective for analyzing the family as a communication
system. Among topics covered are multi- generational communication, the impact of ethnicity on communication patterns, the role of everyday rituals, the development of intimacy among family members, and family models and family conflict resolution strategies. PR., SOC 140, Permission of instructor
SOC 352 Stepfamilies (3)
This course will assist students in exploring the history of stepfamilies and the challenges faced in developing and maintaining healthy stepfamily relationships. Among topics covered are step- family myths, the couple relationships, financial and legal concerns, stages of stepfamily development, step-parenting, children with step-families, adult stepchildren, and the extended family. PR., SOC 14O or Permission of instructor
SOC 355 Sociology of Death & Dying (3)
A sociological analysis of the meaning and place of death in contemporary society. Attention focused on the factors contributing to the mortality revolution and how this revolution is forcing a econceptualization of dying, death, and bereavement. Cross-cultural, death-management practices, s well as the American way of death, will be examined. Special focus will be concentrated on emerging problems and the process of institutional reformulation in the area of death and dying.
SOC 388 Sociology of the Family in America (3)
A sociological analysis of the family as a basic social institution. Attention focused on the creation, transmission, and reformulation of the rules of sexual behavior, marriage, childbearing, residence, descent, and authority with emphasis on enhancing the ability of individuals to make informed choices.