Sociology (SOC)

This course introduces students to sociology, the core issues of the discipline, and the way sociologists analyze social behavior. In addition to introducing basic concepts and principles, students will learn a great deal about American society and how to analyze ordinary experience from a sociological perspective.

We all die, so why do we interpret death & dying in different ways? Death is a universal part of life, but people understand and experience it in very different ways. This introductory course explores how individuals and societies interpret dying, death, and grief. Students will learn basic concepts in the study of death and dying and examine how medical systems, cultural beliefs, religions, and public policies shape end-of-life experiences. The course also compares diverse practices and attitudes across cultures and introduces major ethical questions related to end-of-life care.

Focus is on the development of the social self, with emphasis on socialization, symbolic interaction, and development and presentation of self.

This course is designed around social determinants of health with examples and historical perspectives relevant to SAU campuses (Quad Cities and Cedar Rapids). In this course, students will examine multiple forms of "difference" related to social determinants of health, a contemporary and enduring concern. Specifically, this course will engage in "local difference" focusing on income inequality, discrimination, neighborhood environments, social support, and the migrant experience, with contemporary and historical examples. Students will learn to identify the value of diverse identities and perspectives and articulate the role of race, ethnicity, age, sex and gender as social determinants of health.

This course addresses the question: How does the global impact of immigration expand and transform our understanding of the value of difference, diversity, and socio-cultural identity? Through the study of immigration in global contexts, students will explore how historical and contemporary forces shape personal, collective, and institutional identities. The course examines narratives of immigration across literature, media, case studies, and personal testimonies, fostering intercultural competency and critical reflection on socio-cultural diversity.

An introduction to classical and contemporary theory to help individuals make sense of the social world. This course will introduce students to the historical foundation of sociological theory and move through more contemporary theoretical approaches. Several theorists, frameworks, and concepts will be included to help understand sociology as a discipline and the way we interpret the world around us.

This course examines intimate partner relationships and families as expressed throughout time and place in contemporary American society. It provides an analysis of intimate partnerships and families over the life course as social institutions with changing functions and structures. Attention will be given to intimate partnerships and the dynamics of interpersonal relationships across diverse groups and social settings. Students will gain insight into the influences of religion, politics, culture, education, and economics on individual and family-level well-being.

This course introduces students to major sociological perspectives on sex and gender. Topics include socialization, intellectual and personal development of women and men, theories of gender inequality, and analysis of the major social institutions organizing gender relations, such as the family, economy, and politics.

This course is a study of the medical profession as a societal institution in regard to the effects of the norms and beliefs of society. Areas analyzed include the social factors involved in the physical and mental health areas, the norms and roles of health care professionals in the treatment process, environmental and occupational health, non-physician providers, and cross-cultural reforms in response to the health care crisis.

Death and Dying is the study of the structure of the human response to death, dying, and bereavement in various socio-cultural, interpersonal, and personal contexts. This course is intended to help students explore end-of-life issues related to: grief and bereavement; life course understandings of death and dying; functions of the funeral; death-systems professions; and ethical debates surrounding end-of-life care and decision-making. This course is designed for students from a variety of backgrounds and majors.

An examination of the historical and social construction of race and the consequences of racism for the persistence of racial inequality. This will include an examination of racial and ethnic relations in the United States and globally as well as the intersections of race with other inequalities such as class and gender.

This course explores the complex relationship between substance use and society.?It includes a review of historical, social, and political influences on substance use. Students examine the various classifications of substances, including the physical, psychological, and social effects of use, and prevention strategies and treatment interventions.

Investigation of selected sociological topics not treated in regular departmental course offerings.

Designed to introduce social science majors to the application of research methods to analyze data.

Designed to introduce social science majors to the methodology used to explore and explain various social problems. This course will focus on how social scientists develop research designs and the methods used to analyze data.

Capstone seminar focusing on the application of social science methods and theory to current issues in sociology and criminal justice.

An experiential course in which students apply concepts learned in the classroom to real-world settings while being professionally supervised. Students will also participate in a seminar to analyze placement experiences to foster professional development. Agency placements are arranged by the student with the approval of the Practicum Coordinator. Pass/No Pass course.