SO: Courses in Sociology
Department of Sociology & Anthropology
SO 101 Introduction to Sociology 3 credit
Survey of the basic concepts and methods with an emphasis on sociology
as a mode of analysis. Introduces the student to a sociological
way of thinking to better understand one’s self and others. This study
of behavior utilizes materials drawn from contemporary American
society. Each semester.
SO 102 Introductory Field Service in Sociology 1 credit
Practicum of supervised work and observation in approved social
agencies rendering direct service to clients or client systems. Agencies
include those dealing with hunger, suicide prevention, etc. The course
also offers readings related to major issues. Strongly recommended for
those considering a career in the human services. Prerequisite: Concurrent
enrollment in SO 101. Fulfills Naitonal Diversity requirement.
SO 200 Social Problems 3 credit
An in-depth examination and discussion of selected American social
problems, including poverty, sexism, racism, family violence, and
health issues. Recommendations for alleviation of the problems with a
particularly Christian viewpoint. Prerequisite: SO 101. Spring semester,
even-numbered years. Fulfills national diversity requirement.
SO 202 The Culture and Justice System of Ireland 3 or 6 credit
A sociological, inter-cultural, first-hand study of the Irish culture and
criminal justice system. Particular emphasis is given to the manner in
which the culture and history of Ireland have influenced the Irish justice
system. Similarities and differences of Irish and American culture are
highlighted. Students study by way of readings and tour the manner
in which these aspects have effected the criminal justice systems of
both cultures. Students will visit Irish courts, prisons, gaols and garda
stations, as well as culture highlights of Dublin, Cork, Galway, Dingle,
Beara, Wexford and Waterford. Prerequisites: SO 101 and SO 309 or a
tour of a U.S. prison and permission of instructor. Limited enrollment
selected by the instructor according to background of students, class
standing, other courses taken in preparation as well as ability to function
within a small group in an intimate setting within the Irish culture.
Course will ordinarily be offered during even-numbered summers as
part of session I. Fufills global diversity requirement.
SO/AN 204 Cultural Anthropology 3 credit
An analysis of the nature of culture and society and a survey of the
range of cultural phenomena with emphasis placed on social structures
and the dynamic interrelationship existing between the various
social institutions. Even-year, Fall semester. Fulfills global diversity
requirement.
SO/AN 208 The Family 3 credit
Anthropological and sociological investigation of the marriage
and family institutions in various cultures and their influences
upon both individuals and social organizations. Analysis of family
communications; one’s choices in relationships; parenting; life
transitions; and roles of gender, property, power, and love in marriage
and family. Prerequisite: SO 101 or consent of instructor.
Odd-year, Fall semester. Fulfills national Diversity requirement.
SO 215 Contemporary Issues in Rural and U rban Sociology 3 credit
This course examines sociological processes in the urbanization of societies.
Problems concerning both rural and urban life will be covered,
as well as efforts to build community from the local level to that of
the “global village”. The conflicting interests that farmers, ranchers,
environmentalists, developers, urban planners, business, government
and other groups have in these issues are presented and analyzed. Prerequisite:
SO 101. Offered every third semester (Spring 2009). Course
may be repeated. Fulfills national diversity requirement.
SO/PSY 216 Social Psychology 3 credit
An introduction to and an analysis of social interaction, including the
social aspects of personality, social attitudes, group behavior, and the
influences of social institutions on individual behavior. Prerequisite:
PSY 105 or SO 101. Fall semester.
SO/AN 218 I ntroduction to Native American Studies 3 Cr
An overview of American Indian histories, cultures, religions, and
philosophies. The course examines the continuity between traditional
and contemporary ways of life, Native American education,
and American Indians in Montana. Every semester. Fulfills national
diversity requirement.
SO 220 Sociology of Sport 3 credit
This course examines sports in American society. It helps the student
to understand the reciprocal influences between sports and our culture,
including social values, education, socialization, deviance, minority
and female athletes, and the mass media and money. Sports is placed
within the context of social institutions including the family, politics,
economics, religion, etc. The course is designed to be a part of the
student’s development of a healthy, analytic view of sports and leisure
that will facilitate longevity and good health. Field experiences and
observations will be included. Summer session as scheduled.
SO 225 Sociology of Gender 3 credit
While there are biological differences between the sexes, in this course
we will explore the social aspects of gender from a sociological perspective.
From this view, gender is treated as separate from sex, because
gender is the study of differing social expectations for people according
to their sex. We will examine how gender is defined, constructed, and
reinforced within society, and how all this relates to gender identities
and gender inequality. With a critical eye on gender’s social construction,
we will address issues of gender acquisition and explore the interactions
between gender and other socially-constructed categories such
as race/ethnicity and class as well as social institutions. Prerequisites:
SO 101, PSY 105, or CO 101. Fall semester, odd numbered years.
SO 262 Alcoholism, Drug Abuse, and Dependent Behavior 3 credit
A holistic approach with a particularly sociological emphasis regarding
the use and abuse of alcohol, other psychoactive drugs, and dependency
behaviors, e.g. gambling and sexual addiction. Upon completion of the
course, students will understand problems of addiction, methods of
prevention and control, theories of causation, and the disease concept.
They will know various treatment methods. Prerequisite: SO 101.
Spring semester.
SO 291 Social Gerontology 3 credit
This course presents the many (physical, social, family, emotional,
public policy, and other) dimensions of aging within the context of
current sociological, gerontological, and other social theories. Empirical
facts on aging include a background on social science research methods
used to gain such knowledge. This course includes guest lectures by
community professionals working in gerontological fields, as well as
elderly individuals. Prerequisite: SO 101. Offered every third semester
(Spring 2008).
SO 309 Crime and Criminology 3 credit
A survey of findings, myths, and perspectives on crime. A wide variety
of types of crime are studied, including violent, white collar, sex, corporate,
and organized crime. Theories regarding crime and proposed
solutions to crime are examined. Recommend concurrent enrollment
in SO 310. Prerequisite: SO 101. Offered every third semester (Spring
2008). Fulfills national diversity requirement.
SO 310 Field Service in Sociology of Crime 1 credit
Practicum of supervised work and observation in approved social
agencies rendering direct service to clients or client systems involved
with crime including prevention and/or rehabilitation; related readings.
Strongly recommended for those considering a career in law, law
enforcement, corrections, social work, or counseling. Corequisite:
CO 309.
SO 312 Juvenile Delinquency and Deviant Behavior 3 credit
Course emphasizes juvenile delinquency and the juvenile justice system;
includes theories on juvenile delinquency, mental illness, drug
abuse, and sexual deviance; and examines the role of institutions and
various treatment methods. Strongly recommended for those interested
in careers in law, probation, parole, human services, or social work.
Prerequisite: SO 101 or consent of instructor. Corequisite: SO 313
is recommended. Offered every third semester (Fall 2007). Fulfills
national diversity requirement.
SO 313 Field Service in Sociology of Juvenile Delinquency 1 credit
Practicum of supervised work and observation in approved social
agencies rendering direct service to clients or client systems involved
with crime including prevention and/or rehabilitation; related readings.
Strongly recommended for those considering a career in law, law
enforcement, corrections, social work, or counseling. Corequisite: SO
312. May fulfill national diversity requirement.
SO 314 Sociology of Law 3 credit
Examination of social processes involved in enacting legislation, law
enforcement, and judicial decisions along with the roles of lawyers,
judges, and others in both civil and criminal systems. Recommended
for those interested in law, law enforcement, or areas related to the legal
system. Prerequisite: SO 101 or consent of instructor. Offered every
third semester (Fall 2009). Fulfills global diversity requirement.
SO/AN 317 Ethnic and Racial Relations 3 credit
An anthropological and sociological examination of ethnic and
racial relations within and between different socio-cultural groups,
including an analysis of ethnic differences and the various patterns
of individual, social, social psychological, and cultural relationships.
Prerequisite: SO 101. Even-year, Spring semester. Fulfills National
Diversity requirement.
SO/AN 318 American Indians 3 credit
An in-depth examination of selected Native American groups, cultural
areas, and contemporary issues, such as Tribal Law, Federal and State
legal issues as they pertain to American Indian Treaty issues including
water, hunting, and fishing rights, or Native American Spirituality.
Prerequisite: SO/AN 204 or SO/AN 218. Odd-year, Spring semester.
Fulfills global diversity requirement.
SO 331 Social Science Research Methods 4 credit
An overview of the principles, methods, and practice of research in
the social sciences. The course will assist students in research design,
case studies, conducting field research, analyzing and evaluating their
research data, conducting needs assessment, program evaluation, and
practice effectiveness. Prerequisites: SO 101; MA 207; Junior status.
Spring semester.
SO 335 Domestic Violence 3 credit
Domestic Violence includes violence against spouses and partners, children,
and elders in our society. It is a serious and often hidden problem.
The Judicial Committee of the United States Senate estimates that
close to 5 million assaults, murders, and rapes are committed against
women in their homes each year. The statistics in reported incidences
of reported child abuse are staggering and increasing dramatically. And
while men are often too embarrassed to report it, men also are raped
and battered. In this course we will use the sociological imagination
to shift through competing perspectives on the causes of this violence.
Prerequisite: SO 101.
SO 351 Medical Sociology 3 credit
Course develops an appreciation of the role of sociology and social
sciences in the study of health and medical care. Treatment of patients,
functioning of health care systems, and many of the problems confronting
modern medical care which relate to sociology and the social
sciences. Recommended for those considering a career in medicine,
health care delivery, or social work. Prerequisite: SO 101 or consent
of instructor. Fall semester. Fulfills Global or National Diversity
requirement.
SO 352 Field Service in Medical Sociology 1 credit
This course is a practicum consisting of supervised work and observation
in approved health care agencies which render direct service to
clients or client systems. Agencies include hospitals, clinics, and other
agencies that provide opportunities for student interaction with patients
and health care professionals. Some readings along with course
material from SO 351 will be utilized in order that the student may
relate the practical experience to theoretical and other course material.
Corequisite: SO 351. Fall semester. Fulfills National Diversity requirement
if SO 351 is not used for Global Diversity requirement.
SO 392 Modern Social Theory 3 credit
This course introduces students to important theoretical tools that
will enable them to see the world as sociologists do and, in the process,
assist them in constructing new theories as social contexts continually
change. In addition to highlighting the contributions of some of the
discipline’s founding theorists (e.g., Marx, Weber, Durkheim and
Mead), the course will focus on five of the most significant theoretical
perspectives in sociology; conflict theory, functionalism, symbolic
interactionism, phenomenological sociology and feminist theory.
Prerequisite: SO 101, Junior Standing. Fall semester.
SO 425 Sociology Internship 3-6 credit
This course is an internship consisting of supervised work experience
and an intern observation in approved social service and governmental
agencies which render direct service to clients or client systems. Students
are placed in agencies which correspond to their major area of
study. Agencies include those dealing with the juvenile and criminal
justice system, those serving the needy, those engaged in health care
delivery, and governmental agencies. Readings will be assigned and
periodic individual meetings with each student’s sociology advisor
will be held. No more than six (6) credits of SO 425 may apply to a
student’s total major requirements. Prerequisites: Senior standing;
consent of instructor.
SO 495 Senior Seminar 3 credit
A comprehensive review and professionalization for seniors graduating
in sociology, including an analysis of the sociology profession, a survey
of literature, and direction in the formulation of a semester project.
Satisfies the comprehensive examination requirement. Prerequisite: SO
392. Fall semester. Fulfills Writing Intensive requirement.