An introduction to the nature of society, social groups, processes of interaction, social change, and the relationship of behavior to culture.

An overview of the criminal justice system and the workings of each component. Topics include the history, structure and functions of law enforcement, judicial and correctional organizations, their interrelationship and effectiveness, and the future trends in each.

A sociological analysis of contemporary social problems including inequalities, deviance, population changes, and troubled institutions.

A study of the major areas of crime and delinquency; with emphasis on theories of crime and the nature of criminal behavior.

An introduction to descriptive and inferential statistical methods pertinent to behavioral science research, including correlation, sampling distributions, t-tests, chi square and analysis of variance. Emphasis is upon the logical and applied aspects.

This course is designed to introduce you to the foundations of behavioral science, the logic of research design and the many possible modes of operation. This class focuses on teaching students in the behavioral sciences the basic principles that guide the research process, the elements of research design, how to read and critique research articles, and how to write a literature review for a research project.

A study of the historical development of social thought.

A survey course of sociological theories and theory development from the classical period to post-modernism.

This course studies the psychological and sociological aspects of death. The course will provide a basic insight into the dynamics surrounding death from the individual and societal level, its impact on survivors, and the effect death has on the living.

A study of the American family institution with emphasis upon role relationships, norms, and models. Some attention is given to cross cultural comparisons.

An introduction to the sociological and criminological study of human deviance. Various theories of deviance will be examined and applied to real life examples.

An in-depth look at the juvenile justice system including the structure, statuses and roles as well as current issues, problems, and trends.

Sociologists use the word "culture" to mean many things, some cognitive (e.g., ideas or schemata), some behavioral (e.g., rituals, speech), and some material (art works, clothing, buildings). This class will attend to all kinds, as long as they have something to do with meaning attached to social life. This course will expose you to major research traditions, themes, and areas of study in the sociology of culture. In so doing, it provides an overview for the curious and a platform for those who wish to do further work (research, comprehensive exam, teaching) in the sociology of culture.

A sociological survey of the ways in which social structure and personality interact. Topics typically covered are: socialization, attitudes and value formation and change, and group influences upon self-concept and self-esteem.

This course provides students with an overview of the practicality of a degree in sociology and assists students with career preparations.

This course is designed to provide a broad overview of qualitative research methods – “an umbrella term covering an array of interpretive techniques which seek to describe, decode, translate, and otherwise come to terms with the meaning, not the frequency, of certain more or less naturally occurring phenomena in the social world” (Van Maanen, 1983, p. 9) – used in the social sciences. This course will explore the aims, theoretical frameworks, tools, and methods of qualitative research. The course begins with a review of the philosophical assumptions and interpretive frameworks associated with qualitative research and will focus on different data collection methods, including participant observation, interviews, focus groups. Techniques to analyze media texts and other forms of discourse presented.

An introduction to and analysis of contemporary American corrections. Emphasis will be on current and past correctional philosophy, traditional and modern correctional facilities, correctional personnel and offenders, new approaches in corrections, and the relationship of corrections to the criminal justice field.

An introduction to research methodology, with emphasis upon conceptualization, design, and processes.

This course explores the sociological, psychological, and criminological dimensions of serial and mass homicide. Topics include offender typologies, victim selection, motive analysis, media influence, investigative strategies, and societal responses. Emphasis is placed on theoretical frameworks, structural contexts, and the role of institutions in understanding and addressing these crimes. Students will engage with the case studies, research literature, and critical analysis to examine how homicide is patterned, portrayed, and prevented.

An examination of cybercrime including, but not limited to, the types, historical background, theoretical perspectives, measurement, and law enforcement of cybercrime.

An introduction to the sociological and criminological study of victimization focused on survivors. Topics include trauma-informed theory, national victimization trends, survivor interaction with criminal justice systems (police, courts, corrections), victim compensation, and restorative justice. The course also examines specific crime types, violent, property, intimate partner, family, and sexual offenses, and the application of survivor-centered advocacy and recovery practices.

A study of minority groups with emphasis upon discrimination, socio historical characteristics and processes of change. Minorities considered include racial, ethnic, and gender.

This course presents a comprehensive study of the history and prohibition of drug use in the United States, as well as the effects of drugs on society in the form of crime, prison and treatment. The main focus of this class is on the history of drug use, how certain drugs become illegal, and the intended and unintended consequences of drug prohibition for communities and society.

This course addresses definitions of gender, gendered identities, how gender is created and maintained as a social construct, and the importance of gender in our daily lives. This class mainly focuses on the theoretical and empirical literature that encourages critical thinking about gender and challenges students to move beyond their preconceived notions/assumptions about gender.

A comprehensive study of historical and contemporary issues in American policing. Topics include theories of policing, police training and socialization, police discretion, technological advancements in policing, community policing, interaction with minority communities, and current controversies.

The study of how individuals are influenced by the actual or implied presence of other persons. Emphasis is placed on attitudes, social cognition, social influence, aggression, altruism, self and other perception.

An in-depth look at the sociology of health and illness including an examination of the social structures related to the medical system, the social psychology of health and illness, a comparative analysis of sick role behavior as well as the study of social causes and consequences of health and illness.

A study of social class and consequences for society and individuals.

A study of the various theoretical explanations of religion, including its relationship to the larger society and the world system.

This course examines the complex and evolving relationship between technology and society. Students will explore how systems like artificial intelligence, digital surveillance, and algorithmic governance emerge from and reinforce social structures, especially in relation to power, inequality, and institutional change. Drawing on sociological theory and real-world case studies, the course emphasizes the social construction of technology and its varied effects on labor, identity, education, and governance.

This course analyzes the complex world of white-collar crime, focusing on offenses such as corporate fraud, securities violations, political corruption, environmental harm, and large-scale financial misconduct. These crimes are often committed not in the margins of society but from positions of power, including corporate offices, government institutions, and financial markets. Drawing on both criminological and power shape the causes, consequences, and responses to white collar crime. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between power, opportunity, and accountability, as well as the legal and regulatory systems that define and enforce these offenses. Through case studies and critical inquiry, the course challenges conventional definitions of crime and justice, raising fundamental questions about inequality, legitimacy, and the rule of law.

This course introduces students to the substantive foundations of criminal law in the United States. Through a combination of legal theory, statutory interpretation, and real-world case analysis, students will explore the essential elements of criminal offenses, including, actus reus, mens rea, causation, and attendant circumstances. The course also examines justifications and excuses, inchoate offenses, and the structure of legal defenses. Particular attention is given to crimes against persons, property, public order, and the state. This class emphasizes both historical and contemporary legal reasoning, with a focus on how criminal law reflects broader social values and constitutional constraints. Students will critically assess the evolving boundaries of criminal liability, the social purposes of punishment, and the impact of overcriminalization and mass incarceration. This course is designed for students in both Criminal Justice and Sociology and is suitable for those considering careers in law, public safety, or justice-related fields.

This course is designed to examine the challenges that women face as victims, perpetrators and professionals with the criminal justice system. In addition, this course will discuss the sources of data collection for women and crime. Lastly, in this course students will be introduced to feminist criminology and its contributions to the research on women in crime.

A directed seminar in an area of sociology. The specific focus will depend upon research underway, community or student need, and the unique educational opportunity available.

An introduction to the sociology of aging: content provides general and specific knowledge regarding the aging process. Implications for economic, political, and family institutions are emphasized.

An examination of sociological theories of law and main currents of legal philosophy is followed by participant observation of actual community legal agencies, including police, courts, and others as available.

This course is designed to examine the intersection of family and crime exploring through the sociological lens.

This course must be completed by all sociology majors prior to graduation. The course content/topic is determined by the professor and current issues in the local community, which may vary semester to semester. Emphasis will be placed on linking theory, research methods, and social action to community defined problems in the form of applied sociology.

A comprehensive introduction to the principles, rules, and procedures governing criminal evidence in the United States legal system. Emphasizing both theory and application, the course examines how evidence is gathered, analyzed, and used at various states of a criminal trial. Topics covered include the burden of proof, admissibility standards, and the roles of judges, juries, and attorneys in evaluating evidence. Special attention will be given to how evolving case law and the Federal Rules of Evidence influence trial strategy and the rights of the accused. By the end of the course, students will be able to identify, interpret, and critique evidentiary issues from both legal and sociological perspectives. This course is designed for students in both Criminal Justice and Sociology and is suitable to those considering careers in law, public policy, or justice-related fields.

Advanced students carry out independent research activity relating to a significant problem in a major field of study. Supervised by faculty member. Formal report and presentation required. One to four credits depending on problem selected and effort made.

Advanced students carry out independent research activity relating to a significant problem in a major field of study. Supervised by faculty member. Formal report and presentation required. One to four credits depending on problem selected and effort made.

Advanced students carry out independent research activity relating to a significant problem in a major field of study. Supervised by faculty member. Formal report and presentation required. One to four credits depending on problem selected and effort made.

Advanced students carry out independent research activity relating to a significant problem in a major field of study. Supervised by faculty member. Formal report and presentation required. One to four credits depending on problem selected and effort made.

Supervised internship in a sociological-services or applied research setting. Emphasis will be placed on the student acquiring first-hand experience and entry-level skills in occupational roles.

Supervised internship in a sociological-services or applied research setting. Emphasis will be placed on the student acquiring first-hand experience and entry-level skills in occupational roles.

Supervised internship in a sociological-services or applied research setting. Emphasis will be placed on the student acquiring first-hand experience and entry-level skills in occupational roles.

Supervised internship in a sociological-services or applied research setting. Emphasis will be placed on the student acquiring first-hand experience and entry-level skills in occupational roles.

Content will be determined by specific curriculum review and student need.

Content will be determined by specific curriculum review and student need.

Content will be determined by specific curriculum review and student need.

Content will be determined by specific curriculum review and student need.