This course is a study of social and cultural aspects of human behavior. Topics include society and culture, roles and norms, groups and organizations, deviance, inequality, social and cultural change, and research methods.
This course examines issues and concerns in the modern world such as population, global warming, the environment, natural resources, terrorism, poverty, racism, sexism, mental illness, drug abuse, crime, sexual assault, prostitution and suicide. Social policies designed to deal with those issues are also considered. Prerequisite: Soc 1110
This course covers the history, organization, and function of the criminal justice system in the United States. Topics include foundations of crime and justice, victimization, crime statistics and the extent of crime, police issues, court systems, corrections, and future trends. Note: Sociology 1110 recommended prior to taking this course.
This course addresses the affective-oriented aspects of contemporary law enforcement. Topics include crime prevention, police community relations, ethical decision-making, cultural diversity, bias-motivated crimes, domestic abuse, problem solving, volunteerism, and interpersonal communications. Note: SOC 1110, Introduction to Sociology, recommended before taking this class.
This course analyzes the juvenile justice system and its historical and philosophical development, including theories of social causes and effects of delinquency. Students will learn strategies for working with juveniles and for preventing and investigating delinquency. The course provides a working knowledge of Minnesota statutes pertaining to juveniles through the study of case law, report writing, skills exercises, and simulation.
This course analyzes the dimensions and dynamics of family dysfunctions. Topics may include, domestic abuse, child abuse and protection, vulnerable adults, peace officer response to crime victims, Americans with Disabilities Act as it relates to peace officers, mental health, poverty, homelessness, and the substance abuse as related to family issues. Prerequisite: Soc 1110
This course will provide flexibility in offering an in-depth review of topics of immediate importance and topical interest. These topics will go beyond the introductory courses in examining specific aspects of the subject matter.
This course examines the major theories and classic research studies of Social Psychology. We will analyze how individuals thoughts, feelings and actions are influenced by others. Topics include perception, attraction, altruism, aggression, attitudes, leadership, conformity and obedience, stereotyping and prejudice, persuasion and propaganda and the self-concept.
This course considers the social history, current conditions, and future prospects of minority groups in the United States. Topics include racism, sexism, prejudice, discrimination, affirmative action, and other related issues and social policies. Prerequisite: Soc 1110
This course examines corrections as a major component of the criminal justice system in the United States. Topics may include programs, practices and critical issues. Prerequisite: Soc 1710 or Consent of Instructor
This course studies the purposes and goals of community-based corrections and explores alternatives to incarceration in centralized penal institutions. Addresses issues related to diversion programs, the management of offenders in community settings and re-entry programs. Examines the role of community corrections and restorative justice practices within the broader correctional system. Offers students insights into the daily experiences of those working in the field of community corrections.