Course Descriptions
Sociology
SOC 101
Introduction to Sociology
3 credits
This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts and methods of the scientific study of group behavior in terms of social interactions and processes. An introduction to social psychology, socialization, personal development, culture, and personality is also offered.
SOC 201
Cultural Anthropology
3 credits
This course studies the cultural origins, development, and diversity of human beings. The dynamics of the cultural process, similarities and differences within cultures, and the implications and limitations of present research are examined.
Prerequisite(s): SOC 101
SOC 205
Principles of Criminology
3 credits
This is an introductory course in the study of crime and criminal behavior that examines various theories of crime causation, profiles of criminal behavior systems, societal reaction to crime, and structures of criminological methods of inquiry.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 101, SOC 101, and CRJ 101
SOC 302
Marriage and the Family
3 credits
This course introduces the subjects of marriage and the family from a sociological perspective. It includes an examination and comparison of patterns of behavior surrounding these institutions historically and cross-culturally, with an emphasis on contemporary U.S. society. Students are encouraged to analyze the causes and probable consequences of current trends and social problems surrounding the family. Topics explored are family violence, mate selection, romantic love, gender roles, sex, divorce, and the changing composition of the family.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 101 or SOC 101
SOC 303
Contemporary Social Problems
3 credits
This course addresses social problems, the way people perceive social conditions, and models for analyzing social problems. Among the areas explored are mental illness; crime and delinquency; poverty; environmental issues; racial and economic tensions; and the special problems of families, gender, and aging.
Prerequisite(s): SOC 101
SOC 304
Ethnic Groups and Minorities
3 credits
This course is a study of the cultural diversity and history of ethnic divisions and conflicts in the United States. It provides a framework for the study of inter-group relations, prejudice and discrimination, racial differences, and possible problem solving techniques.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 101 or SOC 101
SOC 305
Selected Contemporary Cultures
3 credits
This course is a survey of a selected contemporary group such as Native Americans, the Vietnamese, etc. Emphasis is on the selected group’s natural and present social environment, religion, and current world views.
Prerequisite(s): SOC 101
SOC 307
Women in Contemporary Society
3 credits
This course explores contemporary women from sociological, psychological, and cross-cultural perspectives. The course surveys literature, history, and philosophy pertaining to women in society.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 101 or SOC 101
SOC 309
Poverty and Welfare
3 credits
This course examines poverty and current welfare assistance programs in the U.S. against a background of conflicting values, attitudes, and experience accumulated over hundreds of years. It includes discussion of how today’s economic factors affect the incidence of poverty. Current federally supported programs, the political and social context that produced them, and policy choices for the future are also studied.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 101 or SOC 101
SOC 310
Men in Contemporary Society
3 credits
This course explores contemporary man from sociological, psychological, and cross-cultural perspectives. This course surveys literature, history, and philosophy pertaining to men in society.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 101 or SOC 101
SOC 318
Social Change
3 credits
This course begins by describing recent social changes in America, and more broadly, the world. It analyzes these changes in terms of type and degree, and offers theories of how change is created, concluding with speculation about the future.
Prerequisite(s): SOC 101 or PSY 101
SOC 320
Society and Technology
3 credits
This course examines the critical role of technology’s effects on society and the effects of culture on the role of technology in that society.
Prerequisite(s): SOC 101
SOC 324
Health, Society and Culture
3 credits
This course explores approaches to health and healing, with emphasis on related cultural factors and beliefs. Systems such as homeopathy, Chinese medicine, and other alternative or complementary medical approaches are considered.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 101 or SOC 101
SOC 325
Myth, Ritual, Psychotherapy
3 credits
This course is devoted to the exploration of the relationship between human culture and consciousness. It will explore the sacred symbols emerging from the human psyche and revealed in myth and ritual. Areas of study include psychology and the symbolism of rebirth; the therapeutic potential of myth and ritual; the relationship of myth to personality structure, world views, and values.
Prerequisite(s): SOC 101
SOC 330
Sociology of Sex and Gender
3 credits
This course will explore the historical foundations and the contemporary patterns producing the sex/gender system. Areas of discussion will include traditional and transitional female/male roles in all Institutions of society, including the family, workplace, religion, education and government. Prerequisite: PSY 101 or SOC 101
SOC 331
Research, Writing and Information Literacy in the Behavioral Sciences
3 credits
This course addresses the information literacy, research methods, and academic journals used in the Behavioral Sciences, and the writing requirements demanded of Behavioral Sciences professionals. Students will be introduced to various research methods used in the Behavioral Science field and instructed in the writing requirements of Behavioral Science programs, and the field in general. In addition, students will be oriented to information literacy of Behavioral Science-related materials on the Internet. Prerequisites: PSY 101 or SOC 101, ENG 101, ENG 102, MAT 308, Blackboard Literacy and Wilmington University e-mail address
Prerequisite(s): PSY 101 gpa 1.67 or SOC 101 gpa 1.67, and ENG 101 gpa 1.67, ENG 102 gpa 1.67
SOC 333
Organizational and Corporate Crime
3 credits
This course provides an in-depth examination of organizational and/or corporate crime. Various topics are explored and contemporary cases representative of each topic are comprehensively studied. The class discusses the theoretical development of these concepts, as well as the laws and investigative techniques that have been developed to specifically address this type of criminal activity.
Prerequisite(s): SOC 101, CRJ 101, PSY 101
SOC 340
Applied Research Design
3 credits
This course is an introduction to research design in the social sciences. Emphasis is on students as consumers of research. Critical reading of research and application of research findings in practice are included.
Prerequisite(s): SOC 331 gpa 1.67 and MAT 308 gpa 1.67
SOC 401
Cultural Perspectives in Dream Exploration
3 credits
This course examines dream symbolism from the psychological and sociological perspective. Also investigated is the function of dreams in our lives and in interpreting social identity and social roles.
Prerequisite(s): SOC 101
SOC 402
The Role of Women in Leadership
3 credits
Current issues and trends pertaining to women and leadership will be examined from historical, sociological, psychological, political, economic, and ethical perspectives. A variety of resources will be used to analyze and synthesize issues facing women who hold or seek leadership roles. Strategies for developing leadership skills will be integrated throughout the course.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 101 or SOC 101
SOC 405
Social Deviance
3 credits
The course follows the development of the sociology of deviance from 19th century functionalism to contemporary perspectives of class and politics. A varied theoretical background with emphasis on real-world approaches to social deviance is examined.
Prerequisite(s): SOC 101
SOC 460
Topic in Behavioral Science: Sociology of Globalization
3 credits
The Sociology of Globalization combines macro and micro-sociological views in examining the impact of globalization with a focus on understanding what globalization is, how it impacts individuals and societies, and the development of world culture. This course will analyze globalization using the perspectives of nations, organizations, and societies, and will include three globalization theories: world-system theory, world polity theory, and world culture theory.
Prerequisite(s): SOC 101 or PSY 101
SOC 461
Women and Leadership
3 credits
The purpose of this course is to analyze the roles and responsibilities of women in leadership positions. Current issues and trends will be examined from historical, sociological, psychological, political, economical, and ethical perspectives. Analysis and synthesis will be used to apply information from a variety of resources to issues facing women who hold or seek leadership roles. Strategies for developing leadership skills will be integrated throughout the course. Prerequisite: PSY 101 or SOC 101
SOC 490
Internship in Behavioral Science (Behavioral Science majors)
3 credits
This course consists of supervised field placement in an agency related to human services such as a psychiatric facility, a nursing home, or a community-based agency providing social services. It is graded satisfactory/ unsatisfactory. Note: see Academic Advisor prior to registering for this course.
Prerequisite(s): Behavioral Science or Psychology major, PSY 101, PSY 204, PSY 300, junior status, and overall GPA 2.5 or higher
SOC 491
Internship in Behavioral Science (Behavioral Science majors)
3 credits
This course consists of supervised field placement in an agency related to human services such as a psychiatric facility, a nursing home, or a community-based agency providing social services. It is graded satisfactory/ unsatisfactory. Note: see Academic Advisor prior to registering for this course.
Prerequisite(s): Behavioral Science or Psychology major, PSY 101, PSY 204, PSY 300, junior status, and overall GPA 2.5 or higher
SOC 492
Internship in Behavioral Science (Behavioral Science majors)
3 credits
This course consists of supervised field placement in an agency related to human services such as a psychiatric facility, a nursing home, or a community-based agency providing social services. It is graded satisfactory/ unsatisfactory. Note: see Academic Advisor prior to registering for this course.
Prerequisite(s): Behavioral Science or Psychology major, PSY 101, PSY 204, PSY 300, junior status, and overall GPA 2.5 or higher
SOC 493
Internship in Behavioral Science (Behavioral Science majors)
3 credits
This course consists of supervised field placement in an agency related to human services such as a psychiatric facility, a nursing home, or a community-based agency providing social services. It is graded satisfactory/ unsatisfactory. Note: see Academic Advisor prior to registering for this course.
Prerequisite(s): Behavioral Science or Psychology major, PSY 101, PSY 204, PSY 300, junior status, and overall GPA 2.5 or higher
SOC 494
Internship in Behavioral Science (Behavioral Science majors)
3 credits
This course consists of supervised field placement in an agency related to human services such as a psychiatric facility, a nursing home, or a community-based agency providing social services. It is graded satisfactory/ unsatisfactory. Note: see Academic Advisor prior to registering for this course.
Prerequisite(s): Behavioral Science or Psychology major, PSY 101, PSY 204, PSY 300, junior status, and overall GPA 2.5 or higher
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