Social Science department, plan of study for a sociology or social work degree
Soc 111 The Helping Relationship . . . . . 3 hours
Looks at various types of help from informal settings to professional counseling. Emphasizes self-exploration as related to personal values, feelings, and needs. Examines various psychological theories and introduces students to basic helping skills. Explores spiritual aspects of helping such as prayer and spiritual direction.
Soc 112 Introduction to Social Welfare 3 hours
Studies how the United States social welfare system responds to various social problems. Covers the history of social welfare, the influences of values on social welfare, and social welfare professions such as social work and child care.
Soc 122 Religions of the World . . . . . 3 hours
Surveys major world religions—their origins, beliefs, and contemporary practices. Includes study of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. Studies the relationships and interactions between religions and the cultures in which they are practiced. Prerequisite: sophomore standing.
Soc 123 Urban Sociology: Chicago . . . . . 3 hours
A three-week urban experience sponsored by the Urban Life Center in Chicago. Two days a week will be spent working at an agency or organization related to the student’s interest. The rest of the time will be spent studying various aspects of Chicago. Students choose from one of three focus areas: urban diversity, arts and culture, or peace and justice. Offered during May.
Soc 202 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology . . . . . 3 hours
Involves study of various past and present cultures throughout the world. Presents basic anthropological concepts such as kinship, economics, art, religion, and government. Related subjects of physical anthropology, archaeology, and linguistics are introduced.
Soc 203 Introduction to Sociology . . . . . 3 hours
Examines group structure and the influences of group life on human behavior. Introduces such concepts as culture, socialization, deviance, and the social institutions of religion, politics, and education. Sophomores are given enrollment priority.
Soc 207 Marriage and Family . . . . . 3 hours
Students learn to recognize and describe interaction patterns that commonly occur within families and to understand better the factors which contribute to intimacy and which sustain the marriage relationship. Other topics include social change, especially in regard to definitions of marital success and the roles of male and female; attitudes, information, and decision-making in regard to sexuality; and changes in the marriage relationship across the life-span. Emphasizes family systems theory.
Soc 211 Conflict Resolution . . . . . 3 hours
Explores the nature of conflict in settings such as the legal system, churches, businesses, schools, families, and disaster/crisis scenarios. Students will identify their own conflict style and complete extensive training in mediation. Open to all students. Required for Disaster Management students.
Soc 215 Social Diversity of Families . . . . . 3 hours
Focuses on identifying, understanding, and explaining how specific forces impact and shape behaviors in families of color in America. The experiential focus will enable the student to study diverse individuals and families, to observe and participate in diverse situations, and to articulate their findings.