Course Descriptions

Sociology

SOC110E Introduction to Corrections

In 2005, over 7 million people were on probation, in jail or prison, or on parole – 3.2% of all U.S. adult residents, or one in every 32 adults. Is the correctional system part of the problem, or part of the solution? This course is designed to address correctional issues from policy making to treatment modalities. The issue of historical perspective and its relation to corrections today is a major focus, in addition to providing comprehensive coverage of topics such as custody versus treatment, private versus public interests, confinement versus community-based alternatives, current trends in corrections, and the challenges facing the practitioners.

SOC122E Social Problems

This course explores the dilemma of modern society and the social problems associated with it. Understanding the dilemma as one in which society provides a stable social order and protects cherished values, while at the same time it generates and sustains serious social problems, the course explores some remedial responses as well. Topics may include: drugs, crime, alcoholism, poverty, sexism, abortion, injustice, suicide, racial discrimination, mental illness, aging, pornography, and disease.

SOC230E Aging in Society

An introduction to the critical sociological study of aging and old age in human society. The contemporary Western response to age is explored by contrasting it with other definitions and treatment of age in societies other than our own. The experience of aging, the medicalization and institutionalization of old age, and the survival strategies of old age are examined.

SOC242E Criminology

The course examines the patterns, causes, and consequences of crime. Topics include: analysis of how laws are created; theories of crime causation; penology, the relationship between crime/criminal justice and social class, race/ethnicity, and gender; fear of crime; the social construction of crime in the media; the growth of the prison system; and an assessment of the efficacy of alternative crime-fighting strategies such as community policing.

SOC243E Juvenile Delinquency

Why do children do the terrible things we read about in the paper or see on the evening news? Is it really as bad as it seems? This course is an analysis of the origins of the societal category “Juvenile Delinquency” and a search for causes and cures of juvenile delinquent careers. The course also examines the major contemporary issues in the field. Topics include: decriminalization, deinstitutionalization, court diversion, radical non-intervention, community arbitration, and community-based corrections.

SOC245E A Study of Violent Crime

This course surveys the nature and extent of violent crime in actual crime cases and examines the social structures in our society that allows violence to exist. Topics for review include gang war, molestation of children, sex and violence, and family violence. High profile cases will include Commonwealth v Porter, Commonwealth v Stewart, and California v Peterson.

SOC248E Introduction to Criminal Justice

Does the criminal justice system work? This course focuses on the criminal justice system and issues concerning the jury system, the principle behind defense of insanity, defendants’ rights, a judge’s authority in sentencing, the role of the district attorney, and public safety.

SOC365/366E Gerontology Practicum

This course accompanies the internship placement which is required for completion of the gerontology certificate program. Students complete 100-120 hours of field placement while under academic supervision. Academic requirements include journals, reports, and/or research projects related to field placement experiences. Students intending on registering for the course must meet with the Coordinator by March 15 for a Summer or Fall practicum or October 1 for a Spring practicum. 6 credits total