SSCU 329 Experimental Topics in Social Science
An examination of selected topics in Social Science relevant to evolving areas in the field. Syllabi must be approved by the Dean and announced to the Curriculum and Academic Committee prior to being offered. May be repeated for credit provided that the course content is different each time. 3 credits.
SSCU 350 Human Diversity
This course examines the causes and consequences of the American racial and ethnic structure and the role of economic and political factors in the formation, reproduction, and change of this structure. Examines the interrelationship between social class, race and ethnicity, the ways in which gender roles are defined and practiced within different groups in America, as well as the experiences of gays and lesbians, who are also minorities. 3 credits
SSCU 366 Urbanization
An introduction to classical and contemporary theories of urban sociology, urban planning, and urbanization in global perspective. Themes may include developmental patterns and challenges, urban imagery and symbolism, neighborhood and community, sprawl and suburbanization, planning and renewal, or other related characteristics of historical and modern urban structures and processes. Students interpret and analyze effects of these urban and suburban developments on the larger society, through the lenses of several disciplines. Field trip observations of urban settings may be required. 3 credits.
SSCU 368 Globalization
One of the most apparent developments of the 20th Century was the opening up of national boundaries to travel, cultural diffusion, commerce and communications with other nation states. This course will look through the lenses of several disciplines at processes that have resulted in the "global village" of the 21st Century. We will also examine some of the positive and negative results of increasing globalization. 3 credits.
SSCU 388: Technology and Progress in the Contemporary World
This course challenges students to analyze and evaluate technological change and Western ideas of progress from preliterate societies through the Industrial Revolution to the Computer Age. Course emphases include technology's role in economic development, political or religious change and conflict over technology, social and aesthetic values, technological utopian and dystopian thinking, and the relationship between Western and non-Western visions of appropriate technology. 3 credits.
SSCU 397 Social Movements in the Sixties
(Same as HISU 397/SOCU 397). Through film, literature, and oral history, we will take a fresh look at this controversial time in American history. Beyond protests, civil rights, Vietnam, sex, drugs, and rock'n'roll, there is the sociological question of how and when social movements arise, and how individuals within them rise to leadership roles. Social movements are a response to economic and demographic changes and they, in turn, make societal and cultural changes (or perhaps solidify them). Many of the characteristics of modern society that we take for granted—for example, voting rights for women or organized labor—have their origins in the struggles of organized social movements. Sociological theory and methods such as oral history provide a means to examine these issues. 3 credits
SSCU 449/ENGU 449 Multicultural Perspectives
(Same as ENGU 449). Students examine culture, identity and ethnic diversity. Students study the value systems which underlie customs, traditions, folklore, history, geography, art and literature. The goal of the course is to increase awareness and respect for similarities and differences among global and domestic cultures and subcultures. 3 credits.
SSCU 497 Integrative Seminar for the Social Sciences I
Prerequisites: SOCU 201 or PSYU 304 and senior standing. Each social science major is required to complete a significant research project, usually resulting in a research paper. Choice of topics will be made in conjunction with instructor and cross-disciplinary studies are encouraged. Social Science 497 is the first semester of the two semester integrative seminar. This course includes a review of the field of social science. Students will complete a biographical career statement, an extensive annotated bibliography and a research proposal. 3 credits.
SSCU 498 Integrative Seminar for the Social Sciences II
Prerequisites: SSCU 497. The continuation of coursework begun in Social Science 497. At the end of this course, the students will demonstrate the integration of what he or she has learned in social science by completion of a seminal written paper or project. A collection of student work will be compiled in a career portfolio for use in future education or career. 3 credits.
SSCU 499 Independent Study
Prerequisites: Instructor's approval and approval of petition. Directed reading and/or research designed to meet specific needs of superior upper division students. 1-3 credits.