Sociology Courses (SOC)

An introduction to the basic principles and concepts of sociology and examination of the elements of social structure and social behavior. Focus is placed on the fundamental structure of American society and the basic changes occurring in recent years, with tentative projections into the future. This course is a prerequisite for all required courses in the Sociology major.

Credit: 3 Semester Hours

A study of the origin development, and functioning of culture; an examination of the variations of social structure and social behavior in various societies around the world; an analysis of the relationship between culture and personality.

Credit: 3 Semester Hours

A study of the family; and an examination of courtship, love, marriage, husband wife and parent child relationships and family disorganization.

Credit: 3 Semester Hours

Consideration will be given to the nature, methods, principles, and techniques of scientific social research. The application of statistical techniques, (both descriptive and inferential) to various kinds of research problems and methodologies will be delineated. Students will be expected to conduct a group sociological research project as well as be familiar with the use of computers in research.
Prerequisite: SSD 215
Co-requisite: SOC 341

Credit: 3 Semester Hours

A survey of social problems which are of current concern to American Society, with attention given to major contributing factors, potential solutions, and research needs.
Prerequisite: SOC 111

Credit: 3 Semester Hours

Surveys types, rates, and trends in juvenile offenses in the United States and selected other nations. Explores a wide range of theories explaining juvenile delinquency. Examine past, present, and emerging procedures for reducing antisocial behavior and administering juvenile justice and rehabilitation programs.

Credit: 3 Semester Hours

(Also listed as PSY 224.) Focuses on the processes underlying aging. Psychiatric, psychological, and economic perspectives will be discussed as will the effects of aging on family and other social relations. Lecture seminars, and experience in homes for the aged, three hours per week.
Co-requisite: PSY 111 or SOC 111

Credit: 3 Semester Hours

An introductory analysis of the causes and consequences of crime and delinquency and an examination of society’s reaction to criminal behavior, including the legal, judicial and penal system.
Co-requisite: SOC 111 or POL 101

Credit: 3 Semester Hours

The relationship of sociological variables such as race, class and income to the quality of health services and to the prevalence of disease is examined. Additional topics include the organization and financing of medical care in the United States and cultural factors in the definition of illness.

Credit: 3 Semester Hours

This course will deal with the structure and functions of all systems of the human body as they are affected by aging. Some attention will be devoted to the health characteristics of aging populations with variations by race and other social variables.
Co-requisite: SOC 321

Credit: 3 Semester Hours

This is an interdisciplinary lecture seminar course focusing on topical issues in rural studies. The first part of the course will survey the distinctive cultural milieu of rural America by examining demographic and ethnographic descriptive materials. The second part of the course will explore the impact of economic changes on traditional rural communities and life styles, especially on Southern rural Blacks. Perspectives from history, sociology, political science, economics, psychology will be presented to demonstrate a multi disciplinary framework for alleviating rural poverty and enhancing economic development.
Prerequisite: SOC 111, PSY 111, POL 111, HIS 221, or HIS 222 or ECO 211 or ECO 212

Credit: 3 Semester Hours

(Co listed as PHI 316). A one credit hour seminar designed to sensitize students to the prevailing set of values and assumptions surrounding the aged in our society and to enable them to reflect on personal feelings and attitudes with regard to aging and the aged in order to enhance more effective communication with the elderly.
Prerequisite: SOC 301 and SOC 306

Credit: 3 Semester Hours

Seminars and independent studies in various sub fields within sociology and anthropology, with emphasis on areas not represented in regular offerings in the department. Individual study projects will be encouraged. Topics include: A. Independent Study B. Research Seminar in Sociology C. Selected Topics in Sociology; e.g., Black Institutions, Population and Environment, Sociology of Deviant Behavior; or Social Movements. This course may be taken more than once as different topics are treated each time.
Prerequisite: SOC 111

Credit: 3 Semester Hours

A study of the biological process of aging, the response of society to the aged, special problems common to the elderly, and the effects of industrialization on the roles and attitudes of this stage category. Special emphasis on the Black elderly.
Prerequisite: SOC 301, 306, 316

Credit: 3 Semester Hours

Consideration is given to major theoretical approaches to the behavior of the individual as he/she influences and is influenced by others in a social environment. The course includes concepts borrowed from Psychology, Sociology and Anthropology. Additional attention is focused on the historical development of social psychology to current experimental social psychology.
Prerequisite: SOC 111 or PSY 111

Credit: 3 Semester Hours

The course deals with the nature of complex social organizations such as business, industry, and government. Contemporary society is seen as a system of such organization; its changes in the near future are projected.
Prerequisite: SOC 111

Credit: 3 Semester Hours

Guided field experience for application of generic concepts and principles of Gerontology previously learned in the classroom for working in service or planning settings primarily offering services for the elderly.
Prerequisite: SOC 321

Credit: 3 Semester Hours

A guided field experience in community based organization with focus placed upon the application of basic sociological concepts and principles through research and service planning. A research paper on a well defined topic utilizing social research methods is required.
Prerequisite: SOC 111, SSD 215, and SSD 216

Credit: 3 Semester Hours

A survey of sociological theories of contemporary relevance. Marx, Durkheim, Weber, Vebien, Dubois, Park, and others considered against the background of the intellectual and social currents of their time; contributions of these thinkers to modern social theory are evaluated.
Prerequisite: SOC 111

Credit: 3 Semester Hours

An advanced seminar for students interested in an exploration of current social and mental health issues as related to the aged. Such services as clinical evaluations, consultations, nutritional and educational services will be explored as well as such issues as strategies and concepts of prevention, organization, treatment modalities and environments, inter-professional collaboration, and manpower utilization.
Prerequisite: SWK 115 and 315
Prerequisite: SOC 301, 306, 316, 321, 333

Credit: 3 Semester Hours

A basic introduction to principles of business management with applications to the administration of service programs providing services for the elderly including housing, transportation, health, safety and legal affairs. A considerable amount of time will be devoted to an examination of major public policies affecting the elderly.
Co-requisite: SOC 301, 306, 316, 321, 333

Credit: 3 Semester Hours

The impact of racism upon Blacks and other minorities and their responses to their particular situations.
Prerequisite: SOC 111 or PSY 111

Credit: 3 Semester Hours

A multi-disciplinary advanced seminar designed for intensive reading and discussion of current research in the unique problems of the minority elderly, especially Blacks.
Co-requisite: SOC 301, 306, 316, 321, 333

Credit: 3 Semester Hours

This course will explore grief, bereavement, dying, and death from a social psychological perspective. The first part of the course will examine the relationship between death, dying and social structure, while the second will be more experimental, and participants will have the opportunity to express their own thoughts and feelings.
Co-requisite: SOC 301, 306, 316, 321, and 333

Credit: 3 Semester Hours

Surveys the distinctive cultural milieu of rural America and the impact of new developments on its institutions. Combines descriptive studies of rural communities with theoretical interpretations.
Prerequisite: SOC 111

Credit: 3 Semester Hours

The rise of urban civilization and its effects on the community; the structure, growth, and types of communities; ecological and social organization; trends in present day communities.
Prerequisite: SOC 111

Credit: 3 Semester Hours

Reviews the work of major theorists and field researchers during the past four decades. Involves extensive reading, keeping note cards, presenting written and oral reports, and taking sample GRE to assess progress made.

Credit: 3 Semester Hours

Social Work Courses (SWK)

This course will help students to understand social welfare and social work. It focuses on the why, the what, the who, the when, the where, and in a beginning way, the how of social work. The course is for students who want to increase their general understanding about social welfare and social work and those who have a professional interest in social work.
Co-requisites: SOC 111

Credit: 3 Semester Hours

This course will introduce the student to the broad concept of social welfare policy. A critical framework will be developed for analyzing the process of social welfare policy formulation and program implementation. Attention will also be given to the social welfare policies in the history of American society with focus placed on those policies that are significant in the lives of black people and poor people and the development of their communities in the United States.
Prerequisite: SWK 111, 115

Credit: 3 Semester Hours

The course is designed to examine human growth and development, human behavior, and the social environment. In addition, this course focuses on social systems in which people live (families, groups, organizations, institutions, and communities), the interaction among systems, and the ways in which systems promote or hinder optimum health and well-being.
Prerequisite: SWK 115, 211

Credit: 3 Semester Hours

This course will expose the student to basic concepts in the theory and practice of community organization as a methodology for bringing about effective community based social action. Certain basic social concepts and theories will be explored to provide students with a framework for understanding the need of community organization as a method resolving social problems in American Society. Some attention will also be given to the importance of community organization as a tool for bringing about social change in Mississippi’s Black Communities. On occasion local community organizers will be invited to speak to the class, and if possible, students will be provided with opportunities to observe the community organizational process at work.
Prerequisite: SOC 111 and or SWK 115

Credit: 3 Semester Hours

This course is designed to help students learn and apply fundamental knowledge and principles to social work practices which are guided by the social work code of ethics. Emphasis is placed on ensuring the student's ability to understand, evaluate, and assess practical decisions as well as demonstrate effectiveness in social work recording. This course focuses on ensuring that students develop a sound fundamental knowledge base that is integrated into practical decisions.
Prerequisite: SWK 115 and SWK 211

Credit: 3 Semester Hours

This course will focus on direct service to individuals, families, and groups studying the prevention and alleviation of problems. The course will also examine techniques to use when working with individuals, families and groups.
Prerequisite: SWK 115 or SWK 315

Credit: 3 Semester Hours

The course is designed to help students develop knowledge and skills in group work techniques. The course will also examine theories of group formation and group work techniques.
Prerequisite: SWK 115 or SWK 315

Credit: 3 Semester Hours

An educationally directed practice experience in selected community agencies with a pre screened and trained site supervisor. Focus is placed on the application of social work practice skills learned in the classroom through interaction with clients and professional social workers.
Prerequisite: SWK 115, 211, and 315

Credit: 3 Semester Hours