(SY) Sociology

SY 112. Principles of Sociology. 3 Hours.

This course is an introduction to the study of society and the interaction of individuals within society. Topics include basic sociological theory and concepts, socialization, cultures, institutions, patterns of social structure, and social inequality. Sociology takes seriously the total context in which individuals, groups, organizations and institutions find themselves, in order to understand how they are shaped by historical, cultural, and technical forces. Society breaks individuals into categories, and status as members of various categories constrain and open up the number of choices available. In this course, students examine how we come to function in society, making judgments about how to behave and think given what we see around us, and how this may differ according to our membership in certain categories such as gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity and class.

SY 201. Principles of Sociology. 3 Hours.

This course is an introduction to the study of society and the interaction of individuals within society. It is a prerequisite for all other courses in sociology. Topics studies include basic sociological theory and concepts, socialization, cultures, institutions, patterns of social structure, and social change. Some emphasis is placed on cultural relativity in modern society and the implications of cultural differences for business.

SY 205. Addiction: Insights and Issues. 3 Hours.

This course examines current models used to describe alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, other drug abuse and dependence, and substance/process abuse in general. Assessment, treatment, addictive behaviors, and outcomes will be examined. The course is helpful to health care students, to any business student who expects to supervise others, and to anyone expected to function within a group. The course will also give each student the opportunity to gain insight into an issue of personal choice.

SY 211. Contemporary Social Issues. 3 Hours.

The course presents an analysis of major social issues. Statistical data and their interpretation are analyzed to explain and illustrate the concepts of social disorganization, value conflicts, and personal deviation. Those issues to be investigated include problems related to urbanization, marriage and the family, civil liberties, discrimination, mass communication, quality of environment and social policy. Prerequisite(s): SY 201.

SY 222. Cultural Anthropology. 3 Hours.

This course is an introduction to the fundamental concepts and perspectives of culture. It surveys the dynamics of cultural evolution and its significance to civilization. Special attention will be directed towards the geographical basis of culture, the origins of civilization, the structure of civilization and culture - economic, political, familial, and religious structures and factors that lead to the demise of civilization.

SY 230. Medical Anthropology. 3 Hours.

This course examines the field of health, medicine, and healthcare through an anthropological lens. Students will learn a new way of thinking about and understanding the healthcare institutions they engage with as patients and practitioners.

SY 299. Topic/. 1-6 Hour.

This course is intended to provide the opportunity to offer introductory courses in sociology that would not normally be a part of the Husson curriculum. As such the topics will depend upon the interests of students and faculty.

SY 312. Sociology of Work. 3 Hours.

This course examines work-related processes, social structures, and role behavior associated with blue-collar, white-collar, executive, and professional levels of employment. Among the topics considered are socialization in work roles; occupational professional ideologies; the interrelationship of work, status, and life-style; and adjustment to life cycle changes as they affect work and career. Particular attention will be focused on changing work patterns and values in the late twentieth century. Prerequisite(s): SY 201.

SY 330. Issues in Medical Anthropology. 3 Hours.

This course undertakes a deeper look at medical anthropology by performing a structural analysis of healthcare, focusing in the United States. It is designed to get students thinking critically about the systems of healthcare with which they engage as patients and, potentially, as future practitioners. Using scholarly articles exclusively, students analyze and integrate sources as they discuss current issues in medicine, such as medicalization, as well as inequalities based on race, immigration and gender. Students lead discussions on weekly academic articles, strengthening their ability to analyze and integrate scholarly sources. Prerequisite(s): SY 222 or SY 230.

SY 499. Topic/. 1-3 Hour.

This course is intended to provide the opportunity to offer advanced courses in sociology that would not normally be a part of the Husson curriculum. As such the topics will depend upon the interests of students and faculty. Prerequisite(s): SY 201.