SS144: Sociology

An understanding of the dynamics of human societies, group relationships, and behavior is useful for any work environment and professional career. This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of the discipline of sociology. You will explore society and social life through the study of language, culture, inequalities, institutions, and sociological theory and methods. You are encouraged, through course assignments and discussions, to examine the influences of society in everyday life.

Quarter Credit Hours: 5 | Prerequisite: None

SS230: Colonial and Revolutionary America - The Making of a Nation

The foundation of the U.S. between the sixteenth and early nineteenth centuries reflects the challenges of forming communities and a national government in early America, but also prompts a pattern of conflict that continues to impact contemporary political debates in the U.S. In this course, you will explore the impact of European colonization on existing indigenous communities; the rise of slavery and the Atlantic slave trade, including the impact on the descendants of African slaves in America; the role of women in a richly religious society, and the cultural, economic, political, and social developments as a result of the American Revolution. This course examines the nation's historical and cultural foundations through an assessment of the historical significance and enduring legacy of what it means to be "American" living in the U.S.

Quarter Credit Hours: 5 | Prerequisite: None

SS236: 🌐 American Government

This course provides you with an introduction to crucial knowledge about how federal, state, and local governments operate; and how citizens can positively affect change within our republic. The course examines the U.S. Constitution; federalism; the executive, legislative, and judicial branches; civil rights and civil liberties; how outside interests affect U.S. government; and U.S. foreign, domestic, and economic policies. This fundamental knowledge combined with critical thinking skills will be valuable personally and professionally.

Quarter Credit Hours: 5 | Prerequisite: None

SS236M1: The Constitution and Federalism

Analyze how different factors shaped the U.S. Constitution.

Quarter Credit Hours: 1 | Prerequisite: None

SS236M2: The Executive and Legislative Branches

Differentiate the executive and legislative branches of the U.S. government.

Quarter Credit Hours: 1 | Prerequisite: None

SS236M3: The Judicial Branch and Civil Rights and Civil Liberties

Analyze the judicial branch and the intersection of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties.

Quarter Credit Hours: 1 | Prerequisite: None

SS236M4: Politics Today - Political Parties and Outside Interests

Explain how outside interests shape U.S. government.

Quarter Credit Hours: 1 | Prerequisite: None

SS236M5: Politics Today - Domestic, Economic, and Foreign Policies

Analyze how the U.S. conducts governmental policies.

Quarter Credit Hours: 1 | Prerequisite: None

SS238: 🌐 Engagement - Civic- and Citizen-Driven Public Policy

This is an introductory, interdisciplinary course on civic engagement and American public policy. In this course, you will examine how your engagement as a citizen can positively affect societal change from a bottom-up perspective. You will explore the intersection of public policy and citizen engagement from a civic, historical, and sociological perspective, enabling you to understand, analyze, and evaluate how effective civic agency can help improve the quality of life for your fellow citizens and country.

Quarter Credit Hours: 5 | Prerequisite: None

SS238M1: Civic Engagement and Public Policy

Identify how different factors shape public policy.

Quarter Credit Hours: 1 | Prerequisite: None

SS238M2: Public Policy in Theory and Practice

Explain the core theories of public policy.

Quarter Credit Hours: 1 | Prerequisite: None

SS238M3: Political and Nonpolitical Processes

Examine how policy analysis is used in public policy.

Quarter Credit Hours: 1 | Prerequisite: None

SS238M4: Intersections: Civic Engagement and Public Policy

Analyze the intersection of civic engagement and public policy.

Quarter Credit Hours: 1 | Prerequisite: None

SS238M5: Civic Agency and Special Interests

Evaluate the role of civic agency and special interests in public policy.

Quarter Credit Hours: 1 | Prerequisite: None

SS250: 🌐 Technology and Society

Technology and Society is an introductory social science course that examines the profound impact technology has on society. In this course, you will examine how technological advances shaped the course of history; the intended and unintended effects of technological change; and the promises and perils of technology. In addition, you will explore how emerging technologies shape our present and future.

Quarter Credit Hours: 5 | Prerequisite: None

SS250M1: Technology and Human History

Explain how technological innovations shaped historical eras.

Quarter Credit Hours: 1 | Prerequisite: None

SS250M2: Technology and Everyday Life

Examine the promises and perils of emerging technologies.

Quarter Credit Hours: 1 | Prerequisite: None

SS250M3: Technology and Government

Investigate how technology affects the relationship between the government and citizens.

Quarter Credit Hours: 1 | Prerequisite: None

SS250M4: Technology and the Environment

Analyze how technology impacts the environment.

Quarter Credit Hours: 1 | Prerequisite: None

SS250M5: Information Technology and Society

Evaluate the role of information technology in society.

Quarter Credit Hours: 1 | Prerequisite: None

SS260: Gender and Society

This interdisciplinary course explores the importance of gender in human social interactions in a modern society. You will learn about how gender as a concept is shaped by history, culture, and globalization. The roles of men and women and the perceptions of self are examined through male-female expectations and social behaviors. This course is essential for understanding the impact and importance of gender in personal lives, social groups, and modern work environments.

Quarter Credit Hours: 5 | Prerequisite: None

SS270: Social Problems

This course explores the problems that transcend individual solutions, such as inequality, poverty, racial and gender discrimination, and environmental pollution, and how social problems affect us in our homes, in our communities, and in the workforce. Analysis of topics includes local, national, and global perspectives.

Quarter Credit Hours: 5 | Prerequisite: None

SS290: 🌐 Data in Our World - Introduction to Data Literacy

Data literacy is the ability to critically understand and evaluate information obtained from data. In today's information-driven world, our society is inundated with data. Yet, you do not need a robust math background in order to become cognizant and adept with data literacy. During this course you will learn how to identify, understand, explain, demonstrate, evaluate, visualize, and present data in a meaningful way using real-world issues within a social science perspective. As a result, you will have a better understanding of how data is created, used, and understood within your profession.

Quarter Credit Hours: 5 | Prerequisite: None

SS290M1: Data Literacy Concepts

Identify the concept of data literacy.

Quarter Credit Hours: 1 | Prerequisite: None

SS290M2: Data Collection Processes

Illustrate the processes of data collection.

Quarter Credit Hours: 1 | Prerequisite: None

SS290M3: Data Sources

Analyze different sources of data in real-world applications.

Quarter Credit Hours: 1 | Prerequisite: None

SS290M4: Data Quality and Quantity

Differentiate the factors of quality and quantity when drawing connections with data.

Quarter Credit Hours: 1 | Prerequisite: None

SS290M5: Data Presentation and Visualization

Evaluate data presentation and visualization.

Quarter Credit Hours: 1 | Prerequisite: None

SS359: Sustainable and Resilient Communities

Sustainable and Resilient Communities explores the process of envisioning, creating, and maintaining sustainable communities. You will investigate the concept of sustainable and resilient communities by exploring how they maximize their natural and built resources, economic capacity, people power, and social and cultural capital to address both present and future needs. You will also examine how communities become more sustainable and resilient when greenery, water usage, waste management, energy use, transportation, land use, and housing are mindfully considered.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: None

SS360: American Women

In this course, you will examine how gender shapes the experience of women in their social, political, and professional roles. The exploration includes the impact of class, ethnicity, and race on gender roles and expectations for women from the colonial era through the present day. Activism will be a critical part of discussions and activities, as well as women's involvements in the public sector. Additionally, you will explore the cultural influence of women throughout American history including contributions of women to philosophy, literature, and art. Throughout the course, you will investigate themes of continuity and change in the lives of American women.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: None

SS368: Social Perspectives on Death and Dying

This course is designed to provide you with an introduction to the cultural dimensions of death and dying. This topic affects everyone because of our own mortality and our relationships with others who die, whether close to us or complete strangers. The primary goals of the course are to help you deepen your understanding of the cultural dimensions of death and dying and to enable you to become a more effective provider of support.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: None