Criminal Justice Emphasis
Sociology
Lyn Huxford, Ph.D., Prof. of Sociology;
lhuxford@mckendree.edu
Neil Quisenberry, Ph.D., Assistant Prof. of Sociology;
pnquisenberry@mckendree.edu
Samantha A. Goodwin MA., Instructor of Anthropology;
sagoodwin@mckendree.edu
Students majoring in sociology develop a greater appreciation for how society influences individual behavior and an understanding of how societies are structured. Majors develop the skills to think more critically about their own lives and the many social issues confronting us in society today. A sociology major prepares students for graduate school in sociology, social work, and criminal justice in addition to law school and divinity school. Our graduates pursue many different career opportunities including social services, criminal justice, community organizing, health care administration, and urban planning, among others.
The sociology program offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, within a liberal arts context, by providing three tracks that a student may follow:
1. General Program: This is geared to students who have more general career plans and for those who plan to attend graduate school in sociology. It is also intended for those who wish to develop a general understanding of society.
2. Criminal Justice Emphasis: This is for students who wish to pursue careers in the criminal justice field such as law enforcement, corrections, and court services. This program is designed to provide students with a broad knowledge of the workings of the agencies that make up the criminal justice system.
3. Social Work Emphasis: This is for students who wish to pursue careers in the general area of social work. This program will provide students with a broad overview of the history, agencies, and philosophy of social work.
There are also three areas where a student may minor within the discipline. Each of these require ANT 149, SOC 150, SOC 295, SOC 400, and at least six upper level hours.
1. General Sociology: Complete 19 credit hours in sociology.
2. Sociology with an Emphasis in Criminal Justice: Complete SOC 150, 170, 220, 350 or 360, 371, 440 or 445, and 460 plus three hours of elective credit or CHE 101 for four hours.
3. Sociology with an Emphasis in Social Work: Complete SOC 270 and 390, one SOC elective, choice of ANT 305 or ANT 345W, choice of SOC 350 or SOC 360. SOC 295 and SOC 400 are not required for this minor.
For a course to count toward a major or minor in sociology, a grade better than D is required. No more than four credits of cross listed courses may count toward a major or minor in sociology. In addition to any prerequisites listed, SOC 150 is a prerequisite for all 300 or 400 level sociology courses.
SOCIOLOGY MAJOR REQUIREMENTS: General Track 38 crs.
ANT 149. INTRODUCTION TO CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY (3)
SOC 150. PRINCIPLES OF SOCIOLOGY (3)
SOC 295. INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGICAL THOUGHT (3)
SOC 400. METHODS OF SOCIAL RESEARCH (4)
SOC 495. SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS (3)
additional Sociology electives (18)
Supplementary requirement
MTH 310. STATISTICS (4) and CSI 108 Introduction to Statistics Software (1)
It is recommended that students take both courses where options are offered.
Sociology Major Requirements:
Criminal Justice Emphasis 37 or 38 hours.
Requirements for the general track except SOC 410 plus
SOC 170. INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE (3)
SOC 220. JUVENILE DELINQUENCY (3)
SOC 350. SOCIOLOGY OF GENDER (3)
or
SOC 360. RACE AND ETHNIC RELATIONS (3)
SOC 371. SOCIOLOGY OF DEVIANCE (3)
SOC 440. POLICE AND URBAN SOCIETY (3)
or
SOC 445. CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS (3)
SOC 460. CURRENT ISSUES IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE (3)
additional Sociology electives (3) or CHE 101 Forensic Chemistry (4)
Supplementary requirement
MTH 310. STATISTICS (4) and CSI 108 INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS SOFTWARE
It is recommended that students take both courses where options are offered.
SOCIOLOGY MAJOR REQUIREMENTS: Social Work Emphasis 35-37 crs.
Requirements for general track except SOC 410 plus
SOC 190. INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK (3)
SOC 270. SOCIAL PROBLEMS (3)
SOC 279. COMMUNITY ACTION/ORGANIZATION (3)
SOC 350. SOCIOLOGY OF GENDER (3)
or
SOC 360. RACE AND ETHNIC RELATIONS (3)
SOC 380. SOCIAL WORK PRACTICUM (3)
SOC 390. SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY (3)
SOC 465. CURRENT ISSUES IN SOCIAL WORK (3)
Supplementary requirements
MTH 310. STATISTICS (4) and CSI 108 INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS SOFTWARE (1)
additional Sociology elective (3)
Strongly recommended courses
PSI 102. STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (3)
PSY 315. ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY (4)
PSY 450. COUNSELING AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY (4)
SPC 200. SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION (3)
SOC 150. PRINCIPLES OF SOCIOLOGY (3)
An introduction to sociology with an emphasis on basic concepts and theoretical perspectives, and their application to an understanding of social organization and social processes. Each semester.
SOC 170. INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE (3)
An introduction to the criminal justice system with an emphasis on the structure and functioning of law enforcement agencies, the courts, and correctional institutions. Prerequisite: SOC 150. Annually, Spring.
SOC 190. INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK (3)
An overview of the historical development of social work in the United States. An introduction to the values and principles of social work along with the settings where social workers practice. Community service required. Pre- or co-requisite SOC 150 or consent of instructor. Annually, Fall.
SOC 220. JUVENILE DELINQUENCY (3)
An introduction to the study of juvenile delinquency and a survey of the history and operations of the juvenile justice system. Prerequisite: SOC 170, or consent of instructor. Annually, Fall.
SOC 240. SOCIAL ISSUES PRACTICUM (1 or 3)
An analysis of contemporary social issues through a combination of community service and classroom sessions. Students enrolled in this course must participate in an extended field experience. No more than four credit hours of credit for this class may be applied toward the major. Pass/Fail only. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. As needed.
SOC 260. SOCIOLOGY OF THE FAMILY (3)
A study of the institutions of marriage and the family with an emphasis on the family in the U.S. Specifically, students will investigate the origin and evolution of the family, human sexuality, love and marriage, sex roles, parent/child interactions and the relationship between the family and other cultural institutions. Alternate years, Fall ‘02.
SOC 270. SOCIAL PROBLEMS (3)
A sociological analysis of the social problems confronting contemporary societies, particularly the United States, and the processes by which they become identified as social problems. Annually, Spring.
SOC 279. COMMUNITY ACTION/ORGANIZATION (3)
Macro social work deals with organizing the effective delivery of services, strengthening community life, and preventing social problems. An introduction to community organization, locality development, social planning, and social action models. Community service required. Prerequisite: SOC 190 or consent of instructor. Alternate years, Fall ‘02.
SOC 280-289. SPECIAL TOPICS IN SOCIOLOGY (1-4)
Special topics courses allow offerings not regularly scheduled to be taught. These may be offered by the faculty or students may request courses in areas of their interest and faculty expertise. Depending on the subject matter, this may be cross listed with courses in other disciplines. As needed.
SOC 295. INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGICAL THOUGHT (W) (3)
An overview of the development of sociological theory with an emphasis on classical theory. This course is designed to cultivate in students the analytical skills they will need to be good social thinkers. Prerequisite: SOC 150. or consent of instructor. Annually, Spring.
SOC 330. POPULAR CULTURE (3)
Pop-culture artifacts and practices are vital cultural spaces for the articulation of our social, political, and personal identities. Focusing on popular culture, the course will examine the communicative roles of cultural artifacts and practices. Sites of interrogation will include pop culture texts, locales, practices and actors. Prerequisite: SOC 150, SOC 295, and SOC 310, or consent of instructor. As needed.
SOC 350. SOCIOLOGY OF GENDER (3)
A sociological examination of the social creation of gender and how that concept is transmitted and maintained. The implications of gender will be studied in relation to social, economic and political stratification. Prerequisites: Soc 150, Soc 295, and Soc 310, or consent of instructor. Alternate years, Fall ‘05.
SOC 354. URBAN SOCIOLOGY (3)
An introduction to the study of urban areas. The history and development of urbanization, processes of urban change and conflict, and social and psychological effects of urban life will be examined. Prerequisite: SOC 150, SOC 295, and SOC 310, or consent of instructor. Alternate years, Spring ‘07.
SOC 360. RACE AND ETHNIC RELATIONS (3)
A study of race and ethnic relations in the United States and other countries. The course examines the origins of ethnic conflict, the establishment of ethnic group stratification and the factors that perpetuate ethnic group conflict. Special emphasis will be given to the experience of African Americans. Prerequisite: SOC 150, SOC 295, and SOC 310, or consent of instructor. Alternate Years, Fall ‘06.
SOC 371. SOCIOLOGY OF DEVIANCE (3)
An analysis of the sociological theories of deviant behavior. The social construction of deviance will be examined along with an analysis of some of the actions identified as deviant in our society. Prerequisite: SOC 150, SOC 295, and SOC 310, or consent of instructor. Annually, Fall.
SOC 380. SOCIAL WORK PRACTICUM (3)
An introduction to social work practice through a combination of community service and classroom sessions. Extended field observation required. Consent of instructor required. Prerequisite: SOC 190, SOC 295, and SOC 310, or consent of instructor. Alternate years, Spring 07.
SOC 390. SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY (3)
This course focuses on the process of social welfare policy formation at the state and federal level. Reviews the history of social welfare policy in the United States and the impact changing policy has on clients, social services and social work roles. Prerequisite: SOC 190, SOC 295, and SOC 310, or consent of instructor. Alternate years, Fall ‘05.
SOC 400. METHODS OF SOCIAL RESEARCH (W) (4)
An introduction to social science writing and research skills. This course is designed to cultivate the student’s skills in evaluating the significance of published research findings and in designing original research. Topics include the interdependence of theory and research, hypothesis formation, research design, sampling techniques, and various methods of observation. Prerequisites: MTH 310, CSI 108 and Senior Status. Annually, Fall.
SOC 401. SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY (3)
Same as PSY 401. Prerequisite: SOC 295 and SOC 310, or consent of instructor. Alternate Years, Spring ‘06.
SOC 420. SOCIAL STRATIFICATION (3)
An examination of the relationship between inequality and the historical development of societies. Various theoretical perspectives on social stratification will be discussed, as will the concept of class conflict and the role of ideology in the maintenance of inequality. Prerequisite: SOC 150, SOC 295, and SOC 310, or consent of instructor. Alternate years, Fall ‘05.
SOC 440. POLICE AND URBAN SOCIETY (3)
An examination of the social and historical origins of the police and the changing nature of police organizations in contemporary urban society. Prerequisite: SOC 170, SOC 295 and SOC 310, or consent of instructor. Annually Fall.
SOC 445. CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS (3)
An examination and analysis of contemporary correctional systems. Consideration will be given to such issues as the goals of incarceration, prisoner’s rights, prison violence, treatment and rehabilitation programs, and parole. Prerequisite: SOC 170, SOC 295 and SOC 310,or consent of instructor. Annually Spring.
SOC 450. SOCIOLOGY OF SPORT (3)
A sociological examination of sports and sport-related behaviors as they occur in social and cultural contexts. Same as PED 450. Prerequisite: SOC 150, 295, and SOC 310, or consent of instructor. Alternate years, Spring ‘06.
SOC 460. CURRENT ISSUES IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE (3)
A seminar in criminal justice, with independent student projects, focusing on selected topics. Prerequisite: SOC 170, MTH 310,CSI 108 and senior status, or consent of instructor. Annually, Spring.
SOC 465. CURRENT ISSUES IN SOCIAL WORK (3)
A seminar in current controversies and trends in social work theory and practice. Students will conduct intensive research. Specific course topics will change every year. Prerequisite: SOC 190, SOC 295, and SOC 310 and senior status, or consent of instructor. Alternate years, Spring '06.
SOC 470. INTERNSHIP IN SOCIOLOGY (3-8)
SOC 480. INDEPENDENT STUDY IN SOCIOLOGY (1-4)
SOC 490. SEMINAR IN SOCIOLOGY (2-4)
Selected topics. Alternate years, Fall ‘06.
SOC 495. SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS (3)
A senior capstone course for sociology majors focusing on a review and integration of sociological knowledge. Students will explore career and graduate school opportunities, and prepare a portfolio. Prerequisite: SOC 400, MTH 310, CSI 108 and Senior status. Annually, Spring.