SO - Sociology
Survey of the basic concepts and methods with an emphasis on sociology as a mode of analysis. Introduces the student to a sociological way of thinking to better understand one's self and others. This study of behavior utilizes materials drawn from contemporary American society.
Special Topics courses include ad-hoc courses on various selected topics that are not part of the regular curriculum, however they may still fulfill certain curricular requirements. Special topics courses are offered at the discretion of each department and will be published as part of the semester course schedule - view available sections for more information. Questions about special topics classes can be directed to the instructor or department chair.
An in-depth examination and discussion of selected American social problems, including poverty, sexism, racism, family violence, and health issues. Recommendations for alleviation of the problems with a social justice viewpoint.
This course will introduce students to culture as a framework for understanding similarities and differences in behavior and values in human societies. The class will look at communities and cultures from around the globe to give a cross-cultural understanding of human behavior.
An anthropological and sociological investigation of the marriage and family institutions in various cultures and their influences upon both individuals and social organizations. Analysis of family communications; one?s choices in relationships; parenting; life transitions; and the roles of gender, property, power, and love in marriage and family.
This course covers a broad range of prehistoric, historic, and cultural issues pertaining to American Indians. The course will cover diversity among tribes including political organization, social organization, economics, subsistence, and current issues.
While there are biological differences between the sexes, in this course we will explore the social aspects of gender from a sociological perspective. From this view, gender is treated as separate from sex, because gender is the study of differing social expectations for people according to their sex. We will examine how gender is defined, constructed, and reinforced within society, and how all this relates to gender identities and gender inequality. With a critical eye on gender's social construction, we will address issues of gender acquisition and explore the interactions between gender and other socially-constructed categories such as race/ethnicity and class as well as social institutions.
When groups want to affect social change but even traditional demo-cratic means (lobbying, voting, etc.) have failed, what are their options? How effective are these options in different circumstances? When has a social movement or form of collective action been successful? Would you say the environmental movement has been successful? The women's movement? The simplicity movement? In this course, we will explore why social movements and collective action are so common, even in democratic states, as a means for redressing grievances. We will look at the origins, circumstances, consequences, and competing theories of riots, crazes, panics, reforms and revolutionary movements. This is a course for anyone interested in how significant, systematic social change happens, or doesn't happen.
This course will focus on individual affect and cognition in social environments. Individuals' understanding of themselves and others may often rely on these affects and cognitions. Topics will focus on culture, self-esteem, decision making, social affect and cognition, attitudes and persuasion, and attraction and relationships.
This course will focus on individual behaviors in social environments. Topics will include conformity and obedience, helping, aggression, prejudice and discrimination, group think, and applications of social psychology to the environment.
In this course, students will increase their familiarity with the elements of the research process in relation to social psychological topics. Seminal and contemporary research in areas such as conformity, compliance, romantic relationships, and prosocial behavior will be discussed in relationship to the research standards and ethical considerations set by the American Psychological Association. Experiences include forming research ideas; conducting scientific literature searches and reviews; designing observational, survey, and archival studies; analyzing small-scale practice data; preparing professional manuscripts, and enhancing presentation skills. The Social Psychology Lab is optional for students enrolled in Social Psychology (PSY/
SO 240/241). However; if you enroll in the Lab, you then must be co-enrolled in Social Psychology (PSY/
SO 240 or 241) in the same semester. The Lab can only be taken one time.
Physical anthropology is the study of the biocultural diversity in humans. The interaction between culture and biology produces a variety of human adaptations that are traced through the following venues: Primate fossil records, primate and human behavior, and human biological variation.
In this course we use the sociological "lens" of gender to look at issues involving men's and women's health issues, illness, and medical care. The medical field traditionally has looked at the male body as the "correct" medical model and the female body as "other." Ironically, this has served both men and women poorly; men, because they die younger than women, and women, because it has led to the medicalization of many normal female body processes such as pregnancy and menopause. During the semester we will focus on gender expectations of men and women and how they affect the medical perspective as well as our perceptions of health.
In this course, we will explore the patterns in work for men and women and the forces that have brought about and affect these patterns. Then we will consider the effects of our gendered labor market-on individuals, families, and society including inequality in the workplace, sexual harassment, promotion, earnings, and work-family conflicts. We will specifically examine the effects of gender power relations on the workplace, and consider the larger consequences of this for society. These issues will be explored through discussion, films, lecture, and activities.
A holistic approach with a particularly sociological emphasis regarding the use and abuse of alcohol, other psychoactive drugs, and dependency behaviors, e.g. gambling and sexual addiction. Upon completion of the course, students will understand problems of addiction, methods of prevention and control, theories of causation, and the disease concept. They will know various treatment methods.
Special Topics courses include ad-hoc courses on various selected topics that are not part of the regular curriculum, however they may still fulfill certain curricular requirements. Special topics courses are offered at the discretion of each department and will be published as part of the semester course schedule - view available sections for more information. Questions about special topics classes can be directed to the instructor or department chair.
A survey of findings, myths, and perspectives on crime. A wide variety of types of crime are studied, including violent, white collar, sex, corporate, and organized crime. Theories regarding crime and proposed solutions to crime are examined.
Course emphasizes juvenile delinquency and the juvenile justice system; includes theories on juvenile delinquency, mental illness, drug abuse, and sexual deviance; and examines the role of institutions and various treatment methods. Strongly recommended for those interested in careers in law, probation, parole, human services, or social work.
Examination of social processes involved in enacting legislation, law enforcement, and judicial decisions along with the roles of lawyers, judges, and others in both civil and criminal systems. Recommended for those interested in law, law enforcement, or areas related to the legal system.
An anthropological and sociological examination of ethnic and racial relations and identities within and between different socio-cultural groups. This includes an analysis of beliefs about ethnicity and race, focusing on their development through historical processes.
This class will explore major methods and theories archaeologists use to explore North American prehistory from their origins to present. Regional diversity in tribal adaptations and lifeways are explored by using examples from archaeology, biological anthropology, and cultural anthropology.
This class will explore the roots of violence including biological, psychological, social and anthropological aspects so that the student can deepen their understanding of the complexities of violence. The class will explore many dimensions of violence including warfare, domestic violence, political violence and religious violence comparing these across cultures around the world. The class will also explore ways to control and prevent various features of violence.
An overview of the principles, methods, and practice of research in the social sciences. The course will assist stu-dents in research design, case studies, conducting field research, analyzing and evaluating their research data, conducting needs assessment, program evaluation, and practice effectiveness.
The Carroll College Archaeological Field School will introduce students to basic archaeological field methods and research design in one of the most beautiful settings in the western United States. The 4 credit class is designed to train students in the basics of archaeological excavation and survey techniques. The Field School research will be conducted within the Helena National Forest. The area is located in the northern Big Belt Mountains about 20 miles northeast of Helena. Students will be camping and will be expected to participate in camp activities (cooking, camp upkeep, etc). Students should be prepared for full days of digging and/or hiking, sometimes in remote areas. A mobile laboratory will also be set up at the campsite. Thus, in addition to excavation and survey techniques, students will also learn laboratory procedures, including cataloging artifacts and performing basic artifact analysis. Evenings will also include informal lectures and discussions on local prehistory, history, geomorphology and ecology. Students must provide personal camping gear, including sleeping bag, tent, sturdy hiking boots, weather appropriate clothing, water bottle, backpack, sunscreen, insect repellant and field notebook. A lab fee will cover the cost of food and field equipment.
Course develops an appreciation of the role of sociology and social sciences in the study of health and medical care. Interactions between patients and medical professionals; function and problems in health care systems; deprofessionalization of doctors, and other problems confronting modern medical care are also analyzed from a sociological perspective. Recommended for those considering a career in public health, health sciences, medicine, health care delivery, or social work.
In this course we look at emotions from a sociological rather than a psychological perspective and ask such questions as: Can difficulties such as anorexia, PTSD, "cutting," or bad relationships usually treated on an individual level by a therapist be understood from a societal perspective? As human beings we experience emotions, yet social interaction necessitates that certain kinds of emotions are appropriate in some settings and not in others. At this point we must ask ourselves how much our emotions are influenced and constrained by cultural norms, values, beliefs, and vocabularies. We especially have to control our emotions in the workplace; does this create emotion-work? We will also look at emotional relationships between humans, society, and pets.
This course will examine the relationships between human society and the natural environment with a particular emphasis on how different social classes, races and genders experience or affect the environment. We will study how factors such as consumption, population growth, development, technology, political ideologies and social movements affect the identification, emergence and resolutions of environmental problems-from local to global levels. By the end of the course students will be able to think critically about the relationships between the social and the natural worlds, and will analyze and begin to suggest solutions to contemporary environmental problems.
Special Topics courses include ad-hoc courses on various selected topics that are not part of the regular curriculum, however they may still fulfill certain curricular requirements. Special topics courses are offered at the discretion of each department and will be published as part of the semester course schedule - view available sections for more information. Questions about special topics classes can be directed to the instructor or department chair.
This course introduces students to important theoretical tools that will enable them to see the world as sociologists do and, in the process, assist them in constructing new theories as social contexts continually change. In addition to highlighting the contributions of some of the discipline's founding theorists (e.g., Marx, Weber, Durkheim and Mead), the course will focus on five of the most significant theoretical perspectives in sociology; conflict theory, functionalism, symbolic interactionism, phenomenological sociology and feminist theory.
This course is an internship consisting of supervised work experience and an intern observation in approved social service and governmental agencies which render direct service to clients or client systems. Students are placed in agencies which correspond to their major area of study. Agencies include those dealing with the juvenile and criminal justice system, those serving the needy, those engaged in health care delivery, and governmental agencies. Readings will be assigned and periodic individual meetings with each student's sociology advisor will be held. No more than six (6) credits of
SO 425 may apply to a student's total major requirements. INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS The academic internship program at Carroll College is an opportunity for students to apply academic coursework in a real world setting. An academic internship is a supervised work experience and forms an academic relationship between a student, faculty advisor, and cooperating organization. Juniors and seniors in any major area may participate with the approval of the department chairperson, faculty internship advisor, and the internship coordinator. Students are required to complete additional registration paperwork for final approval. Students will receive academic credit and may or may not receive monetary compensation for an internship. A student may apply a maximum of 12 semester hours to degree requirements; academic departments will determine the number of credits that may count toward the major. Enrollment in the course must be during the same semester in which the majority of the work experience takes place. Interested students should contact their academic advisor and the internship coordinator.
Independent study is open to junior and senior students only. At the time of application, a student must have earned a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. A student may register for no more than three (3) semester hours of independent study in any one term. In all cases, registration for independent study must be approved by the appropriate department chairperson and the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
A comprehensive review and professionalization for seniors graduating in sociology, including an analysis of the sociology profession, a survey of literature, and direction in the formulation of a semester project. Satisfies the comprehensive examination requirement.
The senior thesis is designed to encourage creative thinking and to stimulate individual research. A student may undertake a thesis in an area in which s/he has the necessary background. Ordinarily a thesis topic is chosen in the student's major or minor. It is also possible to choose an interdisciplinary topic. Interested students should decide upon a thesis topic as early as possible in the junior year so that adequate attention may be given to the project. In order to be eligible to apply to write a thesis, a student must have achieved a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.25 based upon all courses attempted at Carroll College. The thesis committee consists of a director and two readers. The thesis director is a full-time Carroll College faculty member from the student's major discipline or approved by the department chair of the student's major. At least one reader must be from outside the student's major. The thesis director and the appropriate department chair must approve all readers. The thesis committee should assist and mentor the student during the entire project. For any projects involving human participants, each student and his or her director must follow the guidelines published by the Institutional Review Board (IRB). Students must submit a copy of their IRB approval letter with their thesis application. As part of the IRB approval process, each student and his or her director must also complete training by the National Cancer Institute Protection of Human Participants. The thesis is to be completed for three (3) credits in the discipline that best matches the content of the thesis. If the thesis credits exceed the credit limit, the charge for additional credits will be waived. Applications and further information are available in the Registrar's Office.