Sociology

A study of the basic sociological concepts and their logical and empirical relations, including those factors would contribute to the emergence, persistence and change in social relationships.

First-Year Seminars constitute a common and academically significant experience in a student’s first year at Converse University. All incoming first- year students are required to take a 3-credit hour FYS in the fall semester, choosing from a variety of discipline specific topics. Each FYS carries the corresponding departmental prefix, but with the common course number (except for designated honors sections). Each FYS course is designed to have no more than 18 students, and counts in some designated category of the General Education Program. Strong writing and speaking components are required elements of the course.

A study of the social history of the concept of work and the social-psychological consequences of the development of self in the microenvironment of work.

A study of the history and structure of specific occupations and professions and the study of theories of professionalism.

A study of formal organizations, theories of complex organizations, and the social- psychological consequences for the development of self in the macro-environment of work.

A focus on theories of criminology as related to significant research concerning causes, extent, social and economic cost, and ecology of crime. A second emphasis will be placed on criminal justice issues of practices within police, criminal, and juvenile courts, as well as problems of prison, reformatories, prevention, and rehabilitation.

A study of institutionalized patterns of economic, political, social, and prestige differentiation and the importance of class or stratum placement in determining opportunities, style of life, and patterns of interaction.

A cross-cultural approach to marriage and the family with emphasis on historical changes and the modern American family, particularly in its relation to other social institutions.

Studies in topics in issues, figures of movements in sociology.

A study of selected contemporary social problems and issues through a number of theoretical perspectives. Emphasis will be placed on the analysis of these issues, the human value systems applicable, and understanding these issues in their larger social context.

A consideration of classical to contemporary theories, with emphasis on formal theory building and the influence that theory and research have on each other.