Courses

Search for courses listed in this bulletin. To find a semester course schedule (including instructors, meeting times and locations), go to mynmu.nmu.edu.

SO 308 Methods of Social Research II 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall Winter
  • Prerequisites: SO 208 or equivalent or instructor's permission.
Introduction to methods, concepts and techniques of social research, including sampling, questionnaire and interview design, experiments, observation, evaluation research, and ethics. Involves research projects on social science issues. Computers and statistical software may be used as part of the instruction process. Notes: Cross listed as SW 308.
SO 312 Religion and Society 4 cr.
  • Offered: Winter odd years
  • Prerequisites: SO 101 or AN 100 or AN 101 or AN 110, or instructor permission.

This course introduces students to the sociological and anthropological traditions that examine religious practices and their relationship to sociocultural systems and processes. The thematic study of diverse religious practices, in North America and throughout the world, will shed light on the nature and functions of religion as a core social institution. Both classical and contemporary sociological and anthropological theory will emphasize the role of religion throughout human history.

Notes: Cross-listed with AN 312 Religion and Society.
SO 322 Social Class, Power and Mobility 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall semester of even-numbered years
  • Prerequisites: SO 101.
The development and organization of systems of social stratification. Relationship of social mobility to social stratification. A survey of theories, methods, class characteristics and the channels, types and forms of social mobility.
SO 343 Sociology of Deviant Behavior 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall Winter Summer
  • Prerequisites: SO 101.
A survey of individuals and groups that are considered “deviant” in our society. Various theories and research methods will be used to study the nature and extent of social deviance in American society. Additionally, processes of social reaction and social control will be analyzed.
SO 351 Social Change 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall
  • Prerequisites: SO 101.
The latest theoretical and factual knowledge applied to the understanding of contemporary social change and the master trends shaping our lives, including robotization of work, computerization of live space, visual media and the social consciousness, environmental impacts, coping with the stress of change, and the prospects for planning change.
SO 353 Globalization and Asian Societies 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall semester of odd years
  • Prerequisites: SO 101 and junior standing or instructor permission.
Course examines globalization in a diverse social, cultural, and historical context from both macro and micro level perspectives. Topics also include a survey of world poverty and major global issues concerning a number of Asian nations and regions. Economic reform and dramatic social transformation in China are given primary emphasis as a case study.
SO 355 Introduction to Social Psychology 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall
  • Prerequisites: SO 101, EN 211 with a grade of "C" or better and sophomore standing.

Social basis of human behavior, with emphasis on symbolic interaction theory. People are shown to possess a “mind” and “self” not possessed by other organisms. Further, human behavior is shown to depend upon the use of language and learning through social interaction that language makes possible.

SO 362 Gender and Society 4 cr.
  • Offered: Contact department for information
  • Prerequisites: SO 101 or instructor's permission.

Addresses the significance of gender/sex roles in American society. This course focuses on cultural and social ingredients in people’s perception of themselves as men and women. The implications of gender for social inequality are examined in depth.

Notes: Formerly listed as Women, Men and Social Inequality.
SO 372 Minority Groups 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall Winter
  • Prerequisites: SO 101.
Survey of selected ethnic minorities in the United States. Special attention is given to the structural sources of prejudice, discrimination and social conflict in America.
SO 382 Health, Society and Culture 4 cr.
  • Offered: Winter, odd-numbered years.
  • Prerequisites: SO 101 or instructor's permission.
Analysis of behavioral science dimensions of health systems and institutions at a national level, with emphasis on the United States. Discussion includes health and disease and social and cultural factors relating to the occurrence and distribution of disease. American medical systems and institutions are analyzed in comparison with medical systems in other societies.
SO 407 Sociological Theory 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall
  • Prerequisites: SO 101 and eight credit hours in other sociology courses, junior standing or instructor's permission.
Emphasis on the development of theory in the discipline and its application in solving problems. The modern schools of theory are also examined.
SO 408 Survey Research, Design and Analysis 4 cr.
  • Offered: Winter
  • Prerequisites: SO 208 and SO 308 or equivalent courses, junior standing or instructor's permission.
Course builds on the competencies established in SO 208 and SO 308. Students design and carry out a large-scale survey research project, culminating in the presentation of the results. Stresses skills in advanced computer usage for data collection and analysis, interviewing, techniques for data manipulation and transformation and report preparation and presentation.
SO 433 Environmental Sociology 4 cr.  (4-0-0)
  • Offered: Fall
  • Prerequisites: SO 101 or SO 120 or instructor permission.

Provides a sociological introduction to environmental problems in historical perspective. The course is organized around three central issues: 1) the nature and character of environmental problems; 2) social drivers of environmental problems; and 3) societal responses to environmental problems.

SO 491 Internship in Sociology 4-12 cr.
  • Offered: Contact department for information.
  • Graded: S/U
  • Prerequisites: SO 308, senior standing and department permission.
Students interested in doing a sociology internship should contact the department’s internship coordinator during the second semester of their junior year. Internships usually involve working with a client agency or a research need. The nature of the project, as well as the credit hours earned is negotiated with the internship coordinator. Notes: Can be taken for two consecutive semesters, but not for more than a total of 12 credits.
SO 495 Special Topics in Sociology 1-4 cr.
  • Offered: On demand
  • Prerequisites: SO 101, junior standing or instructor's permission.
The study of a significant topic or problem in sociology that is not regularly offered as part of the curriculum or not otherwise emphasized in undergraduate courses. Notes: May be taken more than once if topic varies.
SO 498 Directed Study in Sociology 1-4 cr.
  • Offered: Contact Department.
  • Prerequisites: Two sociology courses, a "B" average in sociology courses, junior standing and instructor's permission.

Study of content not available in the regular course offerings.

SP 100 Public Address 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall Winter Summer (Depending on Enrollment)

Theory and practice of public address as found in formal and informal speaking situations that confront people in business and other professions. Course requirements include presenting original speeches.

SP 110 Interpersonal Communication 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall Winter Summer (Depending on Enrollment)

Study of theories of interpersonal communication and human resources to make students aware of major problems in communicating with others and to enable them to improve their understanding of themselves and others.

SP 120 Small Group Process 4 cr.
  • Offered: Winter
Development of participation and decision-making skills in small groups. Classes combine lectures on group theory with laboratory application and practical experience.
SP 200 Argumentation 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall Summer (Depending on Enrollment)

Study of argumentation stressing research, reasoning, organization, composition and presentation.

SP 250 Research Methods and Careers in Communication 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall
  • Prerequisites: Completion of EN 111 with a grade of “C” or better and SP 110 with a grade of "C-" or better.

An introduction to the research and writing requirements of the field of speech communication. Career options in the field are also considered.

SP 310 Communication Theory 4 cr.
  • Offered: Winter
  • Prerequisites: SP 250 or PR 250.

A survey of contemporary theories and paradigms relating to human communication. Principles of theory construction are also discussed

SP 320 New Media Literacy 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall

The study of various forms of “new” media. Topics include description of and practices associated with various forms of new media, the ethics associated with usage, and the impact of new media on society.