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Social Sciences

Home > DEGREE PROGRAMS > Academic Programs > Course Descriptions > Social Sciences

History, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Interdisciplinary

History

SS 104 Constitutional Law 3 s.h.
Comprehensive analysis of the rules of evidence and criminal procedural law; judicial notice, presumption, real and circumstantial evidence, burden of proof, provide of court and jury, documentary evidence, hearsay, confessions and admissions; laws of arrest; search and seizure. Hours of class per week: 3.
 
SS 131 World Civilizations I

3 s.h.

This course is a survey of the major developments in political, cultural, intellectual, and scientific/technological history in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the world from the dawn of time to 1650. Hours of class per week: 3. General Education: O.
 
SS 132 World Civilizations II

3 s.h.

This course is a survey of the major developments in political, cultural, intellectual, and scientific/technological history in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the world from 1650 to the present. Hours of class per week: 3. General Education: O.
 
SS 183 Western Civilization I

FA 3 s.h.

This course is a survey of western civilization from ancient times until the 17th century. The emphasis is on the major ideas and events that shaped the values and ideas of early Europe. Topics examined include the rise and fall of the classical civilization of Greece and Rome, the growth of Christianity, the Renaissance and the Protestant Reformation. Hours of class per week: 3. General Education: W.
 
SS 184 Western Civilization II

SP 3 s.h.

This course is a survey of western civilization from the 17th century until present. The emphasis is on the development of the nation-state and the rise of modern political, social, economic and intellectual concepts. Topics examined include the religious wars, the French Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, the rise of a middle class and the two world wars and their remifications. Hours of class per week: 3. General Education: W.
 
SS 239 The American Revolution

3 s.h.

This course examines the political, constitutional, social, economic and intellectual origins of the American Revolution. It looks also at the events of the revolution proper from varying perspectives, including military, social and intellectual. Finally, the course explores the consequences and ramifications of the Revolution including social and economic changes, as well as the development of federalism. Hours of class per week: 3.
 

SS 241 The Civil War

3 s.h.

This course will investigate the causes, events and consequences of the American Civil War. It will focus on the various theories of the origins of that war, examine in depth the people and events made prominent in the war, and lastly look at the lasting effects of the war. The course will utilize several perspectives including social, military, economic and constitutional. Hours of class per week: 3.
 

SS 283 Survey of American History I

FA 3 s.h.

This course examines the history of the United States from its origins until reconstruction with emphasis on the development of a constitutional system. Topics studied include the colonial period, the American Revolution, the ratification of the Constitution, Jacksonian Democracy and the various disputes that led to the Civil War. Hours of class per week: 3. General Education: U.
 

SS 284 Survey of American History II

SP 3 s.h.

This course examines United States history from 1865 until the present. The emphasis is on the social, political and economic development of the country. Attention is also given to the relationship between the United States and the rest of the world. Topics studied include reconstruction, westward expansion, the industrial revolution, immigration, the great depression and the ramifications of the cold war. Hours of class per week: 3. General Education: U.
 

SS 287 America Since 1945 FA 3 s.h.

An interdisciplinary study of the U.S. since 1945 using sociology, history, and political science data to examine major changes and trends. The course focuses on four major aspects of this period: 1) cultural-changes in norms, values, and personal behavior; 2) social-changes in the nature and functions of social institutions; 3) political-trends and changes as reflected in the presidential elections; 4) international-patterns in American social relations. Hours of class per week: 3.
 

SS 293 Diplomatic History of the United States Before 1900

3 s.h.

This course examines the relations of the United States with foreign nations from the American Revolution until the Spanish-American War. Hours of class per week: 3. General Education: U.
 

SS 295 Diplomatic History of the United States Since 1900

3 s.h.

A continuation of SS 293, studying American foreign relations from the turn of the century to the present. Hours of class per week: 3. General Education: U.
 

SS 296 Israel: Biblical Period to 1948

3 s.h.

Major historical, political, social, and military developments from the time of Abraham to the emergence of the Modern State of Israel in 1948. Areas of concentration include the Biblical Period; Resistance against Greece and Rome; Life in the Diaspora; Rise of Jewish Nationalism; Growth of the Yishuv; Balfour Declaration and the British Mandate; Arab-Jewish Confrontation; Holocaust; Palestine in WW II; War of Independence; Mass Immigration. Hours of class per week: 3. General Education: U.

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Political Science

SS 211 Public Administration

3 s.h.

A study of the theory and basic principles of public administration in the United States, including discussions related to the development, organization, functions, and problems of national, state, and local administration. Hours of class per week: 3.
 

SS 278 International Politics

3 s.h.

This course examines the new patterns of relations that have developed among nation-states, intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the post-Cold War period. The focus will be on the increasing regionalization and globalization of governmental and non-governmental organizations and movements and their effects on world stability and on the lives of average citizens. Using the new and competing models of world politics, students will focus on: the roles of the state and individuals in developing foreign policies; the increasing role of NGOs (from human rights groups to international terrorist groups) in shaping the actions of states; wars and conflict management; and the global economy and the divide between “North and South.â€� Students will also examine specific global issues such as: AIDS, pollution, human rights, workers rights, and terrorism. Hours of class per week: 3. General Education: S. 
 

 

SS 280 Public Policy

SP 3 s.h.

This course examines what governments do and don't do to deal with the perceived social problems of the nation. The study progresses in the following fashion: 1) an analysis of what "policy" is; 2) a comparison of the way liberals, conservatives, and radicals identify and define social issues and the role they believe the government should play in solving the problems; 3) an examination of the policy-making process; and 4) a discussion of the existing and possible alternative policies designed to deal with the issues related to crime, welfare, education, health, economic growth, and affirmative action. Hours of class per week: 3.
 

SS 282 American Political System

3 s.h.

The purpose of this study is to examine the various political and governmental structures that make up the American political system: political culture, constitutional arrangements, public opinion, pressure groups, political parties, elections, Congress, president, courts, and bureaucracy. The major theme of this study is the understanding that since the American political system was intentionally designed to make it difficult for any one individual or group to govern effectively, public policies are usually the results of compromises; hence, the final outcome is less than any one wishes. Hoping to make the student a realistic observer of the process, the course explores, then, how the "system" affects the relationship between the promises and the performances of elected officials. Hours of class per week: 3. General Education: S.

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Psychology

SS 210 Forensic Psychology

3 s.h.

The science of psychology as applied to the legal domain. The course examines the relationship between psychology, criminality, and the legal context in which forensic psychology is practiced. The course is concerned with the prevention, detection, and reduction of crime. Prerequisite: SS291 (292 recommended). Hours of class per week: 3. General Education: S.

SS 291 General Psychology

3 s.h.

This course is intended to acquaint students with the discipline of psychology, the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Given the complex nature of its subject matter, the topics addressed by psychologists are wide-ranging. They may include any of the following: the history and systems of psychology, the scientific method, the brain and nervous system, sensation and perception, states of consciousness, motivation and emotion, learning, problem-solving, life-span development, personality, social psychology, cultural diversity, adjustment, health psychology, mental illness, counseling and psychotherapy. Hours of class per week: 3. General Education: S.
 

SS 292 Abnormal Psychology 3 s.h.

A biological, psychosocial and socio-cultural approach structured around the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition), (DSMIV). The course stresses the nature, causes, and treatment of these maladaptive behaviors. It investigates historical information, clinical assessment, and biologically based and psychologically based therapies. Prerequisite: SS291 or permission of instructor. Hours of class per week: 3.
 

SS 297 Developmental Psychology

3 s.h.

A systematic examination of the patterns of development and behavior changes that occur during each of the principal stages of life: childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. Attention is given to cultural and social, as well as genetic forces affecting human development. Prerequisite: SS291 or permission of instructor. Hours of class per week: 3.
 

SS 298 Child Development SP 3 s.h.

A study of the person from conception through adolescence, including cognitive, physical, emotional, moral, and social phases of development. Prerequisite: SS291 or permission of instructor. Hours of class per week: 3.

SS 299 Adolescent Development 3 s.h.

Focus on the physical, cognitive, social, andm oral developments of adolescents, and on contemporary adolescent problems and issues. This course provides a more comprehensive and in-depth examination of adolescent development than currently covered in SS298 Child Development. Prerequisite: SS291 or permission of instructor. Hours of class per week: 3.

SS 384 Personality Theories

3 s.h.

A study of personality as a theoretical construct that includes an organized system of structures and processes. Major models and how they are derived are used to pursue basic concepts of personality. Prerequisites: SS 291, 297 or permission of instructor. Hours of class per week: 3.

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Sociology

SS 208 Juvenile Delinquency SP 3 s.h.
A consideration of the methods and philosophy of the juvenile court system, police programs for the prevention and control of juvenile delinquency, and the role of various social work agencies in the care and treatment of juveniles. Special attention given to police techniques used in handling juveniles, with special emphasis on the use of existing community resources. The course examines prevailing professional philosophy, existing law, public policy, and knowledge of current delinquent behavior theories. Prerequisite: SS 281, SS 291. Hours of class per week: 3.
 
SS 209 Criminology FA 3 s.h.

A survey of the nature and scope of prevalent forms of criminology. The course considers the major theories of criminal conduct drawn from psychological, social and cultural modes of explanation. It includes a discussion of various classifications and topologies and the role of crime statistics, as well as the relevance of these factors for understanding, prevention, control and prediction. Prerequisite: SS 281, SS 291. Hours of class per week: 3.
 

SS 237 Human Sexuality

3 s.h.

An examination of sexual development, with a view toward patterns that are self actualizing. Some of the areas of study are human sexuality as one expression of our personality, functions of the anatomy involved in reproduction and sexuality, birth control, family planning, pregnancy and childbirth, STD's, HIV, coercive behavior, courtship, relationship, marriage, parenthood, and sexuality through the life cycle. Hours of class per week: 3.
 

SS 264 Diversity in America

SP 3 s.h.

This course examines the sociological concepts and principles that help determine the nature of inter-group relations, especially the outcomes of dominant-subordinate relationships. These concepts and principles are then applied to the American experiences of ethnic, religious and racial minority groups. Prerequisite: None. (SS 281 recommended). Hours of class per week: 3. General Education: S.
 

SS 281 Introduction to Sociology

3 s.h.

An introductory course designed to acquaint the student with the study of sociology as one of the sciences that deals with the relationship between individuals and the wider society. The methods and objectives of sociological research, the varying patterns of social organization, and the study of society in relation to individual and group behavior are major areas of study. Hours of class per week: 3. General Education: S.

 

 

SS 294 The Sociology of Families

FA 3 s.h.

An examination and analysis of marriage and family from an interdisciplinary perspective. The course attempts to communicate information, theories, and ideas about marriage and family as a social institution. Issues may include: cross-cultural variations of marital and family types, gender roles, love, mate selection, parenting, the challenges of combining work and marriage, communication in marriage, family crises such as violence and divorce, and factors behind lasting relationships. Students are encouraged to make connections between the course material and their own experiences. Students are also encouraged to develop their own questions and answers about marriage and family through assignments and class discussions. Prerequisite: SS 281 or permission of instructor. Hours of class per week: 3.
 

SS 386 Deviant Behavior and Social Control

SP 3 s.h.

The course presents and analyzes a variety of definitions, concepts, and key theoretical perspectives in an effort to increase student knowledge and understanding of the multiple ways that deviant behavior may be defined, explained, and interpreted. Each perspective also offers suggestions for resolving the "problem" of deviant behavior in society. The course reviews such suggestions and weighs their respective advantages and disadvantages. It also analyzes (and applies these perspectives to) different forms of deviant behavior and conditions. Students are encouraged to develop their own questions and answers about deviance through assignments, class discussions, and presentations. Prerequisite: SS 281 or permission of the instructor. Hours of class per week: 3.
 

SS 387 Social Psychology

3 s.h.

Human social behavior. A scientific attempt to understand and explain how the thought, feeling, and behavior of individuals are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of others. The study of people-loving, hating, working, helping, trusting, fighting, communicating. Prerequisite: 3 credit hours of Sociology or Psychology. Hours of class per week: 3.

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Interdisciplinary

SS 290 Special Topics in the Social Sciences

3 s.h.

An examination, using the methodology of the social sciences, of a subject not covered extensively in other Social Science courses. Topics vary with each offering but frequently involve interdisciplinary and multicultural perspectives. Specific topic are announced before pre-registration. The course may be repeated for credit, but prior topics may not be repeated for additional credit. Prerequisite: Any two SS courses. Hours of class per week: 3.

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