SOCIAL SCIENCE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

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SOS 231 INTRODUCTION TO THE SOCIAL SCIENCES 3 SEM. HRS.
This course broadly introduces the student to the social sciences (history, political science, geography, economics, sociology, anthropology, and psychology). It emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to heighten the student's appreciation of the interdependence of the social sciences.

SOS 330 INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS 3 SEM. HRS.
Orientation to the principles and practices of statistical analyses. Computation and graphic presentation of statistics
will be emphasized as well as use of the computer in statistical analysis. (Same as BEC 330)

SOS 335 SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH METHODS 3 SEM. HRS.
The Research Methods in Social Science is designed to expose students to the basics of the scientific method. Students are introduced to the basic steps related to exploration of research methods to include: formulation of a research problem; review of the related literature; study of survey research design; analysis of data and discussion of findings based on scientific evidence. Data analysis is required using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). The tools for a researchable project and/or fundable grant proposal are provided to students. Prerequisite: SOS 330, ENG 332

SOS 360 STUDY ABROAD (ELECTIVE) 6 SEM. HRS.
A practical international experience of studying the history and culture of a foreign country via traveling and studying abroad.

SOS 460 STUDY ABROAD (ELECTIVE) 6 SEM. HRS.
An individualize study abroad research experience that allows students to engage in research, formal classroom study and serves as a participant observer while gaining valuable experience abroad. Qualified professionals will direct students that are engaged in this international research and or internship experience.

SOS 412 SENIOR COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW SEMINAR 1 SEM HR.
A seminar designed for seniors in social science to engage in review sessions in their major area of study. Review sessions intended on preparing majors for various standardized notional examinations and for the Social Science Senior Examination.

SOS 423 SENIOR THESIS 2 SEM. HRS.
This course requires students completing their degree in the Social Sciences to develop, write and defend a research thesis paper utilizing the scientific method of inquiry. The senior thesis is the culmination of a research project/proposal developed in conjunction with social science faculty member/s during the course Current Issues (PLS 431; SOS 431; SOW 431; HIS 431), within their major discipline (Political Science, Sociology, Social Work, Social Science).

>>> POLITICAL SCIENCE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

PLS 231 INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN GOVERNMENT 3 SEM. HRS.
This course will analyze the functions of the three branches of the federal government and focus on how the federal branches of government relate to state/local governments.

PLS 232 STATE AND LOCAL POLITICS 3 SEM. HRS.
An examination will be made of the political structures and processes at the state and local level, and their interrelationships with the national government. Prerequisite: PLS 231

PLS 233 COMPARATIVE POLITICS 3 SEM. HRS.
Political institutions in selected countries will be compared. Attention will be devoted to ideology, government structures, and the relationship between political authorities and the people. Focus will be placed on a comparison of
the political processes of different political systems. Prerequisite: PLS 232

PLS 234 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 3 SEM. HRS.
This course introduces the basic principles of international politics and factors that determine the relationship between leading actors in the international system. Additionally, a comparative structural-functional analysis of the political process of developing and relatively new political systems will be conducted. Prerequisite: PLS 232

PLS 331 INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 3 SEM. HRS.
This is a study of the basic principles of public administration, with an analysis of problems of bureaucracy, organization, financial management and public control. Prerequisite: PLS 234

PLS 332 POLITICAL BEHAVIOR AND PARTIES 3 SEM. HRS.
This course studies why and how people behave politically and the influence of political parties and interest groups within the American political system. Prerequisite: PLS 234

PLS 333 POLITICAL THEORY 3 SEM. HRS.
A comprehensive survey is made in this course of the historical origins and development of western political thought
from the Greeks until today. Prerequisite: PLS 331

PLS 334 CONSTITUTIONAL LAW 3 SEM. HRS.
Selected themes will be examined as they relate to the historical development of the American Constitution and its interpretation by the Supreme Court. Emphasis will be placed on issues of constitutional legitimacy, judicial review,
federalism, separation of powers, property rights, civil rights and liberties. Prerequisite: PLS 331

PLS 335 INTRODUCTION TO AFRICIAN AMERICAN POLITICS 3 SEM. HRS.
This course will introduce students to both historical and contemporary trends in African-American political behavior. Particular emphasis is given to the attitudes, ideologies, and institutions, which structure African American political behavior. The course highlights the forces underlying the attitudes and behaviors, which influence political ideologies and mobilization. Prerequisite: PLS 333.

PLS 431 SEMINAR ON CURRENT ISSUES IN POLITICS 3 SEM. HRS.
This is the senior capstone course for political science majors designed to involve students in careful analysis of current political issues. This course also provides the direction for the final preparation for the completion of the senior paper project. Prerequisite: PLS 334, ENG 332, SOS 335 and senior status.

PLS 432/CRJ 332 CRIMINAL LAW 3 SEM. HRS.
This course introduces the student to the social, political and psychological perspectives of criminal law It offers an analysis of factors necessary to establish proof of a crime and the limits of the law. Prerequisite: PLS 334

PLS 433 BLACK POLITICAL THOUGHT & MOVEMENT 3 SEM. HRS.
The course introduces students to the various political movements of African-American from the 1700's until today. Students will examine and analyze a sundry of movements for social and economic change in the United States.
Prerequisite: PLS 334

PLS 434 URBAN GOVERNMENT & ADMINISTRATION 3 SEM. HRS.
A study will be undertaken of the function and role of urban government; administrative organizations and control;
electoral party systems and popular control and of contemporary problems in urban government. Prerequisite: PLS
334.

PLS 435 LAW & LEGAL STUDIES 3 SEM. HRS.
This course is designed to acquaint students with fundamental principals of law and legal studies. Students will gain
experience in writing briefs of cases and analyzing legal problems. Prerequisite: SOC 330; SOS 335; PLS 334

PLS 460 INTERNSHIP IN POLITICAL SCIENCE 6 SEM HRS.
Internship experience(s) in public administration and politics will be administered through the Internship Program.
Prerequisite: Completion of at least eight (8) core courses, a minimum of 2.00 cumulative GPA.

>>> SOCIOLOGY COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

SOC 231 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY 3 SEM. HRS.
The student is introduced to the scientific study of social life. The course emphasizes the understanding of social structure, interaction, and other collective factors in interpersonal relations.

SOC 232 CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY 3 SEM. HRS.
The course explores the origin, development, and functioning of cultures. Social structures and social behaviors in various societies around the world are examined. The relationship between culture and personality is analyzed.

SOC 233 SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY 3 SEM. HRS.
The theoretical traditions in sociology are over viewed. Selected concepts and theories forming the basis of contemporary sociological theory and research are examined in detail. Prerequisite: SOC 231 or SOC 232.

SOC 234 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 3 SEM. HRS.
The focus is on understanding how human behavior is shaped by the social context. Human behavior is analyzed as a product of social interaction, social perceptions, and conformity to social roles. Prerequisite: SOC 233.

SOC330/CJR 231 INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE 3 SEM. HRS.
A survey course designed to provide a general theoretical understanding of crime problems in the United States. Special attention is given to the criminal justice system, the source of crime and society's reaction to crime. Prerequisite: SOC231 and SOC 233.

SOC 331 SOCIAL STRATIFICATION 3 SEM. HRS.
The course overviews the conceptual framework used in studying social inequality: class, status, and power. Special attention is given to structured inequalities in economic standing, occupational prestige, educational achievement,
and political power. The ascribed characteristics of race, ethnicity, and gender are a central concern. Prerequisite:
SOC 231 (Majors SOC 234).

SOC 332 THE BLACK FAMILY 3 SEM. HRS.
This course examines and critiques the American family. However, a critical study of the structure and function of the Black family as a whole, as well as the processes which compose and define it, and its relations with its members and forces external to it is analyzed. Prerequisite: SOS 231 (Majors SOC 331).

SOC 333 DEVIANCE 3 SEM. HRS.
Sociology principles and insights are applied to concrete areas of social life which are commonly referred to as deviant. Topics include: domestic violence, property crimes, deviant drug use, mental disorders, and sexual deviance. Prerequisite: SOC 233 and SOC 331.

SOC 335 POPULATION, RESOURCES, AND CHANGE 3 SEM. HRS.
The interrelations among population variables (size, composition, and change), social systems, and environmental
conditions will be explored from an issues or problems approach. The tools of population studies will be introduced
and used to examine how demography influences society and mankind's use of the environment. Prerequisite:
Twelve hours of sociology, or equivalent social science background, and BEC 231.

SOC 431 SEMINAR ON CURRENT SOCIOLOGICAL ISSUES 3 SEM. HRS.
This is a capstone course surveying recent theories and research on sociological issues. A writing intensive course designed for preparation of the senior paper project. This course also provides the direction for the final preparation
for the completion of the senior paper project. Prerequisites: SOS 335, ENG 332 SOC 334 and senior status.

SOC 435 COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION THEORY 3 SEM. HRS.
The course explores the theoretical basis of the community, and the application of theory to community development. Social techniques of community improvement are surveyed. Prerequisite: SOC 234, 331 and 332.

SOC 460 INTERNSHIP 6 SEM. HRS.
This course provides supervised internship with private and government agencies and organizations. Seminar papers on the internship experience are required. Prerequisite: at least six courses in Sociology.

>>> HISTORY COURSE DESCRIPTION

HIS 133 AFRICIAN DIASPORA I 3 SEM. HRS.
This course traces the origins of human civilization from its early beginnings in Africa to global dispersal to other parts of the world. The course explores the historical development of Africa, Europe, Asia and North America and investigates their accomplishments and failures. The course heavily emphasizes the African influence on world historical events as it investigates diverse civilizations across the globe.

HIS 134 AFRICIAN DIASPORA II 3 SEM. HRS.
This course is designed to examine the historical experience of America from an African American perspective. The
social, cultural, political, and economic history of the United States of America will be studied. The course will cover the history of the United States from colonization to the present. Objectives on the Praxis II specialty area test in American History are covered in 132.

HIS 230 INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHY 3 SEM. HRS.
The physical and cultural geographic destinations of the earth will be examined in this course in order to develop student's skills and understanding of map reading, the different climate region of the world, latitude, longitude, diversity and globalization.

HIS 231 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES I 3 SEM. HRS.
This course covers the social, economic, and political history of the United States of America from the first humans who lived in North America until Reconstruction. Major historical issues and the historiography of significant people, places and events are investigated. Moreover, taking an interdisciplinary approach student will be introduced to the literature, political culture, and hierarchical structures in antebellum American society.

HIS 232 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES II 3 SEM. HRS.
This course covers the social, economic, and political history of the United States of America from Reconstruction to contemporary times. Major historical issues and the historiography of significant people, places and events are investigated. Moreover, taking an interdisciplinary approach student will be introduced to the literature, social issues, political culture, and hierarchical structures in contemporary American Society.

HIS 235 AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY 3 SEM. HRS.
An historical survey of the experience of Black People in the United States. Special emphasis is given to both the Black Americans individual and group contributions to the development of American civilization.

HIS 234 MISSISSIPPI HISTORY 3 SEM. HRS.
This course covers the social, political, cultural and economic history of the state of Mississippi from colonization to the present. More specifically, the physical geography, diverse racial groups and cultures, significant turning points in the state's history, and the contemporary political and social landscape are analyzed in this course. The gain a greater understanding of the place and the people students are required to engage in primary source research utilizing historical methods.

HIS 333 HISTORY OF EUROPE I 3 SEM. HRS.
This course traces the evolution of early modern Europe with emphasis on major social, religious, intellectual and political histories of the Middle Ages. Our focus is on institutions such as feudalism, manonialism. It traces events such as the Renaissance, Reformation, secularism and the decline of feudalism. It also looks at the growing links of Europe with other cultures and its impact on Africa and the New World.

HIS 334 HISTORY OF EUROPE II 3 SEM. HRS.
Emphasizes the emergence of modern Europe by tracing the rise of nation states, the establishment of western global hegemony, anti-European and anti-Colonial movements of the twentieth century. It also examines global interconnectedness in the twentieth century in an often bitterly divided world. It also examines global efforts to insure
peace and avoid cataclysmic confrontations in the future. Prerequisite: HIS 333.

HIS 335 THE HISTORICAL CONTOURS OF RURAL HEALTH LITERACY 3 SEM. HRS.
The primary focus of this course is to introduce students to the social, political and economic factors that have historically affected Southern living in rural areas understanding of their personal, community and environmental health. This course will examine the experiences of poor whites, blacks, Native Americans, women and immigrant groups living in the American South while investigating their attempts to create healthy living spaces and the shortcomings relative to this effort. The legacy of these public health movements will be assessed in an effort to analyze the contemporary state of rural health literacy in the South.

HIS 431 CURRENT ISSUES IN HISTORY 3 SEM. HRS.
This course is a research intensive senior capstone class where students will engage in archival research, conduct oral interviews, and apply historical methods of conducting research. More specifically, students will analyze the current issues and nuances in the study of the field of history while utilizing theoretical and interdisciplinary approaches to conducting research and studying history. Prerequisite: Senior status courses in History; SOS 335 and ENG 332.

HIS 432 SURVEY OF AFRICAN HISTORY 3 SEM. HRS.
This course is designed as a survey of African institutions, ideas and personalities providing an intimate glimpse into the African way of life, traditions and institutions. The course emphasizes personalities and forces that shape African history from earliest times, while it gives a meaningful taste of African culture. It also emphasizes the role Africa played in the interconnectedness of the world and how it impacts the continent. Prerequisite: HIS 231, 334.

HIS 460 INTERNSHIP 6 SEM HRS.
This course provides supervised internship with private and government agencies and organizations. Seminar papers on the internship experience are required. Prerequisite: at least six courses in History.

>>> CRIMINAL JUSTICE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

CRM 231/SOC 330 INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINOLOGY 3 SEM. HRS.
A survey course designed to provide a general theoretical understanding of the criminal justice system, the source of crime and society's reaction to crime. Students will be able to explain the inter-dependent operations of the major components of the criminal justice system and the political, legal, and ethical environments in which they operate.

CRM 232 INTRODUCTION TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CORRECTIONS 3 SEM. HRS.
This course focuses on the role and function of police, jails and prisons. Police in contemporary society are examined, the problems arising between citizens and police from the enforcement of laws, the limitations of police and the methodologies used by the police to execute their job will be examined. The composition and social organization of jails and prison populations; detention, conditions of confinement, sentencing and classification will be analyzed.

CRM 233 JUVENILE OFFENDERS & JUSTICE 3 SEM. HRS.
This course is designed to examine the juvenile justice system and the handling of juvenile delinquents in the United States. Specific attention is devoted to the history of the juvenile justice system and current police, court and correctional policies and practices and programs pertaining to juvenile offenders. Prerequisite CRMJ 231

CRM 234 FUNDAMENTALS OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION 3 SEM HRS.
This course covers the fundamentals of criminal investigations, search, collection, preservation and recording at the crime scene, sources of information, physical and chemical analysis comparison techniques, case preparation and interviewing and interrogation techniques. Prerequisite CRMJ 233.

CRM 331 PENOLOGY 3 SEM HRS.
This course provides a survey of theories and practices in penology and programs for the social treatment of criminals. The penal institutions in their physical, educational, and social aspects are discussed. The historical contexts and associated ideologies that gave rise to specific punishment policies, practices, and reforms are examined). Prerequisites CRMJ 233.

CRM 332 CRIMINAL LAW 3 SEM. HRS.
This course introduces the student to the social, political and psychological perspectives of criminal taw. It offers an analysis of factors necessary to establish proof of a crime and the limits of the law. Prerequisite CRMJ 234.

CRM 333 PROBATION AND PAROLE 3 SEM. HRS.
This course will study the structure, organization, and operation of probation and parole services. The processes of probation and parole, in the United States in terms of its historical development, philosophy and standards; attention is focused on the utilization of parole and probation as tools of social control with special emphasis on the implications of the philosophical impact of probation and parole in field practices. Prerequisite: CRMJ 332.

>>> SOCIAL WORK COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

SOW 231 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WELFARE 3 SEM. HRS
This course examines the historical development and the philosophical underpinnings of social welfare and the profession of social work. It explores the relationship between social welfare as an institution and discipline and its relation to other human services and helping professions with emphasis on positive strategies in the context of core social work values, ethics, practice skills and knowledge base of today's social worker.

SOW 232 COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERISM IN SOCIAL WORK 3 SEM. HRS.
This course is designed for students considering a major in the social work profession or having an interest in volunteer community service. An introduction to social service agencies and the function of social workers in the local community is provided. Students are provided an opportunity to volunteer in various social service agencies as they explore and survey literature regarding social service systems. Special emphasis is placed on social work fields of practice, the role of the social worker and self-awareness.

SOW 233 HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT I 3 SEM. HRS.
Theories of human behavior and the social environment are examined. The course examines human behavior from a biological, psychological , social perspective. Human behavior across the life course is with emphasis on micro systems with concern to the influence of diversity and oppression. This course investigates interactions and the development of humans from conception through early adulthood viewing behavior from a social systems perspective. Prerequisite: Bio 130.

SOW 234 HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT II 3 SEM. HRS.
The development of people from early adulthood through old age, using a social systems perspective and the influence on behavior based on interactions with families, groups, communities and Institutions. The course builds on the Human Behavior and the Social Environment I using a macro and mezzo level of systems theory. Theories are examined using core competencies of ethical principles in social work practice, incorporating diversity and the application related to knowledge of human behavior and the social environment. Prerequisite: SOW 233.

SOW 330 SOCIAL WELFARE PROBLEMS 3 SEM. HRS
Social conditions affecting the aggregate population within a society is discussed. The sociological theories that define social problems are considered and the historical perspectives of selected social problems are explored. There is also a careful review of social policies designed to resolves those problems that adversely affect community well being.

SOW 331 GENERALIST PRACTICE I 3 SEM. HRS.
Social Work Practice I is the first in a series of three courses. This course explores micro level systems. Practice I introduces professional social work skills with a generalist perspective utilizing theories, methods and practice in working with individuals, and families. It explores the function of social work in relations to the direct delivery of social services. Documentation, assessment, networking, and the development and use of resources are examined with particular emphasis on application of ethical principles and diversity of differences in practice on a micro level. Prerequisite: SOW 233 & 234.

SOW 332 GENERALIST PRACTICE II 3 SEM. HRS.
Generalist Practice II is the second course in a series of three practice courses. This course explores theories and practice approaches on the mezzo level. Social work skills with particular focus on group dynamics and group settings within the social environment is emphasized from an ecological and systems framework. Mezzo level of practice includes medium sized systems of secondary social systems such as reference, peer and support groups. Exploring the impact of discrimination and oppression on populations at risk along with problem solving and intervention strategies is taught. Students are asked to engage in laboratory work which includes role playing, simulations and videotaping as an integral part of the course. Prerequisite: SOW 331.

SOW 333 GENERALIST PRACTICE III 3 SEM. HRS.
Generalist Practice III is the third and final course in this series of practice courses. Social work practice with macro level systems is taught from a generalist perspective. With these large size systems emphasis is on theories, methods and techniques of practice skills used in working with communities, organizations, and other large-sized populations for example, neighborhoods, agencies, schools and other programs within a community context. Approaches and change strategies such as mobilization, social action, citizen participation, advocacy and service development is taught. Laboratory work includes structured events, simulations, writing proposals for change and organizing conferences as part of the course requirement. Prerequisite: SOW 332.

SOW 335 SOCIAL/ HEALTH ISSUES/ELDERLY 3 SEM HRS.
An assessment of social, psychological, physical and economic needs of aging persons; examination of different social work practice models available for the elderly and their utilization of services. Emphasis is on understanding psychosocial aspects of illness, medical terminology, recording, discharging planning, ethics, team disciplines, end of life care services and community resources.

SOW 430 FIELD PRACTICUM SEMINAR 3 SEM. HRS.
The course ensures the educational direction of the field experience is directed in relationship to the generalist perspective and entry level for the social work student. Students are provided an opportunity to compare their practice experiences and integrate generalist knowledge, skills and values acquired in foundation courses with the field practicum experience. Prerequisite: SOW 333. Taken with approval of the Social Work Faculty. Must be taken concurrently with SOW 490.

SOW 431 CURRENT ISSUES IN SOCIAL WORK I 3 SEM. HRS.
This capstone course allows students to engage in critical evaluation of a specific issue in social work. Students identify a research problem and execute a study using the scientific method process of the social sciences. The process promotes the engagement of research informed practice and practice informed research. A research project must be completed that provides the final preparation for a senior thesis paper or project. Prerequisite: SOS 335, Senior status and approval of instructor.

SOW 432 RURAL SOCIAL SERVICE DELIVERY (ELECTIVE) 3 SEM. HRS.
Methods and skills in the delivery of social services to rural populations. The course teaches students to develop and implement needs assessment in order to promote culturally sensitive intervention programs. An analysis of programs
and policies effecting rural communities is introduced. Prerequisite SOS 431 or by consent of instructor.

SOW 433 SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY 3 SEM. HRS.
This course assesses the current social welfare policies related to strategies for change that advances social and economic justice for groups, organizations, and communities. Models for understanding intent, adequacy, effectiveness, costs and equity are examined within contexts and with reference to diverse groups.. The relationship of policies as a cause and potential solution for addressing social ills is examined through analysis of selected social welfare policies. Prerequisite: SOW 231 & 330.

SOW 434 CHILD WELFARE SERVICES 3 SEM. HRS.
Students examine social service systems that exist and those that are needed for children who are dependent, neglected, abused, or delinquent. Assessment of parental and societal responsibility in meeting physical, social, psychological, and legal needs of children and examination of the delivery, policies, systems, and services is emphasized. A seminar for the community is developed by the student and presented. Prerequisite: SOW 333 or by consent of instructor.

SOW 435 CURRENT ISSUES IN SOCIAL WORK II (ELECTIVE) 3 SEM. HRS.
Students having completed SOW 431 with an interest in pursuing additional research on a thesis topic and working toward a paper for a professional presentation or publication are admitted to this course. The purpose of the course is
to advance research efforts and improving student writing toward a Social Work issue. Prerequisite SOW 431 or by
consent of instructor.

SOW 437 PROFESSIONAL ETHICS IN SOCIAL WORK 3 SEM. HRS.
This course is designed to provide a comprehensive, systematic approach to information relevant to ethical responsibilities in the social work profession. Students will be expected to demonstrate basic competency in practice
while reviewing theories and skills based on cumulative knowledge from the social work curriculum. The engagement of student through technologically assisted course work will examine and assess students' skill level. Knowledge based examination of substantive information in social work practices on varied levels (micro, mezzo and macro) will emphasize the development of ethical reasoning, ability to address moral problems and dilemmas and decision making skills. Prerequisite: SOW 333 &433 or with permission of instructor.

SOW 490 SOCIAL WORK FIELD PRACTICUM 9 SEM. HRS.
This course provides students the opportunity to apply generalist social work practice methods by completing a minimum of 500 hours under the supervision of an agency field instructor. The student learns social work tasks and functions while applying theory to actual social work situations. Learning experiences include direct work with individuals, groups, families, and communities. Students participate in an on-campus seminar with other social work majors during field experience. Prerequisite: SOW 333. Taken with approval of the Social Work Faculty. Must be taken concurrently with SOW 430.