MWCC College Catalog 2008-2009 — Sociology
SOC103 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY
3 credits
Students are introduced to the scientific study of society through the consideration
of basic sociological concepts and theories. Some of the concepts covered
will include culture, gender, class, race, politics, deviance, crime, education,
family, and mass media. Students will gain an understanding of the sociological
perspective and gain the tools to comprehend the connection between their
own lives and the broader social world around them. Prerequisites: ENG100,
RDG100 or placement. Fall and spring.
SOC125 GENDER ISSUES
3 credits
This course examines the social forces that influence the lives of men and
women. One theme is that gender is a social formation. A second theme is
that race and class relations intersect with gender relations to produce
difference and inequality. Issues covered in this class will include gender
identity, sexuality, body image, work, and intimate relationships.
Prerequisites: ENG100, RDG100 or placement. Fall.
SOC129 DRUG USE AND ABUSE IN AMERICAN SOCIETY
3 credits
This course offers a sociological analysis of the drug problem in the United
States and the consequences of drug addiction to individuals and society.
It includes a factual exploration of selected drug types, reasons for use,
drug laws, and drug treatment programs. Prerequisite: SOC103.
SOC205 SOCIAL PROBLEMS
3 credits
Students are exposed to major problem areas such as crime and delinquency,
poverty, racial bias, family, and education issues by evaluating their magnitude,
their development, and society’s attempts to alleviate the problems.
Prerequisite: SOC103. Spring.
SOC206 MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY
3 credits
This course examines how families are constructed and the relationship between
families and larger social forces. Students will explore the range of forms
families take, ideologies surrounding the family, violence within families,
and the ways that paid work, unpaid work, and government policies shape families.
Prerequisite: ENG100, RDG100 or placement. Fall and spring.
SOC208 JUVENILE DELINQUENCY
3 credits
This course presents an overview of the nature of the adolescent offender and
the juvenile justice system. Students will study various theories of delinquent
behavior, social forces that affect delinquency, the origins and philosophy
of the juvenile justice system, and current methods of preventing and treating
delinquency. Prerequisite: SOC103. Fall.
SOC210 CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT IN AMERICAN SOCIETY
3 credits
Students investigate the growing problem of child abuse and neglect in American
society. Psychodynamic and sociocultural factors that contribute to child
abuse will be considered with an emphasis on prevention, reporting of abuse
cases, intervention, and treatment. Prerequisite: SOC103. Spring.
SOC212 VICTIMOLOGY
3 credits
This course presents an overview of the emerging field of victimology, and the
scientific study of crime victims. It looks at the extent of victimization,
demographic patterns influencing the likelihood of victimization, and the
social and psychological effects of being a crime victim. Special categories
are examined, including victims of family violence, the elderly, sexual assault
victims, child victims, homicide victims and their survivors, victims of
hate crimes, and victims of terrorism. The course also covers the legal rights
of victims, their treatment within the criminal justice system, and the range
of civil remedies and social service programs available to victims, both
nationally and in Massachusetts. Prerequisite: SOC103. Fall.