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IAI General Education Social and Behavioral Sciences Course Descriptions

Courses can be taken from the same identifier as long as the course outcomes are different.

Shortcuts to course description subsections:

D- Courses designed specifically to examine aspects of human diversity within the United States.

N- Courses designed specifically to examine aspects of human diversity from a non-Western perspective.

Anthropology

Anthropology focuses on the concept and characteristics of human culture, including the relationship between language and thought, between the individual and society, and between patterns of sexuality, marriage, and family organization in relation to the culture as a whole, as well as on the processes of variation and adaptation that create biological and cultural diversity in time and space. Upon satisfactory completion of one or more anthropology courses, students will:

  • summarize the assumptions and history and distinguish the perspective of anthropology and its subfields: sociocultural anthropology, physical anthropology, archaeology, linguistic anthropology, and applied anthropology;
  • demonstrate how anthropological information can help identify and solve social problems using basic research methods, including field work, documents, Human Relations Area Files, and archaeological techniques within the structure of the scientific method;
  • develop a holistic, cross-cultural perspective in order to gain an appreciation of cultural similarities and differences and enhance intercultural sensitivity; and
  • describe the on-going evolution of ethical standards guiding research and the treatment of artifacts and human remains.

Reviewed in Fall 2024 - No changes
Revised 10/27/2017 - Effective Spring 2018

S1900N: Introduction to Anthropology (3-semester credits)
Introduction to the nature of humans and their development and relationship to the physical and social environment today and in the past. Surveys the major subfields of: anthropology, cultural anthropology, physical anthropology, archaeology, and linguistics.
Reviewed in Fall 2024 - No changes
Reviewed Fall 2017 - Remains unchanged

S1901N: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3-semester credits)
Introduction to culture in all its diversity as a set of meaningful social practices and ideas, ranging from inclusive and adaptive aspects, to exclusionary and hierarchical domains. Encompasses globalization, social organization, political systems, technology, economics, religion, and language as used by various peoples, both past and present.
Revised wording to bring course content into alignment with current discipline  expectations. - Fall 2024 - 10/18/2024, Effective Spring 2025
Minor Revision 04/05/2018 - Effective Fall 2018

S1902: Introduction to Physical Anthropology (3-4 semester credits)
Explores human origins, fossil records, human adaptation and variation, population genetics and human kind's place in world ecology.
Reviewed in Fall 2024 - No changes
Previous Revision - 3/16/2023 - Credit hours changed to range of 3 to 4 credit hours to accommodate 1 credit hour supplemental lab or discussion hour. The course must clearly encompass the normal 3 credit hour lecture plus the 1 credit hour lab or discussion session/workshop.
Reviewed Fall 2017 - Remains unchanged

S1903: Introduction to Archaeology (3-4 semester credits)
Introduces concepts, principles, and methods used to reconstruct cultural history and prehistory. Explores sequences of cultural development that have been learned through archaeological analysis.
Reviewed in Fall 2024 - No changes
Current Revision - 3/16/2023 - Credit hours changed to range of 3 to 4 credit hours to accommodate 1 credit hour supplemental lab or discussion hour. The course must clearly encompass the normal 3 credit hour lecture plus the 1 credit hour lab or discussion session/workshop.
Reviewed in Fall 2024 - No changes
Reviewed Fall 2017 - Remains unchanged

S1904D: Applied Anthropology (3-semester credits)
Explores the application of anthropological concepts, techniques and information to understanding and solving modern problems. Discusses the relevance of anthropology to development issues and to address concerns within various career fields.
Reviewed in Fall 2024 - No changes
Revised 10/27/2017 - Effective Spring 2018

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Economics

 Economics is concerned with the allocation of scarce resources to achieve the maximum satisfaction of unlimited wants. Upon satisfactory completion of one or more economics courses, students will:

  • demonstrate knowledge of the theories, tools, and methods of economic analysis;
  • apply economic principles in the analysis of economic problems and policies;
  • identify the major economic institutions and describe their operation and inter-relationships;
  • analyze those aspects of human behavior, both individual and social, through which the economic problem is addressed; and
  • describe the different economic systems into which societies organize themselves to deal with the economic problem.

Reviewed Fall 2017 - Remains unchanged

S3900: Principles of Economics (3-4 semester credits)
Introduction to national income theories, price theories and behavior of the firm under varying economic conditions. Includes the economic roles of business, government and households; economic fluctuations and growth; money and banking; and international economics.
Current Revision - 3/16/2023 - Credit hours changed to range of 3 to 4 credit hours to accommodate 1 credit hour supplemental lab or discussion hour. The course must clearly encompass the normal 3 credit hour lecture plus the 1 credit hour lab or discussion session/workshop.
Reviewed Fall 2017 - Remains unchanged

S3901: Principles of Macroeconomics (3-4 semester credits)
Introduction to national income theories, economic fluctuations and growth, money and banking, and international economics. Policies on the acceptance of AP credit vary among academic programs and from institution to institution, so AP credit toward the GECC or major requirements is not guaranteed. A score of 3 or higher on the AP Macroeconomics exam may be considered as equivalent to successful completion of post-secondary courses approved for IAI GECC S3 901. Feb 2016
 Current Revision - 3/16/2023 - Credit hours changed to range of 3 to 4 credit hours to accommodate 1 credit hour supplemental lab or discussion hour. The course must clearly encompass the normal 3 credit hour lecture plus the 1 credit hour lab or discussion session/workshop.
Reviewed Fall 2017 - Remains unchanged

S3902: Principles of Microeconomics (3-4 semester credits)
Introduction to price theories, the behavior of the firm under varying market conditions and the behavior of the consumer. Policies on the acceptance of AP credit vary among academic programs and from institution to institution, so AP credit toward the GECC or major requirements is not guaranteed. A score of 3 or higher on the AP Microeconomics exam may be considered as equivalent to successful completion of post-secondary courses approved for IAI GECC S3 902. Feb 2016
 Current Revision - 3/16/2023 - Credit hours changed to range of 3 to 4 credit hours to accommodate 1 credit hour supplemental lab or discussion hour. The course must clearly encompass the normal 3 credit hour lecture plus the 1 credit hour lab or discussion session/workshop.
Reviewed Fall 2017 - Remains unchanged

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History

The study of history exposes students to the complexities of human nature and the development of diverse human cultures, values, institutions, and major events. Upon satisfactory completion of one or more history courses, students will:

  • distinguish between primary and secondary sources as the foundation of modern historical scholarship;
  • interpret primary sources critically by analyzing their historical contexts;
  • formulate historical interpretations, both orally and in writing, and defend them critically with reference to primary and secondary sources; and
  • incorporate into historical interpretations, both orally and in writing, an understanding of historical causation reflecting a) knowledge of important figures and events and their chronological relationship to each other and b) an awareness of the contingent relationships among social, political, religious, intellectual, cultural and economic variables.

Reviewed Fall 2017 - Remains unchanged

U.S. History Courses
S2900 : United States History I (3 semester credits)
The history of the United States, including the origins and development of its peoples and cultures. Part I typically ends c. 1865-1877. (See also U.S. History I in the Humanities and Fine Arts section. Credit cannot be used to satisfy both the Humanities and Social and Behavioral Science requirements.)Policies on the acceptance of AP credit vary among academic programs and from institution to institution, so AP credit toward the GECC or major requirements is not guaranteed. A score of 3 or higher on the AP U.S. History exam may be considered as equivalent to successful completion of post-secondary courses approved for IAI GECC S2 900. Feb 2016
Reviewed Fall 2025
Previously Revised 06/07/2017 - Effective Fall 2017 - Matches description for H2904

S2901 : United States History II (3 semester credits)
This is a continuation of United States History I, from c. 1865-1877 until the present. See the Illinois Transferable General Education Core Curriculum (iTransfer Gen. Ed.) number S2900. (See also U.S. History II in the Humanities and Fine Arts section; credit cannot be used to fulfill both Humanities and Social Science requirements.) Policies on the acceptance of AP credit vary among academic programs and from institution to institution, so AP credit toward the GECC or major requirements is not guaranteed. A score of 3 or higher on the AP U.S. History exam may be considered as equivalent to successful completion of post-secondary courses approved for IAI GECC S2 901. Feb 2016
Reviewed Fall 2025
Previously Revised 06/07/2017 - Matches description for H2905

S2923D : Histories of Cultural or Ethnic Minority Groups in the U.S. (3 semester credits)
A broad survey of the history of one or more particular cultural or ethnic minority groups in the United States and their cross-cultural influences. (Credit cannot be used to satisfy both the Humanities and Social and Behavioral Science requirements.)
Reviewed Fall 2025
Previously Revised 06/07/2017 - Effective Fall 2017 - Matches description for H2909D

Western Civilization Courses
 S2902 : History of Western Civilization I (3 semester credits)
The history of the Western world, including the origins and development of its peoples and cultures. Part I typically ends c. 1500-1650. Policies on the acceptance of AP credit vary among academic programs and from institution to institution, so AP credit toward the GECC or major requirements is not guaranteed. A score of 3 or higher on the AP European History exam may be considered as equivalent to successful completion of postsecondary courses approved for IAI GECC S2 902. - Feb 2016
Reviewed Fall 2025
Previously Revised 06/07/2017 - Effective Fall 2017 - Matches description for H2901

S2903 : History of Western Civilization II (3 semester credits)
This is a continuation of History of Western Civilization I, continuing from c. 1500-1650 until the present . See the Illinois Transferable General Education Core Curriculum (iTransfer Gen. Ed.) number S2 902. Policies on the acceptance of AP credit vary among academic programs and from institution to institution, so AP credit toward the GECC or major requirements is not guaranteed. A score of 3 or higher on the AP European History exam may be considered as equivalent to successful completion of post-secondary courses approved for IAI GECC S2 903. - Feb 2016
Reviewed Fall 2025
Previously Revised 06/07/2017 - Effective Fall 2017 - Matches description for H2902

Non-Western History Courses
S2904N : Non-Western Civilization I(3 semester credits)
The history of one or more civilizations of the non-Western world, including the origins and development of peoples and cultures. Part I typically ends c. 1500 CE. (See also Non-Western Civilizations in the Humanities and Fine Arts section. Credit cannot be used to satisfy both Humanities and Social and Behavioral Science requirements.) The history of one or more civilizations of the non-Western world, including the origins and development of peoples and cultures. Part I typically ends c. 1500 CE. (See also Non-Western Civilizations in the Humanities and Fine Arts section. Credit cannot be used to satisfy both Humanities and Social and Behavioral Science requirements.)
Revised - Fall2025 -  Course title and minor revisions to course content
Effective Fall 2026 
Previously Revised 06/07/2017 - Effective Fall 2017 - Matches description for H2910N

S2905N : Non-Western Civilization II (3 semester credits)
 This is a continuation of Non-Western Civilization I, from c. 1500 until the present. See the Illinois Transferable General Education Core Curriculum (iTransfer Gen. Ed.) number S2 904N. (See also Non-Western Civilizations in the Humanities and Fine Arts section. Credit cannot be used to satisfy both Humanities and Social and Behavioral Science requirements.)
Revised - Fall2025 -    Course title and minor revisions to course content
Effective Fall 2026 
Previously Revised 06/07/2017 - Effective Fall 2017 -  Matches description for H2911N

S2920N : Non-Western Civilizations ( 3-semester credits)
 The history of one or more civilizations of the non-Western world (Asia, the Middle East, Africa, or Latin America), including the origins and development of peoples and cultures to the present, when taught as a one-part single-semester course. (See also Non-Western Civilizations in the Humanities and Fine Arts section. Credit cannot be used to satisfy both the Humanities and Social and Behavioral Science requirements.)
Revised - Fall2025 -  Minor revisions to course content -  Effective Fall 2026 
Previously Revised Minor revision/clarification  - 04/05/2018 - Revision Effective Fall 2018
Created 06/07/2017 - Effective Fall 2017 - Matches description for H2903N - AVAILABLE FOR NEW SUBMISSIONS!

World History Courses
S2912N : World History I (3 semester credits)
The history of the world, including the origins and development of its peoples and cultures. Part I typically ends c. 1500. (See also World History I in the Humanities and Fine Arts section. Credit for courses cannot be used to satisfy both Humanities and Social and Behavioral Science requirements.) Policies on the acceptance of AP credit vary among academic programs and from institution to institution, so AP credit toward the GECC or major requirements is not guaranteed. A score of 3 or higher on the AP World History exam may be considered as equivalent to successful completion of postsecondary courses approved for IAI GECC S2 912N. Feb 2016
Reviewed Fall 2025
Previously Revised 06/07/2017 - Effective Fall 2017 - Matches description for H2906N

S2913N : World History II (3 semester credits)
This is a continuation of World History I, continuing from c. 1500 to the present. See the Illinois Transferable General Education Core Curriculum (iTransfer Gen. Ed.) number S2 912N. (See also World History II in the Humanities and Fine Arts section. Credit for courses cannot be used to satisfy both Humanities and Social and Behavioral Science requirements.) Policies on the acceptance of AP credit vary among academic programs and from institution to institution, so AP credit toward the GECC or major requirements is not guaranteed. A score of 3 or higher on the AP World History exam may be considered as equivalent to successful completion of postsecondary courses approved for IAI GECC S2 913N. Feb 2016
Reviewed Fall 2025
Previously Revised 06/07/2017 - Effective Fall 2017 - Matches description for H2907

S2921N : World History (3-semester credits)
The history of the world, including the origins and development of its peoples and cultures to the present, when taught as a one-part, single-semester course. (Credit for courses cannot be used to satisfy both Humanities and Social and Behavioral Science requirements.)
Reviewed Fall 2025
Created 06/07/2017 - Effective Fall 2017 - Matches description for H2912N - AVAILABLE FOR NEW SUBMISSIONS!

Other History Courses

COURSE RETIRED: 08/15/2026
S2922 : National Histories (3-semester credits)
Broad survey of the history and culture of a nation that has demonstrated a significant impact on global history (ex. Japan, Russia, England). (Credit cannot be used to satisfy both the Humanities and Social and Behavioral Science requirements.)
Created 06/07/2017 - Effective Fall 2017 - Matches description for H2908 - AVAILABLE FOR NEW SUBMISSIONS!

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Human Geography

Human geography focuses on the uneven distribution of people and of human activity on the surface of the earth and on the causes and consequences of these uneven spatial patterns and cultural landscapes. Upon satisfactory completion of one or more human geography courses, students will:

  • gain insight using geospatial and map analysis into their own behavior by recognizing that the individual choices they make are part of a wider pattern of locational and environmental choices that ultimately form the geographic patterns of the world of the future;
  • demonstrate knowledge of their own society and of the world at large by examining differences and similarities in human activity from place to place;
  • develop analytical and critical thinking skills and use them to explore and critique suggested explanations of the uneven distribution of human activity; and
  • define key concepts in geography, summarize the ways in which (important) geographers have explained spatial patterns, and explain their own thinking about the relationships between people and the world in which they live.

Reviewed Fall 2017 - Remains unchanged

S4900N : Introduction to Human Geography  (3-semester credits)
A systematic or regional introduction to the basic concepts of human geography using spatial analysis/awareness with both traditional and digital map analysis. Examines the causes and consequences of the uneven distribution of human activity, covering such themes as population, culture, economic activity, development, and urban patterns. Policies on the acceptance of AP credit vary among academic programs and from institution to institution, so AP credit toward the GECC or major requirements is not guaranteed. A score of 3 or higher on the AP Human Geography exam may be considered as equivalent to successful completion of postsecondary courses approved for IAI GECC S4 900N. Feb 2016
Revised Fall 2016 - 10/31/2016 - Effective Spring 2017


S4901 : Geography of the Developed (or Western) World  (3-semester credits)
Examines the regions of the world conventionally called “industrialized” or “developed,” including the spatial patterns of physical, cultural elements, and/or international conflicts that impart unique identities within these regions. using spatial analysis of both digital and traditional maps to promote critical thinking of complex geographic relationships among regions of world.
Revised Fall 2017 - 10/27/2017 - Effective Spring 2018

S4902N : Geography of the Developing (or Non-Western) World  (3 semester credits)
Examines the regions of the world conventionally called “developing” or “emerging,” including the spatial patterns of physical and cultural elements that impart unique identities within these regions using both digital and traditional maps to explore complex geopolitical relations and/or international conflicts among developing regions of the world.
Revised Fall 2017 - 10/27/2017 - Effective Spring 2018

S4903N : Introduction to Economic Geography  (3-semester credits)
Introduction to the global patterns of economic activity (production, exchange, consumption), and the theories and processes that have led to spatial-temporal adaptations to human and physical environments and to uneven development. Digital and spatial mapping must be provided.
Reviewed Fall 2016 - 10/31/2016, Small Revision - digital and spatial mapping added. 11/5/2020.  Effective Spring 2021

S4904 : Geography of International Conflicts (3 semester credits) - Course retired as of 08/15/2019
Introduction to geographical perspectives on conflicts beyond national boundaries, e.g., territorial disputes and competition among states for resources, with a focus on contemporary world issues and patterns using maps (digital and paper) to support critical thinking and spatial awareness/relationships connecting to driving international conflicts.
Reviewed Fall 2017 - Panel Retired Descriptor - 2 Courses Retired and Institutions Notified

S4905 : Introduction to Geo-Spatial Thinking and Literacy (3 semester credits)
Introduction to digital maps, spatial analysis techniques, and technology used to explore critical geographic and spatial patterns shaping the cultural and/or physical world.
Created Fall 2016 - 10/31/2016 - Effective Spring 2017 -Reviewed 2017 - No changes made - AVAILABLE FOR NEW SUBMISSIONS!

S4906 : World Geography (3 semester credits)
A thematic or regional introduction to the basic concepts of how world regions are constructed or classified.   Using spatial analysis of both traditional and digital maps factors will be explored to assess how regions evolve, change over time, and are classified.  Concepts will explore both developed and undeveloped regions connecting both human and physical geographical factors shaping and defining the classification of regions and interrelationships between them. 
Created 10/27/2017 - Effective Spring 2018 - AVAILABLE FOR NEW SUBMISSIONS!

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Political Science

Political science deals with the theory and practice of politics and describes and analyzes political systems and political behavior. Upon satisfactory completion of one or more political science courses, students will:

  • explain the relationships between political life and the cultural ideas of American democracy;
  • describe formal government institutions and legal structures and political behavior and processes;
  • describe the political systems of other countries, identify international organizations, and explain the relationships between nations;
  • analyze and evaluate political phenomena;
  • demonstrate an understanding of and skill in the process of social scientific inquiry;
  • make explicit and analyze value judgments about political decisions and policies;
  • explain the social-psychological sources and historical-cultural origins of their own political attitudes and values, and analyze critically the personal and social implications of alternative values; and
  • demonstrate an understanding of the capacities and skills needed to participate effectively and democratically in society.

Reviewed Fall 2017 - Remains unchanged

S5900: American/U.S. National Government I (3-semester credits)
An introduction to the organization and function of the U.S. national government. Includes the U.S. Constitution; the federal system; political behavior; executive, legislative, and judicial powers; and public policy. Policies on the acceptance of AP credit vary among academic programs and from institution to institution, so AP credit toward the GECC or major requirements is not guaranteed. A score of 3 or higher on the AP U.S. Government exam may be considered as equivalent to successful completion of postsecondary courses approved for IAI GECC S5 900. Feb 2016
Reviewed Fall 2017 - Remains unchanged

S5902: American/U.S. State and Local Government (3-semester credits)
Examines state and local political jurisdictions and systems, including their powers, organization, functions, development and contemporary problems.
Reviewed Fall 2017 - Remains unchanged

S5903: Introduction to Political Science (3-semester credits)
Introduction to the principles and methods of political science, focusing on the nature and development of political science as a discipline, the political process, political institutions and the inter-relationships among elements in the political system.
Revised Fall 2017 - 10/27/2017 - Effective Spring 2018 - Course Title Changed Only

S5904: International Relations (3-semester credits)
Introduction to international relations, emphasizing contemporary international problems and relations. Includes analysis of international behavior, international law, foreign policy, causes of conflicts and potential solutions.
Reviewed Fall 2017 - Remains unchanged

S5905: Comparative Government (3-semester credits)
Comparative analysis of the political systems of selected countries, including such topics as institutions, electoral systems, principles of governance and causes of political instability and revolution. Policies on the acceptance of AP credit vary among academic programs and from institution to institution, so AP credit toward the GECC or major requirements is not guaranteed. A score of 3 or higher on the AP Comparative Government & Politics exam may be considered as equivalent to successful completion of postsecondary courses approved for IAI GECC S5 905. Feb 2016
Reviewed Fall 2017 - Remains unchanged

S5906N: Non-Western Comparative Government (3-semester credits)
Comparative examination of the political systems of selected non-Western countries, including institutions, electoral systems, principles of governance, causes of political instability and revolution, and techniques of political analysis.
Reviewed Fall 2017 - Remains unchanged

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Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of human and animal behavior, as well as those biological and mental processes that underlie behavior. Upon satisfactory completion of one or more psychology courses, students will:

  • explain the nature of psychology as a contemporary science, discuss psychological issues intelligently and methodically, and describe both the contributions and limitations of psychological science and the promise of the future of the field and its attendant problems;
  • explain the role played by the scientific method in the acquisition of knowledge about the basic principles of human and animal behavior;
  • identify the principles that govern human and animal behavior and apply these principles to their own lives to enhance interactions between individuals and among societal groups;
  • apply a knowledge of the historical background, basic theories, facts, and research questions in such major topic areas as research methods, biological psychology, cognitive psychology, learning theory and memory, perceptual processes, developmental psychology, personality, abnormal/clinical psychology, and social psychology;
  • summarize research-based knowledge concerning the application of psychological principles to everyday life, including the study of the behavior of individuals and groups, the parameters of behavioral deviance and its various therapies, the study of individual differences, and explain the role of psychology in such areas as industry, complex organizations, law, and education; and
  • explain and appropriately apply the code of ethics in psychology in diverse situations.

Reviewed Fall 2017 - Remains unchanged

S6900: Introduction to Psychology (3-semester credits)
A study of mental processes and behavior, with emphasis on the scientific nature of contemporary psychological investigation. Topics may include the biology of behavior, sensation and perception, learning, memory, cognition, motivation, emotion, life-span development of behavior, personality, abnormal behavior and its therapies, social behavior and individual differences. Policies on the acceptance of AP credit vary among academic programs and from institution to institution, so AP credit toward the GECC or major requirements is not guaranteed. A score of 3 or higher on the AP Psychology exam may be considered as equivalent to successful completion of postsecondary courses approved for IAI GECC S6 900. Feb 2016
Revised Fall 2017 - 10/27/2017 - Effective Spring 2018

S8900: Social Psychology (3-semester credits)
Psychology: A systematic introduction to theory and research on the ways social factors influence individual and group behavior. Examines attitudes, social perception, the establishment of norms, conformity, leadership, group dynamics and research methods, emphasizing their effects on the individual. (See also Sociology; credit granted only once and in 1 discipline.)
Reviewed Fall 2017 - Remains unchanged

Sociology: Exploration of the connections between group experience and individual behavior, including the development of "self," conformity and deviance, attitudes, attraction, intergroup interaction and collective behavior. (See also Psychology; credit granted only once and in 1 discipline.)
Reviewed Fall 2017 - Remains unchanged

S6902: Life-span Developmental Psychology (3-semester credits)
A study of the neurobiological, physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of humans from conception through childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age including end of life issues. Emphasizes normal developmental stages and patterns of adjustment to differing life-time demands. The theories and principles of human development are examined in light of contemporary research.
Fall 2019 - Small Content Update (added " including end of life issues") - effective for Spring 2020
Reviewed Fall 2017 - Remained unchanged

S6903: Child Psychology (3-semester credits)
Introduction to theory and research on the biological, physical, social and cognitive development of the human child from conception through adolescence. Topics may include genetic factors, prenatal development, sensory and perceptual changes, motor system development, language acquisition, social learning, cultural influences and aspects of abnormal development.
Reviewed and small update to ensure content "through" adolescence - Fall 2024, effect Spring 2025
Reviewed Fall 2017 - Remains unchanged

S6904: Childhood and Adolescent Psychology or Adolescent Psychology (3-semester credits)
Introduction to the development of children and adolescents (or adolescents), with emphasis on physical and physiological changes and social and cognitive development. Topics may include: the role of play; sociocultural influences; stresses associated with adolescence; changing relationships with family, friends and the opposite sex; identity development; sexuality; drug use; suicide; and delinquency.
Reviewed Fall 2017 - Remains unchanged

S6905: Adulthood and Aging (3-semester credits)
Introduction to the changes that occur from early adulthood through old age. Topics may include: career choice and development; mate selection and marriage; conventional and nonconventional families; theories of adult personality development; mid- and late-life transitions; aging; and dying, death and bereavement.
Reviewed Fall 2017 - Remains unchanged

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Sociology

Sociology is the systematic study of human society and human behavior in social settings. Upon satisfactory completion of one or more sociology courses, students will:

  • compare and contrast basic sociological theories, including functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism, as well as the methodology of sociological analysis;
  • describe the factors governing social life, including culture and subculture, socialization, social structure and organization, social institutions, and social control;
  • identify the factors in social change, including the historical development of society, deviance, collective behavior, and social movements; and
  • apply a global and cross-cultural perspective in understanding the sources of similarities and differences in the human experience.

Reviewed Fall 2017 - Remains unchanged

S7900: Introduction to Sociology (3-semester credits)
A study of society, including the rules, interactions and cultural patterns that organize everyday life. Includes the analysis of social conflict, the structure and function of institutions, the dynamics of individual and group interactions, social stratification and interactions among diverse groups of people.
Reviewed Fall 2017 - Remains unchanged

S7901: Social Problems (3-semester credits)
Analysis of contemporary social problems and investigation of theories on social organization and conflict. Explores the genesis, significance and amelioration of social problems.
Reviewed Fall 2017 - Remains unchanged

S7902: Marriage and Family (3-semester credits)
Survey of the contemporary family in historical and cross-cultural perspectives. Includes trends in mate selection, marriage, child-rearing, work, gender roles and communication within the family.
Revised Fall 2017 - 10/27/2017 - Effective Spring 2018

S7903D: Racial and Ethnic Relations (3-semester credits)
Comparative analysis of racial and ethnic groups: examining elements of group identity; social movements; government policy; individual and institutional discrimination; and related social problems.
Reviewed and revised 03/28/2019, effective Fall 2019

S7904D: The Sociology of Sex and Gender (3-semester credits)
Introduction to sociological perspectives on gender as a factor in social stratification, gender role acquisition, and individual and social consequences of changing social definitions of gender roles.
Reviewed Fall 2017 - Remains unchanged

S7905D: Social Inequalities (3-semester credits)
Sociological analysis of power differentials and inequalities that examines the intersectionality of at least three categories such as race/ethnicity, religion, gender, class, ability, sexual orientation, age, mental illness, institutionalized individuals, or other significant social categories.
Created 03/28/2019, effective Fall 2019 - Available for New Submissions!

S8900: Social Psychology (3-semester credits)
Psychology: A systematic introduction to theory and research on the ways social factors influence individual and group behavior. Examines attitudes, social perception, the establishment of norms, conformity, leadership, group dynamics and research methods, emphasizing their effects on the individual. (See also Sociology; credit granted only once and in 1 discipline.)
Sociology: Exploration of the connections between group experience and individual behavior, including the development of "self," conformity and deviance, attitudes, attraction, intergroup interaction and collective behavior. (See also Psychology; credit granted only once and in 1 discipline.)
Reviewed Fall 2017 - Remains unchanged

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Interdisciplinary Social/Behavioral Science

S9900: Interdisciplinary Social/Behavioral Science I (3-semester credits)
Interdisciplinary courses that combine 2 or more of the social and behavioral science disciplines and that meet the following criteria will be acceptable.
"Social and behavioral science interdisciplinary courses" are those that integrate two or more disciplines in the social and behavioral sciences. Courses will be a survey in nature, broad in scope, and foundational in the sense that they provide students with a basis for intellectual development and further study in the various disciplines. The relationship between the disciplines will be made explicit in the course. Textbooks and readings from those disciplines will be a significant part of the course, and methods of instruction may include instructors from more than one of the disciplines teaching jointly. On satisfactory completion of an interdisciplinary social and behavioral science course, students will:

  • derive a balance of the concepts, theories, methods, and conclusions of each discipline.
  • gain an understanding of two or more of the social or behavioral sciences

Reviewed Fall 2017 - Remains unchanged

S9901: Interdisciplinary Social/Behavioral Science II (3-semester credits)
Interdisciplinary courses that combine 2 or more of the social and behavioral science disciplines and that meet the following criteria will be acceptable.
"Social and behavioral science interdisciplinary courses" are those that integrate two or more disciplines in the social and behavioral sciences. Courses will be a survey in nature, broad in scope, and foundational in the sense that they provide students with a basis for intellectual development and further study in the various disciplines. The relationship between the disciplines will be made explicit in the course. Textbooks and readings from those disciplines will be a significant part of the course, and methods of instruction may include instructors from more than one of the disciplines teaching jointly. On satisfactory completion of an interdisciplinary social and behavioral science course, students will:

  • derive a balance of the concepts, theories, methods, and conclusions of each discipline.
  • gain an understanding of two or more of the social or behavioral sciences

Reviewed Fall 2017 - Remains unchanged

S9902D  - The Study of Inequalities  (3-semester credits)
Interdisciplinary courses that combine 2 or more of the social and behavioral science disciplines and that meet the following criteria will be acceptable.
Social scientific analysis of power differentials of a combination of at least two categories such as race, religion, gender, socio-economic status, ability, sexual orientation, age, ethnicities, mental illness, institutionalized individuals, and other identities. 
Created 04/05/2018 - Effective Fall 2018 - AVAILABLE FOR NEW SUBMISSIONS! 

S9 903: Human Sexuality (3 Semester Credits)
Interdisciplinary courses that combine 2 or more of the social and behavioral science disciplines and that meet the following criteria will be acceptable:
Human sexuality examines the development of sexuality including, but not limited to, sexual orientation, gender identity, sexually transmitted infections, and contraception from at least two social science perspectives
NEW COURSE CREATED - Spring 2021 - 04/29/2021 - Available for new submissions in the fall of 2021.

 

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