PDF version - Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Social Science
S301 Crime and Delinquency 3 credits
The study of deviant behavior as it relates to the definition of crime, crime statistics, theories of crime
causation, and crime typologies are treated. The course covers topics such as criminological research,
explanations of crime and delinquency, and the development of criminal justice policies. Prerequisites:
CJ111 and S110.
S304 Political and Social Thought I 4 credits
This course is devoted to an interdisciplinary examination of fundamental questions regarding the
nature of man, politics and social relations. Values, ideas and practice as gleaned from the theories
and writings of major thinkers from the 14th through early 20th centuries are explored. Special focus
is directed toward ideas of Khadun, Machiavelli, Locke, and Durkheim. Other theorists, such as Marx,
Weber and Gandhi are also considered. Also offered as PS304. Prerequisite: either PS102 or S110.
S305 Political and Social Thought II 4 credits
This course is devoted to an interdisciplinary examination of fundamental questions regarding the
nature of man, politics and social relations. Values, ideas and priorities as gleaned from the theories and
writings of major thinkers from the late 19th and 20th centuries are explored. Special focus is directed
toward ideas from the Federalists, Economic Interventionist and Social Elitists. Other topics are selected
based on student and instructor interests. Also offered as PS305. Prerequisite: S110.
S310-319 Topics in Sociology 1-4 credits
Selected topics in sociology may be offered depending on student and faculty interest.
S320 Children and the State 4 credits
This course focuses on the concept of youth in contemporary society in terms of their behaviors, roles,
experiences, and treatment. It does so within the context of the evolution and structural development
of two major social institutions: the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. The course uses a
sociological framework to emphasize the social, economic, and political realities of childhood in
American society. Offered spring semester.
S350 Field Methods 4 credits
This course offers a working experience in the purpose and tools of qualitative field methods. The
course covers rapport, methods of observation, field notes, data coding and analysis, ethnography,
focus groups and interviews, as well as an introduction to quasi-experimentation. Offered fall semester.
Also offered as PS342. Prerequisite: PS242/S250.
S365 Sociology of Aging 3 credits
The course is an attempt to provide an introduction to a field which is rapidly becoming one of the
major areas of research in the social sciences and to bring about an awareness and knowledge about
the process of aging. Old people and their needs, the impact of growing numbers of old people in our
institutions, and the effect of these institutions on the aged is examined. Prerequisite: S110.
S400-405 Sociology Seminars 1-3 credits
Specialized courses in particular areas of interest. Prerequisite: consent of department.
S406 Environmental Sociology 3 credits
This seminar course examines the enduring conflict that exists between the biophysical realm and
humanly produced environments. Topics may include, but are not limited to, the social construction
of environmental problems, the treadmill of production and nature, rationalization and environmental
problems, and environmental justice. Prerequisites: S110 and junior or senior status.
201 201