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Department of Social Sciences
This course introduces students to basic
concepts in sociology. It is designed to make
students understand what makes sociology a
different discipline from other social sciences.
It covers basic topics including, but not limited
to: groups, communities and society, evolution
of societies, social structure and social change,
communication in society, social stratification,
youth and subculture, family and kin relations,
social inequality and social mobility, social
integration and solidarity, culture and social
values. Examples are drawn from Lebanon and
elsewhere to clarify the discussion.
SOC201 Introduction to Sociology [3-0, 3 cr.]
This course introduces students to the basic
concepts and processes governing social
relationships, as well as scientific approaches
dealing with and explaining social phenomena.
Various social institutions are examined.
SOC212 Communication Media and Society
[3-0, 3 cr.]
This course studies forms of communication,
especially mass communication, as
elements of cultural and social processes.
It is interdisciplinary, drawing on a variety of
theories and methods of media studies such
as semiotics, linguistics, textual studies,
philosophy, political economy, and cultural
studies.
Co-requisite: ENG202 Sophomore Rhetoric.
SOC215 Introduction to Gender Studies [3-0,
3 cr.]
This course examines what it means to be a man
or a woman, from a variety of interdisciplinary
perspectives. It explores the construction of
masculinities and femininities in a variety of
cultural contexts. Special attention is given to
gender differences, and gender inequalities.
SOC301 Introduction to Social Work [3-0, 3 cr.]
This course is an introduction to the profession
of social work, its basic philosophy, principles,
and methodologies. Special emphasis is given
to the practice of social work in Lebanon.
SOC303 Urban Sociology [3-0, 3 cr.]
This course is a survey of the city as a historical
development, in relation to economic, social,
and political, factors from the early settlements
to the development of contemporary urbanism.
It deals with a broad overview of the current
planning theories, from the context of modernist
ideals to the social studies of planners and
sociologists.
SOC304 Sociology of Religion [3-0, 3 cr.]
This course examines the historical and
contemporary relationships between social
groups, and their sacred symbols and objects,
including the forms and functions of religion,
religious beliefs and rituals, the politics and
economics of religion, identity politics, as well
as religious movements.
SOC311 Social Problems [3-0, 3 cr.]
This course provides an analysis of the
various causes, and types of social problems
in modern society, notably in the Middle East.
Selected social problems are studied, including
various theories related to such problems, and
the appropriate solutions are designed and
critically analyzed.
SOC313 Family and Child Welfare [3-0, 3 cr.]
This course provides knowledge of, and concern
for, child welfare services through analyzing
parents’ and children’s needs, and acquaint
students with the existing services for parents
and children in Lebanon .
SOC321 Sociology of the Arab World [3-0, 3 cr.]
This is a seminar for students interested
in understanding the Arab world’s social
structures, with emphasis on major institutions
and values, viewed from a three-dimensional
perspective, namely: habitat, ethnic
composition, and history.
SOC401 Sociological Theories [3-0, 3cr.]
This course is an advanced study of the classical
and modern sociological theories including, but
not limited to, the works of Durkheim, Marx,
Weber, Bourdieu, Giddens, Hall, and Norbert
Elias.
SOC402 Social Work Intervention I [3-0, 3 cr.]
This course emphasizes communication and
interviewing skills in social work, building
professional relationship, stages of the helping
process, and need assessment methods and
skills.
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