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Course Descriptions

Course Descriptions for all Social Sciences Courses

Citizenship | Criminal Justice | Political Science | Social Sciences | Sociology

Citizenship (CITZ)

CITZ 1001 – Citizenship (1-0-1)

  • Instruction in the essentials of United States and Georgia History and Constitutions. (Satisfies the legislative requirement for the study of United States and Georgia Constitution and history for students in A.S.D.H. and specified A.A.S programs).

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Criminal Justice (CRJU)

CRJU 1150 – Introduction to Criminal Justice (3-0-3)

  • An overview of the criminal justice system, its history, philosophical background, constitutional limitations, and the processes for achieving its goals. Also included are the contemporary trends in the system on the local and national levels.

CRJU 3100 – Criminology (3-0-3)

  • A study of the nature and scope of crime and delinquency with an emphasis on criminology theories and research. The course will introduce students to sociological and psychological explanations for criminal behavior and will allow students to use basic research methods to test theories and measure the incidence of crime in the United States and in other countries. Prerequisite: CRJU 1150

CRJU 3105 – Criminological Theory (3-0-3)

  • This course will offer an advanced study and critical appraisal of various theories of crime causation, including an examination of biological, psychological, economic, and sociological perspectives on the etiology of crime.

     Prerequisite: CRJU 1150

CRJU 3110 – Race and Crime (3-0-3)

  • This course examines how the issues of crime and justice are played out in the context of a diverse society.  The course will consider three major issues; 1) how the law affects and has affected different groups in American society; 2) the differential involvement in crime and the criminal justice system across groups; and 3) the differential responses of the justice system to various groups. Prerequisite: CRJU 1150

CRJU 3200 – Law Enforcement (3-0-3)

  • A study of the philosophy and history of law enforcement at the federal, state, county and city levels. Also included is an introduction to contemporary policy organizations and methods of operation. Prerequisite: CRJU 1150

CRJU 3210 – Criminal Investigations (3-0-3)

  • A study of the organization and functions of investigative agencies and basic considerations in the investigation of crime. Topics covered include: the collection and preservation of physical evidence, elements of legal proof in the submission of evidence, sources of information, interview and interrogation techniques, uses of forensic sciences, and case and trial preparation. Prerequisite: CRJU 1150

CRJU 3230 -  Criminal Justice Administration (3-0-3)

  • This course examines the theories of motivation, leadership, and organization in the police context. Police administrative and management functions are studied emphasizing personnel management and organizational change. Prerequisite: CRJU 1150

CRJU 3240 - Law Enforcement and the Community (3-0-3)

  • This course examines the relationship between law enforcement agents and the community they serve. Topics include regular and meaningful police involvement in the community, quality of life conditions, problem solving and coordination with community service organizations, and policing in a culturally diverse society. Prerequisite: CRJU 1150

CRJU 3300 – Corrections (3-0-3)

  • A study of the history, structure, and functions of corrections, and the legal and philosophical basis for the punishment of criminal offenders. Study will include the role of corrections as one of the three major components of the criminal justice system. Prerequisite: CRJU 1150

CRJU 3343 – Principles of Public Administration (3-0-3)

  • Examines the methods and procedures of governmental administration and the control of public bureaucracies in democratic societies. Prerequisite(s): HIST 2111 or HIST 2112 and POLS 1101, Junior or Senior standing

CRJU 3410 – Survey of Criminal Law and Procedures (3-0-3)

  • An overview of criminal law and the fundamental elements of criminal procedures, including methods and rules of police investigation and arrest, adjudication, sentencing, and appellate review by higher courts. Prerequisite: CRJU 1150

CRJU 3420 – Constitutional Law (3-0-3)

  • A study of the application, interpretation, and enforcement of relevant constitutional law and related Supreme Court decisions to careers in public service. Prerequisite: CRJU 1150

CRJU 3600 – Juvenile Justice (3-0-3)

  • This course provides students with an in-depth view of the juvenile justice system in the United States focusing on crime patterns, police-juvenile relations, juvenile courts, and corrections practices. Prerequisite: CRJU 1150

CRJU 4200 - Criminal Justice Ethics (3-0-3)

  • This course examines the ethical considerations facing the criminal justice practitioner. Topics include determining moral behavior, ethics and law enforcement, ethics and the courts, ethics and corrections, policy and management issues. Prerequisite: CRJU 1150

CRJU 4410 - Comparative Criminal Justice (3-0-3)

  • This course examines the criminal justice systems of six model nations. Topics include the discussion of legal families, political order, democracy, rule of law, crime control model, due process and organizational systems theory of foreign criminal justice systems. Prerequisite: CRJU 1150

CRJU 4424 – Judicial Process (3-0-3)

  • Judicial process examines courts and judges as agents in the political system; focus is on the judicial decision-making process, with attention to psychological and other variables in that process. Relation to judicial process to legislative administrative and electoral process emphasized. Prerequisite(s): HIST 2111 or HIST 2112 and POLS 1101, Junior or Senior standing

CRJU 4426 – Civil Liberties (3-0-3)

  • Civil Liberties is an intensive study of the rights of Americans as guaranteed by the Constitution. The changing character of civil liberties problems in the United States will be stressed with attention given to the legal, historical and political context of the cases studied. Prerequisite(s): HIST 2111 or HIST 2112 and POLS 1101, Junior or Senior standing

CRJU 4800 – Selected Topics in Criminal Justice (3-0-3)

  • An exploration of contemporary topics and issues in the field of criminal justice. This course may be repeated for credit when the topic varies. Prerequisite: CRJU 1150

CRJU 4901 –  Criminal Justice Internship I (0-V-3)

  • A structured off-sight experience in a supervised setting combined with scholarly research on a topic related to the internship experience. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing and approval of instructor.

CRJU 4902 – Criminal Justice Internship II (0-V-3)

  • A structured off-sight experience in a supervised setting combined with scholarly research on a topic related to the internship experience. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing and approval of instructor.

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Political Science (POLS)

POLS 1101 - American Government (3-0-3)

  • An introductory level survey of the American political system in an international context, emphasizing a cross-cultural approach to the study of the structure and processes of policy decision-making. The course incorporates comparison of the American political system and other types of political systems. The course also includes the study of world geography, emphasizing a knowledge of the global configuration of nation-states. On-Line Course

POLS 2101 - Introduction to Political Science (3-0-3)

  • An introduction to concepts and methods appropriate to the understanding and analysis of individual and group political behavior and political systems. [Note: Learning Support students who are required to take ENGL 0099 and/or READ 0099 must exit the requirement(s) before they can enroll in this course.]

POLS 2301 - Introduction to Comparative Politics (3-0-3)

  • An introduction to select political systems around the world designed to introduce students to key concepts and methods in the study of comparative politics. The course analyzes major Western and non-Western ideologies and political systems in terms of institutions, operation, and historical and environmental factors. [Note: Learning Support students who are required to take ENGL 0099 and/or READ 0099 must exit the requirement(s) before they can enroll in this course.]

POLS 2401 - Introduction to Global Issues (3-0-3)

  • An examination of current global issues. [Note: Learning Support students who are required to take ENGL 0099 and/or READ 0099 must exit the requirement(s) before they can enroll in this course.]

POLS 3212 - State and Local Government (3-0-3)

  • State & Local Government provides an in depth study of the political process and administrative procedures used in American state and local governments to address social, economic, and political issues. Comparative analysis of relevant actors and strategies across the states is incorporated. Prerequisite(s): POLS 1101 and HIST 2111 or HIST 2112

POLS 3320 - Public Policy (3-0-3)

  • The analysis of selected public policy issues and the interplay of organizations and politics in the policy-making process. Prerequisite(s): POLS 1101

POLS 3323 - Comparative Politics (3-0-3)

  • Comparative Politics is an introduction to the comparative approaches for the study of politics, focusing on patterns of development and change in contemporary political systems. Prerequisite(s): POLS 1101 and HIST 2111 or HIST 2112.

POLS 3343 - Principles of Public Administration (3-0-3)

  • Examines the methods and procedures of governmental administration and the control of public bureaucracies in democratic societies. Prerequisite(s): POLS 1101 and HIST 2111 or HIST 2112.

POLS 3350 - International Relations (3-0-3)

  • Examines the international order, conflict and war, determinants of foreign policy, global actors and the dynamics of political interaction between nation-states. Prerequisite(s): POLS 1101 and HIST 2111 or HIST 2112.

POLS 3360 - The U.S. Congress (3-0-3)

  • Presents an in-depth treatment of the origins, development, operation of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Prerequisite(s): POLS 1101 and HIST 2111 or HIST 2112.

POLS 3370 - The U.S. Presidency (3-0-3)

  • Examines the historical development of the presidency, the constitutional powers, the personalities, the roles and the relationship with other governmental entities. Prerequisite(s): POLS 1101 and HIST 2111 or HIST 2112.

POLS 3380 - Interest Groups & Political Parties (3-0-3)

  • Examines the nature, structure, and functions of interest groups and political parties in differing national cultural contexts with particular attention to electoral activity and their role in the policy making process. Prerequisite(s): POLS 1101 and HIST 2111 or HIST 2112.

POLS 3382 - Women & Politics (3-0-3)

  • Examines the social status and political activities of women in America and other societies, exploring the causes, methods, and results of political involvement by women. Prerequisite(s): POLS 1101 and HIST 2111 or HIST 2112.

POLS 3385 - Campaigns and Elections (3-0-3)

  • Provides an in-depth look at the process of selecting governmental leaders in the United States. Includes a segment on foreign elections. Prerequisite(s): POLS 1101 and HIST 2111 or HIST 2112.

POLS 3386 - Mass Media & Politics (3-0-3)

  • Examines the role of the mass media in society. Emphasis is placed on the media's role in the social, legal, and political processes in the United States, as well as other democratic and non-democratic countries. Prerequisite(s): POLS 1101 and HIST 2111 or HIST 2112.

POLS 4122 - Political Ideologies (3-0-3)

  • Emphasizes the political development and application of contemporary ideologies such as nationalism, capitalism, socialism, democracy, Marxism, conservatism, liberalism, feminism, communism, fascism, liberation movements, and others. Prerequisite(s): POLS 1101 and HIST 2111 or HIST 2112.

POLS 4412 - Urban Affairs (3-0-3)

  • Focuses on the changing patterns of local and municipal governments and politics, impact of reappointment and other problems generated by an urbanized society. Prerequisite(s): POLS 1101 and HIST 2111 or HIST 2112.

POLS 4421 - American Political Thought, 1620 to Present (3-0-3)

  • Concentrates on the development and explication of American political ideas and eras from the colonial era to the present. Prerequisite(s): POLS 1101 and HIST 2111 or HIST 2112.

POLS 4412 - Urban Affairs (3-0-3)

  • Focuses on the changing patterns of local and municipal governments and politics, impact of reappointment and other problems generated by an urbanized society. Prerequisite(s): POLS 1101 and HIST 2111 or HIST 2112.

POLS 4422 - African American Political Thought (3-0-3)

  • This course examines major African American Political thinkers and activists. Historical and contemporary thinkers will be included. Prerequisite(s): POLS 1101 and HIST 2111 or HIST 2112.

POLS 4424 - Judicial Process (3-0-3)

  • Examines courts and judges as agents in the political system; focus is on the judicial decision-making process, with attention to psychological and other variables in that process. Relation of judicial process to legislative, administrative, and electoral processes emphasized. Prerequisite(s): POLS 1101 and HIST 2111 or HIST 2112.

POLS 4425 - Constitutional Law (3-0-3)

  • The study of the constitutional divisions of power among the branches of the national government between the national and state governments, and the application and interpretation of constitutional protections by the American courts. Prerequisite(s): POLS 1101 and HIST 2111 or HIST 2112.

POLS 4426 - Civil Liberties (3-0-3)

  • An intensive study of the rights of Americans as guaranteed by the Constitution. The changing character of civil liberties problems in the United States will be stressed with attention given to the legal, historical, and political context of the cases studied. Prerequisite(s): POLS 1101 and HIST 2111 or HIST 2112.

POLS 4427 - Equal Rights in America

  • This course provides an in-depth investigation into the major accomplishments and shortfalls of the Civil Rights Movement from 1954-1968.  It will also cover current equality issues that arose from and after this movement.  These would include:  gender, sexual orientation, immigration and economic inequalities. Prerequisite(s): POLS 1101 and HIST 2111 or HIST 2112.

POLS 4436 - Politics of Developing Areas (3-0-3)

  • Confronts the patterns of development of governmental institutions and use of political processes in meeting the problems of the emerging nations of Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. Prerequisite(s): POLS 1101 and HIST 2111 or HIST 2112.

POLS 4450 - American Foreign Policy (3-0-3)

  • Explores the conduct, substantive policy issues and problems associated with American foreign policy. The contemporary aspects and problems evolving out of and confronted by America's foreign policy are emphasized. Prerequisite(s): POLS 1101 and HIST 2111 or HIST 2112.

POLS 4451 - Politics of Europe (3-0-3)

  • Designed to acquaint students with political institutions and processed of individual European nations and regional organizations including NATO and the European Union in the post-Soviet era. Particular emphasis will be placed on analysis of the relations of these countries with the United States on selected issues of contemporary relevance. This course examines key countries and studies their political structure in detail. Prerequisite(s): POLS 1101 and HIST 2111 or HIST 2112.

POLS 4452 - Politics of Asia (3-0-3)

  • Examines contemporary sociopolitical and economic characteristics needed to understand the many countries of Asia. In addition, a "country profile" approach will be used. Particular emphasis will be placed on analysis of the relations of these countries with the United States on selected issues of contemporary relevance. This course examines key countries and studies their political structure in detail. Prerequisite(s): POLS 1101 and HIST 2111 or HIST 2112.

POLS 4453 - Politics of Africa (3-0-3)

  • Examines contemporary sociopolitical and economic characteristics needed to understand the many countries of Africa. In addition, a "country profile" approach will also be used. Particular emphasis will be placed on analysis of the relations of these countries with the United States on selected issues of contemporary relevance. This course examines key countries and studies their political structure in detail. Prerequisite(s): POLS 1101 and HIST 2111 or HIST 2112.

POLS 4454 - Politics of the Middle East (3-0-3)

  • Examines contemporary sociopolitical and economic characteristics needed to understand regional culture in the many countries of the Middle East/North Africa. The role of Islam, the Gulf War, the quest for development, the Palestine issue, and democracy versus authoritarianism are themes that will be covered in the course. In addition, a "country profile" approach will also be used. Particular emphasis will be placed on analysis of the relations of these countries with the United States on selected issues of contemporary relevance. This course examines key countries and studies their political structure in detail. Prerequisite(s): POLS 1101 and HIST 2111 or HIST 2112.

POLS 4455 - Politics of Latin America (3-0-3)

  • Designed to acquaint students with political institutions and processes of nations in the region. Particular emphasis will be placed on analysis of the relations of these countries with the United States on selected issues of contemporary relevance. This course examines key countries and studies their political structure in detail. Prerequisite(s): POLS 1101 and HIST 2111 or HIST 2112.

POLS 4453 - Politics of Africa (3-0-3)

  • Examines contemporary sociopolitical and economic characteristics needed to understand the many countries of Africa. In addition, a "country profile" approach will also be used. Particular emphasis will be placed on analysis of the relations of these countries with the United States on selected issues of contemporary relevance. This course examines key countries and studies their political structure in detail. Prerequisite(s): POLS 1101 and HIST 2111 or HIST 2112.

POLS 4480 - Practicum of Political Science (3-0-3)

  • Practicum will constitute an independent (individual or small group) political science project applying social sciences methodology, research, and analysis. The student will prepare and submit a significant political science paper and or project. Requires the approval of the Political Science program coordinator, the Office of Experiential Learning and the department head.

POLS 4490 - Internship--Political Science (3-0-3)

  • Constitutes an independent (individual or small group) political science project applying social sciences methodology, research, and analysis to actual political environments. The student will prepare and submit a significant political science paper and or project. Requires the approval of the Government program coordinator, the Office of Experiential Learning and the department head. Prerequisite(s): POLS 1101 and HIST 2111 or HIST 2112.

POLS 4491 - Internship/Practicum in Political Science (6-0-6)

  • Internship/Practicum will constitute an independent (individual or small group) political science project applying social sciences methodology, research and analysis to actual political environments. The student will prepare and submit a significant political science paper and or project. Requires the approval of the Office of Experiential Learning and the Social Sciences Department Head.

POLS 4500 - Senior Seminar--Political Science (3-0-3)

  • Senior Seminar is only open to Government majors in their senior year (i.e. 90+ hours in the program). The seminar will emphasize readings and discussion concerning historical topics of broad significance. Students will complete a project requiring the application of social sciences research analysis and interpretation.

POLS 4800 - Selected Topics--Political Science (3-0-3)

  • Selected Topics in Political Science course will present significant topics in political science not covered by other courses in the curriculum. May be repeated for credit when the topic varies. Prerequisite(s): POLS 1101 and HIST 2111 or HIST 2112.

POLS 4900 - Independent Study--Political Science (3-0-3)

  • Independent Study in Political Science may be arranged in consultation with a faculty member and approved by the department head. May be repeated for a maximum of six semester hours. Prerequisite(s): POLS 1101 and HIST 2111 or HIST 2112.

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Social Science (SOSC)

 

SOSC 4501 - Research Methods in the Social Sciences (3-0-3)

 

  • Provides students with the basic research and analytical skills for the comparative study and evaluation of social issues and human behavior. An option for all middle level teacher education students with a major or minor concentration in social studies. An elective option for all students in baccalaureate programs.

SOSC 4800 - Selected Topics in Social Sciences (3-0-3)

  • Seminar in contemporary social issues. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

SOSC 4900 - Independent Study (3-0-3)

  • Independent study in social sciences (credit varies). Prerequisite(s): Permission of Social Sciences Department Head.

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Sociology (SOCI)

SOCI 1101 - Introduction to Sociology (3-0-3)

  • A survey of the discipline of sociology. Topics will include sociological theory, methods, and selected substantive areas. [Note: Learning Support students who are required to take ENGL 0099 and/or READ 0099 must exit the requirement(s) before they can enroll in this course.] Online Course

SOCI 2293 - Introduction to Marriage & the Family (3-0-3)

  • An introduction to the structure, processes, problems, and adjustments of contemporary marriage and family life. The course includes historical development, cross-cultural variations, and analysis of forces of change. It is recommended but not required that SOCI 1101 be taken prior to SOCI 2293. [Note: Learning Support students who are required to take ENGL 0099 and/or READ 0099 must exit the requirement(s) before they can enroll in this course.] (Note: SOCI 1101 is recommended prior to taking this course.)

SOCI 3010 - Sociological Theory (3-0-3)

  • A comparative study and critique of social thought and sociological theories. Special study is made of major sociological theories of the 19th and 20th centuries and the role of theory in empirical social science. Prerequisite: SOCI 1101

SOCI 3030 - Social Psychology (cross-listed as PSYC 3130) (3-0-3)

  • A survey of major theories and research findings regarding social influences on human behavior. Area explored will include attitudes, prejudice, gender roles, altruism, conformity, obedience, attraction and aggression. Prerequisite: PSYC 1101

SOCI 3100 - Criminology (cross-listed as CRJU 3100) (3-0-3)

  • A study of the nature and scope of crime and delinquency with an emphasis on criminology theories and research. The course will introduce students to sociological and psychological explanations for criminal behavior and will allow students to use basic research methods to test theories and measure the incidence of crime in the United States and in other countries. Prerequisite: CRJU 1150

SOCI 3130 - Drugs and Society (cross-listed as CRJU 3130) (3-0-3)

  • This comprehensive course explores alcohol and illegal drug use and abuse in society. The primary goal of the course is to engage students in a process of critical thinking about the topic of drugs in American society. Included will be a historic overview, the role of culture in the use of drugs, legal and social implications of illegal drug use. Prerequisite: SOCI 1101

SOCI 3210 - Family Formation and Development (3-0-3)

  • This course examines theories of how family systems are formed, developed, and change throughout the life span of individuals and the life cycles of families. Prerequisite(s): SOCI 1101. SOCI 2293

SOCI 3220 - Adolescence (3-0-3)

  • The social definitions of adolescence in cross-cultural and historical perspective. Social roles of adolescents in the institutional structures of urban-industrial societies with special emphasis on the family, education, and the economy. The relationship of adolescents' social roles to processes of social change and stability. Prerequisite(s): SOCI 1101 and SOCI 2293

SOCI 3310 - Race and Ethnicity (3-0-3)

  • Provides students with the basic conceptual and analytical skills for studying the nature and implications of racial and cultural diversity. Racial/ethnic groups selected from around the globe are examined in terms of their histories and cultures. The complexity of functioning in the multicultural society of the contemporary United States is explored, and cultural concepts are applied to key social issues associated with diversity. Prerequisite(s): SOSC 2501

SOCI 3320 - Social Inequality and Stratification (3-0-3)

  • This course investigates the nature of inequality and stratification, including its forms, causes, and consequences. Literature will be examined from a number of perspectives, including economic inequality, racial inequality, sex and gender inequality, status inequality, and the inequality connected with social movements. A number of field research components are included to aid in the study of structural inequality from an experiential basis. Prerequisite: SOCI 1101

SOCI 3410 - Sociology of Religion (3-0-3)

  • A study of the nature of religion, including the individual, societal and cultural dimensions of religion, the role of  religion in social change, the status of religion in contemporary society. Prerequisite: SOCI 1101

SOCI 3420 - Social Problems (3-0-3)

  • An in-depth study of major social problems, including population, hunger, drug use, science and technology, and poverty. Prerequisite: SOCI 110

SOCI 3510 - Social Statistics (3-0-3)

  • Introduction to statistics, including measures of central tendency and dispersion, probability, statistical inference and hypothesis testing, regression and correlation, and analysis of variance. Prerequisite(s): SOCI 1101 and MATH 1101 or higher

SOCI 3550 - Program Evaluation (3-0-3)

  • This course provides students an overview of the purpose, functions, key concepts, applications, and theories of the interdisciplinary field of program evaluation. Students are provided the opportunity to design a competent evaluation for a community agency, while being aware of the potential tradeoffs between rigor and pragmatic considerations. The selection, use, and interpretation of appropriate statistics will be examined, as well as a consideration of ethical concerns in evaluation practice. Prerequisite(s) PSYC 1101 and MATH 1231 or PSYC 2105 and HMSV 3010

SOCI 3610 - Juvenile Delinquency (3-0-3)

  • This course will examine the most current theories on the causes and correlates of  juvenile delinquency. The course will examine important individual, sociological, and developmental views of delinquency. Emphasis will be placed on the current research studies and policy issues concerning the field of juvenile delinquency. Prerequisite: SOCI 1101  

SOCI 4210 - Family Life Education (3-0-3)

  • This course presents an understanding of the general philosophy and broad principles of family life education, in conjunction with the ability to plan, implement, and evaluate such educational programs. Prerequisite(s): SOCI 1101, SOCI 2293

SOCI 4501 - Research Methods (3-0-3)

  • This course is designed to introduce the assumptions, theories, and practices of qualitative research methods. The course places emphasis on developing specific qualitative research skills, including the application of theories, issues and problems encountered in doing qualitative research. Prerequisite: SOCI 1101

SOCI 4800 - Special Topics in Sociology (3-0-3)

  • An exploration of contemporary topics and issues in the field of sociology. This course may be repeated for credit when the topic varies. Prerequisite: SOCI 1101

SOCI 4901 - Sociology Practicum (3-0-3)

  • The practicum will constitute an independent (individual or small group) sociological research project. The student will prepare and submit a significant sociological paper and/or project. Requires the approval of the sociology experiential learning coordinator and the department head. Prerequisite(s): Completion of the Upper-Division Sociology Core

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