WOODS COLLEGE OF ADVANCING STUDIES

Sociology

2009-2010




Professors: Paul R. Camacho, A.B., Ph.D. Boston College; Daniel W. Chambers, B.S. Notre Dame, A.M., Ph.D. Maryland; Charles Derber, A.B. Yale, Ph.D. Chicago; Judge James Menno, Probate and Family Court, A.B., J.D. Boston College; Deborah Piatelli, A.B., Ph.D., Boston College;
Eve Spangler, A.B. Brooklyn, A.M. Yale, M.L.S. Southern Connecticut, Ph.D. Massachusetts; Ed Tallent, A.B. Massachusetts, M.L.S. Simmons; James Woods, S.J., A.B., M.A.T., S.T.B. Boston College, Ed.D. Boston University.

SC 00107  Introductory Sociology
SC00107 Syllabus
An introduction to the origins, perspectives, basic principles and tool concepts of sociology with application to the study of American Society.
Spring, Tues 6:30–9, Jan 19–May 4, Professor Piatelli

SC 13001  Deviant Behavior and Social Control
A look at patterns of deviant behavior such as crime, drug abuse, unconventional sexual behavior, suicide and mental illness. Course examines how people define and respond to deviant behavior, issues of punishment and victim compensation; theories of social control and power; implications for social policy and change.
Spring, Wed 6:30–9, Jan 20–May 5, Professor Camacho

SC 20003  Statistics
SC20003 Syllabus

Introductory course in inferential statistics covering description of sample data, probability, binomial and normal distributions, random sampling, estimation, and hypothesis-testing. Illustrated by applications to behavioral sciences.
Fall, Wed 6:30–9, Sept 9–Dec 16, Professor Chambers
Spring, Wed 6:30–9, Jan 20–May 5, Professor Chambers

SC 21201  Methods of Social Research
This introductory course in research methodology examines issues underlying research from a theoretical and practical point of view. It explores the basic concepts and problems encountered in designing and conducting research and develops the practice of critically thinking about resources located in the research process. Focus is on the tenets of sound research practice to enable students to make reasonable judgements about research read and undertaken.
Spring, Tues 6:30–9, Jan 19–May 4, Professor Tallent

SC 21503  Sociological Theory
SC21503 Syllabus
Development of sociological theory from the beginning of the nineteenth century to the present. Major theorists and emerging models are compared and analyzed. A survey of the field offers perspective for further developments.
Spring, Tues & Thurs 1:30–2:45, Jan 19–May 11, Professor Spangler

SC 35701  Social Change in Action
SC35701 Syllabus

Competitive and globally interconnected climates demand new competencies. Successful organizational leaders know how to tap people’s capacity to learn. They develop a vision for transforming the way people work, learn and interact and understand how patterns developed in one context can be adapted in others. Course explores techniques which expand an organization’s capacity to create the future. It examines learning styles, behavior and the drive for success, and explores the impact of decisions that affect career, family and financial security. Presents a variety of frameworks for maximizing personal and professional growth. Readings include Organizing Genius, Bennis and Biederman; A Hope in the Unseen, Suskind; Sari, Pio; Understanding Men's Passages, Sheehy; Class Matters, New York Times; Disrupting Class, Christensen.
Spring, Sat, 9–3:30, Jan 23–Mar 13, Professor Woods, S.J.

SC 36501  Law and Society
Radical changes in the basic social fabric that dictate how people live, interact, communicate and work with one another create new demands for a legal system obligated to interpret and establish law. Course examines emerging challenges to freedom of expression, public and private communication, the disparity of access to resources, family protection, national security and individual rights, and different ways of representing justice. It also explores how the balance of emotion and reason in our idea of justice “shifts” over time, corporate responsibility/irresponsibility, new
definition of guilt and innocence, what is just/unjust social behavior, can citizens depend on the legal system, what holds society together.
Spring, Mon 6:30–9, Jan 25–May 10, Professor Menno