The Social Sciences at USAO are organized in interdisciplinary fashion to encompass a number of diverse areas to include several fields traditionally considered part of the Humanities: American Indian studies, geography, history, philosophy, political science, psychology, and sociology. Study in these areas links the past with the present, investigates individual and social behavior, and explores human value systems, past and present.
In addition to the Bachelor of Arts degree in these fields, a teaching certificate in Social Studies also is offered. For this certificate, students must complete the degree requirements for the chosen major, as well as the course requirements for teacher certification.
Sociology
Sociology is the scientific study of human society and patterns of social behavior. It is concerned with social structures and processes, including groups, organizations, societies, institutions, social-cultural change, socialization, social interaction and social relationships. Sociology provides a foundation for further professional training in applied areas of social work, law, criminal justice and gerontology, or graduate study in sociology toward careers in teaching and research. The sociology major with a Bachelor of Arts is well prepared, in conjunction with the richness of liberal arts education, for a variety of career opportunities in business, industry, government, and social agencies.
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Required Sociology Core (30 hours), including:
| Course | Title | Hours Required |
| SOCI 1123 | General Sociology | 3 |
| SOCI 4773 | Social Theory | 3 |
| SOCI 4783 | Methods of Social Research | 3 |
| MATH 2203 | Elementary Statistics | 3 |
+ Required Sociology Electives (choose 18 hours):
| SOCI 2213 | Social Problems | 3 |
| SOCI 2423 | Collective Behavior | 3 |
| SOCI 3633 | Sociology of Health and Medicine | 3 |
| SOCI 2880 | Special Topics | 1-3 |
| SOCI 2900 | Workshop | 1-3 |
| SOCI 2990 | Tutorial | 1-3 |
| SOCI 3203 | Anthropology | 3 |
| SOCI 3213 | Introduction to Social Welfare Theory | 3 |
| SOCI 3423 | The Sociology of the Family | 3 |
| SOCI 3753 | Criminology | 3 |
| SOCI 3773 | Introduction to Social Gerontology | 3 |
| SOCI 3863 | Population | 3 |
| SOCI 3903 | Internship in Sociology | 3 |
| SOCI 4103 | Race and Ethnic Relations | 3 |
| SOCI 4313 | Urban Sociology | 3 |
| SOCI 4773 | Social Theory | 3 |
| SOCI 4783 | Methods of Social Research | 3 |
| SOCI 4880 | Special Topics | 1-3 |
| SOCI 4900 | Sociology Workshop | 1-3 |
| SOCI 4990 | Tutorial | 1-3 |
Minor in Sociology
18 hours in sociology, including SOCI 1123, plus 15 additional hours to be selected with approval of sociology advisor.
Strongly recommended: SOCI 4773 and SOCI 4783.
COURSE LISTINGS in SOCIOLOGY
1123 GENERAL SOCIOLOGY
A general survey of the field with emphasis on socialization, social
institutions, social processes, culture, social changes and the numbers,
distribution, and organization of people. 3 hours.
2213 SOCIAL PROBLEMS
A study of contemporary social problems in American society, with particular
reference to the genesis of antisocial attitudes in the individual, family,
and community. 3 hours.
2423 COLLECTIVE BEHAVIOR
A study of social, political, and industrial group behavior patterns
considered as a reflection of social attitudes. Crowds, fads, fashion,
mobs, public opinion, propaganda, and social movements are among topics
studied. 3 hours.
2633 SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH AND MEDICINE
Sociological and psychological factors in human health and disease;
the behavior and the social relations of patients, physicians, nurses,
and public health leaders; ecological and demographic factors in health
and medicine; health problems relating to the family, personality, and
the life cycle. 3 hours.
2880 SPECIAL TOPICS
Special topics in sociology. 1-3 hours (may be repeated for total of
6 hours).
2900 WORKSHOP
Guided study in sociology under faculty supervision; various topics
and methods of instruction. 1-3 hours (may be repeated for total of 6 hours
with change in title and topic).
3213 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WELFARE THEORY
Theory, structure, and techniques of private, municipal, state and federal
social work agencies. 3 hours.
3423 THE SOCIOLOGY OF THE FAMILY
Study of structure and functions of the family as an institution, in
various historical and contemporary societies. 3 hours.
3543 SOCIAL STRATIFICATION
Study of the distribution of power, prestige, and position within society.
3 hours.
3753 CRIMINOLOGY
Inquiry into the origin and societal consequences of crime and its prevention
and treatment. 3 hours.
3773 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL GERONTOLOGY
Overview of social aspects of aging, including examination of social,
social psychological, and cultural factors that affect the aging process,
the experience of aging, and the concerns of the aged as a growing population
in a changing society. Presents major concepts, findings, theories and
issues in the field of aging as a multidisciplinary endeavor. 3 hours.
3863 POPULATION
Problems resulting from population composition and change, and the concepts
used in the study of population and ecology. 3 hours.
3903 INTERNSHIP IN SOCIOLOGY
A limited field training experience at an agency or institution allowing
the student to observe and assist the designated supervisor in various
work duties. Possible sites include legal system facilities, service-providing
agencies and government organizations. 3 hours (may be repeated for total
of 6 hours in same or different site but only 3 hours applies toward
requirements of the major). Prerequisites: sociology major, junior standing,
consent of faculty director and field supervisor.
4103 RACE AND ETHNIC RELATIONS
Social and cultural aspects of minority group relations with major emphasis
on those within the United States. 3 hours. Prerequisite: SOCI 1123.
4313 URBAN SOCIOLOGY
Study of urbanization in industrial societies, with emphasis on growth,
development and organization of modern American city. Examines social structures
and processes of modern urban ways of life and its implications for city
dwellers with the sociocultural milieu. 3 hours.
4773 SOCIAL THEORY
Review and analysis of sociological theories from Comte to the present. 3 hours.
4783 METHODS OF SOCIAL RESEARCH
Introduction to scientific methods as they pertain to sociology and
related fields, including scientific logic, experimental design, problem
development and formulation of hypotheses, concept measurement, data collection
and analysis, interpretation and reporting of findings. Project assignments
provide training in application of selected research elements and in scientific
report writing. 3 hours.
4880 SPECIAL TOPICS
Special topics in sociology. 1-3 hours (may be repeated for total of
6 hours).
4900 SOCIOLOGY WORKSHOP
Related topics and problems in sociology. 1-3 hours (may be repeated
for total of 6 hours with change in title and content).
4990 TUTORIAL
Independent study in sociology under faculty supervision. 1-3 hours
(may be repeated for total of 6 hours with change in title and content).
Nondegree Programs in Geography and
Philosophy & Religion
Although USAO does not offer degree programs in geography, philosophy, or religion, courses in these areas are offered for interdisciplinary enrichment purposes and as requirements for professional certification.
COURSE LISTINGS in GEOGRAPHY
1103 PRINCIPLES OF HUMAN GEOGRAPHY
Study of interactions between social humans and their natural environment, with emphasis on human
perception of, and impact upon, the environment and the corresponding impact
of the environment on human culture. 3 hours.
2203 THE NATURE OF GEOGRAPHIC PROBLEMS
Interdisciplinary approach to geographic concerns: urbanization, population,
resources, perception of the environment, and others. 3 hours.
3203 THE SPACESHIP EARTH
Bio-geography as an approach to conservation, ecology, and survival.
3 hours.
4233 SEMINAR IN GEOGRAPHY
Student selection of topics and themes for research and discussion;
design and emphasis determined by needs, interests, and background of students
involved. 3 hours. Prerequisite: GEOG 1103 or equivalent, or approval
of instructor.
4900 WORKSHOP
Related topics and problems in geography. 1-3 hours (may be repeated
for total of 6 hours with change in title and content).
4990 TUTORIAL
Independent study in geography under faculty supervision. 1-3 hours
(may be repeated for total of 6 hours with change in title and content).
COURSE LISTINGS in
PHILOSOPHY and RELIGION
1103 LOGIC
Methods and principles used to distinguish correct from incorrect reasoning,
including logical functions of language, the nature of logical argument, and
methods of deduction and induction; emphasis on practical application. 3 hours.
1113 LOGIC
Continuation of PHIL 1103 to include symbolic logic. 3 hours.
1223 PHILOSOPHICAL HORIZONS
Introductory course offering broad view of role and range of philosophy in
varying approaches to perennial human problems, an awareness of philosophy as
existential passion and activity, and introduction to art of philosophizing. 3
hours
1233 SIGN, SYMBOL AND MYTH
Functions of sign, symbol and myth in the life of humans as each may be observed
to order and to organize human existence both individually and corporately. The
course does not deal with specific mythologies except as such may serve to
exemplify. 3 hours.
2103 COMPARATIVE RELIGION
Survey of major religions of world civilizations, as well as ideologies which
compete for human religious commitment; includes Judaism, Christianity, Islam,
Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and others. 3 hours.
2123 SURVEY OF OLD TESTAMENT LITERATURE
Individuals, history, sociology, and literary styles of Old Testament writings.
3 hours.
2133 SURVEY OF NEW TESTAMENT LITERATURE
Individuals, history, sociology, and literary styles of New Testament writings.
3 hours.
2273 ETHICS
Major positions in Western and Eastern ethical thought from Homer to the present
in attempt to discover the basic principles of moral decisions. 3 hours.
2383 AESTHETICS
Systematic inquiry into major philosophical problems involving definition and
meaning of art, aesthetic value, aesthetic judgment, and creative process. 3
hours.
3103 PHILOSOPHY OF KNOWLEDGE
Differing conceptions of sources, nature, validity and significance of human
knowledge throughout history of Eastern and Western philosophy. 3 hours.
Prerequisite: 9 hours of philosophy/religion courses or permission of
instructor. 3 hours.
3113 PHILOSOPHY OF BEING
Major approaches in Western and Eastern philosophy to questions of nature of
ultimate reality; concerns perennial human quest for understanding of the
origin, structure, and meaning of humans and the universe. 3 hours.
Prerequisite: 9 hours of philosophy/religion courses or permission of
instructor.
3323 HUMAN RELIGIOUS CONSCIOUSNESS
Investigation of the cross-cultural phenomenon of religion as a human event
common to all societies. 3 hours. Prerequisite: 9 hours of philosophy/religion
courses or permission of instructor.
3900 SEMINAR IN BIBLICAL LITERATURE
In-depth study of selected writings from Old and New Testaments. 1-6 hours (may
be repeated).
4590 HONORS RESEARCH
Arranged independent research culminating in original thesis paper and defense
of position assumed. 1-3 hours. Prerequisite: 9 hours of philosophy/religion
courses or permission of instructor.
4900 WORKSHOP
Related topics and problems in philosophic and religious thought. 1-3 hours (may
be repeated for total of 6 hours with change in title and content.
4990 TUTORIAL
Independent study in philosophic and religious thought under faculty
supervision. 1-3 hours (may be repeated for total of 6 hours with change in
title and content).