Sociology

Introduces the concepts, principles, and applications of the social science method in general and of sociology in particular, including a review of some of the crucial sociological problems of today, involving the relationship of the individual to society and groups of individuals to one another. Some topics included are culture, race, gender, class, social mobility, health, and social change. Historical and economic forces in the U.S. will also be examined in relation to sociological concepts.

Society and the natural environment are vitally linked in a number of ways. In this course, students will explore these connections at various levels from the local to the global, but with a focus on the students’ lives and local communities as important case studies. This course focuses on the social causes of environmental problems, the social consequences of environmental degradation, and social responses to environmental issues. The course is designed to provide students with the sociological tools and hands-on experiences that will help them gain a better understanding of local and global earth systems related to food, energy transportation housing, waste, and water, as well as the qualities of ecological integrity, social and racial justice, resilient communities, and economic well-being.

Examines social and historical experiences of the major minority groups to better understand their social, cultural, and economic status, and group relations in the U.S. Contemporary topics will include diversity, assimilation, ethnic identity, prejudice, discrimination, racism, class, gender, immigration, inequality, and poverty. This course provides an opportunity to examine ideas relating to such diverse issues as the relationship between attitudes and behaviors, the complexity of class, power, and conflict, and the interplay between economic and political systems.

Examines concepts and issues associated with family life and personal relationships. A variety of social problems that impact personal relationships, marriage, and the family will be addressed, relating them to social, cultural, political, and economic changes in society. Such issues as diversity of families, cross-cultural perspectives, work and economics, social class, reproductive and parenting rights, partner selection, the internal dynamics of relationships, gender and sexuality, relationship violence, marital dissolution, and future family trends will be examined. Altogether, such changes in the world outside the family have profound impact on what happens inside the family and profound consequences on how individuals conduct their personal and social lives together. The questions that this course will raise and attempt to answer will hopefully enable us to live together in adulthood with considerably more ease than many currently experience. (An introductory sociology or psychology course is recommended.)

Provides an overview of theories and research concerning the nature of conflict and methods for resolving conflict. The foundation of the course is social systems theory; the course examines conflicts among social institutions and conflicts among diverse populations. The effects of conflict on the individual are considered. The course provides the student/practitioner with the theoretical framework for analyzing and resolving conflict. This course does not meet the minimum Social Science requirement for NHTI’s associate degrees or professional certificate programs.

Students will learn about another country through on-site study that may include visitation to historic sites, libraries, archives, cultural events, and museums. The history, culture, economy, and politics of the host country will be examined. Students will increase their cultural awareness and cross-cultural sensitivity through exposure to people from different countries and cultures. As a school-sponsored travel/study abroad experience (at student’s expense), this course combines the equivalent of 3 credits of classroom and field experience. A project is required to document the learning experience. May be repeated for credit with permission of the department chair.