SOC 271 Culture and Family in Mexico (1 credit)

This course examines the culture and family structure of Mexico in light of this country's economic, political and religious history. Inequalities based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability and social class level will be examined as well. A study of social movements to improve the status of oppressed people in Mexico is also included.

SOC 272 Education and Family in Mexico (1 credit: students will spend 2 hours a week in service work at a public school)

*linked with SWK 240 for a CORE 200

The basic purpose of this course is to examine how education as an institution is interrelated with the family and culture of a society. To explore a particular case study, the country of Mexico and its unique educational system and family structure will be analyzed. The history and traditions of this nation and their impact on education will be discussed as well.

SOC 332 Human Sexuality (3 credits)

The research literature on sexual interests, behaviors and relationships is reviewed through study of the changing practices and perceptions of sexuality in America. Topics include the cultural construction of sex, the process of learning to be sexual, sexual deviance, the influence of marriage, and the interplay between sex and power in our society. Recognition of both risks and rewards associated with sexuality provides the context for studying controversial policies in society. The class will take a field trip to Priscilla's on Western Blvd.

SOC 335 Race and Ethnic Relations (3 credits)

Patterns of relationship among racial and ethnic groups in the United States are analyzed. This course explores inequalities of wealth, power, and status along with the persistence of racism, movements to advance civil rights and efforts by groups to maintain social boundaries. Current trends in intergroup relations are discussed to explore how changing demographic racial patterns may affect future definitions of race and ethnicity.

SOC 360 Media, Self and Society (3 credits)

What is ‘the media’ and how can it impact the ways in which we see the world and ourselves in it? This course will examine these questions as we examine the roles that various media forms play in our society, particularly in regards to issues of identity across lines of race, class, gender and sexuality. Students will examine historical and theoretical aspects of the media from both sociological and cultural studies perspectives, the ways ways in which mainstream and alternative media construct identity, and the impact that these images have on the society in which they circulate.

SWK 235 Child Welfare (3 credits)

This course looks at child welfare in a global, national, state, and local context. Students will study predictors of child well being and services designed to promote child welfare. Emphasis will be placed on explanations of and interventions for family situations involving violence, child abuse, and neglect. Diversity arising from race, ethnicity, social class, and social change will be examined. Twenty hours of community work at an assigned setting will be required.

SWK 240 Populations At Risk & Social Justice (3 credits)

This course introduces students to concepts and processes of social and economic oppression and to strategies for promoting social justice. Content is grounded in an understanding of distributive justice, human and civil rights, and the global interconnectedness of oppression. It offers a framework and strategies for addressing the unique needs of populations that may be at risk for discrimination, oppression, and economic deprivation as a result of conditions related to age, class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, family structure, gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation.

SWK-302 Social Welfare Policy from a Human Rights Perspective (3 credits)

Course content provides an examination of the ideologies and perspectives that have shaped social welfare policy in the United States and in other societies around the world. Using the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and other international covenants as a lens, the course will examine the resulting social welfare policies and the intentional and unintentional impacts these policies have on vulnerable and oppressed populations.

Schedule: download the schedule

Term	Section Name	Title	Cred.	Bldg.	Rm.	Days	Start Time	End Time
First Three Week	SOC-271-A	Home & Housing in Mexico	1	LED	301	MTWHF	11:30 AM	12:20 PM
First Three Week	SOC-272-A	Culture & Family in Mexico	1	LED	301	MTWH	5:00 PM	5:59 PM
First Three Week	SOC-360-A	Media, Self & Society	3	LED	210	MTWHF	1:00 PM	3:50 PM
First Three Week	SWK-235-A	Child Welfare	3	LED	111	MTWHF	1:00 PM	3:50 PM
First Three Week	SWK-240-A	Pop. At Risk & Social Justice	3	LED	301	MTWH	6:00 PM	9:00 PM
Second Three Week	SOC-335-A	Race and Ethnic Relations	3	LED	301	MTWHF	8:30 AM	11:20 AM
Second Three Week	SWK-302-A	Social Policy & Human Rights	3	LED	301	MTWH	6:00 PM	9:00 PM
Third Three Week	SOC-332-A	Human Sexuality	3	LED	301	MTWHF	8:30 AM	11:20 AM

Visit the Sociology Department Web site at: http://www.meredith.edu/sociolog/