Courses in this area will illuminate the attempts of social scientists to provide answers to persistent questions of social life. Students will learn how to better observe and conceptualize their social and cultural world. The sociology minor is appropriate for students preparing for secondary teaching, business careers, or government service. Students are highly recommended to apply for an internship experience to be completed after the first semester of the Junior year. Introductory course designed to meet the needs of those wishing an elementary knowledge in this field as well as those preparing for advanced study.
Emphasis is placed on the structure and dynamics of human society.
Topics covered include culture, socialization, collective behavior, stratification, minority relations, population, deviance, and social institutions. Particular emphasis is placed on the value of cultural concepts in illuminating similarities and dissimilarities. Cross-cultural examples of past and present societies are investigated. This course is intended to introduce the variety of areas involved in the study of alcoholic beverages and society. We will critically explore various ways of analyzing the issues that surround alcoholic beverages.