Focus on the emergence of sociology as a discipline. Provide understanding of the role of theory in the social sciences, provide knowledge of major paradigms utilized in contemporary social science theory, assess applied explanatory strengths and weaknesses of paradigms. Introduce research methodologies in the social sciences. Study the logic of research, role of theory, measurement, sampling and research designs. Introduce applied statistics in social science research.
Emphasis is on field research and application of specific qualitative methods.
Survey theories and research on the social aspects of aging with emphasis on later maturity and old age. Socio-cultural historical conditions and social institutions which affect policy formation are studied. Social change and social policy as well as utilization of sociological concepts and methods in applied settings are examined. Variable topics may include theory construction, research and theoretical development as it occurs in various areas of sociology, or current issues and problems within the profession. Repeatable up to two times, under different subtitles.