Topics include man-woman relationships before and through the course of marriage, parenting, the family system and societal influences. Examines the social sources of these cultural wars and the ways that such conflicts are dealt with by the political and legal system. Areas of inquiry include abortion, religious freedom, divorce, affirmative action, euthanasia, censorship, definition of family, multiculturalism and tolerance. The course covers alcohol and other controlled substances, paying particular attention to the implications of past and current drug use practices and policies for criminal justice agencies. The study of the major methods of research used in social inquiry.
Emphasis is on the use of social surveys, qualitative interviews, data analysis and interpretation.
The student will make substantial use of the computer by applying statistical software to data entry and analysis, finding patterns in the data, testing hypotheses and presenting findings using tables and graphs. Primary attention will be given to the social forces that bring about change in our social institutions, values and norms. The examination of ecological, social and economic aspects of Hispanic communities in the United States. Includes field observation in these communities. Historical emphasis is on major figures and their contributions to present theory.