M.S. in Applied Sociology -- Electives

Investigates the relationship between an understanding of a problem and the development of a specific program/intervention. Techniques addressed include goal and objective formation, and the integration of the intervention into the organizational setting. Examines existing programs/interventions as to their conceptual basis and analytical approach.

COM 500 Organizational Communication Skills for the Professional (3)

Acquaints students with the broad array of media, both electronic (WWW, Internet, Intranet) and non-electronic (Newsletters, publications), central to the contemporary organization. Reviews basic information handling skills. Assists students in developing a personal aesthetic effective in regard to the design and development of such media, as well as facility with the various communication roles (web Master, writer, communicator, organizational designer) which professionals find themselves assuming in networked organizations. (Pending)

SOC 521 Crime and Social Policy (3)

Examines and evaluates criminal justice policy in the United States from historical, structural, and cross-national perspectives. Reviews theory and research supporting fundamental reconceptualizations of crime and criminal justice. Systematically explores alternatives to existing policy.

ANT 531 Methods of Research: Ethnographic Data Collection and Analysis (3)

Examines the epistemological presumptions and methodological strictures of fieldwork/participant observation in the anthropological tradition. Compares this to Positivist and Postmodernist approaches. Trains students to use ethnographic methods and compares them with other qualitative methods informed by this perspective (i.e. in-depth interviewing and content analysis) in applied research and practice settings. Evaluates a range of contemporary appropriations of the ethnographic gaze from information systems development to evaluation.

SOC 534 Methods of Research: Qualitative Research Techniques (3)

Explores qualitative research methods including in-depth interviewing, oral history, content analysis, historical research, narrative analysis, visual data, participant observation, case study research, and others within the context of community development. Reviews models and methods of participatory and collaborative research from fields including sociology, geography, planning, natural resources, anthropology, history, community and occupational health, and community, rural and urban development, among others.

SOC 574 Drug Epidemics (3)

Explores the conditions under which societal-wide drug epidemics (rapid rises in the use of psychoactive substances) occur. Examines in detail the current resurgence of drug use among youth that began among the youngest drug users in the early 1990s. Employs national trend data to determine onset conditions, the sociological characteristics of groups that led the epidemic, the pathways through which drug use expands in specific age groups, and the consequences of rising rates of drug use by the youngest users. Emphasizes empirically based identification of strategic points for societal intervention. Serves as an introduction to aggregate data analysis.

SOC 580 Ethics and Corruption in the Public Service (3)

Promotes the perspective that public service that is both ethical and effective requires careful study of the rules and institutions that have grown up to prevent, detect and punish official corruption. Considers the parameters of public integrity in several applied settings including the provision of human services. Takes a broad look at those aspects of modern public administration that are part of the ethics apparatus and that impinge on the operation of all public agencies. (Pending)

SOC 590 Selected Topics in Sociology (3)

Provides students with the opportunity to investigate selected sociological subject matter. Topics will typically illustrate the application of sociological and anthropological theory and research to social services or criminology. Students may receive credit in a future semester for different topic areas.

SOC 591 Independent Study in Sociology (3)

Provides an opportunity for students to go beyond the existing curriculum. Requires an application and the agreement of a faculty advisor.

SOC 596 Proposal and Grant Writing Seminar (3)

Explores all aspects of the proposal process from the most basic questions about form and style to the task of seeking funding and support, or committee approval, to what to do after the proposal is approved or funded. In particular, the focus is on developing, designing, preparing, and presenting effective research proposals to university review committees and funding bodies.

CMT 600 Continuous Registration (1)

Maintaining continuous registration is a requirement for all graduate degrees. Students who have completed most course requirements but are finishing projects, capstone experiences, thesis or are satisfying Incomplete or In-Progress grades must register to maintain continuous matriculation. Course may be taken up to 6 semesters at which time it is expected that all program requirements will have been met. Credit is not used toward program completion requirements. Only S/U grades are awarded for this course.