Program Goals

Gerontology Program Goals

1. Describe the interdependent processes of physical, psychological, and social aging
2. Be familiar with the biological, psychological and sociological theories of aging
3. Describe attitudes toward and beliefs about old age
4. Analyze attitudes towards aging expressed in literary and artistic depictions of aging
5. Know about the current condition of the older population, including cross-cultural and intra-cultural variations on aging
6. Be aware of the history of treatment of aging populations
7. Discuss the programs and policies that specifically impinge on that population
8. Understand the ethical complexities which surround issues with respect to aging
9. Understand appropriate methodological and analytic means for investigations of aging and old age

Justice Studies Program Goals

1. To provide a foundation for professional development of pre-service and inservice personnel.
2. To orient students toward a systematic perspective of the criminal justice system.
3. To develop a citizenry educated in the problems of crime and in the administration of justice.
4. To develop understanding of the causes of crime and societal responses to it.
5. To emphasize the ethical and moral standards involved in decision-making and criminal justice activities.
6. To prepare future leaders both in the academic and applied setting.
7. To study criminal justice in the context of larger justice issues and with attention to the total environment in which the system operates.
8. To advance knowledge about the design, evolution, operation, and maintenance of justice system.
9. To induce students to think about issues in criminal justice and to develop professional attitudes and patterns of behavior.
10. To establish academic credentials to be emphasized more in the future than experience.
11. To provide an up-to-date understanding of law, human behavior, and social institutions.
12. To develop awareness of the field as a recognized academic discipline.
13. To upgrade the quality of service provided by personnel and criminal justice agencies.
14. To sensitize students to national differences in criminal justice systems. To introduce students to comparative perspectives on justice systems.
15. To emphasize the relevance of literature and research to practice in the field.

Sociology Program Goals

1. A familiarity with the history of and major thinkers in sociology
2. An understanding of basic sociological concepts, theories, and paradigms
3. An understanding of the relations between theory and research
4. An appreciation of the research process
5. An ability to do sociological research
6. An ability to articulate sociological analyses in oral and written form
7. An understanding of statistical methods in social research as well as an ability to use computers appropriately in sociological work
8. An understanding of the contribution of sociology to understanding the social world
9. An ability to apply sociological perspectives to interpersonal and intergroup relations
10. A familiarity with the occupational opportunities provided by sociological skills and understanding.