MSU Billings Catalog

The Department of Social Sciences and Cultural Studies

Anthropology

ANTY 220 Culture & Society. 3 Credits

The meaning and significance of culture. Survey of world culture areas and peoples; organization and functioning of societies, their diverse forms and degrees of elaboration. Symbolic behavior systems and expression. Intercultural contacts and relations. Dynamics of cultural change and continuity. History and methods of cultural anthropology.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

Criminal Justice

CJUS 121 Intro to Criminal Justice. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Summer

3cr. Introduces students to the criminal justice system in America and our official responses to the social problem of crime. Examines the various local, state and federal agencies that make up the system, with particular attention to the police, courts and corrections. Includes critical questions about the roles, responsibilities and challenges of today's criminal justice system.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

CJUS 205 Intro Criminal Law and Courts. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Fall

Prerequisite(s): SOCI 101 or SOCI 201 and CJUS 121.

3cr. Introduces the United States legal system. Examines factors that shape criminal law and the legal framework governing careers of criminal justice professionals. Reviews the elements of crime and criminal defense.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

CJUS 220 Introduction to Corrections. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Spring

Prerequisite(s): SOCI 101 or SOCI 201 and CJUS 121.

3cr. Introduces students to correctional systems in the United States, including community corrections. Examines laws pertaining to corrections and how they are applied to offenders and correctional personnel. Discusses correctional populations and corrections data.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

CJUS 225 Careers in Criminal Justice. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Spring

Prerequisite(s): SOCI 101 or SOCI 201 and CJUS 121.

3cr. Introduces students to the range of careers in the field of criminal justice. Reviews skills and competencies needed for employment in the field of criminal justice. Teaches resume-development, interview skills, and professional networking techniques useful to criminal justice majors.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

CJUS 226 Introduction to Probation. 3 Credits

Prerequisite(s): SOCI 101 or SOCI 201 and SOCI 221.

Provides an in-depth examination of the role of probation in the criminal justice system. Topics include caseloads, pre-sentence investigations, practices and procedures, and issues associated with supervising offenders in the community.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

CJUS 227 Introduction to Policing. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Spring

Prerequisite(s): SOCI 101 or SOCI 201 and CJUS 121.

3cr. Examines the police as a component of the criminal justice system. Provides an overview of law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels. Reviews trends related to law enforcement. Highlights important contemporary discussions regarding law enforcement and the role of the police.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

CJUS 294 Seminar/Workshop. 3 Credits

Provides freshman and sophomores an opportunity to investigate intensively topics pertinent to the field of Criminal Justice.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

CJUS 305 Crit Issues in Law and Courts. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Fall

Prerequisite(s): CJUS 121 and SOCI 101 or SOCI 201 and WRIT 201 or WRIT 220 or WRIT 221.

3cr. Examines a variety of critical issues in law and the American court system. Encourages critical thought and use of academic skills to investigate the role of law and the courts in democratic societies.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

CJUS 320 Critical Issues in Corrections. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Spring

Prerequisite(s): CJUS 121 and SOCI 101 or SOCI 201 and WRIT 201 or WRIT 220 or WRIT 221.

3cr. Examines a variety of critical issues in corrections. Encourages critical thought and use of academic skills to investigate the role of correctional systems in democratic societies.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

CJUS 327 Critical Issues in Policing. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Spring

Prerequisite(s): CJUS 121 and SOCI 101 or SOCI 201 and WRIT 201 or WRIT 220 or WRIT 221.

3cr. Examines a variety of critical issues in policing and law enforcement. Encourages students to think critically about these topics and use academic skills to investigate the relationship between police and citizens in democratic societies.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

CJUS 335 Victimology. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Summer

Prerequisite(s): CJUS 121 and SOCI 101 or SOCI 201 and WRIT 201 or WRIT 220 or WRIT 221.

3cr. Provides an introductory examination of criminal victimization in the United States. Gives an overview of current theory, research, and trends within the context of specific victimization types. Encourages examination of specific types of criminal victimization, the multiple impacts of crime, the role of victims within the criminal justice system, and victim rights and services.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

CJUS 375 Inequality in Criminal Justice. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Spring

Prerequisite(s): CJUS 121 and SOCI 101 or SOCI 201 and WRIT 201 or WRIT 220 or WRIT 221.

3cr. Explores the significance of social inequality for several crime and criminal justice issues. Examines inequality at each stage of the criminal justice system, including the unequal social conditions that foster crime, the creation of laws, inequality in arrests and the enforcement of laws, case processing and convictions, sentencing, and imprisonment and post-prison circumstances. This is a reading-intensive class.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

CJUS 400 Applied Research Methods. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Spring

Prerequisite(s): CJUS 121 and SOCI 101 or SOCI 201 and WRIT 201 or WRIT 220 or WRIT 221.

3cr. Teaches basic skills needed to plan and conduct research and analyze data. Skills include performing literature searches, identifying potential ethical concerns and gaining informed consent, quantitative and qualitative research design and data collection, data analysis, and data interpretation. Report writing and presentation will be components of the course, and opportunities to apply learned skills both inside and outside of academic settings will be emphasized.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

CJUS 421 Criminal Justice Ethics. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Fall

Prerequisite(s): CJUS 121 and SOCI 101 or SOCI 201 and WRIT 201 or WRIT 220 or WRIT 221.

3cr. Examines ethical issues in law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Students will learn moral and ethical standards that can be used to resolve dilemmas they encounter in the criminal justice system.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

CJUS 427 Deviance and Social Control. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Fall

Prerequisite(s): CJUS 121 and SOCI 101 or SOCI 201 and WRIT 201 or WRIT 220 or WRIT 221.

3cr. Examines deviant behavior in contemporary society. Explores why certain people and types of behaviors come to be defined as deviant. Introduces students to theoretical explanations of deviance.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

CJUS 480 Crime Theory & Data. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Fall

Prerequisite(s): CJUS 121 and SOCI 101 or SOCI 201 and WRIT 201 or WRIT 220 or WRIT 221.

3cr. Reviews important criminological and criminal justice theories. Examines commonly used crime data sources. Encourages use of theory and data to evaluate policy in today's criminal justice system.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

CJUS 491 Special Topics. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Prerequisite(s): CJUS 121 and SOCI 101 or SOCI 201 and WRIT 201 or WRIT 220 or WRIT 221.

3cr. Investigates contemporary issues relevant to the field of criminal justice. Provides students with the opportunity to engage in in-depth study of emerging issues or specialized content which are not represented in the main curriculum.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

CJUS 494 Seminar/Workshop. 3 Credits

Prerequisite(s): SOCI 101 or SOCI 201.

Provides advanced students an opportunity to investigate intensively topics pertinent to the field of Criminal Justice.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

CJUS 498 Internship/Cooperative Educ. 1-12 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisite(s): Must be junior or senior standing and receive permission from advisor.

V1-12cr. (1-12 other/wk) Provides university credit for work experience in an area relevant to criminal justice. Encourages student to connect academic training with real-world experiences. Internship is supervised by academic advisor but learning agreement must be completed with Career Services prior to registration. Offered ONLY Online.

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

CJUS 499 Senior Thesis/Capstone. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Prerequisite(s): CJUS 121 and SOCI 101 or SOCI 201 and CJUS 400 or SOCI 400 and CJUS 480 or SOCI 402 and WRIT 201 or WRIT 220 or WRIT 221.

3cr. Provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge of criminal justice and criminology to investigate social issues they have identified as holding importance to their local or regional communities. Relying on methodological and theoretical skills gained throughout the program, students will participate in a multi-step project in which they identify and research a problem, choose appropriate methods to assess the extent of the problem, and then based on the application of those methods report the findings from the project. Presentation is required.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

Economics

ECNS 201 Principles of Microeconomics. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Introduces the analytical tools of economists as they pertain to microeconomic theory and applications. This course emphasizes price theory, production theory, theory of economic organizations, and factor markets.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

ECNS 202 Principles of Macroeconomics. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Introduces the analytical tools of economists as they pertain to macroeconomic theory and applications. This course emphasizes the behavior of markets in the context of a national economy. Introduces theories of national income and employment, economic growth and stabilization theory, money and banking, and international economics.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

ECNS 294 Seminar/Workshop. 1-3 Credits

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

ECNS 300 Intermediate Microeconomics. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Fall

Prerequisite(s): ECNS 201 and ECNS 202.

3cr. Covers price determination and resource allocation under competitive and noncompetitive market structures. Includes theories of demand, production, and income distribution.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

ECNS 302 Intermediate Macroeconomics. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Spring

Prerequisite(s): ECNS 201 and ECNS 202.

3cr. Considers the determinants of aggregate levels of employment, output, and income of an economy.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

ECNS 313 Money and Banking. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Prerequisite(s): ECNS 201 and ECNS 202.

3cr. Covers the mechanics of financial markets, the impact of fiscal and monetary policies, banking and financial institutions and instruments used by business and government, the relationships between interest rates, security prices, risk, exchange rates and world financial markets.

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

ECNS 314 International Economics. 3 Credits

Prerequisite(s): ECNS 201 and ECNS 202.

3cr. Considers classical and modern theories of international trade with applications to selected international economic problems.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

ECNS 403 Introduction to Econometrics. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Spring

Prerequisite(s): ECNS 201 and ECNS 202.

3cr. Covers forecasting techniques used in business; assembly, interpretation and use of economic data; analysis of business conditions; construction of firm and industry sales forecasts.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

ECNS 450 Econ of Global Development. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Fall

Prerequisite(s): ECNS 201 and ECNS 202.

3cr. Examines the reasons for the amazing increase in human flourishing and material prosperity over the last 200 years. It is, of necessity, comparative in nature and considers the experience under central planning as well as under more laissez-faire property rules, and those systems that lie somewhere in between. Also examined are attempts in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries to orchestrate economic growth from without. The central emphasis is upon the rule structures and form of organization necessary for human flourishing.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

ECNS 456 Law and Economics. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Spring

Prerequisite(s): ECNS 201.

3cr. Focuses on the economic analysis of the law. Topics include introduction to legal institutions and legal analysis; application of economic concepts to the law of property, contracts, and torts; criminal and constitutional law; economic efficiency of common law; and public choice perspective on the evolution of the law.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

ECNS 457 Economics of Organizations. 3 Credits

Prerequisite(s): ECNS 201 and ECNS 202.

3cr. Applies microeconomic, contract and agency theories to understanding the structure and scope of organizations. Examines incentive structures, issues in accountability, responsibility and productivity measurements, and ownership structures of business.

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

ECNS 490 Undergraduate Research. 3 Credits

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

3cr. (3 other/wk) Combines statistical and econometric techniques with economic and financial theories to conduct rigorous research projects in the areas of economics and finance. The project is similar to a thesis and is the sole factor used to determine the course grade.

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

ECNS 492 Independent Study. 1-3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

V1-3cr. (1-3 other/wk) Provides outstanding junior and senior students an opportunity to explore material not covered by regular Economics courses. Students must complete a Request for Independent Study form and have it approved by CBAPC.

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

ECNS 494 Seminar/Workshop. 1-3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

V1-3cr. (1-3 other/wk) Provides advanced students an opportunity to intensively investigate topics pertinent to the field of Economics.

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

Environmental Studies

ENST 210 Intro to Environmental Studies. 3 Credits

Recommended background or concurrent enrollment in WRIT 201. Presents an orientation to the field of environmental studies as an academic discipline and as public service. Provides students with experiential opportunities with local agencies and organizations designed to facilitate individual interests and educational goals relative to the study and practice of environmental problem solving. Students will acquire information literacy skills through the process of identifying, accessing, analyzing, and evaluating secondary source material, audiovisual media, and computer-based information. Course requires students to complete a community-based environmental project.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: Interdisciplinary Studies

ENST 294 Seminar/Workshop. 1-6 Credits

Department: Interdisciplinary Studies

ENST 298 Internship/Cooperative Educ. 1-9 Credits

Provides university credit for a sophomore work experience in the area of Environmental Studies supervised by faculty. Learning agreement must be completed prior to registration (restricted).

Department: Interdisciplinary Studies

ENST 335 The Environmental Vision. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Fall

Prerequisite(s): consent of instructor.

Considers nature and the environment as represented in literature and culture. Readings may include landmarks of literary nature writing and environmental advocacy, as well as representative works in various genres.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: English & Philosophy

ENST 382 Environmental Law. 3 Credits

Prerequisite(s): 6 credits of WRIT 101, WRIT 201, WRIT 220, or WRIT 221.

Provides a broad overview of the major federal and Montana environmental statutes, including attention to how the statutes attempt to balance long-view goals (i.e., needs of future generations) and broad-view goals (i.e., needs of ecological systems). Course content also examines how the statutes are administratively and judicially enforced, as well as the social benefits and burdens associated with criminal punishments and civil litigations. Course content will address the complexities inherent to a regulatory system that is generated within federal, state, and local jurisdictions. Course assignments will include at least one important writing assignment (i.e., term paper assignment).

Lecture Hours 3

Department: Interdisciplinary Studies

ENST 385 Envir Impact & Policy Analysis. 3 Credits

Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or permission of instructor.

Explores human environmental impact, impact assessment, and environmental policy. Topics include pollution impact and mitigation, energy policy, natural resources management, environmental impact assessment and impact statement methods.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: Interdisciplinary Studies

ENST 490 UG Research. 1-6 Credits

Prerequisite(s): Junior or senior in the EVST program, 3.0 or better GPA in major, 3.0 or better GPA overall, BIOE 202, PHL 324.

Involves intensive study of a specific problem related to environmental studies. A contract describing the study must be completed at the time of enrollment.

Lecture Hours 1-6

Department: Interdisciplinary Studies

ENST 491 Special Topics. 1-12 Credits

Lecture Hours 1-12

Department: Interdisciplinary Studies

ENST 492 Independent Study. 1-8 Credits

Provides an opportunity for students of superior academic standing to explore material not covered by the regular college courses.

Department: Interdisciplinary Studies

ENST 494 Seminar/Workshop. 1-6 Credits

Prerequisite(s): 6 credits of WRIT 101, WRIT 201, WRIT 220, or WRIT 221.

Involves intensive study of a specific problem related to environmental studies. A contract describing the study must be completed at the time of enrollment.

Lecture Hours 1-6

Department: Interdisciplinary Studies

ENST 498 Internship/Cooperative Educ. 1-6 Credits

Provides university credit for a work experience in the area of Environmental Studies, supervised by faculty. Learning agreement must be completed prior to registration (restricted).

Department: Interdisciplinary Studies

ENST 499 Senior Thesis/Capstone. 3 Credits

Prerequisite(s): ENST 385, PHL 324, BIOE 202, senior standing.

Provides an opportunity for students in the environmental studies program to demonstrate proficiency in the skills presented in the environmental studies curriculum.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: Interdisciplinary Studies

Geoscience: Geography

GPHY 121 Human Geography. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Analyzes the interrelationships between man and his environment, including such topics as race, origin and dispersal of technology, livelihood patterns and settlement.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

GPHY 262 Spatial Sciences Tech and Appl. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Introduces students to the sciences and technologies used to investigate spatial questions. Particular attention is given to physical processes such as energy transfer and the transportation of materials. Though the primary focus is on physical processes, examples may also be drawn from a variety of other fields, such as biogeography, cultural geography, criminology, marketing, epidemiology and political concerns.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

GPHY 263 Spatial Sciences & Tech Lab. 1 Credit

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Introduces students to applied problems involving the sciences and technologies used to study spatial problems, especially ones involving physical processes. Other exercises may include problems from areas such as biogeography, cultural geography, criminology, marketing, epidemiology, and political concerns.

Lecture Hours 1

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

GPHY 282 Mapping Techniques. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Fall

Introduces map interpretation, computer cartography, spatial data and Geographic Information Systems.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

GPHY 291 Special Topics. 1-12 Credits

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

GPHY 294 Seminar/Workshop. 0.5-6 Credits

Lecture Hours .5-6

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

GPHY 380 Principles of GIS. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Spring

Prerequisite(s): GPHY 282.

Introduces GIS, spatial analysis, map production, and spatial data handling.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

GPHY 484 Applied GIS/Spatial Analysis. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Spring

Prerequisite(s): GPHY 380.

Applies GIS to a project-based curriculum where students propose, research, and develop a course-long project of their choosing. Students gain experience in spatial data handling, database theory and application, sensor networks, and real-time data analysis.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

GPHY 485 Internet GIS. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Spring

Prerequisite(s): GPHY 380.

Introduces students to web-based GIS including web design, programming using ArcGIS for Server, open-source web-server applications, online charting and graphing, real-time data processing, and spatial analysis. Web-based mapping experience gained through this class can be applied to geography, environmental science, business, medicine, and history.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

GPHY 487 Remote Sensing/Raster GIS. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Fall

Prerequisite(s): GPHY 282.

Introduces students to remote sensing and photogrammetry using aerial and satellite imagery. Students gain experience with the classification of imagery, object detection and extraction, spectral analyses of plants, and 2D/3D data collection and processing. Remote sensing is used in environmental analyses to detect and monitor fire hazards, pollution, climate change, and agriculture.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

GPHY 490 UG Research. 1-6 Credits

Lecture Hours 1-6

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

GPHY 491 Special Topics. 1-12 Credits

Lecture Hours 1-12

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

GPHY 492 Independent Study. 1-6 Credits

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor and department chairperson.

Provides advanced students an opportunity to explore material not covered in regular geography courses. A contract describing the study must be completed at the time of enrollment.

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

GPHY 494 Seminar/Workshop. 1-3 Credits

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

GPHY 498 Cooperative Educ/Internship. 1-9 Credits

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

Native American Studies

NASX 105 Intro Native American Studies. 3 Credits

Covers the scope and concepts of American Indian Studies. Provides a general overview of Indian culture, sociology, values, and history from both a national and regional perspective. Considers the interaction between Indian and non-Indian cultures.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

NASX 205 Native Americans in Contmp Soc. 3 Credits

Analytical and evaluative examination of the sociology of Native Americans. Emphasis on the issues raised by the interface of the Native American culture and values with the majority cultures of the United States, including problem areas such as alcoholism, alienation, education, health, crime, and intercultural relations.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

NASX 294 Seminar/Workshop. 1-3 Credits

Provides an opportunity for experimental study in an area of Native American Studies.

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

NASX 298 Internship/Cooperative Educ. 1-9 Credits

Provides university credit for a sophomore work experience in the area of Native American Studies supervised by faculty. Learning agreement must be completed prior to registration (restricted).

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

NASX 332 MT Indians:Cltrs,Hist & Issues. 3 Credits

Provides a description and analysis of Montana tribes including tribal oral traditions, rock art, intercultural relations, culture change, the impact of Euro-American exploration, the fur trade, and early Westward expansion. Attention is given to the Indian wars, development of the reservation system, persistence and revival of Indian culture, civil rights, and urbanization.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

NASX 340 Native American Literature. 3 Credits

Prerequisite(s): ENST 210 or consent of instructor.

Includes fictional and non-fictional oral, written, and visual literature pertaining to Native Americans and created by Indians and non- Indians including traditional literature such as legends, myths, teaching stories, humor, songs, orations, dramas, captivity accounts, sign language, winter counts, and hide paintings; contemporary literature such as poetry, songs, short stories, novels, humor, newspapers, theatricals, movies, television, and picture books; and translation, interpretation, and criticism, with insight drawn from Indian cultural traditions, the humanities, and the social sciences.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

NASX 350 Native Americans & Environment. 3 Credits

Examines traditional beliefs and attitudes of Native Americans with respect to the natural environment as expressed in speeches, stories, and prayer. Surveys traditional techniques and uses of land, plants, and animals. Contemporary environmental issues and actions confronting American Indians are also analyzed.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

NASX 406 Hist of American Indian Women. 3 Credits

Provides a description and analysis of Indian women from oral histories, legends, and research literature. Attention is given to the roles and responsibilities of Indian women within tribal culture and in response to intercultural relations with other tribes and to Euro-American impact. The challenges and accomplishments of Indian women as leaders, homemakers, warriors, healers, and artists will be examined. Course materials will include discussion of the role of women in the evolution of bi-cultural living with particular concentration on the impact of the fur trade and education. Attention is paid to methods and findings derived from archeology, oral traditions, ethnographic studies, and historical sources.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

NASX 476 American Indian Policy and Law. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Spring

3cr. Surveys institutions, laws, and political forces that have shaped federal Indian policy from colonial times to the present. Examines relationships between Indian Tribes and the Federal Government. Includes primary documents, treaties, and case law as course material.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

NASX 491 Special Topics. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

3cr. Investigates contemporary issues relevant to the field of Native American Studies. Provides students with the opportunity to engage in in-depth study of emerging issues or specialized content which is not represented in the main curriculum.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

NASX 492 Independent Study. 1-5 Credits

Provides an opportunity for students of superior academic standing to explore material not covered by the regular courses.

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

NASX 494 Seminar/Workshop. 1-3 Credits

Provides advanced students an opportunity to investigate intensively topics pertinent to the field of Native American Studies.

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

NASX 498 Internship/Cooperative Educ. 1-12 Credits

Prerequisite(s): consent of instructor and consent of chairperson of department.

Provides outstanding students an individual opportunity to explore material not covered by regular Native American Studies courses. No more than 6 hours may be counted toward a Native American Studies minor.

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

Political Science

PSCI 210 Intro to American Government. 3 Credits

Covers the American Political System relative to central government and institutions. Attention is given to concepts, organizations and functions with emphasis on the political, governmental and democratic processes and problems, including the role of individual and group relationships. Provides a perspective and background for further study in Political Science.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

PSCI 220 Intro to Comparative Govt. 3 Credits

Introduces the ideas behind the democratic and non-democratic forms of political life in the modern world; investigates the changing nature of the role of government through systematic and comparative study of political structures, functions, behavior and changes; and provides a background for the pursuance of more specialized study in the various fields of Political Science.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

PSCI 230 Intro to International Rel. 3 Credits

Considers the nature of relations among nations, various dimensions of international politics and the nature of political challenges occasioned by the changing milieu in which international affairs are conducted.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

PSCI 240 Introduction to Public Admin. 3 Credits

Studies the basic principles and theory of administrative structures, organizations, leadership, fiscal management, personnel, and policy-making in the modern state.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

PSCI 260 Intro to State and Local Govt. 3 Credits

Considers the functions, organization and problems of American state governments and the local subdivisions—counties and municipalities—and examines state-federal and state-local relations. This class is a prerequisite for those students interested in applying for a Montana legislative internship.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

PSCI 294 Seminar/Workshop. 1-6 Credits

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

PSCI 298 Internship/Cooperative Educ. 1-9 Credits

Provides university credit for a sophomore work experience in the area of Political Science, supervised by faculty. Learning agreement must be completed prior to registration (restricted).

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

PSCI 335 American Foreign Policy. 3 Credits

Prerequisite(s): PSCI 220 and PSCI 210, or consent of instructor.

Traces the development of United States foreign policy and foreign policy institutions with emphasis on the post-World War II period. Modern foreign policy is analyzed in the context of theoretical and institutional implications. Will also deal with U.S. foreign policy towards specific areas of the world.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

PSCI 341 Political Parties & Elections. 3 Credits

Examines the structure and function of political parties, interest groups, and the mass media in the electoral process. Special emphasis on electoral rules and citizen participation from a comparative democratic perspective.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

PSCI 342 Media, Public Opinion, Polling. 3 Credits

Provides historical background material on public opinion and polling, as well as address major contemporary issues faced by those who measure public opinion. The students enrolled in this course will develop a survey questionnaire and employ MSU Billings’ CATI (Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing) Laboratory to conduct a random sample statewide telephone survey and write a paper based upon the polling’s results.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

PSCI 343 Comparative Institutions. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Fall

3cr. Examines the differences between electoral systems in primarily democratic governmental systems. Special emphasis is given to the effective number of parties, electoral thresholds, district magnitudes, and the selection of the executive.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

PSCI 345 American Political System. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Fall

Prerequisite(s): PSCI 210.

3cr. Examines the American political system founding, structures, and processes. This course explores the development and evolution of the American political system, the contemporary challenges facing American democracy, its national institutions, and the political processes. The critical analysis and evaluation of American federalism, Congress, the Presidency, and political parties will be the focus of this course.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

PSCI 370 Courts and Judicial Politics. 3 Credits

Prerequisite(s): PSCI 210.

Examines the Federal and Montana judicial systems, focusing on the institutions, procedures, and personnel. Presents an introduction to civil and criminal procedures and the legal profession.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

PSCI 407 Public Policy Analysis. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisite(s): PSCI 210.

3cr. Applies theoretical and practical analyses of public policies, including theories, and process of policy formation, including the political nature of policy implementation. This course introduces students to public policy analysis in democratic societies, with an emphasis on the United States. The use of case studies will provide the means of analyzing specific policy problems and formulating policy recommendations.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

PSCI 416 Public Organizational Theory. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisite(s): PSCI 210.

3cr. Introduces the study of complex organizations and organizational behavior in the administration of public policy. This course provides a conceptual grounding in the management of public organization and decision-making process. Students will also critically analyze issues of organizational culture, including challenges to diversity, conflict, and power dynamics.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

PSCI 424 Democratization. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Spring

Analyzes the political determinants of democratic transitions and democratic consolidation. Global and regional trends are examined systematically through data analysis.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

PSCI 425 International Conflict. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Spring

Analyzes the political determinants of international war and conflict.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

PSCI 426 Comparative Political Economy. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Fall

Assesses the relationship between politics and economics within countries. Topics covered include the relationship between democracy and development, globalization, and the welfare state. Global and regional trends are examined systematically through data analysis.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

PSCI 427 Research Methods. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Spring

Develops knowledge of research design, qualitative and quantitative methods, and data analysis skills. Students will prepare and submit a research design that meets social scientific standards.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

PSCI 448 Language and Law. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

3cr. Investigates the role that language and linguistics play in the law and legal fields is the focus of this course. Language and Law applies linguistic analysis as a tool for understanding the law, legal interpretations, legal proceedings, and linguistic evidence. Students will apply forensic linguistic techniques to analyze evidence, authorship identification, interpret meaning, profile authors, forensic discourse analysis, and more.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

PSCI 469 Ethics & Public Policy. 3 Credits

Explores ethics and selected issues in public service and policy making through theoretical and case study approaches. Emphasis on the relation of continuing issues and problem areas to individual careers in policy making and administrative decision making. Graduate students will be expected to read substantially more in the public administration literature, to produce more in-depth research in their term papers, and to make at least one, possibly two, classroom presentations.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

PSCI 472 Const Law: Civil Liberties. 3 Credits

Prerequisite(s): HSTA 101 or PSCI 210.

Examines major Supreme Court decisions in the field of individual rights. Provides an overview of civil liberties decisions with emphasis on the recent past, or may consider specific constitutional issues (i.e., church and state, freedom of speech and press, the death penalty) over the course of American history.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

PSCI 473 Const Law: Powers & Structures. 3 Credits

Prerequisite(s): HSTA 101 or PSCI 210.

Introduces the evolution and structure of the United States constitutional system, focusing on the federal relationship, the separation of powers, and the judicial review, relying primarily upon the case method of analysis.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

PSCI 491 Special Topics. 3 Credits

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

Provides Masters of Public Administration students an opportunity for them to investigate contemporary topics related to the field. Staffing needs will largely involve local practitioners in government and not-for-profit organizations. The course will be offered on an irregular basis.

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

PSCI 492 Independent Study. 1-5 Credits

Prerequisite(s): consent of instructor and chairperson of department.

Provides outstanding students an individual opportunity to explore material not covered by regular Political Science courses.

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

PSCI 494 Seminar/Workshop. 1-6 Credits

Provides an opportunity for experimental study in the area of Political Science.

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

PSCI 498 Internship/Cooperative Educ. 1-12 Credits

Provides university credit for a work experience in the area of Political Science supervised by faculty. Learning agreement must be completed prior to registration (restricted).

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

Sociology

SOCI 101 Introduction to Sociology. 3 Credits

Introduces concepts and principles of sociology. Surveys the discipline’s basic ideas and orientation.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

SOCI 201 Social Problems. 3 Credits

Provides key sociological concepts and theoretical perspectives in the study of social problems. Examines certain selected major U.S. social problems from the perspective of cultural values and social structure. Different possible solutions to the problems will also be explored.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

SOCI 292 Independent Study. 1-6 Credits

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

SOCI 294 Seminar/Workshop. 1-6 Credits

Provides freshmen and sophomores an opportunity to investigate intensively topics pertinent to the field of Sociology.

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

SOCI 298 Internship/Cooperative Educ. 1-9 Credits

Provides university credit for a sophomore work experience in the area of Sociology, supervised by faculty. Learning agreement must be completed prior to registration (restricted).

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

SOCI 311 Criminology. 3 Credits

Prerequisite(s): SOCI 101 or SOCI 201 and SOCI 221.

Corequisite(s): WRIT 201 or WRIT 221 if not previously taken.

Explores the legal aspects of crime by examining the sociological aspects of making of law. Major contemporary theories in crime as well as criminal behavior systems will be discussed.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

SOCI 326 Sociology of Gender. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Fall

Prerequisite(s): SOCI 101 or SOCI 201.

Corequisite(s): N/A. Examines how gender and gender identities are constructed via social processes and examines the effects of gender inequality on individuals and societies.

3cr. Applies feminist theories to understanding the social construction of gender and the impact of gendered expectations on individuals, social practices and social structures.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

SOCI 330 Juvenile Delinquency. 3 Credits

Prerequisite(s): SOCI 101 or SOCI 201 and SOCI 221.

Corequisite(s): WRIT 201 or WRIT 221 if not previously taken.

Considers the structure and function of the juvenile court system in its relation to the societal definition of delinquent behavior and the young people designated as delinquents. Covers the relationship among delinquency and family, school, peer group and social class. Societal reactions to delinquency in terms of mechanisms of social control are also studied.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

SOCI 332 Sociology of the Family. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Fall

Corequisite(s): WRIT 201 or WRIT 221 if not previously taken.

3cr. Examines the basic structures and functions and the family, male-female differences, love and sexuality, types of marital relationships and the family and child raising in different cultures. With the work of John Bradshaw the course also examines family systems theory, dysfunctional family paradigm and the relationships between the family of origin and compulsive behavior.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

SOCI 346 Rural Sociology. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Fall

Prerequisite(s): SOCI 101.

3cr. Introduces students to issues associated with rural society in the United States. Students will learn about life in rural places, how rural communities are changing, and social problems affecting rural areas. Offered ONLY Online.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

SOCI 370 Sociology of Globalization. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Fall

Prerequisite(s): SOCI 101 or SOCI 201.

Corequisite(s): N/A. Examines the global interconnectedness of economic, political, and cultural processes.

3cr. Topics covered include theories and historical analysis of globalization, global culture, and consumerism. Includes analyses of immigration, geopolitics, and social and economic inequality.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

SOCI 380 Soc of Health and Medicine. 3 Credits

Prerequisite(s): SOCI 101 or SOCI 201 or SOCI 318 or ENST 210 or consent of instructor.

Corequisite(s): WRIT 201 or WRIT 221 if not previously taken.

Considers the application of sociology to the field of health and medicine. Topics include: the relationship between sociology and health/health care; the development of scientific medicine; the influence of the social environment on health and illness; health care practitioners and their relationship with parents and each other; and the health care delivery system.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

SOCI 382 Soc Psych and Social Structure. 3 Credits

Prerequisite(s): SOCI 101 or SOCI 201 or PSYX 100 or consent of instructor.

Corequisite(s): WRIT 201 or WRIT 221 if not previously taken.

Studies how thoughts, feelings, and behavior of individuals are influenced by the actual, implied, or imagined presence of others. Emphasis is given to the symbolic interactionist perspective and the relationship between culture and cognitive processes.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

SOCI 400 Applied Research Methods. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Prerequisite(s): SOCI 101 or SOCI 201, and STAT 141 or STAT 216, and Junior or Senior status.

3cr. Teaches basic skills needed to plan and conduct research and analyze data. Skills include performing literature searches, identifying potential ethical concerns and gaining informed consent, quantitative and qualitative research design and data collection, data analysis, and data interpretation. Report writing and presentation will be components of the course, and opportunities to apply learned skills both inside and outside of academic settings will be emphasized.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

SOCI 401 Animals and Society. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Fall

Prerequisite(s): SOCI 101.

3cr. Examines human-animal relationships in modern society. Students will learn about the status of animals, the use of animals in various industries, and human-animal issues in contemporary society. Offered ONLY Online.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

SOCI 402 Theories of Society & Soc Beh. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Prerequisite(s): SOCI 101 or SOCI 201.

3cr. Provides an introduction to both classical and contemporary sociological theories. Analyzes both theories of the social world as a whole and those that attempt to explain the events of everyday social life, as well as those that attempt to integrate the two. Critically evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of each approach to the analysis of social life and discusses how the theories may be applicable to issues and problems in our current social world.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

SOCI 416 Sociology Hunting & Poaching. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Spring

Prerequisite(s): SOCI 101 or SOCI 201.

Corequisite(s): WRIT 201 or WRIT 221 if not previously taken.

3cr. Provides an in-depth sociological examination of hunting and poaching in modern society. Examines the role of hunting and conservation in the United States and explores contemporary hunting issues. Students will learn criminological theories used to explain the illegal taking of wildlife resources.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

SOCI 430 Social Inequalities. 3 Credits

Prerequisite(s): SOCI 101 or SOCI 102.

3cr. Examines social inequalities in American society, with an emphasis on class, race, gender, and sexuality and how these intersect to generate “vectors of oppression and privilege.” Reviews the classical theories of inequality and then focuses on the causes and consequences of social stratification in the United States. Examines the social construction of racial and gender categories and analyzes the ideologies that perpetuate inequalities in our culture. Concludes with a discussion of possibilities for change and a move toward greater social equality.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

SOCI 434 Sociology of Human Sexuality. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Fall

Prerequisite(s): SOCI 101 or SOCI 201.

Corequisite(s): N/A. Investigates human sexuality from a sociological perspective.

3cr. Focuses on the social context of human desires, experiences, identities and meanings in historical and cultural context primarily using a social construction of human sexuality perspective.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

SOCI 470 Environmental Sociology. 3 Credits

Corequisite(s): WRIT 201 or WRIT 221 if not previously taken.

Takes a holistic and systemic approach, applying sociological perspectives to environmental issues. Emphasis on ecological, social-cultural, political-economic, and demographic interactions with the environment.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

SOCI 491 Special Topics. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisite(s): SOCI 101 or SOCI 201 and SOCI 400 and SOCI 402.

3cr. Investigates contemporary issues relevant to the field of sociology. Provides students with the opportunity to engage in in-depth study of emerging issues or specialized content which are not represented in the main curriculum.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

SOCI 492 Independent Study. 1-5 Credits

Prerequisite(s): consent of instructor and chairperson of department.

Provides outstanding students an individual opportunity to explore material not covered by regular Sociology courses.

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

SOCI 494 Seminar/Workshop. 1-6 Credits

Prerequisite(s): SOCI 101 or SOCI 201.

Corequisite(s): WRIT 201 or WRIT 221 if not previously taken.

Provides an opportunity for experimental study in an area of Sociology.

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

SOCI 498 Internship/Cooperative Educ. 1-12 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisite(s): Must be junior or senior standing and receive permission from advisor.

V1-12cr. (1-12 other/wk) Provides university credit for work experience in an area relevant to sociology. Encourages student to connect academic training with real-world experiences. Internship is supervised by academic advisor but learning agreement must be completed with Career Services prior to registration. Offered ONLY Online.

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

SOCI 499 Senior Thesis/Capstone. 3 Credits

Term Typically Offered: Spring

Prerequisite(s): Senior standing and consent of instructor.

3cr. (3 other/wk) Provides students with the opportunity to apply their sociological knowledge to investigate social issues they have identified as holding importance to their local or regional communities. Relying on methodological and theoretical skills gained throughout the program, students will participate in a multi-step project in which they identify and research a problem, choose appropriate methods to assess the extent of the problem, and then based on the application of those methods report the findings from the project. Presentation is required.

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

Women's and Gender Studies

WGSS 274 Women, Culture & Society. 3 Credits

Examines the diversity of women’s experience in society as citizens, creators, and thinkers. The course includes cross-cultural and historical study, but concentrates on the status and roles of women (and men) in contemporary American society.

Lecture Hours 3

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

WGSS 294 Seminar/Workshop. 3 Credits

Provides beginning or advanced students an opportunity to investigate intensive topics pertinent to the field of Women's Studies.

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

WGSS 492 Independent Study. 1-6 Credits

Provides outstanding students an opportunity to explore material not covered by regular Women's Studies courses.

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

WGSS 494 Seminar/Workshop. 3 Credits

Provides beginning or advanced students an opportunity to investigate intensive topics pertinent to the field of Women's Studies.

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

WGSS 498 Internship/Cooperative Educ. 1-6 Credits

Provides university credit for a work experience in the area of Women's Studies, supervised by faculty. Learning agreement must be completed prior to registration (restricted).

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL

WGSS 499 Senior Thesis/Capstone. 3 Credits

Emphasizes analysis of women’s studies theories and research methods and applications of feminist thought to social institutions that are of concern to women.

Department: NAS/PS/SOCL