300

LAS300 Contemporary World Cultures

Comparative cross-cultural study of three selected nations representing different areas of the world. Investigation of varying ideological, political, social, and economic factors At least two of three nations covered are non-Western. Prerequisite: Introductory social science course. 5 quarter hours Counts in the Social Science Area of General Education Requirements.

LAS301 Western History and Culture to 1650

Pre-Western inheritance from the Near Eastern cultures and Greco-Roman world; the transition to the Middle Ages; the development of the medieval institutions and values and their decline during the periods of the Renaissance and Reformation. Prerequisite: Introductory social science course. 5 quarter hours Counts in the Social Science or Humanities Area of General Education Requirements.

LAS302 Asian History and Culture

Early history, Western impact, and contemporary affairs in eastern and southern Asia; Chinese culture and its diffusion; modernization of Japan; nationalisms of the Indo-Pakistan subcontinent; twentieth-century South East Asia. Prerequisite: Introductory social science course. 5 quarter hours Counts in the Social Science or Humanities Area of General Education Requirements.

LAS302A Asian History and Cultures A

This course focuses on the nationalisms of the Indo-Pakistan subcontinent and twentieth-century South East Asia. Prerequisite: Introductory social science course. 3 QH Counts in the Social Science or Humanities Area of General Education Requirements.

LAS302B Asian History and Cultures B

This course examines the early history, Western impact, and contemporary affairs in eastern and southern Asia; Chinese culture and its diffusion; modernization of Japan. Prerequisite: Introductory social science course. 2 QH Counts in the Social Science or Humanities Area of General Education Requirements.

LAS303 Sub-Saharan African Cultures

Historical and contemporary affairs in Africa south of the Sahara, indigenous culture areas, types of colonialism and acculturation, economic and political development, independence movements. Prerequisite: Introductory social science course. 5 quarter hours Counts in the Social Science or Humanities Area of General Education Requirements.

LAS304 Middle and South American Cultures

Backgrounds in contemporary affairs in Middle South America, pre-Columbian culture area, colonialism, varieties of peoples, political and socioeconomic trends. Prerequisite Introductory social science course. 5 quarter hours Counts in the Social Science or Humanities Area of General Education Requirements.

LAS305 Western History and Culture since 1650

Impact of Renaissance and Reformation and the emergence of modern European institutions and values to the present. Prerequisite: Introductory social science course. 5 quarter hours Counts in the Social Science or Humanities Area of General Education Requirements.

LAS306 Marriage and Family

Different family organizations around the world, marriage patterns of the past and present, diverse life styles, changing sex roles, husband and wife relationships, family planning, divorce. Prerequisite: Introductory social science course. 5 quarter hours Counts in the Social Science Area of General Education Requirements.

LAS307 History of Economic Thought

In this course students will explore the history of economics from the early to contemporary times. Emphasis will be placed on the ideas of Adam Smith, Karl Marx, John Maynard Keynes and Milton Freedman. Inquiry into the past will help students understand present form of economic organization. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or consent of department. 5 quarter hours Counts in the Social Science or Humanities Area of General Education Requirements.

LAS308 Methods of Political Science

This course is an introduction to the methods used in political science research. The primary goal of the course is to provide students with the tools that will help them to answer political and social science research questions. The course focuses on applying quantitative, qualitative, and formal methods, and considering the appropriate applications, strengths, and limitations of different methods. 5 Quarter Hours. Counts in the Social Science Area of General Education Requirements.

LAS309 Critical Thinking and Writing for Social and Behavioral Sciences

This course provides students with skills that assist them in linking writing about social and behavioral life experience with conceptual information on these topics. The emphasis will be on reflective writing and include summarization, quoting, explaining, and discussing concepts relevant to social and behavioral sciences. Attention will be given to APA style. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Applied Behavioral Sciences Program. Co-requisite(s): Enrollment in Term 1 of the Applied Behavioral Sciences Program. 2 quarter hours

LAS310 International Relations

This course introduces students to the study of international relations by focusing on the problem of war, national security, conflict in the Middle East and other regions, and the United States' role as a world economic power. Current issues and research on the emerging global society and the changing role of the United States in the international system will also be examined and discussed. Additional emphasis is placed on the skills and knowledge required to become a "globally literate" citizen. Prerequisite(s): 100-level social science course. 5 quarter hours Counts in the Social Science Area of General Education Requirements.

LAS311 Racial and Ethnic History and Culture

The cultural complexity of the city; the old immigration; rural, racial and non-European groups; adjustments to the urban setting; social segregation and discrimination. Prerequisite: Introductory social science course. 5 quarter hours Counts in the Social Science or Humanities Area of General Education Requirements.

LAS313 The Metropolitan Community

The nature and development of cities; social and political history of Chicago's ethnic groups; theories of urban relationship; suburban development; social stratification and power; social morality; bureaucratic organization; machine politics, community control and community organizing. Prerequisite: 100-level social science course. 5 quarter hours Counts in the Social Science or Humanities Area of General Education Requirements.

LAS315 World Economics

This course presents a comprehensive, up-to-date, and clear view of the theory and practical principles of world economics that are essential for understanding, evaluating and suggesting workable solutions to the important economic problems and contemporary issues facing the United States and the rest of the world. Prerequisites: LAS250 or LAS255 or equivalent. 5 quarter hours Counts in the Social Science Area of General Education Requirements.

LAS316 Comparative Politics

This course is an introduction to the comparative study of governments and politics of different countries throughout the world. Students will gain a clear understanding of the similarities and differences of various political systems and gain a deeper understanding of the political system of the United States. 5 Quarter Hours. Counts in the Social Science Area of General Education Requirements.

LAS317 European Union

This course focuses on the European Union as an emerging and developing political and economic body. Topics covered include the single market and the Euro currency, the political institutions of the European Parliament, Council of Ministers, European Commission, and European Central Bank, the development of the European Union as a military power, and the opportunities and challenges posed by the growth in the number of member states as it pertains to the variety of social and economic policies of the European Union. 5 Quarter Hours. Counts in the Social Science Area of General Education Requirements.

LAS319 Elections and Electoral Behavior

This course focuses on elections, electoral behavior, and the electoral processes at the federal and state levels in the United States. Special emphasis is placed on campaign financing, voter turnout, and the various primary and general elections that take place in the United States including presidential, congressional, and state and local elections. 5 Quarter Hours. Counts in the Social Science Area of General Education Requirements.

LAS321 American Political Ideas

This course explores the broad range of American political ideas that have influenced the form and practices of government in the United States today. Understanding these ideas helps us evaluate how the American political system operates today, and consider the strengths and limitations of the many proposals that exist for bringing about change in American politics. 5 Quarter Hours. Counts in the Social Science Area of General Education Requirements.

LAS322 Law and the Judicial Process

This course explores the legal process in the United States. As the third branch of American government the judiciary is instrumental in shaping the freedoms and restrictions placed on U.S. citizens. The course highlights constitutional protections, the role of the judiciary in shaping life in America, and the importance of the judiciary as a political institution. Prerequisite(s): LAS120 Introduction to American Government (or equivalent) 5 quarter hours

LAS323 The U.S. Congress

This course focuses on the United States Congress. As the first branch of government the Congress is the chief legislative body in American politics. Elections, parliamentary procedures, the legislative process, reforms, oversight, and individual members are discussed as part of a comprehensive overview of the national legislature. Prerequisite(s): LAS120 Introduction to American Government (or equivalent) 5 quarter hours

LAS324 The U.S. Presidency

This course emphasizes the executive branch of the American government. Particular attention is paid to changes in the extent and use of presidential power, the manner in which presidents shape policy, and changes to presidential election process. The federal bureaucracy is studied as the functional arm of the government's executive power. Prerequisite(s): LAS120 Introduction to American Government (or equivalent) 5 quarter hours

LAS325 Economic Forecasting

This course focuses on the application of the most commonly used quantitative and nonquantitative models for developing economic forecasts ans dealing with current, real-world forecasting issues and problems. Topics include the uses, importance, limits, and problems of statistical models and intuition in economic forecasting. Prerequisites: LAM216 or LAS350 and LAS250 or LAS255. 5 quarter hours Counts in the Social Science Area of General Education Requirements.

LAS330 Cultural Influences in the Workplace

This course examines the relationship between culture and the world of work. Specifically, students will examine the concepts of race and ethnicity and how the United States, especially in the area of work, has been shaped by the values and life experiences of different ethnic groups and nationalities. Prerequisite(s): Previous social science course or permission from the Social and Behavioral Sciences Department. Counts in the Social Science Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours

LAS331 Dynamics of Group Behavior

This course is a study of group behavior and the effect group functioning has upon organizational effectiveness. Emphasis is placed on the basics of group behavior, principles of group dynamics, problem solving, decision making, diagnosing and resolving conflict in groups, and managing and facilitating meetings. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Applied Behavioral Sciences program. Co-prerequisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours

LAS335 Applied Econometrics

This course on the systematic development of operational tools, techniques, and application of econometrics that are critical to conducting, evaluating, or understanding real-world econometric studies. Topics include the theory, methods, and application of mathematical and statistical analysis to economic issues. Prerequisites: LAM216 or LAS350 and LAS250 or LAS255. 5 quarter hours Counts in the Social Science Area of General Education Requirements.

LAS340 Native Americans

Introduction to historical, ethnographic and contemporary perspectives on native cultures in North America, including aspects of traditional culture, impact of contact with Europeans, and the cultural and social issues facing Native Americans today. Prerequisite: 100-200 level anthropology course. 5 quarter hours. Counts in the Social Science or Humanities Area of General Education Requirements.

LAS341 Comparative Ethnographies

Anthropological studies representing diverse cultures and theoretical viewpoints are compared to gain a broad understanding of the nature of the field experience and the ways in which anthropologists' own beliefs and feelings influence ethnographic research and the presentation of their field studies. Prerequisite: 100-200 level anthropology course. 5 quarter hours Counts in the Social Science Area of General Education Requirements.

LAS342 Folklore

Surveys theories of folklore and methods of folkloristics, with emphasis on comparing folklore cross-culturally in the oral and literary traditions of both preindustrial and contemporary societies; examines folklore genres, including myths, legends, fables, proverbs, jokes, riddles, folk speech, verbal art, and folk songs. Prerequisite: 100-200 level anthropology course. 5 quarter hours Counts in the Social Science or Humanities Area of General Education Requirements.

LAS345 Labor Economics

An analysis of the history, structure and functions of American labor. The rise and decline of unionism and the evolution of unions from legislative and judicial perspectives. The rise of the global economy and its implications for labor relations world-wide. Prerequisites: LAS250 or LAS255 or equivalent. 5 quarter hours Counts in the Social Science Area of General Education Requirements.

LAS350 Statistics for Economics

This course provides students with practical and versatile statistical tools and methods necessary to make rational decisions in the context of substantive, up-to-date, real world economic issues and problems. Topics include basic and more advanced statistical methods to measure and understand economic behavior and changes over time. Prerequisites: LAM216 and LAS250 or LAS255. 5 quarter hours Counts in the Social Science or Quantitative Reasoning Area of General Education Requirements.

LAS352 Research Methods in Criminal Justice

This course is a general introduction to research methods in criminal justice. Consideration is given to topics related to research methods that include, but are not limited to, qualitative and quantitative research, the application of research, ethics in research, research design, data gathering strategies, data analysis, and policy analysis as it relates to criminal justice. Prequisite(s): Admission to the Criminal Justice program. Co-requisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours

LAS353 Criminal Investigations

This course is a general overview of the procedures, techniques, skills, and limitations of criminal investigations. Consideration is given to topics related to criminal investigation that include, but not limited to, crime scene preservation, lawful searches, criminal law affecting investigations, violent crimes, property crimes, and death investigations. Prerequisite(s): LAS106, LAS107 or permission of the department. Co-requisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours

LAS354 Sociology of Deviant Behavior for Criminal Justice Practitioners

This course addresses the intersection of the criminal justice practitioner’s duties, responsibilities, and knowledge with codified social norms and the behaviors that deviate from them. Contextual factors that affect the practitioner’s decisions and actions include cultural norms, theories of the causes of deviant behavior, theories of personality development, and social control mechanisms. Also examined is the impact of deviant behavior on society, social control devices, the social contract, and racial and gender differences in respect to acceptable behaviors. Prerequisite(s): LAS106 or permission of the department. Co-requisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours

LAS355 Ethics, Diversity and Professionalism in Criminal Justice

This course is an examination of the criminal justice system from an ethical and professional perspective. It will explore ethical challenges of a civil society, the tensions found in the criminal justice system and the burden of discretion carried by it members. Topics include, but not limited to, meaning and value of ethics, ethical issues in criminal justice, discrimination in the criminal justice system, and the quest for professionalism. Prerequisite(s): LAS107 or permission of the deparment. Co-requisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours

LAS356 Criminal Justice Administration

This course is an overview of the administration of criminal justice organizations. Consideration is given to topics related to criminal justice administration that include, but are not limited to, organizational structures and functions, internal and external politics, ethics, human resource development, training, management and leadership. Also included are topics of organizational sub-cultures, diversity in the work place, unions, and problematic organizational issues. Prerequisite(s): LAS106 or permission of the department. Co-requisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours

LAS357 Probation and Parole

This course addresses the theory and practice of probation and parole in the criminal justice system. Consideration is given to topics related to probation and parole that include, but are not limited to, the origins of probation and parole, parole selection process, parole boards, violations and revocation of parole, parole supervision, diversions from incarceration, administration of probation services, effect of probation on offenders, the courts and corrections, and electronic monitoring. Prerequisite(s): LAS206, LAS208 and LAS209 or permission of department. Co-requisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours