SOC - Sociology Course Descriptions
Is a scientific study of human behavior involving two or more individuals. It is intended as a general survey of the discipline of sociology, analyzing various institutions that may affect human behavior. Some of the institutions that sociologists study are the family, religions, media, peer groups, and political systems.
This course is the prerequisite for all advanced courses in sociology and social work.
Examines the relationship between religion and human behavior. The course is designed to introduce students to a current sociological perspective for dealing with contemporary social problems and concerns. In addition, students will learn the value of taking a sociological perspective for understanding the various statements and efforts of Christian groups and individuals to address social issues. Students will be encouraged to view social problems from both sociological and Christian perspectives, thereby coming to a deeper appreciation and understanding of the complexity of our lives and our social world.
Introduces students to the study of new religious movements including covenant communities as well as those commonly known as “cults” in the United States. Using a sociological framework and sociological theory on collective behavior, social movements and new religious movements, we explore the reasons individuals are attracted to these groups, and we discuss the consequences for the individual and society.
Is a popular course because many students realize that this is a serious vocation and, as a consequence, they wish to learn more mature ways of dealing with it. The general student will appreciate the insights that sociologists have provided-certain ways of looking at husband-wife relations and parent-children relations. Sociology majors will, in addition, acquaint themselves with a special aspect of the general theories of institutions. An attempt at blending these two approaches is made by the instructor and students.
Deals with the philosophy and history of society's ideas about crime and what should be done about it. Sociology has uncovered many facets through the use of concepts developed in general sociology as well as in the field of criminology itself. Based on this new knowledge, a number of new theories and new policies are advocated.
Provides the framework for sociological research. The classical sociologists such as Comte, Spencer, Marx, Weber, and Durkheim will be presented followed by discussions of the modern sociological theories such as functionalism, conflict theory, social exchange, and symbolic interactionism. These theories will be re-evaluated in light of a Christian perspective.
Explores the growth of a social personality, the effects of crowd behavior, the development of values and attitudes, and the mechanics of group life in general. The recognized scholars-Maslow, Goffman, Berger, Luckman, and others-are included in this study of the whole person.
Is the sociology of deviance provides an exploration of the sociological concepts of deviance, social order, social power, identity construction, and identity management. Students will understand how the sociological perspective of deviance differs from the psychological and social work approach to understanding society and social life, although there is an overlap of knowledge within these perspectives. Students will begin to recognize how groups of people can gain power to shape social definitions of deviance, and apply these definitions across multiple situations and even societies.
Covers a wide variety of topics including religious social ethics, history of religious movements, church and sect organizations, religion in American society, religion and identity, and the religious aspects of the sociology of knowledge.
Examines the violence that exists in many families today. Sociologists and social psychological theories will be presented as possible explanations and solutions to domestic problems. The course will focus on spousal physical and emotional abuse, marital rape, incest, and child abuse.
Analyzes juvenile behavior that is beyond parental control and subject to legal action. This course will focus on the social circumstances that promote such behavior, particularly in family situations and peer groups. In addition, the effectiveness and ineffectiveness of the juvenile justice system will be analyzed.
Investigates the basis of knowledge in the social sciences through a study of recent debates. The course deals with problems of theory construction, verification, and the role of models in sociology as well as aspects of the use of the social sciences in the formation of public policy.
Is required of all senior majors. Students will meet with their advisor to discuss their senior thesis, which will be an original library research project.