Sociology

This course aims to provide students an overview of the patterns and dynamics of social life. The work and topics that engage sociologists are investigated. Attention is given to the historical and theoretical development of sociology; commonly used research methods; and issues of stratification, deviance, social institutions, and social change.

SOCY 270 — Social Problems. 3 hours.

The aim of this course is to survey contemporary social problems that plague society and occupy social scientists. Topics such as poverty, social inequality, crime, drugs, health care, education, population issues, and environmental trends will be discussed, along with possible solutions.

SOCY 273 — Criminology. 3 hours.

Same as CJUS 273.

SOCY 280 — Ethnic Relations. 3 hours.

This course provides an introduction and analysis of minority groups within the larger American society. Emphasis is given to the interaction patterns between minority and majority groups. Students are encouraged to critically consider how a Christian should respond to issues of diversity and oppression.

SOCY 305 — Human Sexuality. 3 hours.

Human sexuality is addressed from social, spiritual, and developmental points of view. Physiological facts, pregnancy stages, relationship issues, and social trends will be discussed. Emphasis will be given to developing healthy sexual attitudes and behaviors. Offered alternate years.

SOCY 315 — Drugs in Society. 3 hours.

Social, psychological, medical, legal, and economic aspects of drug use, misuse, and abuse will be explored. The course is designed to prepare educators and helping professionals for drug education and prevention. Offered alternate years.

SOCY 316 — Corrections. 3 hours.

Same as CJUS 316.

SOCY 320 — Urban/Rural Sociology. 3 hours.

This course educates students about the transition from rural to urban that has taken place in the United States and is taking place throughout the world. This transition has remarkable cultural and economic implications. The course emphasizes the historical dependence between the rural and the urban environment. The relationship of the variables of population, organization, environment, and technology are emphasized. Attention is given to current urban and rural problems, especially to social and economic justice issues, housing issues, food issues, and health issues, and to their possible solutions.

Prerequisite: SOCY 120 or permission of instructor.

SOCY 321 — Social Psychology. 3 hours.

Same as PSYC 321.

SOCY 325 — Sociology of Education. 3 hours.

A sociological analysis and critique is made of education in the United States. The relationship between education and other social institutions is discussed, and the school is studied as a social system. Various types, models, and levels of education will be considered from a sociological perspective.

SOCY 330 — Sociology of the Aging. 3 hours.

Same as SOWK 330.

SOCY 331 — Basic Research and Statistics. 4 hours.

Same as PSYC 331.

SOCY 332 — Advanced Research and Statistics. 3 hours.

Same as PSYC 332. Prerequisite: SOCY 331.

SOCY 340 — Sociology of Marriage. 3 hours.

The course covers issues pertaining to dating, courtship, and marriage relationships. The current state of marriage will be discussed and attention will be given to factors that contribute to healthy and stable marriages. Social trends that influence marriage, as well as popular alternatives to marriage, will be analyzed.

SOCY 351 — Sociology of the Family. 3 hours.

Sociology of the Family is designed to help students understand both historical and current trends and functions of the family. Emphasis is given to major sociological trends and debates that occupy family studies. Various models of family life will be analyzed, with special emphasis given to characteristics of healthy families.

SOCY 364 — Anthropology. 3 hours.

The field of cultural anthropology is surveyed with the purpose of providing students an appreciation for other cultures, as well as their own. Variation among cultures is highlighted, giving particular attention to what we can learn from less developed countries and from cross-cultural studies in general.

SOCY 366 — Global Issues. 3 hours.

Global Issues is a course designed to analyze contemporary social issues that have a broad international impact. Causes, consequences, and possible solutions to relevant problems will be discussed. Sociological analysis, problem solving, and expanding one's global awareness are integral elements of the course.

SOCY 371 — Sociology of the Deaf Community. 3 hours.

Deaf people are viewed as a unique sociological group that has formed a thriving community. Attention will be given to significant historical and sociological events that have shaped American deaf people. The focus will be on deaf people as a distinct cultural group, rather than a disabled group needing medical treatment. Offered alternate years.

SOCY 374 — World Food Problem. 3 hours.

Same as FACS 335.

SOCY 381 — Sociology of Religion. 3 hours.

Classical and contemporary sociological religious issues are discussed in detail. Emphasis is given to how sociologists deal with and explain various religious phenomena, giving particular attention to the religious environment in America. Offered alternate years.

SOCY 390 — Historical Research Methods. 4 hours.

Same as HIST 390.

SOCY 394 — Juvenile Delinquency. 3 hours.

Same as CJUS 394.

SOCY 440 — Selected Topics in Sociology. 3 hours.

From time to time, special areas of research or interest are investigated by a professor and are deemed appropriate and relevant as a developed course. By nature, then, the course is offered periodically and usually on a one-time basis. The particular topic will be noted in the schedule of courses when the course is offered.

SOCY 460 — Readings in Sociology. 1-3 hours.

Independent and in-depth study of a topic in sociology under the direction and supervision of a faculty member. Available for seniors and qualified juniors who are Sociology majors.

SOCY 483 — Social Theory. 3 hours.

This course is intended to provide an advanced understanding of the dominant traditions that have contributed to the growing field of sociology. Major ideas from both classical and contemporary theorists are discussed. Offered alternate years. Prerequisites: SOCY 120, plus six additional hours of upper-division SOCY.

SOCY 489 — Senior Research. 3 hours.

Senior research is designed to give students the opportunity to actually do the work of a sociologist. Independent research and/or evaluation projects will be conducted and supervised by faculty. Prerequisite: Sociology major with senior standing.