Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Composition

This is a process-based writing class that focuses on academic writing, reading, and critical thinking as expressed in expository and analytical writing assignments through 5 to 7 substantial essays over the course of the semester. Develops fluency, coherence, style, effectiveness, and literary analysis. Students must pass this course with a C- or better or demonstrate a comparable level of writing competence to fulfill general competency requirements and to proceed to ENG 123 - Intermediate Composition. Students may only earn credit for ENG 113 or ENG 113E - Composition Enriched with Lab. (3 units)

Intermediate Composition

Continued practice in writing and research strategies, with emphasis on critical thinking, information literacy, argument, analysis, and interpretation of multicultural and interdisciplinary readings. Includes the writing of a major research paper in addition to several shorter essays. Students may earn credit for either ENG 123 or ENG 123E - Intermediate Composition Enriched with Lab. Prerequisite: ENG 113 with a grade of C- or better or evidence of comparable level of writing competency. Note: Students must successfully complete this course with a grade of C- or better to fulfill general education requirements and to begin any literature course. (3 units)

Intermediate Algebra OR MAT 144 Introduction to Statistics

This course satisfies the math competency for the general education requirements. It will include instruction in the following areas; roots and radicals, quadratic equations and inequalities, graphing relations and functions, systems of equations and inequalities, and matrices and determinants. Prerequisite: MAT 095 or sufficient SAT, ACT or math placement exam scores. (3 units)

Introduction to Sociology

A general introduction to the scientific study of human behavior in social settings. It includes major theories of human behavior in terms of culture, socialization, primary groups, stratification and social class, population, family, religion, and social change. (3 units)

Reading & Writing in the Behavioral Sciences

In this course, students learn to write formal manuscripts using APA style. They also learn to read, understand, and critically evaluate behavioral science research as presented in academic journals and conferences. Learners in this course build foundational skills needed to succeed in their future courses. (3 units)

Introduction to Research Methods

This course provides a comprehensive overview of both quantitative and qualitative research methods used in behavioral science research, along with an understanding of the ethical considerations and other challenges involved in good research design. Additional topics include measurement, sampling, and qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Prerequisite: BEH 250. (3 units)

Epistemology and Worldview

This course examines the basic models of integrating the Christian faith and modern behavioral sciences, including the development of Biblical examples of worldview and epistemology. Emphasis is placed upon the student's development of a personal theory of integration. (3 units)

Statistics and Research Methodology I

This course introduces the various quantitative and qualitative methodologies utilized in behavioral science research. Also included are the collection, treatment, and interpretation of data in research and testing using a statistical analysis application. Prerequisites: BEH 290, and either MAT 115 or STA 144. Lecture: 3 hours. Lab: 3 hours. (4 units)

Statistics and Research II

This course presents some of the more complex quantitative and qualitative methodologies utilized in behavioral science research. It builds on the various concepts of quantitative research, qualitative research, data collection, analysis, and interpretation introduced in previous courses. This course continues the development of student proficiency with basic and intermediate functions of a statistical analysis application. Prerequisite: BEH 383. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. (4 units)

Self and Society

Self and society seeks to answer the process questions concerning the ways and the reasons social forces affect social outcomes, often by affecting the thinking and action of individuals in society. Although the specific topics investigated by microsociologists range widely the focus on external social influences on individual attitudes and social interaction remains the constant perspective, which unifies the field. In this course, we shall apply that perspective to a range of topics generally concerned with how we influence others and are, in turn, influenced by them. (3.0 units)

Marriage and Family

This course addresses the social institutions of marriage and family using a theoretical and research-based approach to examine the social, behavioral, and psychological aspects as they are practiced in American culture. The course discusses dating, mate selection, the experience of marriage, marital challenges, and diversity in family forms. The course defines and evaluates marriage and the family from sociological, psychological, and biblical perspectives. (3 units)

Social Problems

A study of the nature and meaning of social problems and deviant behavior in American Society. The incidence and characteristics of selected social problems of major public interest will be explored. (3 units)

Deviant Behavior

This course primarily examines the definition and social construction of deviant behavior. Major sociological perspectives and theories will be applied. Specific topics of exploration include various forms of interpersonal violence, suicide, mental disorder, sexuality, substance use and abuse, and internet deviance. (3 units)

Group Dynamics and Social Movements

The course addresses the sociological and social psychology dimensions of group behavior, the influences on the socialization of the individual, social interaction and impacts on patterned roles and authority structures. Theories will be applied in group experiences, observations, writing, and problem solving. (3 units)

Race and Ethnicity

This course will focus on the sociological approach to the ascribed statuses of race, class, and gender in American Society. Also explores how these social concepts are perceived, reinforced, and altered through social institutions, social interaction, media influence, and the dynamics of social change. (3 units)

Sociology of Gender

An examination of the way in which macro institutions and micro institutions structure gender relations in society, and how gender in turn structures and stratifies the social order. From the perspective of personal identity, we will ask how it is that we experience ourselves as male and female. The social consequences of gender stratification are considered including such substantive topic areas as the sexual division of labor, sexual politics, and sexual violence. (3 units)

Sociology of Health and Illness

This course applies sociological principles to medicine, health, illness, and health care. Topics include but are not limited to: medical and sociological models of illness, epidemiology, epidemics, an (abbreviated) history of medicine in the West, public health, the social stratification of illness, medicalization and de-medicalization of illness, disability, individuals? experience of illness, the medical profession, health care systems in developing countries, health care provision, access and delivery, complementary and alternative health care, and, the contemporary U.S. health movement. (3.0 units)

Social Theory

This course introduces classical and contemporary sociological theories to examine the fundamental forces that influence human interactions in daily living. Specific emphasis is given to the relationships between social institutions, social and economic power, socially constructed reality, and cultural effects on individual identity, expression, and opportunities in society. Recognition of the differences between the secular patterns of norms and behaviors are paralleled with faith integration on constructs of beliefs and behaviors. Prerequisite: SOC 213. (3 units)

Overview of the Bible

A general survey of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian writings (New Testament) with special emphasis to the religious and national life of the Hebrew people, the life of Jesus, and the development of the early church. An Online and Professional Studies requirement for Online and Professional Studies degree programs only. (3 units)

Foundations of Christian Thought

An introduction and primer to Christian theology with special emphasis on identifying the importance and development of a Christian worldview, understanding the doctrine of scripture and biblical authority, learning to do theology, comprehending the relationship between truth, faith and reason, and applying a biblical worldview to the Christian life. (3 units)