Sociology Minor

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.

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.

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.

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.