Major Courses

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. They will apply that perspective to a range of topics generally concerned with how we influence others and are, in turn, influenced by them.

This course applies sociological principles to medicine, health, illness, and healthcare. 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, healthcare systems in developing countries, healthcare provision, access and delivery, complementary and alternative healthcare, and, the contemporary U.S. health movement.