A study of individuals’ psychological processes as they influence and are influenced by socio-cultural situations.  Topics include cognitive biases, the relationship between attitudes and behavior, conformity and persuasion, interpersonal attraction, altruism, prejudice, and aggression. Cross-listed: Psychology 210

A historical and contemporary analysis of groups considered vulnerable by economic and social standards in American society. Causes, consequences, and implications for society are examined from a biblical view of humankind with an emphasis on social work practice.

A sociological study of contemporary marriage and family within a Christian sociological perspective that includes an analysis of how society affects family and marriage.  The course actively seeks to place current issues and themes within a Christian perspective.  Prerequisite: junior or senior standing or permission of instructor.

An introduction to the research process as applied to the study of problems/issues in social science. Problem selection, research design, measurement, methods of observation and data collection, data analysis and interpretation, and report writing will be emphasized. A module on microcomputer utilization and the application of descriptive statistics is presented for application in student projects. Prerequisites: Mathematics 107; junior or senior standing.

Sociology focuses on the social landscape that shapes how we think, feel, and behave. The course introduces the field of sociology and provides an overview of major sociological topics, such as culture, socialization, deviance, minorities, sex roles, the family, religion, and population. Students are encouraged to critique sociological theory from a biblical basis and build a Christian sociological perspective.