Trinity College

Sociology Course Descriptions

 

SOC 101                       Introduction to Sociology
A study of the basic structures of human society including social forces that hold groups together or pull them apart. Social institutions such as family, education, religion, and political economic systems are examined using sociological tools of analysis. Offered fall semester. Three hours.

 

SOC 221                       Marriage and the Family
Marriage and the family in historic and contemporary society, including the changes in family structure, function, and roles. The problems of dating, courtship, and marriage in modern American society are presented and related to biblical principles. Offered fall semester in even-numbered years. Three hours.

 

SOC 222                       Social Problems
A study of the principles of social disorganization and the application of these principles to an analysis of selected social problems. Offered spring semester. Three hours.

 

SOC 231                       Cultural Anthropology
An introduction to the principles of cultural anthropology. Includes the cross-cultural analysis of such topics as religion, language, family, economics, and political systems and an introduction to culture and personality studies, structural-functional analysis, and cultural ecology. Offered spring semester in even-numbered years. Three hours.

 

SOC 250                       Special Topics in Sociology
An exploration of current topics in society and the discipline as addressed by sociological theory and research. Offered on demand. Three hours.

 

SOC 285X (MA 285X) Statistics
An examination of both descriptive and inferential statistics. Specific topics include the scientific method, data analysis and production, measures of central tendency and variability, correlation and regression, random sampling and probability, nonparametric inferential tests, and parametric inferential tests including one-way analysis of variance. Specific instruction and computer experience in the use of SPSS is provided. Offered each semester. Computer fee. Four hours.

 

SOC 324                       Criminology
A study of individual and community factors as they relate to cause and correction. Theories in their historical context will be integrated with the present-day perspective of prevention and treatment. The roles of the church, the courts, the governments, and other community agencies will be considered. Prerequisite: SOC 101. Offered spring semester in odd-numbered years. Three hours.

 

SOC 330                       Race and Ethnic Relations (formerly SOC 330X)
This course provides a sociological perspective on intergroup relations between different ethnic groups. Cultural-based differences regarding communication styles, lifestyles, and ideology are explored, as well as the mechanisms of discrimination as they influence power structures inhibiting equality. The history and current experiences of some of the ethnic groups represented in the United States are examined. Offered each semester. Three hours.

 

SOC 335                       Urban Sociology
An examination of the urbanization process, the dynamics of the urban “explosion” and its implications worldwide. Particular attention is given to subcultural groupings and to the social and subcultural interactions that characterize the urban experience. The inherent problems of urban growth and the enactment of urban policies designed to address those problems are also considered. Students are given firsthand exposure to the urban environment. Prerequisite: SOC 101. Offered fall semester in odd-numbered years. Three hours.

 

SOC 345                        Internship I
Provides the students with opportunities to apply various principles of the social sciences learned in previous course work to actual settings at an agency or organization. Direct supervision is provided by onsite personnel, and overall progress is monitored by a faculty member. Normally a junior year experience. May be used as sociology elective hours. Offered in any semester or session. Two to six hours.

 

SOC 346X (PSY 346X) Research Methods and Design
This course introduces students to research methods in the social sciences. The course guides students, as researchers, in making good choices in applying research methods to reach quality conclusions. It also guides students, as research consumers, in evaluating research reports and coming to quality decisions by recognizing research methods strengths and limiting liabilities. Majors are strongly encouraged to complete this course no later than their junior year. Prerequisites: SOC 101 and SOC 285X. Offered spring semester. (Not open to students with credit in PSY 340.) Three hours.

 

SOC 350X (PSY 350X) Social Psychology
A study of the interrelationships between the individual and social groups. Topics included are the formation of attitudes and attitude change, the nature of groups and group processes, and theoretical perspectives of social psychology. Prerequisite: PSY 140 or SOC 101. Offered fall semester. Three hours.

 

SOC 360X (PSY 360X) Introduction to Social Work
A study of social casework principles, procedures and philosophy, welfare history, and administration. Related to a biblical view of humanity and the helping process. Prerequisite: PSY 140 or SOC 101. Offered fall semester in even-numbered years. Three hours.

 

SOC 420X (PSY 420X) Advanced Interpersonal Skills Training
An advanced course in interpersonal relationships that explores elements of group leadership. Students will have an opportunity to train other students in relationship skills, to lead groups, and to receive supervision from the professor. Prerequisite: PSY 220, and invitation of the instructor. Offered each semester. Three hours.

 

SOC 445                        Internship II
Provides the students with advanced opportunities to apply various principles of the social sciences learned in previous course work or a previous internship experience to actual settings at an agency or organization. Direct supervision is provided by onsite personnel, and overall progress is monitored by a faculty member. Normally a senior year experience. May be used as sociology elective hours. May be repeated for credit, but total internship credit is limited to 12 hours. Offered in any semester or session. Two to six hours.

 

Updated to 2009-10 Catalog

 

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