Sociology Course Descriptions

An introductory study of humans functioning in society. Basic principles of sociology will be experienced including organization, structure, strata, and problems in American society. Emphasis will be placed on observational techniques that will help to develop a spirit of active participation in the world. Three hours.

An introductory study of the principles and techniques of investigation and data collection in the social sciences. The course will deal with techniques of organizing, conducting, analyzing, and presenting such data. Three hours.

This course will examine the relationship between the fields of psychology and theology. A theory of integration will be presented, along with discussions concerning specific “psychological” topics (i.e. self-esteem, etc.) from a biblical vantage point. Three hours.

This course will provide an extensive overview of the principles and concepts of traditional and modern victimologists. This course will further examine victimology, analysis of victimization patterns and trends, and theoretical reasoning and responses to criminal victimization. In addition, this course explores the role of victimology in the criminal justice system, examining the consequences of victimization and the various remedies now available for victims. Three hours.

A course designed to give behavioral science majors practical experience in a choice of various agencies offering psychological services. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Three hours.

This internship course in behavioral science is to provide the interns with a structured introduction to various aspects of professional work. Students are given the opportunity to observe and develop their own skills in a first-hand operational structure within a behavioral science agency. Students in the internship course will get direct supervision from an onsite supervisor in their specific field of interest. Three hours.

This is an examination of the major theoretical explanations of crime and criminal behavior with a focus on examining current events. Students will explore current events in the media and issues in today’s American criminal justice system. This course is designed to provide students with a collective overview of historical and current criminological perspectives. Students will explore roles of the law enforcement, courts, and corrections and develop an understanding of the complex ways in which they work together. Students will explore criminal justice careers and hear from those who currently work in the criminal justice field. Three hours.

This course is designed to be the capstone for a psychology/counseling student at Grace College. As a capstone course, it will serve to provide a broader context about both the science and field of psychology. This course will also focus on what it means to be a psychologist, the current issues and conflicts of psychology, and future directions in the field. This seminar course will address the importance of evidence-based practice and practical applications to the field of psychology. Three hours.

A study of the family as a basic social institution with its cultural variations. Emphasis is upon premarital and marital factors that contribute to a successful marriage or family disorganization. Christian ideals for wholesome courtship and family living are stressed. Three hours.

This course provides an analysis of a section of major social problems related to social inequalities, problems of social institutions, and behavioral deviance, and global social problems we face today and the pathology of group relations. Three hours.

This course is an introductory study of Corrections as it relates to the Criminal Justice field. The students will discover topics such as sentencing, probation vs. parole, inmate culture, prison policy, inmate segregation, and community corrections. Three hours.

This is a 3-credit course that examines the major ethical theories of Western philosophy through a Christian worldview. The course focuses on moral reasoning, methods of ethical decision-making, and evaluating contemporary moral dilemmas and cultural issues in light of biblical principles.

This is a 3-credit course that explores the principles of cross-cultural communication. Designed primarily for Intercultural Studies, Worship Arts, and International Business students, it equips learners to effectively understand, navigate, and engage foreign belief systems and social contexts within a biblical framework.

This course is designed to give the student a theoretical and practical understanding of addictive disorders. At the completion of this course the student will be able to define several key concepts relative to addictions and the disease of chemical dependency, have a workable knowledge of the concepts of withdrawal tolerance and drug interactions as they relate to commonly abused drugs, and have gained a general knowledge of concepts, methods, and techniques in the area of addictive disorders, substance abuse, and/or chemical dependency. Three hours.

A study of the social behavior of the individual and the group. Particular attention is given to the development and dynamics of social groups, social perception, motivation, attitudes and values. Three hours.

This course will provide an extensive overview of the principles and concepts surrounding Juvenile Delinquency. This course will examine the nature and extent of Juvenile Delinquency, Theories of Delinquency, causes of delinquency, and how to control and prevent delinquency. Three hours.