Sociology Major

A basic course introducing the student to the concepts, theories, and methods employed in an objective scientific analysis of society, culture, social institutions and organizations, social control, deviancy, and social factors involved in personality development.

A study of basic concepts and operations in descriptive and inferential statistics. The areas of study will include graphic representations, measures of central tendency and dispersion, probability theory, and various significant tests of relationship, including measures of association, correlation, linear relationship, and means tests. This course includes an introduction to multivariate statistics and non-parametrics. Cross listed with PSY 202. Meets Quantitative Reasoning requirement.

A study of problem formulation, data collection, data analysis including descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, and research report writing. Includes two or more applied projects, usually in collaboration with the entire class or with a group, and the development of a publication ready research paper.

This course provides students with a seminar experience (typically a one-day retreat), and a small number of class sessions with individual appointments with the instructor, for the purpose of helping the student create the foundation for a successful professional future. Requirements include the completion of an updated resume, two professional interviews, attendance at a professional conference, service hours, and a student success plan, all included in a well-organized portfolio. Ideally this course should be taken during the fall semester of the sophomore or junior year. Cross listed with SWK 271, CRJ 271.

This course begins with requirements similar to those in SOC 271, but assignments are at a higher stage of development. Additionally, each student is required to produce one of two professional products. One option would be to write an academic paper which will be submitted to a journal or professional organization, and the other would be to complete an applied leadership project which demonstrates significant and innovative leadership with a campus or community organization, including the implementation and presentation of a successful applied idea, innovation, or intervention, tailor-made to that organization. Typically taken during the fall semester of the junior or senior year. Cross listed with SWK 371, CRJ 371.

The development of major schools of social thought, major social theorists and their distinctive contributions to the understanding of society, culture, and modernity, are considered and analyzed. Requires three or four major papers which focus, respectively, on social philosophers of antiquity, the major founders of sociological theory, modern social theories and theoretical trends, and everyday applications of social theory. Also covers how to write a "literature review" for a research paper. Meets the general education writing intensive requirement.

Selected readings in an area not covered by course offerings, often in the general topic area of the chosen senior project. Annotated bibliography, reading notes, and a comprehensive research are paper required. Cross listed with CRJ 390 and SWK 390.

Each student must successfully complete one or more practicum experiences, totaling at least three hours of academic credit, where 40 clock hours on location equals on hour of credit. Ideally, each practicum should be based at a community organization such as a government office, business, school, church, health clinic, etc., which specializes in supervision or human services. Ideally, an on-site supervisor with a graduate degree will supervise the student's practicum.

This course provides students with a capstone experience in the department, and links all academic and extra-curricular experiences at Greenville College with the students' occupational and service-oriented future. Requirements include updating the academic portfolio, including academic resumes, and completion of an oral exam and research-based senior project. The senior project includes a paper and a publicized oral report. Must be completed during the spring semester of the senior year. Cross listed with CRJ 371 and SWK 371.

The status of "minority group" is defined, and dominant-subdominant relationships in society are examined. The value and challenges of diversity in a pluralistic society are presented. An emphasis is placed on the social factors traditionally included under diversity (e.g. race, ethnicity, deviant lifestyles), and non-traditional factors (religion, social class, geographic setting, etc.). Techniques for resolving problems as well as patterns of adaptation are considered. Meets the general education cross cultural requirement.

This course examines theoretical and conceptual issues, empirical research, and social policies germane to human sexuality. Students should be aware that while this course may prompt them to think about their own sexuality more systematically, the course is not designed to be a "personal growth" experience. Instead, students should expect to approach sexuality more analytically and to develop a sociological and social psychological understanding of the diverse issues covered in this course.

A study of courtship, marriage, and family in its historical development and many contemporary forms. Emphasis is placed on factors providing stability or stress to modern courtships and marriages. A combination of theoretical perspectives are used (sociological, psychological, anthropological, theological), and several professional and practical issues (parenting, financial planning, communication, divorce, etc.) are examined.

In this course, students will study and contrast the rich and the poor, the powerful and the powerless, the haves and the have-nots. More importantly, it asks important questions such as "Why does such inequality exist in every known society?" It then builds a frame of reference from which to view the social and personal meanings of structured, legitimized social inequality, and to explore Christian responses to injustice and inequity in the world.

This course examines theoretical and conceptual issues, empirical research, and social policies germane to human sexuality. Students should be aware that while this course may prompt them to think about their own sexuality more systematically, the course is not designed to be a "personal growth" experience. Instead, students should expect to approach sexuality more analytically and to develop a sociological and social psychological understanding of the diverse issues covered in this course.

The study of a variety of social organizations and of the policies enacted or pursued related to mission, structure, and social-political environments. Governmental and non-governmental agencies in the areas of social work and criminal justice will be included. Using organizational theory and real-life models, students will engage in institutional problem-solving exercises. Cross listed with CRJ 361 and SWK 361.

A study of the types of organizational patterns occurring in Western Society, their origin, functions, and structure. The place of the individual in an impersonal organizational system is examined.

This course allows students to study the city as a unique form of social organization and as the highest and most complex product of human civilization. Students will learn about the historical development of cities in global perspective, about the current state of urban affairs, and about the complex interdependencies of ecological, economic, and social systems. One field trip to a nearby city will allow students to see urban systems in action. Meets the general education cross cultural requirement.

The different bases for healthy communities are explored, with emphasis on anthropological, sociological, and biblical models of community. This will include how to revitalize communities which suffer from various problems with complex social causes, such as those with high rates of poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, criminal activity, welfare dependency or social service delivery, spiritual apathy, and even war and refugeeism. A practical emphasis on community-building programs, policies, or advocacy is included. Key field trip experiences will link class participants with practitioners in the field.