SOC 115. Introduction to Sociology. (4 Credits)
An overview of the theory, methodology, and conceptualizations of the discipline of sociology. Offers the opportunity to develop an understanding of American society and the diversity within it.
Tags: DUS, SI
SOC 215. Introduction to Sociology. (4 Credits)
An overview of the theory, methodology, and conceptualizations of the discipline of sociology. Offers the opportunity to develop an understanding of American society and the diversity within it.
Tags: DUS, SI
SOC 228. Sociology of Sexuality. (2 Credits)
This class will explore issues of identity as sexual individuals, the role of sexuality in our broader society, and the linkages between sexuality and violence. As sexuality affects both individuals and the larger society, this class aims to equip and challenge students in building a positive and God-honoring conception of sexuality in their own lives and their engagement in the world. Prerequisite (or requisite): Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
SOC 238. Social Problems. (2 Credits)
An in-depth seminar focusing on understanding and addressing major social problems and concerns.
SOC 241. Social Psychology. (4 Credits)
A study of human thought, emotion, and behavior in an interpersonal context.
Tags: SI
SOC 251. Culture, Media, and Society. (4 Credits)
Sociologists of culture focus on “processes of meaning-making” and these are all around us, including in social media and the Internet, films, television, music, stories, histories, places, and art. How are these social forms generated and sustained? How do we make sense of them from a sociological and Christian perspective? Students will learn and apply three analytic approaches to culture (repertoires, production, and narratives) as they consider how everyday interactions with processes of meaning-making affect evangelical life. SI, VPAV.
Tags: SI, VPAV
SOC 321. Sociology of Economic Life. (4 Credits)
In an era of growing economic inequality, this course employs a sociological approach to ask questions about social construction of markets and the moral meanings within them. The goal of the course is to empower students in their roles as economic agents, as well as help them understand the broader structures in which they are engaged.
SOC 325. Violence in Minority Communities. (2 Credits)
Night after night in most urban communities, local news media reveal stories of horrific violence in urban areas. Some of these events are related to gang activities, drug trafficking, turf wars, guns and random shootings. Costs (human and financial) are staggering for authorities in law enforcement, the criminal justice system, the healthcare systems, prisons, as well as, families, communities, schools, and the nation. Many international studies regard the United States as the most violent nation on earth. Why do these conditions exist or persist? What can be done about them, from a Christian perspective? Where are churches relevant? These issues and questions will be addressed in this course from a variety of domains intersecting the sociological perspective and public health.
SOC 327. Violence Against Women. (2 Credits)
All over the world, violence is used to control or harm women and girls. In Criminology, issues related to domestic abuse, rape, sex trafficking, abduction, and sexual homicide are core to the social problems engulfing societies. In Sociology, violence against women involves the corruption and distortion of gender roles via socialization, discrimination, and power. This course analyzes the most rigorous research plus best practices in sociology and criminology (as well as related fields) in order to prevent violence against women in the church and society.
SOC 337. Racial and Ethnic Relations. (4 Credits)
Sociohistorical and cultural aspects of race and ethnicity in America. Through class discussion, films, and research about minority cultures, students explore and examine such sociological concepts as assimilation, conflict, and pluralism.
Tags: DUS
SOC 341. Social & Political Movements. (4 Credits)
Social movements challenge political, economic, and social systems through collective action. We will discuss why social movements occur, how actors become involved, their relationship with the state, and the resources needed to sustain and grow such movements. Using a case study approach, students examine particular social actors and differing views of justice, while being encouraged to further develop their own conception of biblical justice in society.
SOC 347. Gender & Society. (4 Credits)
What does it mean to be male or female? Why do we have these categories? How does gender matter in society? In this class, we focus on unpacking the concept of gender, and investigate the role of social institutions in constructing gender roles and contributing to gender inequalities. There is also an emphasis understanding how issues of gender intersect with those of class, race, and culture.
SOC 355. Social Class & Inequality. (4 Credits)
An examination of the theories and explanations of the origins and perpetuation of social inequality, class, and stratification. Consideration of both classical and modern perspectives, as well as explanations of the relationship among stratification, status, occupation, and mobility; descriptions of various class characteristics and an examination of selected relationships between class and other areas of social participation.
SOC 356. The Family. (4 Credits)
A sociological approach to the practices that exist within families, the relationships between family members, and the social influences that shape the decisions of families. This course will challenge students to think about how religious institutions and politics can strengthen families and individuals within them.
SOC 359. American Suburbanization. (4 Credits)
This course examines how and why American suburbs became the home of a majority of Americans and important centers for economic and cultural life. Emphasis will be placed on understanding and researching nearby suburbs (Wheaton and surrounding communities) and how Christians might respond to suburbia.
SOC 364. Urban Sociology. (4 Credits)
Growth and patterning of city life; social relations and social institutions in the city; examination of urban problems and proposed solutions.
Tags: DUS
SOC 366. Sociology Of Religion. (4 Credits)
Religion is lived and practiced in informal and formal ways, shaped by our social context, and influenced by religious institutions. Such institutions are shaped by national context, theology, culture, and organizational structures. In this class , we focus on the importance of social context and social location on religious communities, with the goals of deepening our own faith, examining challenges facing the Church, and understanding global religious realities.
Tags: DUS, SI
SOC 367. Crime & Delinquency. (4 Credits)
The incidence, nature, and development of crime and delinquency in America; methods of control, treatment, and prevention, including current research and innovations in approaching juvenile and adult offenders. Prerequisite: SOC 115 or 116 or consent of the instructor.
SOC 371. Asians in America. (4 Credits)
This course is designed to help students understand the diversity and histories of "Asian" Americans with a focus on the post-1965 waves. In addition to understanding Asian Americans from sociological and historical categories, we will also examine religion in the Asian American experiences.
Tags: DUS
SOC 373. Sociology of Education. (4 Credits)
Examines the social role of education in postindustrial societies. Different types of schools and their effects on academic achievement are examined, and students are encouraged to participate in the growth and development of schools where possible. Christian perspectives on education, learning, and schools are emphasized. Prerequisite: SOC 115 or 116 or consent of the instructor.
SOC 376. Sociological Theory. (4 Credits)
A survey of social thought of classical theorists, such as Weber, Durkheim, and Marx, as well as an overview of contemporary social theory. Addresses the various theoretical perspectives, as well as the current lack of consensus in social theory. Pre or Corequisite: SOC 115.
SOC 383. Statistics. (4 Credits)
An introduction to statistics common in social research. Topics include descriptive and inferential statistics, hypothesis testing, significance, correlation, analysis of variance, and multiple regression. Emphasis is on application and effectively using a common statistical program (SPSS). Pre or Corequisite: SOC 115.
Tags: AAQR
SOC 385. Social Change in Latin America. (4 Credits)
What forces contribute to social change in the Americas? In this class, we examine some of the changes that have occurred and are occurring throughout the world, and in Latin America specifically, that impact the ability of people to live lives of human flourishing. We will explore some of the socio-historical contexts related to social change, such as political forces, economic markets, technological innovation, and demographic and population changes. Students will have an opportunity to focus on contemporary issues related to social change in a specific country of interest in Latin America. Students will reflect on various Christian discourses about and responses to globalization, and develop their own faith perspectives on what it means to follow Christ in a globalized world.
Tags: GP, SI
SOC 399. Social Network Analysis: Theory and Methods. (4 Credits)
Social network analysis is at the core of sociology in the 21st century, with international implications in education, law enforcement, and many other fields. A vast arena of research possibilities currently exists for using social networks to study churches, denominations, parachurch ministries, academic institutions and communities of all kinds. This course examines the history, components, and applications of social network analysis. Using Mathematica, students will complete supervised research projects using methods in social network analysis.
SOC 412. Advanced Topics in Sociology. (2 Credits)
This course is aimed at students capable of or interested in graduate level study. There will be a specific theme for each semester of the course, and these will not be repeated two years in a row. Some possible examples include advanced methodology, gender and international development, and immigration and policy.
SOC 414. Advanced Topics in Sociology. (4 Credits)
This course is aimed at students capable of or interested in graduate level study. There will be a specific theme for each semester of the course, and these will not be repeated two years in a row. Some possible examples include mathematical sociology, advanced methodology, historical and comparative sociology, economic and organizational sociology, and social network analysis. Prerequisite: SOC 376 or SOC 383 or permission of instructor.
SOC 482. Social Research. (4 Credits)
Introduces students to techniques and methods for scientific research in the social sciences including surveys, experiments, field research, coding, and more. A cumulative project follows the steps of producing social science research including developing a research question, writing a literature review, and explaining the use of data and methods. Corequisites or Prerequisites: SOC 115, 116; SOC 376, 383, or consent of the instructor.
SOC 491. Thesis Research I. (2 Credits)
In this course, students will be responsible for preparatory work to write a senior thesis. Students will select a research question and develop a short proposal, conduct a literature review, designing a research methodology, and gather original qualitative and/or quantitative data. Prerequisite: SOC 376 and SOC 482.
SOC 492. Thesis Research. (4 Credits)
Students will work closely with the faculty advisor to collect and analyze data, write a senior thesis paper, and present their research in a public setting. They will also work with other students to workshop papers. Required for the sociology major. Prerequisite: SOC 494
SOC 493. Thesis Research II. (2 Credits)
In this course, students will produce a final senior thesis that builds upon existing research and analyzes original data. This paper will build on research/data collected in Thesis Research I. Students will also share their research findings within a public academic venue. Prerequisite: SOC 491.
SOC 494. Senior Capstone. (4 Credits)
A capstone seminar focusing on the integration of sociology and Christianity. Examination of the philosophies, literature, and research of selected problem areas in the discipline. Recommended for seniors. Prerequisite: SOC 115 and SOC 376, or consent of the instructor.
General Education: SHAR
SOC 495. Independent Study. (1 to 4 Credits)
Guided reading and research for the advanced major or research internship in ongoing institutional or faculty research. Formal student proposal required.
SOC 496. Internship in Sociology. (4 or 8 Credits)
Credit given in connection with internship assignment in social research, criminal justice, law, urban ministries, urban planning, or social policy. Offered as a block placement for an entire semester on or off campus (in the Chicago area). Sociology majors may apply eight hours of internship credit toward one sociology elective course. See department for details, including course prerequisites.