A study of social theories, their histories, social structures, functions, and conflict emphasizing human, institutional, and group interactions. The course provides an overview of political, economic and other cultural phenomena and methodologies of the results of scientific social research. In addition, it seeks to expand ideas, concepts, theoretical, and practical orientations by utilizing a comparative perspective.

Sociology offers a perspective that stresses the viewpoint of people’s social experiences underlying their behavior; its focus is increasingly on the growing global context of social life. Social institutions were created by God and provide the framework for societal living. As Christians, it is necessary to understand the structures and dynamics of all societies in order to have a positive impact on one’s fellow man while bearing witness and following the calling of Jesus Christ.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

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Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (4)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create 1 thread in response to the provided prompt for each Discussion. Each thread must be at least 350 words and must cite at least 2 sources in current APA format. In addition, the student must post replies to at least 2 classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 250 words, and each reply must cite at least 1 source in current APA format. Acceptable sources include the textbook, the Bible, and scholarly articles. (CLO: A, B, C, D; SSI Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4)

Current Event Assignment

The student will write an essay of at least 750 words that relates to one of the sociology theories reviewed in the course. In order to complete the Current Event Assignment, the student must choose a current event article that addresses a social problem of his or her choice. The paper should include a cover and reference page in current APA format, as well as at least two supportive citations (one per section). (CLO: A, C, D; SSI Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4)

Social Problems Paper Assignment

The student will write an essay of at least 1000 words that relates to one of the sociology theories reviewed in the course. The Social Problems Paper will be based on an issue of the student’s choice such as: homelessness, gang violence, the culture of poverty, teen pregnancy, abortion, etc. The paper should include a cover and reference page in current APA format, as well as at least two supportive citations (one per section). (CLO: A, C, D; SSI Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4)

Community Observation Assignment

The student will take an active part in a community outreach activity of his or her choosing; this will enable the student to connect with the needs of the community. This activity can be purely voluntary or can be an activity related to the student’s employment. The student will then write three full pages of content explaining the experience and what was learned from the experience. Along with the three pages, there must also be a cover page in current APA format. There must be at least two APA supportive citations and reference page in APA format. (CLO: B, D, E; SSI Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4)

This quiz will assess the student’s understanding of basic concepts related to research, theories, and worldview. The student will answer 10 questions (multiple choice) with a 30 minute time limit. The student may consult the Research Overview Presentation at any time during the quiz. (CLO: E; SSI Learning Outcomes: 1, 3)

Quizzes (6)

Six (6) quizzes for this course will cover the material presented in the textbook readings and presentations. The exams will be open-book/open-notes, contain 25 multiple-choice, matching, and true/false questions from a large test bank, and have a 60-minute time limit. These quizzes can be taken up to two times within the assigned module; the highest score will be recorded. These quizzes are open-book/open-note. (CLO: A, C, D; SSI Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4)

The Quiz: Sociology and Research will be 20 multiple-choice, matching, and true/false questions from a large test bank, and have a 60-minute time limit. This quiz can be taken up to two times within its assigned module; the highest score will be recorded. This quiz is open-book/open-note. (CLO: A, C, D; SSI Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4)

The Quiz: Race and Ethnicity will be 20 multiple-choice, matching, and true/false questions from a large test bank, and have a 60-minute time limit. This quiz can be taken up to two times within its assigned module; the highest score will be recorded. This quiz is open-book/open-note. (CLO: A, C, D; SSI Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4)