Note: Semesters listed are when courses are normally offered. However, course offerings may change due to low course enrollment or unexpected staffing changes.

121 PRINCIPLES OF SOCIOLOGY (3)	FALL/SPRING
This study of the nature and methodology of sociology and an introduction to its field of investigation includes an analysis of various social relationships, an exposure to modern social problems, and an introduction to the discipline’s theory and research. Fulfills the social science general education requirement.

232 SOCIOLOGY OF AGING (3)	SPRING-EVEN
This course discusses the specific features and problems of aging and the presence of the aged in society. It analyzes the demographics of aging, the status and treatment of the aged, and the social movements emerging from among elderly people and those who support such movements.

241 SOCIOLOGY OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY (3)	FALL-EVEN
Students study the structure and variable forms of marriage and family, review the history of family sociology, and survey Christian approaches in this area of sociology. Prerequisite: Sociology 121.

243 GROUP DYNAMICS (3)

VARIES

This course treats the group as a phenomenon distinct from the individual, the institution, and the crowd. It probes the foundation of human interaction and communication in face-to-face settings. Students analyze group structure; physical formations; emotional factors and attachments; and the evolution of leadership functions, norms, values, and procedures. This course is identical to Communication Arts 243 and Psychology 243. Prerequisite: sophomore standing.

246 URBAN SOCIOLOGY (3)	SPRING
In this study of city, urban life, and its history, we consider both theoretical perspectives on the nature of the city and the social problems of present urban and suburban areas. This course is identical to History 246. Prerequisite: Sociology 121.

250 SOCIOLOGY OF SOCIAL PROBLEMS (3)

FALL

This course is a study of ways various societies’ social problems are defined and identified, including theoretical acknowledgement of the effect of cultural presuppositions and structures on the generation and perception of social problems. Students analyze a series of selected problems (e.g. delinquency, discrimination, child abuse, drug use, etc.) and their proposed solutions. Prerequisite: Sociology 121.

252 SOCIOLOGY OF DEVELOPMENT - CCS (3)

SPRING-EVEN

This course acknowledges development as a socially generated phenomenon and assumes that there are structural features by which development occurs. It includes a history of the development of society, current levels of societal development, and inequalities in and among societies. We conduct a review of several approaches to the study of development, including Marxist dependency theory, world systems analysis, the cultural-ecological approach, and various Christian attempts at such analysis. We investigate the interdependence and unequal development of cultures and societies, particularly the effects of European and North American influences on less technically and economically developed countries such as those in Asia, Africa, South and Central America, and Oceana. Prerequisite: an introductory course in any one of the following: political science, economics, sociology, history, or any other cross-cultural studies course. Fulfills one of the cross-cultural studies general education requirements.

254 CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY (3)	SPRING-ODD
Students study the manifestations of culture with a focus on the wide variety of human life patterns and structures occurring at different times and places. The course involves systematic cross-cultural comparisons as well as the issue of intercultural dependence and independence. Fulfills one of the cross-cultural studies general education requirements.

260 SOCIOLOGY OF RACE AND ETHNICITY (3)

SPRING-ODD

In this course, we study the concepts and perceptions of “race” and ethnicity, investigating such phenomena as prejudice, discrimination, assimilation, pluralism, ethnic boundaries. Substantively we treat the relations between ethnicity and political rights and boundaries, ethnic groups’ participation in and uses of politics, as well as societal and political implications and effects of ethnicity. We also study specific ethnic groups. This course is identical to Political Science 260. Prerequisite: Sociology 121 or Political Science 121.

331 SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION (3)	FALL-ODD
This social and historical study of religious perspectives, phenomena and worship practices in various societies examines such societal institutions as churches, sects, and cults. This course is identical to Theology 331. Prerequisite: Sociology 121 or Theology 121.

332 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY (3)	FALL-EVEN
Students study the nature and psychology of different social relationships. Such topics as attraction, cooperation, person perception, bargaining, and social influence are investigated. This course is identical to Psychology 332. Prerequisites: Sociology 121 or Psychology 121.

351 THEORIES OF SOCIETY (3)

FALL-ODD

This course is an intensive study of the theories and methodology of the major schools of social thought. It begins with a survey and comparison of traditional African, Greek, and early European thought. It continues with a study of the term and concept “theory.” The course then turns to an emphasis on theoretical developments in contemporary sociology, with reference and selective attention to major schools of social and sociological thought. Prerequisite: Sociology 121. This course is identical to Philosophy 351.

353 RESEARCH FOR THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES (3)

SPRING

This introduction to the basic methods of empirical research in the behavioral sciences examines techniques and theory of research analysis and design, formulating and testing hypotheses, sampling, collection, and analysis and interpretation of data. This course is identical to Social Work 353. Prerequisites: nine hours of psychology or sociology; one 200-level (or higher) course in sociology, psychology, management, or education; and Mathematics 105 or 151.

399 INDEPENDENT STUDY (1)	FALL/SPRING
This course is offered by arrangement with the faculty. Students normally may not take as an independent study a course that is offered regularly in Trinity’s curriculum.

400 FIELD EDUCATION IN SOCIOLOGY (1)

FALL/SPRING

Field education provides guided engagement in a project that is sociologically relevant. The students’ future vocations serve as criteria for the selection of the individual assignment, which is usually filled no earlier than the second semester of the junior year, and preferably during the senior year. In arranged sessions, the sociology department supervisor and the student discuss the experience. The student must complete an academic analysis, in the form of a research report, in connection with the placement and his or her experiences and observations. May also be fulfilled through Chicago Semester program.

410 SENIOR SOCIOLOGY SEMINAR (3)

FALL

This seminar serves as the department’s capstone. It reviews major social and sociological concepts, topics, and approaches, and helps students link their past course work with applications in their lives beyond college. It assures students of their theoretical and religious frameworks as these apply to the discipline of sociology and the practice of social service. Assessment of students’ attainment of the program’s principles and commitments is a major aspect of this course. This course is required of all major students, and presumes completion of or simultaneous enrollment in all other required courses.

WV GEN ED SOC SCI WAIVER (3)