Houston Christian University Catalog

Sociology (SOCI) Course Descriptions

  • SOCI 1313 Principles of Sociology

    Prerequisite(s): None

    A study of the nature of social relations, social institutions, and social processes, and of the products of these relationships. The nature of culture, communications, socialization, mobility, social control and other sociological concepts are considered. It is strongly recommended that this course be taken prior to all other sociology courses.

  • SOCI 2301 Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences

    Prerequisite(s): MATH 1305 or higher

    The course provides an introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics, correlation, probability, and regression-with applications in behavioral sciences. (Offered also as PSYC 2301.)

  • SOCI 3303 Research Methods

    Prerequisites: SOCI 1313 and SOCI 2301

    Research Methods is designed to introduce students to basic research techniques, methods and field experiences in the social and behavioral sciences. The course emphasizes how researchers collect and analyze information from the conception of a scientific question to the analysis and interpretation of data. Students will gain practical exposure to current literature, field observation techniques, interview and survey strategies. The approach of this course is designed to provide students with analytical skills and experiences with both qualitative and quantitative orientations to research. (Offered also as PSYC 3303.)

  • SOCI 3320 Social Change

    Prerequisite(s): None

    This course critically examines the most contemporary social issues related to the practice of medicine, educational reform, and social structures such as mass media, religion, and the political process within a framework of historical change. This course is designed to develop an awareness, appreciation and critical evaluation of cultural transformations influencing the social world.

  • SOCI 3323 History of Sociological Thought

    Prerequisite(s): None

    A study of the development of social thought, including a critical analysis of theories of leading social thinkers.

  • SOCI 3327 Criminology

    Prerequisite(s): None

    This course critically examines contemporary social issues related to social norms, norm violations, and social sanctions. Specifically the content of the course will address crime and violence, juvenile delinquency, and the criminal justice system.

  • SOCI 3374 Urban Sociology

    Prerequisite(s): None

    A social systems approach to the analysis of the emerging problems of urban-suburban areas, with special consideration of the development of alternative solutions for these problems and strategies of intervention.

  • SOCI 3393 Sociology of Childhood and Adolescence

    Prerequisite(s): None

    Analysis of social class, ethnic influences and sex-role socialization on childhood and adolescence; the socializing agents in these age groups will be examined.

  • SOCI 4181 Special Topics/Independent Study

    Prerequisite(s): None

    Topics are selected on basis of student need and academic qualifications of staff. If regular lectures are not given, a minimum of 30 hours of work for each hour credit must be included.

  • SOCI 4281 Special Topics/Independent Study

    Prerequisite(s): None

    Topics are selected on basis of student need and academic qualifications of staff. If regular lectures are not given, a minimum of 30 hours of work for each hour credit must be included.

  • SOCI 4315 Pop Culture

    WRIT 2306 or 3304

    This course is an exploration and examination of American pop culture. Students will be immersed experientially in current examples of pop culture. The class will focus on a variety of learning experiences in order to understand how popular culture functions; to explore the ways that popular culture is created and maintained; and to examine the variety of meanings of popular culture first hand.

  • SOCI 4332 Social Psychology

    Prerequisite(s): None

    Contemporary approaches to social behavior are considered. Language development, cultural influences, prejudice, persuasion, conformity, and attraction are some of the topics addressed. (Offered also as PSYC 4332.)

  • SOCI 4333 Sociology of Religion

    Prerequisite: WRIT 2306 or 3304

    An analysis of the roles and functions of religion in human societies, types of religious organizations, and the relations between religion and other social institutions. The roles of Christianity and of other major religions in American society will be emphasized and reviewed from sociological perspectives. (Offered also as CHRI 4333.)

  • SOCI 4345 Sociology of Aging

    Prerequisites: WRIT 2306 or WRIT 3304

    Analysis of sociological and social psychological approaches to the study of middle age and aging; the emergence of aging as a problem in industrial societies; consideration of specific problems and programs related to aging.

  • SOCI 4373 The American Family

    Prerequisite(s): None

    An in-depth examination of current research related to the family as a dynamic component of American culture. Recent trends reflected in research data will be carefully examined within the context of sociological theory. Selected concepts and theories of the institutions of marriage and the family and factors and forces of society which impact on self-understanding, relationships, human development, life cycles, mate selection, alternative life styles, feminine and masculine roles, marital adjustments, parenting, and family crises will be addressed.

  • SOCI 4381 Special Topics/Independent Study

    Prerequisite(s): None

    Topics are selected on basis of student need and academic qualifications of staff. If regular lectures are not given, a minimum of 30 hours of work for each hour credit must be included.

  • SOCI 6310 Culture and Context

    Prerequisite(s): None

    This course provides students with the background knowledge necessary to understand major world civilizations within their historical and social context. Historical transformation will be examined as well as the emergence of the new social order due to rapid technological development. Students will read primary sources from across the world and from non-Christian writers. Content in the course will address major social categories of family, politics, race/ethnicity, gender, and religion. The larger objective is to enable students to use the content from this course to develop skills related to communication and collaboration in the global Christian mission and ministry.