300

A critical approach to interpreting media messages is grounded in the study of how messages are constructed, how media industries function and are shaped by social structures and how communication theory and research explain media impact on society. Emphasis is placed on making informed choices as a media consumer, and considering the impact of media from a Christian perspective.

In this course child poverty will be analyzed from a sociological perspective. Within an international and historical context the demographics of poverty and the effects of poverty on children will be explored. This course will focus on the critical evaluations of the sociological research and theories of the causes of child poverty. The interrelatedness of the societal responses to poverty and occurrence of child maltreatment will be assessed.

This is a three-hour course offered each spring semester. Its purpose is to provide the student with an introduction to the concepts and techniques of research methodology as employed in the behavioral sciences including experimental research, field and survey research, content analysis and other unobtrusive techniques, and evaluative assessment research. Students will be encouraged to demonstrate an understanding of the role of research for helping professionals; examining truth-seeking from a scientific and from a Biblical perspective; critiquing current research findings in professional journals; identifying appropriate research methodology for a given problem or topic; completing an empirical research project from start to finish; developing a research manuscript using APA publication manual guidelines; and developing oral communication skills in presenting one's research project to a professional audience. Also listed as PSY-355.

A study of the experience and behavior of individuals in relation to group situations and social influences of modern life. Gives credit for majors in Sociology or Psychology. Prerequisites: SOC-150 and PSY-150.

A survey of theories and policies concerning population, present population trends, the social factors underlying population growth, and related problems of birth control and world food supply. Gives credit for majors in Sociology or Political Science. Prerequisite: SOC-150 or POL-100.

A study of principles, theoretical approaches, specific objectives, and techniques currently used in the "systems theory" approach to marriage and the family. The focus will be on normal developmental problems rather than on psychopathology. This course will present both a systemic and strategic approach to therapy including the theories of Minuchi , Satire, Bowen, and Haley. Prerequisite: 9 hours of Psychology. Also listed as PSY-371.