Faculty of Arts

            Minor in Sociology

Course Description

 

SOCI 131 Introduction to Sociology  (Cr.3)
The purpose of this course is to acquaint students with the development of modern sociology. Reference is made to the contributions of Ibn Khaldun and al-Farabi to sociology and social thought and to the input of some of the founding fathers.  The course also includes the study of social institutions as the family, culture, socialization, intergroup relations, social aggregates and the methodology of sociology.  Students are encouraged to reflect on the issues confronting their society through the use of sociological principles and guidelines.

SOCI 231  Sociology of the Family (Cr.3)
The focus of this course is the family with its related systems. Forms and functions of the family are discussed as they have evolved historically together with the effects of social change on the family and the relationships that contribute to its integration. Kinship systems, marriage and divorce are studied with concentration on modern developments in the Arab family.
Prerequisite:  SOCI 131

SOCI 233 Classical Theory  (Cr.3)
The objective of this course is to familiarize students with the theories of the founding fathers as Comte, Marx, Weber and Durkheim. This knowledge should enable students to understand how classical theories have contributed to the development of sociology and to discuss the relevance of some of these theories to Palestinian and Arab society. 
Prerequisite: SOCI 131

SOCI 235  Modern Sociological Theory (Cr.3)
Trends and theories of modern sociology are discussed with attention to structural-functionalism, conflict and psychosocial paradigms. Points of divergence and convergence among the various theories and trends are highlighted enabling students to apply this knowledge to their own society.  
Prerequisite:  SOCI 233

SOCI 331  Methods of Social Research (Cr.3)
The nature of social research is studied with emphasis on the characteristics of the social researcher and the scientific method in social studies. The steps involved in social research are clarified together with the tools used in gathering, classification and analysis of data. The outstanding methods and tools currently used in social studies are also discussed.
Prerequisite: SOCI 245

SOCI 333  Demography (Cr.3)
The aim of this course is to introduce students to the science of population. Demographic terms, equations and theories are studied in order to understand the significance of vital statistics and the characteristics of the population as they relate to age-sex composition, spatial distribution and other specific indicators. Students are encouraged to focus on their own society and to compare its population data and figures with neighboring and other societies.

SOCI 334  Arab Society (Cr.3)
The objective of this course is to introduce students to Arab society with emphasis on Palestinian society. Social, cultural and political systems and their manifestations in social structure, institutions and behavior of individuals are examined in the Arab and Palestinian contexts. Prospects and obstacles to development are also studied with focus on the challenges facing Palestinian society.
Prerequisite:  SOCI 131

SOCI 336  Civil Society (Cr.3)
The aim of this course is to focus on the inter- and intra-state relations and civil society. The conditions in which socioeconomic organizations and structures integrate and function are discussed.  Some topics studied include social practice, influence, pluralism, democracy, independence in processes of power, leadership and administration.

SOCI 337  Application of Research Methods (Cr.3)
This course provides students with the opportunity to practice the research methods and techniques that have been studied in SOCI 331.
Prerequisite: SOCI 331

SOCI 435  Social Movements (Cr.3)
This course examines basic processes by which societies initiate, consolidate, transform and change their basic institutions and social structures. Anatomy of reform and revolutionary social movements, especially those affecting Arab and Third World countries are given special attention.

SOCI 437  Sociology of Development and Social Service  (Cr.3)
This course examines concepts of development and their relevance to Palestinian society. Theories of development are discussed together with a review of public and private social service organizations engaged in development work. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with development projects underway and to examine alternative models of development appropriate to the specific conditions of their society.

PSYC 243  Psychosocial Problems  (Cr.3)
This course acquaints students with an in-depth analysis of major psycho-social problems as drug addiction, child maltreatment, juvenile delinquency, battered women, societal reactions to mental health problems.   Interrelationship among psycho-social problems, policies, social norms and delivery of services in areas of mental health, social welfare and education are discussed.  Special attention is given to the identification of and intervention in psycho-social problems. 
Prerequisite:  PSYC 233

 

 

Online Catalogs

 

Faculties

Bethlehem University Foundation
Email: dc@bethlehem.edu
Phone: +1-202-526-6097
Fax: +1-202-526-6096
Washington, DC USA
Bethlehem University in the Holy Land
E-mail: info@bethlehem.edu
Phone: +972-2-274-1241
Fax: +972-2-274-4440
Bethlehem, Palestine

Follow us

Subscribe to our eNewsletter   Follow us on Facebook   Follow us on Twitter   View our YouTube channel   View our Flickr Photostream