This course is a study of human interaction and the contexts within which ministry takes place including the individual in society, social inequality, social institutions, and social change. Sociological concepts, theories, and relevant research findings are considered.
The following intended learning outcomes will be achieved by this course:
- Ability to explain the basic concepts and theories of the discipline of Sociology.
- Ability to sensitively explain the nature of cultures.
- Ability to describe and interpret the relationship between culture and individual behavior.
- Ability to describe the function of religion in sociological categories.
The following competencies as outlined in the Sourcebook on Ordination: United States of America Edition, 2006 to meet the educational requirements for Ordination within the Church of the Nazarene will be achieved by completing this course:
- Ability to understand, appreciate, and work sensitively with cultures and sub-cultures. CX-1)
- Ability to identify and apply the principles of cross-cultural communications. CX-2)
- Ability to discern sociological dynamics, (including the power dynamics of gender, age and ethnicity) and to apply that information to specific ministry settings. (CX-3)
- Ability to analyze and describe congregations and communities.(CX-4)
- Ability to analyze and describe the ministry context in light of its local history. (CX-6)