262 / 292
262 │COLUMBIA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY 2017-2018│ COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
proposal for a thesis (see RES 7972 description). You will demonstrate your ability to develop a clear research problem, master related
material and research methods, make a clear argument, and show original thought processes. (3)
RES 7971
Master’s Thesis
After submitting and defending a prospectus, as outlined in the SSM Master's Thesis Manual, you will research, write, and refine a
scholarly thesis in both content and form (as stipulated in the Manual) under the guidance of two faculty members. The process will
culminate in a defense of the thesis before an appointed committee composed of at least three faculty members. (3)
Prerequisite: RES
7961
RES 7972
Intercultural/Muslim Studies Thesis
You will research and write on a topic in your field under the guidance of one faculty member who will critique your work as you proceed.
(3)
Prerequisite: RES 7962 and permission of instructor.
RES 9400
Doctoral Research Seminar
This workshop approach to the logic, design, methods, and execution of ministry-based research guides you in the process of producing
a dissertation-project research proposal. (3)
RES 9995
Dissertation: Project Proposal
Under the guidance of an assigned committee, you will finalize and defend the proposal for your dissertation-project. The proposal will
include a clear statement of your research questions, a thorough review of precedent research related to your topic, an explanation of
the research methods you plan to use, an overview of the sections to be included in your dissertation-project, and any instruments you
will use in your research. (3)
Prerequisite: RES 9400.
RES 9996
Dissertation: Project Defense
Under the guidance of an assigned committee, you will engage in the research approved in your proposal and describe the results in
written form. You will then defend your completed dissertation-project orally before your committee. (3)
Prerequisite: RES 9995.
Science
SCI 2313
Principles of Physical Science
In this course you will explore a general introduction to physics, chemistry, astronomy, and geology in order to gain a general
understanding of major fundamentals of each component discipline. (3)
SCI 2301
Principles of Physical Science Lab
This is a separate, three-hour lab session which is scheduled each week for students taking SCI 2313. (1)
SCI 2510
Environmental Science
This course integrates physical, biological, climate, ecology and information sciences to the study of the environment. This course
starts with the history and concepts of environmental science and incorporates the scientific disciplines to find solutions to protect the
environment. (3)
Social Studies
SOS 3520
Social Studies in the Bible Curriculum
This is a study of the philosophical, historical, and sociological courses traditionally taught within the Bible department of a secondary
school. You will examine the content of three high school courses: Worldviews, Church History, and Family Life, and create a paradigm
for the development and presentation of social studies courses within the Bible curriculum. You will also focus on teaching strategies
and accurate instructional assessment, and will partner with public and private school Bible teachers, for reference and resource, to
develop a high school social studies course. (3)
Social Science
SOC 2110
Introduction to Sociology
This is a general introduction to sociology as a body of knowledge dealing with group relationships as these affect both the individual
and society. You will study such concepts as interaction, culture, socialization, social institutions, deviancy, and secularization. You
will also be given opportunities to develop an understanding of American society. (3)
SOC 3740
Marriage and Family
This course is a study of the societal patterns of marriage and family life. Biblically and sociologically, you will address issues of
courtship, choice of a mate, engagement, marital adjustment, parenting, divorce, and the development of problem-solving skills. You
will use personal application and training from the course to develop the skills to communicate more effectively to others about
marriage/family issues. (3)