Course Detail 

The course provides an overview of research on social relationships with a focus on theories related to relationship formation, attraction, satisfaction, and dissolution of relationships.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale

The purpose of this course is to discuss social relationships from the perspective of psychological research and the Bible. The key theories and research in social relationships will be explored and compared to biblical teachings on relationships. A focus on theory development and research methodology will be present as well as an integration with a biblical worldview.

Measurable Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Identify key theories and areas of research in social psychology.
2. Understand the components of scholarly writing utilizing proper APA format.
3. Evaluate the relationship between Christianity and social psychological concepts.
4. Engage in critical thinking and analysis of published research.
5. Utilize Biblical principles to interpret research.
6. Search our selection of liberty university courses for assistance.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (5)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences.

• Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided promptly.
• Discussion main posts that answer the question(s) presented must be at least 500 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge.
• In addition to the initial main post, the student is required to reply to two other classmates’ threads.
• Each reply must be 250 words. (MLOs: A, B, C, D, E)

Research Paper: Topic and References

Prior to beginning your research paper, you will submit the topic you will explore for approval. In this topic submission assignment, the student is required to submit a 1-paragraph description of the proposed topic and a reference page of at least 10 journal articles on the chosen topic. This assignment must be completed in APA format. (MLO’s: A, B)

Biblical Response Paper (2)

The student will write two 4–6-page papers in APA format in which he/she will be asked to respond biblically to a book chapter/article from the psychological research community. (MLOs: A, B, C, D, E)

Research Paper: Annotated Bibliography

In preparation for the Research Paper, the student will prepare an annotated bibliography of articles that will be used in the research paper. This assignment is expected to be in annotated bibliography format and should include a minimum of 25 empirical journal articles. (MLOs: A, B, D)

Research Paper: Final Submission

The student will write a 25–30-page research paper on any topic of interest within social relationships. The research paper will be a literature review and biblical evaluation of the literature that leads to a discussion of gaps in the research area that should be studied in order to study the topic biblically. (MLOs: A, B, C, D, E)