School of Social Work and Sociology

Pamela Cress, Dean; Susan Smith, B.S.W. Director; Cheris Current, Janet Ockerman, Helo Oidjarv, Wayne Pollard, Emily Tillotson.

The School of Social Work and Sociology offers a Bachelor of Social Work degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in sociology. Minors are available in social welfare and sociology.

The degree in social work is designed to prepare students for generalist social work practice in a variety of practice settings and graduate study. Supervised field practicum experience in selected social work agencies is an integral part of the program. The Bachelor of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Candidates for social work are selected on the basis of scholarship, ethical conduct, awareness of diverse issues, and a commitment to social and economic justice. In addition to completing the requirement for the Bachelor of Social Work, students must be accepted into candidacy in the junior year to continue in the program. Criteria for acceptance include a minimum overall grade point average of 2.5 with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in core requirements.

Sociology broadens the student's perspective of the overall organization and function of society. A sociologist is concerned with the scientific study of social phenomena arising out of group relationships. A major in sociology is useful as pre-professional preparation for advanced research and teaching in sociology, community planning, public administration, law and medical professions, and other fields concerned with social relationships.

SOCIAL WORK MAJOR (Bachelor of Social Work)

Students enrolled in the professional curriculum must complete a total of 192 quarter hours, including the general studies requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree, the core requirements (85 quarter hours) in the areas of social work, sociology, and psychology, and cognates (12 quarter hours) in economics, human biology, and political science. The core requirements include 12 hours of field practicum the senior year, which involves 420 clock hours in a supervised professional social work practice setting. In addition, SOWK 495, Colloquium, is required of all junior and senior social work majors while in residence. Senior students are required to take the School of Social Work and Sociology comprehensive examination.

Core Requirements:

Cognates:

SOCIOLOGY MAJOR (Bachelor of Arts)

A student majoring in sociology must complete 55 quarter hours in the major, the required cognates, the general studies program, and all baccalaureate degree requirements as outlined in this bulletin. Senior students are required to take the Graduate Record Examination, general section only.

Major Requirements:

Approval of sociology adviser required.

Cognates:

SOCIAL WELFARE MINOR

A student minoring in social welfare must complete 30 quarter hours.

SOCIOLOGY MINOR

A student minoring in sociology must complete 30 quarter hours:

ANTHROPOLOGY COURSES (ANTH)

ANTH 225 CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY 4

Study of the origin and nature of culture, cultural universals, the uniformities and variations in human cultural development in a cross-cultural context. Field research methods are emphasized and field work is embedded in the course.

CORRECTIONS, LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE (CORR)

CORR 285 INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE 4

Study of the philosophy and history of law enforcement; includes an overview of crime and police problems, agencies involved in administration of criminal justice, processes of justice from detection of crime to parole of offenders, evaluation of modern police services, and a survey of professional career opportunities and qualifications required. Observations and field trips arranged. Offered even years only.

CORR 385 CRIMINOLOGY 4

Study of the historical background of crime and factors of deviant social behavior; includes a survey of criminological theories to analyze contributing factors and evaluate remedial measures now in common use. Visits to agencies and institutions arranged. Prerequisite: SOCI 204 or CORR 285. Offered even years only.

CORR 387 JUVENILE DELINQUENCY 3

Study of delinquency, juvenile courts, detention, and probation; investigation and comparison of programs of treatment and prevention. Field trips arranged. Prerequisite: SOCI 204 or CORR 285. Offered even years only.

SOCIAL WORK COURSES (SOWK)

SOWK 224 HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND THE FAMILY 4

Study of the individual as seen in the context of the family; explores the interrelation of biological, psychological, and sociocultural systems and their effect on human development and behavior; covers the complete life cycle of the growth of an individual and current theories concerning each stage of the life cycle as it applies to the modern American family as well as families of other cultures. Prerequisites: SOCI 204. Recommended prerequisite: PSYC 130.

SOWK 234 CURRENT SOCIAL PROBLEMS (or SOCI 234) 4

Study of sociological theories, concepts, and terminology to build insight into societal issues. Allows an understanding of social problems within the context of social groups and examines potential solutions. Topics addressed include the economy, overpopulation, health care, education, social class, poverty, race, gender, and the environment. The impact of social problems will be viewed in terms of individuals, groups, institutions, organizations, and society. Assists students to become more aware of issues of social justice and informing their view of the complexity of systemic societal problems. Recommended prerequisite: SOCI 204.

SOWK 260 HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT I 3

Study of the biological, psychological, and social theories of human development from birth to adolescence. Human development is examined using the underpinning of the ecological system's perspective including the multiple factors that impact development such as; race, class, gender, and religion. Recommended prerequisite: PSYC 130.

SOWK 261 HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT II 3

The study of the biological, psychological, and social theories of human development from young adulthood to old age. Human development is examined using the underpinning of the ecological systems perspective including the multiple factors that impact development such as; race, social class, gender, and religion. Recommended prerequisite: PSYC 130.

SOWK 264 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK 4

Introduction to the profession of social work including an examination of the knowledge, values, and skills influencing the role of the social worker in a variety of practice settings.

SOWK 266 STRUCTURAL HISTORY OF SOCIAL WELFARE 4

Study of the history and structure of the U.S. social welfare system; examination of current social welfare institutions in terms of political, social, and value systems. Presents the history and social structures that create and maintain systems of privilege, oppression, and discrimination. Prerequisite or corequisite: SOWK 264.

SOWK 350 FIELD PRACTICUM ORIENTATION 1

A field practicum orientation seminar intended to make students aware of agency possibilities, application and evaluation procedures, contracts, and the field instruction learning process. Prerequisites: SOWK 264, 371; Prerequisite or Corequisite: SOWK 372, 373.

SOWK 371 SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE WITH INDIVIDUALS 4

Methods course focusing on the knowledge, values, and skills needed for generalist social work practice with individuals. Major subject areas include values and ethics, interviewing, assessment, intervention, termination, evaluation, and documentation. Framed with a view of clients and social work practice that honors individual strengths and recognizes the impact of societal forces that create opportunities for some and barriers for others. Prerequisites: PSYC 130, SOCI 204, SOWK 264 or permission of instructor.

SOWK 372 SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE WITH SMALL GROUPS 4

Methods course focusing on the knowledge, values, and skills needed for generalist social work practice with groups. Course content includes: assessment of group dynamics, structure, and process, and models of intervention in a variety of settings. Develops an understanding of the typology of groups, the functions and roles of group members, stages of group development, group leadership, and the foundational skills of group facilitation and evaluation. Prerequisite: SOWK 371.

SOWK 373 SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE WITH COUPLES AND FAMILIES 4

Methods course focusing on the knowledge, values, and skills needed for generalist social work practice with couples and families. The course provides mezzo skill development for work with this special population. Includes theoretical and intervention models specifically designed for work with couples and families, both historical and contemporary. Students will develop practice skills through lab setting activities, role play, supervision and observation. Prerequisite: SOWK 372.

SOWK 375 POLICY AND ADVOCACY PRACTICE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE 3

Study of social welfare policy and its impact upon clients, social workers, and social services. Introduces students to the process of policy formulation and acquaints them with different frameworks for policy analysis. Includes a study of legislative advocacy, lobbying, and empowerment of clients through social and political action. Encourages student participation in local and national advocacy organizations that seek to further social justice. Prerequisite: SOWK 266 or permission of instructor.

SOWK 394 DIRECTED READING 1-2; 4

Independent reading for upper-division students who wish to continue broadening their knowledge of social work in a particular area by extensive reading.

SOWK 435 SOCIAL GERONTOLOGY (or SOCI 435) 3

Provides understanding of the field of gerontology, including historical review of US and world-wide population trends. Specific aspects of aging and impacts on society are explored in-depth. Practitioner responses in human services and health care are examined. Prerequisite: SOCI 204. Offered odd years only.

SOWK 437 DEATH AND DYING (or PSYC, SOCI 437) 3

Study of the process of death and dying from four distinct perspectives: cultural, social, personal, and professional.

SOWK 460 SERVICES TO FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN 3

Development of child welfare services, their structure and function today, current challenges facing America in the welfare of its children, the role of social work in child abuse investigations, treatment provisions, and regulation. Prerequisite: PSYC 130 or SOCI 204, or permission of instructor.

SOWK 465 SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE WITH ORGANIZATIONS AND COMMUNITIES 4

Introduction to generalist practice with communities and larger organizations. Study of community organization, organizational analysis, management skills, program planning and evaluation. Enhances students' ability to initiate and implement macro change. Prerequisite: SOWK 375. Prerequisite or corequisite: SOWK 373.

SOWK 466 COMPARATIVE THEORIES OF SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE 3

Study of intervention strategies, change theories, and therapeutic techniques employed at individual, family, and group levels. Emphasizes criteria for selecting alternative approaches and appropriate intervention activities. Prerequisites: SOWK 371 or permission of instructor.

SOWK 471 HUMAN SEXUALITY (or HLTH 471) 3

Study of resources, research, anatomy and physiology, and personal values clarification on human sexuality. Emphasis will be on the interactions between biology, cognition, emotions, socialization, and culture. Prerequisite: PSYC 130 or SOCI 204.

SOWK 477 INTRODUCTION TO ALCOHOLISM AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 3

A comprehensive survey covering the basic aspects of alcohol, alcoholism, prevention and intervention, rehabilitation and treatment. Alcoholism and other addictions are studied as disease processes. Recommended prerequisite: HLTH 208.

SOWK 479 DIRECTED RESEARCH/PROJECTS IN SOCIAL WORK 1-3

Directed learning experience in a special area of social work or social welfare of particular interest to the student. Projects may include research which is agency organization based and should be chosen in consultation with the adviser. Written report of research/project is required describing the project, the theoretical base, the learning experience and the conclusion. Prerequisites: Social Work Major-- SOWK 264, SOWK 371; Social Welfare Minor-- SOWK 264, SOWK 266.

SOWK 490 FIELD PRACTICUM 2-12; 12

Training is completed under a professional social worker in a social service agency. Field instruction is offered in various settings such as: medical, mental health, school, corrections, child welfare, and community organization. Placement may be taken in one quarter (block) or concurrently with course work over two or more consecutive quarters. Twelve quarter credits (420 clock hours) are required for a social work major. Prerequisites: SOWK 266, 371, acceptance to the B.S.W. program, and permission of instructor. Prerequisite or Corequisite: SOWK 350, SOWK 372, SOWK 373. Students with two grades of IP in SOWK 490 are not eligible to register for practicum. Open to social work majors only.

SOWK 495 COLLOQUIUM 0

Lecture series designed to expose students to contemporary social workers and to assist them in their professional development. Required of all social work juniors and seniors while in residence. Graded S or NC.

Graduate Social Work Courses

Please see the Graduate Bulletin for a listing of Social Work graduate courses.

SOCIOLOGY COURSES (SOCI)

SOCI 204 GENERAL SOCIOLOGY 4

Study of the fundamentals of group behavior, social conditions, and dynamics; considers culture, groups, population trends, religions, institutions, social problems, theories, and objectives.

SOCI 225 MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE (or PSYC 225) 2

Study of the physical, economic, and psychological adjustments necessary for happy marriage and parenthood; stresses Christian philosophy and principles; staff members and guest speakers will lecture and lead discussions.

SOCI 234 CURRENT SOCIAL PROBLEMS (or SOWK 234) 4

The study of sociological theories, concepts, and terminology to build insight into societal issues. Allows an understanding of social problems within the context of social groups and examines potential solutions. Topics addressed include the economy, overpopulation, health care, education, social class, poverty, race, gender, and the environment. The impact of social problems will be viewed in terms of individuals, groups, institutions, organizations, and society. Assists students to become more aware of issues of social justice and informing their view of the complexity of systemic societal problems. Recommended prerequisite: SOCI 204.

SOCI 236 PRIVILEGE AND OPPRESSION 4

Study of the construction of contemporary American social categories including mechanisms of privilege and oppression. Examination of the distribution of social resources to groups and individuals, as well as theoretical explanations of how unequal patterns of distribution are produced, maintained, and challenged. Emphasizes how race, culture, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, age, ability, and religion intersect with social class to produce different life experiences. Course will stress the importance of advocating for social justice and equality. Recommended prerequisite: SOCI 204.

SOCI 238 HEALTH AND CULTURE 3

Examination of the social context of health, illness, and the healthcare system. Attention given to the impact of social, cultural, political, and economic determinants on health, illness, and the delivery of medical care in the United States. The course includes, but is not limited to, social epidemiology, health/illness behavior, medical facilities, healthcare professionals, insurance, and public policy. Credit will not be allowed for both SOCI 238 and SOCI 438. Prerequisite: SOCI 204. Offered even years only.

SOCI 327 SOCIAL PROBLEMS SEMINAR: 3; 9

An in-depth seminar that focuses on a particular social problem. Specific subjects studied will vary from quarter to quarter on issues such as poverty, gender, social class, the environment, economic opportunity, human rights, and social justice. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Prerequisites: SOCI 204, ANTH 225, or permission of instructor.

SOCI 394 DIRECTED READING 1-2; 4

Independent reading for upper-division students who wish to continue broadening their knowledge of sociology in a particular area by extensive reading.

SOCI 420 IMMIGRATION AND IDENTITY 4

This course provides an analysis of the political, social, and economic impact of immigration in the United States. Additionally, the class traces how the immigration process reshapes ethnic identity while simultaneously expanding what it means to be "American." Prerequisite: SOCI 204 or ANTH 225. Offered odd years only.

SOCI 435 SOCIAL GERONTOLOGY (or SOWK 435) 3

Provides understanding of the field of gerontology, including historical review of US and world-wide population trends. Specific aspects of aging and impacts on society are explored in-depth. Practitioner responses in human services and health care are examined. Prerequisite: SOCI 204. Offered odd years only.

SOCI 437 DEATH AND DYING (or PSYC, SOWK 437) 3

Study of the process of death and dying from four distinct perspectives: cultural, social, personal, and professional.

SOCI 438 SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH, ILLNESS AND HEALTHCARE 4

Examination of the social context of health, illness, and the healthcare system. Attention given to the impact of social, cultural, political, and economic determinants on health, illness and the delivery of medical care in the United States. The course includes but is not limited to social epidemiology, health/illness behavior, medical facilities, healthcare professionals, insurance, and public policy. Includes more in-depth assignments designed for upper division students. Credit will not be allowed for both SOCI 238 and SOCI 438. Prerequisite: SOCI 204. Offered even years only.

SOCI 451 RESEARCH METHODS 4

Introduction to the principles of research design; data collection through surveys and other methods; scaling, sampling; computer assisted statistical analysis. Statistics highly recommended. Laboratory required.

SOCI 452, 453 RESEARCH PRACTICUM I, II 1, 1

Directed design and execution of an empirical research project over a two quarter period. Prerequisites: SOCI 451 for SOCI 452, SOCI 452 for SOCI 453.

SOCI 494 COOPERATIVE EDUCATION 2

Individual contract arrangement involving students, faculty, and cooperating institutions to gain practical experience in an off-campus setting. Allows the student to apply advanced classroom learning. Prerequisites: SOCI 204, SOWK 224, SOCI 236; Pre or corequisite: SOCI 324. Two quarter hours are required during senior year (30 clock hours per quarter hour = 60 hours).

SOCI 496 SEMINAR 1-3, 3

In-depth individual examination of expected learning in sociology, including historical and contemporary knowledge. Student will demonstrate acquisition of expected competencies in both general and specific areas within the degree. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.