Sociology and Social Work Catalog Information
Programs offered • Major in Sociology (32 credits) • Minor in Sociology (20 credits) • Social Studies Education major with a teaching license, grades 5-12 (see education: interdisciplinary programs for secondary education) (52 credits plus 32 credits in education) • Social Studies Area of Specialization for Elementary Education majors, grades 5-8 (see education) (20 credits) • Major in Social Work Sociology The sociology department provides learning experiences that prepare students to achieve the following outcomes: • use the sociological imagination and demonstrate knowledge of the basic assumptions, guiding questions, concepts, theories and methods of sociology that inform its application • critically use sociological ideas, research methods and sociological evidence to answer questions about society and themselves • show that they see how sociology can enhance their understanding of the complexity and diversity found in human societies The requirements for a major in sociology are 32 credits: • SOC 111 – Human Society, 4 credits • SOC 228 – Research Methods and Statistics, 4 credits • SOC 356 – Sociological Theory, 4 credits • 20 additional credits in sociology The requirements for a minor in sociology are 20 credits: • SOC 111 – Human Society, 4 credits • SOC 228 – Research Methods and Statistics, 4 credits • 12 additional credits in sociology Students seeking a minor in sociology may use one of the following courses to satisfy the research requirement: • PSYC 230 – Statistics and Psychological Measurement, 4 credits • PSC 311 – Methods and Techniques of Political Analysis, 4 credits • ECON 354 – Statistics for Business and Economics, 4 credits However, students taking one of these options must then take an additional sociology course in place of SOC 228 – Research Methods and Statistics to meet the requirement for 20 credits in sociology. Social Work Social work education at Concordia College is framed by Concordia’s mission statement: “The purpose of Concordia College is to influence the affairs of the world by sending into society thoughtful and informed men and women dedicated to the Christian life.” The courses enrich the student’s liberal arts education through development of increased awareness of self, others, and social systems, enabling informed participation for leadership in community service and organizations. This is reflected in the social work program’s mission statement: “To promote human and community well-being by confronting disadvantage through a framework of scientific inquiry and human rights, favoring undervalued persons and providing conditions of hope, leading to individual and social change.” The social work program at Concordia College is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Graduates of the program are qualified to sit for a state licensing examination, which is required for social work practice. With a Bachelor of Arts in social work many graduates pursue employment as generalist social workers, which feature application of generalist practice knowledge, values and skills of social work in a variety of settings. With a bachelor’s degree in social work, students are also eligible for advanced graduate placement in Master of Social Work programs. Many students report that they experience a “call” into the social work profession. The social work program provides learning experiences that prepare students to achieve the following outcomes: • apply critical thinking skills within the context of professional social work practice • understand the value base of the profession and its ethical standards and principles and practice accordingly • practice without discrimination and with respect, knowledge, values, and skills related to clients’ age, class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, family structures, gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion, belief and sexual orientation • understand the forms, mechanisms and global interconnectedness of oppression and discrimination and apply strategies of advocacy and social change that advance social and economic justice • understand and interpret the history of the social work profession and its contemporary structures and issues – locally, nationally and globally • apply the knowledge and skills of evidence-based generalist social work practice with systems of all sizes • use theoretical frameworks supported by empirical evidence to understand individual (biological, psychological, social, spiritual and cultural) development and behavior across the life span and the interactions among individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities • analyze, formulate, and influence social policies • evaluate research studies, apply research findings to practice and evaluate practice interventions • use communication skills differentially across client populations, colleagues and communities • use supervision and consultation appropriate to generalist practice • function within the structure of organizations and service delivery systems and seek necessary organizational change The Purpose of the Social Work Profession From the Council on Social Work Education’s Educational Policy Statement: The social work profession receives its sanction from public and private auspices and is the primary profession in the development, provision, and evaluation of social services. Professional social workers are leaders in a variety of organizational settings and service delivery systems within a global context. The profession of social work is based on the values of service, social and economic justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, and integrity and competence in practice. With these values as defining principles, the purposes of social work are: • to enhance human well-being and alleviate poverty, oppression and other forms of social injustice • to enhance the social functioning and interactions of individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities by involving them in accomplishing goals, developing resources, and preventing and alleviating distress • to formulate and implement social policies, services, and programs that meet basic human needs and support the development of human capacities • to pursue policies, services, and resources through advocacy and social or political actions that promote social and economic justice • to develop and use research, knowledge and skills that advance social work practice • to develop and apply practice in the context of diverse cultures Concordia’s Social Work Program The social work program has been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education since 1982. The curriculum is organized around eight themes: values and ethics, diversity, populations-at-risk and social and economic justice, human behavior in the social environment, social welfare policy and services, social work practice, research, and field education. Students interested in majoring in social work must make written application for acceptance into the major after completing SWK 283 – Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare with a grade of at least B- (2.7). A Concordia GPA of 2.5 is required for admission to the program. All students planning to major in social work should request from the registrar to have an adviser from the social work program. Because courses follow a sequence, transfer students or students deciding on the major during or after the fall semester of their sophomore year should meet with the social work program director as soon as possible to develop their educational plan. Completion of a major in social work requires courses in the social work program. Courses should be taken in the following sequence: Freshman year, first semester: • SOC 111 – Human Society, 4 credits Freshman year, second semester: • BIOL 101 – General Biology, 4 credits Sophomore year, first semester: • PSYC 111 – Introductory Psychology, 4 credits • SWK 283 – Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare, 4 credits Sophomore year, second semester: • SWK 310 – Human Behavior and the Social Environment, 4 credits Junior year, first semester: • SWK 383 – Social Work Methods I: Social Work Processes and the Helping Relationship: Individuals and Interviewing, 4 credits • SWK 385 – Social Work Practice with Families, 2 credits Junior year, second semester: • SWK 320 – Social Policy and Systems Perspective, 4 credits • SOC 228 – Research Methods and Statistics, 4 credits. Students who are double majors in social work and psychology may substitute PSYC 230 – Statistics and Psychological Measurement and PSYC 301 – Research Methods in Psychology for SOC 228. Senior year, first semester: • SWK 350 – Comparative Cultural Encounter, 4 credits • SWK 384 – Social Work Methods II: Social Work Processes and the Helping Relationship: Groups and Communities, 4 credits Senior year, second semester: • SWK 490 – Practicum in Social Work, 8 credits • SWK 494 – Social Work Senior Seminar, 2 credits Students majoring in social work who are interested in church social work or social ministry should complete: • CHPR 110 – Introduction to Church Professions, 4 credits • SWK 386 – Church Social Work and Social Ministry, 4 credits • CHPR 380 – Capstone, 4 credits In addition, the social work internship placement should be planned in a church or social ministry setting. To earn a church professions certificate from Concordia College, social work majors must minor in religion as well as take the courses listed above. In addition, they must complete the appropriate internship in a church or social ministry organization. For more information, see the church professions pages of the catalog.
Sociology and Social Work Courses
Sociology Courses
SOC 111 B, S, U – Human Society, 4 credits. E. An introduction to sociology as a disciplined way of studying social and cultural aspects of human behavior. Students will be introduced to and apply the concepts, theories and methods of sociology that are used to analyze social structure and social processes.
SOC 214 B, S, U – Social Problems, 4 credits. E1. An introduction to research methods and theories of sociology used to analyze and address major social problems in the United States. Some comparisons are made to problems and mitigation efforts of other countries. Public and private efforts to address social problems are evaluated and new approaches considered. Recent topics have included inequality, education, race, sexuality, crime, alcohol and drugs.
SOC 217 G, B – Cultural Anthropology, 4 credits. E2. An exploration and comparison of cultural variations associated with the geographic and historic specifics of human societies. A study of species/culture development, emphasizing linguistic, technological, ideological and institutional systems.
SOC 228 – Research Methods and Statistics, 4 credits. E2. An introduction to beginning-level statistical and research skills in sociology and social work. Students will design and implement a research project that involves hypothesis formation, data collection, and computer-assisted data analysis. Prerequisite: high school higher algebra or consent of instructor
SOC 231 B, U – Sociology of Families, 4 credits. E1. An examination of families from a sociological perspective, which includes an appreciation of families as an institution in society. We will explore how families have changed throughout U.S. history and how families are shaped by gender, race, and social class. The topics of sexuality, marriage, cohabitation, parenting, domestic violence, and divorce are also examined within the context of families.
SOC 300 – May Seminar, 4 credits. MS.
SOC 312 X, G, S – Global Development Issues, 4 credits. E1. Students are introduced to the social scientific approaches used to understand how demographic, institutional, cultural, economic and ecological factors influence, and are influenced by, societal development. Comparative case studies enable students to understand the structure and dynamics (e.g., population change) of human populations as they relate to socioeconomic development.
SOC 317 X, U – Gender, Self and Society, 4 credits. E1. An examination of the social, historical and psychological aspects of gender and human behavior. The course explores how gender has influenced our lives since industrialization. Research on socialization, moral and intellectual development, intimate relationships, sexuality, family life, and education will be examined. Prerequisite: SOC 111 – Human Society or consent of instructor
SOC 322 U – Crime, Deviance, and Social Control, 4 credits. E1. A sociological study of crime and deviance. This includes the social and legal processes involved in defining crime and deviance, characteristics of crime types, sociological theories of crime and deviance, and an introduction to the criminal justice system. Prerequisite: SOC 111 – Human Society or equivalent
SOC 328 U – Class, Race, and Ethnicity, 4 credits. E2. An examination of the distribution of social, political and economic power in society. The perspectives used to analyze inequality are also discussed and used to examine various types and outcomes of inequality, including racial and ethnic inequality, prejudice and discrimination. Prerequisite: SOC 111 – Human Society or consent of instructor
SOC 332 – Society and Human Sexuality, 4 credits. E2. The course examines the origin of sexual values and practices in various cultures. The primary focus is on sexual attitudes and behavior in the American culture. Human sexuality is discussed relative to the human life cycle, changing gender roles, mass media, the economic system, laws and other areas.
SOC 338 – Sociology of Religion, 2 credits. D. This examination of the general relationships between religion and society will center on how religion molds society and, in turn, how society molds religion. Prerequisite: SOC 111 – Human Society or consent of instructor
SOC 339 U – Urban Communities, 4 credits. E2. An overview of cities and urban life. Includes a historical account of the development of modern cities; how race, class, gender and immigration organize the character of urban settlement, culture and politics; and how economic and political institutions shape contemporary dilemmas of urban growth.
SOC 340 – Media and Society, 4 credits. E1. This course examines a variety of social, political and economic forces that influence the contemporary mass media and considers the changing role of the media in society. Students are introduced to the social scientific methods that have been used to document the nature of media content and understand how it is produced. Topics include the study of class, race and gender inequalities in media content, the consequences of concentration in media ownership, and the dynamic relationship between producers and consumers of media. Prerequisites: SOC 111 – Human Society or permission of the instructor
SOC 341 – Work in Organizations, 4 credits. D. This course focuses on how the daily lives of individuals, as well as their participation and experiences in work organizations, are affected by both the broader society and by how organizations are structured to carry out their tasks. This course also focuses on the extent to which individuals can affect these organizations.
SOC 351 X, S, U – Aging in Society, 4 credits. E1. An examination of the sociological, psychological and biological aspects of human aging. Students will be introduced to theories of aging and current research on aging in human societies. Prerequisite: SOC 111 – Human Society or consent of instructor
SOC 356 – Sociological Theory, 4 credits. E1. An examination of power, socialization, conflict, social order and interpersonal relations from the perspectives of classical and contemporary theorists in sociology. Prerequisite: SOC 111 – Human Society or consent of instructor
SOC 380 – Special Topics, 2 to 4 credits. D. Courses covering various topics of interest in this particular discipline are offered regularly. Contact department or program chair for more information.
SOC 390 – Cooperative Education, 2 to 8 credits. D.
SOC 480 – Independent Study, 1 to 4 credits. D. This course provides an opportunity for individual students to conduct in-depth research of a particular topic under the direct supervision of a faculty member. Contact the department or program chair for more information.
SOC 490 – Practicum, 1 to 2 credits. D. A course involving the student in some applied endeavor. Offered only by special arrangement and permission of the department.
Social Work Courses
SWK 283 U – Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare, 4 credits. E. General historical overview of the profession; its values, ethics, methods and a beginning use of system theory. A study of human needs and the history of how our society attempts to meet these needs. Includes an introduction to the values in society, the social work profession and the means of perpetuating these values through various private and public agencies set up to meet human need. Students have the opportunity to discover their own aptitudes for this area of study. Open to all students. Prerequisite: second semester freshman standing or permission of the instructor
SWK 300 – May Seminar, 4 credits. MS.
SWK 310 – Human Behavior and the Social Environment, 4 credits. E2. A study of human behavior in the context of various social systems (bio-psycho-social and spiritual) and of life tasks, focusing on the influences individuals and the environment have on each other. There is a special emphasis on the systems perspective and human growth and development. Prerequisites: SOC 111 – Human Society, PSYC 111 – Introductory Psychology and BIOL 101 – General Biology. Open to students intending to declare social work as a major.
SWK 320 G – Social Policy and Systems Perspective, 4 credits. E2. A study of current social policies, human services programs, and a review of related social problems. Special emphasis on systems perspective, critical analysis and human rights policy formulation. Prerequisites: SOC 111 – Human Society and SWK 283 – Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare. Open to students intending to declare social work as their major.
SWK 350 X, U – Comparative Cultural Encounter, 4 credits. E1. This course examines the need for cultural competency and anti-racist education in contemporary Western society. Includes case studies, international comparisons of “double consciousness” and attention to the exclusion of culturally unique peoples from mainstream opportunities due to systemic institutional policy barriers and acts of individual, workplace and community discrimination. Strategies of opposition, social change, and enlightened human rights practices will be explored. Attention will be given to racism, particularly in the lives of women, and to other aspects of comparative cultural encounters.
SWK 380 – Special Topics, 2 to 4 credits. D. Courses covering various topics of interest in this particular discipline are offered regularly. Contact department or program chair for more information.
SWK 383 – Social Work Methods I: Social Work Processes and the Helping Relationship: Individuals and Interviewing, 4 credits. E1. The study and practice of generalist social work, using a strengths-based problem solving model within the systems perspective including the generic values, knowledge and skills needed by the generalist social worker for effective problem solving. The helping relationship, its formation, use and purpose are also studied, as well as developing knowledge and skill in intervention and interviewing for social work practice with individuals. Attention is given to the linkage between practice and research. Prerequisites: SWK 283 – Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare and SWK 310 – Human Behavior and the Social Environment. Open to social work majors and to others only with permission of instructor. Students must also register concurrently for SWK 385 – Social Work Practice with Families.
SWK 384 – Social Work Methods II: Social Work Processes and the Helping Relationship: Groups and Communities, 4 credits. E1. The second social work methods course deals with processes (the problem-posing model within a systems perspective) in working with groups, organizations and communities. It applies and expands on the knowledge and skill attained in the first methods course in working with various size client systems, taking into account cultural differences, ethics, personal and professional values, and use of self. Study includes group dynamics, organizational and community processes, community work, levels of critical consciousness, participatory action research, and evaluation. Prerequisite: SWK 283 – Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare and SWK 383 – Social Work Methods I. Open only to those accepted into the social work major.
SWK 385 – Social Work Practice with Families, 2 credits. E1. The study and practice of generalist social work, using a strengths-based problem solving model within the systems perspective including the generic values, knowledge and skills needed by social workers for effective practice with families. Focus is on the family system and its environment as well as social work techniques and strategies for working with current family structures and issues. Taken concurrently with SWK 383 – Social Work Methods I. Open to social work majors only.
SWK 386 – Church Social Work and Social Ministry, 4 credits. D. A study of spiritual and religious roots for the formation of values, morals and ethics common to a motivation to serve. Attention to developing and applying a sense of compassion and social justice in the human services, church social work and social ministry. Open to all interested students.
SWK 390 – Cooperative Education, 2 to 8 credits. D. A social work co-op provides valuable training and a laboratory in which to test classroom knowledge and one’s interest and aptitude in particular social work settings. Each Cooperative Education experience is tailored to the individual needs and goals of the student. Cooperative Education hours apply to the contextual learning requirements for social work courses. It is strongly recommended that social work students enroll in at least one Cooperative Education experience.
SWK 480 – Independent Study, 1 to 4 credits. D.
SWK 490 – Practicum in Social Work, 8 credits. E2, S1. Work experience with qualified supervision in an approved social agency or organization dealing in human or community services. Minimum time of 480 hours for satisfactory performance is required, together with participation in a seminar (SWK 494 – Social Work Senior Seminar) led by a faculty member. The practicum can be arranged during second semester or during the summer. Open only to those accepted into the social work major. SWK 494 must be taken concurrently. Prerequisites: SWK 283 – Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare; SWK 310 – Human Behavior and the Social Environment; SWK 320 – Social Policy and Systems Perspective; SWK 350 – Comparative Cultural Encounter; SWK 383 – Social Work Methods I; SWK 384 – Social Work Methods II; SWK 385 – Social Work Practice with Families; and SOC 228 – Research Methods and Statistics (or PSYC 230 – Statistics and Psychological Measurement and PSYC 301 – Research Methods in Psychology if the student is a double major in social work and psychology)
SWK 494 – Social Work Senior Seminar, 2 credits. E2, S1. This is the capstone course in the social work major. The purpose of this course is to integrate all parts of the students’ previous learning and experience in further preparing them for direct entry into generalist social work practice with beginning competency in social work methods and processes. The seminar includes content on perspectives for job interviews and procedures for taking state licensing and merit examinations. It is to be taken concurrently with SWK 490 – Practicum in Social Work. Open only to those accepted into the social work major.
Course Catalog
