253.535.7294
www.plu.edu/~soci
Sociology and social work, as distinct disciplines, are concerned with understanding contemporary social issues, policies, and solutions. While sociology emphasizes research, interpretation, and analysis, social work emphasizes intervention and practice. The disciplines share an interest in human relationships and experience, contemporary family life and family policies, ethnic diversity and race relations, poverty and social stratification, social justice and community organization. Both disciplines encourage hands-on learning through field placements, internships, and service learning projects.
Students may major in either sociology or social work, minor in sociology, or complete a double major in sociology and social work. Social work majors are encouraged to minor in sociology.
Faculty: Leon-Guerrero, Chair; Biblarz, Higginson, Jobst, Keller, McDade, Russell (Social Work Program Director).
Sociology examines the processes and structures which shape social groups of all sizes, including friends, families, workplaces, and nations. The study of sociology provides students with unique interpretive tools for understanding themselves and others in a changing world. Sociology has broad appeal to those who are interested in developing practical skills and analytical talents. Some of the practical pursuits enabled by sociological training are in the areas of program development, counseling, research, criminal justice, management, and marketing. The academic preparation is valuable to those interested in pursuing degrees in law, administration, social work, theology, or the social sciences.
The department's curriculum offers a variety of courses in sociological analysis while permitting an optional concentration in the specialized areas of family/gender or crime/deviance. The curriculum is deliberately flexible to permit students to study individual subject areas, or to pursue majors or minors in the field. Students majoring in business, nursing, education, and computer science find the sociological minor particularly useful for broadening their understanding of social rules and relationships, programs and solutions, and continuity and change.
The faculty is attentive to the individual needs of students in their efforts to provide academic excellence to a diverse student body.
Bachelor of Arts:
General Major: 40 semester hours, including 101, 240; 330 or 362;
397, 496, 499, plus 12 semester hours in sociology approved by the
department at the 300 and 400 levels; and Statistics 231, for Sociology
and Social Work majors.
Major with Concentration in Family/Gender: 40 semester hours including 101; 330 or 362; 397, 440, 496, 499; plus 12 semester hours in sociology chosen in consultation with the department; and Statistics 231, for Sociology and Social Work majors.
Major with Concentration in Crime/Deviance: 40 semester hours including 101, 336, 397, 413, 496, 499; plus 12 semester hours of sociology chosen in consultation with the department; and Statistics 231, for Sociology and Social Work majors.
Revised requirements for those majoring in both sociology and social work: 80 semester hours including Social Work 275, 323, 380, 385, 472, 473, 475, 476, 485, 486, and 499; Sociology 101, 397, 496, 499, plus 16 elective credits (recommended courses include Sociology 240, 296; 330 or 362; and 462); Statistics 231 for Sociology and Social Work majors; Biology 111; and Psychology 101.
Minor: 20 semester hours, including 101 and 16 semester hours of sociology chosen in consultation with the department. Statistics 231 may be included in the minor. Sociology minors are required to attain a minimum grade of C- in sociology classes.
Bachelor of Arts In Education:
See School of Education.
Transfer Student Policy: The department accepts, for transfer credit from another college or university, only those courses equivalent to Sociology 101 (American Society or Introduction to Sociology) and Sociology 240 (Social Problems). If students wish to have additional courses considered for transfer to either their major or minor requirements, they must first meet with the department chair. The student should bring to this initial meeting the following:
Declared majors/minors will be required to fill out one petition per transfer course.
Honors in Sociology: Departmental honors are awarded by vote of the sociology faculty to outstanding majors. Criteria for selection include a high grade point average, election to Alpha Kappa Delta, the sociology honor society, and exceptional performance in senior seminar.
Prerequisite Note: 101 or consent of instructor are prerequisite to all 300- and 400-level courses.
240 Social Problems - A, S2
Critical examination of poverty, discrimination, drugs, crime,
homelessness, violence, family breakdown. Course addresses contemporary
social problems, an analysis of their social roots, and an evaluation
of the policies designed to eradicate them. (4)
296 Social Stratification - S2
An examination of the forms, causes, and consequences of social
stratification. The course focuses on inequality based on class, race,
and gender, exploring how and why individuals have different access to
society's valued resources, services, and positions, and the
consequences of these opportunities (or blocked opportunities) for
different groups of people. Prerequisite: 101 or 240. (4)
310 Jamaican Society - C, S2
This is an off-campus course offered during January term. Students
spend approximately three weeks in Jamaica applying sociological
principles to Jamaican society. The course focuses on Jamaican
institutions such as the family, the economy, government, and
education. Race, class and gender stratification are examined in a
Jamaican context. Instructor consent is required. (4)
326 Delinquency and Juvenile Justice - S2
An examination of juvenile delinquency in relation to the family,
peer groups, community and institutional structure. Includes
consideration of processing of the delinquent by formal agencies of
control. Prerequisite: 101 or consent of instructor. a/y (4)
330 The Family - S2
An examination of the institution of the family from historical,
multi-cultural, and contemporary perspectives, with emphasis on how
families and family life are affected by social forces such as the
economy, race and ethnicity, religion, and law. Topics include:
relationships, love, authority, conflict, sexuality, gender issues,
child rearing, communication patterns, and violence in the context of
family life. Prerequisite: 101, PSYC 335, or consent of instructor. (4)
336 Deviance - S2
A general introduction to a variety of nonconforming, usually
secretive, and illegal behavior, such as corporate crime, drug dealing,
prostitution, industrial spying, child abuse, and suicide, with
emphasis on the conflict of values and life-experiences within a
society. Prerequisite: 101 or consent of instructor. (4)
351 Sociology of Law - S2
An examination of the social control of law and legal institutions;
the influence of culture and social organization on law, legal change,
and the administration of justice. Includes examples of how law
functions within the major theoretical models. Prerequisite: 101 or
consent of instructor. (4)
362 Families in the Americas - A, S2
A cross-cultural examination of family life in the United States,
Canada, Central and South America, and the Caribbean, with a special
emphasis on how social forces such as the economy, culture, and
religion shape family life. Includes discussions of race/ethnicity,
social class, and sexual orientation. Prerequisite: SOCI 101, ANTH 102
or consent of instructor. (4)
387 Special Topics in Sociology - S2
Selected topics as announced by the department. Prerequisite: departmental consent. (1-4)
391 Sociology of Religion - S2
An investigation of the American religious scene with particular
emphasis on the new religious movements, along with attention to social
settings and processes which these new religions reflect and produce.
Prerequisite: 101, one religion course, or consent of instructor.
(Crosslisted with RELI 391). a/y (4)
397 Research Methods - S2
An overview of the methods to explore, describe, and analyze the
social world. General issues in the design and implementation of
research projects, as well as specific issues that arise in conducting
interviews and field observations, constructing and administering
surveys, analyzing existing data, and planning program evaluations.
Required for junior sociology and social work majors. Prerequisite:
101, junior status, or consent of instructor. (4)
413 Crime and Society - S2
An examination of criminal behavior in contemporary society in
relation to social structure and the criminalization process with
particular attention to the issues of race, gender, and class.
Prerequisite: 101, 336, or consent of instructor. (4)
418 Advanced Data Applications - S2
An opportunity for advanced majors to conduct individual research
and data analysis projects. Focus on quantitative or qualitative data
collection and analysis. Prerequisites: SOCI 397 and STAT 231,
departmental consent. (2-4)
440 Sex, Gender, and Society - A, S2
An analysis of sexuality and gender from individual and cultural
perspectives. Gender stereotypes and socialization; transexuality and
cross-gender systems; communication and relationships; sexual
attitudes, behaviors, and lifestyles; work and family issues; violence;
gender stratification and feminism. Prerequisite: 101, WMST 101, or
consent of instructor. Core course for Women's Studies minors. (4)
462 Suicide - S2
An examination of the different aspects of suicide and suicidal
behavior. Begins with a cross-cultural and historical overview, looking
at variations and changes in attitudes toward suicide. Review of the
scope of the problem and careful analysis of theories that attempt to
explain why people commit suicide. Discussions of intervention in
suicidal behavioral and the question of the right to suicide.
Prerequisites: 101 and consent of instructor. (4)
491 Independent Studies
Readings or fieldwork in specific areas or issues of sociology under
supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite: departmental consent.
(1-4)
495 Internship
Students receive course credit for working in community
organizations and integrating their experiences into an academic
project. Placements are usually arranged by the student and may include
the public school system, private and public social service
organizations, criminal justice system agencies, local and state
governmental agencies, and businesses. Departmental consent is
required. (1-4)
496 Major Theories - S2
An analysis of influential sociological theories of the 19th and
20th centuries with attention to the classic theories of Marx,
Durkheim, and Weber, to the recent contemporary schools, and to the
underlying patterns of thought which both unite and divide the
sociological tradition. Required for senior majors. Prerequisite: 16
hours of sociology including 101 and 397, senior status, declared major
or minor. (4)
499 Capstone: Senior Seminar - SR
Students design and carry through an independent research project
involving the collection of data and the analysis of findings. Students
demonstrate their mastery of the field by relating their research to
the existing body of sociological literature and knowledge. Required
for senior majors. Prerequisites: 397, 496 ; STAT 231; senior status;
declared major or minor. (4)
Within a program that is firmly based in the liberal arts, the social work major is designed to prepare students for beginning professional social work practice. Social work has both a heavily multidisciplinary-based body of knowledge and its own continuously developing knowledge base. The complexity of social issues and social problems that confront the modern-day social worker require this broad theoretical perspective. Social workers are involved in areas that are influenced by political, economic, social, psychological, and cultural factors. To that end, the program stresses an understanding of social science theories and methods. The curriculum provides a foundation for understanding the interaction of individual, family, and community systems, as the basis for generalist practice. Students learn a multi-method approach to social work practice that enables them to address a wide range of individual, family, group, and community needs. Students enhance their commitment to informed action to remove inequities based on race, ethnicity, culture, gender, social class, sexual orientation, disability, and age.
The social work faculty place a high value on the integration of academic and experiential learning. The program provides field work experience in community settings. Social work majors have access to a rich variety of social service agencies in Tacoma and Pierce County that provide field learning sites. Students work with experienced, caring supervisors who help make these placements valuable learning experiences. Students are prepared to work in a variety of settings, including child welfare, health, mental health, corrections, aging, and community-based agencies.
Social work majors should consult with a departmental advisor to plan their course of study. The faculty encourage students to take advantage of learning opportunities that emphasize multicultural awareness and diversity.
The social work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
Admission to the Social Work Program: Students seeking the Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work must first apply and be accepted into the program. The social work program welcomes diversity and invites interest and applications from persons who seek to participate in a profession committed to helping people, now and in the future. Students may begin taking social work courses before being admitted to the program, but only admitted students are allowed to take 400-level courses.
Students will be admitted to the Social Work Program for fall semester only. The priority date for applications is April 10, though applications will be accepted until available positions are filled. Enrollment is competitive.
Admission is determined by faculty evaluation of student applications on the basis of the following criteria:
Any falsification in the application for admission is grounds for dismissal from the program. Applicants who are not admitted to candidacy for the degree may reapply without prejudice.
Application materials are available directly from the Social Work Program in Xavier Hall, or may be requested by calling 253.535.7294.
Continuation Policies: To remain in the program, a student must: 1) maintain a 2.75 grade point average in social work courses and a 2.50 overall grade point average; and 2) demonstrate behavior which is consistent with the NASW Code of Ethics and University Code of Conduct.
Bachelor of Arts Major: 36 semester hours in social work, including 275, 323, 380, 385, 472, 473, 475, 476, 485, 486 and 499; 12 semester hours in sociology, including 101, 397 and 4 elective credits. Additional requirements include Anthropology 102 or 334, Biology 111, Psychology 101, Statistics 231 (must complete the sociology section at PLU).
Social Work Minor: 18 semester hours including either 190 or 201; 8 hours from the following: 275, 323, 380, or 385; 4 hours from the following: Sociology 330, 362, 397 or Statistics 231 (Sociology); and 2 hours of 375.
101 Introduction to Social Work - S2
An introduction to the field of social work. Provides an overview of
the practice settings, theoretical models, and value base of the
profession of social work. Students have the opportunity to visit
several different settings and meet with current social work
practitioners. A volunteer experience in the field is a required
component of the course. I (4)
201 January on the Hill - A, S2
An intense experience of community work on Tacoma's Hilltop District
and/or Tacoma's east side where students learn first hand about poverty
and participate in community projects. (4)
275 Social Policy I: History of Social Welfare - S2
Social policy course required of all social work majors. Exploration
of interdependence of social, cultural, political, and economic factors
in the history, theory, and practice of social welfare, with special
reference to the development of the social work profession in response
to social problems. Examination of the relationship among the social
welfare systems, the problems and issues addressed by social services,
and the role of the professional social worker in service areas and
settings such as aging, child welfare, health and mental health, income
maintenance and services to women and minorities. Opportunities to meet
with practitioners in the field. I (4)
323 Social Work Practice I: Interviewing and Interpersonal Helping - S2
An introductory practice course which provides students with the
conceptual framework of generalist social work practice. Application of
the ecological systems perspective to direct practice. Provides
students with the opportunity to learn intentional interviewing skills
and apply those skills within various models of practice. Assists
students toward mastery in assessment, goal setting, contracting,
development of intervention plans based on theory and assessment
information, evaluation, and termination. Must also complete lab.
Prerequisites: 275, 380. II (4)
375 Social Services in the Community
Completion of a minimum of 50 hours of work in a community setting.
Through written work, students reflect on their experiences, their
personal growth, and the mission of the agency. May be repeated for
credit up to 2 semester hours. Prerequisites: 101, 201, or 380. (1)
380 Human Behavior and the Social Environment - S2
Examination of the biological, psychological, cultural, and social
influences on human development. An ecological perspective for studying
the theory and development of individuals, families, groups,
institutions, organizations, and communities with implications for
generalist social work practice. Special emphasis on gender, ethnicity,
and other aspects of human diversity. Impact of social and economic
forces on individuals and social systems as well as ways in which
systems enhance or hinder healthy human development. Volunteer
experience is a required component of the course. I (4)
385 Social Policy II: Social Policy Analysis - S2
An in-depth examination of social welfare structure, functions,
policy, and programs. The influence that economic, political, and
cultural systems have upon social policy and the way in which the
values operating in these systems impact social policy. An examination
of the impact of administrative and organizational structures at
various governmental levels on social policy implementation, especially
as they affect services to vulnerable populations. Introduces students
to applications of theoretical frameworks to social work policy in such
areas as income maintenance, health, mental health, child welfare, and
housing and homelessness. Prerequisite: 275. II (4)
387 Special Topics in Social Work
Selected topics as announced by the department. Topics relevant to current trends and issues in the field of social work. (2-4)
472 Social Work Practice II: Families and Groups - S2
The second social work practice course which teaches theoretical
models and practice skills for intervention with families and groups.
Includes an understanding of culturally sensitive practice. Explores
diverse family forms. Introduces students to group dynamics and group
development. Prerequisites: 323, 380, 385. I (4)
473 Social Work Practice III: Macropractice - S2
A conceptual framework based on ethics and values considerations and
requisite skills for social work practice with groups, organizations,
and communities. Emphasis on macropractice assessment, intervention,
and change strategies at the organization, community, and larger system
level. Prerequisites: 323, 380, 385. II (4)
475 Field Experience I
Students are assigned to a social service agency and participate,
under supervision, in the delivery of social work services.
Prerequisites: 323, 380, 385; to be taken concurrently with 472 and
485; requires consent of instructor. I (3)
476 Field Experience II
Continuation of 475. Students receive more advanced field
assignments in a social service agency setting. Must be taken
concurrently with 473 and 486. II (3)
485 Field Experience Seminar I
This seminar provides students with the opportunity to learn about
the intake and assessment process at various social service agencies.
Enables students to monitor their progress in their field experience
setting. Must be taken concurrently with 475. I (1)
486 Field Experience Seminar II
Students learn about the strengths perspective as it relates to
social work practice and present a case from their field setting.
Students will continue to develop skills in evaluating their own
practice and learn about the applicability of research to social work
practice. Must be taken concurrently with 476. II (1)
491 Independent Studies
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. (1-8)
499 Capstone: Senior Seminar - SR
Students examine the evolution of their own personal style of social
work practice, the theories and models for practice which they have
developed, the ethical and value foundation which underlies social
work, and how these are integrated with their personal and professional
experiences and prior coursework. The product of this final synthesis
is presented to the class and is open to others within the university
community. Prerequisites: 472, and 475. II (4)