| Faculty | Sociology BA Major and Minor |
Social Work BA Major and Minor |
| SOCI Courses | SOCW Courses |
253.535.7294
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 or minor 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: Gregson, Chair; Jobst, Keller, Leon-Guerrero, Moran, Renfrow, Russell (Social Work Director), Suarez
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.
General Major - 40 semester hours, including:
SOCI 101, 240; 330 or 362;
397, 496, 499
12 semester hours in sociology approved by the
department at the 300 and 400 level
STAT 233 for Sociology
and Social Work majors
Major with Concentration in Family/Gender - 40 semester hours including:
SOCI 101; 330 or 362; 397, 440, 496, 499
12 semester hours
in sociology chosen in consultation with the department
STAT 233 for Sociology and Social Work majors
Major with Concentration in Crime/Deviance - 40 semester hours including:
SOCI 101, 336, 397, 413, 496, 499
12 semester hours of
sociology chosen in consultation with the department
STAT 233 for Sociology and Social Work majors
Revised requirements for those majoring in both sociology and social work - 80 semester hours including:
SOCW 245, 250, 350, 360, 460,
465, 475, 476, 485, 486, and 499
SOCI 101, 397, 496, 499
16
elective credits (Recommended courses include; SOCI 240, 296; 330
or 362; and 462)
STAT 233 for Sociology and Social Work majors
BIOL 111 and PSYC 101
Minor: 20 semester hours, including:
SOCI 101
16 semester hours of
sociology chosen in consultation with the department
STAT 233
may be included in the minor
Sociology minors are required to attain a
minimum grade of C- in sociology classes
Continuation Policies
To remain in the major, junior and senior level students must:
The department accepts, for transfer credit from another college or university, only those courses equivalent to SOCI 101 (Introduction to Sociology) and SOCI 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:
- College/university transcripts
- College catalogs
- Course syllabi and other supporting materials (from the term when the course was completed)
Declared majors/minors will be required to fill out one petition per transfer course.
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, International Sociology Honor Society, and exceptional performance in senior seminar.
Prerequisite Note: SOCI 101 or consent of instructor is prerequisite to all 300- and 400-level courses.
SOCI 101: Introduction to Sociology – A, S2
An introduction to the discipline of sociology. Features an
analysis of contemporary American society with emphasis on the
interconnections of race, class, and gender. Sociological concepts
include socialization, social roles, stereotypes, power, and
stratification. (4)
SOCI 240: Social Problems – A, S2
Critical examination of poverty, discrimination, drugs, crime,
homelessness, violence, and family breakdown. Course addresses contemporary
social problems, an analysis of their social roots, and an evaluation
of the policies designed to eradicate them. (4)
SOCI 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: SOCI 101 or 240. (4)
SOCI 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)
SOCI 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: SOCI 101 or consent of instructor. (4)
SOCI 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: SOCI 101 or PSYC 335 or consent of instructor. (4)
SOCI 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: SOCI 101 or consent of instructor. (4)
SOCI 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: SOCI 101 or
consent of instructor. (4)
SOCI 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 or ANTH 102
or consent of instructor. (4)
SOCI 387: Special Topics in Sociology – S2
Selected topics as announced by the department. Prerequisite: departmental consent. (1–4)
SOCI 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: SOCI 101 or one religion course or consent of instructor.
(Cross-listed with RELI 391). (4)
SOCI 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:
SOCI 101, junior status. Instructor consent is required. (4)
SOCI 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: SOCI 101or 336, or consent of instructor. (4)
SOCI 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: SOCI 101 or WMST 101, or
consent of instructor. Core course for Women's Studies minors. (4)
SOCI 491: Independent Studies
Readings or fieldwork in specific areas or issues of sociology under
supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite: departmental consent.
(1–4)
SOCI 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)
SOCI 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 SOCI 101 and 397, senior status, declared major
or minor. Instructor consent is required. (4)
SOCI 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: SOCI 397, 496; STAT 233; 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 fieldwork 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, including study abroad.
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 based on intended graduation date.
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, may be requested by calling 253.535.7294 or are available on the Social Work home page at the PLU website.
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.
SOCW 245, 250, 350, 360,460, 475, 476, 485, 486 and 499
12 semester hours in sociology, including SOCW 101, 397
Four elective credits
Additional requirements include ANTH 102 or 334, BIOL 111, PSYC 101, STAT 233 (must be completed via the sociology class at PLU).
SOCW 190 or 201
Eight hours from the following: SOCW 275, 323, 380, or 385
Four hours from the following: SOCI 330, 362, 397 or STAT 233 (Sociology)
Two hours of SOCW 375.
SOCW 101 (190): Introduction to Social Work – A, S2
An introduction
to human need and the field of social work. Provides an overview of
services, models of service delivery, and professional social work
values. Students visit agency settings and meet with social work
practitioners. A volunteer experience in the field is a required
component of this seminar-style course. (4)
SOCW 175: 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)
SOCW 245: Human Behavior and the Social Environment – S2
Examination of the biological, psychological, cultural, social, and
spiritual influences on human behavior and development. Provides an
ecological systems perspective for applying developmental theory to
individuals, families, groups, institutions, organizations, and
communities and for understanding various systems in the context of
their environment. Explores meaning and interpretation of development,
family, and community from different perspectives, with an emphasis on
ethnicity and gender. Studies impact of social and economic forces on
individuals and systems from a global perspective. Volunteer experience
is required. (4)
SOCW 250: 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 global 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. The impact of
political ideology and process on service delivery is also discussed.
(4)
SOCW 350: Social Policy II: Social Policy Analysis – S2
An in-depth examination of contemporary social welfare structure,
functions, policy, and programs. Legislative process, social justice
and strategies for political advocacy are discussed. 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 in the U.S. and other countries. Prerequisite:
SOCW 250. (4)
SOCW 360: Social Work Practice I: Interviewing and Interpersonal Helping – S2
An
introductory practice course that 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 and across cultures.
Assists students toward mastery in assessment, goal setting,
contracting, development of intervention plans based on theory and
assessment information, evaluation, and termination. Must register
concurrently for lab. Prerequisite: SOCW 245. (4)
SOCW 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: SOCW 175, 245, or 360. (1)
SOCW 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)
SOCW 460: Social Work Practice II: Families and Groups – S2
Grounded
in the framework of generalist social work practice, the second
social work practice course examines theoretical models and practice
skills for assessment and intervention with families and groups.
Emphasizes the importance of culturally sensitive practice. Explores
how the meaning and definition of family differs across cultures.
Introduces students to group dynamics and group development.
Prerequisites: SOCW 245, 360. (4)
SOCW 465: Social Work Practice III: Macropractice – S2
Grounded
in the framework of generalist social work practice, this course
develops skills for practice with groups, organizations, and
communities. Emphasis on macropractice assessment, intervention, and
change strategies at organizational, community, institutional and
global levels. Students complete a community assessment and examine
community development from a global perspective. Prerequisites: SOCW 245,
250, 350, 360, 460. (4)
SOCW 475: Field Experience I
Students are assigned to a social service agency and participate,
under supervision, in the delivery of social work services.
Prerequisites: SOCW 245, 350, 360; to be taken concurrently with SOCW 460 and
485; requires consent of instructor. Pass/Fail. (3)
SOCW 476: Field Experience II
Continuation of SOCW 475. Students receive more advanced field
assignments in a social service agency setting. Must be taken
concurrently with SOCW 465 and 486. Pass/Fail. (3)
SOCW 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. Students develop a plan to
monitor and evaluate their practice in their field experience setting.
Must be taken concurrently with SOCW 475. (1)
SOCW 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 implement a plan evaluating
their own practice and learn about the applicability of research to
social work practice. Must be taken concurrently with SOCW 476. (1)
SOCW 491: Independent Studies
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. (1–4)
SOCW 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: SOCW 460 and 475. (4)