Academics: Course Descriptions
SOCIOLOGY | SOCIAL WORK
SOCIOLOGY
SOCI 125. Introduction to Sociology (F-1) 3 hours
An objective approach to the analysis and understanding of the social world. Consideration is given to the dynamic nature of American society and social institutions. Emphasis is placed on the study of social groups including the family, its history and current place in society. (Fall, Winter, Summer)
SOCI 150. Cultural Anthropology (F-1) 3 hours
This course is cross-listed with SOCW 150. A student may receive credit for this course from only one program.
A study of culture and cultural variation. The contemporary beliefs, values, institutions, and material dimensions of people in North America are contrasted with those of people living in other regions of the world today and in the past. (Fall)
SOCI 201. Parenting (F-2) 3 hours
This course is cross-listed with SOCW 201. A student may receive credit for this course from only one program.
A study of the family system in preparation for parenthood and the dynamics of parent-child interaction. Attention is given to family planning, the childbirth experience, child development, techniques for developing close relationships and communication between parent and child, understanding and relating to children’s individuality, common child rearing problems, and methods of modifying behavior. (Winter)
SOCI 224. Social Psychology (F-1) 3 hours
This course is cross-listed with PSYC 224. A student may receive credit for this course from only one program.
See PSYC 224 for course description.
SOCI 225. Marriage and the Family (F-2) 3 hours
This course is cross-listed with SOCW 225. A student may receive credit for this course from only one program.
A course in intimate human relationships, including the place of the family in society and a Christ-centered approach to marital and familial issues.
SOCI 230. Multicultural Relations (F-1) 3 hours
This course is cross-listed with SOCW 230 and PSYC 231. A student may receive credit for this course from only one program.
A study of interactional patterns among diverse human groups. Consideration is given to the theoretical bases of inter-group relations and to class activities which promote awareness and understanding. Lab fee 1 will be assessed for this course. (Winter)
SOCI 233. Human Sexuality (F-1 or F-2) 3 hours
This course is cross-listed with SOCW 233 and PSYC 233. A student may receive credit for this course from only one program.
A study of human sexual behavior, relationships, and values as reflected in the Christian cultural setting. (Winter)
SOCI 245. Appalachian Studies 2 hours
The purpose of this course is to provide a general knowledge of Appalachian culture. Study will be given to current and past characteristics of the region. Lifestyles, subcultures, legends, myths, and stereotypes will be studied. Lab fee 1 will be assessed for this course. (Winter)
SOCI 349. Aging and Society (F-1) (W) 3 hours
This course is cross-listed with PSYC 349 and SOCW 349. A student may receive credit for this course from only one program.
The course emphasizes the reciprocal impact of societal attitudes on the process of aging and the increasing influence of “mature citizens” in contemporary society. Historical, demographic, and future trends are explored. A balance between the theoretical and the applied is sought. (Fall, Winter, Summer)
SOCI 356. Natives and Strangers (F-1) (W) 3 hours
This course is cross-listed with HIST 356. A student may receive credit for this course from only one program.
See HIST 356 for course description.
SOCI 360. Family Life Education 3 hours
This course is cross-listed with SOCW 360. A student may receive credit for this course from only one program.
A study of existing family life education programs, including computer generated resources. Focus is also given to the design and development of original family life education materials. (Fall)
SOCI 365. Family Relations (F-2) 3 hours
This course is cross-listed with SOCW 365. A student may receive credit for this course from only one program.
A sociological analysis of family structures and functions. Attention will be given to courtship, family organization and interaction, family disorganization and reorganization, and the post-parental family. Emphasis will be given to findings of recent family studies. (Winter)
SOCI 374. Criminology (F-1) 3 hours
This course emphasizes the scientific study of crime as a social phenomenon, of criminals, and of penal treatment. The relationship of law and crime to other trends in the social order. Research in prevention and treatment of crime. (Fall, odd years)
SOCI 249/449 Death and Dying (F-1) 2 hours
This course is cross-listed with SOCW 249, PSYC 249 and NRSG 449. A student may receive credit for this course from only one program.
This course offers a unique and important perspective about cultural differences in death and dying. Personal attitudes and beliefs related to loss, dying, death, and bereavement will be explored. Cultural beliefs, rituals, and bereavement support strategies that may influence attitudes towards death and dying for a variety of ethnic groups are examined. Students enrolling for upper division credit will be required to write an application paper beyond the course requirements. Lab fee 1 will be assessed for this course. (Winter)
SOCI 265/465. Topics in Sociology 1-3 hours
Study of special topics pertinent to the field of sociology. Content will vary among various topics, based on the interests or needs of students and the department. This course may be repeated for credit.
SOCI 491. Family Studies Practicum 1-3 hours
Prerequisite: SOCI 360
Supervised volunteer/work experience in related fields of family studies. At least 50 clock hours of work experience are required for each semester hour of credit. May be repeated for credit for up to 3 hours. Grades will be assigned on an A, B, or F basis.
SOCI 295/495. Directed Study 1-3 hours
Prerequisite: SOCI 125 or permission of the instructor.
Study of special topics pertinent to the area of sociology and family studies. Open to qualified students who want to follow a program in independent study. This course can be repeated for credit for a total of not more than three hours credit.
SOCI 296/496. Study Tour (F-1) 1-6 hours
The Social Work and Family Studies Department sponsors a study tour to New York City yearly during Thanksgiving vacation and a study tour to Europe every other summer. The objectives of these tours are to facilitate a better understanding of peoples and cultures and to enable the participants to work with people more effectively. The fall trip to New York City focuses on ethnicity, social problems, urban change, and social agencies (1 or 2 hours). The European tour focuses on a comparison of cultures, current issues, and social policies (6 hours). Fees are assessed to cover the expenses of each tour.
SOCIAL WORK
SOCW 150. Cultural Anthropology (F-1) 3 hours
This course is cross-listed with SOCI 150. A student may receive credit for this course from only one program.
See SOCI 150 for course description.
SOCW 201. Parenting (F-2) 3 hours
This course is cross-listed with SOCI 201. A student may receive credit for this course from only one program.
See SOCI 201 for course description.
SOCW 211. Introduction to Social Work (F-1) 3 hours
An introduction to the profession of social work, its historical roots, its values, and its fields of practice. (Fall)
SOCW 212. Social Welfare as an Institution (F-1) 3 hours
Prerequisite: SOCW 211 or consent of instructor.
Social welfare systems are viewed from both historical and philosophical perspectives. The role of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in meeting human need is also examined. Lab fee 1 will be assessed for this course. (Winter)
SOCW 213. Interviewing Skills 3 hours
Focuses on the development of interviewing and communication skills. Course is experientially based. Only available to social work majors and students with at least sophomore standing. (Winter)
SOCW 225. Marriage and the Family (F-2) 3 hours
This course is cross-listed with SOCI 225. A student may receive credit for this course from only one program.
See SOCI 225 for course description.
SOCW 230. Multicultural Relations (F-1) 3 hours
This course is cross-listed with SOCI 230 and PSYC 231. A student may receive credit for this course from only one program.
See SOCI 230 for course description.
SOCW 233. Human Sexuality (F-1 or F-2) 3 hours
This course is cross-listed with SOCI 233 and PSYC 233. A student may receive credit for this course from only one program.
See SOCI 233 for course description.
SOCW 311. Human Behavior and the Social Environment I 3 hours
Prerequisites: BIOL 103; SOCI 125; PSYC 122; SOCW 211.
Co-requisites: SOCW 314.
First of a two course HBSE sequence is a study of the interaction between human behavior and the social environment from birth through adolescence and young adulthood. Relevant concepts from the behavioral sciences will be reviewed to provide students with a holistic view of human behavior. Includes such topics as systems theory, person-in-environment concepts, developmental tasks, diversity, populations-at-risk, the impact of racism and ethnocentrism, and assessment. The course will follow a life cycle model from a systems perspective. (Fall)
SOCW 312. Human Behavior and the Social Environment II 3 hours
Prerequisite: SOCW 311.
The second of a two course HBSE sequence is a study of the interaction between human behavior and the social environment from middle through later adulthood. Relevant concepts from the behavioral sciences will be reviewed to provide students with a holistic view of human behavior. Includes such topics as systems theory, person-in-environment concepts, developmental tasks, diversity, populations-at-risk, the impact of racism, ethnocentrism, and assessment. The course will follow a life cycle model from a systems perspective. (Winter)
SOCW 314. Social Work Practice I (W) 3 hours
Prerequisites: BIOL 103; SOCW 211, 212, 213; Co-requisite: SOCW 318.
Provides students with theoretical framework for generalist social work practice. Topics include the establishment of relationship, assessment, contracts, intervention, utilization of resources, social work values and ethics. Work with individuals and families, primarily the micro dimension of social work practice, is emphasized in this first semester of a three-semester practice sequence. Social Work practice courses can only be taken by non-social work majors if ALL prerequisites have been completed. (Fall)
SOCW 315. Social Work Practice II (W) 3 hours
Prerequisites: SOCW 314, 318.
A continuation of SOCW 314. The primary focus is on working with small groups and families, the mezzo dimension of social work practice, in this second semester of a three-semester practice sequence. Social Work practice courses can only be taken by non-social work majors if ALL prerequisites have been completed. (Winter)
SOCW 318. Social Work Practice Skills Lab 1 hour
Co-requisite: SOCW 314.
This skills lab provides students with direct field work experiences in social services agencies in the greater Chattanooga community. These field work experiences include application of assessment, intervention, and individual/family and group counseling skills. This class is to be taken concurrently with SOCW 314. (Fall)
SOCW 326. Child Welfare I 3 hours
This course provides a basic knowledge of federal, state, and local policies and social service programs which support and strengthen at-risk families. Specific interventions related to working with at-risk families and children in the areas of child abuse and neglect, medical neglect, and adolescent issues will be explored. Students have the opportunity to develop basic assessment and intervention skills for working with this population. (Fall)
SOCW 327. Child Welfare II 3 hours
Prerequisite: SOCW 326
This course is the second in a series of two courses offered as part of the TN Child Welfare Certification Program. It is designed to assist students in acquiring the practice skills to become culturally competent child welfare workers. The course will analyze the practices of various human/social service agencies that provide preventative, case management, out of home care, treatment, and rehabilitative services aimed at children, youth, and families. The rolse of social services in the broad context of formal and informal systems that influence the life course of the child will be addressed. This course will prepare students to practice in the child welfare field by teaching them about the various contexts in which child welfare practice takes place and the skills and modalities that are used with children, youth, and families who are the focus of child welfare intervention. Particular emphasis will be placed on the services provided by community based agencies, child welfare services and the juvenile justice system. Addition emphasis will be given to prepare the students to work the multicultural populations including consumers of different ages, races, cultures, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientations. The student will be prepared to meet ethical issues for social workers dealing with child welfare will be addressed with critical frameworks for resolving ethical dilemmas taught.
SOCW 349. Aging and Society (W) (F-1) 3 hours
This course is cross-listed with SOCI 349 and PSYC 349. A student may receive credit for this course from only one program.
See SOCI 349 for course description.
SOCW 360. Family Life Education 3 hours
This course is cross-listed with SOCI 360. A student may receive credit for this course from only one program.
See SOCI 360 for course description.
SOCW 365. Family Relations (F-2) 3 hours
This course is cross-listed with SOCI 365. A student may receive credit for this course from only one program.
See SOCI 365 for course description.
SOCW 391. Junior Field Practicum 1-3 hours
This course introduces social work students to the role of the human service professional in the community setting. Students participate in an observational learning experience in a social service agency for 120 hours during the semester. Total immersion in the agency environment will give students a chance to expand their understanding of how human needs are met by families and the social service agencies that work with them. Students will apply the knowledge and skills they have learned in previous social work courses in their field placements.
SOCW 433. Social Work Practice III 3 hours
Prerequisite: SOCW 315, 497; MATH 215.
In this third of a three-semester practice sequence, the primary emphasis is on community practice, the macro dimension of social work practice. Social Work practice courses can only be taken by non-social work majors if ALL prerequisites have been completed. (Winter)
SOCW 434. Social Welfare Issues and Policies 3 hours
Prerequisite: MATH 215; SOCW 212; PLSC 254 or ECON 213.
A study of contemporary issues and policies that influence the delivery of social services. Course requirements include a comprehensive policy analysis of a specific social policy, lobbying efforts with local elected officials, and interactions with community residents and stakeholders. A trip to Washington, DC is required to complete the course. Lab fee 14 will be assessed for this course. (Fall)
SOCW 435. Social Work Practicum I 4 hours
Prerequisite: SOCW 315. Co-requisite: SOCW 497.
This course provides opportunity for students to apply practice theory and to develop skills for generalist social work practice. Through participation in the social service delivery system, the student becomes familiar with agency structures, functions, and programs. Successful completion of a research proposal for an agency-based research project is required for completion of the course. A minimum of 200 clock hours will be spent working in an agency setting for each four hours of course work. Social Work practicum courses can be taken ONLY by social work majors. (Fall)
SOCW 436. Social Work Practicum II 4 hours
Prerequisites: MATH 215; SOCW 435, 497.
This course builds on the experiences of the first semester practicum and progresses to more difficult and varied tasks. Social Work practicum courses can be taken ONLY by social work majors. (Winter)
SOCW 441. Integrative Seminar I 1 hour
Prerequisites: SOCW 315, 497. Co-requisites: SOCW 433, 435, 497.
Integrative Seminar I is the companion course to be taken in conjunction with the Practicum I field-based course. This course is designed to provide a forum for providing mutual support, discussing and completing departmental assignments, exploring on-going practice concerns in the field practicum, and creating an arena in which peer learning takes place. Thus, it provides a vital link between the theoretical knowledge, skills, and values derived from the social work course work and the practice realities of the field practicum. (Fall)
SOCW 442. Integrative Seminar II 1 hour
Prerequisite: SOCW 441, 497. Co-requisites: SOCW 433, 436.
Integrative Seminar II is the companion course to be taken in conjunction with the Practicum II field-based course. It builds on the base provided by Integrative Seminar I. It provides the same forum for mutual support, discussing and completing departmental assignments, exploring ongoing practice concerns from the field practicum, and creates an arena in which peer learning takes place. This course creates this same atmosphere, but explores the same areas in more depth. An additional major emphasis in this second course is social work record keeping and agency based research. (Winter)
SOCW 249/449. Death and Dying (F-1) 2 hours
This course is cross-listed with SOCW 249/449, PSYC 249, and NRSG 449. A student may receive credit for this course from only one program.
See SOCI 249/449 for course description.
SOCW 265/465. Topics in Social Work (F-1) 1-3 hours
Study of special topics pertinent to the field of social work. Content will vary among various topics based on the interests or needs of students and the department. This course may be repeated for credit.
SOCW 295/495. Directed Study 1-3 hours
Prerequisite: SOCW 212.
A study of special topics pertinent to the field of social work. Content will vary among such topics as child welfare, income maintenance, values and ethics of social work practice, etc. The selected topic is pursued for the entire semester. This course can be repeated for credit for a total of not more than three hours credit.
SOCW 296/496. Study Tour (F-1) 1-6 hours
The Social Work and Family Studies Department sponsors a study tour to New York City yearly during Thanksgiving vacation and a study tour to Europe every other summer. The objectives of these tours are to facilitate a better understanding of peoples and cultures and to enable the participants to work with people more effectively. The fall trip to New York City focuses on ethnicity, social problems, urban change, and social agencies (1 or 2 hours). The European tour focuses on a comparison of cultures, current issues, and social policies (6 hours). Fees are assessed to cover the expenses of each tour.
SOCW 497. Research Methods (W) 3 hours
Prerequisite: MATH 215; CPTE 105-107 or BUAD 104.
A course which examines the basic research design and methodologies commonly used in the social sciences. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches are examined along with relevant data analysis techniques. Ethical considerations for doing research with human subjects and vulnerable populations is explored. A major research project is expected of each student. This course is closed to non–social work and family studies majors, however, a student with a GPA of 3.0 or higher may petition the instructor for admission to the course as long as the prerequisite and co-requisite requirements are met. (Fall) |
