2007-2008 Academic Catalog

School of Social Sciences and Human Performance Social Work, Criminal Justice, and Sociology 234 Cedarville University 2007-08 Social Work, Criminal Justice, and Sociology SOC-2900 Ethics in the Helping Professions –Fa,Sp 3 hours This course is designed to introduce the student to current issues and ethical dilemmas confronting professional helpers. The course encourages development of critical thinking skills by looking at dilemmas from a multifaceted point of view. Codes of ethics for the various helping professions are reviewed and emphasis is placed on understanding these codes. The course strives to provide the student a foundation in basic concepts of ethics and values, an understanding of the complexity of ethical decision making, and a sense of how their own values affect practice. The primary focus of this course is ethics, critical thinking, decision making and self awareness. Crosslisted as SOC or SWK. SOC-3330 Social Stratification –Fa 3 hours Study of the class structure and its implications for American society. Prerequisite: SOC-2300 Principles of Sociology . SOC-3340 Sociology of Religion –Sp 3 hours The relationship of religion to society with particular reference to contemporary movements. SOC-3420 Human Sexuality 2 hours Study of biblical content regarding human sexuality and an analysis of contemporary concepts within a framework of Christian thought. SOC-3710 Family and Society –Sp 3 hours This sociological study of the family examines the scientific knowledge that exists about traditional and contemporary household arrangements. Research on alternative family forms is evaluated in light of public policy decisions and a biblical view of the family. SOC-3730 Social Problems –Sp 3 hours Study of selected social problems for the purpose of developing, understanding, and exploring approaches to the social treatment of these problems within a theistic framework. SOC-3750 Social Movements –Fa,Sp 3 hours See course description for HIST-3750 Social Movements. SOC-4720 Social Theory –Fa 3 hours Historical review of major sociological theorists and a critical examination of their theories from a theistic perspective. SOC-4800 Research in Sociology –Sp 3 hours Senior research paper in which each student focuses upon an issue or topic within the discipline of sociology. (Fee: $100) Social Work SWK-1100 Total Immersion Experience –Fa,Sp 2 hours Available to all students. Preprofessional experience for students interested in social work. Participation with a social service agency, shadowing a social worker (minimum-LSW and two years experience) for five full and consecutive days to better understand: (1) social work as a vocation; (2) the vulnerable populations social workers serve; (3) the professional helping relationship; and (4) the agency setting. Students must complete this class before applying for admission to the program. (Fee: $60) SWK-2330 Introduction to Social Work –Fa,Sp 3 hours Available to all students. This course gives an introduction to the social work profession and a variety of fields of social work practice. It includes a study of the historical development and professionalization of social work. There will be an overview of the integration of faith and practice and the program’s poverty focus. Crosslisted as SOC or SWK. (Fee: $55) SWK-2350 Field Survey –Fa,Sp 2 hours Experiential learning through visitation and observation of social workers and interdisciplinary teams in agency settings. Course provides detailed exposure to fields of social work practice, the role of social work, and agency structure. There is a special emphasis on understanding the dynamics of the professional helping relationship given the client’s membership in certain groups. Does not count toward social science elective for general education. (Fee: $30) SWK-2840 Concepts of Chemical Dependency –Sp 3 hours Available to all students. Designed to investigate the concept of chemical dependency. Course emphasis is on the various drugs of abuse, and methods of assessment, intervention, and treatment. Crosslisted as CRJU, SOC, or SWK. Prerequisite: PYCH-1600 General Psychology; SOC-2300 Principles of Sociology; or permission of the instructor. SWK-2900 Ethics in the Helping Professions –Fa,Sp 3 hours This course is designed to introduce the student to current issues and ethical dilemmas confronting professional helpers. The course encourages development of critical thinking skills by looking at dilemmas from a multifaceted point of view. Codes of ethics for the various helping professions are reviewed and emphasis is placed on understanding these codes. The course strives to provide the student a foundation in basic concepts of ethics and values, an understanding of the complexity of ethical decision making, and a sense of how their own values affect practice. The primary focus of this course is ethics, critical thinking, decision making, and self awareness. Crosslisted as SOC or SWK. SWK-3010 4 hours Human Behavior and the Social Environment –Fa This course will provide an examination of the social systems approach to understanding human behavior with families, groups, organizations, and communities. Particular focus will be on the relationship among biological, social, psychological, and cultural systems as they affect and are affected by human behavior. Prerequisite: admission to the social work program. SWK-3020 3 hours Generalist Social Work Practice with Multicultural Groups –Fa This course teaches an understanding of the cultural values of diverse groups and their impact on the group process and the importance of being a culturally sensitive group leader. Emphasis is given to using a problem-solving and group decision-making process in practicing group work with multicultural, small groups, communities, and organizations. Prerequisite: admission to the Program or permission of the instructor. (Fee: $35) SWK-3110 Social Welfare Programs and Policy –Fa 4 hours Survey of the American social welfare system. Analysis of the history, purpose, programs, and assessment of this system from a biblical theistic point of reference. Examines social welfare policies and programs in relation to their effects on specific populations in need in U.S. society. Within a historical and political context, current social welfare programs and policies are further examined in terms of underlying assumptions and values, substance, implementation, and effectiveness. Considers major questions of social choice and the underlying criteria for the funding and delivery of social services. Policy analysis will be a major focus. Innovative programs and models that the churches could consider will be discussed and developed. Prerequisite: admission to the social work program.