Sociology and Social Work

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Chair Daniel Johnson, Sybil Coleman, Margaret DeWeese-Boyd, Ivy George, Judith Oleson, James Trent.

Social Work Major

MISSION: The mission of the Gordon College social work program is the education of men and women for entry-level, generalist practice in social work within the context of a Christian liberal arts institution. The program maintains a commitment to the value and dignity of every person and the mandate to address social and structural inequality. Graduates are prepared to work in a variety of settings to help bring about peace, justice and social transformation.

The social work program is fully accredited at the baccalaureate level by the Council on Social Work Education, qualifying graduates to apply for licensure at the Bachelor of Social Work level in all states with licensure laws. Graduates may apply for advanced standing in master’s programs, potentially enabling them to complete what would otherwise be a two-year master’s degree in social work in one year.

Sociology Major

MISSION: The sociology major is designed to offer an understanding of the characteristics, processes and components of human social life and impart the skills necessary for critical analysis of the same. This understanding is based on a solid grasp of social theory and research methods and is integrated with the assumptions and principles of the Christian faith. Moreover, since an understanding of social life is significantly deepened by direct exposure to and engagement in a variety of social contexts, the department facilitates opportunities for learning in urban, national, international and organizational settings. Students who complete the major will possess an excellent educational foundation from which to pursue a wide range of professional, educational, ministerial, governmental and organizational careers.

Honors in Sociology

Students who research and write an honors thesis will be eligible to graduate with honors in sociology. Approved candidates will complete 6 credits of independent research in the senior year (SOC 471 - Research I , SOC 472 - Research II ). For honors the thesis must be of high quality and must be defended orally before department faculty toward the end of spring term. The minimum GPA for honors candidates is 3.5 within the major and 3.0 overall. See department faculty for details.

Minor in Peace and Conflict Studies

Majors who anticipate engaging in peacemaking work in professional or nonprofessional settings, or who are considering graduate study in the field, are encouraged to pursue an interdisciplinary minor in peace and conflict studies. For more information see the Interdisciplinary/Off-Campus Programs  section of the catalog.

Minor in Sustainable Development

Majors who are interested in working or pursuing graduate study in the field of development are encouraged to undertake an interdisciplinary minor in sustainable development. For more information see the Interdisciplinary/Off-Campus Programs  section of the catalog.

Programs

• Social Work (B.A.)
• Sociology (B.A.)

• Sociology Minor

Courses

• PCS 250 - Peacemaking: Personal, Social, Global
• PCS 325 - Conflict Mediation: Theory and Practice
• PCS 375 - Conflict Transformation and Reconciliation
• PCS 425 - Internships in Peace and Conflict Studies

• SOC 106 - Sociologies of Death
• SOC 107 - Community, Culture and Change
• SOC 221 - Power, Prestige and Poverty
• SOC 232 - Diversity in U.S. Populations
• SOC 272 - Sport Sociology
• SOC 285 - Foundations of Sociological Thought
• SOC 290 - Urban Sociology
• SOC 291 - International Seminars in Production and Place
• SOC 308 - Sociology of Literature
• SOC 310 - Statistics for Social Research
• SOC 311 - Social Research Methods
• SOC 322 - Social Policy and Institutions
• SOC 325 - Sociology of Education
• SOC 328 - Sociology of Religion
• SOC 333 - Sociology of Gender
• SOC 335 - Social Change and Development
• SOC 340 - Women and World Development
• SOC 371 - Selected Topics
• SOC 411 - Contemporary Social Theory
• SOC 425 - Social Service Internship
• SOC 471 - Research I
• SOC 472 - Research II

• SWK 201 - Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare
• SWK 202 - Human Behavior and the Social Environment
• SWK 221 - Power, Prestige and Poverty
• SWK 232 - Diversity in U.S. Populations
• SWK 291 - International Seminars in Production and Place
• SWK 301 - Helping Theories and Practice with Individuals and Families
• SWK 302 - Theory and Practice with Groups and Organizations
• SWK 310 - Statistics for Social Research
• SWK 311 - Social Research Methods
• SWK 322 - Social Policy and Institutions
• SWK 335 - Social Change and Development
• SWK 391 - Seminar
• SWK 401 - Community and Sustainability
• SWK 420 - Practicum Seminar
• SWK 425 - Practicum I
• SWK 426 - Practicum II

• SDV 425 - Sustainable Development Internship

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