Department of Sociology and Social Work
http://ncat.edu/~sociolog/
 Robert Davis, Chairperson

GENERAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

The admission of the students to the undergraduate degree program in the Department of Sociology and Social Work is based upon the general admission requirements of the University. All majors are required to take courses in Sociology, Statistics, Sociological Theory and Research.

DEGREES OFFERED

Sociology – Bachelor of Arts

Social Work – Bachelor of Social Work

*Leadership Studies – Doctor of Philosophy

**Social Work – Master of Social Work

*See the Graduate School Bulletin

**See the Graduate School Bulletin (Jointly administered with UNCG)

SOCIOLOGY OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the Sociology Program are as follows:

1. to provide students with analytic and systematic skills necessary to understand the problems inherent in societal relationships and to subsequently attempt to solve them,

2. to prepare students for graduate study in the discipline,

3. To provide a sociological background for departmental, university and college of arts and sciences’ students who must meet major specific, general education or liberal arts requirements. It should be noted that each major in social work must complete a minimum of 27-30 credits in sociology in addition to any free elective sociology courses that he/she may choose.

SOCIOLOGY REQUIREMENTS

Sociology Major — Completion of a minimum of 126 semester hours of University courses. Included in the 126 semester hours are 47 hours of sociology. A minimum grade of “C” must be achieved in these courses; sociology majors are required to complete an 18 hour concentration.  Sociology majors are required to successfully complete a one semester internship in their senior year.

Comprehensive Examination: All students prior to graduation from the department must pass the Comprehensive Exam, which is given in the Senior Seminar class during the second semester of the senior year. Those who do not pass the exam will not be able to pass the Senior Seminar course with a “C” or better and hence will not be able to meet all the requirements for graduation from the University. The exam will be administered during the midsemester and again, for those who need it, during regular exam time. NOTE: the Senior Seminar course can be repeated, if necessary, through Independent Study if recommended by the faculty).

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

A degree in sociology is preparatory for graduate study in sociology and can serve as the basic preparation for study of law, social work and public administration, entry into government service positions, applied research and education.

1. A BA in sociology is excellent preparation for future graduate work in sociology in order to become a professor, researcher, or applied sociologist.

2. The undergraduate degree provides a strong liberal arts preparation for entry level positions throughout the business, social service, and government worlds.  Employers look for people with the skills that an undergraduate education in sociology provides.

3. Since its subject matter is intrinsically fascinating, sociology offers valuable preparation for careers in journalism, politics, public relations, business, or public administration—fields that involve investigative skills and working with diverse groups.

4. Many students choose sociology because they see it as a broad liberal arts base for professions such as law, education, medicine, social work, and counseling.  Sociology provides a rich fund of knowledge the directly pertains to each of these fields.

REQUIRED MAJOR COURSES FOR SOCIOLOGY

CURRICULUM GUIDE FOR SOCIOLOGY

FRESHMAN YEAR
First Semester	Credit	Second Semester	Credit
SOCI 100 BIOL 100 UNST 120 UNST 110  SPCH 250 UNST 100	3 4 3 3 3 1 17	ENGL 101 MATH 111 UNST 130 SOCI 101 UNST 140	3 4 3 3 3 16
SOPHOMORE YEAR
First Semester	Credit	Second Semester	Credit
UNST Electives FOLA SOCI 203 SOCI 401	6 3 3 3 15	FOLA UNST Electives  SOCI 204 SOCI 303 SOCI/SOWK Elective	3 6 3 3 3 18
JUNIOR YEAR
First Semester	Credit	Second Semester	Credit
SOCI 403 ENGL 404 or 331 SOCI 300 Concentration Sociology/Social Work    Elective	3 3 3 6   3 18	Free Elective SOCI 402 SOCI 306 or  SOWK 414 Concentration	3 3 3 6 15
SENIOR YEAR
First Semester	Credit	Second Semester	Credit
SOCI 575 SOCI 406 or SOWK 503 Concentration Free Electives/SOSW 625	3 3 3 3-5 12-14	SOWK 570* SOCI 308 or 501 SOWK/SOCI Elec/Free Elective SOSW 625**(Capstone) Concentration	3 3 3 5 3 17

Total Credit Hours: 126
* This course includes the program’s comprehensive exam.

SOCIAL WORK OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the Social Work Program are as follows:

1. to prepare students for careers as generalist social workers with the knowledge, values and skills necessary for effective practice with diverse client systems in a variety of settings.

2. to prepare competent social workers who understand the value base of the profession and its ethical standards and are committed to ethical practice without discrimination that reduces social and economic inequality.

3. to prepare students for graduate education in social work or other related human service disciplines.

SOCIAL WORK REQUIREMENTS

Social Work Major — Completion of a minimum of 128 semester hours of University courses. Included in the 128 semester hours are 42 semester hours of Social Work. A minimum grade of “C” must be achieved in major courses. Social Work majors are required to successfully complete an internship their senior year.

Certification in School Social Work requires completion of the Social Work Curriculum plus 9-12 additional hours in Social Work and 3 additional hours in Education. A minimum grade of “C” must be achieved in all major courses. All English and Speech courses require a minimum grade of “C.” Students must have a 2.8 GPA.  Begin their coursework no later than their sophomore year.  Be accepted spring semester of sophomore year into the School of Education practicum program (submit “Application for Admission to Teacher Education” form to Education Department and be accepted into that program).

Comprehensive Examination: All students prior to graduation from the department must pass the Comprehensive Exam, which is given in the Senior Seminar class during the second semester of the senior year. Those who do not pass the exam will not be able to pass the Senior Seminar course with a “C” or better and hence will not be able to meet all the requirements for graduation from the University. The exam will be administered during the midsemester and again, for those who need it, during regular exam time. NOTE: the Senior Seminar course can be repeated, if necessary, through Independent Study if recommended by the faculty).

Entering the Department: All entering freshmen, transfer students and students desiring to change their major to Social Work (from another major) must meet with the undergraduate coordinator or the chairperson for an INTAKE INTERVIEW. They must bring the following materials with them to the interview: (1) the results of the Sixteen Personality Factor Test and the COPS test given by the Counseling Center; (2) a print-out from the Registrar regarding their grades and current GPA (if they are “change of major” students). Transfer students must provide a statement from the Admissions Office of the credits accepted by North Carolina A&T State University; (3) a brief essay (typewritten) that describes the personal background of the student, giving reason for selecting the major, their career goals and how the major fits into those choices; and (4) at the end of the interview, the student and the administrator will sign the Undergraduate Student Admissions Contract. No academic credit is given for previous life experience.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

A degree in Social Work provides students with the competencies essential for immediate entry as a generalist into the professional field of social work.  Career opportunities include but are not limited to departments of social services, school social work, mental health agencies and the criminal justice system.  The Social Work Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, and in cooperation with the School of Education is authorized to recommend students for Baccalaureate Certification in School Social Work.

SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM TERMINATION POLICY

Program policies and procedures for terminating a student are as follows:

1. The University Administration (The Registrar’s Office) monitors all students who in spite of ongoing advising and support of faculty continue to maintain an unacceptable academic average. These students are notified that they are on academic probation. This requires the student to contract with the department for the next semester not to exceed 12 credit hours.

2. If a student’s grades do not improve, the Registrar’s Office will notify the student of suspension from the University and that he/she will not be readmitted for a period of one year.

3. If faculty agrees that there is a student, who may or may not be experiencing academic problems but appears ill suited for a career in social work, the advisor meets with the student to discuss the “problem areas” observed. These areas could include, but are not limited to: 1) negative attitudes towards different populations, (2) lack of commitment in their volunteer assignments, (3) some perceived emotional problem exhibited by uncontrollable crying and/or verbal attacks on peers (in classroom settings), and (4) indication of untreated substance abuse. If the counsel provided by the advisor and/or the next level professional (University’s Counseling Center or private therapist) is deemed not successful and would appear to cause the student and the potential clients added stress, he/she is then counseled regarding other majors and other career options before he/she moves into junior status. A program was designed and instituted to address initial concerns regarding a student’s choice of social work as a career as indicated (through the COPS and 16 Factor Inventory) and the interview.

4. The field instruction program provides another opportunity to “select out” students during the application process which occurs during the junior year. Should the student be denied admission to the field, he/she has the right to invoke the appeals process. The Appeals Committee is made up of faculty and students from both field instruction programs. (NCA&TSU and UNCG) The student may select a faculty member or student to serve as his/her advocate. Professional liability insurance is required before entering the Field.

5. If a student still persists in remaining in the major against all counsel, the issue of nonavailability of a field placement and the department’s responsibility to indicate concerns to prospective employers and/or graduate schools is discussed with the student.

6. All students must successfully pass a comprehensive Exit Exam administered in SOWK 570 Senior Seminar before recommendation for graduation.

7. It should be noted that students have the right to appeal through the departmental, College of Arts and Sciences’ and the University’s channels any program decision that they perceive will adversely affect them.

NOTE: All students must maintain a cumulative 2.3 grade point average to remain in the BSW program. Transfer and Change of Major students must complete the intake interview and receive a positive recommendation from the departmental faculty before the Change of Major form will be signed by the Chairperson or his/her designate.

Junior Year Interview: All social work majors who have reached the status of juniors must no later than during the second semester (of the junior year), have a meeting with a panel of BSW faculty. They must bring the following to the meeting: (1) a completed copy of the “Field Application Form”; and (2) a short essay (typewritten) that outlines the students’ progress toward completing requirements for their degree (BSW), and discuss progress toward their career goals.

REQUIRED MAJOR COURSES FOR SOCIAL WORK

CURRICULUM GUIDE FOR SOCIAL WORK

FRESHMAN YEAR
First Semester	Credit	Second Semester	Credit
UNST 110 SOCI 100 BIOL 100 UNST 130 SOWK 133*	3 3 4 3 3 16	ENGL 101 MATH 101 UNST 140 SOCI 101 UNST 120 UNST 100	3 3 3 3 3 1 16
SOPHOMORE YEAR
First Semester	Credit	Second Semester	Credit
UNST Electives MATH 102 FOLA PSYC 320 SOWK 134	6 3 3 3 3 18	UNST Electives SOCI 204  PSYC 324, 325 or 434 FOLA POLI 200 or ECON 200	6 3 3 3 3 18
JUNIOR YEAR
First Semester	Credit	Second Semester	Credit
ENGL 404 or 331 SOCI  203 SPCH 250 SOWK 410 SOWK Elective	3 3 3 3 3 15	SOCI 403 SOWK 420 SOWK 335 Free Elective SOWK 430	3 3 3 3 3 15
SENIOR YEAR
First Semester	Credit	Second Semester	Credit
SOWK 507 SOWK 523 SOWK 512 SOSW 669 SOWK Elective	5 3 1 3 3 15	SOWK 509 SOWK 524 SOWK 514 SOWK 570(Capstone)**  Free Elective	5 3 1 3 3 15

Total Credit Hours: 128
* This course must be successfully completed prior to enrolling in any other Social Work courses.
**This course includes the program’s comprehensive exam.

All transfer social work credits must come from a CSWE accredited program.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS IN SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL WORK

SOCIOLOGY

Basic concepts and principles in sociology as they are used to examine patterned and recurrent forms of social behavior will be studied. (F;S)

This course, to be taken concurrently with SOCI 100 – Principles of Sociology, is designed to provide students with basic computer skills needed to summarize and describe sociological data. The ability to perform elementary calculations, such as percentages, proportions, and ratios, along with utilization of graphing techniques is a prime objective. Other descriptive/summary statistical techniques emphasized include construction and interpretation of one- and two-variable tables. A third objective is to ensure that students can write a clear report in standard English on the methods and findings of elementary research. (F;S)

This course is an introduction to elementary statistical reasoning, descriptive statistics, frequency distribution, graphics, measures of central tendency and dispersion. Correlation and regression techniques are also taught. (F;S)

Major social problems in American society and their relationship to social structures will be studied. Prerequisite: SOCI 100, concurrent, Statistics I. (F;S)

Inferential statistics, probability, sampling distribution tests of significance as well as measures of association, analysis of variance, multivariate correlational analysis are taught. Prerequisite: SOCI 302. (S)

Social aspects of human sexuality and American sexual behavior and its influence on life styles will be studied. Emphasis will be on social roles. (S; DEMAND)

This course includes intensive and extensive library research on topics in Sociology. Prerequisite: “B” average. (DEMAND)

This course is an examination of racial and ethnic relations in society. The main focus is on intergroup relations within the United States, but a global comparative approach is also emphasized. It will present views from numerous perspectives within sociology, with special emphasis on the social psychological aspects of prejudice, discrimination, and differential power structures in society. In addition, the course utilizes a comparative-historical approach to intergroup relations.  (F;S)

The family as a social institution and family types in cross-cultural perspectives will be studied. (F)

This course includes a review of the major historical sources, nature and growth of social thought as well as an introduction to the emergence of Sociological Theory in Europe and America in the 19th and early 20th centuries. (F)

Social thought and theory in its development from Comte to the present will be studied. Prerequisite: SOCI 203, SOCI 204, and SOCI 401. (S)

This is an introductory course in social research methods; basic theory, principles and practical applications of data collection, analysis and interpretation. Includes study of research designs, measurement techniques, and sampling techniques used in survey research methods. Prerequisite: SOCI 203 or concurrent. (F)

The genesis and origin of crime and an analysis of theories of criminal behavior will be studied. (DEMAND)

This course includes independent research on a specific topic or a delineated area in sociology. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. (F;S)

This course examines the dynamics of families experiencing major dysfunctions related to poverty, violence, the effects of deviant family members, and the social programs and policies relating to these problem areas. This course will enhance the student’s social work practice with families by increasing understanding of dysfunctional effects of these problems on the family system and its individual members and the relationship of policies and programs to the enhancement or deterioration of family life. (S)

This course is a study of the social areas commonly defined as communities, and analyses of the social processes that occur within their boundaries. Community organization skills are taught as a vehicle to address social ills. (DEMAND)

This course is designed to introduce the student to the rapidly developing field of family therapy. A brief overview of family therapy will be presented, along with explanation of the similarities and the difference with other therapies. Several models of practices and technique will be presented. Prerequisites: SOCI 308 and SOWK 412. (DEMAND)

This course includes a review of demographic processes; growth, fertility, mortality and migration in human populations. Focus on causes and consequences of demographic change in relation to social change and economic development. (S)

This is a study of social inequalities and differentiation as related to social structures and social systems. Prerequisite: SOCI 203. (DEMAND)

This course is the study of sociological and psychological explanation relative to the causes and rehabilitation of juvenile delinquents, probation and treatment of juveniles within the criminal justice system. (F)

Research and discussions of professional and field issues related to sociology and social work will be studied. Prerequisite: Senior standing. (S)

This course is continuation of SOCI 403. Prerequisites: Senior or graduate standing; minimum of 6 to 9 credits in statistics and research. (S)

Topics of current interest to sociologists and the student body are explored. (S)

The main focus is on evaluative research methodology; research designs, measurement of program effectiveness and cost effectiveness analysis. Includes case studies of needs assessment, program monitoring and impact measurement in human services. Prerequisite: Social Statistic (S203) and Research Methods (S403). (S)

SOCIAL WORK

This course is designed to introduce students to the human services professions with emphasis on social work as a profession. It explores the human service professions from historical, sociological, political, and economic viewpoints. (F;S)

This three credit, upper division social work elective explores the status of women.  It gives an historical look at women and the global perceptions of women, then focuses on women in the 20^th & 21^st centuries, in the U.S.  The status of women is explored through the lenses of women issues with special emphasis on the impoverishment of women.  (S)

Selected topics in social welfare are extensively studied and discussed. Prerequisites: Junior standing and “B” average. (DEMAND)

This course examines social welfare legislation and policy. Students spend a minimum of 40 hours in a social agency. Prerequisite: SOWK 133. (S)

This course is designed to offer students an opportunity to develop cognitive skills as they relate to the history and development of child welfare. Students will review needs of children and evaluate the extent to which parents/society are able to meet their needs. (F)

This course will focus on selected mental, physical, and social disabilities, and their implications for coping and employment. (DEMAND)

This course covers social growth during the life cycle, aspects of communication between people from different cultural backgrounds, and the implications of this growth and communication for service delivery to members of ethnic groups. Prerequisites: SOWK 133, SOWK 333, SOCI 100, SOCI 101, and SOCI 203. (F)

This course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of the effective dimensions present in the helping process and an opportunity to learn and practice the skills. The course will be helpful to students entering social work, guidance and counseling, teaching, and nursing. It must be taken prior to field placement for B.S.W. students. Prerequisites: SOWK 133, SOWK 333, and SOWK 410. (S)

This course includes the selection of a community problem, study and analysis of the problem followed by corrective activities, when possible. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. (DEMAND)

Extensive library research in selected areas of social welfare is required. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing and “B” average. (DEMAND)

This course is an examination of philosophies and institutional systems that impact on child welfare. This course will examine influences of such issues as racism, sexism, women’s liberation, and child advocacy. Major institutions (educational, court/legal, health care, economic, political) will be examined to identify and evaluate effects. (DEMAND)

This course is the study of sociological and psychological explanation relative to the causes and rehabilitation of juvenile delinquents, probation and treatment of juveniles within the criminal justice system. (F)

The first of two practicums in generalist principles and concepts in a human service agency is provided in this course. Agency field instructors carry responsibility for facilitating students’ learning. This is accomplished via personal supervision designed to help students integrate theory and practice to develop appropriate skill, knowledge, attitude and professional identity. Taken concurrently with SOWK 519. Students spend two days a week in an agency usually on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students are also required to participate in a seminar course which meets twice a month usually on Wednesday mornings. This seminar is a part of the field instruction program and is designed to help students integrate their learning experiences. Professional liability insurance required before entering the Field. (F)

This is an introduction to the principles of social work practice and to the multiple roles assumed by the generalist social worker. Emphasis is placed on developing basic skills required for effective intervention with individuals, families and small groups. Course content provides for the analysis of interviewing, problem assessment and strategies through experiential exercises. Taken concurrently with SOWK 507. Prerequisites: SOWK 133, 410, 333 and 411. (F)

This course is a continuation of knowledge and skill development under the guidance of the agency field director. Students are expected to gradually perform more independently often assuming full responsibility for various agency tasks assigned to them. Students spend two days a week in an agency usually on Tuesdays and Thursdays. They are also required to participate in a seminar course which meets twice a month, usually on Wednesday mornings. This seminar is a part of the field instruction program and is designed to help students integrate their learning experiences. Taken concurrently with SOCI 571. (S)

This course includes independent research in a delineated area of social welfare. Prerequisites: Only Sociology/Social Work Majors and consent of the instructor. (F;S;SS)

This course includes research and discussion of professional and field issues related to careers in sociology and social work. Prerequisite: Senior status. (S)

This course is a continuation of skill development. Emphasis is on social work intervention in larger systems, (organizations, groups and communities.) Attention is given to further understanding the dynamic relationship between people and their environments; the conflicting issues in social work practice, and the impact of various settings on practice. Taken concurrently with SOWK 520. (S)

This course is a study of the primary resources available for children. Emphasis will be placed on the characteristics of children needing help and the adequacy/inadequacy of community programs. Attention is given to the cooperative nature of these programs as well as the auspices, standards and policies. (DEMAND)

This course is an internship to provide opportunities for students to enhance their employability by supervised experiences in selected agencies. (S)

The main focus is on evaluative research methodology; research designs, measurement of program effectiveness and cost effectiveness analysis. Includes case studies of needs assessment, program monitoring and impact measurement in human services. Prerequisites: Social Statistic (S203) and Research Methods (S403). (S)
* Full time social work students are required to register for SOWK 333, 410, 507, and 519 concurrently. Part time students with faculty approval may complete SOWK 333, and 410 prior to registering for 507 and 519.

INTRA-DEPARTMENTAL COURSES

This course includes an analysis and comparison of primitive cultures and further comparisons with modern cultures. (S)

Selected topics in language, culture, mythology, and religion designed to acquaint students with analyzing cultural patterning in this and other cultures will be studied. (F)

Aging and its implication in social institutions are studied. Prerequisite: Junior standing. (DEMAND)

This is a topical seminar focusing on commonly shared experiences of American Blacks in selected social institutions. Prerequisite: Junior standing. (F;S;SS)

This course includes sociological analysis of medical services, the role of the sick professional organizations and quasi-professional groups; socializational structure of hospitals; sociodemographic and socioepidemiologic variables in relation to modern societies. Cultural and cross-cultural customs and traditions affecting attitudes toward health and the healing art will also be studied. (DEMAND)

This course is a sociocultural variation in the assessment of sociopadiological and psychopathological aspects of mental disorder. A critical analysis of institutions of mental health care, consideration of the etiology of mental illness, typologies, and social policies relative to the phenomenon of mental health will also be included. Prerequisite: SOCI 100. (DEMAND)

This course examines human cultural and biological evolution using an ecological perspective. (DEMAND)

Prerequisite: Six hours of statistics, and/or research. (DEMAND)

Personal and social values as related to social planning: “systems” theories program planning and evaluation are studied. Prerequisite: Senior or graduate standing. (DEMAND)

An analysis of the nature and problems of cities, urban society and urban development will be included. (DEMAND)

This course is a basic introduction to the study and appreciation of folklore. (DEMAND)

This course is an internship to provide opportunities for students to enhance their employability by supervised experiences in selected agencies. (F)

This course enables the student to do readings and research in anthropology in cooperation with the instructor. (DEMAND)

This course provides an exploration of anthropological theories and research methods with an emphasis on qualitative research methods. (DEMAND)

Elements and characteristics of small group behavior and process will be studied. Prerequisite: Senior or graduate standing; or permission of the instructor. (F;S)

This course examines selected and representative forms of social justice and injustices; and barriers to and opportunities for legal redress, as related to contemporary issues. Prerequisite: Senior or graduate standing. (F;S;SS)

Main focus is on evaluative research methodology; research designs, measurement of Program effectiveness and cost effectiveness analysis. Includes case studies of needs assessment, program monitoring and impact measurement in human services. Prerequisite: Social Statistics (S203) and Research Methods (S403). (S)

This course is designed both to sensitize the student to the importance of cultural factors in nonverbal and verbal communication and to equip the student with ways to record and analyze this behavior. (S)
Note: Sociology 100, Sociology 101, Sociology 203, Sociology 204, Social Work 133, and SOSW 669 are the only courses scheduled to be taught each semester. Other courses are taught once per year and students must follow the curriculum sheets.

DIRECTORY OF FACULTY

B.A., Forman Christian College; M.A., University of the Punjab; Ph.D., University of Chicago

B.A., University of Maryland; M.S.W., University of Maryland; Ph.D., Washington University

B.S., Boston University; M.S.W., University of Maryland

B.S, Oklahoma State University; M.S., Oklahoma State University; Ph.D., Oklahoma State University

B.A., Southern University; M.A., Atlanta University; Ph.D., Washington State University; Post-Doctoral, University of Wisconsin, Madison

B.A., Hamilton College, M.A., Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

B.S., East Carolina University; M.S.W., Ohio State .University; Ph.D., University of South Carolina

B.A., Claflin College; M.S.W., New York University

B.S., Columbia Union College; M.S.W., Howard University; Ph.D., Andrews University

ADJUNCT FACULTY

B.A., North Carolina A&T State University,  M.S., North Carolina State University

B.S.W., North Carolina A&T State University, M.S.W., North Carolina A&T State University

Departments in the College of Arts & Sciences

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