Social Work, BSW

This course introduces psychology as a science and emphasizes the interaction of social, cognitive, emotional, motivational, and organizational approaches to understanding human behavior. All students participate in a service learning experience in which they apply course concepts in real world situations and organizations. Discussions within this class include Christian perspectives on current issues in human behavior, cognition, and motivation. Meets the general education social science or business management requirement.

A basic course introducing the student to the concepts, theories, and methods employed in an objective scientific analysis of society, culture, social institutions and organizations, social control, deviancy, and social factors involved in personality development. Meets the general education social science or business management requirement. (Offered every semester.)

This course critically examines, from both historical and current perspectives, the U.S. social policies with a focus on the disproportionate social, economic and political implications for marginalized populations. The course also considers the parallel historical development of the profession of social work, including the ways in which it responded to social problems across key periods of social policy development. Students learn to use policy analysis tools to understand both how policy influences social work practice, and how social workers can influence social policy and negotiate policy changes. Prerequisite: SOCI 101 or consent of the instructor (Offered spring semester every year.)

Students examine the role of research in addressing social and criminal justice issues. Students build skills in problem formulation, research design, writing literature reviews, data collection, data analysis, and writing of research reports. As a result, students will be better equipped for evidence-based practice within the fields of criminal justice and social work. This course includes the design and implementation of an empirical research project and a publication-ready research paper. Prerequisites: SOCI 101, SCWK 202 or PSYC 202, SCWK 205 or CRJS 203 (Offered spring semester) Corequisites: SCWK 210L

This course will acquaint students with the major themes, theories and theorists in the field of human lifespan developmental psychology. Lifespan development is the scientific study of human development from conception to death. This course focuses on biological, cognitive, social, emotional, cultural, and religious aspects of human development, and aims to help students gain an understanding of human development across the lifespan. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.

The nature, functions, and values of social work are explored. Social work is presented as a problem solving process with wide applicability in the arena of human services; thus, social work is studied within a wide spectrum of situations and institutions. Corequisite: SOC101. Offered: Fall semester.

Develops student awareness of practice contexts where social workers may be employed, including schools, military, corrections, hospital, mental health, addictions, and other settings. Prerequisite: SCWK 205. (Offered spring semester every third year.)

This course combines the theories of social work practice with the learning of social work practice skills using common models and theoretical frameworks. This course presents ecological models, the strength-based, problem-solving process, dominant brief therapies, and cultural competence as approaches to practice in social work. This course presents and provides structured practice of the fundamental interpersonal skills required for effective social work practice. The course teaches interviewing skills and critical thinking about the interview processes, (from intake through termination and evaluation) and focuses priimarily on using those skills with individuals. The models, theories, and processes learned in this course serve as the foundation for generalist practice with individuals, families, groups, and communities. Prerequisite: SCWK 205 and PSYC 212. (Offered fall semester)

Each student must successfully complete a minimum practicum experience totalling ten to twelve semester hours, where 40 clock hours on location equals one hour of credit. Ideally, each practicum should be based at a social work agency or similar organization such as a school, church, health clinic, etc. which specializes in human services. Ideally an on-site supervisor with an MSW degree or LCSW license will supervise the student's practicum. Prerequisite: SOCI 101, SCWK 202, SCWK 210, SCWK 205 and upper division status.

This course will introduce students to ethics and how it applies to, and is applied within, Criminal Justice. This course will explore and analyze ethical dilemmas. This course will consider the roles of individuals and professional organizations and agencies when confronted with ethical dilemmas. Additionally, this course will discuss ethics in community relations, ethics in criminal justice laws, the philosophy of punishment, and procedures and civil liability in law enforcement and correctional environments. Finally, this course will explore the standards and codes of professional responsibility in criminal justice professions (e.g. Law Enforcement Code of Ethics, ABA Standards of Professional Responsibility, American Jail Association Code of Ethics for Jail Officers, and the American Correctional Association Code of Ethics.) Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or SOCI 101. (Offered fall semester of odd calendar years.)

This course will provide an overview of the history and application of law enforcement and intelligence. Moreover, the course will review the numerous challenges presented to officials in the law enforcement and intelligence communities. Topics include the integration of intelligence and policing within the community, the development of the intelligence cycle, structure, and the application of legal and ethical parameters to intelligence work. The student will develop critical thinking skills and an understanding of intelligence work at the operational, tactical, and strategic levels.

This course helps students to recognize the importance of the criminal justice system and community working cooperatively towards a more successful criminal justice system. Moving towards community trust of, and cooperation with, the Criminal Justice system will aid in the overall success of the criminal justice system in working towards safe and inclusive communities. Some topics that will be covered include community policing philosophy, applications, issues, types, and contemporary research. The course will also consider different community policing models. This course will include a $50 course fee for a travel component where students are able to see an example of a community policing model when the course is taught face to face. Meets the general education global foundations requirement. Prerequisite: CRJS 203.

This course will provide an overview of vice and narcotics crimes. These crimes deal with issues which are policed based on their moral ramifications. This study will examine how certain behaviors become taboo by cultural standards, how they are criminalized, and what happens to those who are convicted of such crimes. During the course, students will learn about how police agencies attempt to mitigate threats to the United States.

In this course students will learn what is required to provide ethical and effective leadership within a law enforcement agency while building trust between citizens and police officers. The course will examine various policing strategies and the advantages and disadvantages of each strategy. You will also learn about the basic administrative responsibilities required of any law enforcement agency including planning, budgeting, organizational design, and assessment. We will also examine the important area of human resource management concerning the recruiting and hiring of personnel. Lastly, you will come to understand the concepts and principles that are essential in leading others in a way that inspires them to want to follow you.

This course will provide an overview of the structure and development of the homeland security network of the United States. This study will examine the dominant Intelligence Community position in this structure but will also address some of the law enforcement components which further support the system. During the course, students will learn about the roles of member agencies and how they mitigate threats to the United States.

Effective law enforcement requires an understanding of human behavior - deviant or otherwise. Emile Durkheim, a famous early sociologist, even went so far as to say that deviance, or breaking societal rules for behavior, is normal, and occurs in every human community. Thus an understanding of deviance begins with an understanding of human behavior, period. You will study the topic of human behavior-both conforming behavior and deviant behavior, take a diagnostic tool to identify your own personality traits, and learn to apply individual differences to human interactions and organizations. You will study and seek to understand the historical and societal context for deviance, theories or deviance, and social control mechanisms, from social scientific perspectives, but also from a Christian perspective which sees all human beings with worth, dignity, and potential. Prerequisite: CRJS 203.

A course designed to investigate delinquency, including juvenile deviancy and juvenile crime. Applicable theories and models of delinquency will be investigated, as will social construction of delinquency. The course is appropriate for the students focusing on criminal justice generally as well as social work. Professional implications will also be examined. Cross-Listed as SCWK 351. Prereq: PSYC 101 or SOCI 101

A course designed to investigate delinquency, including juvenile deviancy and juvenile crime. Applicable theories and models of delinquency will be investigated, as will social construction of delinquency. The course is appropriate for students focusing on criminal justice generally, as well as social work. Professional implications will also be examined. Cross listed with CRJS 351. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or SOCI 101.

Organizations today face evolving and diverse forms of crises that can quickly escalate because of advancements in technology, the global economy, and the international and social media's reach. Attacks from individuals in other countries can bring an organization's operations to a standstill or attract negative publicity. To effectively cope with these threats, organizational leaders need to increase the complexity and sophistication of their crisis management capabilities. As a result, when faced with a crisis and thrust on a global stage with the whole world watching to see how they respond, these leaders find themselves defensive, reactive, and unable to perform in the heat of a crisis. An organizational crisis is a test of the capacity and character of an organization and its leaders. The economic, reputational, and social costs for organizations are high if they fail the test, and the consequences for those affected by the crisis can be catastrophic.

Explores the work of cultural competence, diversity & inclusion, and expansion. Historical contexts are presented to describe present-day injustices and inequalities. Definitions of race, ethnicity, minority, equity and oppression are provided as background for exploring present issues surrounding race, gender and religious minorities. (Offered irregularly.)

This course introduces the student to the basic services available under the auspices of child welfare. The major emphasis is on services as offered within the United States; however, brief attention is given to a comparison with other countries. A historical overview of the field is also provided. Prerequisite: SCWK 205. (Offered spring semester of odd calendar years.)

In this course, students will be exposed to the intricate process of controlling, analyzing, documenting, and presenting evidence from a crime scene. Students will be equipped with the technical and ethical skills to be effective and responsible investigators. Crime scene photography, scene sketching, courtroom testimony, chain of custody, written and oral reports, and ethics will all be covered. Offered every fall. Meets the general education upper division writing intensive requirement.

Field Study in Criminal Justice is a dynamic and immersive course that delves into the intricate and ever evolving world of terrorism. Students will particularly focus on terrorism as it relates to the historical and post-9/11 landscape. Through a combination of class discussions, research, and real-world field experience, students will gain a profound understanding of the history of terrorism, the intelligence community's role in tracking and combating terrorism, and the transformative impacts of the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001 on all aspects of American life and the United States' understanding of terrorism. This class may be taken in place of CRJS 405 to satisfy practicum requirements. Prerequisites: CRJS 307, CRJS 341, PSYC 210 and instructor approval.

Historical, biological, sociological, cultural, and psychological impacts on gender issues, both male and female. Significant emphasis on the effects on the individual, family, workplace, community, and society. Breaking stereotypes and barriers. Prerequisite SOCI 101. Meets the general education global foundations course.

This course examines the interface between psychology and the law. Basic definitions of psychology and law are reviewed, as well as the history of the relationship between law and psychology. Topics include juries and jury selection, accuracy and validity of witness statements, memory and testimony, forensic assessment and intervention of criminal behavior, violence prediction, and custody evaluations. Ethical and Christian worldview considerations in the field of forensic psychology are also discussed. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or CRJS 203

First responders and care providers are at the forefront of crisis incidences and disasters, and they ensure the safety and well-being of the population. Those responding to crises carry the weight of their safety and well-being, as well as the safety and well-being for those they serve. Crisis responders may face danger and be exposed to traumatic situations that pose a risk of harm to the responders and the people under their responsibility. This exposure constitutes a higher risk for behavioral and mental health concerns and places the crisis responders at a higher risk for stress, PTSD, depression, substance abuse, and suicide ideation attempts. Trauma informed care is an area of knowledge that is applicable across disciplines. The knowledge obtained in this class will add knowledge and skills that will help increase ability performance and wellness within several careers.

Students examine the role of research in addressing social and criminal justice issues. Students build skills in problem formulation, research design, writing literature reviews, data collection, data analysis, and writing of research reports. As a result, students will be better equipped for evidence-based practice within the fields of criminal justice and social work. This course includes the design and implementation of an empirical research project and a publication-ready research paper. Prerequisites: SOCI 101, SCWK 202 or PSYC 202, SCWK 205 or CRJS 203 (Offered spring semester) Corequisites: CRJS 210L

Course content focuses upon basic concepts and operations in descriptive and inferential statistics. The areas of study will include measures of central tendency and dispersion, probability, correlation and regression analysis, parametric (t-tests and ANOVA) and non-parametric (chi-square) tests of significance. A basic introduction to Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software is provided. Cross listed with SCWK 202. Meets the general education quantitative reasoning requirement.

Course content focuses upon basic concepts and operations in descriptive and inferential statistics. The areas of study will include measures of central tendency and dispersion, probability, correlation and regression analysis, parametric (t-tests and ANOVA) and non-parametric (chi-square) tests of significance. A basic introduction to Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software is provided. Cross listed with PSYC 202. Meets the general education quantitative reasoning requirement. (Offered every semester.)

Students will understand the forces of globalization, why nations trade, problems of trade restrictions and international payments, and multinational corporations as international change agents. They will work from the manager's perspective to discover how working internationally affects the functional areas of business through influences of the land, the political environment, and the cultural heritage of the people. Meets the general education global foundations requirement. Prerequisite: BUSN 101, ECON 102, ACCT 101, BUSN 201 and junior or senior status

This course helps students to recognize the importance of the criminal justice system and community working cooperatively towards a more successful criminal justice system. Moving towards community trust of, and cooperation with, the Criminal Justice system will aid in the overall success of the criminal justice system in working towards safe and inclusive communities. Some topics that will be covered include community policing philosophy, applications, issues, types, and contemporary research. The course will also consider different community policing models. This course will include a $50 course fee for a travel component where students are able to see an example of a community policing model when the course is taught face to face. Meets the general education global foundations requirement. Prerequisite: CRJS 203.

The purpose of this course is to explore race and poverty issues that impact the classroom environment. Candidates will search for effective strategies to better meet the needs of underserved populations. The hidden rules of economic class and characteristics of generational poverty will be studied, with emphasis on the impact this has on instruction. Students will spend time assisting in a classroom which serves a high minority and low socioeconomic population. Meets the general education global foundations requirement. Prerequisite: EDUC 110. (Offered fall semester) Course fee may apply.

A study of literary selections in various genres from diverse writers around the world. Meets the general education global foundations and humanities/literature requirements. (Offered spring semester.)

An introduction to the literature of a cultural group other than the predominant culture group of the United States. Each time the course is offered it may examine a different literature. The different topics studied could range from African-American Literature to Chinese Literature to Irish Literature to Latin American Literature, but the course will always focus on introducing students to a variety of genres through an exploration of a different culture's literary productions. Meets the general education global foundation and humanities/literature requirements. Course may be repeated due to study of different topics. (Offered spring semester.)

Emphasizes the forces that shaped and are now reshaping the region. Examines historical reasons for the present problems that trouble the area. Cross listed with HIST 110 and SPAN 310. Meets the general education global foundations and humanities/history requirements. (Offered fall semester.)

This course is a study of the history, culture, and religion of the modern Middle East, especially as it relates to the development of, and ongoing interaction between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. We will seek to understand each community in terms of their origin, development, influences, and connections to each other and to civil orders. We will observe the concepts and phenomena they share, as well as the ways in which they are distinguished. We will then apply this knowledge to an analysis of current events and dynamics in the Middle East and how this plays out globally. Cross listed with THEO 315. Meets the general education global foundations requirement. Prerequisite: THEO 110 or THEO 310. (Offered spring semester of even calendar years.)

A survey of African and African-American slavery in the United States beginning primarily in the 17th century. The course explores the international slave trade, the intersection of slavery and race, colonial slave markets, the relationship between colonial and American legal codes and slavery, black protest, and abolitionism and emancipation. Additional areas considered may include the idea of race, slavery and the Enlightenment, and antebellum paternalism. Meets the general education global foundations requirement.

This course broadens the traditional framework of the Civil Rights Movement, beginning with calls for economic, social, cultural, and political equality during Reconstruction. The course surveys the intersection of race, civil rights discourse, and American history during periods such as World War I, the New Deal, World War II, the "Classical Phase" of the King years, and finally, the unfinished work of Civil Rights since 1968. Themes and issues include competing civil rights strategies, the role of gender and race within the movement, and the success and failure endured throughout the Long Civil Rights Movement. Meets the general education global foundations requirement.

A study of the Jewish religion/culture that developed in the sixth century BCE and flourished in the Persian, Greek and Roman periods. Includes encounters with the rabbinic literature that began to be produced in the second century CE--the Midrashim, Mishanah and Talmuds--and modern expressions of Judaism around the world. Cross listed with THEO 345. Meets the general education global foundations requirement. Prerequisite: THEO 110 or THEO 310. (Offered spring semester.)

This course is a study of the history, culture, and religion of the modern Middle East, especially as it relates to the development of, and ongoing interaction between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. We will seek to understand each community in terms of their origin, development, influences, and connections to each other and to civil orders. We will observe the concepts and phenomena they share, as well as the ways in which they are distinguished. We will then apply this knowledge to an analysis of current events and dynamics in the Middle East and how this plays out globally. Cross listed with HIST 315. Meets the general education global foundations requirement. Prerequisite: THEO 110 or THEO 310.. (Offered spring semester of even calendar years.)

This course aims to introduce students to the ways in which Scripture has been interpreted within Judaism and the resultant shape of rabbinic theology. Students will learn about traditional interpretive techniques and explore a variety of rabbinic texts that will serve as examples. Students will learn to attend to the types of textual details that inspired the early rabbis and to ask questions of the text and of other interpreters in a manner common to Judaism. Students will then practice discussing the biblical text communally and collaboratively, seeking creative and edifying interpretations for their own community and vocation. Meets the general education global foundations requirement. Prerequisite: THEO 110 or THEO 310 (Offered spring semester of odd calendar years).

A study of the Jewish religion/culture that developed in the sixth century BCE and flourished in the Persian, Greek and Roman periods. Includes encounters with the rabbinic literature that began to be produced in the second century CE--the Midrashim, Mishanah and Talmuds--and modern expressions of Judaism around the world. Cross listed with HIST 345. Meets the general education global foundations requirement. Prerequisite: THEO 110 or THEO 310. (Offered spring semester.)

Students consider the relationships between culture and the world of work. They discover how the environment, especially the workplace, has been shaped by the value and life experiences of various ethnic and racial groups. Meets the general education global foundations requirement.

This course will explore the integration of various ethnic cultures in Christian worship songs in North American Churches. It also will examine African, African-American, Latino, Caribbean, and Asian worship music. The primary goal of this course is to raise awareness and equip students to value, plan, and lead worship music for a diverse congregation. The course will include discussions, music listening examples, and a group visit to a church in St. Louis. No particular music skills are required to take this course. Meets the general education global foundations requirement. Prerequisite: MUSG 164 or THEO 110. (Offered Interterm)

The scientific study of humanity, human origins, fossil forms, and the evolution of material and non-material culture. Meets the general education global foundations and social science or business managment requirement. (Offered spring semester of even calendar years.)

The purpose of this course is to learn Spanish language and acquire a deeper understanding of a Spanish-speaking nation via an immersion experience. Thus, the student will immerse her/himself in a Spanish -speaking country and, while in the country, the student will learn and practice as much Spanish as possible. The student will submit written reflections in Spanish according to the student's proficiency level. The reflections will be regarding the use of the language in the region and the Spanish-speaking country. In addition, it is advised that the student enroll in the "Spanish Language" immersion class. Meets the general education global foundation requirement. (Offered summers.) Prerequisite: SPAN 101

Emphasizes the forces that shaped and are now reshaping the region. Examines historical reasons for the present problems that trouble the area. Cross listed with HIST 110/310. Meets the general education global foundations and humanities/historyl requirements. Prerequisite: SPAN 201 or equivalent. Co-requisite: Concurrent enrollment in an upper division SPAN course. (Offered in a three year rotation.)

Students will use the medium of film to examine both Spanish and Latin American Cultures. By way of classroom discussion and written composition, students will analyze, compare and contrast, critically evaluate ideas and ideologies which are addressed both overtly and covertly in the films. Meets the general education global foundation and upper division writing intensive requirements. Prerequisite: SPAN 220

This course is a high level course in which writing skills and correct grammar usage in Spanish are emphasized. Through a variety of written documents, students will focus on critical reading and the interpretation of texts, skills which will further help develop their ability to write correctly in Spanish. Students will acquire a better understanding of finer points of Spanish Grammar. Meets the general education global foundation requirement. Prerequisite: SPAN 201 or equivalent. (Offered in a three year rotation.)

Study of the Hispanic novel through reading of selected novels. Meets the general education global foundation requirement. Prerequisite: SPAN 201 or equivalent. (Offered in a three year rotation.)

Historical, biological, sociological, cultural, and psychological impacts on gender issues, both male and female. Significant emphasis on the effects on the individual, family, workplace, community, and society. Breaking stereotypes and barriers. Prerequisite SOCI 101. Meets the general education global foundations course.

This course will focus on a particular period, place, or problem in European history. May be repeated with a different topic for a total of six credits. Meets the general education global foundations requirement.

This course will focus on a particular period, place, or problem in world history. May be repeated with a different topic for a total of six credits. Meets the general education global foundations requirement.

A study of intimate relationships, marriage, family and contributing support systems. Includes historical overview and contemporary presentations. Emphasis is placed on multifactor understanding of relational/family health. Combines theoretical perspectives from sociology, psychology, anthropology and theology. Parenting, financial pressures, intra-family communication and family formation are examined. Prerequisites: SOCI 101, 112, or PSYC 101. (Offered spring semester.)

A study of intimate relationships, marriage, family and contributing support systems. Includes historical overview and contemporary presentations. Emphasis is placed on multifactor understanding of relational/family health. Combines theoretical perspectives from sociology, psychology, anthropology and theology. Parenting, financial pressures, intra-family communication and family formation are examined. Prerequisites: SOCI 101, 112, or PSYC 101. (Offered spring semester.)