SSC 111 3 credits
The Individual in Society
Introduction to concepts and
methodology of social sciences and presentation of sample content for the
systems of humanity: sociology, anthropology, history, political science, economics
and international relations.
SSC 201 3 credits
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
Study of learned behavior in
human societies. Topics include cultures, interrelationships among peoples,
and aspects of culture and environment.
SSC 222 3 credits
Introduction to Geography
Examination of the components of
the geographic equation: environment, culture, technology and spatial interaction.
SSC 310 3 credits
Cultural Geography I
Examines major realms of the
developed world: Western/Eastern Europe, the Soviet Union, Australia/New
Zealand and Japan. Special combinations of cultural, physical, historical and organizational
qualities of these realms
are discussed in a geographical perspective. Emphasis is given to the
study of these characteristic properties and how they imprint on the
landscape, giving each region its own flavor and social environment.
SSC 311 2 credits
Cultural Geography II
Examines the major realms of the
underdeveloped Third World: Central America, South America, North
Africa, Southwest Asia, and Africa. The special combinations of cultural,
physical, historical and organizational qualities of these realms are discussed
from a geographical perspective.
SSC 321 3 credits
Global Society
Analysis of major issues facing
mankind in the 21st century: security systems and disarmament, world
economic order, development, resource/population balance, and human rights.
SSC 425 3 credits
Seminar
Intensive study in research
methodology followed by a major research paper on a topic approved by the
department chairperson.
Social Studies
Designed for the student preparing
to teach Social Studies at secondary level. For professional education
requirements for this major see Education pages in this section.
Prerequisite: SSC 111 (Individual in Society).
Introductory Courses 27 credits
HIS 112, 121; POS 101, 111; PSY
101; SOC 111; SSC 201, 222; HIS 240.
Upper-Level Studies 27 credits
HIS 307, 319 or 323; HIS 300,
308, 322; HIS 337, 349, 353 or 465; HIS 344, 352, 364
or 472; POS 325; PSY 301; SSC 425; BUS 345, 346.
Social Work
Goals for student learning are
conceptualized from the primary departmental goal, which is to prepare students
for entry-level professional competence as generalist social work practitioners.
The Social Work Department is accredited by:
The Council on Social Work Education
1600 Duke St.
Alexandria,
VA 22314-3421
(703) 683-8080
Social Work program graduates
are awarded a BSW (Bachelor Degree of Social Work). No life experience
credits are accepted for this program.
The program provides
educational courses and experiences designed to help the student explore the nature
of the individual within society. Through a critical awareness of individual
and social values, the student will be exposed to a body of knowledge
which will examine human behavior and development and the skills necessary
to effectively work with individuals, families and groups as well as
within organizations, communities and the larger society. Issues concerning
ethnicity, culture, gender and populations-at-risk are incorporated throughout the
program. Students will examine the contributions and needs of these
special populations. The curriculum focuses on the various institutions which
are designed to provide social services. In addition, the Social Work
program motivates and prepares students for continued professional development
and education.
Alvernia Social Work Program goals are:
· Help students integrate liberal
arts and professional knowledge, values and
skills into competent entry-level practice;
· Prepare students to understand social
policy and policy analysis, and to participate in efforts directed
toward policy change;
· Help students become aware of
issues related to human diversity and be of assistance in pursuing equity in
professional and institutional relations;
· Motivate and prepare students for continuing professional development
and education.
Generalist social work practice is
a holistic approach that provides practitioner with knowledge, values and
skills necessary to engage in a planned change process on a micro, mezzo and
macro level. Building on strengths' perspective, this approach incorporates
social systems and ecological models as foundation for planned change process.
Generalist social work
incorporates knowledge that is transferable, empowers individuals, utilizes a
variety of intervention strategies, analyzes development across the life span,
evaluates the impact of social policies and serves populations-at-risk.
Populations-at-risk include: people of color;
women; children; older adults; the physically/mentally challenged; people of
different sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, or religious beliefs;
and the economically disadvantaged.
Generalist social work practice
incorporates values that reflect the social worker's professional code of
ethics (NASW Code of Ethics), which demands social responsibility and
respect for diverse value systems, as well as a commitment to continued
professional development. Generalist social work practice incorporates skills that
provide for assessing clients' needs, establishing goals and objectives, and
implementation and evaluation of the planned change process.
Generalist social work practice
links people with systems and focuses on equality for those people who
are oppressed and discriminated against, taking into consideration,
institutional polices and procedures that hinder
self-determination and growth.
The major sequence in Social
Work Practice in the last two years assists students in working with
individuals, families, groups and communities
served by both public and private agencies through a planned change process.
Field Practicum constitutes an integral component of the total curriculum,
and helps students integrate classroom learning with practice in the social
service setting.
Social Work applicants must
complete an application for entrance into the department plus an interview with
departmental faculty before being informed of acceptance. A student must complete 45 credits before making
formal application to the program. See departmental Student Handbook for
additional information.
Major 65 credits
Social Work 52 credits
Requirements
SW 201, 301, 302, 303, 304,
305, 306, 307, 308, 311, 312, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 407, 408.
Plus nine elective credits selected from: SW 202, 203, 206, 207, 208,
209, 231.
Related Areas 13 credits
BIO 109; MAT 208 or 209;
three credits in Psychology; three credits in Sociology.
Two programs are offered in
gerontology to help students meet the rapidly expanding job market in the field
of geriatrics. A minor in gerontology offers one-to-one involvement with
older adults, class experience in a variety of geriatric settings, and the theory
necessary to work effectively with this
population.
Minor 19 credits
Required: SW 201, 203, 207,
209, 307, 308, 314.
Certificate of Completion 12 credits
Designed for individuals who
have never attended college or who have a degree and want to complete this
specialization.
Required: SW 203, 207, 314.
Departmental Requirement
Students who achieve Junior
status must maintain an overall GPA of 2.25 to remain in good academic
standing within the Social Work Department. Students may repeat/delete a
Social Work course (only once) in order to achieve a "C" in that
specific course.
SW 201 3 credits
Introduction to Social Work
Introduction to society's response
to social need: through a generalist approach to family services, child
welfare, physical and mental health services, school related services,
corrections, gerontology and populations-at-risk. Social Worker's response to
meeting the needs of various multiethnic and multi-needs groups is emphasized.
Integration of micro, mezzo and macro practice is included.
SW 202 3 credits
Social Services to Children
This course takes into
consideration the historical perspective,
socioeconomic factors and the multi cultural
variables that affect child welfare in the United States. Social services available
to children are conceptualized and include supportive, supplementary and
substitute services. Family services, homemaker service, foster care, Aid to
Families with Dependent Children, protective services, day care, adoption
and institutional care are services evaluated and discussed.
SW 203 3 credits
The Process of Aging
Explores the various theories of
aging along with biological and psychosocial aging. Other issues include:
gender and ethnicity, personality and intellectual development, mental health
and physical disease. A review of the process will include the lifeline from
birth to death. The dimensions of the whole person will also be addressed by
exploring the physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual growth
necessary to achieve human potential in later life.
SW 207 3 credits
Intervention Strategies for Older Adults
Students is taught generalist skills
to work with older adults at micro and mezzo levels. Students will learn
how to assess the needs of older adults and how to create services to meet
those needs. Twelve different modalities will be introduced. Students will
observe and participate in on-site agency intervention techniques. Students will
be directly involved with micro and mezzo practice and participate in
development of a community service program to benefit older adults.
SW 208 3 credits
Social Work and the Law
Study of relationship between the
United States legal system and the practice of social work. Attention will be
given to current legislation and ethical considerations that impact on delivery
of social services.
SW 209 3 credits
Death and Dying
Examines the process of living
with death and dying. The human dilemma is such that we move from birth
to death. Case studies, media presentations, etc. will focus on feelings
and emotions of both the individual and the family as they cope with the
last stage of the life cycle.
SW 231 3 credits
Culturally Sensitive
Human Service Practice
Comparative exploration of ethnic,
gender and sub-cultural norms of both clients and workers in various
human service fields. Students will examine the facts which eradicate biases
of racism, ageism, sexism, sexual preference and groups mistreated by society.
Students will define their own strengths and biases in preparation for
culturally diverse practice. Fulfills human diversity requirement.
SW 301 3 credits
Social Welfare
Social Welfare system in the
United States, including impact of poverty and contributions of various minority
populations is examined. Topics will include the various facets of
American social welfare systems, including political, economic and social structures.
An understanding of poverty in the United States will be achieved, as
well as the strategies to empower those affected by poverty. Prerequisite:
SW 201.
SW 302 3 credits
Social Policy
Process of policy formation
including various components of American social welfare policy such as
political and economic influences are analyzed. Emphasis will be placed on
social worker's understanding of the process of effective policy formation and
his/her role in developing and implementing functional programs consistent
with mission of the social work profession to improve quality of life for all.
Prerequisite: SW 301.
SW 303 3 credits
Human Behavior/Social Environment I
Focuses on integration of the
individual's biological, psychological, social and
cultural systems from birth through middle adulthood. Ecological and social
systems approaches study the person in environment. Perspective considers
reciprocal impact of the individual on the environment. Studies effect of
human diversity on behavior in social situations. Prerequisites: SW 201;
PSY 101, SOC 111.
SW 304 3 credits
Human Behavior/Social Environment II
Focuses on integration of the
individual's biological, psychological, social and
cultural systems from middle adulthood through later adulthood, using the
ecological and social systems approach. Examination is made of
inter-relationship of micro, mezzo and macro systems. Effect of human diversity
on behavior in social situations is studied. Emphasis is placed on ethnic and
racial minorities, women and other populations-at-risk who are
discriminated against. Prerequisite: SW 303.
SW 305 3 credits
Social Work Practice I
Introduction to generalist social
work practice to explore basic knowledge, values and skills required for a
professional practitioner. Role play is integral part of classroom experience.
Prerequisites: SW 201, one course in psychology, one in sociology.
SW 306 3 credits
Social Work Practice II
Students are introduced to
generalist social work practice on micro, mezzo and macro levels. Students learn basic skills,
knowledge and values for
professional generalist practice. Emphasis is placed on working with
individuals; role play will be utilized in
classroom experience. Prerequisites: SW 305.
SW 307 2 credits
Field Practicum I
Supervised social work practice in
a social work agency. Students carry beginning direct service
responsibilities. A minimum of 100 hours of work is required. Co-requisite:
SW 311. Prerequisites: Social Work major; SW 201, two course in
psychology, two courses in sociology. Does not count toward liberal arts core
requirement.
SW 308 2 credits
Field Practicum II
Supervised social work practice in
a social work agency. Students carry beginning direct service
responsibilities. Minimum 100 hours of work is required. Co-requisite: SW 312.
Prerequisite: SW 307. Does not count toward liberal arts core requirement.
SW 311 1 credit
Practicum I Seminar
Application and integration of
social work knowledge acquired in the classroom with the work in the
social setting of the placement. Co-requisite: SW 307. Does not count
toward liberal arts core requirement.
SW 312 1 credit
Practicum II Seminar
Application and integration of
social work knowledge acquired in class with work in second placement.
Co-requ.: SW 308. Does not count toward liberal arts core requirement.
SW 314 3 credit
Managed Care
Introduces the student to the world
of managed health care. Included is an overview of the health care crisis
in our country today and how, through changes in traditional health care
coverage, this issue is addressed. Students will also examine the role
of managed care as it relates to delivery of social services. Cross-listed
with HSM 314, may not take both for credit.
SW 343 3 credits
Living with AIDS
Focuses on medical, social,
political, economic, ethical and personal
realities of AIDS. Special attention given to working with those populations at
highest risk of contracting and living with this disease, such as women,
minority populations, young gay men, and children. Course meets the diversity
requirement.
SW 401 3 credits
Social Work Practice III
Emphasis is placed on deepening
the understanding of generalist social work practice and the integration of
knowledge, values and skills in working on mezzo and macro levels, including
discrimination and how it affects the functioning of individuals, families,
groups and social workers. Prerequisite:
SW 306.
SW 402 3 credits
Social Work Practice IV
Expands understanding of
generalist social work practice through integration of knowledge, values and skills
in working with groups, communities and government. Also included is
discrimination and how it affects functioning of these groups and the
social work profession. Emphasis on macro social work generalist practice. Prerequ.:
SW 401.
SW 403 4 credits
Field Practicum III
Supervised social work in a
social setting; students carry direct responsibilities. Minimum of 200 hours
of work is required. Co-requ.: SW 407. Prerequ.: SW 308. Does not
count toward liberal arts core requirement.
SW 404 4 credits
Field Practicum IV
Supervised social work in a
social setting; students continue to carry out direct responsibilities. Minimum of
200 hours is required. Co-requisite: SW 408. Prerequisite: All major
requirements. Does not count toward liberal arts core requirement.
SW 405 3 credits
Methods of Social Research
Introduces students to various
methods of social research, including data collection and analysis. Prepares
students to effectively utilize current research in professional practice.
Students are required to complete a research project related to their
field placement. Prerequisites: MAT 208 or 209 and senior standing;
Juniors need permission of instructor.
SW 407 1 credit
Practicum III Seminar
Integration and application in
greater depth of social work theory acquired in classroom with tasks and
activities performed in social agency placement. Co-requisite: SW 403. Prerequisite:
All major requirements. Does not count toward liberal arts core requirement.
SW 408 1 credit
Practicum IV Seminar
Integration and application in
greater depth of social work theory acquired in classroom with tasks and
activities performed in the social agency placement. Co-requ.: SW 404.
Prerequisite: all major requirements. Does not count toward liberal arts core
requirement.
Sociology
Sociology is the study of social life and social causes
and consequences of human behavior. Provides insight into how the individual
shapes and is shaped by groups such as family, community, occupation and other
associative situations. The sociology program provides an understanding of society
in terms of its organization, institutions, social processes, and social relationships.
Minor 18 credits
Soc 111, 400
6 credits of Sociology at the 200 level
6 credits of Sociology at the 300/400 level.
SOC 111 3 credits
Principles of Sociology
Introduction to the major concepts
in sociology; nature and significance of culture, social groups, role and
status, social interaction, stratification, system and structure.
SOC 210 3 credits
Sociology of the Family
Consideration of meanings of
marriage and family, contemporary gender roles, intimate relationships and family life.
All major areas are studied from a sociological perspective.
SOC 212 3 credits
Contemporary Social Problems
Examination of social problems,
using a sociological perspective, within contemporary American society.
An emphasis is placed on the analyses of social values in viewing social
problems.
SOC 214 3 credits
Sociology of Education
An analysis of education as a
social institution and its relationship to other institutions. The role of educator,
administrator, student and parent are conceptualized along with
implications regarding ethnicity and subcultures,
social stratification and social changes.
SOC 306 3 credits
Racial and Cultural Relations
Analysis of ethnic and racial
differentiation in pluralistic societies; theories of relationship of dominant and
minority groups.
SOC 310 3 credits
Sociology of Health
A study of social and cultural
factors in health and illness; and the social and structural organization of the
health care system and its impact on society. Prerequisite: Soc 111.
SOC 401 3 credits
Sociological Theory
An examination of sociological
theory, classical and modern traditions, theorists such as Comte, Durkheim,
Marx, Weber, Parsons, Merton, and others associated with contributing to
sociology represent content for critical examination, Prerequisite: Soc 111;
3 additional credits in Sociology.
SOC 411 3 credits
Sociology of Women
Critical examination of the
implications of traditional sexual roles; emphasis on the causes and consequences
of current changes and the implication of these changes on the feminine
identity, family structure, sexual revolution, and consumption patterns.
Interdisciplinary major offering
a broad based curricula in sports, management, marketing and promotion,
communications, law, finance and accounting, economics, and computer
literacy. Students acquire understanding of role of sports in our society, role of
management in sports, and have opportunities to apply knowledge in a
variety of practical experiences through the cooperative education internships.
Students who complete the degree may attain careers in professional or
collegiate sports, resorts, athletic clubs/facilities, retail sporting goods,
public relations, activities programming, sales and marketing.
Business Core 24 credits
BUS 101, 200, 306; BUS 342,
345, 346, 410, CIS course.
Mathematics 4 credits
In addition to meeting the liberal
arts core requirement in math, students must complete: MAT 208
or 209.
Sports Management Core 37 credits
BUS 307, 308, 310;
COM 103, 131, 132, 240; SM 110, 210, 310, 410; two of the following:
COM 251, 330, 340, 351, 352.
Suggested Elective 6 credits
SM 441.
Minor 25 credits
COM 131, 132, 240; BUS 101,
306, 307; SM 110, 210, 310.
SM 110 3 credits
Introduction to Sports
Management
Intro course presents business
principles and procedures as applied to physical education, intramural and
recreational sports programs, and school and professional sports programs.
SM 210 3 credits
Sports in American Society
Explores pervasive appeal of sports
in American society. Interrelationships among sport, behavior, culture,
and social institutions of business, religion, politics, education and family will
be examined. Prerequisite: SM 110.
SM 310 3 credits
Facility Management and Operations
Examines planning, designing,
financing, and selecting of sites for stadiums and arenas. Operational functions
such as personnel, finance, security, concessions, seat distribution, event
scheduling, equipment management and maintenance of facilities and equipment
will be presented. Prerequisite: SM 110.
SM 410 3 credits
Special Topics Seminar in Sports Mgmt.
Focuses on current issues in
sports management field. Previously studied topics in business and sports management courses will be integrated
through in-depth case studies. Strategic planning and problem solving are
stressed. Prerequ.: SM 110, senior standing.
SM 441 6 credits
Cooperative Education in Sports Mgmt.
Supervised learning experience that
integrates theoretical course work, career goals and objectives, and on-the-job work experience in the sports management field. Academic
assignments supplement actual work experience. Prerequisite: Senior standing and a
2.75 GPA. Special consideration may be given to outstanding juniors.
Students must have successfully completed 30 credits at Alvernia.
Theological study long has
attempted to address the most profound questions of existence and the meaning
of the human religious experience. Theology courses ask these questions
with attention to the universally human and particular focus on the
Judaeo-Christian tradition. The Catholic
expression of that tradition receives the
greatest, but not exclusive, emphasis.
A major in theology prepares
students for further work in academe or seminary and also can serve to
complement another major. As a discipline in the liberal arts, it refines critical
thinking skills and teaches openness to the complexity of serious issues. A
minor in the discipline provides students with greater knowledge of
religious questions.
Major in Theology 30 credits
THE 105, one course selected
from: 200, 210, 225; ; 2 courses (6
credits) from among: THE 306, 308, 309; THE 380; 15 credits in Theology
electives.
Minor Theology 18 credits
With the exception of THE 210,
Medical Moral Theology, all courses at the 200 level or higher require THE
105, Foundations of Theology, or permission of the department chair.
Students in the Mid-degree, Plus 2, and Degree Completion programs are exempt
from this requirement.
THE 105 3 credits
Foundations of Theology
Inquiry into nature of religion and
its relation to other areas of human experience. Role of theology in bringing
a religious tradition to reflective awareness. Focus on Christianity,
especially its Catholic expression.
THE 200 3 credits
Christian Approach to Morality
Study of fundamentals of moral
theology: concepts of freedom, responsibility, law and conscience are
surveyed within context of Catholic theology and natural law tradition.
THE 210 3 credits
Medical Moral Theology
Investigation of moral problems
which can arise in the area of bioethics. Introductory survey of the basic
Christian principles of morality is followed by treatment of various medical
moral situations. A natural law methodology is applied throughout the course.
THE 225 3 credits
Global Issues: The Gospel Perspective
Ethical concerns in war, peace,
global and domestic policy, and other social issues. Addresses both Roman
Catholic teachings and writings from other religions and cultures. Satisfies
human diversity requirement.
THE 300 3 credits
Marriage and Sexuality
Theological study of dogmatic and
moral questions concerning human sexuality and marriage in light of
anthropology, the scriptures, natural law,
traditions, and the understanding of revelation within history.
THE 306 3 credits
Biblical Studies: Gospel Portrait of Jesus
Examination of the portrayal of
Jesus in Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, using tools of historical
and literary criticism.
THE 308 3 credits
Biblical Studies: Old Testament Studies
Examination of selected books of
the Old Testament, including representation from Law, Prophets and Writings.
THE 309 3 credits
Biblical Studies: New Testament Studies
Examination of selected books of
the New Testament, with particular emphasis on the Pauline writings.
THE 345 3 credits
Issues in Historical Theology
An historical study of the
principal theological controversies that shaped the development of Christianity.
This course is designed as an introduction to theological study for students in
the Innovative Degree Programs (Plus2, Mid-Degree, Degree Completion).
Other students must have permission of the instructor.
THE 350 3 credits
Franciscan Studies
Study of the life and spirit of
St. Francis of Assisi, his charism and its relevance for the contemporary world.
Includes theological and philosophical perspectives of other Franciscans.
Examines the historical and ecclesial environment of Franciscan
Movement and its impact up to the present.
THE 364 3 credits
Mysticism
Study of mysticism focusing on
the Christian tradition, but including examination of non-Christian religions
as well.
THE 380 3 credits
Christ and the Church
Study of the various ways in
which Christ has been understood by communities of faith. Particular
attention will be given to the New Testament. The role of the Church and its
relation to Christ will be considered, as well as its relation to the modern world.
THE 405 3 credits
Medieval and Reformation Theological Evolution
An historical study of the
doctrinal and ecclesial developments that shaped the medieval and reformation
periods. Prerequisite: THE 105 or 345.
THE 420 3 credits
Worship and Sacraments
Study of the development of the
theology of the sacraments. Specific treatment will be given to the sacraments of initiation: baptism,
confirmation, Eucharist. In addition, attention will also be given to the sacraments
of reconciliation, matrimony, holy orders, and anointing of the sick.
THE 425 3 credits
Judaic Studies
In-depth study of the development
of Jewish historical, cultural, religious, and political tradition. This course
is partly supported by the Jewish Chautauqua Society.
Alvernia offers a minor in
Women's Studies that is designed to heighten awareness of the impact of
gender across all areas of human endeavor, encouraging a better appreciation
of the diverse contributions of our common humanity.
Minor Requirements 15 credits
9-15 credits from:
ENG 216; PSY 308; HIS 230; SOC 411; BUS 290; ART
or MUS 390 (ST: Women in the Arts); THE 390 (ST: Women in the Bible).
A maximum of six credits
selected from: COM 290 (ST: Language in American Society); CJ 411; MUS
122; PHI 420; PSY 215; SSC 321; SW 202, 203; THE 300. 202, 203;
THE 300.