Special Education    |    Sociology   |    Social Studies Education     |    Social Work   |   Spanish

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SPECIAL EDUCATION

(School of Education)

SED 403 Introduction to Special Education Three hours
This course will provide information and knowledge regarding models, theorists, and philosophies that form the basis of special education. The family systems and the role of families in the education process will be studied with specific emphasis on culturally diverse groups. Issues related to due process will be addressed within a continuum of services. A primary research project will be conducted regarding the variations in beliefs and values across cultures and their effects on relationships among individuals with exceptional learning needs.

SED 404 Emotional Disturbance and Behavioral Disorders    Three hours 

Enables master teachers to understand interconnections between biological, cognitive, social, and emotional dimensions of emotional and behavioral disorders. The interplay of race, gender, social class, and ethnicity with factors of family structure, peer relationships, and school experiences will be researched and reported through oral and written presentations.

SED 405 Curriculum and Methods in Learning & Behavior Disorders P-12    Three hours 

Provides opportunities for investigating research-based best practices exploring the advantages/limitations of instructional strategies and practices for teaching individuals with emotional/behavioral disorders. Candidates will examine how technology, media, resources, and materials may be used to maximize teaching effectiveness in the classroom. Emphasis is on constructing unit lessons, lesson presentations, and evaluation of student progress. Candidates will develop lesson plans that accommodate the needs of learners with disabilities and that provide differentiated learning experiences. Designing instructional strategies for diversity in culture and in learning styles, adapting commercial and teacher-made materials, assessing learner progress, and using technology to enhance instruction are studied in depth. Primary graduate study will address the resources and techniques used to transition individuals with emotional/behavioral disorders into and out of school and post-school environments.

SED 406 Behavior Management of Children & Youth with Learning and Behavior Problems    Three hours 

This course is designed to provide students with knowledge and understanding of behavioral assessment and intervention strategies that have been effective for individuals with emotional/behavioral disorders across the age range. Students will learn to (a) identify and assess problem behavior, (b) design and implement behavioral interventions, (c) design learning environments that will prevent problem behaviors, and (d) apply behavioral procedures in educational settings. Primary research project will address the collaborative and consultative roles of the special education teacher in the reintegration of individuals with emotional/behavioral disorders.

SED 407 Theories of Reading and Educational Practices P-12     Three hours

This course will concentrate on the best practices for teaching reading to students with learning and behavioral difficulties. Candidates will conduct research on literacy problems in the United States and examine reading approaches for students with reading difficulties. Understanding of best practice strategies for teaching of reading will be applied through a research paper project.

SED 408 Prescriptive and Instructional Methods    Three hours 

This course will explore strategies for teaching skills and content areas, such as reading, mathematics, social studies, oral and written language, and study skills to students with learning and behavioral disorders. The course will provide instruction in designing goals and objectives anchored in both general and special curricula. Primary graduate project will reflect candidates understanding of instructional planning in a collaborative context including individuals with exceptionalities, families, professional colleagues, and personnel from other agencies. This course will require a 10-hour field experience component.

SED 409 Classroom Management     Three hours
This course will assist the candidate teachers in developing research-based strategies for creating and managing a classroom environment that maximizes student learning and prevents potential problems. Topics for in-depth study include: effective schools research; teacher behavior and management techniques; discipline theories; conferencing and referrals; observation, reporting, and communication skills. Candidates will observe, record, and analyze both teacher and student behaviors as they relate to the instructional program and learning environment during the required 10 Field/Service Learning Hours. An action research paper will require the candidate to exam classroom management models.

SED 410 Teaching Mathematics to Children & Youth with LBD    Three hours 
The primary focus of this course is an in-depth examination of the teaching of mathematics to children with learning and behavioral disorders. The overall contexts in which these researched-based best practices are considered aa the national curricular reforms in mathematics. Clearly, this course primarily attends to domains of pedagogy, and its relationship to subject matter, curriculum, and pedagogical content knowledge. Specific attention is provided in this course to the teaching that responds to the reform recommendations identified by National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). Candidates will demonstrate their understanding of best practice mathematics instruction through a case-study project.

SED 411 Assessment and Instructional Methods     Three hours
This course will provide participants with an understanding and informed use of assessment data. It focuses on policies and procedures involved in the screening, diagnosis, and placement of individuals with emotional/behavioral disorders including academic and social behaviors. The primary research project will involve the assessment of appropriate and problematic social behaviors of individuals with EBD.

SED 412 Developmental Reading in Middle and High School     Three hours
This course studies the development of reading skills in the content areas, interpretation of formal and informal assessments, readability formulas, instruction in study skills, and diagnostic teaching of students with reading difficulties.

SED 413 Introduction to Learning Disabilities     Three hours
This course will provide information focusing on the identification, instruction, and assessment of individuals with specific learning disabilities and learning differences. Special emphasis will be placed on the etiologies of learning disabilities and the medical factors that may impact the learning of individuals with learning disabilities. Participants will learn the psychological, social, and emotional characteristics of individuals with learning disabilities. A primary research project explores the impact learning disabilities may have on auditory processing skills and phonological awareness as they relate to individual reading abilities.

SED 414 Student Teaching     Twelve hours
Student teachers spend 12 weeks in a primary, middle or high school classroom setting. They will have opportunity to translate theory learned in professional studies into practice while teaching in their areas of certification and under the guidance of a cooperating teacher and university supervisor.

SED 402 Foundation Courses: Design for Teaching    Twelve hours 
This course experience is designed to familiarize the candidate with the broad field of education. Emphasis is given the historical, philosophical, and social foundations of education through research activities. In-depth study of developmental and learning theories will be conducted. Also candidates will demonstrate proficiency in instructional technology applications in the classroom. This block will include lecture, in-class presentations, role-playing, case studies, video analysis, guest speakers, cooperative learning tasks, and a variety of writing activities.

SOCIOLOGY

(College of Arts and Sciences)

SOC 110 Introduction to Sociology Three hours
An introduction to sociology as a discipline. The sociological perspective will be used to examine social groups, structure, and institutions, as well as everyday human interaction.

SOC 215 Human Interaction Three hours
See PSY 215

SOC 225 Social Stratification and Mobility Three hours
This course deals with the process of social mobility and the social stratification structure in society. Prerequisite: SOC 110.

SOC 230 Social Problems Three hours
This course investigates patterns, dynamics, and consequences of discrimination, economic deprivation, oppression, and populations at risk. It looks at the changing attitudes and practices of family, institution, and cultural values and also explores deviant behavior and the underlying effects on humanity.

SOC 235 Criminology Three hours
See CJ 235 for description of course.

SOC 312 Organizational Behavior Three hours
See BA 312 for description.

SOC 321 Cultural Geography and Anthropology Three hours
Students explore the interplay of natural environment, social organization, and culture. Emphasis is on the diverse ways that ethnicity emerges as various human groups adjust to locale in which they live.

SOC 331 Marriage and Family Three hours
An examination of marriage and the family, historically and conventionally from a social scientific and Christian perspective. Topics include, but are not limited to, dating, marriage, value selection, impact of family on society, childbirth, and changing family dynamics. See also HE 331. Prerequisites: SOC 110 or consent of instructor.

SOC 332 Juvenile Delinquency Three hours
See CJ 332 for description of course.

SOC 333 Group Dynamics Three hours
See PSY 333 for description of course. Prerequisite: PSY 111.

SOC 340 Sociology of Religion Three hours
The study of religion as an institution. An examination of how such factors as history, ethnicity, denominationalism, church polity, and doctrine shape religious belief and impact society. Particular attention will be given to the study of Christianity in America and around the world.

SOC 341 Social Psychology Three hours
See PSY 341 for description of course. Prerequisites: SOC 110; PSY 111.

SOC 342 Race and Ethnic Relations Three hours
This course will examine inter- and intra-group relationships between various racial and ethnic groups in America. Particular attention will be given to the causes, consequences, and reduction of prejudice and discrimination. Prerequisites: SOC 110; PSY 111; or consent of instructor.

SOC 343 Gender Studies Three hours
This course examines the roots, nature, and social construction of gender. It will focus on psychological and sociological issues related to the roles assumed by males and females in contemporary society. Topics include theoretical issues, as well as causes and consequences of differentiation between women and men in areas such as power, communication, and labor force participation.

SOC 361 Social Statistics Three hours
See POL 361 for description of course.

SOC 362 Methods of Research Three hours
See POL 362 for description of course.

SOC 371 Public Opinion Three hours
See POL 371 for description of course. Prerequisites: POL 110; SOC 110; or consent of instructor.

SOC 375/485 Practicum One to Four hours
Supervised learning experiences in various professional settings, including social agencies. May be applied to major or minor. Approval of instructor, Divisional Chair, and Vice President for Academic Affairs must be granted prior to the experience. Prerequisite: Upper division major or minor in sociology in good standing.

SOC 380/480 Selected Topics One to Three hours
A survey and discussion of advanced topics in sociology. May be repeated for credit up to six hours. Prerequisite: SOC 110.

SOC 400 Selected Topics Three hours
This course includes topics of individual interest and need. Course may be repeated for credit provided that topics differ.

SOC 413 Sociology of Deviant Behavior Three hours
This course is a study of theoretical and empirical approaches to the analysis of deviance. It will include societal reactions and deviant responses to various types of behavior that occur outside of cultural expectations.

SOC 415 Family Violence Three hours
This course presents an overview of family violence in our society, along with theories and research on various types of domestic violence including spouse abuse, child abuse, and elder abuse.

SOC 425 Death, Dying, and Bereavement Three hours
See SWK 425 for description of course.

SOC 431 Civil Liberties Three hours
See CJ 431 for description of course.

SOC 473 Social Theory Three hours
This course examines the important sociological theorists in their study of human society. The prominent theorists such as Marx, Durkheim, Weber, Mead, and Parsons will be studied. Prerequisite: SOC 110.

SOC 390/490 Independent Study Two or Three hours
This course requires a research paper using primary source material and an oral presentation to the division faculty. Limited to students majoring in sociology or social science area in senior year. To enroll, students must have a 3.25 overall standing, 3.50 in major field, show promise in field of sociology and be able to do research, if necessary. Prerequisite: SOC 110.

SOC 460 Aging Three hours
See PSY 460 for description of course.

SOCIAL STUDIES EDUCATION

SSE 444 Teaching Social Studies in Middle and Secondary Schools      Three hours 
This course is divided into four parts. Part one presents the problem of teaching method (that is, how to select the most suitable strategy and tactics in view of the educational situation) and some of the variables that contribute to that problem. Part two is concerned with how to carry out various general strategies and techniques. Part three makes specific suggestions for organizing and teaching courses in the various disciplines. Part four teaches where to find and how to utilize various materials and tools of instruction.

SOCIAL WORK

Carver School of Social Work and Counseling

SWK 210 Introduction to Social Work     Three hours
An introduction to the practice of generalist social work. Historical and contemporary principles of the profession are explored as well as an overview of the theoretical perspectives that inform the profession. Basic social work knowledge and values are reviewed along with the fields of practice. This course is designed to familiarize students with the social work curriculum and profession as well as help them decide if they wish to pursue social work as an area of emphasis.

SWK 220 Practice I     Three hours
This course provides basic skills necessary to perform generalist social work practice with systems of all sizes but primarily focuses on micro systems with individuals and families. The problem-solving process is introduced and practiced using a strengths model as the foundation for intervention. Students learn to define issues, collect and assess data; plan and contract, identify alternative, implement action, and monitor outcomes with pseudo clients from diverse backgrounds. Fifteen clock hours of volunteer work will be required along with classroom instruction, discussion, and interaction. Prerequisite: SWK 210 and acceptance into the program major.

SWK 310 Social Policy and Planning     Three hours
This interactive course will examine current social welfare policy and explore how social workers can become agents of change at the local, state, national, and international level. Historical and current patterns of social service delivery systems will be analyzed to gain insight about the relationship between social policy and social work practice. Social work roles that lead to empowerment will be highlighted. Course format will be interactive utilizing classroom debate and presentation, simulation games, field trips, and outside speakers. Open to non-majors.

SWK 311 Human Behavior and the Social Environment I     Three hours
This course provides content about theories and knowledge of human bio-psycho-social development from micro, mezzo, and macro system levels. Values, ethics, and spiritual issues related to development are also explored. Birth through late adolescence will be investigated. Prerequisite courses include PSY 111, BIO 110, and SOC 110. Prerequisite: SWK 210 (for students with a social work area)

SWK 312 Human Behavior and the Social Environment II     Three hours
This course is the second in a two-part series about human behavior and the social environment. It explicates the bio- psycho-social-spiritual aspects of aging adults. Prerequisite courses include: SWK 311 or permission from the instructor.

SWK 315 Crisis Intervention     Three hours
Many social service and divinity professionals are hurled into the position of assisting and providing counsel to persons experiencing acute situational and interpersonal stress. This course explores crisis intervention theory, research, and practice. The principle goal is to provide students with a crisis intervention model applicable to all people in crisis. Open to non-majors.

SWK 340 Practice II     Three hours
The problem-solving process acquired during Practice I (SWK 220) is built upon and expanded to include practice with families and groups from differing social, cultural, racial, religious, spiritual, and class backgrounds. This course explores all system levels but primarily focuses practice on micro and mezzo systems. The process of evaluation and termination is explored in greater detail complementing the concurrently taught research methods course.


SWK 342 Human Diversity     Three hours
This course is designed to assist students to successfully manage interpersonal relationships with people from differing cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Emphasis will be placed on the social systems, value orientations, and lifestyles of major ethnic minorities in the United States, along with the effects of prejudice, discrimination, and racism. Students will be expected to explore their own ethnicity and develop a greater understanding of one’s origin. In addition, this course will review denominational differences, religion, and the Appalachian region. Open to non-majors.

SWK 350 Values and Ethics in Social Work     Three hours
An overview of social work values and ethics with an emphasis on their application in professional practice. Special attention will be given to ethical dilemmas faced by social workers. This course examines Judeao-Christian values and ethics and how they interact, parallel or come into conflict with the ethics and values of the social work profession.

SWK 355 Faith-Based Social Services and Ministries     Three hours
This course prepares students to work in church and faith-based organizations. This course is an introduction to the nature of faith-based social services and social ministries. Content includes spirituality assessment tools, the Biblical and theological basis for faith-based social services, various models for faith-based services and recent government initiatives/policies related to faith-based services.

SWK 360 Child Abuse and Neglect     Three hours
This is the first of two required courses for child welfare certification. It is open to all students.

SWK 365 Quantitative Statistics and Research     Three hours
Methods for Social Work
This course demonstrates linkages between theory and research, the role of research in investigating theory, logic applied in the research process, stages of the research process, strategies and techniques in data collection, the major approaches to data analysis, and methods for preparing a research proposal. The primary focus is on quantitative methods.

SWK 366 Qualitative Statistics and Research     Three hours
Methods for Social Work
This course explores issues related to the qualitative research and presents the foundations and techniques of carrying out qualitative research. This course introduces the five qualitative traditions of inquiry (biography, phenomenological, grounded theory, ethnography, and case study). Topics include theoretical foundations, planning for a qualitative research project, ethics of conducting research, data collection and analysis, and writing/presenting qualitative research. This course requires a research project involving participant observation and/or interviewing.

SWK 370 Child Abuse and Interventions     Three hours
This is the second of two required courses for child welfare certification. It is open to all students.

SWK 410 Field Instruction     Twelve hours
This course requires two hours of weekly classroom seminar. Field education is designed, coordinated, supervised, and evaluated on the basis of criteria by which students demonstrate the achievement of social work program objectives. Students spend a minimum of 500 clock hours during the last semester of their senior year at an approved practicum setting that meets the criteria for social work field education as stated by the Council on Social Work Education. Application for field instruction must be processed and approved the semester before registering for SWK 410. Prerequisites are: All social work courses except SWK 450 which can be taken concurrently. Social work majors only.

SWK 414 Introduction to Counseling     Three hours
See PSY 414 for course description.

SWK 425 Death, Dying and Bereavement     Three hours
This course is designed to provide both theoretical and experiential exposure to the diverse population experiencing death, dying, and bereavement. Values and ethics of professional practice are explored as well as social and economic issues that interact with the aspects of dying.

SWK 444 Practice with Families     Three hours
This is an elective seminar for persons interested in working with families of various compositions. Family systems theory, family life cycle, strengths and needs assessment, therapeutic techniques for intervention, and social support systems will be addressed.

SWK 450 Practice III     Three hours
This course will instruct the generalist social work student on developing and conducting interventions with macro structures. Students will explore and practice evaluating and intervening with organizations and communities. Practice III prepares students to identify the need, develop, administer, and evaluate programs that serve clients from diverse social, cultural, racial, religious, spiritual, and class backgrounds by using a strengths perspective for service development. Prerequisite: SWK 340.

SWK 460 Aging     Three hours
This is an interdisciplinary baccalaureate level service-learning course that will explore a wide variety of issues relating to aging. This course will provide an opportunity for the student to learn about the aged by providing exposure to the aged individual, their families, and their social groups. In addition, this course will explore the physical, emotional, psychological, social, and sexual activities of the aged, and we will visit various types of home and community-based services for older adults.

SWK 480 Special Topics for Seminar     Three hours
This course is a survey and discussion of selected advanced topics in the field of generalist social work practice. May be repeated for credit up to six hours.

SWK 490 Independent Study One to     Three hours
This course requires a research paper in an area of social work practice that is consistent with the student’s area of emphasis and for which no formal courses are offered. To qualify for this course the student must be a social work major, have senior standing, a minimum of 2.80 grade point average in social work courses, permission of the professor directing the study, and permission of the Dean of the Carver School of Social Work.

SPANISH

(College of Arts and Sciences)

SPA 101 Spanish Culture and Language Three hours
A conversational approach to the study of Spanish culture and civilization. Everyday topics, cultural differences and phrases useful when traveling in a Spanish-speaking country will be learned through lecture, discussion and various language activities. Note: This course will not count toward the foreign language requirement for the B.A.

SPA 111 Elementary Spanish I Three hours
An introductory course in the Spanish language. Grammar, conversation, reading and writing are emphasized by means of pattern drills, exercises, and tapes accompanying the textbook.

SPA 112 Elementary Spanish II Three hours
A continuation of SPA 111. Prerequisite: SPA 111 or equivalent.

SPA 211 Intermediate Spanish I Three hours
A continuation of the study of the Spanish language by means of further grammar study; readings and discussions in Spanish of various cultural presentations; and conversational practice in class and in the laboratory. Prerequisite: SPA 112 or equivalent.


SPA 212 Intermediate Spanish II Three hours
A continuation of SPA 211. Prerequisite: SPA 211 or equivalent.

SPA 311 Advanced Composition and Conversation Three hours
This course is designed to develop ability to speak and write Spanish. Prerequisite: SPA 212 or equivalent.

SPA 321-322 Survey of Spanish Literature Six hours
This course is a survey of the outstanding Spanish writers from the beginning to the present. Prerequisite: SPA 311 or equivalent.

SPA 390/490 Independent Study One to Three hours
Superior students who have completed Survey of Spanish Literature I (SPA 321) may apply to the chair to do independent reading in the Spanish language. All independent study must be directed by a member of the language faculty.