In addition to offering a degree in sociology, the department also offers degrees in social work and coursework in anthropology.

Sociology studies the principles of group relationships, social institutions, and the influence of the group on the individual. Urban, cross-cultural, criminology and/or family studies are some possible groupings within sociology that majors might want to pursue.

Social Work studies the theory and practice principles related to generalist, social work practice.

Anthropology studies the cultural values of peoples around the world and how these values become expressed in specific behavioral patterns.

Programs in the department lead to a departmental major in sociology, a minor in sociology, a major in social work leading to a Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) degree, and a minor in social work.

For admission to the major program, a student must complete Sociology 151 with a minimum grade of "C" (2.0).

Professors

Cheryl Kreykes Brandsen, Lissa Schwander (Social Work Practicum Coordinator), Beryl Hugen (Director of Social Work), Michelle Loyd-Paige, Todd Vanden Berg (Department Chair)

Associate Professor

Kurt Ver Beek

Assistant Professors

Sheila Bluhm, Martin Hughes, Mark Mulder, Lissa Schwander, Jeffery Tatum

REQUIRED COURSES:

Sociology Major:

• Sociology 151 Sociological Principles and Perspectives
• Sociology 255 Statistics and Research Design
• Sociology 318 Sociological Theory
• Sociology 320 Social Research
• Sociology 395 Capstone
• Six electives

Sociology Minor:

• Sociology 151
• Six electives

Secondary Ed. Sociology Minor:

• Sociology 151
• Interdisciplinary 205
• Sociology 253
• Sociology 304
• Psychology 310
• One from Sociology 255 or 318
• One other Sociology elective
  

Students who spend a semester at the Chicago Metropolitan Center may apply some of that work to a departmental major or minor.

HONORS:

To graduate with Honors in Sociology, a student must apply to the honors program and must meet the following criteria:

1. Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 (3.5 beginning with the class of 2007) within the major as well as overall and a total of six honors courses (18 hours minimum) overall, including at least three honors courses outside the major;
2. At least three honors courses within Sociology;
3. Completion of an honors thesis in Sociology 395, including a public presentation of results whenever appropriate;
4. Honors students are encouraged to participate in department seminars and colloquia, when appropriate.

The department's honors advisor is Professor Vanden Berg.

INTERNSHIPS:

Sociology majors who have demonstrated ability in their sociology courses are invited to apply for an internship placement during their senior year. Sociology 380 offers a three-semester-hour credit experience in a professional setting delivering applied sociology or research services. Professional settings include agencies in the fields of criminal justice, cross-cultural development, family service, gerontology, mental health, and urban planning. Internships can provide important background for later employment and graduate school. Interested students should contact Mark Mulder.

INTERIM:

Calvin offers an interim term in January during which students devote full-time study to a single course. The Sociology Department has offered such interesting and innovative courses as Organized Crime, Violent Crime, White Collar Crime, Community Organization in Inner City Areas, The Planned Family, Divorce, and MIssionary Anthropology. Departmental staff members have also taught interim classes in Liberia, Nigeria, Kenya, and Belize, Central America. Students may meet one of the nine course requirements for the major with an interim course.

THE CHICAGO METROPOLITAN STUDY CENTER PROGRAM:

This program allows sociology majors to do a semester of work for full academic credit at the Chicago Metropolitan Study Center. According to their vocational interests, students are assigned to internship positions in schools, social agencies, community organizations, businesses, and government offices. Students also participate in seminars on metropolitan studies, research methods, and values perspectives, and take a course from the humanities.

Interested in Social Work?