Sociology & Social Work

W40 The Civil Rights Movement in the U.S. (1954–1965). The era of the Civil Rights Movement, although rooted in the history of African Americans struggling to overcome discrimination and oppression, was a distinct social and political campaign that lasted from 1954-1965. The movement emerged out of the African American church and fostered African American unity, knowledge, and courage in deconstructing racial segregation. Though the movement was conceived, created, led by African Americans, there was a significant participation from white Americans, especially students. This course focuses on analyzing the movement in terms of its leadership philosophies, tactics and strategies, and the involvement of women. The course uses tapes from the PBS documentary series Eyes on the Prize and Voices of the Civil Rights Movement: Black American Freedom Songs 1960-1966 as the framework for the course. Evaluation is based on short papers, journals, and participation. B. Omolade.

W41 The Body and Being Human. This course introduces the sociological study of the body. The body once seemed to be a fixed point of reference for the understanding of perception, ethics, and identity. But advances in medical and genetic science, reproduction technology, new techniques of body aesthetics, performance and enhancement, and the increasing perfectibility of the body have changed its symbolic significance. New social contexts have given rise to new social constructions, leaving people uncertain about how to regard the body and its relation to the self. This course acquaints students with the changing social significance of the body and the resulting social, legal, and ethical implications. Class sessions include lectures, guest speakers, film, and discussion. Students focus on a number of relevant topics such as ideals and implications of beauty standards, tattoos, advertising, new medical technologies, the market for body tissues, disability, and techniques for body enhancement. Evaluation is based on group projects and presentations. J. Tatum.

W42 The Megachurch. The megachurch is a relatively recent arrival on the American religious landscape. These churches attract thousands using a vast array of service options. But is bigger better? This course provides a sociological examination of the megachurch as a unique new form of congregation. Students consider the contours and consequences of these very large, complex organizations. Class sessions involve lecture, guest speakers, and discussion. Lectures and course readings introduce central concepts, theories, and methods for studying congregations. The leaders of large churches from the area visit class as guest speakers. In addition, students select one megachurch in the area to examine as a case study. Through class discussions and observational research, students prepare a final paper and participate in a public presentation of research findings. K. Dougherty.

W43 Forensics: Advanced Criminal Investigations. This course is a study in the theories and techniques related to the discovery and preservation of physical evidence as applied to the criminal justice process. Attention focuses on the legal admissibility of evidence under Michigan law. Students also examine the relationship of science, religion, and faith as applied to the criminal justice arena. The course is structured around lectures, off-campus local site visits, and a study of an actual criminal investigation, which utilized the scientific process of forensics. Student evaluation is based on a journal regarding site visits and lectures and a workbook detailing the investigation process. C. Buquet.

SOWK 381 Integrative Studies Seminar (four semester hours). This course requires students to integrate the content of courses in the social work major and the practicum experience. Students draw on core concepts and principles from the profession and from the Christian faith as they discuss issues associated with professional role and identity. Prerequisites: Social Work 371, 372, 373, admission to the B.S.W. program, and satisfactory completion of the practicum admission process. S. Diepstra.

IDIS W26 Knitting: Creativity, Community, and Social Support. C. Brandsen, C. Kok, D. Vander Pol.

IDIS W27 Kicking at the Darkness: Social Justice, Spiritual Longing, and U2. M. Mulder.

IDIS W51 A Grand Rapids CCE Experience. L. Schwander.

IDIS W62 Culture, Family Life, and Social Services in Central Mexico. B Hugen.