Sociology & Social Work

W40 Post-Apartheid Challenges in South Africa . This course is a unique opportunity to visit a country that has recently gone through massive, dramatic, largely nonviolent political change wherein political power transferred from a minority group to the majority group. The primary academic objective is to gain a firsthand knowledge and understanding of the challenges facing a post-apartheid South Africa . Students explore changes that have occurred in criminal justice, education, community health, economics, politics, and religion. This is accomplished through contact with personnel from two or more South African universities, criminal justice leaders, local politicians, common citizens, and others. These activities also develop cross-cultural awareness and interpersonal communication skills through interviews and discussions. Students are evaluated through a daily journal, oral research reports, and class participation. This course will meet the Cross Cultural Engagement (CCE) core requirement. Fee: $3254. J. Apol, M. Baker. Off campus.

W42 Forensics and the Crime Scene. 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. 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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. C. Brandsen.. 8:30 a.m. to noon.

IDIS-W12 A Voice in the Wilderness : Balancing Urban Growth, Outdoor Recreation, and Environmental Responsibility. D. DeGraaf, M. Mulder.

IDIS-W19 Jamaica : Hope for Development . L. Schwander, T. Vanden Berg.