After entering the program, students fulfill the Certificate and Major requirements utilizing TWU courses. We recommend students take the first Leading Courses, Introduction to Sociology, at an early point in the program. This course may be transferred in from earlier studies or taken at any time with TWU on-line or through an occasional face-to-face offering at the Bellingham campus. The other Leading Course, Lifelong Learning Strategies, is designed for all learners and will be effective in setting a strong foundation for the Adult Degree Completion Program. It, too, is offered many times during the year.
The practicum, which is fulfilled in the workplace, is a distinctive feature of the program and helps students apply the theory courses to real world settings. The practicum courses also relate directly to the Research Methods and Senior Thesis classes. Together, these courses serve as a practical thread that will provide the student with relevant skill training and theoretical application.
Leading Courses
UNIV 301-Lifelong Learning Strategies (2 sem. hrs.)
Designed to prepare the adult learner for personal learning success for life, this course is essential also for becoming familiar with the Bellingham instructional format. Contents include: building a personal knowledge profile, theories of adult development and personal learning styles, advanced learning competencies, researching and writing skills (use of APA style) and internship development.
SOCIOLOGY 101 Introduction to Sociology (3 sem. hrs.)
An introduction to the major concepts, theories, and procedures of sociological inquiry. This course broadly examines the foundations of sociology, social inequality, social institutions, and social change. Students learn about the systematic study of human society and its application in everyday life.
Certificates in Human Services or Social Services:
Nine specified courses in the degree program constitute the Human Services Certificate issued to the student at the completion of the entire program.
(Note 7 Week Courses may not be offered in the exact order in which they appear below.)
Module 1:
First 7 Week Course
Sociology 201 Introduction to Human Services (3 sem. hrs.)
An examination of the basic philosophies and social influences which underlie the helping professions and a brief review of the history of professional services workers.
Second 7 Week Course
Sociology 400 Critical Issues in Human Services (3 sem. hrs.)
This seminar explores critical issues which occur across the helping professions. Basic questions concerning human nature and the influence of society are examined.
Concurrent with First and Second 7 Week Course
Sociology 320 Human Services Field Placement (3 sem. hrs.)
A supervised practical experience with a community or social agency related to the student's interest and /or future plans. Readings, written assignments and group meetings help students reflect on and integrate knowledge with practical experience.
Module 2:
First 7 Week Course
Sociology 221 Marriage and Family (3 sem. hrs.)
A course designed from the viewpoint of a young adult considering basic patterns of dating, courtship, marriage and family relationships. Class discussions and lectures emphasize issues relative to successful relationships within the family.
Second 7 Week Course
Sociology 252 Contemporary Social Issues (3 sem. hrs.)
An examination of the complex nature of issues confronting individuals groups and society at large. An examination of the various situations which produce these issues, the social symptoms that result and an evaluation of possible solutions to social problems.
Concurrent with First and Second 7 Week Course
Psychology 322 Research Methods (3 sem. hrs.)
Issues and methods related to the conduct and analysis of psychological research. Internal and external validity, experimental and quasi-experimental designs, research ethics, and analysis of variance. Projects involve both library and emperical research components.
Module 3:
First 7 Week Course
Sociology 390 Selected Issues in Sociology (3 sem. hrs.)
An examination of the ideas of a particular theorist, school of thought or conflicting theories within the behavioral sciences; or an examination of particular sociological issues from a theoretical or empirical perspective.
Second 7 Week Course
Sociology 355 Community Development (3 sem. hrs.)
The goal of this course is to clarify thinking about the use of the term 'community,' to explore the role of community in contemporary society, and to consider societal and cultural factors that either promote or undermine the building of community.
Concurrent with First and Second 7 Week Course
Sociology 411 Human Services Field Placement (3 sem. hrs.)
Supervised field placement in an approved social services setting.
Module 4:
First 7 Week Course
Psychology 340 Interpersonal and Helping skills (3 sem. hrs.)
Skills for developing helping relations from a Christian perspective. A problem-management approach to helping: helping theory and skills practice.
Second 7 Week Course
Religious Studies 340 Current Issues in Biblical Theology (3 sem. hrs.)
An examination of the topics currently being discussed in biblical theology, such as the possibility and methodology of a biblical theology, apocalyptic and eschatology, covenant and election, redemption and freedom, worship, church, the righteousness of God, history, society, law and gospel, faith, canon, life and death, suffering, creation, atonement and reconciliation, sin and guilt, wisdom, and worldview.
Concurrent with First and Second 7 Week Course
Psychology 390 Special Topics in Psychology (3 sem. hrs.)
Supervised psychology practicum/field placement in an approved helping profession setting.
Module 5:
First 7 Week Course
Psychology 331 Theories of Counseling (3 sem. hrs.)
A survey of selected theories of counseling and psychotherapy; their theoretical base, view of the nature of the person, key concepts, goals, roles of therapist and client, techniques and overall effectiveness.
Second 7 Week Course
Psychology 440 Psychology of Religion (3 sem. hrs.)
An application of the tools of empirical psychology to the study of the development and function of religious experience. An analysis of the role of religious experience in the human personality. Specific religious experiences (e.g. conversion, prayer, glossolalia, miracles) are examined with a view to understanding their function in the normal individual.
Concurrent with First and Second 7 Week Course
Sociology 420 Human Services Field Placement (3 sem. hrs.)
Supervised field placement in an approved social services setting.
Module 6:
First 7 Week Course
Psychology 342 Psychology of Adolescence (3 sem. hrs.)
The physical and psychological processes that take place during adolescence. Issues of identity formation, moral development, physical development, changes in family relationships and development of independence, sexuality in adolescence, a perspective on peer relationships and pressures and anticipation of vocation preparation.
Second 7 Week Course
Psychology 330 Leadership in Organization and Small Groups (3 sem. hrs.)
Comprehensive understanding of leadership. Theories, models, facets of leadership and characteristics of effective leaders. Leadership development and current issues.
Concurrent with First and Second 7 Week Course
Psychology 497 Senior Thesis (3 sem. hrs.)
Under the supervision of the departmental faculty, students continue to conduct a careful review of the literature on a topic of their choice as well as an empirical study of some portion of the topic.
Mini Final Module: Capstone Course
Psychology 490 Personhood: An Interdisciplinary Examination of the Individual (3 sem. hrs.)
A consideration of the function of worldviews, the meaning of a Christian worldview, and the implications of a Christian worldview for the understanding of persons and their role in modern society. Inasmuch as contemporary worldviews have been shaped by historical influences from philosophy and religion, an interdisciplinary approach is taken.
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