Sociology

Associate Dean: Justin McBrayer
Email: jpmcbrayer@fortlewis.edu

Department Chair: Keri Brandt
Email: brandt_k@fortlewis.edu

Professor: Keri Brandt, Rebecca Clausen and Janine Fitzgerald
Associate Professors: Benjamin Waddell
Assistant Professors: Carolina Alonso and David Vasquez-Hurtado
Lecturer: Katherine Smith

Sociology and Human Services seeks to explore how our individual and collective biographies intersect history within society. The relationships between social structure and individual consciousness, historical processes and everyday life, and collective interests and individual prerogatives provide the sociological substance by which we become self-conscious. It is through the study of sociology that we become aware of the meaning of our everyday lives and recognize the extent to which we participate in the construction of social formations.

The sociological task of comprehending the relationships among individuals and groups is a significant part of any student’s educational experience. Extensive work in sociology is recommended for students planning careers in human services. Health services administration, family casework, community planning and development, and criminal justice work are typical human service careers. Moreover, an emphasis in sociology provides foundational preparation for graduate work in sociology, social work, public administration, law, journalism, and other fields. The Sociology and Human Services Department offers 4 majors: Borders & Languages, Criminology & Justice Studies, Sociology & Human Services, World Language Secondary Education.

In order to cultivate critical consciousness and active participation in processes of development and change in society, the Sociology and Human Services curriculum is organized to facilitate the integration of theory (reflection) and practice (action). The Block Internship provides extensive opportunities for engaging in this integration through field experience.

The World Languages Education Major gives high-quality academic preparation to students who wish to become K-12 Spanish teachers licensed by the State of Colorado. This option is extremely demanding and requires careful planning and advising. Students choosing this option should consult an Sociology mentor as early as possible in their careers, and should read the Teacher Education Licensure Program section of this catalog for the steps and requirements for applying to the Teacher Education Licensure Program and requirements for completing the program.

A minor in Criminology and Justice Studies Minor , Sociology and Human Services Minor , and Borders and Languages Minor are available for students majoring in other disciplines.

Block Internship Program

The Block Internship program is required for each major within Sociology and Human Services department. The Block is designed to integrate 15 credits of course work with a community-based internship and/or a community-based research project. The goal of the program is to provide an educational experience in which academic study is integrated around, and driven by, a community-based project. Placements and projects are organized according to student interest. While the schedule for internship hours varies according to the needs of the particular placement, students are expected to work approximately 20 hours per week in their project or internships. In addition, students are responsible for completing all of the assigned coursework, most of which will be integrated into a single, final portfolio. Students will be assigned to one of the participating Sociology and Human Services faculty members who will serve as the students’ primary mentor in both the academic and community-based work. Students enrolled in the Block Program should not be enrolled in any other courses while taking the Block.

Majors

Borders and Languages Major
Criminology and Justice Studies Major
Sociology and Human Services Major
World Languages Education Major

Minors

Borders and Languages Minor
Criminology and Justice Studies Minor
Sociology and Human Services Minor

Certificate

Gerontology Certificate