Political Science, Social Work and Sociology

Department Mission Statement:

The mission of the Department of Political Science, Social Work and Sociology is to offer quality programs of study that support and enhance the mission of Bennett College; to provide elective courses for general education; to provide a strong academic foundation which both instills social sensitivity and develops critical thinking skills as well as qualitative and quantitative analytical skills in the fields of social work, sociology, public policy, international relations, law, and government; to provide students internships that will enable students to employ and enhance their intellectual, social, and technological skills; to prepare social work majors for entry level positions as generalist practitioners for the enhancement of the quality of life for diverse at-risk populations; to prepare students for a versatile choice of entry level positions in government, business, or non-profit organizations; and to prepare students for postgraduate work in the areas of social work, sociology, law, government, and international relations.

Students who major in Political Science or Social Work or who minor in Political Science develop the ability to:

1. Think critically using qualitative, quantitative, and statistical techniques of analysis;

2. Design and conduct independent research; 

3. Understand the political dynamics of local, national, and international level political systems;

4. Understand Social Work methods at the professional entry level for practice with individuals, groups, communities, and organizations; and

5. Understand the social dynamics of society and its various social groups, institutions, and processes.

Department Goals and Objectives:

Departmental Goal 1: Provide a strong academic foundation that develops critical thinking skills.
 

Objective 1. Teach students to think critically.

Objective 2. Increase student opportunities for scholarly development. 

Objective 3. Increase faculty opportunities for professional development.  

Objective 4. Convey to students the appropriate use of technological tools in problem solving and communications.

Departmental Goal 2: Provide students an internship which will enable students to employ and enhance their intellectual, social, and technological skills.
 

Objective 1. Advise students throughout their undergraduate careers.  

Objective 2. Increase student opportunities for practical experience as Interns with local organizations.
 

Departmental Goal 3: Prepare students for postgraduate school or for entry level positions in governmental, business, or non-profit organizations.
 

Objective 1. Increase the number of Departmental Majors.  

Objective 2. Graduate a high percentage of Majors. 

Objective 3. Create an awareness of women’s groups in the global perspective.
 Objective 4. Increase faculty grant applications. 

Objective 5. Offer assistance programs that help women make the difficult transition into post-graduate school.