Vincentian Poverty Studies, Minor
Program Description
Components of the VPS Minor
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| SWK 120 | Understanding & Addressing Poverty | 3 |
| Required Courses | ||
| Select one of the following: 1 | 3 | |
| Social Stratification | ||
| Social and Political Philosophy | ||
| Christian Social Responsibility | ||
| Electives | ||
| Select two elective courses. Partial list of courses that can be used to fulfill elective requirements for the minor: 2 | 6 | |
| Understanding & Addressing Poverty | ||
| Social Stratification | ||
| Social and Political Philosophy | ||
| Civil Liberties | ||
| Black Freedom Movement | ||
| Origins of the Urban Crisis | ||
| Christian Social Responsibility | ||
| Native American Culture | ||
| Social Problems | ||
| Women in Society | ||
| Race and Ethnicity | ||
| Social Change | ||
| Diversity & Soc Justice | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
- 1
Students are required to take REL 357 Christian Social Responsibility, SOC 312 Social Stratification or PHI 304 Social and Political Philosophy as part of the three core courses for the minor. Students may take each course, using one for the core requirement and the second course as the required electives.
- 2
In addition to these courses, special topic courses or other courses that will have strong poverty content may be used to fulfill the elective requirement with permission of the Director of the VPS minor.
Poverty Related Experiential Learning
This requirement may be met in several ways. For example, it could be combined with senior seminars, honors thesis courses, and various special topic courses in the student’s major. An independent study option may also be used. The primary requirement is working with an agency that provides direct services to impoverished populations for a minimum of 125 hours. Readings, reflection papers, journals, and a thesis will also be required. Students may complete the required hours during the summer (see also the Shepherd Alliance Summer Internships) and complete the thesis requirement during the fall or spring semesters.
Components of the VPS Fellow Distinction
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Course | ||
| SWK 120 | Understanding & Addressing Poverty | 3 |
Two hundred and twenty five (225) Learn and Serve documented hours in agencies that have a specific focus on working with those in poverty. Summer internships, such as the Shepherd Alliance Internship, can be used to meet this requirement.
A senior thesis that focuses on poverty in combination with the student’s major field of study must also be completed and approved by the VPS Minor Chairperson.