Sociology Newsletter
Winter 2012
Winter 2012
- Changing China with Dr. Luo: Study Abroad
- SOC Honors Society Applications due Feb 17
- Soc Alum working with City Year Program
- Alumni News
- Graduation Procedures
Changing China with Dr. Luo: New Study Abroad Course
Dr. Luo visited Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Hangzhou (Zhejiang University), Lanzhou (Lanzhou University), and Beijing (Beijing Normal University), basically covering South, East, West, and North of China, between December 9 and December 29 to make some preliminary arrangements for her study abroad trip to China during summer 2012 (Changing China: Culture, Community, and Citizenship.)
While preparing for the exciting study-abroad course, Dr. Luo also gave a talk on research methods at Lanzhou University and a talk on women, state, and social policies at Beijing Normal University.
If you are interested in joining Dr. Luo for her summer 2012 course in China, please visit Changing China, email Dr. Luo, or visit her office at Arntzen Hall 509.
Dr. Baozhen Luo recently published “Filial Piety and Functional Support: Understanding Intergenerational Solidarity Among Families with Migrated Children in Rural China”, in Ageing International. See abstract in SpringerLink.
Dr. Luo at Lanzhou by Yellow River
Sociology Honors Society Applications Due Feb. 17
The Sociology Department here at Western houses a chapter of the International Sociology Honors Society (Alpha Kappa Delta). Every May during Scholars Week we initiate juniors and seniors who meet the qualifications and apply. It’s a lifetime membership for a one-time fee of $40, but no annual dues. (The Sociology department has set aside some limited funds to defray the cost for a few students.)
Complete theSociology Honors Society Application and return by February 17, 2012 to Jen Lois - Mail Stop 9081, or place directly in her mail box, AH 510. Questions? Jen.Lois@wwu.edu.
See the National AKD Website to find out more about it.
SOC Alum Working with City Year Program
SOC Alum Daniel Pierson is working with the City Year program. City Year is a national educational non- profit with locations in 22 cities in the US and 2 out of the country. The goal of their work is to end the drop-out crisis in inner city schools by acting as tutors, mentors, and role models. "Corps members" are 17-24 years old and about 70% have graduated from college.
Corps members get placed in elementary or middle schools at the start of the program. Early warning indicators show up as early as 3rd grade including attendance, behavior, and course performance especially in Math and English. City Year's goal is to get kids back on track in these areas so they can establish habits that will propel them through high school graduation and beyond. Corps members also try to create a positive school climate through a number of initiatives and clubs.
Daniel thinks the program is perfect for sociology students because it is a way to see how everything learned in class and in theory is happening in practice every day. "It is really an accelerated year of learning as we need to find creative solutions to problems and be actively engaged on a daily basis. I've had tons of opportunities to improve my public speaking, leadership, and writing abilities."
Daniel describes the admission process as “fairly competitive," and there are two more application dates coming up. Corps members are paid 1100 per month and an additional 200 dollars in food allocation. They also recieve a cell phone, health insurance and approximately 6 thousand dollars toward graduate school or loans. They also recieve loan forebearance while serving. Especially benefical about the program is how much City Year invests in its corps members. There are mandatory professional networking opportunities, job shadow days, and tons of information about graduate school, career paths, etc. The list of benefits not quanified in monetary terms goes on.
You can learn more about the program on City Year's website. You can also contact Daniel Pierson for more information.
Alumni News
Alicia Gleason (2010) I worked as a Program Director at the Boys and Girls Club in Anacortes from September 2010 - June 2011, and then started both of my new jobs in June. I work full time at Visions and I'm also on-call at the Whatcom County Triage/Crisis Respite Center. I'm working on getting that experience before applying to the MSW program at the UW for next fall.
Nicole Neiditz (2006) I am living in Honolulu, Hawaii and have been working as a case manager for Catholic Charities Hawaii for almost 4 years. Now my next step begins, and I plan to go back to school. I plan to apply to the MPA (Masters in Public Affairs) program at the University of Colorado, Denver.
Nick Sympson (2008) I am now in my second year at law school at Santa Clara University. Although I haven't completely nailed it down yet, I am strongly leaning towards working in criminal law, preferably (I think) in prosecution.
Graduation Procedures
Deadlines for graduation applications:
- Applications for Summer 2012 graduation are due March 9, 2012
- Late applications for Spring 2012 graduation are due May 4, 2012 (with late fee)
To apply for graduation, make an appointment with Linda Clark for a Major/Minor Evaluation. An appointment schedule is posted outside her door, AH 513; or email to set up a time (please provide your open days and times.)
Submit your Degree Application to the Registrar's Office, along with your major/minor evaluation. And celebrate!
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