Getting to know: Foundations, Social Policy and Research Connecting through collaboration across a growing graduate college Building connections among Concordia University Chicago master’s and doctoral programs is the Department of Foundations, Social Policy and Research. Established in July 2009 within the College of Graduate and Innovative Programs, the department encompasses a collaborative faculty team working with other departments and colleges to create and implement course, curricula, programs and capstone experiences. “We connect programs by providing a measure of consistency among all of Concordia’s masters and doctoral programs,” says Simeon Stumme, PhD, assistant professor and chair of foundations, social policy and research. Foundations, social policy and research are three complementary dimensions to the multiple fields of study CUC provides, Stumme explains. “We connect programs by providing a measure of consistency among all of Concordia’s masters and doctoral programs.” — Simeon Stumme, PhD “Foundations is the place where philosophical and theoretical perspectives are explicitly connected to issues of practice,” he says. “Social policy is a public policy lens through which societal systems, institutions and issues can be evaluated, analyzed and problematized. Research involves a systematic process of collecting and analyzing information to increase understanding of a phenomenon under study.” The department’s seven full-time faculty all focus on these dimensions in developing coursework while sharing leadership responsibilities. The department chair position is a two-year, rotating position, first held by Amanda Maddocks, PhD, associate professor of foundations, social policy and research and executive director of doctoral programs. Currently, Stumme serves as chair. “Everybody has a voice,” says Stumme. “We come together to the table and reach a consensus within our department, which allows us to develop strong programs and courses.” Among the courses created are “Philosophical and Theoretical Foundations of Education,” “Philosophy of Scientific Knowledge,” “Introduction to Research and Methods” and “Materials for Teaching in a Bilingual Classroom.” New programs in the works The department is working on implementing a new doctoral program and two new master’s programs. The doctoral program will allow students to receive a doctorate in transcultural and transnational education. “This type of program is underrepresented,” says Isabel Nuñez, PhD, associate professor of foundations, social policy and research. “Marketing research has shown there aren’t similar programs in the Chicagoland area.” The program provides a comparison of education systems throughout the world and education on diverse students in the U.S. Ultimately, students graduating with the degree will become experts in the education of immigrant students in the United States, or can develop programs in international education. Meanwhile, a new master’s program in education advocacy for non-educators seeks to give non-teachers frameworks for understanding education. The interdisciplinary program will offer coursework in business, counseling, foundations and curriculum and instruction. A second new master’s degree, critical studies in education, encompasses critical thinking and pedagogy. Through the academically rigorous program, students will critically analyze trends in education examining philosophy, social science, sociology and other perspectives. The department has also collaborated with others throughout the University to create new courses, such as an international studies course to send undergraduate students abroad, social justice perspectives and introduction to research. “We’re constantly working with each other and other departments to imagine, develop and contribute to the ‘Innovation’ in the College of Graduate and Innovative Programs,” saysPamela Konkol, PhD, associate professor of foundations, social policy and research. Meet the department The faculty of the Department of Foundations, Social Policy and Research encompass a range of research interests and degrees earned. In addition to serving on multiple CUC committees, they are heavily involved in organizations and research projects outside the University. — Cynthia Grant PhD, assistant professor of foundations, social policy and research and interim coordinator of Vision 2020: Tomorrow’s Promise — Pamela Konkol, PhD, associate professor of foundations, social policy and research — Jie Lin, PhD, associate professor of foundations, social policy and research — Amanda Maddocks, PhD, associate professor of foundations, social policy and research and executive director of doctoral programs — Gregory Michie, PhD, professor of foundations, social policy and research — Isabel Nuñez, PhD, associate professor of foundations, social policy and research — Simeon Stumme, PhD, assistant professor of foundations, social policy and research and chair, department of foundations, social policy and research