SWK 201 (Cross-listed with SOC/CRJ/201)
SOCIAL PROBLEMS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
3 credits
Elective only
An exploration of how social conflict and social organization affect human and societal well-being. Topics: mental health, personal safety, economic well-being, and intergroup relations in an industrial society and a developing nation.
SWK 160 (F (Day) S (Evening))
INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK
3 credits
This survey course provides an overview of the social work profession, the social welfare system, social work methods, and fields of practice. A basic understanding of human needs, of diverse populations at risk in society, and of the social service delivery system is provided. The student is introduced to advocacy as a basic component of social work. This course includes a 40-hour service-learning component.
RELATIONSHIPS AND SEXUALITY
3 credits
Elective only
This course is designed for social work and other undergraduate students to explore issues in relationships and human sexuality. This course examines human sexuality from a bio-psycho-socio-spiritual perspective within a developmental framework. The student examines and clarifies personal and societal values regarding human sexuality, assesses the relationship between personal and professional social work values, and develops fundamental skills for social work practice with issues of relationships and sexuality.
SPECIAL TOPICS
3 credits
Elective only
This course is designed to address contemporary issues in generalist social work practice. Topics include gerontology, mental health, child welfare, family violence, drug and alcohol intervention, and social and economic justice. Students are advised to check with the Program Director about current offerings and to provide suggestions for future topics.
SWK 280 (F (Day) F of 2009 (Evening))
HUMAN BEHAVIOR IN THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT I
3 credits
This course is the first of a two-part sequence that examines the development of the person-in-environment. The course focuses on the development of individuals and families in the context of biological, social, psychological, spiritual, and cultural components. The student completes a 20-hour service-learning experience. Advocacy is stressed as a tool for promoting optimal conditions for the well-being of individuals and families. Prerequisites or concurrent with SOC 150, PSY 155, BIO 158. Students who have not completed the prerequisites may take the course only with prior written permission of the instructor.
SWK 281 (S (Day) S of 2010 (Evening))
HUMAN BEHAVIOR IN THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT II
3 credits
This course provides an examination of theories of group, organization, and community development. The reciprocal relationship between the individual and these systems is emphasized. The student completes a 20-hour service-learning experience. Advocacy within the context of organizations is presented. Prerequisite: SWK 280 or written permission of the instructor
SWK 290 (F (Day) Summer I of 2008 and 2010 (Evening))
SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY I
3 credits
This course provides a historical examination of the development of the social welfare system in the United States and societal values as they impact on policy formulation and implementation. Historical traditions of auspices of social service delivery are explored, including the public agency, private nonprofit, and private for-profit organizations. The role of religion in the development of social welfare policies and programs in the United States is examined. Examples of the historical impact of advocacy are presented.
SWK 291 (S (Day) Summer II of 2008 and 2010 (Evening))
SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY II
3 credits
This course explores contemporary social welfare policy in the United States, including income supports, health, aging, child welfare, mental health, and family policy. The role of the political process in policy formulation and the impact of social welfare policies on diverse populations and populations at risk is examined. Global interconnections of oppression also are explored. Advocacy is stressed as a lifelong responsibility of social workers. Prerequisites: SWK 290, POL 151 (POL 151 may be taken concurrently), or written permission of the instructor
DELINQUENCY AND JUVENILE JUSTICE
3 credits
Elective only
Comparative and historical survey of juvenile delinquency and juvenile justice. Study of the nature, magnitude, and social location of youth crime; analysis of causal theories; overview of programs aimed at delinquency prevention and control.
SWK 340 (F (Day) F of 2009 (Evening))
PREPARATION FOR PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
3 credits
This course is designed to prepare the student for the practicum in social work. The course provides an examination of theories that inform social work practice and orients the student to the field practicum process. It familiarizes the student with the roles of the student intern and with skills for the helping relationship. The role of advocacy in social work is stressed. Students enrolled in SWK 340 apply for formal admission to the Social Work Program and must be accepted in order to proceed to SWK 341 and SWK 381. Prerequisite: SWK 160, SWK 280 (SWK 280 may be taken concurrently)
SWK 341 (S (Day) Spring of 2010 (Evening))
GENERALIST SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE I
3 credits
The first of three courses in the Social Work Practice sequence, this course focuses on the process of assessment in generalist social work practice. Skills are developed in initiating the social work relationship, assessing client strengths and challenges, advocating for individuals and families, and constructing action plans. Prerequisites: SWK 340, SWK 281 (SWK 281 may be taken concurrently). Taken concurrently with SWK 381. Open to Social Work majors only. Student must be formally accepted into the Social Work Program in order to enroll in this course.
LOSS AND GRIEF
3 credits
Elective only
This course investigates the processes of attachment, loss, and grieving. The course explores loss, in life and in preparation for death, and addresses both acceptable and disenfranchised loss and grief.
SOCIAL WORK RESEARCH METHODS
3 credits
This course prepares the student to understand and apply the research process, to critique practice literature, and to evaluate one’s own practice. The course examines qualitative and quantitative research methodology, including single subject design. The role of social work values and ethics in research is addressed. The student is introduced to research tools for examining the global interconnections of oppression. Research on advocacy within the social work profession is presented. Prerequisite: SOC 301
SWK 381 (S (Day) Spring of 2010 (Evening))
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICUM I
3 credits
This course provides an introduction to agency social work practice. The student spends two days each week providing direct service with the guidance of a practicing social worker. An opportunity to develop and test beginning practice skills is provided. Taken concurrently with SWK 341. Open to social work majors only. Student must be formally accepted into the Social Work Program in order to enroll in this course.
SWK 440 (F (Day) Fall of 2008 and 2010 (Evening))
GENERALIST SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE II
3 credits
This course focuses on social work intervention with individuals and families. It provides an investigation of and skill development in direct intervention and advocacy strategies for effective generalist social work practice. Prerequisites: SWK 341, SWK 381. Taken concurrently with SWK 441 and SWK 480. Open to social work majors only.
SWK 441 (S (Day) spring of 2009 and 2011 (Evening))
GENERALIST SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE III
3 credits
This course focuses on assessment and intervention with groups, organizations, and communities, including the global community. The course provides an investigation of and skill development in mezzo and macro intervention strategies for effective generalist social work practice. Prerequisite: SWK 440. Taken concurrently with SWK 480 and SWK 495. Open to social work majors only.
SWK 480 (F (Day) Fall of 2008 & 2010 (Evening))
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICUM II
3 credits
An educationally-directed practicum for two days each week provides the student with an opportunity to develop the relationship between social work theory and practice. Prerequisites: SWK 341, SWK 381. Taken concurrently with SWK 440. Open to social work majors only.
SWK 481 (S (Day) Spring of 2009 and 2011 (Evening))
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICUM III
3 credits
A continuation of Professional Practicum II, this course provides a social work practice experience in which students integrate the social work theory, skills, and values that they are learning in the classroom. Students complete a research project and an advocacy project relevant to the practicum site. Prerequisites: SWK 440, SWK 480. Taken concurrently with SWK 441and SWK 495. Open to social work majors only.
SWK 495 (S (Day) Spring of 2009 and 2011 (Evening))
PROFESSIONAL CONSIDERATIONS IN SOCIAL WORK
3 credits
This course strengthens the student’s emerging identity within the social work profession. Students review and critique theoretical frameworks and practice situations studied in the Social Work Program curriculum. As the capstone course for the Social Work Program, students have the final opportunity to integrate the nine professional foundation areas, with particular emphasis on professional values and ethics. Prerequisites: SWK 440, SWK 480. Taken concurrently with SWK 441 and SWK 481. Open to social work majors only.
