College of Health and Human Services
Schools & Divisions
Division of Social Work
Courses
- SWK-S 102 Understanding Diversity in a Pluralistic Society (3 cr.) This course covers theories and models that enhance understanding of our diverse society. It provides content about differences and similarities in the experiences, needs, and beliefs of selected minority groups and their relation to the majority group. These groups include, but are not limited to, people of color, women, gay, lesbian, and bisexual persons. This course analyzes the interrelationship of race, class, age, ethnicity, and gender and how these factors influence the social values regarding economic and social justice. (Fall, Spring)
- SWK-S 141 Introduction to Social Work (3 cr.) This course is an introduction to the profession of social work and the philosophical, societal, and organizational contexts within which professional social work activities are conducted. It introduces the knowledge, skills and values of social work as a profession and explores the role of social workers within the broad area of social welfare and social services. Cognitive and interaction skills necessary for competent practice are introduced in this course as is the value base of social work practice and its commitment to social and economic justice. (Fall, Spring)
- SWK-S 204 Writing in Professional Social Work (3 cr.) P: ENG-W 131 and SWK-S 141. This course prepares BSW students to successfully complete scholarly writing tasks. Topics addressed include expectations and standards for scholarly writing, conducting searches of professional literature, using effective paraphrasing and summarization skills, writing logically and coherently, and appropriately citing references adhering to APA format. The course is intended to support students' efforts on writing tasks assigned in future courses.
- SWK-S 221 Growth and Human Development in the Social Environment (3 cr.) This course builds a foundation for understanding human behavior and development in diverse contexts across the life course. The course emphasizes the interdependence of dynamic interactions between a person and that individual's environment, and thus explores the influences of the biological, social, cultural, psychological and spiritual dimensions on individual human development and behavior. (Fall, Spring)
- SWK-S 251 History and Analysis of Social Welfare Policy (3 cr.) This course is designed to provide a historical perspective on social Welfare policies and programs and to develop beginning policy analysis skills to identify gaps in the service delivery system and inequitable or oppressive aspects of current policy delivery. KNowledge of the social, political, ideological,and economic contexts of social welfare policies and programs over time is presented. A particular emphasis in this course is the impact of social welfare policies on vulnerable people and advocating for social and economic justice. (Fall, Spring)
- SWK-S 305 Introduction to Child Protection (3 cr.) This course is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to child abuse and neglect from psychological, social, cultural, legal, and economic perspectives. This course introduces the values and ethics of the social work profession in the child welfare arena, specifically the right of children to appropriate care, to be free of abuse and neglect, and to grow up in a safe environment. (Spring)
- SWK-S 306 Crisis Intervention (3 cr.) This course focuses on the increasing number of complex and painful personal, couple, family and community crisis situations encountered by social workers in the course of service delivery. (Fall)
- SWK-S 322 Small Group Theory and Practice (3 cr.) P: S141 and S102 The course examines the significance of the small group as both the context and means for social development of individuals and as a vehicle for generalist practice. The course covers group theories as well as mezzo practice strategies. This course focuses on group dynamics and practice, with an emphasis on the small group. In addition, the course is designed to enhance students' effectiveness for group participation and leadership. (Fall, Spring)
- SWK-S 331 Generalist Social Work Practice I: Theory and Skills (3 cr.) P: S141,S102. This course focuses primarily on the application of basic generalist social work skills that demonstrate an understanding and application of the continuum of social work practice in the helping relationship. The course focuses on the beginning phase of the problem-solving process and related skills using a range of perspectives including strengths, empowerment and person-in-environment perspectives. Topics include the nature of the helping relationship, NASW Code of Ethics, practice as it relates to oppressed groups, assessment, and practice evaluations. (Fall, Spring)
- SWK-S 332 Generalist Social Work Practice II: Theory and Skills (3 cr.) P: S331 Examination of middle and ending phases of the helping process and related skills. Topics include the helping relationship with various client system sizes, impact of agency policies and procedures upon practice and resolution of clients' challenges, and practice evaluation. (Spring, Summer)
- SWK-S 352 Social Welfare Policy and Practice (3 cr.) P: SWK-S 251. This second course in social welfare policy builds on S251 by exploring in depth the current social welfare delivery system at local, regional, and national levels through policy analysis using a variety of frameworks and developing policy practice skills. The course also develops beginning policy practice skills that facilitates social change congruent with social work ethics and the profession's commitment to social and economic justice. (Fall, Spring)
- SWK-S 371 Social Work Research (3 cr.) P: S141,S102. Examination of basic research methods in social work, the relevance of research for social work practice, and selection of knowledge for use in social work. This is the first course in research which provides basic knowledge about research methodology as it applies to social work. Introduces and develops skills needed to conceptualize a problem, make use of available literature, design a research strategy, evaluate, organize, and integrate relevant data (both existing and new), derive useful solutions based on knowledge, and communicate those solutions to clients and colleagues. (Spring)
- SWK-S 423 Organizational Theory and Practice within a Generalist Perspective (3 cr.) P: S322,S331, S352, S332,S371. This course provides the theoretical and conceptual foundation for understanding organizational functioning and behavior, and introduces the knowledge and skills necessary for generalist social work practice and leadership within an organizational context. (Fall)
- SWK-S 433 Community Behavior and Practice (3 cr.) P: S322,S331, S352, S332,S371 C: SWK-S 472, SWK-S 482, SWK-S 402. This course provides the theoretical foundation about community functioning and behavior and the knowledge and skills of community interventions geared to mitigate social, political and economic injustice and bring social change. (Spring)
- SWK-S 442 Practice-policy Seminar in Fields of Practice (3 cr.) P: S322,S331, S352, S332,S371. Addresses practice and policy issues in specific fields of practice such as child and family, aging, addictions, and developmental disabilities. (Fall)
- SWK-S 460 Scholarly Writing Seminar (4 cr.) This course prepares BSW/MSW students to successfully complete scholarly writing tasks. Topics addressed include expectations and standards for scholarly writing, conducting searches of professional literature, using effective paraphrasing and summarization skills, writing logically and coherently, and appropriately citing references adhering to APA format. The course is intended to support students' efforts on writing tasks assigned in future courses. (Summer)
- SWK-S 472 Practice Evaluation (3 cr.) P: P: S322, S331, S352, S331and S332. Develops the knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate one's own practice and the effectiveness of social service programs within which one works, as well as to become critical consumers of the professional literature to guide their practice. (Spring)
- SWK-S 481 Social Work Practicum (6 cr.) P: S322,S331, S352, S332,S371 C: SWK-S 401. Guided field practice experience (18 hours per week) for application of generalist practice concepts and principles and development of basic practice skills. Students practice in a human service organization for a minimum of 280 clock hours, including a seminar. (Fall)
- SWK-S 482 Social Work Practicum II (7 cr.) P: S481 Guided field experience (20 hours per week) for application of concepts and principles and development of skills for generalist practice with selected social systems. Students practice in a human-service organization for a minimum of 280 clock hours of supervised field experience. (Spring)
- SWK-S 490 Independent Study (1-6 cr.) P: Permission of Program Administrator. An opportunity to engage in a self-directed study of an area related to the school's curriculum in which no formal course is available.
- SWK-S 502 Research I (3 cr.) P: S501 This foundation research course assists students in developing the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of social work practice. Emphasis is placed upon knowledge of qualitative and quantitative designs, methodologies, and techniques that inform students of best practices in social work. Students will recognize the impact of ethnicity, gender, age, and sexual orientation on the research process and be able to critically review published studies with attention to researcher bias. (Spring)
- SWK-S 505 Social Policy Analysis and Practice (3 cr.) P: SWK-S 501, SWK-S 502, SWK-S 503, SWK-S 504. This course examines the processes that influence the development of social policy and social services. Included are legislative and political processes, models of policy analysis, service delivery and policy implementation. Social workers utilize knowledge and skills to carry out roles and functions critical for practice. Such knowledge and skills include the application of social policy analysis, the legislative process, the role and impact of politics and political choice on the quality of life of people, and the effect of economic-social policy decision and judicial actions on social services. In addition, the course examines the variability of the common and uncommon attributes of service delivery systems. Effects of these on people are considered from global, political, economic and social policy perspectives. (Summer)
- SWK-S 506 Introduction to the Social Work Profession (1 cr.) This course provides learners with the knowledge and understanding of the history and mission of the social work profession, the variety of possible social work fields of practice, the legal regulations of the profession, the value base and ethical frameworks that influence decision-making, the application of critical thinking, the development of self-awareness and the practice of self-care for social work practice. This is inclusive of skills and conduct for professional practice. (Fall)
- SWK-S 507 Diversity, Human Rights, and Social Justice (3 cr.) This course introduces MSW students to human rights and social justice perspectives in order to examine the shifting landscape of diversity, oppression, power, and privilege. The fundamental goal of the course is for students to develop critical consciousness in order to gain competencies to address diversity, privilege and oppression in social work practice. The importance of power and the dynamics of domination and subordination iin multiple manifestations of oppression, particularly among historically oppressed groups, will be explored. An understanding of these concepts integrated with an understanding of one's self within these systems is essential for social work practice. (Fall)
- SWK-S 508 Generalist Theory & Practice (3 cr.) This course focuses on reciprocal relationships between human behavior and the social environment with selected theoretical perspectives and their associated empirically-based theories, including strengths/empowerment, ecological/systems, behavioral, critical, and developmental perspectives and theories. Learners will use micro interviewing skills to apply these perspectives and theories throughout the planned change process to service diverse client needs and experiences. The integration of theory and practice through the planned change process will be guided by the biopsychosocial and spiritual perspective. (Spring)
- SWK-S 516 Social Work Practice with Organizations, Communities, and Societies (3 cr.) P: SWK-S 501, SWK-S 503, SWK-S 504, SWK-S 505. This course provides students with knowledge, values and cognitive skills focused on social work practice at organizational, community and societal levels. Social work interventions at these levels include involvement of relevant stakeholders in the development and/or modifications of organizational, community and societal policies, programs and practices. This course will focus on ways to make social units and institutions more humane and responsive to human needs. (Fall)
- SWK-S 517 Assessment in Mental Health and Addictions (3 cr.) P: SWK-S 513. Recognizing the social, political, legal, and ethical implications of assessment, students will critically examine various conceptual frameworks and apply bio-psychosocial and strengths perspectives to understand its multidimensional aspects. Students learn to conduct sophisticated mental status and lethality risk interviews, engage in strengths and assets discovery, and apply the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association and other classification schemes in formulating assessment hypotheses. They gain an understanding of the application of several relevant assessment instruments and learn to evaluate their relevance for service to at- risk populations, including persons affected by mental health and addictions issues. Students learn to collaborate with a diverse range of consumers and other professionals in developing meaningful assessments upon which to plan goals, intervention strategies, and means for evaluation. (Fall)
- SWK-S 518 Clinical Theory and Practice (3 cr.) This course builds on the theories and practice skills presented in SWK-S 508 to prepare students for competent and evidence-informed social work practice with diverse client populations, including individuals, families, and groups. Core concepts and theoretical frameworks of neuroscience, trauma, and trauma-informed care are introduced, thus bringing a trauma-sensitive perspective/approach to the continuum of social work practice. Information is presented on underlying theories, such as behavioral, critical-conflict, crisis, and empowerment theories, and emphasis is placed on the skills necessary to integrate theories into intervention. The transtheoretical model of change is explored, as is the implementation of motivational interviewing methods, solution-focused therapy, and associated group and family work toward accomplishing desired outcomes. (Fall)
- SWK-S 519 Community & Global Theory & Practice (3 cr.) This course aims to build competencies in the areas of theory and practice, preparing students to work with communities in a global context. With local communities facing increased global socio-economic and political forces, community constituents, especially marginalized groups, are facing unprecedented challenges ranging from widespread increases in refugee migration, poverty, human trafficking, substance abuse, natural disasters, gender violence, civil conflict and wars. The rise of ultra-nationalism, xenophobia, religious intolerance, and anti-liberalism have crossed national boundaries and are now threatening the democratic institutions and principles of governance. More than ever, social work professionals need to understand global issues and their impact on local communities, and be ready to design appropriate and effective interventions for community and global practice. Building on the core values of the social work profession, this course consists of five major topics: 1) Macro-practice and international social development; 2) Civil society and local capacity building; 3) Local and international agencies and legal frameworks; and 4) International social work community practice in different contexts (from global to local); and 5) Cultural relativism and the power of a rights-based discourse to affect positive change in global communities. (Spring)
- SWK-S 555 Social Work Practicum I (3 cr.) P: All foundation courses, SWK-S 516, SWK-S 517 and SWK-S 518. The M.S.W. Social Work Practicum I is an educationally directed practice experience under the direct supervision of an approved field instructor. The assigned faculty liaison oversees the practicum to ensure that course objectives have been met. The practicum provides opportunities for the application and the integration of classroom concepts and principles for the development of core skills in generalist social work practice with selected social systems using a strengths perspective. It builds upon the knowledge and skills learned and developed during the immersion and intermediate course work of the program. Learning opportunities emphasize the values and ethics of the profession, foster the integration of the empirical and practice-based knowledge, and promote the development of the professional competence. Field education is systematically designed, supervised coordinated, and evaluated on the basis of criteria by which students demonstrate the achievement of program objectives. The Field Practice Seminar is designed to assist students in integrating classroom learning with the experience of an internship. Students will also be introduced to assessment systems including the DSM and SWOT. The seminar provides a supportive setting for students to discuss practice issues raised in the field placement related to their Learning Agreement and field experience. This involves recognizing/exploring professional and personal biases, discussing ethical dilemmas and supervisory issues, and increasing cross cultural competencies. (Spring)
- SWK-S 613 Specialized Instruction and Support Services for Diverse Student Populations (3 cr.) P: all 500 level social work classes This course introduces students to the school social worker's role as a specialized instructional support personnel (SISP), whose task is to enhance the ability of every school child to learn to his or her capacity. Through the study of research, practice, and policy issues facing school children, especially those with exceptionalities, students in this course will learn to promote educational services and expand educational success for children with exceptionalities, their families, schools, and communities. Students will learn the imperative for multidisciplinary collaboration that advances student well-being and supportive school environments. Recognizing the influence of historical and cultural contexts, diversity and oppression as well as social and economic forces shaping educational experiences are examined, specifically focusing on the occurrence of educational disparities and academic outcomes. (Spring)
- SWK-S 614 School Social Work Practice with Children, Adolescents, and Families (3 cr.) P: all 500 level social work classes This course is designed to build individual and family practice skills for school social work with children, adolescents, and families, with an emphasis on the impact of traumatic life events, including poverty, homelessness, child physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect and/or family violence. Students will learn how to engage with community partners and various child-serving systems to meet the needs of children, adolescents, and families. A primary focus of the course will be acquiring knowledge and skills for culturally responsive practice, including assessment, interviewing, and engagement with children, adolescents and families in a school-based context. (Fall)
- SWK-S 616 Social Work Practice in Schools (3 cr.) P: All 500 level social work courses. This advanced level practice course is designed to provide students with an overview of contemporary social work practice in school settings. Specific topical areas include the historical and contemporary contexts of social work service in school settings, legal mandates for social work practice in schools, social policies and trends in education affecting school settings and social work practice in schools, preventive and intervention methods and roles applicable to diverse populations in school settings, research issues and practice effectiveness, and multiculturalism and diversity issues in social work practice in schools. (Summer II)
- SWK-S 618 Social Policy and Services (3 cr.) P: All 500 level social work courses.
The purpose of this course is to develop the competencies necessary to effect policy change for service delivery systems at an organizational, community, and legislative levels. Emphasis is placed on policy practice, policy analysis, and advocacy leadership with direct involvement in the political and organizational processes as an integral part of the learning process. The content of the course will focus on the role of the "social policy practitioner" examining closely the relationship of social work values and ethics to social policies and service delivery systems especially as they relate to diverse and oppressed populations. (Summer I)
- SWK-S 618 Social Policy and Services II-Health (3 cr.) P: All 500 level social work courses. The purpose of this course is to provide intensive study of a specific service delivery system and to provide an opportunity for synthesis and application of learning and practice of policy in that system. The content of the course will build on the values of the profession and focus on the role of the social policy practitioner in assisting individuals in the maintenance or attainment of optimal health, social justice, and social well-being. This course examines the relationship of social work values and ethics to social policies and service delivery systems especially as they relate to oppressed populations and discrimination. Opportunities for students will be encouraged for direct involvement in political and organizational processes used to influence policy and delivery systems. (Summer I)
- SWK-S 618 Social Policy and Services II-Mental Health and addictions (3 cr.) P: All 500 level social work courses. The purpose of this course is to provide intensive study of a specific service delivery system and to provide an opportunity for synthesis and application of learning and practice of policy in that system. The content of the course will build on the values of the profession and focus on the role of the "social policy practitioner" in assisting individuals in the maintenance or attainment of optimal health, social justice, and social well being. This course examines the relationship of social work values and ethics to social policies and service delivery systems especially as they relate to oppressed populations and discrimination. Opportunities for students will be encouraged for direct involvement in political and organizational processes used to influence policy and delivery systems. (Summer I)
- SWK-S 618 Social Policy and Services II-Schools (3 cr.) P: All 500 level social work courses. The purpose of this course is to provide intensive study of a specific service delivery system and to provide an opportunity for synthesis and application of learning and practice of policy in that system. The content of the course will build on the values of the profession and focus on the role of the "social policy practitioner" in assisting individuals in the maintenance or attainment of optimal health, social justice, and social well being. This course examines the relationship of social work values and ethics to social policies and service delivery systems especially as they relate to oppressed populations and discrimination. Opportunities for students will be encouraged.
- SWK-S 623 Practice Research Integrative Seminar I (3 cr.) P: All 500 level social work courses. This course furthers the knowledge, skills, and values students develop in the foundation-year research course. Students will apply their knowledge and skills in research to evaluate practice or program effectiveness in their concentrations, using research methods that are sensitive to consumers' needs and clients' race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and additional aspects important to effective and ethical research. (Spring)
- SWK-S 651 MSW Practice Area Practicum II (4 cr.) P: SWK-S 555. C: SWK-S 651. This course, along with SWK-S 652, provides an in-depth practicum experience for M.S.W. concentration students. Students complete both courses in the same agency/organization under practice supervision of an approved agency field instructor and academic guidance of a faculty liaison. The practicum experience builds upon the more generalist-focused Intermediate Practicum I (SWK-S 555) and deepens the integration and application of social work knowledge, values, and skills for advanced practice in the student's area of concentration. Students engage in these advanced practicum courses while enrolled in concentration required courses. Students spend a minimum of 320 hours providing concentration related services that allows students an opportunity to engage in experiences that support mastery of all ten core competencies as operationalized by advanced practice behaviors. (Fall, Summer)
- SWK-S 652 MSW Practice Area Practicum III (5 cr.) This course, along with SWK-S 651, provides an in-depth practicum experience for M.S.W. concentration students. Students complete both courses in the same agency, organization under practice supervision of an approved agency field instructor and academic guidance of a faculty liaison. The practicum experience builds upon the more generalist-focused Intermediate Practicum I (SWK-S 555) and SWK-S 651 (Practicum II) and deepens the integration and application of social work knowledge, values, and skills for advanced practice in the student's area of concentration. Students engage in these advanced practicum courses while enrolled in concentration required courses. Students spend a minimum of 320 hours providing concentration related services that allows students an opportunity to engage in experiences that support mastery of all ten core competencies as operationalized by advanced practice behaviors. (Spring, Fall)
- SWK-S 661 Executive Leadership Practice (3 cr.) This course addresses administrative, management, leadership, and supervisory skills necessary for leadership practice. Included are staff hiring, supervision, evaluation, and termination; working with boards and volunteers, leadership styles, strategic planning, and current best practices in administration. (Spring)
- SWK-S 683 Community-Based Practice in Mental Health/ Addiction (3 cr.) P: All 500 level social work courses.
Students enrolled in this course will examine a wide range of community-based services provided for people with severe mental health and substance use disorders including co-occurring mental and substance use disorders. Special attention is given to strengths-based, consumer informed, and evidence-based prevention and treatment models. Content includes, but is not limited to, community-based services in areas of prevention, case management, supported employment, housing, illness management, family support services, dual disorder treatment, and peer support services. Students also examine a variety of issues involved in the provision of community-based services such as ethical and legal issues, quality and continuity of care, health disparities, cultural competency, organizational and financial factors, and other relevant policy and practice issues. Students will examine linkages between community based services and the advancement of human rights and social and economic justice for persons with mental illnesses and substance use disorders. (Summer II)
- SWK-S 685 Mental Health and Addictions Practice with Individuals and Families (3 cr.) P: All 500 level social work courses. Students enrolled in this course develop knowledge, skills, and judgment necessary for competent application of selected evidence-informed practices for service with diverse clients, including children, youth, adults, and families affected by mental health issues, substance use disorders, and other behavioral addictions within the context of trauma responsive care. Students learn to discover, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate evidence of practice effectiveness and apply that knowledge in communication, strengths discovery and assessment, hypothesis formation, contracting, intervention and prevention planning, service delivery, and evaluation. (Fall)
- SWK-S 690 Independent Study (1-6 cr.) P: Approval from an academic advisor and the director of the M.S.W. program is required. An opportunity to engage in a self-directed study of an area related to the school's curriculum in which no formal course is available.
- SWK-S 692 Health Care Practice I (3 cr.) P: All 500 level social work courses. This course focuses on the role of the social worker in a health care setting. Issues such as team building, professional identity, patient advocacy, ethics, and managed care will be addressed. Also, the impact of health care payment sources and health care choices for patients will be explored. (Fall)
- SWK-S 693 Health Care Practice II (3 cr.) P: All 500 level social work courses. This course will examine the psychosocial impact of illnesses. Areas such as coping with chronic illness, caregiver stress, grieving and loss, medical ethics, and violence as a health care issue will be examined. The needs of at-risk populations (i.e., children, survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, frail elderly, individuals living with HIV/AIDS, etc.) are also examined. This course prepare students to be professional social workers in various healthcare agencies and organizations. (Spring)
- SWK-S 694 Social Work Practice with Older Adults (3 cr.) P: All 500 level social work courses. The purpose of this course is to provide health practice concentration students with increased depth of knowledge in the area of practice with older adults in healthcare areas, such as acute care hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, adult day care and long-term care facilities. Effective social work practice relies on knowledge and application of evidence-based theories assessment, and interventions with this population. Older adults are one of the fastest growing populations in the United States, and advances in technology have enhanced longevity.This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to engage in competent social work practice with older adults. (Occasionally)
- SWK-S 696 Confronting Loss, Grief, Death and Bereavement (3 cr.) P: All 500 level social work courses. This is an issue-oriented, social work course on the policy and practice issues in loss, grief, death, and dying across the life span for diverse populations. The major educational goal is to evaluate and understand the many problems and key resources relevant to social work practice with persons encountering grief, loss, death and bereavement in the context of health care settings. Students will attain knowledge, values and skills to meet the demands for entry level practice with clients (and their families) encountering chronic or terminal illness. (Occasionally)
- SWK-S 686 Social Work Practice:Addictions (3 cr.) P: All 500 level social work courses.
The purpose of this course is to provide learners with knowledge and skills relevant to social work practice in prevention, intervention, and treatment of the coexistence of substance use disorders, mental health issues, and behavioral addictions. Students draw upon previous and concurrent learning experiences and integrate values, knowledge, and skills acquired in other social work courses with the knowledge, and skills characteristic of social work practice in the treatment of substance use disorders. The course assists students to develop an evidence-based understanding of the prevention, assessment, and treatment needs of diverse populations experiencing substance use and potential co-occurring mental health disorders. Students explore the relationships between and among substance use/mental disorders and socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical and mental ability, and other socio-environmental factors of vulnerability. Consistent with strengths and ecosystems perspectives, students consider the impact of an individual’s neurochemistry, social environments, physical settings, community contexts, and political realities that support or inhibit the emergence of substance use disorders as well as the co-occurrence of mental health issues. (Spring)
- SWK-S 687 Mental Health & Addictions Practice with Groups (3 cr.) P: All 500 level social work courses.
Students enrolled in this course develop professional knowledge and skill for group work services to and for diverse persons affected by mental health issues, substance use disorders, and other behavioral addictions. The phases of group development and intervention during the various group work stages provide a conceptual framework for the course experience. Students learn to serve children, youth, adults and families in groups that are therapeutic, growth producing and life enhancing. Students examine a number of theoretical perspectives, including cognitive behavioral and interpersonal approaches. (Fall)