Print Preview
Print
  Online Catalog Online Catalog Admissions Services Link
   Home >Catalog > Social Work - Courses


Social Work Department Courses

Social Work
  • SW160* SSC Social Problems and Response of Social Welfare Institutions
    • 4.00 credits. (Social Sciences Core Course) An orientation to the sociological and social work approaches of examining social problems and the development of social welfare policies and programs to reduce their severity and extent. An understanding of both sociological and social work theories and the way in which these theories form the foundation for research, service and advocacy is emphasized. Fifteen (15) hours of service-learning and original social research are required.
  • SW233 Human Behavior in the Social Environment
    • 4.00 credits. This course provides a study of the interrelationships of social systems, with particular emphasis upon the impact of the environment on human development throughout the life span. Special consideration is given to the influence of ethnicity, racism, sexism and ageism upon human behavior. Fifteen (15) hours of service-learning is required. *Prerequisites: PSY 105, SO 101 and BIO 105, 110 or 111.
  • SW260 International Social Development
    • 4.00 credits. The impact of the history, traditions and beliefs of different non-Western cultures on the development of social issues will be examined. The history of the problem, its context and development within the culture, and attempts at resolution will be explored. Students will be able to understand why common issues assume different forms in different cultures.
  • SW280 Multicultural Counseling Skills
    • 4.00 credits. Theories explaining human behavior and social interaction, in the context of social systems and social welfare, are discussed, analyzed and critically reviewed. Students learn to appreciate their own cultural heritage and how it has shaped them; and they learn about the cultural heritage of other diverse groups, about the need for equality and social and economic justice for all oppressed people, and effective interpersonal and multicultural counseling. Fifteen (15) hours of service-learning in a diverse setting is required.
  • SW330 Methods of Social Work Research
    • 4.00 credits. A focus upon the basic elements of the scientific method providing an overview of research designs commonly used in social sciences, including techniques for gathering, analyzing and presenting data. *Prerequisite or corequisite: MA 251 and prerequisites: SW 160, 233, or permission of the instructor. Fall semester.
  • SW332 Seminar in Urban Issues
    • 4.00 credits. An exploration of some of the complex and interconnected education, health and welfare issues affecting low-income urban families, schools and communities. Service-learning and action research in urban schools, agencies and community programs provide experiential learning vital to a deeper understanding of educational, political, racial and economic dynamics that shape and constrain the lives of families in U.S. cities. Fifteen (15) hours of service-learning in an urban setting is required. *Prerequisite: previous experience in urban communities, schools or agencies.
  • SW339 Human Sexuality
    • 4.00 credits. This course focuses on the socio-historical aspects of sexuality, survey and experimental research, and attitudes towards sexuality.
  • SW344 Aging: Social Response and Implications
    • 4.00 credits. An examination of the aging process in our society. The emphasis is on the interface of the individual and the environment and the services, needs and institutions related to the elderly. Field trips to community agencies and 10 service-learning hours required.
  • SW345 Irish Perspective on Issues of Social Welfare & Education
    • 3.00 credits. This course is comprised of a 14-day international trip to the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Students will gain an understanding of: cultural differences, history, politics, educational systems and the social service delivery network in Ireland through this international experience. This course emphasizes service-learning and reflection. The course is open to all majors upon approval of the instructor. Register by Instructor.
  • SW355 Women in Society
    • 4.00 credits. This course is designed to provide a systemic view of women in our society. The emphasis will include the socialization of women, women's roles historically and in our major social institutions, sexism and the feminist movement. Feminist social work practice and its connection to feminist ideology theory will be explored.
  • SW357 Child Welfare
    • 4.00 credits. A study of ethnic, cultural and economic problems as they relate to children, the services available to combat those problems, and the legal and legislative aspects of child welfare.
  • SW366 Addiction and Society
    • 4.00 credits. An examination of individual, family and social implications of addiction in society and an exploration of social policies related to addiction.
  • SW367 Generalist SW Practice I: Individuals
    • 4.00 credits. A focus on problem solving in generalist practice at the micro level (i.e., individuals) with diverse populations. A variety of interventions, assessment techniques and theories are studied in preparation for a required 40-hour supervised field experience. *Prerequisites: SW 160, 223, or permission of the instructor, and social work majors only. Fall semester.
  • SW368 Generalist SW Practice II: Families and Small Groups
    • 4.00 credits. A study of the knowledge, values and skills that comprise the generalist base of social work practice. It is designed to assist students in developing basic entry-level social work competencies to work with groups and families from a systems perspective. A 40-hour supervised field experience is required. *Prerequisite: SW 367, or permission of the instructor; corequisite: SW 369; and social work majors only.
  • SW369 Generalist SW Practice III: Communities and Organizations
    • 4.00 credits. Theory and skills development for macro generalist social work practice are presented. Promoting the social welfare of communities and organizations by enhancing social and economic justice is stressed. *Prerequisite: SW 330, or permission of the instructor; corequisite: SW 368; and social work majors only. Spring semester.
  • SW370 Special Topics in Social Work
    • Variable credit. Topical areas in social work, chosen in accord with student and faculty interest.
  • SW400 Senior Project in Social Work
    • 2.00 credits. Students who have been invited to and accepted to participate in the Honors in the Discipline Program may register for this course in the semester in which the research or creative project is completed. Completion of this course does not assure recognition for Honors in the Discipline. *Prerequisite: invitation to Honors in the Discipline program. Register by Instructor.
  • SW401 Social Policy
    • 4.00 credits. Students build their knowledge of social welfare and social work's historical and philosophical foundation. They learn why and how social policy is formulated and implemented, how policy impacts direct practice, and frameworks for policy analysis. *Prerequisites: SW 330, 367 or permission of the instructor, and social work majors only. Spring semester.
  • SW470 Field Instruction I
    • 6.00 credits. Supervised field instruction for at least 200 hours in an agency. Student begins to assume responsibility with client systems in such ways as monitoring tasks, providing support, conducting group activities, and assisting the social worker with other professional responsibilities. *Prerequisites: SW 401 or permission of the instructor, and social work majors only. Graded Pass/No Pass. Fall semester.
  • SW471 Field Instruction II
    • 12.00 credits. Supervised field instruction for at least 400 hours plus a weekly on-campus seminar. Students proceed from an "assistant" position to one of complete client responsibility under direct supervision. Roles students assume may include advocate, enabler, social broker and program planner. *Prerequisites: SW 470 or permission of the instructor, and social work majors only, and corequisite: SW 498. Graded Pass/No Pass. Spring semester.
  • SW484 Independent Study in Social Work
    • Variable (2.00 to 4.00) credits. Opportunity for advanced students independently to pursue study otherwise not available in the curriculum. *Prerequisites: permission of the Department Chair and approval of the Independent Study Committee. Register by Instructor.
  • SW498 Senior Seminar in Social Work
    • 4.00 credits. Final course integrating the theory from preceding courses with the professional experience of field instruction. A major project is required. *Corequisite: SW 471, or permission of the instructor, and social work majors only. Spring semester.