131 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK (3 credit hours)
A study of the profession of social work: its history and role in the institution of social welfare. Examines the wide variety of problems social workers confront, the divers clients they serve, the places the work, the knowledge and skills they use, the social programs they carry out, and the philosophy and values the hold. Career opportunities in the profession are explored. Course entails volunteer experience in a social service agency. Open to non-majors.
200 THEORIES OF POVERTY (3 credit hours)
A study of factors and theories associated with poverty in America. Presents an historical survey of responses to poverty issues and problems, including the institution of public welfare. Examines preconceived beliefs about poverty and presents alternative ways of considering poverty and designing interventions. Open to non-majors.
202 CULTURAL ASPECTS (3 credit hours)
A study of the impact of cultural and ethnic diversity on human development and functioning in society. Presents models and theoretical frameworks useful for engaging, assessing, and providing social services to members of varied cultures in a multi cultural environment. Open to non-majors.
205 COMMUNITY SERVICES (3 credit hours)
A study of public and private community agencies: their functions, policies, eligibility requirements, and services. Students will learn about community resources and the rules and regulations that govern the provision of services, with an emphasis on the referral process and care management. Open to non- majors.
210 CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES (3 credit hours)
A study of the historical, theoretical, political, and practical issues involved in the provision of services to children and their families. Course focuses on services and methods used to promote the positive development of children, as well as confront problems experienced by families. Assessment of child abuse, foster care placement, and parenting are explored. Open to non-majors.
242 Introduction to Social Welfare Policy (3 credit hours)
A discussion of theoretical perspectives on policy development, an overview and history of social welfare policy in the US, and an investigation of the effects of social welfare policy on the social contract, with a particular focus upon marginalized groups.
245 HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT (3 credit hours)
A study of the social, cultural, ethnic, biological, and emotional aspects of adult growth and development. Family life cycles, group influences, gender issues and lifestyles are examined. Prerequisites: Psych 151, AND Educ 201 or Psych 304; OR Permission of Instructor.
298 CURRENT ISSUES IN HUMAN SERVICES (3 credit hours)
A study of current issues affecting the social work profession and the delivery of social services. The interests of students determine issues. Open to non-majors.
310 Professional Practice in a Global Society (3 credit hours)
This course discusses the ways that families, communities, societies, and international organizations enhance wellbeing in the evolving global era. It draws on a variety of theoretical perspectives that inform social welfare thinking in and discusses the policies and practices that have evolved in different countries over the years to promote people’s wellbeing. This course is open to all students.
316 SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE I (3 credit hours)
A study of the knowledge and skills needed for the development of effective helping relationships. Students will examine their own values as they learn interviewing and other intervention techniques used in social work practice. Prerequisites: Admission to social work program, SW 202, 245, or permission of the instructor.
330 SOCIAL WORK VALUES AND ETHICS (3 credit hours)
A study of the values and ethics of the social work profession. The course uses the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers in studying ethical dilemmas faced by social work practitioners. Prerequisite: SW 131.
342 SOCIAL POLICY AND LEGISLATION (3 credit hours)
A study of the historical, philosophical, judicial, and practical issues involved in the development and enactment of social welfare policies. Introduces analytical methods for evaluating social welfare policies. The course explores the role of the legislative process in the enactment of social policies. Open to non-majors. Prerequisites: S WK 242
350 AGING: PROCESS AND SERVICES (3 credit hours)
A study of the physiological, psychological, and sociological changes that occur as people age. The course explores common myths and stereotypes surrounding aging and highlights national and local services to the elderly. Open to non-majors.
399 SPECIAL TOPICS IN SOCIAL WORK (1-3 credit hours)
A study of topics of interest to social work majors and non-majors as determined
by need and availability of faculty. Open to non-majors.
400 METHODS OF SOCIAL WORK RESEARCH (3 credit hours)
A study of the research principles an methodologies used in social work. Students learn to evaluate research studies useful for social work practice and to evaluate the effectiveness of their own practice interventions. Prerequisites: CJ 314 or Psych 200, AND Eng 206, AND Senior Standing.
403 SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE II (3 credit hours)
A study of the principles of practice which guide the social worker in identifying problems, assessing situations, contracting with clients, planning interventions, evaluating outcomes, and terminating services. The course helps students develop the analytical and interactional skills needed in working with individual, families, and groups, be taken concurrently with SW 404, Field Instruction. Prerequisite: SW 316.
404 FIELD INSTRUCTION (6 credit hours)
This course integrated classroom theory and practice by placing students for 240 hours in an approved social service agency where they provide direct social work services under the supervision of a qualified field instructor to individuals, families, and groups. Participation in a weekly seminar and concurrent enrollment in SW 403 is required. Prerequisite: SW 316
405 SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE III (3 credit hours)
A study of the impact of the organization and community on social work practice both as the context and focus of change. The knowledge and skills needed by the generalist practitioner in working with and within organizations and communities are explored. To prepare for beginning practice, the student will also explore issues facing the new practitioner. To be taken concurrently with SW 406. Prerequisite: SW 403
406 ADVANCED FIELD INSTRUCTION (6 credit hours)
Students enrolled in this course are placed in an approved social service agency (240 hours) under the supervision of a qualified field instructor. The student will have increased responsibility for providing services. Emphasis will be upon service activities such as policy-making, program development, networking, public relations, research, and other indirect service provision. Participation in a weekly seminar and concurrent enrollment in SW 405 are required. Prerequisite: SW 404.
410 SERVICES TO VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES (3 credit hours)
This course explores a wide range of issues affecting services to military personnel, veterans, and their families. It provides students with a comprehensive overview of military culture and the military deployment cycle. The course considers the needs of active duty service members and veterans at different developmental phases of the military life course. The ways that these individuals cope with a range of physical health, mental health and psychosocial issues are examined with special attention given to stress reactions, including Acute Stress Disorder (ASD), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and co-occurring disorders such as depression, substance abuse, and intimate partner violence. Additional topics include family resilience, grief and loss, child and adolescent adaptation, caregiving, and associated policy issues. Psychological and social barriers to care are explored. Students will learn about Department of Defense, Veterans Administration, University, and community-based programs and policies The course is open to non-majors.