Core Courses in Social Work
All students will complete a total of 43 credits in required social work courses including the internship. Each social work course was designed and selected to meet identified needs for entry level practitioners. Courses MUST be taken in a proper sequence to assure compliance with accreditation standards and the necessary background to complete the next course. A brief explanation of each course follows:
SW 2300 - Social Welfare as an Institution
An introduction to public and private institutions that meet health, recreation,
and welfare needs of individuals, groups and communities. It reviews values
that underlie various social welfare institutions and services.
SW 1010 - Social Work as a Profession
Looks at the role of social work as a profession. Issues and trends in
social work practice are emphasized along with values of the profession.
SW 3101 - Human Behavior and Social
Environment I
This course employs theory and research findings to understand and assess
functioning of individuals and families in their social environment. It
emphasizes social systems approach for analyzing the impact of various
social forces on individual and family dynamics.
SW 3102 - Human Behavior and Social
Environment II
This course uses theory and concepts from behavioral sciences that focus
on interactions between and among individuals and the groups, social,
economic, and environmental systems in which they live.
SW 3201 - Communication in the Helping
Process
This course is designed to help students use the knowledge, skills, and
values of effective human and interpersonal relations. It includes observation,
collection and description of data, verbal and nonverbal communication,
and their relevance to social work practice. It integrates diversity issues
and emphasizes demonstration and practice of communication through structured
exercises.
SW 3202 - Social Work Practice I
This course introduces students to knowledge, values, and skills for generalist
social work practice. It prepares students to enhance well-being of people
and ameliorate environmental conditions that affect them adversely. A
focus is on the planned change or problem-solving process within a strengths
perspective. It includes content on evaluation of practice.
SW 4201 - Social Work Practice II
This course focuses on generalist social work practice with emphasis on
families and small groups. This course includes use of planned change
process to assist oppressed groups within the values and ethics of the
profession. It also includes content on evaluation of practice.
SW 4302 - Social Work Practice III
This course focuses on generalist social work practice with organizations
and communities. Special emphasis is on the role of social workers in
empowerment of diverse populations and in helping clients achieve social
and economic justice and institutional oppression. It includes content
on practice/program evaluation.
SW 4301 - Social Welfare Policy and
Services
The course examines political and legislative processes that influence
the development of social policy and services. Emphasis is on policy analysis
skills at the agency and societal level.
SW 4401 - Social Work Research and
Evaluation
This course strengthens students' capacity to use a scientific and analytic
approach to knowledge building. It includes knowledge, skills, and values
needed to be an effective consumer of research as well as to evaluate
one's social work practice. Covers qualitative and quantitative research
methods and the use of appropriate technological systems to analyze, store,
and retrieve information.
SW 4702 - Social Work Practicum
This provides structured supervised learning experiences enabling students
to enhance and further integrate their practice knowledge, skills, and
values in multiple settings.
SW 4782 - Social Work Practicum Seminar
The Seminar assists students to integrate practicum experiences with classroom
work. It allows opportunity for collective problem solving and consultation.
Electives
SW 3214 - Child Welfare Policy Develop
beginning competence in assessing types and benefits of different child
welfare services (i.e., foster care, adoptions, institutionalization);
examination of the impact of public policies and social work practice
on children and families.
SW 2124 - Understanding Substance Abuse
Examines the problems of alcohol and chemical dependence. Areas of study
broadly include definitions, prevalence, etiology, policies, effects on
family and society, and prevention and treatment approaches.
SW 3954 - Community Leadership in Action
This course provides opportunities for community service, leadership,
and volunteerism through practical experience and critical reflection.
SW 3564 - Native Americans in Modern
Society: Implications for Social Policy
(Cross listed with ETHNC 3600). Develops understanding and awareness of
social service needs, policies, and programs related to American Indians.
It covers cultural, traditional and modern day issues impacting individuals,
families, communities, and tribal groups.
SW 2144 - Introduction to Marriage
and Family
This course provides an introduction to marriage and the family. Topics
covered include mate selection, marriage as an institution, relationship
process, parenting, and diverse family styles.
SW 3804 - Special Topics
Intensive work related to a specific area in Social Work for undergraduates.
SW 4804 - Honors Thesis Project
Upper-division Communication/Writing. Restricted to students in the Honors
Program working on their Honors degree.
