Mission and Goals | Accreditation | Admissions and Standards | Advisement Information
Course Descriptions | Curriculum |
Field Instruction | Part-Time Evening Program
SWK 204: Social Problems
An analysis of major contemporary social problems, such as chemical dependency, racism, sexism, ageism, poverty, and the concentration of wealth and power. The course examines the nature, development, causes, and societal responses to these problems, as well as proposed solutions. Prerequisite: SOC 101.
3 credits
SWK 222: Introduction to Social Work
Overview of the various fields of practice, and the role and function of the social worker in specific agency settings. The course emphasizes the evolution and philosophy of social work, and the profession's knowledge base, skills, and values. Classroom lectures and text materials are supplemented with 10 required agency field trips, an experiential component, and presentations by social work professionals. Prerequisite to all other social work courses.
3 credits
SWK 300K: Social Work and Human Diversity
This course focuses on the processes of oppression and the experiences, needs, and responses of people who have been subjected to institutionalized forms of oppression because of their particular collective characteristics. The course will provide theoretical content about groups that have been subjected to oppression and those which are emerging into new social roles with greater freedom and visibility. Theory, knowledge, and discussion are intended to help students grow in their understanding of diversity in our global society on a personal and professional level. The intention is that student growth in understanding will increase sensitivity, thus enabling students to be responsible and proactive global citizens.
3 credits
SWK 304W: Human Behavior and the Social Environment I
First of two courses in the Human Behavior and the Social Environment sequence. Provides a multidimensional perspective on human behavior, focusing on the influences of the biological, psychological, spiritual, and sociocultural processes. Emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the interactions among persons and their environments as well as the diversity of the human experience. Considers implications for social work practice. (Writing intensive course for the major.) Prerequisites: PSY 102, SOC 101, SWK 222. (SWK 222 may be taken concurrently with SWK 304W.)
3 credits
SWK 305: Human Behavior and the Social Environment II
Second of two courses in the Human Behavior and the Social Environment sequence. Covers the life course from conception through late adulthood and death. Focuses on the synergistic influences of biological, psychological, spiritual, physical, and sociocultural forces on human development. Provides a multidimensional perspective on the development and behavior of individuals and families, based on theory and research. Examines contemporary challenges facing individuals and families at various life-course phases and the potential for human resilience. Focuses attention on the impacts of oppression and diversity on human development and behavior. Emphasizes the reciprocal nature of interactions of individuals, families, and other systems in a multicultural society. Prerequisite: SWK 304W.
3 credits
SWK 309: Human Rights and Social Justice
It has been over 60 years since the development of the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This course will discuss the impact this document has had on the global community. We will investigate a variety of links between human rights and social justice; how social structures and issues shape our environment, our lives, and our world; how historical and theoretical perspectives of human rights and social justice impact us today. We will explore the influence of social ecology and its relationship to culture, diversity, oppression, and equality; and how we become active participants in promoting rights and justice both from a local and a global vantage point.
3 credits
SWK 323: Health and Mental Health
This course focuses on an ecological perspective for helping professionals practicing in health and mental health care. The etiology of mental disorders, the psychosocial traits and behavioral coping of consumers diagnosed with mental disorders according to the DSM-IV-TR and evaluation of this classification, cultural factors in the determination of health and mental health, and the environment factors in the formation and classification of mental disorders, health, and well-being will be examined.
3 credits
SWK 330: Social Work and Spirituality in the 21st Century
As a cultural universal, the importance of religion and spirituality in shaping belief systems, perceptions, culture, and approaches to health and wellness has long been recognized. The clients of helping professionals hold religious and spiritual beliefs that play significant roles in their psychological development, environment, and life processes. This course examines the ways in which these beliefs influence individuals, families, small groups, communities, and program development and implementation. Psychosocial issues and perceptions of health, illness, and well-being are explored from interdisciplinary perspectives.
3 credits
SWK 341: Special Topics in Social Work
A specific topic is covered reflecting the interests of students and instructor.
3 credits
SWK 352: Social Work Research Methods
This course emphasizes familiarity with the scientific method and essential aspects of social research methodology in both the qualitative and quantitative traditions. The course is designed to provide social work students with a foundation of research knowledge that reflects the values and ethics of the profession. Research methods and evaluation skills at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels are addressed. The course also explores linkages between social work research and practice, critical philosophical and methodological issues, and issues of diversity and oppression within the research context. Prerequisites: SOC 101 or SWK 304W.
3 credits
SWK 383: Social Work Practice I/Field Experience I
Practice I introduces the student to the basic social work knowledge, values, and skills necessary for the generalist social worker; includes processes of social work practice, interviewing and counseling skills, and the NASW Code of Ethics. Field Experience I requires a minimum of six (6) hours weekly of supervised work in a social service agency. Prerequisites: SWK 222 and 304W. (May be taken concurrently with SWK 304W.)
4 credits
back to top
SWK 384: Social Work Practice II/Field Experience II
Practice II focuses on social work practice with families and groups. Students are introduced to basic systems concepts applied to the family. Theory and skill of social group work and dynamics of group process are stressed. Field Experience II requires a minimum of six (6) hours weekly of supervised work in a social service agency. Prerequisites: SWK 222, 304W, and 383.
4 credits
SWK 404: Social Services and Social Policy
This course is intended to provide students with (a) an in-depth understanding of the development of social welfare policies in the U.S. and (b) the skills necessary to analyze the impact of social policies and social programs generated from them. Social policy will be analyzed from an historical and philosophical perspective, within the framework of the social principles of social and economic justice. Current policies and their resultant institutionalized service delivery systems and programs, as well as resulting issues and alternative policy formulations, will be used to illustrate course content. Emphasis will be given to the impact of politics, government, special interest groups, economics, and social problems on the formulation of past and present social policies, and the impact of those policies on the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. This course will explore social policies in the context of social and economic justice and social work practice, especially the role of the social worker as a change agent and advocate. Prerequisites: SWK 204, 222, 300K, 304W, 305, 383, and 384. Corequisite: SWK 483.
3 credits
SWK 452: Senior Integrative Seminar
Taken concurrently with SWK 484. Provides a comprehensive orientation to field experience and plays a supportive role for students in practicum. Emphasizes the linkages between social work practice, all other social work curriculum areas, and the liberal arts, while providing critical reflection, analysis, and synthesis of field experiences. Prerequisites: SWK 222, 300K, 304W, 305, 352, 383, 384, 404, and 483. Corequisite: SWK 484.
3 credits
SWK 483: Social Work Practice III
Offered in the fall of senior year, building on knowledge, values, and skills learned in Practice I and II. The course focuses on strategies and techniques used to intervene in social issues at the organizational and community levels. The process of intervention as an asset-oriented, solution-focused system will be studied with expansion of student's knowledge of macro-level social change strategies with client, target, and related action systems. Prerequisites: SWK 204, 222, 304W, 305, 383, 384. Corequisite: SWK 404.
3 credits
SWK 484: Field Instruction-Practicum
A supervised block placement in a social service setting appropriate to the student's knowledge and skills in social work practice. Field instruction totals a minimum of 440 hours. Prerequisites: SWK 222, 300K, 304W, 305, 352, 383, 384, 404, and 483. Corequisite: SWK 452.
6 credits
SWK 485, 486: Independent Study
Intensive reading/study/experience, or research project, in an area of interest and concern to the student in social work.
3 credits each semester
SWK 499: Senior Comprehensive Examination
0 credits