SW - Social Work

SW 205 Social Welfare and Social Justice

This course provides an overview of social issues and social welfare as a response to human needs. Emphasis is placed on systems that assist individuals, families, communities, and diverse and at-risk populations to increase resiliency. Attention is paid to the unique role of government and other public entities in the provision of resources to work toward social and economic justice.
3

SW 214 Research Methods: Design

Principles and methods of research on human behavior. Scientific method as an approach to problem identification, analysis, and solution. How to evaluate methods and findings. How to design studies relevant to a given problem.

3

Prerequisites

MTH 161, SW 205 or permission of instructor.

Cross Listed Courses

PSY 214, SOC 214

SW 313 Social Welfare Policy

Utilizes a focus on the history and process of social welfare in the United States and other countries to help the students learn how social welfare policy is organized and developed. Students also learn strategies and techniques to analyze current policy and influence future policy.

3

Prerequisites

SW 205 or permission of instructor.

SW 325 Cultural Diversity and Cultural Competence

This course considers issues of human diversity focusing on cultural pluralism and race and ethnic relations. Students will explore concepts of privilege, oppression, prejudice, and discrimination in the context of U.S. communities and human service professions and learn strategies for dismantling oppression and promoting socially just practices. Other dimensions of diversity (e.g., gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability) are explored.

3

Prerequisites

SW 205 or permission of instructor.

Cross Listed Courses

SOC 325

SW 343 Human Behavior in the Social Environment

This course analyzes human behavior as it's impacted by the social environment from a lifespan developmental approach. Students examine the effects of social structures, social policies, and cultural patterns on individuals from a variety of theoretical perspectives to better understand social conditions and problem areas in society.

3

Prerequisites

SW 205 or permission of instructor.

SW 356 Perspectives on Human Sexuality

This course will provide students with varying perspectives on human sexuality.  Through film, reading class discussion, and guest lectures, student will explore sexuality from historical, biological, psychological, developmental, sociological, and cultural contexts.  Attention will be given to how different perspectives on sexuality may affect individuals and the larger society.
3

Prerequisites

PSY 101 or permission of instructor.

Cross Listed Courses

PSY 356

SW 357 Perspectives on Gender and the Body

This course will help students critically analyze biopsychosocial and cultural meanings of gender and body image, change (i.e., disability, illness, aging), and variations through interdisciplinary lenses. Students will explore the social construction of gender and the body as well as the consequences that differing meanings of “gender” and “body” can have on individuals in our society.
3

Prerequisites

SOC 101 or permission of instructor

Cross Listed Courses

SOC 357

SW 386 Interviewing and Counseling

This course focuses on interviewing skills that are fundamental to the helping professions. Students will understand theories, concepts, and skills behind relationship building, active listening, and the interviewing process as well as how to apply knowledge and skills to affect change with various populations, problems, and settings.

3

Prerequisites

SW 205 or permission of instructor.

SW 391 Seminar

Credit arranged.

Variable

SW 456 Social Work for Sustainable Communities

This course examines the role of professional social work in a achievement of sustainability at the individual, community, regional, national, and global levels. Using a multidisciplinary perspective, the social, environmental, economic, and cultural aspects of sustainability are considered theoretically and practically, with a focus on issues of equity and justice across these dimensions. This course includes community-based, action-oriented learning projects.
3

Prerequisites

SW 205 or permission of instructor.

SW 461 Introduction to Gerontology

This course introduces students to the field of gerontology. The course examines the aging process and its impact upon the individual, the family, and society. The course also covers various social, cultural, political, and economic issues for older adults in our society.

3

Prerequisites

PSY 101 or SOC 101 or SW 205 or permission of instructor.

Cross Listed Courses

PSY 461, SOC 461

SW 462 Group Counseling

Introduction to group dynamics, contemporary models of group counseling, and the development of group skills.

3

Prerequisites

PSY 101 or SW 205 or permission of instructor.

Cross Listed Courses

PSY 462

SW 464 Interventions with Children and Youth

This course examines theory, practice, and evaluation of interventions for children and youth across family, community, and institutional contexts. Students will critically analyze areas such as prevention, resilience, and positive youth development and develop specific skills through experiential practice laboratory sessions. Attention will be paid to effective and culturally appropriate programs and strategies for traditionally marginalized and oppressed populations.
3

Prerequisites

SW 205

Cross Listed Courses

PSY 464

SW 468 Comparative Health and Social Issues in Chile

Students will spend six weeks engaging in services in Santiago, Chile.  The focus is on issues impacting mental, physical, and spiritual well-being of individuals/communities in Chile and services designed to address these issues & work for social/economic justice.  Comparisons are made to systems in the U.S.  Approval of Studies Abroad Director required.

3

Prerequisites

SOC 101, SPN 301, SPN 302 or equivalent

Cross Listed Courses

SOC 468, SPN 468

SW 480 Theory and Methods of Social Work Practice I

This course focuses on generalist social work practice with individuals, families, and groups using the problem-solving process. The course also focuses on social work values, ethics, and issues relevant to sensitive social work practice with populations-at-risk. Social work majors only.

3

Prerequisites

All SW courses except SW 481, SW 482, SW 483, all lower division University and CAS requirements.

Corequisites

SW 482

SW 481 Theory and Methods of Social Work Practice II

This course provides generalist social work practice knowledge, values, and skills as applied to work with groups, organizations, communities, and societies. The course focuses on social work values, ethics, and issues relevant to sensitive social work practice with populations-at-risk. Social work majors only.

3

Prerequisites

All SW courses except SW 483; all lower-division University and CAS requirements.

Corequisites

SW 483

SW 482 Social Work Practicum I

Intensive supervised field experience in selected social work agencies. Students spend 16 hours per week in the field. Social work majors only.

6

Prerequisites

All SW courses except SW 480, SW 481, SW 483; all lower-division University and CAS requirements.

Corequisites

SW 480

SW 483 Social Work Practicum II

Intensive supervised field experience in selected social work agencies. Students spend 16 hours per week in the field. Social work majors only.

6

Prerequisites

All SW courses except SW 481; all lower-division University and CAS requirements.

Corequisites

SW 481

SW 490 Directed Study

Credit arranged.

Variable

SW 491 Seminar

Credit arranged.

Variable

SW 492 Seminar

Credit arranged.

Variable

SW 494 Research

Participate directly in the research process with a faculty member. Before enrolling a student must consult with a faculty member to define the project.

Variable

SW 497 Internship

Practical field experience working within a human service organization. Internships are individually arranged and may be done in a wide array of settings. Students will be required to supplement their experience with a classroom seminar. Social Work majors may take up to 6 credits in internships. Students may receive an IP (In Progress) grade until the completion of their internship.

Variable

Prerequisites

SW 205 or PSY 101 or SOC 101.

Cross Listed Courses

PSY 497, SOC 497

SW 499 Senior Thesis

Research, study, or original work under the direction of a faculty mentor, leading to a scholarly thesis document with a public presentation of results. Requires approval of thesis director, department chair, dean, and the director of the honors program, when appropriate.

Variable

Prerequisites

Senior standing; 3.0 G.P.A. in the thesis area, or good standing in the honors program.