1001. Introduction to Social Welfare and Human Services (3 s.h.) F S.

(Formerly: SOC WRK 0050.)

The course provides an opportunity for students to test their interest in the social work profession by introducing them to the wide range of areas in which social workers practice and the skills, knowledge, and values required in each area. Topics covered include: the history of social welfare, the profession of social work, generalist social work practice, poverty and public welfare, emotional/behavioral problems and counseling, family problems and services to families, sexual orientation, sexual concerns, and sex counseling, drug abuse and drug treatment programs, crime, juvenile delinquency, and correctional services, issues in education and school social work, social work in the workplace, racism, ethnocentrism, sexism, aging and gerontological services, health and medical social services, physical and mental disabilities, mental retardation, and family planning.

Note: Open to non-majors, majors and minors.

1002. Communication in Social Work Practice (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: SOC WRK 0053.)

Communication is a major component of all social work practice across all systems levels. This course provides students with opportunities to develop knowledge, values and skills necessary for effective communication in social work practice with individuals, families, groups, communities, organizations and in policy arenas. Verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills are essential for effective social work practice. Understanding and application of these communication skills are stressed in this course.

2003. The History and Values of Social Welfare (3 s.h.) F. RCI: AC.

(Formerly: SOC WRK C121.)

This course provides an overview of the events that have influenced the provision of social services to people in the United States. The course considers the historical, political, economic, and cultural contexts in which social work and social welfare policy have evolved. Important historical events include: The Elizabethan Poor Laws, the Progressive Era, the Great Depression, New Deal, Social Security Act, Civil Rights Movement, War on Poverty, the Reagan Revolution, and the policies of the Clinton, Bush and Obama administrations. The course considers the unique characteristics of the welfare system in the United States and compares it to systems in other countries. It also identifies current dilemmas facing the welfare state and efforts to further decrease the role of the federal government in social welfare programs.

Note: (1) Open to majors and minors. (2) This course can be used to satisfy the university Core American Culture (AC) requirement. Although it may be usable towards graduation as a major requirement or university elective, it cannot be used to satisfy any of the university GenEd requirements. See your advisor for further information.

2004. Social Welfare in the United States (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: SOC WRK 0122.)

Prerequisite: Social Work 2003 (C121).

This course is the second half of a two-course sequence concerned with social welfare policy. The course is centered on the analysis of social problems and social policies in the United States. It addresses competing values, interest groups,conceptual approaches and processes involved in policymaking including implementation and evaluation. The course considers the ways in which policymakers have addressed human needs in specific areas. Topics include: different ways of defining poverty; the two major forms of income maintenance in the United States (social insurance and public assistance); health (both biomedical and social); substance abuse, hunger, and the service needs of children, older people, and those with disordered mental states.

Note: Open to majors and minors.

3000. Special Topics in Social Work (1 to 3 s.h.)

This course is designed to explore contemporary issues in social work practice. The design of this course provides students with an opportunity to develop knowledge of specific emerging and current social work issues or specific social work practice topics. The variable course credit allows instructors to design a wide range of courses that focus on diverse topics relevant for social work students.

3005. Helping Processes in Social Work I (4 s.h.) F.

(Formerly: SOC WRK 0051.)

Prerequisite: Thirty credits, including Psychology 1061 (C060) and Sociology 1176 (C050).

In this course, students are introduced to the value base, knowledge and skills of the social work profession as well as the importance of the interplay between the individual and the social environment. The course introduces students to the generalist model of social work practice, which includes practice with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. It explores theories, skills, values and professional self development in community practice and issues that affect service delivery, such as racism, sexism, heterosexism and classism. Focus is placed on populations at risk, diversity, and issues of social and economic justice as they relate to work with clients, the social service delivery system, and society as a whole. Students will begin to examine their own abilities for social work as a discipline and a career and also engage in community and agency experiences outside of class.

Note: Open to majors and minors.

3006. Helping Processes in Social Work II (4 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: SOC WRK 0052.)

Prerequisite: Social Work 3005 (0051).

This course builds upon the beginning foundation of professional social work introduced in Social Work 3005 (0051). The focus of this continuing course, however, is on individual, family and group practice. Students will participate in several field experiences through which they can engage in selected service tasks, develop an understanding of the service delivery system and continue to test their own suitability for social work as a career. The course continues to examine the forms of oppression and injustice, populations at risk, diversity and human rights as they relate to work with people in client status, the social service delivery system, and society as a whole. The course offers diverse opportunities for learning, including interactions with field and classroom instructors, peers, and other professionals, readings, lectures, and field visits.

Note: Open to majors and minors.

3007. Human Behavior in the Social Environment (3 s.h.) F S SS. RCI: IN.

(Formerly: SOC WRK C060.)

Prerequisite: Biology 1001 (C071) or Kinesiology 1223 (C100), Psychology 1061 (C060), and Sociology 1176 (C050). Co-Requisite: Biology 1001 (C071) or Kinesiology 1223 (C100).

This course is designed to explore the theoretical knowledge base of social work in relation to human behavior and human development within the context of the social environment. The theories of human behavior that undergird the practice of social work are presented. The course also explores the role of human behavior theory, its limitations and strengths and contribution to our knowledge of human development and human behavior throughout the life course. The person-in-environment perspective is given special emphasis. The mutual influence of transactions between individuals, families, communities, social institutions and societies are explored using a social systems perspective. Interrelationships among biological, psychological, social and cultural systems as they affect and are affected by human behavior are studied using a number of interdisciplinary theoretical approaches such as systems theory, concepts from ego psychology and role theory.

Note: (1) Biology 1001, Kinesiology 1223, Psychology 1061 & Sociology 1176 are listed as both prerequisites & co-requisites because they may be taken as either. Open to majors & minors. (2) This course can be used to satisfy the university Core Individual & Society (IN) requirement. Although it may be usable towards graduation as a major requirement or university elective, it cannot be used to satisfy any of the university GenEd requirements. See your advisor for further information.

3008. Institutional Racism (3 s.h.) F S. RCI: RS.

(Formerly: SOC WRK R365.)

This course is designed to introduce and sensitize students to the forms, practices and effects of racism. The course will examine the historical foundations of racism as an ideology; various racial theories and theories of racism; and the practices that perpetuate institutional systems which continue to limit the opportunities afforded to persons of color. Specifically, we will emphasize the role of institutional racism in education, human services, housing, law, business and prisons. The complex interplay among racism and other institutionalized systems of oppression (e.g., sexism, ageism, heterosexism, ethnocentrism, anti-Semitism, etc.) will be explored throughout the semester.

Note: This course can be used to satisfy the university Core Studies in Race (RS) requirement. Although it may be usable towards graduation as a major requirement or university elective, it cannot be used to satisfy any of the university GenEd requirements. See your advisor for further information.

3009. Patterns of Social Service Delivery (3 s.h.) F.

(Formerly: SOC WRK 0280.)

Prerequisite: Social Work 2003 (C121), 2004 (0122), 3005 (0051), 3006 (0052).

This course examines the practice of social service delivery within its organizational and environmental contexts. Social services are delivered within organizations that have varying degrees of economic, political and cultural complexity. Professional and organizational values and expectations are constantly in dynamic tension with each other. The course explores the impact of these tensions on the quality and quantity of services and addresses the professional social worker’s role as a proactive force partnering with clients to advocate for services and systems improvement.

3010. Special Topics in Social Work (1 to 3 s.h.)

This course is designed to explore contemporary issues in social work practice. The design of this course provides students with an opportunity to develop knowledge of specific emerging and current social work issues or specific social work practice topics. The variable course credit allows instructors to design a wide range of courses that focus on diverse topics relevant for social work students.

3011. The Social Worker in the Group (3 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: SOC WRK 0372.)

Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing.

This course examines the dynamics of the small group. Different theoretical conceptualizations of the role of the social worker in the group are discussed. Concepts such as group norms, roles and leadership are examined. There is a special focus on work with community groups.

4000. Special Topics in Social Work (1 to 3 s.h.)

This “special topics” course category can explore a range of issue areas of importance to social work and give students an opportunity to study topics that are not a standard part of the curriculum. Each semester, an instructor can create a course in an area they see as particularly relevant. For example, for spring of 2010, Dr. Schofield will be offering a 3 credit online course in social innovation and social change. The course will focus on individuals whose idea about how to improve a situation, and commitment to seeing it implemented, has brought about a substantial change in the way things are done resulting in an increase in the quality of life (and sometimes a dramatic decrease in suffering). This course will include international, national and local examples of individuals who have made a positive difference in the world through their innovation and resolve. Each student will identify, analyze, and present a case study of an individual that has significantly changed “business as usual” through her or his innovation in the Greater Philadelphia region. Students are encouraged to use a video clip they created about their case in their presentation. A Flip camera can be loaned for this purpose. Students will also explore what is needed to actualize further their own potential for leadership. This course meets the social work elective requirement. Students who are seriously interested in this content will need to meet with the professor to obtain authorization to register. The class is limited to 20 people and will require attendance at weekly virtual classes.

4001. Seminar in Social Work Practice (3 s.h.) F.

(Formerly: SOC WRK 4096 (W285).)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Social Work 1002 (0053), 2003 (C121), 2004 (0122), 3005 (0051), 3006 (0052), 3007 (C060), and 3008 (R365): cumulative average of 2.00 or better; departmental approval; a minimum of 85 s.h. of successfully completed specified course work. Co-Requisite: Social Work 4187 (0290) & 4396 (4013/0390), & 3008 (R365). Open only to seniors who are social work majors.

This course is the first semester of a two-semester integrative practice course for senior social work majors. Students use the seminar format to learn empowerment based social work practice skills and to apply the social work curricular areas of human behavior in the social environment, social welfare policy, and research. The rich liberal arts background acquired from the Core or General Education curriculum and the content of the professionally related courses are used to inform social work practice. An important focus of the senior seminar is the agency environment in which the students practice. The formal and informal systems in which students do their fieldwork comprise the foci of the senior seminar classes. The classroom instructor is the liaison for the students’ fieldwork agencies. This maximizes the opportunity to create an intense, supportive and integrative educational experience. Students stay in the same section and field agency throughout both fall and spring semesters. Previously acquired skills are enhanced while new skills are developed so that students acquire the competencies for beginning generalist social work practice at all levels with systems of all sizes.

Note: SOC WRK 3008 (Institutional Racism) is listed as a prerequisite and a co-requisite because it may be taken as either. It is recommended students take it before entering Senior Seminar but if this is not possible, it may be taken in the Fall semester of senior year.

4002. Seminar in Social Work Practice (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: SOC WRK 4097 (W286).)

Prerequisite: Social Work 4001 (4096/W285) & 4187 (0290) & 4396 (4013/0390). Co-Requisite: Social Work 4287 (0291) & 4397 (4014/0391). Open only to seniors who are social work majors.

This course is the second semester of a two-semester integrative practice course for senior social work majors. Students use the seminar format to learn empowerment based social work practice skills and to apply the social work curricular areas of human behavior in the social environment, social welfare policy, and research. The rich liberal arts background acquired from the Core or General Education curriculum and the content of the professionally related courses are used to inform social work practice. An important focus of both the senior seminar (Social Work 4001 [4096/W285]), and of course Social Work 3009 (0280) (Patterns of Service Delivery), is the agency environment in which the students practice. The realities of the formal and informal systems in which students do their fieldwork are constant foci of the senior seminar classes. The classroom instructor is the liaison for the students’ fieldwork agencies. This maximizes the opportunity to create an intense, supportive and integrative educational experience. Students stay in the same section and field agency throughout both fall and spring semesters. Previously acquired skills are enhanced while new skills are developed so that students acquire the competencies for beginning generalist social work practice at all levels with systems of all sizes.

4187. Social Work Field Practicum I (5 s.h.) F.

(Formerly: SOC WRK 0290.)

This first semester of a two semester practicum offers the opportunity to practice social work in selected social agencies. The student spends 200 supervised hours in the field. This generalist experience provides students the opportunity to apply the knowledge, skills, and values learned in research, policy, human behavior, and practice classes. It allows them to connect social work theory with practice and to develop increasing depth in knowledge and skills. These include the development of communication, problem-solving and networking skills within various focal systems and demonstration of purposeful use of self within a culturally competent empowerment model of practice.

Note: For details on field placement process, refer to the Field Education Manual available from the Field Education Office.

4287. Social Work Field Practicum II (5 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: SOC WRK 0291.)

Prerequisite: Social Work 4001 (4096/W285) & 4187 (0290) & 4396 (4013/0390). Co-Requisite: Social Work 4002 (4097/W286) & 4397 (4014/0391).

This second semester of a two semester practicum offers the opportunity to practice social work in selected social agencies. The student spends 200 supervised hours in the field. This generalist experience provides students the opportunity to apply the knowledge, skills, and values learned in Research, Policy, Human Behavior, and Practice classes. It allows them to connect social work theory with practice and to develop increasing depth in knowledge and skills. These include the development of communication, problem-solving and networking skills within various focal systems and demonstration of purposeful use of self within a culturally competent empowerment model of practice.

4301. Women and Social Policy (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: SOC WRK 0110.)

Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing in social work and related majors.

This course examines policy issues that have a major influence on the agency and well-being of women. It identifies values, attitudes, and belief systems about females that have contributed both to the problems women and girls experience and to the conceptualization and implementation of related policy responses in political, social, and economic areas. Policy areas covered include: economic status, labor force participation, family, caregiving, reproduction, substance abuse, violence, health, mental health, and international issues affecting women.

4302. Emotional Disorders in Children and Adolescents (3 s.h.) SS.

(Formerly: SOC WRK 0200.)

Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing in social work or related majors.

Provides students with a knowledge base in emotional and behavioral difficulties of children and adolescents from the perspective of social work. Students will become familiar with the current literature in the field of child mental health. This includes knowledge about specific emotional and behavioral problems, theoretical perspectives for understanding child mental health and populations at risk, and current practices with children and families.

4303. Social Work with the Homeless (3 s.h.)

(Formerly: SOC WRK 0210.)

Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing in social work or related majors.

This course provides a framework for the analysis of social policies and programs related to the social problems of homelessness in the United States. Although the focus of the course is on contemporary issues of homelessness, the approach includes an historical perspective in order to explore the enduring legacy of early interventions and approaches to the relief and social control of marginalized populations. The implications of differing viewpoints and alternative problem definitions for policy and service delivery are considered. The course explores shifts in housing policies. Additionally, employment programs are discussed in some detail to demonstrate their impact on the increasing numbers of Americans who are homeless.

4304. HIV/AIDS and Social Work: Prevention and Practice (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: SOC WRK 0270.)

Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing in social work or related majors.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of HIV/AIDS, including biomedical, psychological, sociological, and global considerations for prevention and care. The course is intended to familiarize students with current knowledge for culturally competent direct social work practice with HIV-positive individuals and their families. In addition, attention is focused on organizational, community and policy level responses to AIDS. Specific topics include medical and cultural origins of HIV; multi-level prevention strategies and barriers to their enactment, including stigma; legal and ethical aspects of prevention, testing, and treatment; psychosocial issues for families of HIV-positive persons, including the implications of grieving, death, and dying; clinical skills in assisting HIV-positive clients/patients; ways to assess comprehensiveness of services offered in and for varying communities; social workers’ varying roles in responding to AIDS as a social and health problem; and, current research and policy implications of the illness.

Note: Includes a minimum of 12 hours of volunteer work related to HIV/AIDS.

4305. Health Care Policy (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: SOC WRK 0301.)

Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing in social work or related majors.

This course traces the evolution of health care policy in the United States and the changing roles of social workers in health care over time. A range of specific issues are discussed including access to care, quality of care, cost and financing of care as well as specific topics such as health disparities, AIDS, homelessness, and health care in prisons. The course also considers the way selected other countries have organized their health systems, the values that have informed their decisions, and the trade-offs reflected.

4306. Child Welfare Policy (3 s.h.) F S.

(Formerly: SOC WRK 0304.)

Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing in social work or related majors.

This course will explore the historical, philosophical, legal, social, political, and economic influences on the development of child welfare services. Selected aspects of children’s lives will be examined to understand and analyze the state of children in the United States and the effects of state intervention in the lives of children and their families. A range of services from family supports to foster care, kinship care, adoption, and family preservation will be examined. Issues of access and equity, gender, differential needs and treatment of children based on race, socioeconomic status, and family type will frame the analyses. Comparisons between the U.S. and other countries will be made to address changes for the future.

4307. Alcohol and Substance Abuse (3 s.h.)

(Formerly: SOC WRK 0338.)

Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing in social work or related majors.

This course provides students with current information about alcohol and other substance abuse. Using ecosystems and family systems frameworks, information is presented regarding the bio-psycho-social impact of alcohol and other substance abuse on individual and family functioning. Particular attention is given to treatment options and resources for change.

4308. Social Transformation (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: SOC WRK 0340.)

Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing in social work or related majors.

An exploration of theories of social transformation with particular focus on analyzing and addressing societal oppression and injustice. Course topics include dynamics of empowerment and self-determination, social movements and collective action, and the risks and rewards of being a change agent. Emphasis is on participatory learning and practical application in social work and human service settings.

4309. Societal Responses to Aging (3 s.h.) F S.

(Formerly: SOC WRK 0369.)

Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing in social work or related majors.

Explores public and private resources, the need for social and political action, the network of services to meet the needs of individuals and their families, present policies and practice in income maintenance, health, housing, safety, and social status. Public-private sponsorship, cost, accountability, benefit levels and administration. Student social action projects completed and expanded.

4311. Law and Practice of Human Services (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: SOC WRK 0374.)

Prerequisite: Senior standing in social work or related majors or permission of the instructor.

This course provides an introduction to the law as it affects the human services professional and the practice of social work. The course provides an overview of major areas of the law as they relate to juveniles, families, and the elderly. It also includes a review of professional responsibilities including informed consent, privileged communication, malpractice laws and the building of effective social work/legal terms.

4312. Loss and Grief (3 s.h.) F.

(Formerly: SOC WRK 0373.)

Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing in social work or related majors.

The dynamics of loss, the stress of grief and mourning, societal attitudes about death, and cultural variations in dealing with loss and bereavement practices. To help students explore and examine personal meanings about loss and to prepare students to be responsive and helpful as social workers working with those experiencing loss and grief. Class sessions combine cognitive and experiential material.

4382. Independent Study in Social Welfare (1 to 6 s.h.) F S.

(Formerly: SOC WRK 0187.)

Prerequisite: By arrangement of instructor.

A program developed by instructor and student to permit the study of issues of interest to the student and relevant to social welfare and social work. Students must meet with the faculty member within the first week of the term and agree on: the topic area(s), readings, graded assignments, and due dates.

Note: Registration for this course requires prior consent from the faculty member with whom the student wishes to study. The academic advisor will register the student once the professor has agreed and the student communicates this information to the advisor. Study plan must be submitted and approved by the instructor and the Director of the BSW Program.

4396. Introduction to Social Research (3 s.h.) F. RCI: WI.

(Formerly: SOC WRK 4013 (0390).)

Prerequisite: Psychology 1167 (C067); Math 1013 (C067); Sociology 1167 (C067); or Statistics 2101 (C021). Co-Requisite: Social Work 4001 (4096/W285), 4187 (0290).

An introduction to the philosophy, concepts, principles, and methods of empirical research in the social and behavioral sciences. Characteristic stages and formats of social research are reviewed, with the primary aim of developing beginning competence in the critical assessment of published research and use of research techniques.

4397. Evaluating Programs and Practice in Social Work (3 s.h.) S. RCI: WI.

(Formerly: SOC WRK 4014 (0391).)

Prerequisite: Social Work 4396 (4013/0390), Senior Seminar 4001 (4096/W285) and Field Practicum 4187 (0290). Co-Requisite: Senior Seminar 4002 (4097/W286), and Field Practicum 4287 (0291).

This course is designed to introduce students to the range of activities and methods included in program evaluation. These will be examined in the larger context within which programs exist, the specific stage of program development and the ends to which information is to be used. Students will learn: the historical context of accountability and development of program evaluation; the nature, substance and role of evaluation research; the inherent and contextual constraints and potentialities of program evaluation; the role and use of program evaluation in relation to planning, administration, and social policy; the relationship between program evaluation and practice at the individual and program levels; and the options available in doing program evaluation.

4482. Independent Study in Social Work (1 to 6 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: SOC WRK 0188.)

Prerequisite: By arrangement of instructor.

A program developed by instructor and student to permit the study of issues of interest to the student and relevant to social welfare and social work. Students must meet with the faculty member within the first week of the term and agree on: the topic area(s), readings, graded assignments, and due dates.

Note: Registration for this course requires prior consent from the faculty member with whom the student wishes to study. The academic advisor will register the student once the professor has agreed and the student communicates this information to the advisor. Study plan must be submitted and approved by the instructor and the BSW Director.
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Last updated 10/20/2009