0023. Extern Program (2-4 s.h.)

Optional work experience/career education program designed to aid students in making informed career decisions based on practical experience and self-assessment. Affords opportunity to explore a work setting for eight hours per day for four days each week. Students spend one day a week on campus in a career-oriented seminar. Written assignments required.

Note: Applications must be submitted by November 15. This course may not be used to meet BSW elective requirements. Offered winter recess in January.

0050. Introduction to Social Welfare and Human Services (3 s.h.) S.

Introduces students to social welfare as an institution and the social work profession. The course provides an opportunity for students to test their interest in the social work profession by introducing them to the arenas in which social workers practice and the knowledge and values that underlie the profession.

Note: Open to non-majors

0051. Helping Processes in Social Work I (5 s.h.) F.

Prerequisite: Thirty credits, including Psychology C050 and Sociology C050. FORMAL ADMISSION TO THE MAJOR IS CONTINGENT UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF SW51. THIS COURSE IS A PREREQUISITE FOR FURTHER WORK IN THE DEPARTMENT. STUDENTS MUST EARN A "C" OR BETTER IN THIS COURSE.

In this course, students are introduced to the social work profession, its value base, knowledge and skills. Students are placed in a concurrent field experience for six hours per week (60 hours this semester) through which they can engage in selective service tasks, develop an understanding of the service delivery system and test their own suitability for social work as a career. In addition, this course will enable the students to develop an understanding of racism, sexism, homophobia, elitism, and other forms of oppression that are prevalent in American society. There is a focus 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.

Note: May be taken concurrently with Social Work C060 or 0372. May be taken by non-Social Work majors with permission of the Chair.

0052. Helping Processes in Social Work II (5 s.h.) S.

Prerequisite: Social Work 0051. Co-Requisite: Social Welfare 0053.

This course builds upon the beginning foundation of professional social work purposes, its knowledge, value and skill base introduced in SW51. The focus is on community practice as a necessary skill for social work practice at every level. The interplay between the individual and the social environment is emphasized as a major strength of the social work approach. The course covers theory, skills, values and professional self-development. Content includes issues that affect service delivery such as racism, sexism, heterosexism and classism, and the nature of community methods of practice.

Note: May be taken Concurrently with Social Work C060 or 0372.

0053. Communication in Social Work Practice (3 s.h.) S.
Co-Requisite: Social Work 0052.

This course provides students with opportunities to develop knowledge, values and skills necessary for effective communication with individual clients. Communication is a major component in social work practice. It is through the communication of verbal, non-verbal and written messages transmitted, interpreted and responded to in the social work process that the purposes of social work are achieved. Understanding of skills in the use of such tools is essential for effective practice.

C060. Human Behavior in the Social Environment (3 s.h.) F S. Core: IN.

Prerequisite: Biology C071. Co-Requisite: Social Work 0051 or 0052. Psychology C050, and Sociology C050.

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. Theories of human behavior are identified as undergirding the practice of social work. The course begins with an exploration of the role of human behavior theory, its limitations and strengths and proceeds to draw from theories to provide knowledge of human development and human behavior throughout the life course from a person-in-environment perspective. 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 including: social systems theory, concepts from ego psychology and role theory.

0105. Child and Adolescent Development (3 s.h.) S.

Ages and stages of normal child and adolescent development covering theoretical concepts and their application in social work practice. This course covers growth and development from the prenatal period through adolescence.

Note: Elective: Junior/Senior Level.

C121. The History and Values of Social Welfare (3 s.h.) F. Core: AC.

Prerequisite: Social Work 0051, 0052, 0053, and C060; Political Science C051, History C068; Composition 0045; and all remedial work.

The major intent of this course is to provide a philosophical, theoretical, and historical frame of reference for social welfare as an institutional form in society. This is accomplished primarily through an historical explanation of the economic, social, political and ideological forces that have shaped and determined the evolution of social institutional development, with special emphasis on the emergence of an institutional form called "Social Welfare." In this connection, poverty and economic assistance to the poor are used to define and illuminate the development of Social Welfare Policy and Services. The emergence of Social Work as an occupational category and its subsequent professionalization is a definitive focus in this examination.

0122. Social Welfare in the United States (3 s.h.) S.

Prerequisite: Social Work C121.

This course is the second half of a two-course sequence concerned with social welfare policy. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the arena of social welfare policy - the socio-political environment in which welfare policy development takes place, the forces which shape and inform the content of policy, and the ways in which welfare policy are connected to public policy. The course provides an overview of the political/economic dynamics of social welfare policy formation, the roles of various actors and systems in this process, and specific issues pertaining to policy design. A primary intent is to develop an essential capacity for examination and critical analysis of the dynamics of social welfare policy. To this end, selected areas of social welfare policy will be examined using theoretical and analytical principles that have broad application. The enrichment of the student's understanding of the central role of policy in U.S. Social Welfare, and the enhanced ability to scrutinize, analyze, and evaluate current and proposed social welfare policies are primary course objectives.

0187. Independent Study in Social Welfare (1-6 s.h.) F S.

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.

Note: Study plan must be submitted and approved by the instructor and the Department Chair.

0200. Emotional Disturbance in Children and Adolescents (3 s.h.) F S.

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.

0205. The African American Male in Contemporary Society (3 s.h.) S.

African American males have made and continue to make significant contributions to America in particular and the world in general. In spite of these contributions, most of the publicity about them is negative. This course examines positive aspects of African American males as related to several areas. These areas include spirituality, politics, Africentric perspective, science, health, athletics and male/female relationships. This course will also examine what factors were involved in how African American males came to the present condition, including institutional racism. Proposed solutions to challenges facing African American males will be discussed.

Note: Elective: Junior/Senior Level.

0216. Contemporary Family: Systems and Services (3 s.h.)

This course offers an overview of contemporary family systems. It explores family social work as related to family functioning and meeting the developmental and emotional needs of its members. Specific objectives of this course include skills for reinforcing family strengths, providing supportive counseling and assisting families in creating effective changes.

Note: Elective: Junior/Senior Level.

0255. Latinos and Public Policy (3 s.h.)

Understanding the richness and complexity of the Latino experience in the U.S. is a crucial challenge for social work, social policy and the provision of services to the Hispanic community. This course will explore these challenges and their implications across dimensions of practice, policy and program development, and theory and research. Participants will examine critical issues related to micro and macro practice interventions (casework, group work, community organization, policy, planning, administration and research) with Latino client systems.

Note: Elective: Junior/Senior Level.

0270. HIV/AIDS and Social Work: Prevention and Practice (3 s.h.) S.

This course provides an overview of the knowledge, skills, values, and policy issues related to prevention and service delivery to persons infected or affected by HIV/AIDS.

Note: Elective: Open only to seniors in social work. Includes a minimum of 12 hours of volunteer work related to HIV/AIDS.

0280. Patterns of Service Delivery (3 s.h.) F.

Prerequisite: See requirements for Social Work W285. Co-Requisite: Social Work W285 and 0290.

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 complexities. Professional and organizational values and expectations are constantly in dynamic tension with each other. The impact of these tensions on the quality and quantity of services must be understood. This course addresses the professional social worker's role as a proactive force partnering with clients to advocate for quality services and systems improvement.

W285-W286. Seminar In Social Work Practice (3 s.h. each semester) F S. Core: WI.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Social Work 0051, 0052, 0053, C060, C121, and 0122; cumulative average of 2.25 or better; departmental approval; a minimum of 85 s.h. of successfully completed specified course work. Co-Requisite: Social Work 0280 and 0290 in the fall semester, 0291 in the spring semester. Open only to seniors who are social work majors.

This is the culminating, integrative practice course. 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 curriculum and the content of the professionally related courses are used to inform social work practice. An important focus of both the Senior Seminar (SW 285), and of the concurrent course SW280 (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.

0290. Social Work Practicum (5 s.h.) F.
Co-Requisite: Social Work W285.

Social work practice in selected social welfare and related agencies; 200 hours in the field. This experience provides students the opportunity to connect social work theory with practice and develop specific practice skills.

Note: For details on field placement process, refer to Senior Seminar Field Guide.

0291. Social Work Practicum (5 s.h.) S.

Prerequisite: Social Work W286.

A continuation of the field practice begun in Social Work 0290; 200 hours in the field.

0301. Health Care Policy (3 s.h.) S.

This course traces the history of American health care policy. Current issues are studied, including AIDS, homelessness, costs, etc. The American system is compared with that of other countries.

Note: Elective: Junior/Senior level.

0304. Child Welfare Policy (3 s.h.)

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.

Note: Elective: Junior/Senior level.

0340. Social Transformation (3 s.h.)

An exploration of social transformation theories and practices in the humanities, sciences, social sciences, and other uncategorized ventures for a different world. Topics selected by students range from art therapy to nonviolent civil disobedience. Emphasizes participatory learning and practical application in social work settings.

Note: Elective: Junior/Senior level.

0361. Developmental Disabilities Policy and Services (3 s.h.)

In this course, developmental disabilities are examined primarily from a sociological perspective. Knowledge about developmental disabilities, the deinstitutionalization movement and human service provisions are presented. Attitudes and values toward people with developmental disabilities are covered with the problem area of stigma being examined in depth.

Note: Open to undergraduate and graduate students in social work and other professional programs.

0363. Crime and Social Welfare (3 s.h.) F S.

Social welfare implications for consumers, processors, and service providers; past, present, and emerging goals of the criminal justice system.

Note: Elective: Junior/Senior level.

R365. Institutional Racism (3 s.h.) F S. Core: RS.

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.

0368. Psycho-Social Aspects of Aging (2-4 s.h.) F S.

This course examines the biological, physical, psychological, and social aspects of aging. Income, family, living arrangements, and health are studied in relation to needs, services, and gaps in services. Students develop action projects in education, programmatic change, and research.

Note: Elective: Junior/Senior level.

0369. Societal Responses to Aging (2-4 s.h.) F S.

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.

Note: The second of a two-course sequence.

0372. The Social Worker in the Group (3 s.h.) F S.

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior 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.

0373. Loss and Grief (3 s.h.) F.

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.

0374. Law and Practice of Human Services (3 s.h.) F S.

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.

0378. Group Work with the Elderly (3 s.h.) S.

Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing in social work, recreation, and related fields.

To enhance student's knowledge of the elderly and of group dynamics in order to assist them in functioning effectively in different kinds of groups. Work with the elderly to develop social group process skills in order to promote self-development, problem-solving, social change, and the achieving of group goals.

0390. Introduction to Social Research (3 s.h.) F S.

Prerequisite: Psychology C067; Sociology C067; or Statistics C021.

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.

Note: This course should be taken in the senior year.

0391. Evaluating Programs and Practice in Social Work (3 s.h.) S.

Prerequisite: Social Work 0390, senior social work majors.

This course builds on the knowledge of research methods and data analysis taught in Social Work 0390 – Introduction to Social Work Research. The purpose of Social Work 0391 is to develop students’ abilities to use research methods for the purposes of evaluating social work practice, programs and policies.

Note: This course should be taken in the senior year.

0393. Community Organization Principles and Practices (3 s.h.) S.

This course is designed as an introduction to the basic principles, strategies and tactics of community organizing. It emphasizes the role of people in shaping decisions concerning their lives.

Note: This course is available for graduate or undergraduate credit in the School of Social Administration.

SW 110. Women and Social Policy (3 s.h.) S.

This course examines policy issues that have a major influence on the agency and well-being of women. We will identify 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.