Course Descriptions

SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK CURRICULUM COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Foundation Curriculum
Course Descriptions
Social Work Prefix: SW

SW 501 - Social Welfare Policy and Services
This is the first of a two-course sequence in social policy that introduces students to the history of social policy, policy development, and the social welfare system in the United States. Examined both historically and currently is the crucial role of government, the political role of social workers, the impact of social movements on policy change, and the changing nature and needs of our society. Particular attention is devoted to the problems of inequality, oppression, powerlessness, and poverty as conditions which significantly affect the functioning of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Additionally, there is content on policy formulation and implementation as well as the models and methods used in policy analysis and change.

SW 572 - Human Behavior and the Social Environment I
This is the first of a two-course sequence that provides a social work context in introducing students to theories and theoretical models that explain reciprocal influences in shaping human behavior. This course examines human growth and development from conception to very old age and death through the lens of psychosocial developmental theory and resiliency theory.  The influence of race, culture, ethnicity, socio-economic status, gender, physical and cognitive capacities, social and economic injustice, and sexual orientation are presented as variables that play a central role in influencing the transactions between the person and the environment.  The interplay of social systems with the developmental process is introduced.

SW 573 - Human Behavior and the Social Environment  II
This is the second of a two-course sequence providing content on theories and knowledge of human bio-psycho-social development and the interaction between the range of social systems (society, communities, organizations, families, and groups) that comprise the social environments of most human beings.  Ecological systems theory, social constructivism and conflict theory provide a basis for an examination of the systems which comprise the social environment and for understanding human behavior as influenced by the reciprocal interaction of social, cultural, and political factors.  The impact of social and economic injustices upon individuals, families, groups, and society is explored.

SW 581 - Social Work Research
Social Work Research provides graduate social work students with the necessary values, knowledge, and skills for utilizing methods of research and evaluation in their professional work. 

SW 521- Social Work Practice I
The first of two courses in Foundation Practice introduces the skills of generalist practice with individuals, families and groups within a community context. Grounded in the values and ethics of the profession, students learn the application and evaluation of skills used in the initial phase of helping. Emphasis is on the relation of the attributes of client systems, agency and community contexts, and worker roles in practice. The effects of oppression, the role of diversity, recognition of strengths and promotion of resilience in client systems are considered. Field Education I must be taken concurrently with this course.

SW 524 - Social Work Practice II
The second practice course in the foundation year focuses on the development of professional skills unique to the middle/ongoing or work phase and the ending phase and transitions. The strengths perspective integral to the interactional approach and life model of social work practice provides the framework for this course. Students will examine current knowledge, professional values, and skills relevant to work with a range of life stressors as they present themselves within diverse populations and diverse communities. Critical to understanding the helping relationship and essential skills is the student’s ability to respond to the ways in which individuals, groups, organizations and communities are systematically oppressed and denied access to social, political, and economic resources. This course includes a specific focus on student skill development related to the identification and assessment of service gaps within human service organizations; professional social work role and function; mediation of interpersonal and environmental stressors with individuals, families, groups and communities; and the skillful navigation of the middle and ending phases of the helping relationship. Field Education II must be taken concurrently with this course.

SW 591 - Field Education I
A supervised educational experience with specified educational objectives completing the required hours per week in an agency setting, for the duration of the field placement term.  Field Education I requires a minimum of 224 hours and is co-requisite with Social Work Practice I.

SW 592 - Field Education II
A supervised educational  experience with specified educational objectives completing the required hours per week in an agency setting, for the duration of the field placement term.  Field Education II requires a minimum of 224 hours and is co-requisite with Social Work Practice II.

Field Education I & II are sequential courses which require a minimum of 448 total hours and credit will only be granted upon the successful completion of both courses.

Concentration Courses

SW 651 - Psychopathology
This course surveys the major brain disorders and forms of psychological functioning with which social workers come into contact.  These include the schizophrenias, mood and anxiety disorders, impulse control disorders, cognitive disorders, somatoform disorders, dissociative disorders, childhood disorders and personality disorders.  Emphasis is given to identifying and understanding the classifications described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV-TR.  Pre- and co-requisites are Practice I and HBSE I.

SW 621 - Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice with Individuals
This concentration course advances clinical practice knowledge and skills that afford students an opportunity for an in-depth study of the individual as the basic unit of intervention aimed at promoting well-being through the use of resiliency as a framework for practice. This framework guides assessment, intervention, and evaluation with the client system across a range of practice settings and services. A variety of theoretical perspectives is examined with attention to: strategies and skills to mitigate the effects of oppression and social and economic injustices; services to diverse clients with varied needs and resources; enhancement of clients’ strengths and resourcefulness; professional responses in social, and political contexts; and evaluation of the effectiveness of worker interventions. Pre-requisites are Practice I and II or advanced standing; Field Education III or IV is co-requisite.

SW 622 - Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice with Families
This concentration year course provides in-depth study of the family as the basic unit for interventions aimed at promoting well-being through the use of a resiliency framework for practice. Students develop knowledge, values and skills for various family-centered approaches used in contemporary social work practice. Family-centered strategies are drawn from a variety of theoretical perspectives and include skills that mitigate the effects of oppression and social and economic injustices; serve diverse clients with diverse resources and needs; enhance client strength and resourcefulness; respond in professional, social and political contexts; and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions are drawn from a variety of theoretical perspectives. Pre-requisites are Practice I and II or advanced standing. Field Education III or IV is co-requisite.

SW 623 - Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice with Groups
This concentration year course involves an in-depth study of the group as a basic unit of intervention. The resiliency framework guides group practice with clients facing various life conditions, circumstances, and events. In this class, students develop the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for practicing in accordance with a variety of group practice models. Emphasis is on differential practice approaches that address client need in a wide range of practice settings. Students develop the ability to use group work strategies and skills drawn from a variety of theoretical perspectives in order to mitigate the effects of oppression and social and economic injustices; serve diverse clients with diverse resources and needs; enhance client strength and resourcefulness; respond in professional, social and political contexts; and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions are drawn from a variety of theoretical perspectives. Pre-requisites are Practice I and II or advanced standing. Field Education III or IV is co-requisite.

SW 640 - Advanced Social Welfare Policy and Analysis
This course advances knowledge and skills in the analysis of social welfare policy and services within the conceptual framework of policy intent, implementation, and experience. Examined are current national and global issues of social and economic justice affecting vulnerable individuals, families, groups, and communities. Course work includes the examination of the political, cultural, social, and economic structure of the United States, its impact on the arrangement of social service delivery systems and implications for social work practice. Pre-requisite is Social Welfare Policy and Services or advanced standing.

SW 682 - Advanced Research
Understanding and application of qualitative and quantitative methods enable students to consume and produce research. Focus is on deepening the use of descriptive and inferential statistics, data analysis through verification, and program evaluation as these skills are applied to practice. Pre-requisite is Social Work Research or advanced standing.

SW 625 - Seminar in Professional Social Work Practice
Essential knowledge, methods, and skills for working in complex human service organizations and communities to improve services for those served, to improve the efficacy of services to clients, to stimulate change in agencies/organizations and communities that will promote social and economic justice. Prerequisites: Completion of MSW foundation year curriculum or advanced standing. Field Education III or IV is co-requisite.

SW 691- Field Education III
A supervised educational experience at an advanced level with specified educational objectives completing the required hours per week in an agency setting, for the duration of the field placement term. Field Education III requires a minimum of 240 hours and is co-requisite with Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice with Families and/or Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice with Individuals, and/or Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice with Groups and/or Seminar in Professional Social Work Practice.

SW 692 Field Education IV
A supervised educational experience at an advanced level with specified educational objectives completing the required hours per week in an agency setting for the duration of the field placement term.  Field Education IV requires a minimum of 240 hours and is co-requisite with Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice with Families and/or Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice with Individuals, and/or Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice with Groups and/or Seminar in Professional Social Work Practice.

Field Education III & IV are sequential courses which require a minimum of 480 total hours and credit will only be granted upon the successful completion of both courses.

Elective Courses

SW 525 - Community Organization
This course emphasizes definitions and utilization of power as it relates to the history, philosophy, and practice of community organization. Students develop understanding of the nature of communities, the types of communities, to charter an organization; to locate and utilize local bases of power; plan and run meetings, using Robert’s Rules of Order, as well as, the significant practice approaches and strategies for  bringing about community change.

SW 527 - Social Work Practice with Addictions
This course presents a bio-psycho-social model for social work assessment and treatment of addicted persons.  Attention is given to etiology, differential diagnosis, and treatment modalities for the addicted population within a multicultural framework.

SW 543 – Social Work and Spirituality
This three credit hour elective examines religion and spirituality as it relates to the history of social work as a profession and contemporary approaches to social work practice. Explored are the multidimensional relationships between social work practice, religion, and the spirituality of clients, workers, and their surrounding social systems. This course is guided by the profession’s commitment to link religion and spirituality with social work in a manner that supports culturally competent practice.

SW 556 - Social Work Practice with Aging Individuals and their Families
This course focuses on direct practice with older adults within the context of aging experiences, including biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions. Practice concepts and evidence-based applications are examined in a framework of diversity, resilience, and social justice. The course also emphasizes ethical social work practice, and practitioner self-awareness in working with older adults and their systems.

SW 558 - Social Work Practice with Women
This course explores the social construction of gender and the ways in which such construction has historically shaped the lived experiences of women. The intersection of race gender, and power are examined with particular attention to how gender ideology has and continues to contribute to the social, economic and political oppression of women. Key practice issues and skills are highlighted.

SW 575 - Social Work Practice with Refugees and Immigrants
This course is designed to help students develop social work knowledge and skills specifically related to working with refugees and immigrants. Examined are the multiple factors affecting refugees and immigrants at an individual, family, group, organizational and community level.  Students are introduced to relevant social work practice approaches specific to these vulnerable populations within the current social, political and economic context.

SW 615 – Social Work Practice and Family Violence
This elective course examines the history, magnitude, and consequences of family violence for American society. Focus is on family violence in a cultural and community context and individual, group, family and community interventions. The interplay of societal values and legislative response are examined in light of family violence.

SW 604- Conflict Resolution
This elective course provides students with an exploration of conflict resolution theory and practice principles as they relate to both students’ development as social workers and their professional practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Pre-requisite:  Admission into the MSW program or permission of instructor.  

SW 617- Social Work Practice with Adolescents
This elective teaches the skills and strategies used in work with adolescents. Emphasis is placed on helping adolescents with mental health issues, juvenile delinquency, and school-related problems using several social work modalities. The impact of gender and culture on teenagers and their families is stressed.

SW 642 - Social Work Practice with Children
Utilizing contemporary sources of biological, psychological, social and economic data, this course engages students in an in-depth critique of developmental theories with respect to both children and families. The course offers specific child-centered, strength-based practice approaches to working with children within a multicultural context.

SW 643 - Crisis Intervention
Focusing on the unique meaning of the crisis event for the individual or family group, the course explores differential methods of practice, setting treatment goals, and identifying the focus of therapeutic interventions.

SW 645 – Human Sexuality
This elective examines theories and etiology of human sexuality, sexual development, and sexual role expectations.  Specific emphasis is placed on the exploration of sexual attitudes, values, and behavior.  The biological, psychological, cultural, and social implications of sexuality are discussed.

SW 646 – HIV/AIDS Related Social Work Practice
This elective focuses on the complexity of biopsychosocial, ethical, and political dilemmas involved in working with people with HIV/AIDS. Emphasis is placed upon knowledge and practice skills which are employed to address the urgent needs of individuals, significant others, families, small groups, and the community around issues related HIV/AIDS.

SW 654 - Contemporary Social Work Practice With Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, and Transgender Persons
This course prepares students for affirmative practice with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons by providing a deeper understanding of LGBT identities, families, health and mental health challenges as well as the related issues of economic and political justice. Human sexuality and gender identity development will be examined from cross-cultural, sociological, political, and historical perspectives that will incorporate evidence-based research and contemporary social policy perspectives. Students will examine a variety of central issues that affect LGBT people in contemporary life, engage in additional learning in a chosen area of social work practice interest, and demonstrate competence in biospsychosocial assessment and appropriate selection of affirmative clinical interventions for LGBT clients.

SW 655 - Ethnic Sensitive Social Work Practice
This course helps students develop a culturally sensitive perspective for work with members of diverse cultural groups. It emphasizes the identification and utilization of different theoretical models of practice that can be effective in interventions with culturally diverse individuals, families, groups, and communities.

SW 672 - Social Work Interventions with Major Mental Illnesses
This course reviews current knowledge and research regarding biopsychosocial risk and resilience assessments related to a range of mental health illnesses. Explored are historical perspectives, etiological theories, biological basis, diagnosis/assessment perspectives, and a variety of contemporary treatment modalities. Highlighted are the specific risks associated with vulnerable, culturally and economically diverse individuals and groups living with a major mental illness. Social work practice emphasis is placed on understanding clients holistically, evaluating problems of living within an environmental strength-based context.