Course Descriptions
Social Work (SWK)SWK 2043. Introduction to Social Work. Generalist social work practice and its application in a variety of social work settings. An introduction to (1) social welfare and the development of social work as a profession; (2) the knowledge, value, and skill base of social work; and (3) special populations and concerns in social work. Fall, Spring semesters.
SWK 2053. Community Service Learning Experience. Designed to provide an overview of the practice of social work through a service project and traditional classroom based methods. Offered to prospective social work majors. Fall semester.
SWK 3003. Cultural Diversity. An examination of the nature of minority group relations, including sexual orientation, age, gender, religious, ethnic, and racial based experiences. Issues such as discrimination and dominant-minority group interaction are considered from a historical as well as contemporary perspective. Same as CRJU 3003 and SOC 3003. Fall, Spring semesters.
SWK 3023. Human Behavior in the Social Environment I. Prerequisite or corequisite: SWK 2043. Theories and knowledge of human biological, psychological, and social processes as viewed from the micro- and mezzo-level perspectives with an emphasis on individual and family development. Fall semester.
SWK 3033. Human Behavior in the Social Environment II. Prerequisite or corequisite: SWK 2043. Theories and knowledge of human biological, psychological, and social processes as viewed from the mezzo- and macro-level perspectives with an emphasis on group and community development. Spring semester.
SWK 3053. Social Work Practice and Technology. Prerequisite: SWK 2043. A review of selected technologies that can be used to assist the social worker in practice. Some of the technologies explored are the computer, World Wide Web, FTP, e-mail, list servers, and network servers. On demand.
SWK 3063. Rural Social Work. Prerequisite: SWK 2043. A focus on the understanding of the unique dynamics needs and problems of the rural community. An examination of interventions and policy considerations in the practice of social work in rural settings. Fall semester.
SWK 3113. Social Policy. Prerequisites: SWK 2043, ECON 2003, PSCI 2003; prerequisite or corequisite: SOC 3013. An examination of the purpose, development, and implementation of social policy. The relationships between social policy, ethics, and the goals of the social work profession are examined. Spring semester.
SWK 3123. Social Work Practice I. Prerequisites: SWK 3023, PSYC 2003, BSCI 1013/1011, SOC 2003; prerequisite or corequisite: SWK 3003. This course examines the methods used by the social workers when advocating for individuals, groups, and communities. Special attention is given to the role of ethics in advocacy. Both case and cause advocacy is considered.
SWK 3153. Research Methods I. Prerequisite: SWK 3183. A study of statistical methods, basic experimental procedures and designs, laboratory apparatus, and the treatment of experimental data. Same as PSYC 3153 and SOC 3153. Fall semester.
SWK 3183. Statistics. Descriptive and elementary analytical statistics, their concepts, and their application. Same as CRJU 3183, PSYC 3183, and SOC 3183. Fall, spring and summer semesters.
SWK 4003. Domestic Violence. Prerequisite: Examination of the causes, effects, and legal aspects of domestic violence. Intervention techniques and prevention programs will also be studied. On demand.
SWK 4063. Research Methods for Social Workers. Prerequisite: SWK 3153. A systematic approach that integrates the essential components needed to successfully conduct research in human services and social work practice. Spring semester.
SWK 4073. Social Gerontology. Prerequisites: SOC 2003 or SWK 2043 and junior standing (Nursing students are exempt.) An interdisciplinary course offering the study of the lifelong aging process, the changing social context of later life, societal response to the aged, and services available. Same as SOC 4073. Spring semester.
SWK 4083. Family Centered Child Welfare. Prerequisite: SWK 2043. Introduction to the concepts of family preservation, risk/safety assessment, and case management with emphasis on intervention strategies and services provided through child welfare agencies and related policy issues. Spring semester.
SWK 4123. Social Work Practice II. Prerequisites: SWK 3123, SWK 3033, and SWK 3113. A study of the skills needed in assessment, planning, contracting, and evaluating in the generalist model. Each skill is related to the need for professional documentation along with ethical and legal considerations. Fall semester.
SWK 4131. Field Practicum Seminar I. Corequisite: SWK 4864. Companion course for Field Practicum I allowing students to process their field experiences and integrate theory and practice. Fall semester.
SWK 4141. Senior Seminar. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. A weekly seminar to assist the senior student in transitioning from the student role to the professional role with an exploration of some of the possible difficulties. Issues such as obtaining employment, ethics, burnout, and establishing a support network will be covered. Spring semester.
SWK 4173. Advanced Topics in Social Work I. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Topics of special interest to social work and the generalist model. Topics vary each time offered. Fall semester.
SWK 4183. Advanced Topics in Social Work II. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Topics of special interest to social work and the generalist model. Topics vary each time offered. Spring semester.
SWK 4223. Social Work Practice III. Prerequisite or corequisites: SWK 3123 and SWK 4183. This course is an examination of problems confronting geographic communities and the techniques social workers employ to address such problems. Various communities are considered in the practice content with an emphasis on the rural mezzo and macro practice. Spring semester.
SWK 4231. Field Practicum Seminar II. Prerequisite: SWK 4131; Corequisite: SWK 4874. This course will focus on issues directly involved in working with agency staff, individuals, families, groups, collaborations, teams, and other disciplines. Outside readings and Internet searches focusing on the designated topics will be assigned weekly to prepare for the following week’s discussion. Experiential exercises designed to facilitate self-growth and awareness of students will focus on using various tools and techniques compatible with the topics. An in-depth case presentation from the field practicum will be required. Spring semester.
SWK 4331. Field Practicum Seminar III. Prerequisite: SWK 4231; Prerequisite or corequisite: SWK 4884. This course will focus on issues directly involved in working with agency staff, individuals, families, groups, collaborations, teams, and other disciplines. Outside readings and Internet searches focusing on the designated topics will be assigned weekly to prepare for the following week’s discussion. Experiential exercises designed to facilitate self-growth and awareness of students will focus on using various tools and techniques compatible with the topics. An in-depth case presentation from the field practicum will be required. Spring semester.
SWK 4864. Field Practicum I. Prerequisite: SWK 3123; Prerequisite or corequisite: SWK 4123 and SWK 4223; Co-requisite: SWK 4131. Field study designed to provide students with an understanding of the practice of social work in varied settings and populations. Students will be placed in multiple public or private agencies or institutions to gain an appreciation of the generalists practice model. Fall semester.
SWK 4874. Field Practicum II. Prerequisite: SWK 4864; Corequisite: SWK 4231. The purpose of this course is to provide students the opportunity to synthesize knowledge, theory, and practice in a generalist practice model in direct work within a social work setting. SWK 4874 must be taken in the term immediately prior to taking SWK 4884. Spring semester.
SWK 4884. Field Practicum III. Corequisite: SWK 4331. This course is a continuation of field practicum SWK 4874. The purpose of this course is to provide students the opportunity to synthesize knowledge, theory, and practice in a generalist practice model in direct work within a social work setting. SWK 4884 must be taken in the term immediately following SWK 4874. Spring semester.
