Social Work Courses
SW201 Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare (4)
Introduces social work as human helping profession; includes history, value, knowledge and skill bases; emphasizes person in situation; problem solving; interaction of spiritual, biological, psychological and sociological systems. Highlights social work methods, settings, problem areas, client populations, social policy and institutions, and service delivery systems. Includes 25-hour volunteer practicum in human service setting.
SWK202 Human Behavior and the Social Environment (4)
Uses systems model for examining interaction of individuals, families, cultural and social systems as well as behaviors, attitudes, values and problems related to different cultural, ethnic, sex and age groups and other populations at risk. Takes life span approach using sociological, psychological and biological knowledge to describe human growth and development, tasks and milestones. Uses systems model to describe interactions between the bio-psycho-social influences on development for each age group. Prerequisite: SWK201 or permission of instructor.
SWK221/SOC221 Power, Prestige and Poverty (4)
See SOC221 description.
SWK232/SOC232 Diversity in U.S. Populations (4)
See SOC232 description.
SWK301 Helping Theories and Practice with Individuals and Families (4)
This course examines the generalist model of social work practice using problem solving and ecological systems frameworks for working with individuals and families. It introduces theoretical principles, focuses on the development of self-awareness and basic interviewing skills, and formulates helping strategies for work in a wide variety of problem situations and client populations. Prerequisite: junior standing, SWK201,?202 or permission of instructor.
SWK302 Helping Theories and Practice with Groups (2)
Examines generalist model of social work practice using systems framework with application for working with groups. Introduces theory and methods of group dynamics. Synthesizes theoretical and helping strategies for working with wide variety of problem situations, client populations, and ethnic and minority groups social workers are likely to encounter. Prerequisites: SWK201, 202 or permission of instructor.
SWK303 Helping Theories and Practice with Organizations (2)
Examines generalist model of social work practice using systems framework with application for working with organizations. Introduces students to theory and methods of organizational dynamics. Synthesizes theoretical and helping strategies for working with wide variety of organizational challenges social workers are likely to encounter. Prerequisites: SWK201, 202, 302 or permission of instructor. Must be taken immediately following SWK302.
SWK310/SOC310 Statistics for Social Research (4)
See SOC310/SWK310 description.
SWK311/SOC311 Social Research Methods (4)
See SOC311/SWK311 description.
SWK322/SOC322 Social Policy and Institutions (4)
Examines domestic social policy issues, problems and programs in light of conflicting values, limited resources and matters of political/economic power.
SWK335/SOC335 Social Changes and Development (4)
See SOC335 course description.
SWK391 Seminar (2 or 4)
Topics rotate; designed for any social work major or other advanced student interested in topic. Prerequisites: social work major, SW201, 202, or permission of instructor. Repeatable if different topic.
SWK401 Community Development Theory and Practice (4)
Explores theoretical and practical aspects of community political economy. Both historical and contemporary efforts in community organizing and community development discussed. Explores role of community-based organizations. Prerequisites: SW201, 202, 301, 302, 303 or permission of instructor. Course fee.
SWK420 Practicum Seminar (2)
Taken concurrently with SWK425 and SWK426. Integrates theory and practice through instruction and discussion; information and experience from various settings; group supervision. Examines socialization into profession and handling of personal values and practice. Prerequisites: SWK201, 202, 301, 302, 303, 310, 311, 322.
SWK425, 426 Practicum I, II (6, 6)
Major field practice internship in local human service agency. Students work 32 hours per week (400 hours total) in professional-level roles, providing social services to clients under instruction and supervision; challenging settings. Develops and practices professional skills; matches interests and goals. Prerequisites: SWK201, 202, 301, 302, 303, 310, 311, 322.