A survey of the profession of social work from an historical and contemporary perspective which examines how social workers seek to improve the well being of people and communities as they are affected by a wide range of social issues. The profession’s commitment to social justice in rapidly changing multicultural world will also be explored.

The purpose of this course is to establish good communication skills in both verbal and written form, to explore passive, aggressive, and assertive communication styles, and to understand the applicability of computers in facilitating and managing communications. The student also will develop an awareness and understanding of how human diversity influences ways in which individuals, families, groups, communities, and the larger society interface with service delivery systems. Issues related to ethics and confidentiality will be examined. Global Perspectives Course.

Principles, methods, and practice in achieving career goals with emphasis on the exploration of career opportunities, identification of strengths, resume development, cover letter composition, interviewing, salary and benefits negotiations, networking, professional image, and the use of technology in achieving career goals.

This course introduces social work students to the antecedents of the American welfare state and the development of the social work profession. Historical phenomena provide a background against which one examines not only what happened in the past, but also why certain events occurred, how they happened, and the consequences of their occurrence on the American social welfare system. Content about differences and similarities on the experiences, needs and beliefs of various population groups, and the resources provided by larger society to address varying population needs is examined. Both descriptive and analytical approaches are used to help explain the development and complexity of the American welfare state.

This course is a study of human behavior during the developmental phases of infancy, early childhood, and adolescence. Biological, psychological, and social aspects of development are integrated to provide a comprehensive understanding of individuals within the context of social environments. Multiple theoretical perspectives are explored to guide practitioners in decision-making with regard to client assessment, intervention, and evaluation. This course serves as one of three Critical Thinking through Writing (CTW) courses required of all Social Work majors.

This course is a study of human behavior during the developmental phases of young, middle, and late adulthood. Biological, psychological, and social aspects of development are integrated to provide a comprehensive understanding of individuals within the context of social environments. Multiple theoretical perspectives are explored to guide practitioners in decision-making with regard to client assessment, intervention, and evaluation. This course is the second in the HBSE series required of all Social Work majors.

A survey of research methods applicable to social services. Emphasis will be placed on beginning skill in evaluation and research and implication for knowledge guided practice. The course also provides an overview of research and statistical techniques that are applied by Social Workers. A major emphasis will be placed on those areas of research design, methodology, and analysis that will enable students to become critical consumers of the professional and empirical literature.

This course introduces the development and implementation of contemporary social welfare policies and service programs in the United States. Through this course, students critically analyze and document the policy making process. The course highlights the influence of social values on policy development and the differential allocation of material and social resources. The current provisions and service delivery systems emanating from contemporary social welfare policies are examined, with special attention given to America’s most vulnerable population groups.

This course constitutes one of the practice methods courses in the core social work curriculum. Its inherent purpose is to facilitate effective communication between the social work generalist and client systems. The course emphasizes appropriate interviewing skills, recording, and the use of technology in communications.

This course teaches students about case management practice, and provides an overview of community resources to address a variety of human needs and the collaborations of partnerships between human providers

Social Work Methods I introduces the basic knowledge, values, and skills that comprise generalist social work. Emphasis is placed upon practice with individuals, families, small groups, organizations, and communities.

Continuation of SW 4100. In Social Work Methods II, students will become proficient at identifying multiple levels of intervention and targets for change to address a wide variety of social problems. An overview of specific theories of change, along with evaluation approaches and implied styles of intervention, are covered.

This course is an introduction to social work with groups. The course will focus on skills in social work practice, uses and types of groups, and group composition. Students will become familiar with the scope and limitations of group uses. The use of groups for direct service purpose– enhancement of social functioning, achievement of unreached levels of social functioning, or correction of dysfunctional interpersonal or social relationships- will be analyzed.

An introduction to theory and practice in the administration of social services. Emphasis is on the social worker’s role and function as an administrator and on the evaluation of the problems of operation and maintenance in a social service agency.

This course is designed to introduce students to chronic short and long term health concerns in our society. The course will address such illnesses as AIDS, hepatitis, tuberculosis, Alzheimers, sexually transmitted diseases (STD), and other health issues. The focus of the course will be upon treatment, identification and transmittal, with an examination of the impact of governmental regulations on drugs, the perception of patients, family members, and health care professionals.

An introduction to the law as it applies to social services and social work practice. Using case studies, students will examine problems that the poor, the disadvantaged, and all clients face in confronting the justice system. Attention is given to worker liability and those skills essential for testifying in court and advocating for client’s legal rights.

This course will address causes and solutions to poverty and inequality through the lenses of political, social, and economic factors. Special attention is given to the working poor, the growth of extreme poverty, discrimination, and the policies, social movements, and interventions that have historically impacted poverty and inequality.

The course will introduce students to social work issues that are encountered by social workers, attorneys, and other specialists in a forensic setting. The course will include a critical analysis and study of particular social issues and the impact of those issues on the purposes and the effectiveness of organizations and individuals who work within the legal system. The course will address social work skills and ethical issues in a forensic setting.

This course will offer students an introduction to social work issues from an international perspective. Using literature from around the world that focuses on global social issues, the course will address concepts of power, class, gender, race, sexuality, religion, violence, poverty, immigration, and social exclusion. Students will be required to evaluate critically what the international perspective might teach us about social work theory, practice, policy and research in the US. Global Perspectives Course.

Child abuse and neglect are examined from both historical and contemporary perspectives using an ecological framework. Methodological and theoretical issues surrounding the study of maltreatment are highlighted. Symptomatology and sequelae of abusive behavior are examined with specific reference to the implications for family and community systems. Medical, legal, social, and cultural aspects of child maltreatment are explored. The role of community partnerships in the identification, intervention, treatment and prevention of child malreatment is emphasized.

This course is designed to provide the basic knowledge and  beginning skills appropriate for social work practice with older persons. Emphasizes biological, sociological, and psychological aspects of the aging process with special attention to the cultural, social, political, and economic factors affecting delivery of social services to the aging.

This course will provide students with an overview of the various classes of psychotropic drugs. Students will learn the physiological mechanisms of action of each of the major classes of drugs. They will learn how each drug affects mood and behavior, how each drug affects major organ systems in the body, and how genetic and social factors may predispose an individual to drug use.

This course will provide students with the opportunity to develop their knowledge of the impact of both physical and developmental disabilities on individuals and families. Focus is on responses to those disabilities diagnosed at birth or acquired through illness or injury. Emphasis is placed on utilizing appropriate social work interventions, while recognizing such variables as age, socioeconomic status, family constellation, cultural issues, and pre-morbid conditions. Understanding disabilities from a human rights perspective and the impact of oppression on people with disabilities will be explored. A historical perspective on how disability has been perceived and addressed by societal institutions will be presented.

This course is an introduction to the range of child welfare services including foster care, adoptions, permanency planning, and family preservation.  Students will have the opportunity to explore current challenges inherent in the delivery of child welfare services to children, youth, and families. This course is intended to serve as a forum for the exchange of ideas and will focus on a range of critical issues in the field of child welfare including family violence, child maltreatment, HIV, drug exposure, and homelessness.

An educationally directed practicum in a social service agency. A generalist approach is applied to guide beginning social work practice with diverse individuals, families, small groups, organizations, and communities. Demonstration of knowledge of professional values, agency structures, and policies. Emphasis on the integration of content from all areas of the curriculum. A fee to cover liability insurance is required. This course may include a Signature Experience component.

A continuation of Practicum I (SW 4930) with greater emphasis on demonstration of assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, and research skills. Integration and application of knowledge and ethics on the development of skills required for social work practice. This course may include a Signature Experience component.

This course will offer knowledge and skills on variable topics that impact social work practice. May be repeated up to six hours if topic varies.

An examination of problems, current issues, or areas of special interest related to the social work profession.

This course allows the student to extend his/her knowledge in a particular area through an independent study. A social work faculty member must agree to supervise this study, and it must be approved by the departmental chair. This course may include a Signature Experience component.