SWK 103 Introduction to Contemporary Social Work (3)
This introductory course to the field of social work acquaints the student with the philosophy, values, and development of social work as a profession. Also, students gain knowledge of agencies providing contemporary social service. An interviewing laboratory is included in this course.
SWK 205 Ethnic and Social Diversity (3)
This course is designed to provide an introductory foundation to our rich cultural composition. Emphasis is given to the social and economic justice issues related to historical populations at risk such as the Native American Indian experience and The Black struggle for civil rights, elderly, disabled and those discriminated against on the basis of sexual orientation or religious freedom. The secondary focus is on identifying contemporary diversity issues facing minority groups of today. Prerequisites: SOC 101, SWK 103.
SWK 206 Drugs, HIV, and the Family (3)
A three module course which provides an overview on drugs, HIV and the addictive family system. Module I provides an overview on drugs and their use and misuse. Patterns of use and abuse are identified and patterns of intervention are taught. Module II provides an overview of the HIV disease with its historical content. The latest information is discussed and treatment options are highlighted. Module III provides an overview of the addictive family system, and of the impact of drug use on family functioning.
SWK 207 Fundamentals of Generalist Practice (3)
This course is directed toward understanding creative generalist social work practice with links made among the micro, mezzo, and macro levels of practice. Using the Generalist Intervention Model as a unifying framework, the course is intended to “help students make sense of the breadth and depth of the social work profession” (Kirst-Ashman/Hull, p. xvii). Students are also exposed to a variety of social work theories (such as empowerment and ecosystems). The course also addresses a core of skills deemed most useful to creative generalist practitioners. Attention is given to ethics, values, sensitivity to human diversity, and ethnic/racial/ gender sensitivity. An interviewing lab is conducted to give the student a “hands-on” experience. Prerequisite: SWK 103.
SWK 301 Social Welfare History and Services (3)
This course helps the student obtain an analytical and critical understanding of social welfare philosophies, programs, policies, and issues, as well as their interrelationships with other parts of the social system. There is an exploration and analysis of the motivations and methods by which social welfare policies and programs were developed in the United States and other nations. Prerequisite: SWK 103.
SWK 302 Human Behavior and the Social Environment I (3)
The course is designed to help the student understand and appreciate human diversity within the context of developmental psychology across the lifespan. It lays the foundation for SWK 311. Its primary focus is to build theoretical knowledge that will enables the student to move from comprehension to application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation at micro and mezzo levels of intervention. It’s secondary focus is to introduce the growing impact of our larger macro social systems on the individuals, families, and communities. Prerequisite: PSY 101.
SWK 308 Social Welfare Policy (3)
This course focuses attention on basic concepts underlying social policy making and analysis, as well as, the primary sectors that have evolved in American social welfare. A special focus is placed on interactional effects of social policies/programs on vulnerable groups, such as those who experience poverty. The future of American social welfare is also addressed. Additionally, students learn basic advocacy skills, qualities of a social change agent, and the art of grant writing. Prerequisites: SWK 301.
SWK 310 Social Work Practice I: Individuals (3)
This course applies the generalist model of practice. It covers basic problem-solving skills for working with individuals. The course also presents an ethnic-sensitive model of practice. Assessment and treatment planning skills are discussed based on an understanding of the needs of diverse client systems. Micro practice is focus, but applications in working with groups, families, organizations and communities are also discussed. Prerequisites: SWK 207 and 311, or permission of the instructor.
SWK 311 Human Behavior and Social Environment II (3)
This course builds on the content in HBSE I and Ethnic and Social Diversity by analyzing the impact of large systems on people during various phases of the life cycle. Based on the analysis of the influence that large systems have on client systems of various sizes, the need for social justice using social change strategies are discussed. At-risk populations are particularly focused upon in this course. Prerequisite: SWK 205 and 302
SWK 312 Social Work Practice II (3)
This course familiarizes students to social work practice with families. In recent decades the social work profession has returned to a focus on families as a unit of intervention, rather than unitary focus on an identified individual. Family intervention requires an understanding of the family system and intrafamilial functioning. This view of presenting problems leads to the use of a variety of intervention strategies which include many family members in the change process. Prerequisites: SOC 204. It is intended to be taken concurrently with SWK 310.
SWK 350 Field Instruction I (1-2)
Junior year students will participate in a 60 or 120 hour supervised field instruction within a local social service agency, depending on the number of credits the course is taken for. Concurrently students will attend a one-hour weekly seminar. The purpose for this placement is to expose students to social work practice outside the classroom and help students prepare for the senior field experience. This class is intended to run concurrently with SW 310 Social Work Practice with Individuals and SWK 312 Social Work Practice with Families. Prerequisite: open only to junior social work students.
SWK 404 Social Research Methods (3)
The techniques and methods of social work research are introduced and studied. Included are research interviewing, formulating research hypotheses, scaling, constructing a questionnaire, conducting a formal survey, and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data. Opportunity is provided for a practical application of scientific methods. Prerequisite: MTH 200.
SWK 405 Social Work Practice III (3)
This course provides students with theoretical knowledge and understanding of practice skills in order to prepare them for beginning level social work practice with small groups. Prerequisite: SWK 310, or permission of the instructor.
SWK 407 Social Work Practice IV (3)
This course concentrates on the history, philosophies, principles, and intervention strategies common to community organization, social planning, and administration of social welfare agencies. Case materials are presented to highlight some of the techniques used in these practice areas. Prerequisite: SWK 310.
SWK409 Child and Family Services (3) (Elective)
This course studies the development and range of public and private social services, on behalf of children and youth. This will include an analysis of legislation, issues, and practice modalities in such areas as day care, foster and adoptive home care, institutional care, homemaker services, and protective services. Prerequisites: SWK 103 and 207.
SWK 410 Christian Values and Social Work Practice (2)
This course is an endeavor to help the student integrate biblical teaching with social work values, ethics, and practice and to analyze possible points of conflict. Prerequisite: Senior status.
SWK 413 Social Work in Health Care (3) (Elective)
This course examines the ways in which biological, psychological, and social forces interact with each other and impact upon individuals, families, and communities. It is also aimed at helping the student analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of the range of mental and physical health delivery systems, principally in the United States. The role of the social worker interacting with other health professionals is also examined. Prerequisites: SWK 103 and 207.
SWK 450 Field Instruction II (12)
The student completes a regularly supervised practice experience in an agency. This experience affords the student an opportunity to apply and integrate social work philosophy, ethics, values, and skills in direct intervention with client systems. A seminar is included as part of this course. Prerequisite: open only to senior Social Work majors after completing all required social work courses.
SWK 495 Independent Study (1-3)
Advanced students are eligible for Independent Study in departments where they meet necessary prerequisites. A separate registration form for Independent Study is available at the Office of Registration. To make the registration official, the completed form must be on file in the offices of the division chair and the instructor and in the Office of Registration.
