Social Work

SW 120 Life in Society (3)
Designed as an introductory course in the social sciences for the general student, as well as, preparing social science majors for advanced work in their respective majors, this course content will examine the diversity of human societies by understanding the nature of culture and its impact on social life. Variation in the structure and dynamics of organizations, communities, and societies will also be addressed in the course. Additionally, major theoretical perspectives from the social science disciplines will be introduced, as well as, substantial attention given to issues of globalization and cross-cultural comparisons.

SW 121 Introduction to Social Work (3)
An introduction to the understanding of the concept of the social work profession, its significance in society, its history, and its place among the helping professions. The study of the goals, values, knowledge base, methods, and settings of social work. The beginning of the professionalization process.

SW 230 Behavioral Statistics (3)
Quantitative analysis of behavioral measures including descriptive, correlational, and inferential methods. Report writing in the behavioral sciences is additionally emphasized. Knowledge of basic algebra is recommended.

SW 235 Social Problems (3)
The purpose of this course is to facilitate increased awareness and understanding of social problems in the United States and throughout the world. Sociological theories, research and movements will be addressed in recognizing social problems and generating possible strategies for action. Problems of well being, human diversity, inequality and modernization will be examined. The course will encourage value clarification and critical thinking in resolving current social problems. Prerequisite: SW 120 and PY 110.
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SW 239 Marriage and Family Life (3)
An exploration of American family life from its historical structure and functions to variations in contemporary society. Issues of gender rules, parenting, communication, sexuality and economics as impacting family functioning are discussed along with the effects of domestic violence, divorce and separation, remarriage and blended families.

SW 265 Cultural Diversity (3)
The goal of the course is to expand one’s knowledge and understanding of living, working and relating in a culturally diverse society. Diversity will be examined on local, national and global fronts including the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination as well as strategies for change that advance social and economic justice. Issues such as ethnicity, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, mental/physic ability, and social class will be explored.

SW 278 Interviewing and Interpersonal Communication (3)
This course examines the basic principles of oral communication and their application to social work practice. The principal techniques of interviewing individuals, couples, and families are explored. This is a laboratory based course with many opportunities for skill development. Prerequisite: SW 121, SW 120, SW 239, and PY 110.

SW 301 Research Methods (3)
An introduction to the principles and methods of organizing, conducting and interpreting behavioral, and social research. Examination of survey, experimental, single case design, evaluation, and observational techniques as well as issues of measurement are addressed. Prerequisite: PY/SW 230 is recommended.
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SW 340 Health Care Issues (3)
An exploration of the roles and interactions of health care professionals with an emphasis on medical social work. The course will also focus upon holistic health and alternative treatments.

SW 345 Addictive-Compulsive Behavior (3)
This course will examine a wide variety of addictions such as: drugs, work, food, gambling, and video gaming. It will investigate the addictive processes upon the brain, personality, mood, and motivation. A strong focus will be on addiction’s disruption of family interactions, occupational life, and other social complications. Prerequisite: PY110

SW 355 Practice I: Generalist Practice (3)
An introduction to the generalist model of social work and its application. The course presents the generalist Intervention Model and the planned change process as a framework for addressing client issues and problems. Emphasis will be on micro skills as a foundation for mezzo and macro skill development. Prerequisite: Social Work Major, SW 121, SW 278, and the professional sequence courses.

SW 356 Practice II: Groups and Family Generalist Practice (3)
An introduction to the understanding of group and family dynamics, group process and group treatment, and their relationship to the planned change process. Emphasis will be the development, management and utilization of groups by generalist social workers. Prerequisite: Social Work Major and SW 355.
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SW 379 Applied Behavioral Science (3)
The purpose of this course is to integrate the required courses in the human behavior and social environment sequence. The emphasis will be on enabling the student to see the impact of the client’s growth, development, and present environment on social functioning. This course will add understanding of life cycles, social systems, what constitutes healthy functioning, planned change, and theories of treatment. Prerequisite: professional sequence courses or permission of instructor.

SW 457 Social Work Practice III – Macro Systems Generalist Practice (3)
The course is to provide a generalist perspective to working within the macro context of Social Work. Frameworks for planning and implementing change in organizations and communities will be discussed. Coursework will offer an emphasis on macro-level skills, with integration of micro and mezzo practice. Prerequisite: SW 355 and SW 356, admission to Social Work Major.

SW 476 Social Welfare and Policy Development (3)
An examination of the programs and policies of the social welfare system in the United States. It will explore the historical roots and developments of present-day programs and policy, as well as methods and models of policy formation and analysis. Prerequisites: SW 121, 235, 301 or permission of instructor.

SW 488 Senior Seminar (3)
Senior Capstone Experience. Emphasis is given to integration of all previous course content in social work with concurrent field instruction. Requires regular reporting of field activities and assists students in achieving learning objectives of the field practicum. Consideration is given to the application of social work theory, policy, research and values to the field. Prerequisite: SW 355, SW 356, SW 379 and SW 397 or permission of the instructor. To be taken concurrently with SW 486.
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SW 199, 299, 399, 499
Independent Research may be taken in social work. See descriptions of these courses under the Criminal Justice section.

SW 397 Junior Field Experience (3)
The course serves as the first required level of field placement. The student is placed for 10 hours per week, or a total of 140 hours within a social work setting. The student begins to utilize social work knowledge, values, and skills through observation and participation in supervised activities of the assigned agency. To be taken concurrently with SW 355. Prerequisite: admission to Social Work Major.

SW 486 Senior Field Instruction (9)
Senior Capstone Experience. An experiential learning opportunity geared toward integration of academic content with practice skills. The student is placed for 30 hours per week or a total of 450 hours. The student begins to work independently as a generalist social worker under supervision within an agency setting. Prerequisite: SW 397 and Senior Social Work Major status. To be taken concurrently with SW 488. (Graded Pass/Fail)
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