Social Work Major: Courses
SOWK 287
Introduction to Social Work
An overview of the development of social work as a profession with emphasis upon various settings in which social work is practiced. The focus will be on practical experiences designed to enable the student to gain familiarity with the dynamics of the profession. Corequisite: 20 hours community service-learning.
SOWK 288
Social Welfare
The analysis of basic human needs, problems, and resources in society (America and other selected countries). The study of the development of social welfare as an institution in society. The examination of current issues in the social welfare services.
SOWK 305
Social Work Research Methods
Study of quantitative and qualitative methods in social work. Explanation of logic of scientific procedure. Formulation and design of social work research, including observation, questionnaires, interviews, use of existing sources, experiments, indirect techniques, evaluation research, analysis and interpretation of data. Publication and dissemination of results of social work research. Prerequisite: Math 220 or SOCI 331.
SOWK 317
Generalist Skills for Social Work
Self‑awareness, analysis of worker and client value systems and an understanding of intervention are applied practically to aid students in developing skills in communication and interviewing within a strengths-based generalist framework with individuals, families, groups, and communities.
SOWK 320
Human Behavior in the Social Environment
Integration and expansion of prerequisite knowledge foundations in the biological, psychological, and socio-cultural sciences as they apply to individuals, groups, families, organizations, and communities. Particular attention will be paid to minorities of color, women, sexual orientation, and cultural diversity in a pluralistic society. Prerequisites: SOCI 101 or GSOCI 210, SOCI 214 and 354 or 336, GPSYC 101 and 160.
SOWK 335
Social Policy Study of the formulation and consequences of social policy in the context of contemporary social, political, and economic conditions. Skill development in policy analysis, critique and change. Prerequisites: SOWK 288, and POSC 302 or GPOSC 225.
SOWK 465
Social Work Practice in Mezzo Systems
Application of social work values, knowledge and methods with families and small groups is emphasized. Assessment, planning intervention strategies, resource utilization, and evaluation are examined. Role play and group processing are utilized. Prerequisites: SOWK 305, 317, 320, 335 and admission to the Social Work Program. Corequisites: SOWK 466 and SOWK 467.
SOWK 466
Social Work Practice in Micro‑Systems Application of social work values, knowledge and methods with individuals within the family context is emphasized. Case assessment, planning intervention strategies, resource utilization and evaluation are examined. Role play and video taping are utilized. Prerequisites: SOWK 305, 317, 320, 335 and admission to the Social Work Program. Corequisites: SOWK 465 and SOWK 467.
SOWK 467
Social Work Practice in Macro‑Systems Social work skill development and practice in the application of knowledge, skills and methods to the macro‑systems of professional practice, including neighborhoods, communities and organizations. Prerequisites: SOWK 305,317, 320, 335 and admission to the Social Work Program. Corequisites: SOWK 465 and SOWK 466.
SOWK 481
Social Work Field Practicum I (Block Plan) 6 credits
Offers students an opportunity to gain a broad knowledge of the basic functions, services and roles of the agency as related to actual social work practice, as well as a specific knowledge of practical intervention skills necessary to carry on effective social work practice. The field experience is the application of knowledge and skill components drawn from previous courses. Prerequisite: Admission to the field practicum. Social Work majors only. Senior standing.
SOWK 482
Social Work Field Practicum II (Block Plan) 6 credits Offers the student an opportunity to build upon previous field experience by having more responsibility and tasks designed to expand their practice skills in social work. Prerequisite: SOWK 481. Social Work majors only.
SOWK 494
Senior Seminar In Social Work The integration of the classroom and field practicum experience the student has had during the undergraduate years into a synthesis that will provide a firm foundation upon which to begin professional social work practice. Senior outcome assessment is integral to this course. Co-requisite: Field practicum. Social Work majors only.
Elective Courses (All courses are for three (3) credit hours unless otherwise noted).
SOWK 301 WORKSHOPS in SOCIAL WORK (1-3 credits)
Detailed study of a topic of interest in social work. May be repeated for credit.
SOWK/HTH/HHS/NSG 314 Rural Health: An Interdisciplinary Approach
Students study, observe and participate in interdisciplinary assessment, planning and delivery of community-based primary health care in partnership with residents and agencies of a host rural county. Learning activities will empathize rural culture, rural health care and interdisciplinary practice.
SOWK/SOCI 330 Corrections
The history, philosophy, policies, and problems of the treatment of violators by the police, courts, and correctional institutions.
SOWK 332 Community Mental Health Practice
Provides a basis for understanding mental health policy and services. Focus is on the needs of the deinstitutionalized mentally ill patient, including psychosocial treatment and case management services. Outpatient services for the general public are also covered. Course contains a service component.
SOWK 338 Issues and Policies in Family Services
Examination of historical and philosophical approaches to family policy. Evolution of family‑related social policies in the United States is contrasted with those of selected foreign countries with the view toward a national family policy.
SOWK 340 Violence in Families
Examination of violence in the family, including spouse, sibling, elder and child abuse. Studies the social and cultural patterns and etiology of family violence. Examines programs and services for the abused and the abuser including shelters, support systems and counseling.
SOWK 342 Child Welfare Services
Study of the basic child welfare services--daycare, homemakers, services to unwed parents, protective, foster care and adoption services--and the principle income maintenance programs as they affect children and their families. Analysis of legal framework and court services and such current issues as guardianship, educational and protective services.
SOWK/SOCI 348 Introduction to Developing Societies
This course examines economic development and social and political changes in developing countries. The historical experiences of developing societies will be analyzed within the context of the global system and from the perspective of competing and complementary theoretical perspectives.
SOWK 350 Social Work Policies and Practices: A European Perspective
The study of the formulation and consequences of social policy and methods of social work practice in a selected European country within the context of contemporary social, political, cultural, and economic conditions. Comparisons and linkages will be made with current U. S. social policies and social work practices. Students will work with both U.S. and European social work faculty. Prerequisite: SOWK 288 or permission of the instructor.
SOWK 372 Social Work Practice with the Aged
An examination of America's response to aged Americans from a historical and current perspective. Social problems and social work skills will be examined in light of individual, group and community needs and those affected by social policies.
SOWK/FAM/GERN 375 Grant Writing for Agencies
A collaborative course, which emphasizes active learning, teaches basic skills on proposal writing. Students and agency representatives learn the importance of grant writing for agencies/organizations and research projects often needed to complete graduate education. There is a potential grant submission by the end of the semester.
SOWK/FAM 386 Youth Empowerment Strategies
Students learn to use group activities that include the creative arts, low ropes and self-discovery in youth empowerment. The goal is to help youth build life skills and make informed decisions. Prior to beginning work with youth, students complete 25 hours of training.
SOWK 387 Working with Teenagers
Survey of physical, psychological and social theories of adolescent development. Examination of service delivery issues in working with teenagers. Investigation of topical areas of particular relevance to work with adolescents, including sexuality, abuse and neglect, runaways, depression and suicide, and substance abuse.
SOWK 442 Social Work in Health Care
The impact of illness and disability on the person, the family, and the community is studied. The social responses currently provided and those being developed are emphasized. Explores psychosocial assessment methods; prevention, crisis intervention and rehabilitation strategies; and interdisciplinary teamwork in health care.
SOWK 487 Special Topics in Social Work
Examination of selected topics of social work practice that are of current importance in the social work profession. Course may be repeated for credit.
SOWK 490 Special Studies in Social Work
This course is restricted to majors in social work. The course provides capable students an opportunity to do independent studies under faculty supervision. Course may be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Recommendation of the instructor and permission of the department head.
SOWK 499 Honors 6 credits. Year course.
Independent research topic initiated and completed by qualified second semester junior social work majors.
