Social Work (SW) Course Descriptions

2203. Introduction to Social Work Explores the values, knowledge and skill base of empowerment oriented generalist social work practice. Includes historical development and organization of the social welfare system in the United States. (F, S)

2223. Social Problems Application of sociological concepts and methods in the analysis of current social problems in the United States, including family and community disorganization, delinquency and crime, mental illness, and inter group relations.  (Cross listed as SOC 2223) (F, S, SU)

3253. Social Work Practice I: Micro Practice This is the first course in the practice foundation sequence. The focus is empowerment oriented generalist practice with micro systems (individuals). Prerequisites: SW 2203, BIOL 1003, and BIOL 1001, SW-3303, or taken concurrently. (S)

3303. Human Behavior and Social Environment I Physical, psychological, social growth and development, across the life span for social workers. Prerequisite:  SW 2203. (F)

3313. Introduction to Child Welfare Policies and practices in the field of child welfare with emphasis on the needs of children and their families, the major programs designed for them, and issues for future planning. (F)

3323. Substance Abuse: Intervention and Treatment Historical review of drug and alcohol problems, with an analysis of treatment modalities, theories of substance abuse, prevention and education strategies, and social policy implications. (SU, D)

3333. Human Behavior in the Social Environment II This course is continuation of the HBSE I course. It focuses on the macro aspect of the human behavior in the areas of groups, institutions and organizations. Its purpose is to explore the behavior, influence, and interactions of these entities and their impact on social work practice.  Prerequisite: SW 3303 (S and on demand)

3343. Child Abuse and Neglect Survey of theory and research of child abuse and neglect with emphasis on assessment and treatment of these problems. Prerequisite:  SW 2203 or permission of the instructor. (S)

3353. Social Work with the Aging Study of the problems of older Americans together with a description of social programs serving the aged; learning social work skills in dealing with individual clients. Prerequisite: SW 2203 or permission of the instructor. (F)

4263. Social Work Practice II: Mezzo Systems This is the second course in the practice foundation sequence. The focus is generalist practice with mezzo systems (families and small groups). Prerequisite: SW 3253. Open only to seniors. To be taken concurrently with SW 4273. (F)
4273. Field Experience I Directed study and practice with clients in social welfare agencies. Supervision provided by faculty and host agency. (Admission is only upon acceptance into the Social Work Program). Prerequisites: Must have completed all general education requirements with an overall GPA of 2.5 and 2.5 in major courses.  Must have completed SW 3253.  Must be taken concurrently with SW 4263. (F)

4283. Field Experience Seminar Discussion and sharing of problems encountered in agency settings. A combination of lectures by social work practitioners and class discussion to help students integrate theory and practice. (Admission only upon approval of instructor.) Prerequisite: SW 4263 and SW 4273. To be taken concurrently with SW 4303 and SW 4296. (S)

4296. Field Experience II Application and integration of academic content in an actual working experience. Supervision provided by faculty and host agency. (Admission only upon continued acceptance into the Social Work Program.) Prerequisite:  Completion of all major requirements except SW 4303 and SW 4283, with an overall GPA of 2.5 and 2.5 in major courses. (S)

4303. Social Work Practice III: Macro Systems This is the third course in the practice foundation sequence. The focus is generalist practice with macro systems (organizations, communities) as well as policy practice. Open only to seniors.  Prerequisite: SW 4263. To be taken concurrently with SW 4283 and SW 4296. (S)

4313. Social Welfare Policy Analytical evaluation of how social welfare policies are formulated and implemented. Prerequisite: SW-3333. (F)

4363. Religion and Spirituality in Social Work Practice An examination of religious and spiritual beliefs in psychosocial development, the family, social policy, community
and society.

4373. Social Work and Health Care Services This course is designed to provide knowledge and understanding of direct social work practice in varied health care settings. Illness, disease, trauma/disability, death and dying are examined from an ecological-systems perspective. Issues of diversity and bioethics are emphasized. (D)

4601-2-3. Special Problems Individually directed problems in Social Work. Must be arranged with the professor and approved by department chair. (TBA)