SW 100 Introduction to Social Work and Social
Welfare (3)
This course is an overview of the social work profession, and includes
an historical perspective of social work and the social welfare system.
The basic values of the profession are closely examined, and career
opportunities are explored. This course is an opportunity for students
to consider their potential interest and suitability for a career in
social work. No prerequisite.
SW 250 Generalist Social Work Perspectives (3)
This course introduces the fundamental concepts underlying social work
practice with individuals, families, groups and communities. Theories
of the helping processes used to facilitate growth and change in clients
are introduced. The professional values and ethics of the profession
form the foundation for this course. Prerequisite or co-requisite: SW
100, or consent.
SW 325 Micro Human Behavior and Social Environment
(3)
This course presents a bio psychosocial perspective on the developmental
processes of human personality and behavior. It examines human behavior
within the social context, concentrating on interactions which occur
within families and groups, while emphasizing the larger sociological
perspective. Prerequisite: SW 100, 250 or consent.
SW 326 Macro Human Behavior and the Social Environment
(3)
In this course students are exposed to concepts and information about
persons-in-environment transactions. The emphasis is placed on the structure
and dynamic processes of organizations, communities and societies, and
on the impact of these large systems on human functioning. Prerequisite:
SW 100, 250 or consent.
SW 350 Social Policy and Program Analysis I (3)
This course provides an introduction to the formulation, purposes and
effects of social policy. Emphasis is placed on the relationship of
policy to the practice of social work, including the impact of social
policy on the social work profession and on the clients who receive
social work services.
Prerequisite: SW 100, 250, or consent.
SW 351 Social Policy and Program Analysis II
(3)
This course focuses on the knowledge and skills needed to effectively
influence the development, alteration and implementation of social policies
and/or organizational policies. Students are required to present a detailed
plan for changing selected policies in the legislative arena, on an
organizational level, or within a specific social work program. Prerequisite:
SW 100, 250, 350 or consent.
SW 352 Social Work Practice I (3)
In this course, the student are expected to begin to develop the concepts
and skills necessary for social work practice. Topics include ethical
and legal standards, professional roles, and fundamental methods for
the provision of social work services. Students will participate in
a community volunteer project to augment classroom learning. Prerequisite:
SW 100, 250 or consent. For declared social work majors only.
SW 353 Social Work Practice II (3)
This course builds upon the concepts and skills introduced in SW 352
Social Work Practice I. Students are expected to master more advanced
theoretical material for practice at multi-level client systems. Students
will participate in learning laboratories including videotaping, role
playing and problem solving. Prerequisite: SW 352. For declared social
work majors only.
SW 354 Seminar & Field Practicum I (8)
This sequence represents the capstone learning experience, and combines
the field placement with a seminar class. Students are expected to develop
beginning level practice skills by completing 16 hours per week in an
agency setting, under the close supervision of a licensed professional
social worker. Grading will be based on the combination of the Evaluation
of the Field Practicum and Seminar projects. Students must make application
for the field in their junior year, and must be admitted to the Social
Work Program prior to entering this block. Prerequisites: SW 100, 250,
325, 326, 352, 353.
SW 355 Seminar & Field Practicum II (8)
This is the continuation of SW 354 Seminar & Field Practicum I.
The integrated field practicum and seminar setting will focus on enhancing
the skills and knowledge mastered in SW 354. In addition, developing
the ability to apply such skills and knowledge to more complex client
situations will be emphasized. Grading will be based on the combination
of the Evaluation of the Field Practicum and Seminar projects. Prerequisite:
Successful completion of SW 354, with continuing evidence of adherence
to the Social Work Code of Ethics.
SW 361 Independent Study (1-3)
Social Work majors may pursue an independent research project approved
by the chairperson of the department.
SW 362 Social Work Research I (3)
Social Work Research I focuses on the development of the knowledge and
the critical thinking skills necessary to understand and interpret research
findings, to design and conduct original research projects, and to evaluate
social work programs and practice interventions. Special emphasis is
placed on the ethical foundations of social work research, including
the protection of participants' rights, and the ultimate goal of furthering
the objectives of the profession. Students develop an original research
project, including the submission of a proposal for the Institutional
Review Board. It is strongly recommended that students complete EN 300,
Junior Composition, prior to enrolling in this course. Prerequisite:
SW 100, 250 or consent.
SW 363 Social Work Research II (3)
In this course, students carry out the project developed in SW 362 Social
Work Research I, including data collection, analysis and interpretation.
An emphasis is placed on integrating their research with the knowledge
base of the profession, and the development of a fuller appreciation
of the role of research for social work practice. Prerequisite: Successful
completion of SW 362.
SW 390 Contemporary Issues in Social Work (3)
A series of courses designed to supplement the core curriculum by study
of special areas of concern. A different topic will be presented each
semester. Two of these electives are required for the major.
GRADUATE PROGRAM IN SOCIAL WORK (MSW)
The Master of Social Work is administered by the Department of Social
Work. For complete information about the MSW program, see Graduate Programs,
in the index.