Department of Social Work

Benton hall,
Room 405.
(785) 231-1010 ext. 1616

Course Offerings

 

 

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.


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