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)
The purpose of the course is to introduce interested students to the basic mission, values, knowledge base, methods, and services of the profession. An overview of the United States' historical response to human needs and the current status of public social welfare policy will be explored. No prerequisites.

SW 250 Generalist Social Work Perspectives (3)
This course presents an overview of Generalist Social Work Perspectives. The emphasis of this course will be on introducing students to the integration of biological, psychological and social contexts in order to prepare them for upper-level course work in social work theories and practice. No prerequisites.

SW 325 Micro Human Behavior and Social Environment (3)
The purpose of this course is to develop knowledge about human behavioral interactions, using a person-in-environment perspective. Bio-psychosocial aspects of individual, family and group development and interactions will be emphasized. This course will provide the foundation for developing direct social work practice skills. Prerequisite: SW 100, 250 or consent.

SW 326 Macro Human Behavior and the Social Environment (3)
The purpose of this course is to develop knowledge about human interactions relevant to large groups, organization, communities, cultures and societies. The emphasis will be to build upon the person-in-environment perspective, and to expand this model to encompass the impact of larger systems on individual functioning. This course will provide the foundation for developing social work macro-level practice skills. Prerequisite: SW 100, 250 or consent.

SW 350 Social Policy and Program Analysis I (3)
The major purpose of this course is to develop the conceptual knowledge of policy formulation, and the content, value and process elements necessary for conducting social policy analysis. Prerequisite: SW 100, 250 or consent.

SW 351 Social Policy and Program Analysis II (3)
This course is designed to help students gain an understanding of the legislative processes relevant to social welfare, and to learn to use these processes in ways that will further social justice. Students will engage in active social policy research, in conjunction with the state legislature. Prerequisite: SW 100, 250, 350 or consent.

SW 352 Social Work Practice I (3)
The major purpose of this course is to prepare social work students for their field practicum work. The emphasis is on the development of working knowledge of the generalist practice model, interactional theories, and methods of facilitating change. Also, there will be an emphasis placed on developing skills for providing social work services. Prerequisite: SW 100, 250 or consent. For social work majors only.

SW 353 Social Work Practice II (3)
This second practice course will emphasize more advanced theoretical material and the application of the generalist practice model to more complex systems. Skill development will be emphasized for assessment of client systems, and delivery of social work services. Audiovisual and other experiential techniques will be utilized. Prerequisite: SW 352 or consent. For social work majors only.

SW 354 Seminar & Field Practicum I (8)
This course integrates the Field Practicum component and the Seminar. Students will spend 16 hours per week in their field placement, with direct supervision by a licensed professional social worker. Opportunities for engaging in generalist social work practice at micro, mezzo and macro levels will be provided. In addition, students will attend a three-hour seminar. The seminar will emphasize the integration of their field experiences with the generalist practice model, and theories of change. Students must make application for the field in their junior year by the posted deadlines. Prerequisite: SW 100, 250, 325, 326, 352, 353, and a 2.5 g.p.a. in the major; 2.0 g.p.a. overall. For social work majors only.

SW 355 Seminar & Field Practicum II (8)
This is the second semester of the field experience and field seminar required for social work majors. Prerequisite: Successful completion of SW 354. For social work majors only.

SW 361 Independent Study (1-3)
Social Work majors may pursue an independent research project approved by the Department Chair.

SW 362 Social Work Research I (3)
Introduces students to the basic principles of social work research, including ethics, problem formulation and quantitative and qualitative research designs and methodologies. Emphasis is placed on exploring evaluation of programs and outcomes of practice. Prerequisite: SW 100, 250 or consent.

SW 363 Social Work Research II: Applications (3)
Students will conduct quantitative and qualitative studies on research questions of significance to social work practice. An introduction to the analysis and interpretation of both quantitative and qualitative data is provided. Prerequisite: SW 362.

SW 390 Contemporary Issues in Social Work (3)
A series of courses are designed to supplement the core curriculum. Each course will focus on a contemporary issue, and will emphasize the integration of core social work values and ethics, the generalist practice model, and theories of human interactions and change.

Return to Department Main Page

Return to Catalog Index


[ WU Home ] [ Directory & Information ] [ Emergency Contacts ] [ Site Map ] [ Contact WU ] [ Important Policies ] [ Accessibility ]
© 2000-2010 Washburn University, 1700 SW College Ave, Topeka, Kansas 66621 (785) 670-1010
Contact webmaster@washburn.edu with questions or comments.