Social Work Courses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Note- Syllabi are subject to change.  Changes may take place before or after the semester begins.  This includes the textbooks, so please consult the instructor before you purchase your textbooks for this course.

230 Introduction to Social Work. (4)  Syllabus: Fall

Introduces pre-social work majors to the history and present structure of the profession. The American social welfare system is also covered through lecture, discussion, class activities and service projects. Introduction to areas of possible employment in the social work field. Overview of the social work curriculum. Fall and spring. 

250, 251 Human Behavior in the Social Environment I, II. (4,4) 
Syllabus 250, 251

A two-semester sequence. The first semester focuses on the life span development and theories of human behavior such as the ecological, systems and strengths perspectives. These theories are used as lenses for the study of issues of relevance to social work including the effects of violence and poverty. The second semester uses a global perspective to examine oppressed populations around the world. Prerequisites (or concurrent registration in): BIOL 112, PSYC 111, SOCI 111, SWRK 230 or permission of instructor. 

271 Individual Learning Project. (1-4)      

Supervised reading or research at the lower-division level. Permission of program director is required. Consult social work program for applicability towards major requirements. Not available to first-year students. 

300 Special Topics in Social Work. (1-4)    

Topics selected in various aspects of the human service delivery system and social work methods. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. 

340 Research and Evaluation. (4)  Syllabus

Introduces students to research and evaluation principles in applied social service settings. Topics include single-system designs, quasi-experimental designs, secondary or archival data and content analysis, and program evaluation. Offered spring. Prerequisite: SOCI 201 or permission of instructor.

343, 344, 345 Social Work Generalist Practice I, II, III. (4,4,4)
Syllabus 343, 344, 345

A three-semester sequence in generalist social work practice. All three courses concentrate on the knowledge, values and interpersonal skills necessary for beginning social work practice. Social Work Generalist Practice I (343) introduces the student to theory and interventions related to work with smaller systems. Social Work Generalist Practice II (344) concentrates on theories and interventions which apply to groups; Social Work Generalist Practice III (345) emphasizes social action and intervention with larger systems such as communities. Social Work Generalist Practice I (343) and Social Work Generalist Practice II (344) to be taken the fall and spring of the junior year; Social Work Generalist Practice III (345) to be taken the fall of the senior year. Prerequisite: admission to the major. 

347 American Social Policy. (4)  Syllabus

Explores our country's social welfare system, with relevance to policies and programs of interest to social work practitioners. Particular focus on women and children in poverty using a feminist perspective to examine policies relevant to these populations. Emphases include adequacy, effectiveness, and consequences of policies and programs. Prerequisite: junior-senior standing or permission of instructor. Fall. 

349 Junior Field Practicum. (2)  Syllabus

This course introduces social work students to the role of the human service professional in the community setting. Students participate in an observational learning experience in a social service agency for 120 hours during the semester. Total immersion in the agency environment will give students a chance to expand their understanding of how human needs are met by families and the social service agencies that work with them. Students will apply the knowledge and skills they have learned in previous social work courses in their field placements. Prerequisites: 230, 250, 251. To be taken in the junior year.  

371 Individual Learning Project. (1-4)

Supervised reading or research at the upper-division level. Permission of program director and completion and/or concurrent registration of 12 credits within the program required. Consult social work program for applicability towards major requirements. Not available to first-year students. 

380 Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation. (4) Syllabus

This course is a study of sexual orientation and gender identity from the perspective of individual identity development. The course will also explore the impact of families and communities on the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender youth and adults. Responses to prejudice and discrimination toward sexual minorities will also be explored. Prerequisite: junior or senior status. A-F grading only. Fall.

390 Ethics and Social Work Practice. (4) Syllabus

Study of ethical dilemmas in the daily practice of social work. This course satisfies CORE 390 senior seminar for social work majors. Prerequisites: social work senior, concurrent enrollment in 397. Spring.  

396 Pre-Internship Laboratory. (1) Syllabus

Preparation of senior practicum goals and objectives, the practicum learning contract, resume and cover letters, interviewing techniques, professional appearance, malpractice liability, state social work licensure, exploration of practicum and field instructor availability, and securing a placement. Prerequisite: social work senior. Must be taken prior to 397. Fall. 

397 Senior Field Practicum. (8-12)  Syllabus

Three-month (480 hours) practicum in a social service agency, under supervision of a field instructor and the program field coordinator. Includes weekly integrative seminar. To be taken spring of the senior year. Prerequisite: 396. 

398 Honors Senior Essay, Research or Creative Project. (4) 

Required for graduation with "All-College Honors" and "Program Distinction in Social Work." Prerequisite: HONR 396 and approval of the program director and director of the honors program. For further information see HONR 398.