SW      Social Work

 

SW 124 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL SERVICES.           (3)

Introduction to social welfare concepts and philosophies. Examination of the profession of social work and its philosophy and value commitments within social welfare. Public and private service delivery systems will be studied. Required of social work majors and recommended it be taken the first year.

 

SW 222 DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE.            (3)

Study of the cultural traditions, value orientations, and political and economic forces which have contributed to the emergence of present social welfare policies and systems in the United States. Required of social work majors and open to all others.

 

SW 300 SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE I.        (4)

An introduction to generalist social work practice theory, a study of skills in professional practice with individuals and families, and an examination of social work functions in the direct delivery of social services. Special attention is paid to the NASW Code of Ethics and to the social worker's obligations towards populations-at-risk. Class includes four hours per week of laboratory in health or welfare settings, and three lecture hours. Prereq: SW 124. Open only to social work majors.

 

SW 320 GLOBAL POVERTY:

RESPONSES ACROSS CULTURES.            (3)

An examination of poverty in various non-Western cultures. The course will cover the nature, scope, and distribution of poverty, definitions of poverty, common characteristics of the poor, as well as cultural traditions and folkways which contribute to the problem. Social welfare responses and humanitarian efforts which address the problem are examined.

 

SW 322 SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIAL WELFARE.          (4)

Designed for transfer students of junior rank. Study of social welfare development, social work philosophy and value commitment and with an examination of social service agencies and programs. Option of agency visitation, group experiences, social service. Not open to those having SW 124 or 222.

 

SW 354 THE FAMILY IN CROSS-CULTURAL PERSPECTIVE.

 

SW 395 INDEPENDENT WORK.     (1-4)

Organized study research and/or tutorial work focused on special issues or problems. May be repeated to a maximum of four credits. Prereq: Major, standing of 3.0 overall GPA, or consent of dean, and consent of adviser and instructor.

 

SW 400 SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE II.      (4)

Emphasizing an ecological and systems framework, the course explores theories and practice approaches appropriate for work with groups, organizations, and community systems. The impact of discrimination and oppression on populations-at-risk is discussed, along with problem-solving and interventive strategies. The ethical and legal strategies of the generalist practitioner are studied. Prereq: SW 300. Open only to social work majors.

 

SW 401 PRACTICE WITH CHILDREN AND FAMILIES.   (3)

The critical examination of social work practice with children and families with emphasis on social service interventions to strengthen family life. Prereq: SW 354.

 

SW 420 HUMAN BEHAVIOR

AND THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT.         (3)

This course provides the social work student with knowledge of behavioral science at the individual, family, small group, community, and societal levels in the context of diversity of ethnic background, race, gender, social class, sexual orientation and culture in a pluralistic society. The course will deal with the interrelatedness of the biological, psychological, social, cultural and environmental factors influencing human behavior, and their relevance and application to generalist social work practice. Theoretical approaches are presented to describe, explain, and predict human behavior and development, as well as to inform and guide social work practice. A variety of learning experiences are provided students, including lecture, small group discussion, observational exercises, and case analyses. The course utilizes social work knowledge as well as sources from other fields, including human development, personality, family theory, small groups, organizations, communities, and cultural diversity. The ecological perspective provides the unifying framework for the integration of these areas of study. Prereq: Open to social work majors.

 

SW 421 SOCIALIZATION AND RESOCIALIZATION

GROUPS IN PRACTICE.       (3)

This course develops social work practice skills for conducting socialization and resocialization groups. Leadership activities include member selection, contracting, direct and indirect change techniques, and terminating. Application is made to a variety of settings and member characteristics. Prereq: Social work majors or consent of instructor.

 

SW 430 SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY:

THEORY AND IMPLEMENTATION.          (3)

The study and demonstration of different analytic models utilized in analysis of social welfare policy. The course also introduces content in the areas of organizational theory, management tools necessary to the understanding of implementation and evaluation of social welfare policy. Prereq: SW 222 or 322. Open only to social work majors.

 

SW 444 EDUCATIONAL PRACTICUM I.   (8)

Introduction to social work practicum under faculty direction in a Teaching-Learning Center. Students will begin to apply knowledge from prerequisite (and concurrent) courses in experiences which utilize social work practice skills with emphasis on individuals, families and small groups, toward the goals of prevention, restoration and enhancement of social functioning. Includes 24 hours per week of seminar and experiential learning. Prereq: SW 300 and SW 420.

 

SW 445 EDUCATIONAL PRACTICUM II.  (8)

This course continues the process of social work practicum under faculty direction in a Teaching-Learning Center. Students will continue to apply knowledge from prerequisite and concurrent courses in experiences which utilize social work practice skills with individuals, families, and small groups as well as with organizations and communities toward the goals of prevention, restoration, and enhancement of social functioning. Includes 24 hours per week of seminar and experiential learning. Prereq: SW 444. Prereq or concurrent: SW 400.

 

SW 450 SOCIAL WORK RESEARCH.         (3)

An introductory study of the processes of research in building social work knowledge and developing effective social work practice. Prereq: A basic course in statistics. Open only to social work majors.

 

SW 470 SENIOR SEMINAR.            (3)

An integrative professional seminar for senior majors in social work, usually taken in the last semester of course work. Social work issues of an educational, professional and practice nature are examined. Prereq: SW 445 or concurrent. Open only to social work majors.

 

SW 505 CHILD WELFARE SERVICES.       (2-3)

A study of community and national programs for child care and protection, including aid to dependent children and other social security services.

 

SW 510 MENTAL HEALTH KNOWLEDGE

FOR THE SOCIAL PROFESSIONS. (2-3)

An analysis of personality development, behavior patterns, and social structural factors with special reference to mental health, its service delivery system, and implications for practice in the social professions.

 

SW 513 INTEGRATED SERVICES FOR THE HANDICAPPED.

 

SW 514 ALCOHOLISM AND PROBLEM DRINKING.      (2-3)

This course will examine traditional and emerging concepts of alcoholism and problem drinking with special attention to problems in definition. The contributions of recent research to our understanding of risk factors associated with various populations will be reviewed. Selected strategies for identification of and intervention into alcoholism and problem drinking will be discussed with particular attention to the unique problems and needs of racial minorities, youth, female, and other populations.

 

SW 515 MEDICAL AND PSYCHOSOCIAL

ASPECTS OF DISABILITIES I.         (3)

This course is designed to prepare rehabilitation counselors and social workers to become interpreters of medical information concerning major disabilities and to provide an understanding of the psychosocial factors encountered by the disabled. Focus will be on how these factors affect adjustment to a disability, and on professional practice with the disabled. Topics include concepts of medical and psychosocial aspects of disability which relate to conditions that impair bodily systems and/or structures due to illness or accident that result in permanent and/or chronic functional limitations. Prereq: College level courses in biology and psychology or consent of instructor. (Same as RC 515.)

 

SW 516 MEDICAL AND PSYCHOSOCIAL

ASPECTS OF DISABILITIES II.       (3)

This course is designed to prepare rehabilitation counselors and social workers to become interpreters of medical information concerning major disabilities and to provide an understanding of the psychosocial factors encountered by the disabled. Focus will be on how these factors affect adjustment to a disability, and on professional practice with the disabled. Topics include concepts of medical and psychosocial aspects of disability which relate to conditions that impair bodily systems and/or structures due to illness or accident that result in permanent and/or chronic functional limitations. Prereq: College level courses in biology and psychology or consent of instructor. (Same as RC 516.)

 

SW 523 SOCIAL PERSPECTIVES ON RACISM

AND ETHNIC PREJUDICES IN AMERICA.            (2-3)

The course is designed to provide the knowledge needed in understanding the dynamics of institutional racism from a broader perspective of five specific ethnic minorities in rural and urban America. Particular emphasis is placed upon planned community change and strategies pertinent to minority group communities. Students who wish to make a special, in-depth study of one of the specified content areas may take this course for one additional credit. Prereq: Consent of instructor. (Same as AAS 523.)

 

SW 560 SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE IN JUVENILE JUSTICE.

 

SW 571 SOCIAL WORK AND THE LAW.  (3)

The course examines the lawyer's method and the legal system; the organization and ethics of the practicing bar; the impact of legal decision-making and lawyers on society in such selected situations as civil rights, juvenile and criminal justice and consumer debtor-creditor relationships; and working relationships between social workers and lawyers.

 

SW 580 TOPICAL SEMINAR IN SOCIAL WORK.            (2-4)

Study of issues of current and special significance for social work practice. Issues selected in accordance with the needs and interests of students enrolled. May be repeated to a maximum of eight credits. Prereq: Open to the student of social work or consent of instructor.

 

SW 595 COOPERATIVE SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION.  (0)

A course designed for social work students who, through the cooperative education office, secure full-time, salaried, career-related positions under the supervision of a sponsoring employer. Enrollment in the course constitutes full-time status. Course may be taken on a pass-fail basis only and repeated with the permission of the cooperation education office. Prereq: Approval of the Cooperative Education Coordinator.

 

SW 600 SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE I.        (3)

This is the first course of a two-semester generalist social work practice sequence. This course enhances analytic thinking and focuses on mastering the skills that underlie assessment in social work. Cases for analysis and study may be drawn from individuals, families, groups, communities, or organization. Prereq: Admission into the MSW program.

 

SW 601 SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE II.      (3)

This is the second course of a two-semester generalist social work practice sequence. This course requires utilization of analytical thinking to master the social work skills that underlie the social work problem-solving process with a focus on intervention. Prereq: SW 600.

 

SW 603 SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE WITH

CHILDREN AND YOUTH.    (2)

Study and analysis of developmental crises and problems of children and youth. Emphasis upon social work strategies of intervention for prevention, amelioration or resolution. Prereq: SW 600 or 601 or consent of instructor.

 

SW 605 SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE IN HEALTH SERVICES.

 

SW 606 SEMINAR IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROCESSES.           (2)

Criminal justice processes are studied and evaluated emphasizing system aims, theories of criminality and societal reaction, the consequences and costs to offenders and to society of current policies to control and prevent crime. Traditional and innovative community and institutional programs for adult and juvenile offenders will be examined.

 

SW 608 INTRO TO MSW PRACTICE.         (2)

For students receiving advanced standing, this "bridge" course is designed to stress the importance of theoretical orientation, critical thinking, ethical problem-solving and the use of informational resources in making decisions about practices as a graduate social worker. Prereq: Advanced standing.

 

SW 611 SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE

IN MENTAL HEALTH.          (2-3)

Description, analysis, and examination of social work practice in the mental health service delivery system, with particular emphasis on social work interventions and roles.

 

SW 612 SEMINAR ON SOCIAL WORK

PRACTICE WITH WOMEN. (2-3)

This seminar focuses on the special problems and practice strategies relevant to selected groups of women served by social work.

 

SW 613 URBAN ECOLOGY AND AGING. (2 or 3)

Effects of an urban environment upon the aging population, including community design, city planning, housing, transportation, relocation, and mobility. The impact of technological advances will be examined from the point of view of theory, current research, and the process of man-environmental relationships.

 

SW 614 SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE ITH PEOPLE WITH AIDS.

 

SW 616 SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE

IN SCHOOL SETTINGS.       (2-3)

A presentation and examination of school social work practice. Emphasis will be placed on roles, competencies and skills necessary for effective service provision. The differences in services to children in schools will be contrasted with those in primary social service settings. Focus will also be given to the impact of school legislation and regulations on the choice of populations served and programs provided.

 

SW 617 FAMILY VIOLENCE:

SOCIAL WORK INTERVENTIONS.            (2-3)

The development of a knowledge based framework for understanding, preventing and intervening in family violence as seen in child, spouse and elder abuse.

 

SW 618 SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE ITH GAY AND LESBIAN PEOPLE.

 

SW 620 HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND

THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT.       (3)

This foundation course focuses on theory as a tool for understanding human behavior on multiple interacting levels, including: individual, family, small group, organization, community, and society. The course will explore the interrelatedness of biological, social, cultural, psychological, and environmental factors in human behavior and development. Attention will be given to exploring the impact of racism, sexism, ethnocentrism, classism, and homophobia on human behavior at each level. Prereq: Acceptance into the MSW program.

 

SW 623 SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE WITH GROUPS.      (2-3)

This course critically analyzes approaches to group practice in social work emphasizing socialization and resocialization purposes and leader activities. Research and practice issues are examined. Prereq: SW 600 or 601 or consent of instructor.

 

SW 624 PERSPECTIVES ON HUMAN SEXUALITY.         (3)

An examination and study of historical and current perspectives of sexuality as it relates to behavioral patterns, cultural attitudes, social policy and practice. Prereq: Knowledge of human behavior and personality theory highly recommended. (Same as FAM 624.)

 

SW 625 INTRODUCTION TO THE

SOCIAL WORK PROFESSION.       (3)

This course introduces students to the history and philosophy of social welfare and social work including social work's relationship to other professions. Additionally, the course presents basic skills necessary for effective, culturally competent social work practice and success in the field education program. The effects of culture, language, age, gender, sexual orientation, and other group characteristics are discussed as they relate to understanding diversity within society. Prereq: Acceptance into the MSW program or permission of the instructor.

 

SW 626 FORENSIC MENTAL HEALTH:

EVALUATION AND TREATMENT. (2-3)

An intensive analysis and study of forensic mental health including court evaluation, courtroom testimony and treatment of the victim. Students who wish to take this course for three credits will be expected to make an in-depth study of a specific content area. Lecture, two hours; laboratory (only for those taking the course for three hours), two hours per week. Prereq: Knowledge of behavior and personality theory is highly recommended.

 

SW 630 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL

WELFARE POLICY AND SERVICES.         (3)

This first course in the policy sequence emphasizes the analysis of social programs, policies, and the policy-making process. An important focus of the course is to identify and understand the impact of a wide range of social policies on social work clients and the human service delivery system within a social justice framework. The course content reflects the interdisciplinary efforts of the social, political, legal, economic, and administrative processes which are vital to policy-making at all levels. Prereq: Admission into the MSW program.

 

SW 635 INTRODUCTION TO PROFESSIONAL ETHICS. (2)

This course introduces students to the place of ethics in professional social work practice; the philosophical formulations that underlie ethics; and relevant concepts derived from these formulations. The course emphasizes the development of ethical reasoning and decision-making. Prereq: Admission into the MSW program and SW 600.

 

*SW 640 FOUNDATION PRACTICUM.     (4)

This introductory field-based course under faculty direction requires that students apply and integrate generalist social work knowledge from the foundation curriculum. Students study the special strengths and needs of populations at-risk for reaching their full potential. Emphasis is given to the beginning development of social work practice skills for work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities toward the goals of restoration and enhancement of social functioning. Students examine many social work roles in the direct delivery of social services with specific attention paid to the NASW Code of Ethics. Experiential learning, 300 hours including weekly seminars. Prereq: SW 600, SW 620, SW 630, SW 625, and SW 650.

 

SW 641 GRADUATE EDUCATIONAL PRACTICUM II.    (5)

This course continues the process of introducing students to social work practicum under faculty direction in a Teaching-Learning Center. Students will continue to apply and integrate knowledge from other foundation courses in experiences which aid them developing social work practice skills with individuals, families, small groups. In addition, students will develop social work practice skills with organizations and communities toward the goals of prevention, restoration, and enhancement of social functioning. Experiential learning 225 hours and seminar. Prereq: SW 640. Prereq or concurrent: SW 601 and SW 630.

 

SW 643 BIOMEDICAL ASPECTS OF AGING.

 

SW 650 RESEARCH METHODS IN SOCIAL WORK.        (3)

Introduction to systematic approaches to scientific thinking necessary for building knowledge and evaluating one's own practice. Includes ethical use of scientific inquiry, critical appreciation of quantitative and qualitative methodologies, and use of research for program evaluation. Prereq: Open only to students admitted to the graduate Social Work program.

 

SW 680 SPECIAL PROBLEMS

IN SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE.       (2-6)

Current issues that have special significance for social work practice. Selected problems in accordance with the needs and interests of the students registered for the course. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits. Prereq: Consent of instructor.

 

SW 700 ADULT ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT.         (3)

This course is designed to enhance the student's professional judgment and clinical decision-making capacity with adult clients across mental health and human service systems of care. This course provides knowledge and skills for assessment and intervention with a broad range of adult biopsychosocial disorders, including situationally precipitated conditions or disorders. An integrative, comparative, and analytic approach will be utilized to explore the relationship between these conditions and the matrix created by biology, society, culture and environment, and to apply this knowledge to the assessment and treatment process. Prereq: SW 722 or advanced standing.

 

*SW 701 ASSET-BASED COMMUNITY

DEVELOPMENT AND ASSESSMENT.                                                                (3)

This course is one of two assessment and intervention courses in the Family and Community Practice Concentration. The course examines the community context of social work practice with an emphasis on organizations, neighborhoods, communities, and larger social systems that influence quality of life. Models of community practice are presented to assess and intervene in social problems and acts of social injustice that constrain opportunities and limit access to resources for individuals and families. Particular attention is given to the concept of asset-based development for building community capacity and empowering individuals and groups. Prereq: SW 722, SW 731, and completion of foundation courses or advanced standing.

 

SW 702 SUBSTANCE MISUSE,

VIOLENCE AND RISK MANAGEMENT.   (3)

Designed to enhance clinical judgment and decision-making with populations at high risk for victimization or perpetration of violence and substance misuse, this course provides contemporary scientific and clinical knowledge and explores the associations of violence, child abuse, and mental disorders with substance misuse. Theories of addiction are explored with attention to genetic, familial, gender, geographical, and cultural contribution. Neurochemical and neuroanatomical correlates of addiction are explored. Assessment approaches and major interventions are analyzed and applied to practice situations.

 

SW 704 CHILD ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT.          (3)

Designed to enhance professional judgment and clinical decision-making concerning child and adolescent clients, this course provides knowledge and skills for assessment and intervention concerning a broad range of biopsychosocial disorders, including situationally precipitated conditions or disorders. An integrative, comparative, and analytic approach is used to explore the relationship between these conditions and the matrix created by biology, society, culture and environment, and to apply this knowledge to assessment and treatment. Prereq: SW 722 or advanced standing.

 

SW 711 ADVANCED LEADERSHIP

ROLES IN SOCIAL WORK. (3)

Advanced study and analysis of leadership roles in social work practice with emphasis upon administration and supervision. Some attention is given to consultation, staff development and teaching, and review of theories of adult learning. Prereq: SW 701 or consent of instructor.

 

SW 720 SOCIAL WORK PERSPECTIVES

ON HUMAN AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY.          (2)

This second required course in the human behavior and social environment sequence builds upon the foundation course. The focus of this course is upon the effects of discrimination and oppression experienced by diverse population groups with special attention to the effects of racism, sexism, ageism, classism and geography upon vulnerable groups; and upon institutionalized societal and cultural themes in diversity; with implications for social work practice. Prereq: SW 620 or advanced standing in the MSW program. (Same as AAS 720.)

 

SW 722 PSYCHOPATHOLOGY

FOR SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE.   (3)

This course offers a survey of the major mental disorders typically encountered by social workers in clinical practice, and in relation to other areas of social work practice such as protective services, court-related service areas, family services, and other environments. It is designed to increase the social worker's familiarity with diagnostic classifications, criteria, etiologies, and the epidemiology of disorders and social work treatments for disorders. Prereq: SW 600 and SW 620 or advanced standing.

 

SW 727 SOCIAL WORK ASSESSMENT

AND INTERVENTION IN FAMILY PROBLEMS.  (3)

This is the first of two required assessment and intervention courses in the Family/Community Practice Concentration. The course presents theoretical and evidence-based approaches to social work assessment and intervention with diverse family forms, and multiple family-related problems within the primary contexts of neighborhoods, schools, and communities. Some of the social work interventions presented include family preservation, case management, and family treatment models. Prereq: SW 722, SW 731, and completion of foundation courses.

 

SW 730 MENTAL HEALTH POLICY.          (3)

Building on the social justice tradition and the policy analysis framework provided in SW 630, this course will consider the response of government, business, communities and professional groups to dealing with the current range of mental health policy issues. The interrelationship of social welfare and health care systems will be considered, as well as the legal aspects of providing mental health treatment. Attention will be paid to the behavioral health model, managed care and privatization. Prereq: SW 630.

 

SW 731 COMMUNITY AND FAMILY POLICY.    (3)

This course builds on the social justice tradition and the policy analysis framework provided in SW 630 to prepare students to engage in the policy making processes that impact and are impacted by the family and community service delivery system. Controversial issues within the child welfare, school social work, aging, and community development policy arenas are examined. Prereq: SW 630 or advanced standing.

 

SW 735 INTEGRATIVE SEMINAR. (2)

This seminar is usually taken by MSW students in their last semester. Students develop a case analysis to assist in integrating their course of study. This includes knowledge of human behavior theories, assessment, micro and macro level interventions, policy-analytic models, ethical reasoning, and research methodology. Prereq: SW 750.

 

SW 736 ADMINISTRATION AND SUPERVISION

IN SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE.       (2)

This course examines the overlapping but distinct roles of program planning, management, administration and supervision within social work and other human service organizations. Focus will be on human resources development and management, program development, implementation and evaluation, the acquisition of finding and financial management, and public relations and constituency building. Special emphasis will be placed on issues of leadership roles, organizational culture, and outcome-based decision-making from a social work perspective. Prereq: Completion of all foundation courses.

 

SW 740 MENTAL HEALTH

CONCENTRATION PRACTICUM.  (4)

This field-based course prepares students to practice as social workers at the advanced level in an area of concentration. Students perform a variety of tasks including assessment, case management, psycho-education, as well as individual, family, and/or Community-based interventions. Placement in a human service agency and experiential learning of 300 hours including weekly seminars. May be repeated to eight hours. Prereq: SW 640 or advanced standing.

 

SW 741 FAMILY AND COMMUNITY

CONCENTRATION PRACTICUM.  (4)

In this required internship students continue to apply and refine their skills and competencies under faculty direction.  Placement in a human service agency and experiential learning of 300 hours including weekly seminars. May be repeated to eight hours. Prereq: SW 740 or concurrent.

 

SW 749 DISSERTATION RESEARCH.        (0)

Half-time to full-time work on dissertation. May be repeated to a maximum of six semesters. Prereq: Registration for two full-time semesters of 769 residence credit following the successful completion of the qualifying exams.

 

SW 750 RESEARCH DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION

IN SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE I.    (3)

An intermediate course in research methodology and design including program evaluation and meta-analysis. Requires students to conduct research related to practice issues or program evaluation in their fields of concentration as they prepare proposals to be implemented in SW 751. Prereq: SW 650 or advanced standing.

 

SW 751 RESEARCH DESIGN

AND IMPLEMENTATION II.           (3)

Implementation of a research or program evaluation project designed in SW 750. Students are required to conduct research related to practice issues or program evaluation in their fields of concentration. They will collect or otherwise access study data, enter and analyze it in SPSS or other computer package, and present the results in various formats. Prereq: SW 750.

 

SW 769 RESIDENCE CREDIT

FOR THE DOCTOR'S DEGREE.       (0-12)

May be repeated indefinitely. Prereq: Successful completion of qualifying exam.

 

SW 770 DOCTORAL RESEARCH I. (3)

This course focuses on the role of research in the profession, the logic of research, the major strategies and techniques for conducting research in social work settings, and preparation of a research proposal. This is the first of a two-course sequence with a primary focus on quantitative methods. Prereq: Admission into the Social Work doctoral program.

 

SW 771 DOCTORAL RESEARCH II.           (3)

In this second of two required research methods courses, students will conduct and report on the quantitative research project proposed in the first semester. They will also conduct a meta-analysis, test a research instrument's reliability and validity, conduct an exercise using qualitative methodology, and explore large public databases. Prereq: SW 770.

 

SW 773 DOCTORAL STATISTICS II.          (3)

This social work course aims to help students understand and apply multivariate techniques in the fields of social welfare and social work research. Topics covered will include multivariate regression, factor analysis, path analysis, event history analysis, as well as logit and probit analysis. Prereq: STA 570 or other graduate level statistics course.

 

SW 780 INDEPENDENT WORK.     (1-6)

Organized study, research and/or tutorial focused on special issues or problems. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits. Prereq: Major, graduate standing of 3.0 overall GPA, or consent of dean, and consent of adviser and instructor.

 

SW 781 THEORY DEVELOPMENT

IN THE SOCIAL WORK PROFESSION.     (3)

Explores the nature of knowledge, how it is generated and acquired. Students will distinguish explanatory from practice theory, understand paradigms as bases for ideas, recognize and formulate concepts, understand relational statements, theoretical statements, and how these relate to theory and data. Strategies for building knowledge will be discussed. Students will analyze theories into their components, construct mini-theories, and propose how they can be tested in social work practice. Prereq: Admission into the doctoral program or consent of the program director.

 

SW 782 ADVANCED ANALYSIS

OF SOCIAL PROBLEMS, POLICY AND PRACTICE.        (3)

This course provides students with a theoretical and conceptual framework for understanding social problems and their implications for macro social work practice. Critical perspectives related to social science theory will be identified, assumptions assessed, values examined, and empirical evidence analyzed. Theories covered will be drawn from sociological, socio-cultural, political, economic, historical and other perspectives. Students will be expected to develop their abilities to analyze and critique social problems and macro social work practice. Prereq: Admission into the doctoral program.

 

SW 783 HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND CHANGE

THEORIES IN SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE.           (3)

A critical analysis of theories which seek to explain human behavior and serve as foundations for current clinical change interventions; includes an examination of the empirical support for and efficacy of major treatment modalities used in social work practice.

 

SW 784 ETHICS, SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIETY.           (3)

This course will identify and articulate the philosophical formulations of relevant ethical traditions and their implications for social work. Students will examine approaches to ethical analysis as well as major ethical problems facing contemporary social work. The course will emphasize the development of advanced ethical reasoning and decision-making skills. Prereq: SW 781.

 

SW 785 PROSEMINAR IN SOCIAL WORK RESEARCH. (1)

This seminar introduces beginning doctoral students to the research activities of social work faculty and advanced students. Presentations will familiarize students with practical issues in the conceptual development and conduct of current research. May be repeated to a maximum of two credits. Prereq: Admission into the doctoral program.

 

SW 786 DOCTORAL RESEARCH PRACTICUM.   (3-6)

Provides the doctoral student opportunity to conduct social work research under the supervision of a chosen faculty member. This experience is expected to result in one or more reports suitable for submission to a scholarly journal at conclusion of the practicum. Prereq: Completion of first year of doctoral study.

 

SW 787 DOCTORAL TEACHING PRACTICUM.   (3-6)

Supervised teaching and other classroom experiences designed to prepare doctoral students to be social work educators. Prereq: Completion of first year of doctoral study.

 

SW 788 RESEARCH IN SOCIAL WORK SEMINAR.         (3)

This course is designed to facilitate the student's completion of the dissertation prospectus and the dissertation itself. Students will make formal presentations on their research plans and will address available literature, measurement and methodological issues, analysis of data, limitations, and importance of the investigation. Prereq: Six hours doctoral level research.

 

#SW 790 SEMINAR IN TEACHING AND LEARNING.     (3)

Students will facilitate seminar sessions drawing upon educational theory and relevant literature, create syllabi, observe each other teaching, and develop papers elucidating their grading practices and philosophy of teaching. Prereq: Admission into the doctoral program or consent of instructor.

 

SW 795 ADVANCED DOCTORAL SEMINAR

IN SOCIAL WORK (Subtitle required).          (3)

Topics of current importance in Social Work research and practice, including philosophical, theoretical, ethical, and technical considerations. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve credits under different subtitles. Prereq: Admission to the joint Ph.D. program.