Social Work (SW)

SW 424 - Introduction to Social Work

Credits: 4

Introduces the learner to the field of social work with emphasis on the "person-in-environment" and attention to a range of practice approaches to understanding and assisting of the human condition. An overview of the history, values, and ethics of the profession. Includes various fields of practice in which social workers are employed.

Equivalent(s): SW 524

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 440A - Honors/Healthy Communities: Environmental Justice and Social Change

Credits: 4

This course provides students with opportunities to examine and promote health within communities. Students explore components of healthy communities, with a focus on equity, sustainability, and social and environmental justice. The class examines historical, contemporary, and future factors that empower and constrain community residents and systems. Students practice skills for social change and engage in experiential activities and discussion designed to foster consideration of community health and social justice.

Attributes: Honors course; Social Science (Discovery)

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW #444 - You've Got Your Troubles, I've Got Mine

Credits: 4

A seminar for traditional first- or second-year students. Examines the many personal losses typical for students leaving home for the first time. Guest speakers from various disciplines (e.g., social work, therapeutic recreation, nursing, family studies). The various ways one may find and give informal support to others dealing with loss are explored. In addition, the personal responses allowing one to better cope with adversity and ways of expressing grief are explored. Group work brings the class together as an informal support network. Students exchange ideas in techniques used to deal with personal loss and develop an informal support network to use after the course has ended.

Attributes: Social Science (Discovery); Inquiry (Discovery); Writing Intensive Course

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 500 - I'm Old, So What! An introduction to aging in the United States

Credits: 4

This is the first of two mandatory courses for the GERO Minor, but any student may take it as an elective. It introduces the learner to the field of gerontology (the study of how people age). It explores the biological, psychosocial, and cognitive changes within the context of society. The history of ageism and its influence on how it has affected the individual, families, and society is presented. The range of independence among older people is examined. Various disciplines that work within the field of gerontology are reviewed. Lectures, novels, films and guest speakers help to examine growing old in the U.S.

Equivalent(s): GERO 500

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 501 - Research Methods in Social Work

Credits: 4

This course introduces students to practitioner-researcher role in social work. The class includes critical evaluation of, and introduction to research including project design, survey and evaluative methodologies. The course introduces students to statistics used in research process. Each student completes an individual research project.

Attributes: Social Science (Discovery); Inquiry (Discovery); Writing Intensive Course

Prerequisite(s): SW 424 with a minimum grade of D-.

Equivalent(s): SW 601

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 525 - Social Welfare Policy: History of Social and Economic Justice

Credits: 4

An overview of the history and current status of social welfare policy in the United States. Considers the origins, development, and analysis of significant policies, values, attitudes and other issues related to the social welfare system and the delivery of service. Focuses on policy analysis from a social and economic justice perspective.

Attributes: Historical Perspectives(Disc)

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 550 - Human Behavior and Social Environment I

Credits: 4

Introduces human behavior and development as it influences and is influenced by multiple factors in the social environment, including individual genetic and biological composition, race, gender, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, geographic location, physical appearance, and ability. How these factors operate throughout the life cycle. Provides a knowledge base and perspective to understand a client's behavior, attitude, and values in relation to the attitudes and values of the social work professional and the larger society.

Attributes: Social Science (Discovery)

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 551 - Human Behavior and Social Environment II

Credits: 4

Agents of socialization that most significantly affect family, group, and organizational development and behavior within an ecosystems framework. Particular attention is paid to the influence of class, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation and other aspects of diversity on development and behavior of larger systems.

Attributes: Social Science (Discovery)

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 565 - Introduction to Child Life

Credits: 4

When facing acute, chronic, or life-threatening illness and traumatic injuries, children and families have unique needs within the medical system. The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to the theory and practice of the child life profession and family centered care. Topics include children’s emotional reactions to hospitalization, use of play, preparation, and family support, designing healing environments, and specializations within the field.

Equivalent(s): HDFS 565

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 611 - Behavioral Health and Well Being

Credits: 4

This course provides an overview of behavioral health and wellbeing through a social justice lens. While students will learn about the traditional approach to behavioral health including the diagnosis and assessment of “mental illness”, they will also explore contemporary perspectives that view our behavioral health as inseparable from our bodies, families, communities, and other social determinants of health.

Equivalent(s): SW 711

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 622 - Social Work Practice: Interventions with Individuals and Families

Credits: 4

Introduces methods and practice. Basic principles, values, and ethics, interviewing skills, problem assessment, and contracting of social work practice with individuals and families are studied. Skills training in lab sessions.

Attributes: Writing Intensive Course

Prerequisite(s): SW 424 with a minimum grade of C.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 623 - Social Work Practice: Interventions with Groups, Organizations and Communities

Credits: 4

Continuation of SW 622. Delineation and study of intervention and change strategies differentiated with individuals, groups, and communities.

Attributes: Writing Intensive Course

Prerequisite(s): SW 622 with a minimum grade of C and SW 424 with a minimum grade of C.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 625 - Social Welfare Policy: Analysis, Activism, and Advocacy

Credits: 4

Builds on the curricular content covered in Introduction to Social Welfare Policy (SW 525). Both courses view social welfare policy as the framework from which social work services are developed and delivered. This course examines the macroeconomic context for policy analysis and advocacy and integrates policy and practice through student research and analysis of specific social problems. Policymaking is analyzed in legislative, community, organizational, and global environments emphasizing advocacy in the pursuit of social and economic justice.

Attributes: Writing Intensive Course

Prerequisite(s): SW 424 with a minimum grade of C and SW 525 with a minimum grade of C.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

View Course Learning Outcomes

SW 630 - Race Equity in Health and Human Services

Credits: 4

The course will explore the social construction of individual and group racial and ethnic identities and their relationship to oppression, prejudice, discrimination, and powerlessness in social and interpersonal contexts and their impact on individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Students will have an opportunity to examine their own experiences of both privilege and oppression. Students will learn to critically examine theories, concepts, and models of practice for racial and cultural bias.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 660 - Exploring Issues in Housing and Homelessness

Credits: 4

This course examines the meaning we attach to shelter in our society, and will examine multiple perspectives on the issues of housing and homelessness. The course will begin with a macro perspective and will draw on economic, humanistic, and historical perspectives to respond to this question, is housing a right? Students will also examine community development approaches to housing and their neighborhood effects. The course will conclude with an in-depth look at the complexities of homelessness.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 697 - Special Topics in Social Welfare

Credits: 4

Seminar for advanced majors. Topics may include: Alcohol and Alcoholism, Drugs and Chemical Dependency, Income Maintenance, Health Care, Child Welfare, Aging, Mental Health, or Developmental Disabilities. or study travel experiences. May be repeated for different topics.

Repeat Rule: May be repeated up to 1 time.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

SW 702 - Aging and Society

Credits: 4

This course is designed to formalize students with biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives of aging and social services and policies for older people. This course covers a broad range of theories and contemporary issues in the field of aging. It also focuses on the strengths and limitations of existing programs and policies such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, and other community services. Comparisons to developments in other countries will be made throughout the course to provide a broader context for understanding aging and programs/policies in the U.S.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 704 - Adolescents with Emotional and Behavioral Challenges

Credits: 4

This course focuses on the characteristics and needs of youth with emotional and behavioral challenges based upon socio-cultural and ecological theories, and provides exposure to family- and youth-driven practices and approaches that represent System of Care values and principles.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 705 - Child and Adolescent Risks and Resiliency: Program, Policy and Practice

Credits: 4

Examination of the major policy and program questions of child welfare with a focus on child care and protection, adoption and foster care, juvenile delinquency, service delivery, and concepts of treatment in public and private programs.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 707 - Child Maltreatment

Credits: 4

This course introduces students to advanced concepts in child welfare with an emphasis on child maltreatment assessment and child protective services. The course addresses emerging assessment practices, data informed child protective service provision, the role of technology in child welfare practice, and workforce development.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW #710 - SW and the Digital Age

Credits: 4

This course focuses on the ever-changing landscape of technology as it relates to the Social Work field. Students will explore topics such as telehealth, online communities, assistive technology as well as digital advocacy. Ethical implications of the integration of technology into Social Work will be explored throughout the course. Students will work independently or collaboratively at a distance to create a multi-media project focused on a topic of interest within Digital Social Work.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 712 - Understanding Developmental Disabilities

Credits: 4

Analysis of the complex social contexts of people with developmental disabilities. Explores and questions traditional approaches and the current system. Examines family and community services and resources.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 713 - School Social Work

Credits: 4

The course examines the school as a social institution that serves to educate and socialize children into US society and the role of the social worker in the school setting. Readings, activities, and discussions provide practical skills and theory for school social work practice. The course content addresses the history of school social work integrating social work values into a school setting, systemic needs within school settings, the importance of networking and professional collaboration, and working with diverse and at-risk youth and their families. Students also examine the role of school social workers in helping students, schools and families adjust to and cope with trauma, special education needs, and related topics.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 715 - Affirming Practice with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer+ People

Credits: 4

This course addresses the task of clinical practice with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, asexual, intersex, two-spirit, genderqueer, pansexual, and beyond (LGBTQ+) people on both personal and professional levels for the social worker. The class makes use of personal narratives, as well as theoretical and clinical practice readings. Students are expected to explore and examine their own attitudes, beliefs, and assumptions about LGBTQ+ people.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 721 - International Social Work

Credits: 4

This course introduces the growing field of international social work. It addresses the impact of globalization on social work practice, provides an overview of the social work profession around the world, and considers current challenges and suggested ways social workers can contribute to solutions. Human rights and globalization are dominant themes underlying international social work and serve as unifying concepts for examining various global issues. The focus of the course is on global social issues with particular attention to human rights, development, racism, status of women and children, climate change, immigrants and refugees, HIV/AIDS, and aging populations. Linkages between international and domestic social work practice are emphasized, making the course relevant to all students and their future practice.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 740 - Social Work Internship Experience

Credits: 4

Majors are placed in a social welfare setting for a minimum of 225 hours; individual arrangements with faculty coordinate. (No credit toward a minor).

Co-requisite: SW 740A

Prerequisite(s): SW 622 with a minimum grade of C.

Equivalent(s): SW 640

Grade Mode: Credit/Fail Grading

Special Fee: Yes

SW 740A - Social Work Internship Experience I: Seminar

Credits: 4

This weekly seminar, held concurrently with Social Welfare Experience I, integrates the internship experience with social work theory and concepts learned throughout the curriculum by class discussion, exercises, readings and written assignments. Seminar I provides an opportunity for orientation to the internship placement, an overview of internship requirements, review of the NASW Code of Ethics, and use of small group discussion for problem solving. Students learn to use supervision effectively, to participate in the helping process, and to manage their own stress. Students learn to assess the impact of policy on the client system, agency and worker and to use research to inform practice.

Co-requisite: SW 740

Prerequisite(s): SW 622 with a minimum grade of C.

Equivalent(s): SW 640A

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 741 - Social Work Internship Experience II

Credits: 4

A continuation of SW 740 with a minimum of 225 hours required in this term.

Co-requisite: SW 741A

Prerequisite(s): SW 740 with a minimum grade of C and SW 740A with a minimum grade of C.

Equivalent(s): SW 641

Grade Mode: Credit/Fail Grading

SW 741A - Social Work Internship Experience II: Seminar

Credits: 4

This is a continuation of Social Welfare Internship Experience I: SW 740A and builds upon the concepts presented in the student's first internship practice seminar. This seminar meets weekly for two and a half hours and is held concurrently with the internship placement. It is designed to integrate the internship experience with social work concepts through class discussion, reading and written assignments. Topics include but are not limited to, understanding and using agency structure to enhance client interactions, preparing client assessment and other documents, enhancing the client-worker therapeutic interaction, effective use of supervision, effective use of self in practice, prevention of burn-out, termination with clients and with agency staff, and values and ethics.

Co-requisite: SW 741

Prerequisite(s): SW 740 with a minimum grade of C and SW 740A with a minimum grade of C.

Equivalent(s): SW 641A

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 770 - Intimate Partner Violence

Credits: 4

This course examines intimate partner violence or domestic violence from its historic roots to the present. In accordance with an historical and contextual approach, the course examines theories that explain and describe the phenomenon, research that attempts to define it, as well as social policies, social movements, and intervention from a social work perspective. Intimate partner violence, cuts across ethnics, racial, and class boundaries and impedes a victim’s wellbeing and social participation.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 785 - Study Abroad: Comparative Social Welfare Systems

Credits: 4

Students examine the historical development of social welfare in another country including an analysis of the underlying values and attitudes that dictate practice and policy decisions. Includes agency site visits, lectures, themed readings, and visits to important cultural sites.

Co-requisite: INCO 687

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

SW 795 - Independent Study in Social Service

Credits: 1-6

Independent work under department faculty guidance. Enrollment by permission only through arrangement with specific faculty. May be repeated with a different focus. 12 hours in social work coursework required.

Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

SW 796 - Independent Study: Teaching Assistantship

Credits: 1-6

Participating students provide leadership and supervision for small groups of social work majors in social work practice simulations. Student teaching assistants work closely with, and under the direction of, department faculty.

Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits.

Grade Mode: Credit/Fail Grading

SW 797 - Special Topics in Social Welfare

Credits: 4

Seminar for advanced majors cross-listed with SW 897. Topics may include: alcohol and alcoholism, drugs and chemical dependency, income maintenance, health care, child welfare, aging, mental health, or developmental disabilities or study travel experiences. May be repeated for different topics.

Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

SW 798 - Undergraduate Thesis in Social Work

Credits: 1-6

Collaborating with a faculty adviser, students propose, develop, and implement a thesis research project for both oral and written presentation. The thesis must be a significant research project through which the student independently demonstrates their expertise in a specific topic area.

Prerequisite(s): SW 601 with a minimum grade of D-.

Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.

Equivalent(s): SW 798H

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 798H - Honors Thesis

Credits: 2-4

Working with an assigned faculty adviser, students propose and develop a thesis project for both oral and written presentation before the end of the semester. 16 hours in social work coursework required.

Attributes: Honors course

Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 799 - Senior Project

Credits: 1-6

Working with an assigned faculty adviser, students propose and develop a community project for both oral and written presentation during the senior year.

Prerequisite(s): SW 601 with a minimum grade of C.

Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. May be repeated up to 3 times.

Mutual Exclusion: No credit for students who have taken SW 799H.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 799H - Honors Project

Credits: 1-6

Working with an assigned faculty adviser, students propose and develop a community project for both oral and written presentation during the senior year. Admission to the SW Honors Program required.

Attributes: Honors course

Prerequisite(s): SW 601 with a minimum grade of C.

Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. May be repeated up to 3 times.

Mutual Exclusion: No credit for students who have taken SW 799.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading