SWK - Social Work Course Descriptions
Introduces the student to the profession of social work, its history, philosophy, values and ethics, and fields of practice. The course also explains the relationship between social work and social welfare. Special focus is given to cultural and human diversity and at-risk populations that social workers serve and why social workers promote social and economic justice. The course also addresses the ethical code of conduct for social workers and its implications for social work practice. This course is required for social work majors and some education majors.
Focuses on the political, social, and economic forces that influenced the historical evolution of social welfare policy, with particular emphasis on the United States. The course examines the treatment of poor and oppressed populations, and other historically vulnerable persons, as well as the historical development of the social work profession. The influence of changing societal values will also be explored.
Analyzes the growth and development of the individual in the environment from birth through old age. Emphasis is placed on knowledge of the biological, psychological, cultural, spiritual and social forces, which influence human development. Application of course content is made in reference to social work practice.
Is the first of the three required practice courses. The course prepares students for generalist social work practice with individuals, families, groups, communities, various diverse populations, and organizations. The course introduces the planned change process and focuses on communication, relationship, and assessment skills and goal planning necessary for generalist practice.
As a continuation of Generalist Practice I focuses on generalist practice with families and groups. Students will examine various types of families and groups and obtain the skills and knowledge needed to practice at the mezzo level of intervention. Special attention is given to practice involving diverse populations and those at risk of poverty and discrimination.
Students will understand how diversity and difference shape human experience. They will examine racism, discrimination and oppression and identify the structural and institutional factors that may oppress, marginalize, alienate, or create privilege and power. Students will also understand strategies to eliminate oppressive structural barriers in order to promote human rights and social justice.
Introduces students to basic research skills and knowledge, preparing them for lifelong learning and informed professional practice. Students will be introduced to the tools needed to understand, appreciate, evaluate, and apply the body of knowledge relevant to practice in social work and the social sciences. The practice of critical thinking will enable students to develop their abilities to evaluate research studies, apply findings to practice, and evaluate practice outcomes. Students will develop basic skills in problem formulation, methodology, design, data collection and analysis, understanding descriptive statistics, and drawing and evaluating conclusions. The course will also review ethical principles and practice related to social work research as defined by the NASW Code of Ethics.
Students will link social policy with social work practice and understand the process of policy formulation and implementation. They will achieve skills in policy analysis and understand how to apply their understanding of social, economic, and environmental justice to advocate for human rights.
Focuses on social work intervention skills and knowledge for practice with the aging and elderly population. Students will examine and understand the developmental challenges associated with the aging process. Students will also understand the emotional, psychological, financial, spiritual, and social factors associated with aging and ethical issues associated with intervention with the aged.
Will prepare students for professional social work employment in health care and behavioral health settings, including hospitals, inpatient and outpatient mental health settings, home health care, and nursing homes. Students will understand the emotional, psychological, social, spiritual, and economic factors associated with mental and physical illness and health care. Students will learn skills needed for interventions with clients in health care settings.
Introduces the student to the unique considerations for intervention with children and adolescents. The course focuses on the practical application of material as well as the influence of social policy on practice and intervention. Debates, discussions, and videos are utilized to examine relevant, temporal issues and supplement lecture material as well as to provide opportunities for critical analysis.
will examine the various substance use disorders as presented in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. This course is designed for entry-level professionals who will be working with individuals, families, groups, and communities where substance disorders are present. This course will provide necessary information to help students understand the causes of addiction and factors associated with addictive behavior. It will also teach students to effectively engage, assess, and serve those who are affected by substance disorders and their families, in addition to aiding communities dealing with the problem.
will prepare students for professional practice in correctional settings. Students will examine theories that explain criminal thinking and criminal behavior, and examine legal incompetence. They will learn skills to effectively engage, assess, and intervene with adult and juvenile offenders as well as the mentally incompetent as well as how to evaluate their work. Legal, policy and ethical issues will be explored.
This course introduces basic concepts in the exploration of globalization, human development, global social issues, international social welfare and its impacts on local conditions. Students will be introduced to the tools needed to understand, appreciate, evaluate, and apply the body of knowledge relevant to practice of social work in international and global settings, and in connection to the global perspective of the Catholic Church. The practice of critical thinking will enable students to develop their abilities to evaluate research studies, apply findings to practice, and evaluate practice outcomes.
Examines the violence that exists in many families today. Sociological and social psychological theories will be presented as possible explanations and solutions to domestic problems. The course will focus on spousal physical and emotional abuse, marital rape, incest, and child abuse. Students will learn skills needed for interventions with clients in this type of situations.
class='sc-courselink' href='/en/2023-2024/undergraduate-catalog/courses/swk-social-work-course-descriptions/200/swk-203'>SWK 203 or SOC 101. In addition, Social Work majors need to have completed SWK 210 and SWK 309.
Analyzes human functioning from a social systems theoretical perspective including an analysis of functioning at the family, group, organizational, and community level. Course content will also include the contribution of culture, ethnicity, racial composition, gender, populations diverse in age, sexual orientation, spirituality, and disabilities on human functioning.
Allows students to examine their faith and enhances awareness regarding how it influences their lives and others that they will serve as professionals. It will help students to understand and provide guidelines for how to use Catholic Social Teaching in their work with clients. It will also enhance awareness of other faith traditions and religions.
Focuses on generalist practice with and in larger social systems such as organizations and communities. The goal of social and economic justice is sustained and attention is given to social system change with and on behalf of populations at risk of poverty and discrimination. This course uses student experiences in field placement to enhance understanding. This course is restricted to social work majors.
Complements the student's academic work and allows the student to integrate this knowledge through applied social work services in community settings including child and family services, health care, corrections, school systems, shelters, and mental health settings. Under the supervision of a social work field supervisor and departmental social work faculty, the student implements the generalist perspective within applied settings integrating theory, research, and social work professional values and ethics. The student is required to attend a weekly seminar and complete a minimum of 200 hours of fieldwork.
The course is taken concurrently with SWK 409 Generalist Practice III and enrollment is restricted to social work majors.
Is a continuation of Field Practicum I. Students are engaged in generalist practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The student's learning is guided by an agency-based social work supervisor and educationally directed and monitored by a department social work faculty member. A minimum of 200 hours is required in fieldwork. A weekly seminar facilitates integration of theory with field practice.
Focuses on the human experiences of loss and death. Skills are presented for personal coping and for professional work assisting others in dealing with loss. Various topics covered include death and children, death and the elderly, ethical issues of death and dying, caregiving of the dying, and spiritual, financial, economic, and legal issues associated with death and dying.
Gives students the opportunity to review and critically analyze their professional social work education, including the liberal arts base. Assignments are utilized to assess how each student achieved program objectives. Oral presentations, group assignments and mock interviews are utilized to prepare students for professional practice and graduate school. This course is restricted to social work majors.