Course Descriptions

SOWK100 (3)
Introduction to Social Work
The professional activity of social workers in the U.S., including a brief history of the social-work profession, its knowledge, values, and skills base, and its cross-cultural aspects. Emphasis on the response of social work to varied populations and diverse cultures. Fall

SOWK105 (1)
BSW Seminar
Orientation to the social work program which includes procedures, policies, academic information, field instruction component, review of Handbook, professionalism and expectations for the program. Required of all new and transfer students. Fall

SOWK255 S (2)
Introduction to Community Services
An opportunity to examine personal values and skills by observation at a community human services agency. Fifty hours of documented volunteer observation are required. Prerequisite: SOWK100. Pre/Corequisite: SOWK315.

SOWK315 (2)
Christian Perspectives on Ethics and Diversity
Special attention is given to core values and professional ethics expected of outstanding social workers. Emphasizing a Christian world view, students develop appreciation for diversity and sensitivity toward issues related to culture, race, gender, class, age, and sexual identity. Pre/Corequisite: SOWK100 or permission of instructor. Fall

SOWK320 (3)
Introduction to Counseling Skills
Exposes students to basic engagement, listening, assessment, and interviewing skills. Students gain beginning skills to explore the problems of various client systems. Classes include both instruction and lab experience. Spring

SOWK325 (3)
Social Welfare Institutions and Services
An analysis of the factors which determine the manner in which social-welfare services are currently being delivered in the U.S. Factors include the value base, the historical development, and the organization of the social welfare system. Prerequisites: SOWK100; HIST118 or PLSC104. Fall

SOWK340 (3)
Human Behavior and the Social Environment
Ecological model for studying human behavior and an overview of normal individual development throughout the life cycle. Psychosocial, learning, and social-role theories constitute the theoretical basis for the course. Special attention paid to the impact of gender, health, and minority status upon human development. Fall

SOWK350 (3)
Social Welfare Policy
Develops basic knowledge and skills for policy analysis, formulation and critical challenge within local and international contexts. Examines the determining factors affecting public policy in the United States as compared with other systems. Provides framework for analysis of social problems and policies, as they impact development and social service practice. Spring

SOWK401, 402 (4, 4)
Foundations of Practice I, II
Designed to develop the theory, knowledge, and skills essential in generalist social-work practice. Various methods are offered for developing communication, assessment, planning, intervention, termination, and evaluative skills necessary in social work practice. Focus on skills necessary for practice with individuals, families and groups in a variety of settings. (SOWK401) Co/Prerequisites: SOWK 325 and SOWK340; Co-requisites: SOWK435 & SOWK420. Fall (SOWK402) Prerequisite:
SOWK401 and Corequisites: SOWK435 & SOWK420. Spring

SOWK410 (2)
Children and Families at Risk
Development of programs for the well-being of children. Focus on current child-welfare programs including juvenile courts, foster care, child-care centers, adoptions, protective services, institutional care, and special-need services.

SOWK415 Alt (2)
Substance Use in American Society
An overview of substance-use terminology, historical issues, definitions, epidemiology, consequences, and drugs of abuse within an American cultural and historical framework. Offered alternate years.

SOWK420 (.5, .5)
Social Work Methods Seminar
Provides opportunity for students to develop their basic social work skills through integrating social work knowledge and theory into field practice. Several aspects of field will be discussed. Is taken concurrently with the student�s field placement and is repeated each semester student is in SOWK435. Corequisites: SOWK435, SOWK401. Fall, Spring

SOWK435 (1-3)
Field Instruction
A lab course to give students experience and practice in a community agency under qualified supervision. A total of 400 clock hours required. Repeatable to 3 credits. Corequisites: SOWK420, SOWK401. Fall, Spring, Summer

SOWK437 (2)
International Environment of Social Welfare
Students engage in critical thinking in relation to global issues. Theories of causation and alternative models of global intervention. Explores the social, cultural (including religious), political, and economic factors impacting social-welfare policies and the delivery of human services in Third World, developing, industrial, and post-industrial societies.

SOWK440 (2)
Assessment and Treatment of Victims of Violence
Examination of assessment issues, approaches, and barriers to effective treatment when working with victims of domestic violence, adult survivors of sexual abuse, victims of rape, incest survivors, and child sexual-assault victims. Interpretation of assessment findings included. Short- and long- term therapy options including specific techniques are explored. Prerequisites: SOWK401 and 402 or SOWK501 or permission of instructor.

SOWK447 (2)
Social Policies and Service in Other Countries
A study of the policy-making processes and strategies utilized to meet the needs of the poor and at-risk populations in other countries. Students travel abroad where they study social policy formulation, analyze selected social policies and programs, and participate in the development of a group position paper. Prerequisite: SOWK350 or equivalent course.

SOWK448 (2)
Computers in 21st-Century Social Work Practice
Exposure to computer applications and automated systems that enhance practice for the 21st century. Much of this class involves hands-on learning in the computer lab.

SOWK455 (2)
Treatment of Substance Abuse
An overview of treatment techniques and basic prevention strategies including specific training in assessment and therapeutic techniques, examining the relationship between etiology and treatment. Treatment evaluation discussed. At-risk, vulnerable populations receive special consideration.

SOWK458 (2)
Advanced Theories of Addiction and Treatment
Surveys, critiques, and integrates the primary theories currently used to explain the process, outcome, and treatment of addictions. Covers biological, psychological, social, and anthropological addiction theories. Primary substance-abuse prevention theories are surveyed. Implications for at-risk, vulnerable populations considered.

SOWK460 (2)
Death and Grief in Contemporary Society
Designed to help the student understand cultural and societal perspectives on death as well as develop an increased awareness and sensitivity to the personal and interpersonal dynamics of death, dying, and loss. The student�s personal encounters with dying, death, and loss, as well as the experiences of guest speakers, provide topics for class discussion. The �art of condolence� is discussed for helping people deal with uncomplicated death and loss issues.

SOWK466 (4)
Social Work Research
A broad range of research tools available to social workers to improve both the effectiveness and efficiency of their practice. Research methodologies, both quantitative and qualitative, presented. Also includes a generalist overview of statistics. Students do a research project addressing a social problem. Spring

SOWK467 (2)
Social Aspects of Long-Term Care
Focuses on the health-care system's ability to provide for the elderly who require long-term-care facilities. Examines the aging American population, attitudes and stereotypes associated with the aged, resources available to the social worker, and techniques to assist in providing appropriate care for the elderly.

SOWK475 (1-4)
Topics in:
Students are able to select offerings from various contemporary social-work topics. Repeatable with different topics.

SOWK489 (.5, .5)
BSW Professional Seminar
Introduces and monitors professionalism as evidenced in student�s portfolio, scholarship skills, and their ability to exhibit positive behaviors that will ensure success in social work practice. Fall Portfolios presented and graded in the Spring. Fall, Spring

SOWK495 (1-4)
Independent Study/Project/Teachings
Consent of the instructor required.

FOUNDATION YEAR
SOWK501, 502 (4, 4)
Foundations of Practice I, II
Designed to develop the theory, knowledge, and skills essential in generalist social-work practice. Various methods are offered for developing communication, assessment, planning, intervention, termination and evaluative skills necessary in social work practice. Focus on skills necessary for practice with individuals, families and groups in a variety of settings. (SOWK501) Co/Prerequisite: SOWK 540 & Corequisites: SOWK 535 & SOWK510. Fall (SOWK502) Prerequisite: SOWK501 and Corequisites: SOWK535 & SOWK510. Spring

SOWK510 (.5, .5)
Generalist Field Seminar
Provides opportunity for students to develop their basic social work skills through integrating social work knowledge and theory into field practice. Several aspects of field will be discussed. Is taken concurrently with the student�s field placement and is repeated each semester student is in SOWK535. Corequisite: SOWK535. Fall, Spring

SOWK515 (2)
Christian Perspectives on Ethics and Diversity
Special attention is given to core values and professional ethics expected of outstanding social workers. Emphasizing a Christian world view, students develop appreciation for diversity and sensitivity toward issues related to culture, race, gender, class, age, and sexual identity. Fall

SOWK535 (1-3)
Generalist Field Experience
In this practicum, students will apply course-based knowledge and skills by working in a social service setting. A total of 400 clock hours are required. Repeatable to 3 credits. Corequisites: SOWK510, SOWK501. Fall, Spring, Summer

SOWK540 (3)
Human Behavior and the Social Environment
Ecological model for studying human behavior and an overview of normal individual development throughout the life cycle. Psycho-social, learning, and social-role theories constitute the theoretical basis for the course. Special attention paid to the impact of gender, health, and minority status upon human development. Fall

SOWK550 (3)
Social Welfare Policy
Develops basic knowledge and skills for policy analysis, formulation and critical challenge within local and international contexts. Examines the determining factors affecting public policy in the  United States as compared with other systems. Provides framework for analysis of social problems and policies, as they impact development and social service practice. Spring

SOWK566 (4)
Social Work Research
A broad range of research tools available to social workers to improve both the effectiveness and efficiency of their practice. Research methodologies, both quantitative and qualitative, presented. Also includes an overview of statistics. Students do a research project addressing a social problem. Spring

SOWK589 (.5,.5)
Generalist Professional Seminar
Introduces and monitors professionalism as evidenced in student�s portfolio, scholarship skills, and their ability to exhibit positive behaviors that will ensure success in social work practice. Admission to Regular Standing or permission of instructor. Fall, Spring

ADVANCED YEAR
SOWK610 (.5, .5)
Advanced Field Seminar
This seminar builds on the student�s generalist foundational knowledge.
It is designed to help the student further integrate social work knowledge and theory to field practice. Several aspects of field will be discussed. Is taken concurrently with the student�s field placement and is repeated each semester the student is in SOWK635. Corequisites: SOWK635 or SOWK637. Fall, Spring

SOWK630 (3)
Policy for Social Change
Students explore theory and apply it to community organizing, coalition building, and advanced-policy analysis; assess existing policies within various systems and study the impact of these policies; and plan and implement a social-action project. Prerequisite: Advanced-year placement. Spring

SOWK635 (1-4)
Advanced Field Experience
In this practicum, students will apply advanced course-based knowledge and skills by working in a social service setting. Repeatable to 4 credits. Corequisites: SOWK610, SOWK621. Fall, Spring, Summer

SOWK637 (1-5)
Advanced Standing Field Experience
In this practicum, students will apply advanced course-based knowledge and skills by working in a social service setting. A total of 600 hours are required. Repeatable to 5 credits. Corequisites: SOWK610, SOWK621. Fall, Spring, Summer

SOWK660 (3)
Advanced Practice Evaluation
Prepares students to examine their own practice�s quality. Attention given to selecting appropriate measurement tools. The latest evaluation techniques are presented, offering students resources for 21st-century practice. Co/Prerequisites: SOWK635 and advanced year placement or permission of instructor. Spring

SOWK689 (.5, .5)
Advanced Professional Seminar
Facilitates MSW closure prior to graduation. Students prepare and defend their portfolios. Each student reviews and documents his/her learning and personal goal attainment. Exploration of issues related to career development and life-long learning. Prerequisite: Advanced Standing or permission of instructor. Fall, Spring

ADVANCED INTERPERSONAL PRACTICE
SOWK605 (3)
Advanced Clinical Assessment
Advanced assessment theories of and recent research into the etiology and psychopathology of social variance. Emphasis on developing differential diagnostic skills and holistic assessment from a strengths perspective. Prerequisite: Advanced-year status or permission of instructor. Fall

SOWK621 (2)
Advanced Practice I
Develops practice skills on an advanced level. The course gives special consideration to advanced interviewing skills, documentation, and human and financial resource management. Prerequisite: Completion of SOWK502, admission to Advanced Standing, or permission of instructor. Fall

SOWK622 (2)
Advanced Interpersonal Practice II
Develops interpersonal practice skills on an advanced level. The course gives special consideration to developing proficiency in solution-focused therapy. Prerequisite: Advanced-year status or permission of instructor. Spring

GRADUATE ELECTIVES
SOWK620 Alt (2)
School Social Work
Required for students who wish to practice social work in a school setting. Various aspects of practice included: the students, the community, the school staff, and innovative social-work-practice techniques. Offered alternate years

SOWK626 (2)
Therapy with Children & Adolescents
This course prepares students to work with children and adolescents. Information on therapeutic modalities and specific interventions are included. The major psychological disorders in children and adolescents are addressed, as well as special issues they may have. Prerequisite: Advanced-year status or permission of instructor.

SOWK628 (2)
Treatment of Adult Mental Disorders
Exposure to the primary clinical social goals of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment by examining the common adult and mental disorders. Emphasis placed on assessment factors, including cultural, psycho-social and evaluation of symptoms. Specific treatment techniques for each diagnosis explored. Prerequisites: SOWK501, 502 or advanced placement.

SOWK629 (2)
Social Work in Health Care
Various roles for advanced practitioners in the health-care environment are explored. Current issues and the challenges created by managed care upon health-care social workers are emphasized. The impact of current demographic trends on health-care-service delivery are addressed. Prerequisites: SOWK502 or advanced placement.

SOWK638 (2)
Leadership in Social Work
Focus on leadership theories and strategies. Students develop the capacity to apply these theories and strategies adaptively in leadership situations within organizational and community context. Students explore how leadership styles, communication, planning, organizing, decision making, and marketing impact organizational and community change. Prerequisite: Completion of SOWK502, admission to Advanced Standing, or permission of instructor.

SOWK640 (2)
Interventions in Marital Conflict
Preparation for solution-focused brief marital therapy. It seeks to uncover and utilize counselee�s strengths to improve marital communication and satisfaction. Research-based techniques applied through role-playing and other experiential activities. Prerequisite: SOWK402 or SOWK501 or an equivalent graduate course in social-work methods or counseling.

SOWK647 (2)
Crisis Intervention
Survey of brief treatment models. Direct application of the different approaches to populations in crisis. Prerequisite: SOWK502 or advanced placement.

SOWK649 (2)
Advanced Family Therapy
This course prepares students to work with families. Major family therapy modalities are included, as well as an exposure to therapeutic family concerns. Prerequisite: Advanced-year status or permission of instructor.

SOWK655 (2)
Organizational/Community Assessment
The basic underpinnings of organizational dynamics. Students explore the historical influences on and current challenges faced by social-work managers. The basics of management-assessment skills and human issues that impact organization explored. Prerequisite: Advanced-year placement. Fall

SOWK657 (2)
Cognitive and Behavioral Theory
The research-based theory and techniques of cognitive and behavioral therapy. Focuses on the use of cognitive behavioral therapy with individuals, couples, or groups experiencing problems related to depression, pain, addictions, anxiety disorders, and phobias. Ethical and legal implications considered. Prerequisite: SOWK502 or advanced placement.

SOWK675 (1-4)
Topics in:
Students are able to select offerings from various contemporary social work topics. Repeatable with different topics.

SOWK690 (1-3)
Independent Study/Research
Open to qualified students who show ability and initiative. See the department policy for specific requirements. Prerequisites: Permission of Graduate Program Director and instructor.