Course Descriptions

100 Issues in the Human Services
An introduction to selected issues in social work issues and generalist practice, including practice with children and families. Values, belief systems, legal and ethical issues inherent in working with diverse client populations are examined and critically analyzed. January Term, 4 credits.

240 Introduction to Social Work
Presents an overview of 1) the profession of social work and its history in the United States; 2) social work values, ethics, and principles; 3) the generalist social work practice model across a variety of settings and with a diversity of clients; and 4) the process of empowerment and power analysis in working for a socially and economically just society. Includes selfassessment of aptitude for social work. Two semesters, 3 credits.

R270: Death, Dying and Bereavement
Explores historical and cultural variations in attitudes and practices surrounding death, dying and bereavement. We examine major causes of death across age and other social groups, social inequality related to death and dying, individual and social practices of grieving, and the ethics of dying in an age of technology. We study death-related issues both at the level of social organization and in terms of how they affect people at varying stages of the life course. (Cross-listed with SOC 270) Permission. January session, 4 credits.

310 Approaches to Social Research
Techniques for basic and applied social research. Research skills will be developed in the complementary use of informant interviews, observations, surveys, and documents in addressing theoretical issues in the social sciences and practical applications in fields such as social work, healthcare delivery, law, and business. Prerequisite: SOC 100 or permission. Cross-listed as SOC 310) One semester, 4 credits.

340 Social Work Practice I: Working with Individuals
This course is designed to provide a foundation in social work practice theory. Because generalist social work practitioners need to respond to a wide variety of problem situations, students will learn to apply the generalist practice model within an eco- systems framework. Emphasis is given to learning micro-level relationship and evidence-based interviewing skills necessary for culturally competent practice with individuals and families. Social work ethics, values, practice evaluation, and working with populations at risk are major dimensions of the course. Prerequisite: 240. One semester, 3 credits.

343 Social Work Practice II: Working with Families and Groups
This course examines generalist practice with families and groups, while acknowledging personal and client strengths, capacities and resources. Students learn to apply the generalist practice model to families and groups, including task groups and intervention groups, examine empirically based interventions, and evaluate the effectiveness of their own ethical and culturally competent interventions. Prerequisite: 240. One semester, 3 credits.

363 Social Work Practice III: Working with Communities and Organizations
This course explores generalist social work practice with communities and organizations and introduces practical approaches to taking action. The course examines issues of influence and power in the urban community and the role of political, economic, social, and religious organizations in limiting and/or enhancing individual and group well-being and freedom. Students are introduced to the theoretical and practical knowledge, skills, and values required for macro social work practice (community organizing, planning, policy, and administration). Prerequisite: 240. One semester, 3 credits.

364 Social Welfare Policy and Services
Students examine the history of social work, the history and current structure of social services, and the role that social policy plays in service delivery. Students learn to analyze social policies that effect local, national, and global social welfare issues and research that relates to competent social service delivery. The course also focuses on strategies that advocate for policy consistent with social work values and skills and that prepare students to work within economic, political, and organizational systems. Prerequisite: ECON 200. One semester, 3 credits.

373 Human Behavior and the Social Environment
This course examines the reciprocal relationships between human behavior and social environments. Students analyze theories and other sources of knowledge that address the interactions between and among individuals, groups, organizations, communities, and economic systems that enhance or deter human well-being. This includes theories of biological, cultural, psychological, and spiritual development throughout the human life span. Co-Requisite: PSYC222. One semester. 3 credits.

385* Child Abuse and Domestic Violence
Examines multi-dimensional explanations and laws pertaining to sexual and physical child maltreatment and familial violence. Students will explore selected issues related to these psychosocial problems, examine related social policies, explore empirically based culturallycompetent interventions. January or Summer, 4 credits.

386 The Welfare of Children
Students enrolled in this course will explore the diverse needs and issues related to child welfare systems of care. The course provides an overview of relevant knowledge, theories, values, skills, and social policies related to competently working with children and their families. One semester, 3 credits.

408 Integrative Seminar
Students will assess their attainment of the Social Work Program Objectives, which are derived from the CSWE Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards. Students will also examine and defi ne the contributions that the liberal education curriculum, co-curricular activities and other life experiences have enhanced their development as a social work major. This analysis is presented in the format of an Integrative Portfolio, and includes a paper in the major to be presented to social work colleagues and professionals. Senior standing. Only for social work majors. Permission. One semester, 3 credits.

The Social Work Practicum and Seminar
The sequence (412, 413, and 414) provide students in the major with a year long internship (a minimum of 400 hours during the academic year), approximately two full days, 16 hours a week) in a social service organizational setting under joint College and agency planning and supervision.

412 Social Work Practicum and Seminar I
The practicum and required seminar (2 or 2.5 hours per week) is designed to help students apply and integrate the knowledge, values and skills necessary for beginning professional practice and evaluate their own practice and professional development. Senior Standing Only for social work majors. Permission. Prerequisite: 240. Fall semester, 4 credits.

413 Social Work Practicum and Seminar II
Advanced level internships in community agencies (usually a continuation at the same placement agency as 412). Structured learning opportunities that enable students to compare and evaluate practice experiences, integrate classroom knowledge, and engage in self-assessment of their own professional development. Two full days (16 hours per week) and required seminar, 2 hours per week. Senior Standing. Only for social work majors. Permission. Prerequisite: 412. January, 3 credits.

414 Social Work Practicum and Seminar III
Continuation of 412 and 413. Practicum, two full days (16 hours per week) and required seminar, 2 or 2.5 hours per week. Senior Standing. Only for social work majors. Permission. Prerequisite: 413. Spring, 4 credits.

190, 290, 390, 490* Selected Topics in Social Work
Variable credits. Permission. May be repeated for credit.

295, 395, 495 Independent Studies in Social Work
Variable credits. Permission. May be repeated for credit.

*Not offered every year.