Courses Offered in Social Work

This course will introduce students to the experience of academic exploration that is at the heart of a liberal arts education. Through study of one or more compelling questions or topics in a small seminar setting, students will practice creative and critical thinking and will learn to express themselves effectively and appropriately in a college setting. They will develop relationships and practices that allow them to effectively utilize college resources and become members of a community of learners. The specific topic of the seminar will be developed by individual faculty and will be announced in advance. First year seminars are required for first-year students and transfer students with fewer than 15 credits. Not open to students who have received credit for IDS 189 or another first year seminar course.

Credits: 3.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: First Year Seminar

This course examines the role of the social worker in addressing the needs of individuals, families, groups and communities. Special emphasis is placed on the values and ethics that inform and guide social work practice. Students examine the relationship between situations involving individuals, families, organizations and communities, and the role of the social worker in those situations. The course highlights a variety of community services and specifies how social workers in those settings address human needs.

Credits: 3.00

This course examines the function of social welfare in society from various perspectives. Particular attention is paid to the evolution of the US social welfare system and its relationship to important social issues, including poverty and wealth. Social welfare is studied from a policy perspective, and students are given the tools for beginning social policy analysis. Students develop and articulate perspectives on social welfare and examine their own values concerning human need.

Credits: 3.00

This course is designed to engage students in the process of becoming a professional social worker with emphasis on the educational experience, communication skills, ethical practice, accountability systems, supervision, leadership, and conflict management. This course meets three hours per week.

Credits: 3.00

This course provides students with a real-life exposure to social work and helps students test their own interest in working in the helping professions. Through structured volunteer and course work, students acquire knowledge and skills related to social work professionalism, communication, practice, agencies, and values.
Prerequisite: SWK101 or SWK102.

Credits: 3.00

This course introduces the professional arena of forensic social work at the intersection of social work and the legal system in the United States. Using a life course perspective, students are exposed to innovative practice, research and advocacy solutions that address the psychosocial determinants of health, well-being, and legal/justice involvement. Course participants will increase their knowledge, values, and specific skills for collaborative interdisciplinary work with forensic populations in diverse practice settings, such as healthcare, social service, and legal settings, including protective services, the courts, and corrections. Three lecture hours per week. Prerequisite: Social work majors and minors only or permission from department chair.

Credits: 3.00

This is one of two courses which consider the interface between behavioral/psychological processes and the social environment out of which they grow. Emphasis is given to systems theory, group dynamics, organizational and community processes. The course draws linkages between this content and the provision of social services to individuals, families, groups, and communities by social workers based in organizational settings.
Prerequisites: SOC110.

Credits: 3.00

The purpose of this course is to explore the history and impact of multisystemic privilege and oppression on individuals, groups, communities, and institutions. Students will be encouraged to reflect on their multiple social identities and engage in intergroup dialogue. Readings, audio and visual resources, class discussions, and written assignments aim to assist students in developing culturally competent social work values and techniques. Three lecture hours per week. Required of all Social Work majors and minors.

Credits: 3.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Diversity, Power Dyn, Soc Just

This course is the first of a three semester sequence introducing students to generalist social work practice guided by professional values, ethics and theories of social action. Included are beginning skills related to the planned-change process, interviewing, data collection, and assessment with individuals, groups, and communities. There are three lecture hours per week plus videotaping. This course is required of and open to only Social Work majors. Prerequisites: Junior status, 2.7 average in SWK101, SWK103, SWK200, (or SWK510) SWK261 and SWK270, and successful completion of the social work department’s professional readiness process.

Credits: 3.00

The knowledge and skills needed for the policy component of generalist social work practice are the focus of this course. Skill in social welfare policy research analysis and evaluation is developed and students gain experience in preparing and presenting a policy position. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisite: SWK101

Credits: 3.00

This course is one of two courses which consider the interface between behavioral/psychological processes and the social environment out of which they grow. The ecological perspective provides an integrating model for foundation material from biology, psychology, sociology, and social work theory. This course emphasizes individual and family development models within social environments of communities and culture. The course draws linkages between this content and the provision of social services to individuals, families, groups, and communities by social workers based in organizational settings.
Prerequisites: W-I course, PSY101, SOC110.

Credits: 3.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Written Communication-Level II

This course will examine the public health issue of suicide, with specific attention to prevention, intervention, and postvention. Students will gain an understanding of suicide epidemiology, theory, policy, and risk and protective factors. There are three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisites: SWK101, SWK261, SWK270, and Junior status.

Credits: 3.00

This three-credit course offers advanced students the opportunity to develop increased knowledge, skills, and competencies in selected areas of social work practice. The topic will be announced in advance. Topics vary based on current events, student interest, and faculty expertise. Provided the topic area covered is different, this course may be repeated one time for credit.
Prerequisites: Junior status and completion of all 100-level and 200-level social work courses or permission of department chairperson.

Credits: 3.00

This course provides an introduction to the general principles of research methods in social sciences with a particular emphasis on the use of research findings to improve practice, policy, and social service delivery. Students become familiar with basic quantitative and qualitative research and are able to critique relevant literature. A plan to incorporate critically appraised information into current social practice is developed. Required of and open to Social Work Majors in the fall semester of the junior year. In order to complete the research sequence, students must successfully complete SWK 381 in order to enroll in SWK 382. This course is not open to students who have taken SWK 380. Prerequisite: Completion of the Basic College Mathematics Competency Requirement.

Credits: 3.00

This is the second of a two-course sequence that focuses on basic research methods and concepts used in building knowledge for social work practice. The course builds on knowledge and skill for social work research covered in SWK 381, including the application of data analysis and statistical techniques, as well as writing and distribution of results. In addition, the ethical and human diversity issues associated with data gathering are considered. Required of and open only to Social Work Majors in the spring semester of the junior year. In order to complete the research sequence, students must successfully complete SWK 381 in order to enroll in SWK 382.

Credits: 3.00

This course offers a broad introduction to social work in the field of mental health including work in institutional and community-based settings. Major policy considerations in the delivery of mental health services are addressed as well as a variety of intervention strategies. A major emphasis is on the social worker's role in the mental health field and as a member of an interdisciplinary team with other mental health professionals. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisite: Junior/Senior status.

Credits: 3.00

This course is the second of a three semester sequence introducing students to generalist practice. This course focus on intervention and evaluations with individuals, families and groups guided by the values, ethics and theories of the social work profession. Students will build on the writing skills learned in W-I and W-II courses to learn to write for the discipline of social work. These types of discipline specific writing include assessments, process recordings, research papers, and progress notes. There are three lecture hours per week. This course is required of and open to only Social Work majors. Prerequisites: SWK305 (with a grade of a B-), SWK361 (with a minimum grade of C). Co-requisites: SWK404 and SWK406.

Credits: 3.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Written Commun-Level III

This course examines the function of macro social work practices in society from various political and theoretical perspectives. Attention is paid to various function, activities, and roles that constitute the macro practice world, as encountered in organizations and communities. Students are helped to develop and to articulate their own perspectives and examine social work values as they relate to macro practice in the socio-political environment. Three lecture hours per week. Prerequisite: SWK335 & SWK401(with a minimum grade of B-). Co-requisites: SWK405 & SWK407.

Credits: 3.00

The student is placed in a social work agency or institution under the supervision of a qualified social worker for a minimum of 425 hours of professional practice over both courses. The educational quality of the field experience is assured by a faculty person who maintains a liaison relationship with the agency. Required of and open only to Social Work majors. Offered on a continuing basis both semesters. Field Education Seminar I (SWK406) accompanies this course and must be taken concurrently with Field Education I. In order to pass one course, the student must also pass the other course.
Prerequisites: A grade of B- or better in SWK302.
Co-requisite: SWK406.

Credits: 5.00

The student is placed in a social work agency or institution under the supervision of a qualified social worker for a minimum of 425 hours of professional practice over both courses. The educational quality of the field experience is assured by a faculty person who maintains a liaison relationship with the agency. Required of and open only to Social Work majors. Offered on a continuing basis both semesters. Field Education Seminar II (SWK407) accompanies this course and must be taken concurrently with Field Education II. In order to successfully pass one course, the student must also pass the other course.
Prerequisites: SWK404 and SWK406.
Co-requisite: SWK407.

Credits: 5.00

The goals of the seminar are to reinforce and synthesize social work values, concepts, principles and skills learned in the classroom and the field work experience. Students are expected to do special readings and assignments as well as share with their peers the knowledge they gained from their field work experiences. One seminar session of 1 1/4 hours per week. Required of and open only to Social Work majors. Offered on a continuing basis both semesters. Field Education I (SWK404) accompanies this course and must be taken concurrently with Field Education Seminar I. In order to pass one course, the student must also pass the other course.
Co-requisite: SWK404.

Credits: 1.00

The goals of the seminar are to reinforce and synthesize social work values, concepts, principles and skills learned in the classroom and the field work experience. Students are expected to do special readings and assignments as well as share with their peers the knowledge they gained from their field work experiences. One seminar session of 1 1/4 hours per week. Required of and open only to Social Work majors. Offered on a continuing basis both semesters. Field Education II (SWK405) accompanies this course and must be taken concurrently with Field Education Seminar II. In order to pass one course, the student must also pass the other course.
Prerequisites: SWK404 & SWK406.
Co-requisite: SWK405.

Credits: 1.00

This course offers a conceptual framework for understanding the dynamics of child abuse and neglect. It examines the historical, legal, policy, treatment and prevention issues concerning child abuse and neglect. The course methods consist of lectures, films, role play, case studies and guest lecturers. Three lecture hours per week.

Credits: 3.00

This course is designed to provide a broad range of practical and theoretical information about substance abuse as a major problem in our society. Students examine and evaluate the use and abuse of alcohol and drugs, the causes of substance abuse and methods of prevention, recognition and treatment. Special effort is directed toward the development of skills and expertise in dealing with alcohol and drug problems. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisite: SOC201 or PSY101.

Credits: 3.00

Enrollment limited to students with considerable volunteer or employment experience in the social services and who can provide required supporting documents from a social service agency. Students must meet initially with the Department Chairperson of the School of Social Work. The directed study focuses on facilitating the students' analysis of previous social service experience within the framework of the generalist approach in social work. A substantial paper is required. This course may substitute for SWK200, Social Services Volunteer Practicum.

Credits: 3.00

This seminar is for social work majors who are in their senior year and working to complete their Honors thesis under the supervision of a Social Work faculty member. The course will meet weekly and will include guided instruction from a dedicated faculty member, peer support, and review of ongoing thesis work. Open only to seniors who are in the Commonwealth Honors Program. Three lecture hours per week. This course is not a social work elective.
Prerequisite: IDS600H. Co-requisite: IDS601H. Student must be enrolled in the Commonwealth Honors program and have the Department Chairperson's permission

Credits: 3.00

This Human Behavior and Social Environment (HBSE) course provides a theoretical and conceptual foundation for understanding the behavior and development of individuals, families and groups. The course aims to expand and deepen students' knowledge of the complex interplay of biological, psychological, social, cultural, and environmental forces in the development and functioning of social systems from micro to macro. Throughout the course, an emphasis is placed on how diversity within, between, and among social systems and their environments influences human development, behavior, and functioning.
Prerequisite: Admission to MSW Program

Credits: 3.00

In this course, the history of social welfare policy and the profession of social work within the United States is interrogated, exploring the consequences of political decisions regarding how we take care of each other as a nation. Additionally, our current practices and policies regarding the rights and responsibilities of US citizens will be reviewed. This information will enable the student to become a knowledgeable critic, change agent, and formulator of state and national social welfare programs. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisite: Admission to MSW program.

Credits: 3.00

This course represents the first of two consecutive "foundation year" practice courses. Skill and knowledge acquisition is centered around the phases of the helping process which include engagement, assessment, contracting, intervention, evaluation, and termination. The course begins by delineating the central, unifying practice principles and theories used to guide social work practice. The course explores and integrates the values and ethics of the social work profession. Integral to the course is the practice of self-awareness and the professional “use of self” which are needed to foster an interpersonal helping relationship. Therefore, students will examine ways in which their own personal values, perceptions, and social and cultural identities may influence the helping process with client systems.
Prerequisite or Co-requisite: SWK700

Credits: 3.00

This practice course represents the second of two "foundation year" practice semesters. Skill and knowledge acquisition is centered around the phases of the helping process which include engagement, assessment, contracting, intervention, evaluation, and termination. Emphasis is placed on working with families and groups. The course continues to delineate central, unifying practice principles and theories used to guide social work practice all while adhering to the values and ethics of the social work profession. Integral to the course is the practice of self-awareness and the professional “use of self” which are needed to foster interpersonal helping relationships. Therefore, students will examine ways in which their own personal values, perceptions, and social and cultural identities may influence the helping process with client systems.
Prerequisites: SWK704.

Credits: 3.00

This course is designed to build on generalist practice themes. It presents an examination and application of the role of the social worker engaged in social change through community organization and planning. The problem-solving model of social work practice is applied to the assessment and intervention challenges on the community level with particular attention to issues of diversity and the realization of client and citizen empowerment. Three lecture hours.
Prerequisite: Admission to MSW program.

Credits: 3.00

This course will enable students to engage in the process of evidence-based social work practice. Students will develop basic competencies in the critical consumption of social work-­research and evaluation data. Using the professional social work literature, students will explore the nature of evidence-based practice debates in social work practice arenas. Students will learn how to find, examine and synthesize the professional literature including the interpretation of qualitative and quantitative research findings.
Prerequisite or co-requisite: SWK700

Credits: 3.00

This course examines how the dynamics of privilege and oppression characterize and shape human experience and contributes to identity formation. The social and institutional structures and values that create systems which marginalize and oppress particular groups while enhancing other groups’ privilege and power will be identified and analyzed.  Diversity, equity, and inclusion are examined through social construction and intersectionality frameworks that acknowledge multiple dimensions of diversity related to social identity and social group membership.
Prerequisite:Admission to the MSW program OR Permission from the MSW Program Coordinator

Credits: 3.00

This course introduces the professional arena of forensic social work at the intersection of social work and the legal system in the United States. Students are exposed to innovative practice and advocacy solutions that address the psychosocial determinants of health, well-being, and legal/justice involvement. Course participants will increase their knowledge, values, and specific skills for collaborative interdisciplinary work with forensic populations in diverse practice settings, including protective services, the courts, and corrections. 3 lecture hours. Pre or Co-requisite: SWK700. Three lecture hours per week.

Credits: 3.00

Faced with a growing number of ethical challenges, social service agencies, hospitals,nursing homes are increasingly utilizing ethics consultants or establishing internal ethics committees—social workers should be prepared to act as leaders in these endeavors. This course will prepare students to make cogent moral arguments in support of public policies or agency decisions by familiarizing students with the philosophical, theoretical, and practical foundations of ethical decision making in social work. 3 lecture credit hours.

Credits: 3.00

Foundation year graduate students will integrate theoretical constructs and information gained in the classroom with the experiential learning gained in the field setting. During the field seminar, students enhance their understanding of the generalist approach and develop their social work professional identity. 3 credit hours, .Prerequisite or co-requisite: SWK704

Credits: 3.00

Students focus on application and individual action required in their field setting. During the field seminar, students increase their ability to apply critical thinking skills in their analysis of field work. Students are expected to accept more responsibility for their individual learning, Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisite: SWK721 or Co-requisite SWK705

Credits: 3.00

The Assessment of Psychosocial Pathology course focuses on the methods and criteria used in making differential decisions about mental health diagnoses, introducing students to the application of the DSM V. Students will also be introduced to a competency based model of assessment taking into account the social, biological, psychological and strengths of individuals. Ethical issues and limitations related to current diagnostic systems will be discussed. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisite or Co-requisite: SWK 705 or admission to the MSW Advanced Standing program

Credits: 3.00

The course provides the Advanced Standing student an opportunity to integrate classroom learning with experiential components. Seminars meet for 3 hours during alternate weeks of the Summer Sessions. Concomitantly, students are in experienced field learning centers for 16 hours weekly under the supervision of experienced Field Instructors. Seminars provide additional integration of course work and practice experiences and enhance students' knowledge and skill base through peer challenge, presentation, and sharing experiences. Prerequisite or co-requisite: SWK 797.

Credits: 3.00

This course provides the Advanced Standing student an opportunity to integrate classroom learning with experiential components. Seminars meet for 3 hours during alternate weeks of the Summer Sessions. Concomitantly, students are in experienced field learning centers for 16 hours weekly under the supervision of experienced Field Instructors. Seminars provide additional integration of course work and practice experiences and enhance students' knowledge and skill base through peer challenge, presentation, and sharing experiences.
Prerequisite: SWK 798

Credits: 3.00

Students will master various conceptual and practice frameworks informing ideas of health and wellness, including selected public health concepts such as epidemiology, and social determinants of representative physical and mental health conditions. Students will develop and deferentially apply advanced practice skills in assessment and intervention with individuals and families based on the conceptual models learned. Students will also learn to assess in an ongoing fashion the effectiveness of their direct practice and adjust interventions accordingly. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisites: SWK722 or admission to the MSW Advanced Standing program

Credits: 3.00

Concepts and skills introduced in SWK 818A are deepened. Students will demonstrate increasing levels of critical thinking to the subject matter, resulting in an advanced, disciplined use of self, and of the various paradigms available for direct clinical interventions. How policy intersects with and shapes access and treatment of health conditions is discussed. Students become familiar with inter-professional practice in various healthcare settings, and learn how to maximize working collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams. 3 lecture hours per week. Prerequisite: SWK818A.

Credits: 3.00

This course is the first of a year-long course designed to prepare students for practice with children, adolescents, and families in community-based settings. The course incorporates curricula on child development with practice models for specific developmental periods. The course emphasizes the development and measurement of competencies required in integrated care settings where knowledge, skills, values, and cognitive as well as affective processes specific to addressing the transactional relationship between behavioral and physical health are critical. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisite: SWK722 or admission to the MSW Advanced Standing program

Credits: 3.00

This course is the second of a year-long course designed to prepare students for practice with children, adolescents and families in community-based settings. The course incorporates curricula on adolescent and family development along with specific practice models. The course emphasizes the development and measurement of competencies required in integrated care settings where knowledge, skills, values, and cognitive as well as affective processes specific to addressing the transactional relationship between behavioral and physical health are critical. lecture 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: SWK819A.

Credits: 3.00

This course is designed to prepare advanced generalist practitioners to assume middle management leadership positions and engage in the facilitation of change in contemporary human service practice. It provides an introduction to the processes and practices involved in program development, organizational management, program advocacy, and sound administrative social work practice. It extends student competence in the differential selection of group process, organizational analysis, and change models that address the strengths in organizations and agencies. Prerequisite: SWK706 or admission to the MSW Advanced Standing program.

Credits: 3.00

Building on policy analysis skills acquired in the introductory policy course, this course prepares students for practice in child, youth and family welfare by deepening the student’s substantive knowledge of health, mental health, and related policies and services. Students engage in policy implementation analysis and evaluation and learn how to participate in the policy-making process through legislative advocacy. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisite: SWK703 or Acceptance to the MSW Advanced Standing Program

Credits: 3.00

In the advanced year practicum course, students refine and expand their understanding of and ability to demonstrate the professional knowledge, value, ethics, and skills mastered the foundation year. As emerging professional social workers, students demonstrate their ability to provide integrated health and behavioral health practice across the social work intervention continua and across the life span.

Prerequisite or co-requisite: SWK 818A or SWK 819A

Credits: 4.00

Moving towards independent practice as a professional social worker, students demonstrate ethical and evidence-based practice across the social work intervention continua. Students will continue to hone their ability to provide integrated health and behavioral health practice grounded in self-reflection and critical thinking. 4 credit hours.
Prerequisite: SWK841.

Credits: 4.00

This survey course explores death, dying, life and living, from student and client perspectives. The material focuses on illness, care giving, the dying process, and grief and bereavement across the life span. In addition, the impact of gender, culture, religion, etc. on the topics is considered. Finally, we examine the characteristics that allow us to survive if not thrive in the face of life's traumas and tragic events. YOU MAY NOT TAKE THIS COURSE IF YOU HAVE TAKEN 870R (SPECIAL TOPICS: OLDER ADULTS AND END-OF-LIFE).

Credits: 3.00

Building on policy analysis skills acquired in the introductory policy course, this prepares students for practice in health care by deepening the student’s substantive knowledge of policies and services. Students engage in policy implementation analysis and learn how to participate in the policy-making process through legislative advocacy. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisite: SWK703 or Acceptance to the MSW Advanced Standing Program

Credits: 3.00

This course prepares students to apply social work knowledge and skills in school settings through prevention, assessment, intervention and evaluation from an ecological, multi-level approach focused on students, families and the interprofessional practice in schools and communities. Prerequisite: SWK704 and 705. Required for students for SKW/SAC licensure. Three lecture hours per week.

Credits: 3.00

This course is designed to provide increased knowledge, skills and competencies for work within the field of health and mental health. Topics vary according to students’ interests and faculty expertise.

Prerequisites: Admission to the MSW Program or permission of the MSW Program Coordinator.

Credits: 3.00

This course provides students with both macro and micro understanding of the phenomena of abuse of alcohol and other drugs nationally. The course emphasizes a complex systemic view of substance use and treatment which is grounded in the available addictions research, and consistent with a bio-psycho-social view of social work practice.
Prerequisites: Admission to MSW Program or permission of Instructor and MSW Program Coordinator.

Credits: 3.00

This elective will focus on the assessment, intervention and prevention of maladaptive responses of children, adolescents and adults who have been exposed to acute or chronic traumatic events and/or environmental situations. From the perspective of individual, family and community practice methods, emphasizing resiliency and empowerment, the course will introduce theoretical and practice issues to be considered in effective social work practice with this population.
Prerequisites: SWK705 or SWK797 or permission of MSW Program Coordinator.

Credits: 3.00

This course provides instruction or the models of disability, types of disability, and common social work practices used when working with person with disabilities. This course includes social work practice knowledge and skills for use across the lifespan, across cultures, and for use in various settings. A review of the service delivery systems in which policies and programs are implemented are reviewed in preparation for direct practice with a spectrum of people with disabilities. 3 lecture hours per week.

Credits: 3.00

This seminar explores quantitative research methods for human services workers. Specific topics include differential application of methods, needs assessment, intervention model fidelity, impact assessment (with special attention to the effects of sociocultural context), process and outcome measurement, client satisfaction surveys, best practices in focus groups, continuous quality improvement and cost-benefit and effectiveness analysis. Students gain practical experience through development of a three-part evaluation plan for later implementation in their own work settings.Three lecture hours.
Prerequisites: SWK707 or Acceptance to the MSW Advanced Standing Program

Credits: 3.00

This elective addresses the experience of normal aging and the challenges associated with the transition into aging. Discussions include the role of family members in relation to the elderly family member, the impact of illness and disability on both elders and caregivers, and prevention and treatment of elder abuse.
Prerequisites: Permission of the MSW Program Coordinator; course intended for professionals working in relevant practice area.

Credits: 3.00

This course is developed in consultation with a faculty member who will supervise the work. The student chooses a topic that is not covered by other graduate elective course offerings. The proposal includes: name of faculty sponsor, rationale for taking the proposed course, specific number of contact hours with the sponsor, products of the course, and exact method of evaluation of student performance.
Prerequisite: SWK722 or SWK797 or permission of the MSW Program Coordinator.

Credits: 3.00

This course involves travel abroad as well as pre and post-trip seminars. Students will engage with human services professionals in a host organization or university in a foreign country and gain comparative knowledge about social work practice, social service programs and policies, and critical human rights campaigns. This course may be repeated for a maximum of six credits.

Credits: 3.00

This course provides students the opportunity to demonstrate their mastery of the MSW curriculum through decision-based case methodology. Through the creation of a portfolio, students will provide evidence of MSW health & behavioral health competencies. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisite or Co-requisite: SWK818B or SWK819B

Credits: 3.00