Courses
SWK-200. Introduction To Social Work. 3 Hours.
Overview of the social work profession, its philosophical basis, historical development and future growth; introduction to the concept of generalist practice.
SWK-202. Community Analysis. 3 Hours.
Methods of conducting research on local communities and racial/ethnic backgrounds. Role of culture in human behavior and how one's culture interfaces with other cultures. This is a values and knowledge elective course.
Prerequisite: SWK-200 with a minimum grade of C.
SWK-203. Analysis Of Cross Culture Interaction. 3 Hours.
This is a pre-practice elective. Development of sensitivity when interacting with persons of diverse racial- ethnic backgrounds. Role of culutre in human behavior and how one's culture interfaces with other cultures.
SWK-207. Social Welfare Policy I. 3 Hours.
This course covers content on the history of social welfare, characteristics of current social welfare programs, and the social, economic, and political contexts of social welfare policy.
Prerequisite: SWK-200 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of C.
SWK-250. Issues In Social Service Delivery. 3 Hours.
Covers major problems and issues in the field of social work. Topics vary. This is a values and knowledge elective course.
SWK-300. Human Sexuality And Social Work. 3 Hours.
Knowledge of sexuality as it is expressed in a variety of lifestyles and the application of social work values and ethics when working with sensitive issues in sexuality. This is a values and knowledge elective course.
SWK-301. Social Work And The Law. 3 Hours.
This course will introduce and provide a basic understanding to the social work student of the law, legal processes, and legal systems as they relate to social work fields' of practice. This course will challenge students to consider and begin to understand how the fields of social work and law intersect. They will develop an understanding of how the practice of social work is continually influenced and, often time regulated, by legislative and judicial decisions. The student will begin to explore how to advocate within the legal system on behalf of the populations that they serve. This is a values and knowledge elective course.
Prerequisite: SWK-200 with a minimum grade of C.
SWK-303. Writing Intensive Program: Human Behavior And The Social Environment I. 3 Hours.
A first course of a two-part sequence designed to develop understanding about human behavior and the social environment. Students will enhance their critical thinking skills by focusing on analyzing how people understand themselves, how people create meaning in their lives, how people change, and how your own perspective influences understanding client-systems. The generalist practice model is used to understand the central principles of empowerment: client capacity, resiliency, opportunities, context, constitution and construction. As a writing intensive course students develop the fundamentals of professional writing skills for the social work field.
Prerequisite: SWK-207 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-200 with a minimum grade of C.
Corequisites: SWK-304, SWK-309.
SWK-304. Social Work Practice I. 3 Hours.
A first course in a two-part sequence designed to provide the student with a foundation in generalist social work practice i.e. knowledge, values and skills. The central premise is that generalist practice is about client empowerment through collaborative work with clients. This involves empowerment of clients through preparation for first contact, learning how to dialogue across client systems, learning how to define directions with the client and collaborating about the client needs and resources. Bridging knowledge from HUBSE I is done through practical application.
Prerequisite: SWK-200 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-207 with a minimum grade of C.
Corequisites: SWK-303, SWK-309.
SWK-305. Social Work Practice II. 3 Hours.
The second course of a two-semester practice foundation. Course content will focus on the social work processes of goal setting, application of models for action, and integrating gains in the generalist method of practice. The social worker's role and activities will be examined in light of the values and ethics of the profession, which includes conducting oneself as an ethnically sensitive worker with diverse client systems in the urban environment.
Prerequisite: SWK-200 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-207 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-303 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-304 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-309 with a minimum grade of C.
Corequisites: SWK-306, SWK-357.
SWK-306. Human Behavior In The Social Environment II. 3 Hours.
This is the second course in the Human Behavior and Social Environment (HBSE) foundation area. It is designed to examine the dynamic interplay between the individual's development and the functioning of groups, families, organizations and communities and builds on the objectives of SWK-303: HBSE I. Each unit integrates the student's knowledge about the generalist model, the concepts and assumptions within, understanding of the concept of self, the value of honoring diversity and the commitment of the social work profession to social and economic justice.
Prerequisite: SWK-303 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-304 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-309 with a minimum grade of C.
Corequisites: SWK-305, SWK-357.
SWK-307. Services To Children & Adolescents. 3 Hours.
This course focuses on culturally competent social work practice with children and adolescents living in diverse family arrangements. The continuum of services and resources available to children and adolescents and the roles and functions of the social worker in these settings are examined. Economic, social, and psychological concerns of vulnerable children are identified, and intervention strategies that will effectively meet these needs are addressed. Students are presented with specialized knowledge and skills essential for working with children and adolescents. Students will be exposed to fundamental training that prepares them for DCFS Licensure. This is a skills elective course.
SWK-308. Social Work Practice With Immigrants & Refugees I. 3 Hours.
Professional social work in the United States began in the late 19th century largely as a response to what was then the largest wave of immigration to this country. Jane Addams's Hull House settlement house served many of Chicago's newly arrived European migrants helping them adjust to life in their new home. Today, we are in the midst of another great wave of migrants; 12% of the U.S. population is foreign-born, representing over 35 million individuals. This group of immigrants are much more diverse racially, ethnically, and socio-economically than ever before. This diversity presents a unique set of challenges for policymakers and practitioners trying to facilitate their adaptation to the US. This course is thus designed to help students planning to work with foreign-born populations (and their offspring) gain the knowledge and skills necessary to address their needs. This is a values and knowledge elective course.
Prerequisite: SWK-200 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-207 with a minimum grade of C.
SWK-309. Introduction To Social Work Research. 3 Hours.
SWK-309 is the first of the three required research courses in the bachelor of social work (BSW) program. This course focuses on the foundation content in research methods and designs that may be utilized by social workers to evaluate practice and programs and to advance practice knowledge. Specifically, this course will (1) introduce students to the contributions of research to the social work profession; (2) enable students to develop and apply the scientific research method; (3) help students acquire a working knowledge of the research methods/research designs; and (4) help students learn how to critically analyze and evaluate social work research.
Prerequisite: SWK-200 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-207 with a minimum grade of C.
Corequisites: SWK-303, SWK-304.
SWK-310. Research Seminar I. 3 Hours.
This course is designed to prepare students to conduct qualitative and quantitative research in their field practicum agency. At the completion of the course each student will complete a detailed proposal for research that will be completed in the subsequent term. The course will cover the various approaches to qualitative and quantitative research methods. Special attention will be given to problem formulation, literature review, and data collection techniques.
Prerequisite: SWK-200 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-207 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-309 with a minimum grade of C.
Corequisites: SWK-353, SWK-355.
SWK-311. Research Seminar II. 3 Hours.
This course is designed to enable students to complete the research study that they proposed in SWK-310 – Research Seminar I. While some conceptual information will be provided, primary focus will be on the use of basic qualitative and statistical methods to complete the tasks of data collection, data analysis, interpretation and discussion of results, and presentation of completed research projects. Attention will be given to ethical considerations and considerations of race, gender, culture, and sexual orientation.
Prerequisite: SWK-310 with a minimum grade of C.
Corequisites: SWK-354, SWK-356.
SWK-312. Women And Social Work. 3 Hours.
Women and Social Work is an elective course focusing on women's issues in social work, both for women as social work practitioners and for women as clients/ participants in social service delivery systems. The course will cover aspects of feminist thought, non-sexist therapy, feminist therapy, sexist biases in research, feminist research in social work and social welfare policies and practice which have an impact on women. This is a values and knowledge elective course.
SWK-313. Child Advocacy Studies: Assessment And Evaluation. 3 Hours.
This course provides a survey of the emerging field of Child Advocacy Studies, which researches and seeks remedies for the maltreatment of children and youth, including specific acts of vilence and neglect, in the context of the pernicious effects of racism, poverty, sexism, and heterosexism, including the univque problems faced by immigrant and displaced children. The course examines the vairous economic, political, social and cultural circumstances that may contribute to the abuse and maltreatment of children and youth. It also teaches students about the strategies and tactics used by various local govenmental and nongovernmental agencies, courts and medical establishments to address theses problems. This is an elective class for Social Work majors and minors, and one of the required courses in the sequencee for a Child Advocacy Studies minor.
SWK-314. Social Work Advocacy. 3 Hours.
This course is designed to enhance students' understanding of social work advocay. It is an elective course and is geared to develop an awareness about social work advocacy and its role in: organizational change, political campaigns and lobbying. This is a values and knowledge elective course.
SWK-320. Domestic Violence Social Work:Theory And Practice. 3 Hours.
This course will explore the theory and research on the causes of abuse, including individual and family factors, intergenerational aspects, gender issues, community and societal influences, as well as cultural factors. Strategies and treatment for alleviating family violence will be explored, including systems which are currently in place and other societal systems of response to this social problem. This is a skills elective course.
Prerequisite: SWK-200 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-207 with a minimum grade of C.
SWK-321. Social Work Practice In Schools. 3 Hours.
This elective course will present essential knowledge and skills for engaging in effective generalist social work practice with youth and families in public elementary, middle, and high schools. It will focus on four key domains of social work practice in school settings: 1) culturally competent practice, 2) social emotional learning, 3) positive youth development, and 4) community collaboration. Drawing upon a comprehensive community schools framework, students in this course will be exposed to the current research, critical issues, and essential practice skills relevant to generalist social work practice in schools.
Prerequisite: SWK-200 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-207 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-303 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-304 with a minimum grade of C.
SWK-322. Writing Intensive Program:International Social Work. 3 Hours.
This course is intended to provide students with an understanding of social policy issues and programs in other countries. Examination of the political, economic, and social conditions that either enhance or impinge upon the wellbeing of people and policy development will be explored. Students will utilize critical thinking skills to deepen their understanding of international social work issues. Students will be able to understand how cultural values and beliefs are translated into policies and enacted through programs. This is a skills elective course.
Prerequisite: ENGL-101 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-303 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-304 with a minimum grade of C.
SWK-323. Social Work Practice With Immigrants & Refugees II. 3 Hours.
This course is designed to help students planning to work with immigrant and refugee populations gain the knowledge and skills necessary to address their needs. This course connects the social work profession's values of diversity, social justice, and social change to social policy and direct practice with the foreign-born. This is a skills elective course.
Prerequisite: SWK-200 with a minimum grade of D and SWK-207 with a minimum grade of D.
SWK-324. Social Work With Latino Communities. 3 Hours.
This course is designed to help students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to address the needs of the Latino community. This course will use applied learning and participatory action research methods to connect the social work profession's values of diversity, social justice, and social change to positively affect the development of local Latino communities. This is a skills elective course.
Prerequisite: SWK-303 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-304 with a minimum grade of C.
SWK-326. Independent Study In Social Work. 3 Hours.
SWK-327. Social Work Practice With Families. 3 Hours.
This is a post-practice elective course. Overview of the field of family therapy; various approaches, differences in their underlying theoretical assumptions and their application in social work, family assessments and interventions. This is a skills elective course.
SWK-328. Social Work With Groups. 3 Hours.
This is a post-practice elective course, majors only. The purpose of this course is to emphasize concepts, methods and issues in social group work practice beyond what has been learned in SWK Practice I & II. The focus will be on group work theory and practice as it applies to different practice settings and different populations. Emphasis will be placed on the social worker's developing self-awareness, ethical competence and practice skills in working with groups. This is a skills elective course.
Prerequisite: SWK-304 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-303 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-207 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-200 with a minimum grade of C.
SWK-329. Administration And Planning In Social Work. 3 Hours.
This is a post-practice elective course, majors only. It is designed to expose the beginning level practitioner to administrative and planning functions with emphasis on how these impact the direct service practitioner. This is a skills elective course.
SWK-330. Social Work Practice In Community Settings. 3 Hours.
This is a post-practice elective course. Structure and functions of communities and models of community organizing; development of community organizing skills. This is a skills elective course.
SWK-337. Child Welfare II. 3 Hours.
This is an elective course that focuses on culturally competent social work practice with children and adolescents living in diverse family arrangements. The continuum of services and resources available to children and adolescents and the roles and functions of the social worker in these settings are examined. Economic, social and psychological concerns of vulnerable children are identified. Intervention strategies that will effectively meet these needs are addressed. Students are presented with specialized knowledge and skills essential for working with children and adolescents. Students will be exposed to fundamental training that prepares them for DCFS Licensure. This is a skills elective.
Prerequisite: SWK-307 with a minimum grade of C.
SWK-353. Field Seminar I. 3 Hours.
Field Seminar I is taken concurrently with the Field Practicum I. The goal of the Field Seminar Courses is to increase students’ sense of confidence in practicing as beginning-level practitioners. The seminar classes are designed 1) to integrate theory and knowledge from the classroom with the students’ experiences from the field placement, and 2) to reinforce generalist social work values and skills to be used as a beginning level practitioner. The class format will consist of a combination of structured discussion and experiential exercises and role-plays.
Prerequisite: SWK-305 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-306 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-357 with a minimum grade of C.
Corequisites: SWK-310, SWK-355.
SWK-354. Field Seminar II. 3 Hours.
Field Seminar II is taken concurrently with Field Practicum II. The goal of the Field Seminar Courses is to increase students’ sense of confidence in practicing as beginning-level practitioners. This goal is achieved by students' awareness of their own strengths and limitations as a worker, along with the integration of knowledge, values, and skills used in the generalist approach to social work practice. The goals of the seminar classes are 1) Integrate theory and knowledge from the classroom with the students’ experiences from the field placement, and 2) Reinforce generalist social work values and skills to be used as a beginning-level practitioner.
Prerequisite: SWK-305 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-306 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-357 with a minimum grade of C.
Corequisites: SWK-311, SWK-356.
SWK-355. Field Practicum I. 3 Hours.
SWK-355 provides beginning field experience and is taken concurrently with SWK-353. Students are placed in a social work agency providing the opportunity to develop, test, and reinforce social work knowledge, values, and skills.
Prerequisite: SWK-305 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-306 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-357 with a minimum grade of C.
Corequisites: SWK-311, SWK-354.
SWK-356. Field Practicum II. 3 Hours.
SWK-356 is a continuation of SWK-355 and is taken concurrently with SWK-354. Students work in a social work agency, providing the opportunity to develop, test, and reinforce social work knowledge, values, and skills.
Prerequisite: SWK-310 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-353 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-355 with a minimum grade of C.
Corequisites: SWK-311, SWK-354.
SWK-357. Social Welfare Policy II. 3 Hours.
Covers content on the rationales and goals for government intervention and provides an introduction to the professional practice of policy analysis.
Prerequisite: SWK-207 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-303 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-304 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-309 with a minimum grade of C.
Corequisites: SWK-305, SWK-306.
SWK-358. Social Work Advocacy. 3 Hours.
SWK-400. Overview Of The Social Work Profession. 3 Hours.
Overview of the Social Work Profession is a 3 credit hour course for students who have a bachelor’s degree in a major other than social work. This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the profession providing a context of the knowledge, values, and skills in the social work profession. The course covers the history of social work, the values and ethics of the profession, the perspectives of empowerment and social justice, the varied fields of social work practice, and how social workers help individuals, families, groups, and society.
SWK-401. Oppression, Decolonization And Equity In Social Work. 3 Hours.
The course provides an overview of the conceptual and theoretical knowledge related to difference, oppression, social justice, and empowerment. Students explore power issues in race, class, gender, sexuality, and other societal forces that affect individuals. This course provides a forum for students to critically examine their assumptions, beliefs, and behaviors and reflect on how these personal ethics and values enhance or hinder their work with people of diverse backgrounds.
SWK-402. Human Behavior And The Social Environment I. 3 Hours.
This is the first half of a two-semester sequence designed to inform students about human development throughout the life course. Students will gain an understanding of the reciprocal interaction between individuals and the ecological context in which they live and grow. This course focuses on theories and research findings related to 1) the Eco-systemic approach to social work practice; 2) the functioning of individuals, families, and communities; and 3) the analysis of human development theories from birth through late-childhood and preadolescence.
SWK-403. Generalist Practice I. 3 Hours.
This course introduces students to generalist social work practice and addresses values, knowledge, skills, issues and processes relevant to social work practice regardless of client population, size of client system, or type of agency setting. The course focuses on basic social work practice principles, concepts, goals, and methods. Particular attention is paid to culturally diverse and oppressed populations. This course includes a practice skills laboratory in which students have the opportunity to practice their relationship building, interviewing, and assessment skills. The practice skills laboratory is also designed to give students the opportunity to integrate fieldwork experiences with classroom learning.
Corequisite: SWK-402.
SWK-404. Human Behavior And The Social Environment II. 3 Hours.
This is the second of a two-semester sequence that examines human development throughout the life cycle and the interaction of individuals with environmental conditions. This course explores traditional and non-traditional paradigms in examining human behavior and the social environment. Students will examine human behavior in the context of the larger macrosystemic environment that includes groups, organizations, communities, and globalization. Students will recognize the range of social systems in which people live and the effects of diversity and oppression on the development and functioning of individuals.
Prerequisite: SWK-402 with a minimum grade of B.
SWK-405. Generalist Practice II. 3 Hours.
Generalist Practice II is the second part of a two-semester sequence and addresses values, knowledge, skills, issues and processes which are relevant to clinical social work practice regardless of agency setting. This course uses an ecosystems assessment perspective and a problem solving process as the framework for intervention. Particular attention is paid to cultural diversity and the dynamics of oppression in clinical social work practice. This course also includes a concurrent practice skills laboratory in which students have the opportunity to practice their clinical social work practice skills.
Prerequisite: SWK-403 with a minimum grade of B.
Corequisite: SWK-404.
SWK-406. Social Welfare Policy. 3 Hours.
This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the major social welfare policies such as health care, children and families, poverty, mental health, and substance abuse, and provides a conceptual framework in which these policies are analyzed. Students learn the underlying values that are used to formulate such policies as well as debate the direction of policy changes. It examines the government’s role in the development of social policies and the social work role in advocating for change. Special emphasis is placed on how these social welfare policies affect diverse population. This course is for graduate social work students.
Requirements: Bachelor's Degree and admission to the graduate program in social work.
SWK-407. Social Work Research. 3 Hours.
This foundation research course is designed to provide the students with an overview of the scientific research process, to enable students to critique research, and prepares students to develop a research proposal. The course covers the research formulation process, research methodology, and research findings and their implications for further research. Emphasis is placed on critiques of actual research appearing in the social work literature and the development of a research proposal on a topic in social work. It is expected at the completion of this course students will be prepared to engage in a research project in the advanced curriculum.
SWK-415. Foundation Field Practicum I. 3 Hours.
This course is the first of a 2-semester sequence and provides students with a generalist practice experience with individuals, families, small groups, and communities. Students spend 240 clock hours in an agency for the 3 credit hours of course work. Students are integrating classroom learning such as communication skills, professional values and ethics, and practice models with multiple system levels. They also are learning to employ a bio-psycho-social assessment model and utilize a strengths perspective with client systems. In addition, students are learning how important it is to evaluate their practice.
Requirement: Admission to the graduate social work program and approval of the Field Placement Application.
SWK-416. Foundation Field Practicum II. 3 Hours.
This course is the second course in a 2-semester sequence and provides students with a generalist practice experience with individuals, families, groups, and communities. Students spend 240 clock hours in an agency for the 3 credit hours of course work. Students are integrating classroom learning such as communication skills, professional values and ethics, and practice models with multiple system levels. They also are learning to employ a bio-psycho-social assessment model and utilize a strengths perspective with client systems. In addition, students learn to evaluate their practice.
Prerequisite: SWK-415 with a minimum grade of B.
SWK-421. Critical Social Work In Schools: Policy, Practice & Leadership. 3 Hours.
This course presents knowledge and skills for critically engaging in social work policy, practice, and leadership when serving and advocating for children, youth and families in public elementary, middle and high schools. It focuses on four key domains for effective social work in schools: 1) positive youth development, 2) trust, collaboration and community partnerships, 3) culturally sustaining practice, and 4) school mental health. Drawing on a comprehensive community schools framework students in this course will learn the key roles and responsibilities of social workers in helping lead schools to be more equitable, inclusive and just places for learning and support.
Requirement: Completion of the foundation curriculum or admission to the advanced standing graduate degree program in social work. This course is required for all students in the School Social Work specialization.
SWK-422. Social Work Practice In Global Cross-Cultural Contexts. 3 Hours.
This elective course will present essential knowledge and skills for engaging in international and global social work practice with individuals, families and communities. Students will study theoretical models to consider processes of social development in a global, cross-cultural context. Dynamics of power in global social work will be a central focus as well as understanding diverse roles and activities in which social workers engage. Students will critically assess policies and programs designed to increase the responsiveness of social, economic, and political institutions to human needs. Issues of culture, vulnerable populations, and social and economic justice will be explored.
Requirement: Completion of the MSW Foundation Curriculum.
SWK-423. School Social Work With Exceptional Students. 3 Hours.
This advanced practice course prepares social work students to effectively advocate for and serve students with exceptional learning needs in public K-12 schools. Categories of exceptional children and youth are examined, as defined by federal and state legislation, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (P.L. 94-142) and the Vocational Rehabilitation Act (Section 504). Particular emphasis is placed on how school social workers provide equitable, inclusive, and just school mental health services and supports to students and their families. Evidence-informed approaches for assessment, evaluation and advocacy for developing equitable and inclusive school policies and practices are all discussed.
Prerequisite: SWK-421 with a minimum grade of B.
SWK-425. Assessment And Diagnosis In Social Work With A Critical Lens. 3 Hours.
This elective course will present essential knowledge and skills for understanding clinical diagnosis using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-V) and competency-based and strengths-based assessments applied in the social work field. It focuses on application of diagnostic criteria for mental disorders with careful consideration of the role of intersectionality, stigma and systems of oppression influencing assessment and treatment. This course reflects current issues in mental health access and culturally sensitive treatment from a social justice lens, reflecting the need for funding, equitable policies and research to support effective practice.
Requirement: Completion of the MSW Foundation Curriculum or admission to the MSW Advanced Standing Program.
SWK-426. Independent Study. 3 Hours.
Students wishing to a develop their own course of study not covered in the standard curriculum may do so by registering for an Independent Study under the supervision of a full-time Social Work Department faculty member. An Independent Study requires the signature of the faculty member, department chairperson, college dean, and Academic Affairs on the Independent Study/Tutored Study request form. To initiate the planning of an independent study, students should consult with the faculty member with whom they intend to be supervisor for the independent study, as well as the Social Work Department Advisor.
Prerequisite: SWK-400 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-402 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-403 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-415 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-401 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-404 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-405 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-416 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-406 with a minimum grade of C and SWK-407 with a minimum grade of C.
SWK-429. Nonprofit Management & Leadership In Social Work. 3 Hours.
This elective course will present essential knowledge and skills for nonprofit managers, supervisors and administrators working in nonprofit or human service organizations. This course will examine the evolution of the nonprofit sector and explore some of the critical management, leadership, and policy issues that are key to running an effective nonprofit organization. It will also focus on the philosophies and theories of leadership and management; understanding management systems, internal and external ecology of organizations; strategic planning, managing technology and information; resource/financial development and philanthropy; human resources practices and development; board development; marketing strategies; and monitoring and evaluating organizational effectiveness.
Requirement: Completion of the MSW Foundation Curriculum or admission to the MSW Advanced Standing Program.
SWK-430. Transition To The Advanced Curriculum. 4 Hours.
This course is designed to enable those who have a Bachelor’s in Social Work to transition to the advanced curriculum. This course provides an overview of the foundation curriculum and ensures the consistency in exposure to this foundation curriculum between those who are full-program students and those who are advanced standing degree program students. The students will then complete short papers that allows the demonstration of the primary concepts and principles in the foundation areas.
Requirements: Admission to the Advanced Standing Degree graduate program in social work; a bachelor's degree in social work within the past 10 years.
SWK-431. Social Work Practice With Families. 3 Hours.
Building on a bio-psycho-social spiritual framework, this advanced practice course utilizes a case analysis format to focus on clinical practice skills within the context of culture. Specific strategies and tools for evaluating clinical social work practice and ethical dilemmas that arise in clinical social work practice are addressed. The course emphasizes the ways in which socio-economic status, ethnicity, sexual orientation, race, gender, and physical and mental disability affect the processes of clinical assessment and intervention. In addition, this course addresses the role of the clinical social worker when advocating for social and economic justice on behalf of their clients.
Requirement: Completion of the Foundation Curriculum or Admission to the Advanced Standing Degree Program.
SWK-432. Family-centered Policy. 3 Hours.
The course enables students to learn about child and family-centered policy and to critically analyze these policies using a conceptual framework. This course examines the various effects policies and programs have on different types of families and different aspects of family functioning. The course focuses on the connections between public policies and the values that enter into policy debates and explores the reciprocal linkages between family functioning and public policies at the federal, state, and local levels.
Requirement: Completion of the foundation curriculum or admission to the advanced standing graduate degree program.
SWK-433. Social Work Practice With Children. 3 Hours.
This course is designed to enhance knowledge, values and skills for practice with children. The course prepares advanced practitioners to provide culturally competent services for a broad range of families and children. This course emphasizes the provision of services for children and their families that enhance and support family life as well as substitute a home life for those who need this. The course focuses on a full range of services available for children and families and emphasizes the impact of these various services. The course also covers various treatment approaches especially for children who are traumatized.
Prerequisite: SWK-431 with a minimum grade of C.
SWK-434. Child Welfare Policy And Legislation. 3 Hours.
This course is designed to enable students to analyze policies affecting children and to prepare students to function in the legal system on behalf of children. This course provides students an overview of the federal and state policy in child welfare and the legal system which provides oversight of these policies. The course equips students with the knowledge and skills to advocate on their behalf children.
Requirement: Completion of the foundation curriculum or admission to the advanced standing graduate degree program.
SWK-441. Anti-Oppressive Social Work Practice. 3 Hours.
This course provides an understanding of both the theoretical roots and the specific work of anti-oppressive social work practice. In this course, students examine how social work has been complicit in creating and reinforcing structures of oppression. Students explore strategies to critically challenge power structures maintaining these practices as well as learn approaches to effectively carry out anti-oppressive, socially just social work practice in their daily work.
Requirement: Completion of the generalist curriculum or admission to the advanced standing graduate degree program in social work.
SWK-442. Political Advocacy. 3 Hours.
This course provides an overview of the role of social workers within the electoral and legislative arenas. The nature of the legislative policy making process and the role of partisan politics in the policy-making process is explored. The course focuses on selected strategies and tactics of advocacy aimed at changing legislation. Topics covered include lobbying, coalition-building, and legal and ethical dilemmas in building or strengthening the power base for advocacy.
Requirement: completion of the Foundation Curriculum or admission to the Advanced Standing program in social work.
SWK-443. Social Justice And Social Change. 3 Hours.
Through the lenses of power, resistance, and identity, this course examines a range of social movements, such as: labor, civil rights, feminist, LGBTQ, Black Lives Matter and immigrant justice. Students will examine under what conditions people successfully mobilize to achieve change and translate these lessons to the unique challenges of the current political moment.
Requirement: Completion of the generalist curriculum or admission to the advanced standing graduate degree program in social work.
SWK-444. Community Practice. 3 Hours.
This course is designed to prepare students to lead the development of socially just activities that will bring about change for communities. This course focuses on the work of grassroots community organizing as well as that of nonprofit organizations and critically examines this work through relevant social, economic and political contexts. Students gain strategies and skills related to outreach, capacity-building, marketing, communications, and coalition-building.
Requirement: Completion of the generalist curriculum or admission to the advanced standing graduate degree program in social work.
SWK-450. African Studies Institute (AfSI). 3 Hours.
As the origin of humanity, Africa’s history is steeped in culture, biodiversity, and indigenous knowledge. The African Studies Institute (AfSI) introduces students to Africa and heightens their curiosity to research and explore more about this fascinating continent. AfSI is a good fit for students in any field who are interested in learning about Africa and/or will be working with refugees and immigrants from Africa. Moreover, AfSI provides the necessary tools for teachers, social workers and other professionals who are interested in integrating African sociocultural, linguistic, historical, political, human rights, and economic contexts into their workplace.
SWK-451. Introduction To Genocide And Human Rights Studies In Africa And The Diaspora. 3 Hours.
This course introduces the concept of genocide and human rights in Africa and the diaspora exploring accounts of genocide in different countries around the globe. It investigates the possibilities and limitations of justice and reconciliation in societies emerging from genocide and mass atrocities. This course also analyzes the uses of truth commissions and trials in transitional societies, and the roles of civil society, political elites, and international actors. Students are challenged to analyze the roles of resisters, rescuers, bystanders, victims, survivors, perpetrators, and collaborators, and ways to exert their leverage and responsibility in preventing genocide and protecting human rights.
SWK-470. Social Work Practice With Immigrants And Refugees. 3 Hours.
This course examines the diverse migration experiences of individuals and families with a focus on vulnerability and challenges faced. Students will learn and apply concepts relevant to social work that define specific needs and issues facing immigrant and refugee populations at the practice and policy levels. Students will explore the social, political and economic context of migration and resettlement, organizational and structural barriers, and culturally relevant, trauma-informed practices in services to immigrants and refugees.
Requirement: Completion of the generalist curriculum or admission to the advanced standing graduate degree program in social work; or permission of the instructor.
SWK-471. Practice With Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, Transgender And Queer Population. 3 Hours.
This course is designed to enhance student understanding of issues related to LGBT populations in the U.S. Students will be exposed to empirical literature on LGBT issues that will inform an understanding of past, present and future challenges facing the LGBT communities. Raising students’ awareness of personal, interpersonal and institutional values and biases is examined and a life cycle perspective is presented to highlight the unique issues of LGBT communities. Students are introduced to the history of the LGBT civil rights movements and the underlying theories of sexual orientation and sexual identity formation.
Requirement: Completion of the foundation curriculum or admission to the advanced standing graduate degree program.
SWK-472. Trauma Treatment With Children And Families. 3 Hours.
This course is designed to provide students with intermediate knowledge and skills to assess the impact of potentially traumatic events and to plan for evidence informed interventions across a variety of family system. The impact of trauma is considered within the context of biological, developmental, psychological, economic, educational, cultural, and social factors. The role of the therapist is covered and intervention techniques that empower families is presented. Consideration is given to those factors that enhance the protective capacity, strengths and resilience of children and their families who have been exposed to violence, abuse and trauma.
Requirement: Completion of the foundation curriculum or admission to the advanced standing graduate degree program in social work.
SWK-473. Topics In Advocacy. 3 Hours.
The purpose of this course is to enable students to design an advocacy project in a specified topic area. Students select a topic of their choice and complete the project in its entirety. The class focuses on the steps or process for launching an advocacy project from assessing the need, mobilizing resources, and engaging in activities. At the conclusion of the course students evaluate their efforts and identify the next steps.
Requirement: Completion of the foundation curriculum or the Bachelor's Degree in Social Work.
SWK-474. Social Work And The Law. 3 Hours.
This course examines the law, legal processes, and legal systems as they relate to social work fields’ of practice. The course challenges students to consider how the fields of social work and law intersect. Throughout the course, students critically analyze how the practice of social work is continually influenced by judicial decisions. The students also attain skills in advocating within the legal system on behalf of the populations that they serve.
Requirement: Completion of the foundation curriculum or admission to the advanced standing graduate degree program.
SWK-475. Social Work Practice With Latino/a/x Communities In The United States. 3 Hours.
This course prepares social workers in training to provide culturally sensitive services to members of Latino/a/x communities in the United States. It examines aspects of service delivery and is designed to provide an applied approach to social work with Latino/a/x communities in the United States. Students will learn specific skills and competencies to work with Latinos from different backgrounds in diverse settings. Barriers and best practices to social services with Latino communities such as education, healthcare, and mental health care will be discussed throughout the course.
Requirement: Completion of the MSW Foundation Curriculum or admission to the MSW Advanced Standing Program.
SWK-491. Advanced Research I. 3 Hours.
This advanced research course will provide students with the skills necessary to conceptualize, plan, and evaluate social work practice. The course will focus on evaluation as a means for assessing social work practice, including the identification of needs, process, and outcomes. It will cover topics such as developing research questions, conducting literature reviews, sampling, data collection and analysis techniques, and the reporting and dissemination of findings, including the limitations and significance of research. This course will cover ethical considerations in evaluation research and will provide students with hands-on experience planning evaluations in a variety of settings.
Corequisite: SWK-495.
SWK-492. Advanced Research II. 3 Hours.
This course is designed to afford students the opportunity to implement the research project for which they developed a research proposal in SWK-491. This course is designed to assist students in the collection and analysis of their data as well as the identification of the contributions and limitations and the implications of this research.
Prerequisite: SWK-491 with a minimum grade of B.
Corequisite: SWK-496.
SWK-495. Advanced Field Practicum I. 3 Hours.
This is an advanced practicum designed to engage students in experiences and activities in their concentration. This is the first semester of a 2-semester sequence and is designed to expose students to the roles and tasks of a professional social worker in their desired concentration.
Requirement: Completion of the foundation curriculum or admission to the advanced standing graduate degree program in social work
Corequisite: SWK-491.
SWK-496. Advanced Field Practicum II. 3 Hours.
This is an advanced practicum designed to engage students in experiences and activities in their concentration. This is the second semester of a 2-semester sequence and is designed to further students learning and advance their understanding of the roles and tasks of a professional social worker in their desired concentration.
Prerequisite: SWK-495 with a minimum grade of B.
Corequisite: SWK-492.