Undergraduate Course Descriptions
SWK 100 Social Problems and Social Policies (4 credits)
An introduction to social policy of the American welfare state drawing upon historical
background and analytical approaches in making the connections between social problems
and social policies. Highlights concerns of the social work profession within the social
policy process particularly as these relate to issues of social justice regarding
vulnerable population groups and the global interconnections of oppression.
SWK 120 Theory and Practice I: Introduction to the Profession (4 credits)
Origin and development of the profession of social work; opportunities for practice
including methods and fields with attention to special issues and populations;
relationships with other disciplines and contemporary society; intraprofessional and
interprofessional issues. Prerequisite: Social Work major or consent of instructor.
SWK 250 Women, Politics, and Economics (4 credits)
Political and economic perspectives on selected policy issues affecting women nationally
and internationally. Attention is given to the family as an economic institution, women
and work, institutionalized violence against women, and changing political and economic
institutions.
SWK 270 Wellness and the Human Spirit (4 credits)
Wellness is a way of being which integrates body, mind and spirit. Designed to explore
and to nurture the spirit within each person, this course gives special attention to the
role of spirituality and its relationship to the general well-being of self. Personal
spiritual well-being allows for a more humane and ethical response toward individuals and
toward larger systems of focus across diverse settings.
SWK/SOC 271 Wellness in the Midst of Loss (4 credits)
The "hello-goodbye" rhythm of life is experienced in numerous ways and forms throughout
one's lifetime. Designed from a spiritual perspective, this course reflects upon loss in
its various forms: self, transitions, relationships, health, work, aging and death,
situating the mystery of dying within the dynamic of living.
SWK 275 Politics and Economics of Aging (4 credits)
Political and economic perspectives on major policy issues and government programs
affecting older Americans.
SWK 277 Social Context of Aging (4 credits)
An examination of the contemporary social and cultural context of aging designed to
provide a survey of concepts and issues relevant to working with and on behalf of adults
in the community and in institutional settings.
SWK 278 Aging and Socio-Cultural Change (4 credits)
A cross-cultural study of the aging process in the context of social and cultural changes;
includes consideration of issues raised by the interplay of cultural values and
technological developments.
SWK 297 Gerontological Fieldwork (2-4 credits)
Field placement under supervision within a local human service agency in a selected area
of gerontological practice. The student will spend, at minimum, 50 clock hours in the
field per semester credit hour. Pass-fail option available. Faculty instructor will serve
as liaison between the University and the field site. Prerequisite: successful completion
of a minimum of three of the following courses: PSY 222; SWK 275, 277, and 278; or consent
of instructor.
SWK 320 Theory and Practice II: Direct Services in Social Work (4 credits)
Social science foundations and practice paradigms for direct services: the integration of
knowledge, professional values, and skills within a generalist, ecological perspective
for direct service at various levels of human systems. Prerequisites: SWK 120 and Social
Work major or consent of instructor.
SWK 321 Theory and Practice III: Macro Practice in Social Work (4 credits)
Social science foundations and practice paradigms for macro practice: the integration of
knowledge, professional values, and skills within a generalist, ecological perspective for
work with organizations and communities. Some sections may include a service-learning
component. Prerequisites: SWK 120 and Social Work major or consent of instructor.
SWK 341 Integrating Human Behavior Theories and Social Work Practice (2 credits)
This course examines the utility of a select number of human behavior theories for generalist social work practice in various helping situations. Prerequisites: PSY 220 and PSY 222; junior standing or consent of instructor.
SWK 345 Ethnicity and National Unity (4 credits)
A study of stratification patterns in selected countries around the world. Topics include
examination of historical roots of dominant-subordinate ethnic relationships, impact of
globalization and internationalization of economies, and identification of similarities
in people's experiences, needs and beliefs.
SWK/SOC/POL/CRJ 352 Research Methods (4 credits)
This course examines research design and measurement techniques useful for understanding social science research. The course is skill based involving students in designing and carrying out an original research project, tabulating and analyzing the data, and writing a research report. Of particular interest are issues of problem definition, conceptualization and operationalization of research questions, sampling, and application of various methodologies from experimental designs to evaluation research. Prerequisites: MTH 140; junior standing or consent of the instructor.
SWK 480 Field Work I (4 credits)
First semester of yearlong field placement under supervision in a local human service
agency. The student will spend, at minimum, 200 clock hours in the field. Grades for
fieldwork will be on a Pass/Fail basis. Prerequisites: senior standing; 2.5 GPA; successful
completion of application requirements for fieldwork. (Specific requirements are available
in printed form from the division.) A grade of P must be earned to proceed to SWK 481.
Corequisite: Enrollment in SWK 482.
SWK 481 Field Work II (4 credits)
The second semester of field placement and weekly seminar. The student will spend, at
minimum, 200 hours in the field. Grades for fieldwork will be on a Pass/Fail basis.
Prerequisite: completion of SWK 480 with a grade of P. Corequisite: Enrollment in SWK
483.
SWK 482 Seminar I (2 credits)
The weekly Field Work Seminar provides a systematic opportunity to connect the practice
experience with the academic program. The purpose of the seminar is to provide students
with an opportunity to share their fieldwork experiences and to explore in some depth
topics and issues as these are related to the objectives of the fieldwork program.
Corequisite: Enrollment in SWK 480.
SWK 483 Seminar II (2 credits)
The second semester of Fieldwork Seminar. Corequisite: Enrollment in SWK 481.
SWK 1/2/3/485 Special Topics (4 credits)
In-depth study by groups of students of selected social work topics not covered elsewhere
in the curriculum.
SWK 2/3/486 Independent Study (4 credits)
Individual study projects in selected areas of social work for students with advanced
standing; report required. Includes Honors Program research. Prerequisites: Consent of
instructor, academic advisor, division chairperson.
