Social Work Course Descriptions
SWK 2307 Introduction to Social Work (3-0). An overview of the history and development of social work as a profession. The course is designed to foster a philosophical, historical, and critical understanding of social welfare programs, policies, and issues, in part through developing a familiarity with local social service agencies. Prerequisite: None (Credit may not be earned for this course and SOC 2307.)
SWK 2309 Human Behavior in the Social Environment I (3-0). The biopsychosocial science base of social work practice. Content includes theories of biological, sociological, psychological, cultural, and spiritual development from conception through early adulthood. The interactions between individuals, groups, societies, organizations, communities, and economic systems are of central concern. Prerequisite: SWK 2307 or SOC 2307.
SWK 2311 Human Behavior in the Social Environment II (3-0). The biopsychosocial science base of social work practice. Content includes theories of biological, sociological, psychological, cultural, and spiritual development from middle adulthood through death. The interactions between individuals, groups, societies, organizations, communities, and economic systems are of central concern. Prerequisite: SWK 2307 or SOC 2307.
SWK 2313 Social Work Practice I (3-0). The introduction to social work practice with individuals, couples, families, and small groups, including the use of communication skills, supervision, and consultation. Focuses on assessment and evaluation, planning for service delivery, implementing empirically based interventions, and evaluating outcomes. Prerequisites: SWK 2307 or SOC 2307.
SWK 2315 Social Work Practice II (3-0). The introduction to social work practice with large groups, organizations, and communities, including the use of communication skills, supervision, and consultation. Focuses on assessment and evaluation, planning for service delivery, implementing empirically based interventions, and evaluating outcomes. Prerequisites: SWK 2307 or SOC 2307.
SWK 3303 Social Welfare Policy (3-0). Provides knowledge on the history of social welfare programs and the skills to understand major social welfare policies and the delivery of social services. The impact of policy on human functioning is also emphasized. Prerequisites: SWK 2307 or SOC 2307.
SWK 3305 Social Work Ethics and Professionalism (3-0). The National Association of Social Workers’ code of ethics is presented. Provides students with the opportunity to increase awareness of their personal values. Promotes the values of the social work profession. Presents the various credentials social workers may obtain, the associations to which they may belong, ethical dilemmas they may encounter in social work practice. Prerequisite: SWK 2307 or SOC 2307.
SWK 3325 Social Research and Data Analysis (3-0). A review of the methods of social research with a brief introduction to elementary statistics, data analysis, and practice in computer applications. (Credit may not be earned for this course and SOC 3325.)
SWK 3327 Human Diversity and Social Inequality (3-0). A study of social values that promotes the understanding, affirmation, and respect for people from diverse backgrounds; integrates knowledge on at-risk populations and covers the effects of inequality, discrimination, stigma, and prejudice on human functioning. Promotes the understanding of economic and social justice. (Credit may not be earned for this course and SOC 3327.)
SWK 3341 Juvenile Delinquency (3-0). A study of the nature, extent, and varieties of delinquency in the United States relative to social institutions and peer groups. The course will survey historical and current theory as well as research pertaining to delinquent behavior, treatment, and prevention. (Credit may not be earned for this course and SOC 3341.)
SWK 3343 Criminology (3-0). A survey of the nature and extent of crime in America. The course will examine classical and contemporary theory as well as research pertaining to criminal behavior, treatment, and prevention. (Credit may not be earned for this course and SOC 3343.)
SWK 3345 Social Work Practice III (3-0). An in depth analysis of the case management process from a generalist perspective. Focuses on evidence-based practices in contemporary case management, clarification of practitioner attitudes, cultural competence, effective communication skills, client assessment, service plan development, case documentation, the monitoring of services and treatment, and case termination. Prerequisites: SWK 2307 or SOC 2307, SWK 2309, SWK 2311, SWK 2313, and SWK 2315.
SWK 4303 Social Work with Children/Families (3-0). Provides knowledge and skills necessary for generalist social work practice relating to children and families among diverse populations. Topics include the changing dynamics of families, social problems faced by children and families, counseling and intervention programs for children and families, child abuse and neglect, child and family advocacy, and the role of the social worker in foster care adoption, and the courts. Prerequisites: SWK 2307 or SOC 2307.
SWK 4305 Social Work in Mental Health (3-0). Provides knowledge and skills necessary for generalist social work practice relating to people with mental illness. The role and function of the social worker in mental health settings is of primary concern. Promotes the application of social work values, ethics, and standards in work with mentally ill people from diverse backgrounds. Prerequisites: SWK 2307 or SOC 2307.
SWK 4307 Social Work and Aging (3-0). Provides a biopsychosocial perspective on the functioning of older adults. Topics cover the various aspects of geriatric social work including biopsychosocial changes associated with aging, assessment and intervention with the elderly, substance abuse and the elderly, group work with the elderly, issues surrounding spirituality, abuse and neglect, family and social support, and issues relating to death and dying. Prerequisites: SWK 2307 or SOC 2307.
SWK 4313 Social Work with Groups (3-0). An introduction to group theory and practice. Topics include group formation and development, stages of the group process, ethics and legal issues relating to group practice, and group work with diverse populations. Prerequisites: SWK 2307 or SOC 2307.
SWK 4325 Correctional Case Management (3-0). A study of the various treatment and rehabilitation methods used by correctional case managers. Topics include the roles of correctional personnel, the assessment and treatment of juveniles and adults, casework in correctional settings, crisis intervention, the assessment and treatment of special populations in correctional settings, and the evaluation of treatment and rehabilitation programs. Prerequisites: PSY 2301 or SOC 2301 or SWK 2307 or SOC 2307. (Credit may not be earned for this course and SOC 4325.)
SWK 4327 Human Sexuality (3-0). Provides a biopsychosocial perspective on human sexuality across the lifespan. Topics include the male and female sexual anatomy/physiology, multicultural perspectives of sexuality, sexual behavior, and sexual orientations, sexuality across the life cycle, the prevention and treatment of sexuality problems, and social problems related to human sexuality. (Credit may not be earned for this course and SOC 4327 or PSY 4327.)
SWK 4371 Social Work Internship I (3-0). A supervised internship of at least 250 hours in an approved agency appropriate to social work; fosters the integration of classroom knowledge, values, and ethics with practice-based knowledge that seeks to increase practice skills and promotes professional competence. Prerequisites: No grade lower than a "C" in any SWK course, a 2.50 GPA on all college work, a 2.50 GPA on all SWK course work, and permission from the Social Work Program Director.
SWK 4372 Social Work Internship II (3-0). A continuation of SWK 4371. May be taken concurrently or consecutively with SWK 4371. Prerequisites: No grade lower than a "C" in any SWK course, a 2.50 GPA on all college work, a 2.50 GPA on all SWK course work, and permission from the Social Work Program Director.
SWK 4381 Special Topics in Social Work (3-0). Selected topics in social work. (May be repeated once for credit when topic varies.)
SWK 4391 Independent Research in Social Work (3-0). A specialized course which may be directed reading or research for superior students. Prerequisites: Approval from the Social Work Program Director. (May be repeated once for credit when topic varies.)