Social Work (SLWK)

SLWK 200. Building a Just Society. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online or face-to-face). 3 credits. Course will introduce students to social justice issues in a local context with a focus on expanding and deepening their knowledge and skills to effect change through active engagement in the community. Course promotes an understanding and critical analysis of multiple forms of oppression in social systems and in personal experience using professional social work perspectives and theoretical frameworks. Selected reference materials and experiential learning activities are designed to enhance student understanding of what constitutes a just community and a just society. The course may be offered as service-learning.

SLWK 201. Introduction to Social Work. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online or face-to-face). 3 credits. Systematic overview of the social work profession. Knowledge of the nature of social work, the fields of social work practice, target populations, overview of social work methods.

SLWK 230. Communication and Interpersonal Skills in Social Work. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online or face-to-face). 3 credits. The study of the knowledge, skills and values of effective human communication and interpersonal relations. Includes observation, collection and description of data, verbal and nonverbal communication and the relevance of the above to social work practice. Integrates issues of human diversity in all course content. Emphasizes the demonstration and practice of communication through structured exercises. May be offered in a service-learning capacity.

SLWK 311. Social Work and Anti-oppressive Practice. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online or face-to-face). 3 credits. Enrollment is restricted to majors or minors in social welfare with junior status or by permission of program director or course instructor. Examines forces leading to individual prejudice and institutional oppression. Focuses on impact of oppression. Provides students with an understanding of diversity and a general knowledge of social work strategies to alleviate oppression and to empower the oppressed.

SLWK 313. Social Work Theory and Assessment With Individuals and Micro Systems. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online or face-to-face). 3 credits. Prerequisites: ANTH/INTL 103; BIOL 101, BIOL 151 or BIOL 152; PSYC 304; and SOCY 101. Enrollment is restricted to majors or minors in social welfare with junior status or by permission of program director or course instructor. First of a three-semester sequence on human behavior and the social environment. Uses theoretical concepts and research findings from the behavioral sciences as background for understanding and assessing the functioning of individuals and families in their social environment. Facilitates integration of theory and research with assessment skills associated with basic social work practice. Emphasizes the social systems approach for analyzing the impact of various social problems on individual and family dynamics.

SLWK 330. Social Work Theory and Assessment with Families, Small Groups and Mezzo Systems. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online or face-to-face). 3 credits. Prerequisite: SLWK 313 with a minimum grade of C. Enrollment is restricted to majors or minors in social welfare with junior status or by permission of program director or course instructor. Second of three courses on human behavior in the social environment. Uses theoretical concepts from the behavioral sciences to understand the family and small groups as social institutions and social groups as context for human behavior over the life cycle. Designed to provide a theoretical foundation for practice with families and small groups.

SLWK 332. Generalist Social Work Practice I. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online or face-to-face). 3 credits. Prerequisite: SLWK 313 with a minimum grade of C. Corequisite: SLWK 393 or SLWK 395. Enrollment is restricted to social work majors with junior status. First of three semester practice sequence. Introduces students to basic concepts and skills of beginning-level professional generalist social work practice. Emphasizes application of concepts to the concurrent social work field preparation course.

SLWK 380. Ethical Research for Social Work Practice I: Methods. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online or face-to-face). 3 credits. Enrollment is restricted to majors or minors in social welfare with junior status or by permission of program director or course instructor. First of a two-semester research sequence. Designed to provide an understanding and appreciation of a scientific, analytic approach to building knowledge for practice and for evaluating multilevel service delivery. Provides an overview of the research process, including problem formulation, sampling, design, measurement, data collection, data analysis and dissemination of findings. Presents ethical standards of scientific inquiry with special attention to research with vulnerable and oppressed populations.

SLWK 381. Ethical Research for Social Work Practice II: Application. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online or face-to-face). 3 credits. Prerequisite: SLWK 380 with a minimum grade of C. Enrollment is restricted to social work majors or minors in social welfare with junior status or by permission of program director or course instructor. The content includes a review of basic statistical univariate and bivariate descriptive and inferential tools for analyzing, interpreting and presenting data for decision-making in generalist social work practice. It also introduces methods for analysis of quantitative and qualitative data and further develops critical-thinking skills in translating empirical research findings into generalist social work practice principles.

SLWK 391. Topics in Social Work. 1-3 Hours.

Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours (delivered online or face-to-face). 1-3 credits. An in-depth study of a selected topic relevant for professional social work practice. See the Schedule of Classes for the specific topic to be offered each semester.

SLWK 393. Junior Field Instruction. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 field experience hours (delivered online or face-to-face). 3 credits. Prerequisite: SLWK 313 with a minimum grade of C. Corequisite: SLWK 332. Enrollment is restricted to social work students with junior status. Students will be required to engage in experiential activities that may include agency-based, simulated or virtual learning opportunities. Intended to facilitate the student's understanding of agency structure and community context, ability to engage in professional relationships, to assess strengths, define problems, set goals and utilize beginning-level practice skills with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Promotes identification as a professional social worker.

SLWK 395. Social Work Field Preparation. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online or face-to-face). 3 credits. Prerequisite: SLWK 313 with a minimum grade of C. Corequisite: SLWK 332. Enrollment is restricted to social work students with junior status. Students will be required to engage in interactive activities that will include simulated field-related learning opportunities. Intended to facilitate the student's understanding of agency structure and community context, ability to engage in professional relationships, to assess strengths, define problems, identify goals and utilize beginning-level practice skills with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. This course prepares the student to participate in a social work internship and promotes identification as a professional social worker.

SLWK 422. Social Welfare, Policy and Practice. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online or face-to-face). 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 311, SLWK 313, SLWK 332, SLWK 380, SLWK 381; and SLWK 393 or SLWK 395, each with a minimum grade of C. Enrollment is restricted to social work majors or minors in social welfare with junior status or by permission of program director or course instructor. Analyzes social welfare policy as related to social values, social problems and social structures. Examines frameworks for policy analysis and for evaluation of programmatic outcomes of policy, with application to contemporary social service and income maintenance policies and delivery systems. Considers the economic, political and ideological factors and processes that affect social welfare legislation, financing and implementation.

SLWK 431. Social Work Theory and Assessment with Communities, Organizations and Macro Systems. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online or face-to-face). 3 credits. Prerequisite: SLWK 313 with a minimum grade of C. Enrollment is restricted to majors or minors in social welfare with junior status or by permission of program director or course instructor. Third of three courses on human behavior in the social environment. Builds on the theoretical concepts from the behavioral sciences discussed in SLWK 230 and 313. Focus on understanding organizations and how their purposes, auspices, structure, processes and environment affect the delivery of social services to diverse groups. The community context of social services, including that of the consumer, is emphasized from an open systems theoretical perspective. Students will be expected to integrate course content with their field experience or other agency with which they are familiar. Required of all undergraduate social work majors.

SLWK 441. Generalist Social Work Practice II. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online or face-to-face). 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 332; SLWK 381; and SLWK 393 or SLWK 395, each with a minimum grade of C. Enrollment is restricted to majors with senior standing. Second of a three-semester practice sequence. Review of interviewing and problem-solving for generalist social work practice with diverse populations. Emphasis on agency structure and function, skills of engagement and problem definition, assessment, planning for intervention, and evaluation. Use of material from concurrent fieldwork practice to facilitate integration of learning.

SLWK 442. Generalist Social Work Practice III. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online or face-to-face). 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 441 and SLWK 494, each with a minimum grade of C. Enrollment is restricted to majors with senior standing. Third of a three-semester practice sequence. Emphasizes planning and implementing change with diverse populations, professional ethics, professional development, termination and evaluation of generalist social work practice. Use of case material from concurrent fieldwork practice to facilitate integration of learning.

SLWK 492. Independent Study. 1-3 Hours.

Semester course; 1, 2 or 3 independent study hours (delivered online or face-to-face). 1, 2 or 3 credits. Enrollment is restricted to social work majors with junior or senior standing and permission of instructor. Under supervision of a faculty adviser, whose consent is required to register, study of a topic of concern to the student. Each student must present their findings in writing or pass an oral examination.

SLWK 494. Senior Field Practicum I. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 field experience hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 332; SLWK 381; and SLWK 393 or SLWK 395, each with a minimum grade of C. Corequisite: SLWK 441. Enrollment is restricted to social work majors with senior status. Fourteen hours per week in a community agency under the supervision of an agency-based field instructor. Intended to develop knowledge, values and social work practice skills appropriate to entry-level generalist practice in human service agencies.

SLWK 495. Senior Field Practicum II. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 field experience hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SLWK 494 with a minimum grade of C. Corequisite: SLWK 442. Enrollment is restricted to majors with senior status. Fourteen hours per week in a community agency under the supervision of an agency-based field instructor. Intended to develop knowledge, values and social work practice skills appropriate to entry-level generalist practice in human service agencies.

SLWK 499. Senior Capstone Seminar. 2 Hours.

Semester course; 2 seminar hours (delivered online or face-to-face). 2 credits. Corequisites: SLWK 442 and 495. Typically to be taken in the last semester of the student's senior year. This course serves as an academic culmination of the undergraduate social work program. The student will compile a portfolio of B.S.W. program academic materials, complete a professional self-assessment and resume and participate in the development of a comprehensive generalist intervention plan with regard to a specified social problem.

SLWK 601. Human Behavior in the Social Environment I. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Provides a multidimensional theoretical and evidence-based approach to understanding the complex interactions of biological, psychological, spiritual, economic, political and sociocultural forces on the lives individuals, families and groups in a multicultural society. Required core curriculum course.

SLWK 602. Policy, Community and Organizational Practice I. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. First of two generalist courses on social policy, policy practice and practice in communities and organizations. Surveys historical evolution of social welfare policy and contemporary provision of social welfare services, including the role of values in policy formulation and principles of social and economic justice. Introduces the social work role as change agent in legislative, community and organizational arenas. Uses social/behavioral knowledge and social work intervention models and applies analytical frameworks for assessing program, organizational and policy effectiveness. Develops skills in identification of need, designing strategies for change and policy analysis. This is a required curriculum course.

SLWK 603. Power, Privilege and Oppression. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Enhances understanding of and appreciation for diversity in self and others. Addresses issues of power, inequality, privilege and resulting oppression. Analyzes oppression resulting from persistent social, educational, political, religious, economic and legal inequalities. Focuses on the experiences of oppressed groups in the U.S. in order to understand their strengths, needs and responses. Uses a social justice perspective for the study of and practice with oppressed groups. Required direct practice core curriculum course.

SLWK 604. Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups I. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credit hours. Pre- or corequisites: SLWK 601, SLWK 602 and SLWK 603. Introduces basic knowledge, skills and values necessary to provide a range of restorative, rehabilitative, maintenance and enhancement services in social work practice with individuals, families and groups. Introduces selected practice theories and models to guide intervention. Emphasizes the multidimensional and diverse contexts in which problems and needs are assessed and in which intervention occurs. Required direct practice core curriculum course.

SLWK 605. Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups II. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SLWK 604 with minimum grade of C. Extends application of beginning knowledge and skills to the phases of intervention with groups and families. Presents knowledge and skills of environmental intervention and termination. Introduces additional selected theories and models for social work practice with individuals, families and groups with attention to special populations and practice evaluation. Required direct practice core curriculum course.

SLWK 606. Policy, Community and Organizational Practice II. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SLWK 602 with minimum grade of C. The second of two generalist courses on social policy, policy practice and practice in communities and organizations. Examines values and ethical dilemmas facing professional social workers in organizations, communities and policy-making arenas. Explores legislative/political processes. Develops skills in legislative lobbying, advocacy, design of change strategies and tactics, policy analysis and task group leadership. Emphasizes reciprocal effects of policy on social work practice and implications for social and economic justice.

SLWK 607. Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups for Advanced-standing Students. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online or face-to-face). 3 credits. Corequisites: SLWK 608, SLWK 611 and SLWK 612. Enrollment requires admission to the advanced standing program. Students review approaches, principles, techniques and theories of micro social work practice and human behavior. Emphasis is on commonalities and differences among practice modalities, including differential assessment, intervention and evaluation of outcomes. Course includes weekly field instruction integrating seminar. This is a required advanced-standing core curriculum course.

SLWK 608. Social Work Practice in Organizations and Communities for Advanced-standing Students. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online or face-to-face). 3 credits. Corequisites: SLWK 607, SLWK 611 and SLWK 612. Enrollment requires admission to the advanced-standing program. Presents social work theory and practice focusing on social policy, communities, agencies and interventions in light of principles of social and economic justice. Introduces and analyzes the social work role of policy practitioner with its specific skills and tasks. Demonstrates the importance of understanding the community and the agency in social work practice. Provides skill building in advocacy, planned change, and policy and organizational analysis, as well as weekly field instruction seminar. This is a required advanced-standing program core curriculum course.

SLWK 609. Foundations of Research for Social Work Interventions and Services. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Introduces students to basic research concepts needed to understand and assess social work interventions and services. Students completing this course will understand how to ask questions and develop a feasible methodology to answer questions. This course emphasizes critical-thinking skills and encourages attentiveness to issues of diversity, equity and inclusion. Additionally, this course emphasizes the use of professional social work values when assessing social work programs and services.

SLWK 610. Human Behavior in the Social Environment II. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SLWK 601 minimum grade of C. Covers the life course from conception through late adulthood and/or death. Focuses on the influences of biological, psychological, spiritual, economic, political and sociocultural forces on individual and family coping and adaptation. Provides a multidimensional, multicultural perspective on the behavior of individuals and families based on theory and research with identification of the risk and protective mechanisms that influence development. Required core curriculum course.

SLWK 611. Social Work Research for Advanced-standing Students. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 credits. Prerequisite: admission to the advanced standing program. Corequisites: SLWK 607, 608 and 612. Reviews approaches to scientific inquiry in the development of knowledge for social work practice; problem formulation; concepts and operational definitions; measurement validity and reliability; selected social work research designs; planned data collection strategies and procedures. Required advanced standing program core curriculum course.

SLWK 612. Advanced Standing Field Instruction. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 field experience hours. 3 credits. Corequisites: SLWK 607, SLWK 608 and SLWK 611. Enrollment is restricted to students admitted to the advanced standing program. Reviews generalist-level knowledge, attitudes and skills acquired through social work education at the undergraduate level. Requires application, refinement and the active use of content from the advanced standing curriculum through practice under the direction of an agency-based field instructor, monitored by a faculty field liaison. Emphasizes integration of content from all areas of the generalist foundation curriculum.

SLWK 692. Independent Study. 1-6 Hours.

Semester course; 1-6 credits. Maybe be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: M.S.W. foundation standing and permission of instructor and M.S.W. program director. The student will be required to submit a proposal for study in an identified practice area or for exploration of a specific problem in social work not ordinarily included in the Master of Social Work curriculum. The results of the student’s study will be presented in a format determined by the instructor and student to be most effective for assessing study educational objectives/competencies and outcomes. A maximum of four independent study courses may be included in a student’s educational program.

SLWK 693. Generalist Field Instruction I. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 field experience hours. 3 credits. Pre- or corequisite: SLWK 604. Provides opportunities to master essential social work knowledge, values and skills through practice under the direction of an agency-based field instructor, monitored by a faculty field liaison. Emphasizes integration of content from all areas of the generalist curriculum.

SLWK 694. Generalist Field Instruction II. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 field experience hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SLWK 693 with minimum grade of C. Pre- or corequisite: SLWK 605. Provides opportunities to master essential social work knowledge, values and skills through practice under the direction of an agency-based field instructor, monitored by a faculty field liaison. Emphasizes integration of content from all areas of the generalist curriculum.

SLWK 695. Block Generalist Field Instruction. 6 Hours.

Semester course; 6 field experience hours. 6 credits. Pre- or corequisite: SLWK 605. Provides opportunities to master essential social work knowledge, values and skills through practice under the direction of an agency-based field instructor, monitored by a faculty field liaison. Emphasizes the integration of content from all areas of the generalist curriculum.

SLWK 703. Mental, Emotional and Behavioral Disorders. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online or face-to-face). 3 credits. Pre- or corequisites: SLWK 693 and SLWK 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612. This course reviews the epidemiology, etiology, classification (using the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) and course of a range of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders and conditions across the life span and the relevance of this knowledge to social work across practice settings. It emphasizes a biopsychosocialspiritual assessment, a risk and protective factors framework, a critical analysis of existing and emerging theory, the impact of difference and diversity, an appreciation of the lived experience of these challenges for clients and their families, and the practical implications of this knowledge for relationship-building and treatment planning as well as interdisciplinary collaboration. Introduces knowledge of psychopharmacology. Required advanced clinical core curriculum course.

SLWK 704. Clinical Social Work Practice I. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. Pre- or corequisite: SLWK 703. Provides a multitheoretical orientation to intervention across fields of practice with individuals, families, couples and groups. Emphasizes contemporary psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral approaches and their empirical support. Focuses on multidimensional assessment and the differential application of therapeutic, supportive, educational and resource-management strategies to complex problems of children, youth and adults. Required advanced clinical core curriculum course.

SLWK 705. Clinical Social Work Practice II. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online or face-to-face). 3 credits. Prerequisite: SLWK 704. Continues a multitheoretical orientation to intervention across fields of practice with emphasis on integrated family systems theory and multidimensional family assessment. Focuses on differential application of psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and family systems theories to a range of complex client problems and concerns with attention to diversity populations. Required advanced clinical core curriculum course.

SLWK 706. Research for Clinical Social Work Practice I. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. Review of statistical inference and decision-making using univariate and bivariate techniques. Introduction to computer applications for quantitative data and methods of analysis of qualitative data. Application of ethical standards for research involving human participants. Further development of critical-thinking skills in using empirical literature. Required advanced clinical core curriculum course.

SLWK 707. Research for Clinical Social Work Practice II. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SLWK 706 with minimum grade of C. Further development of critical-thinking skills for translating research findings into practice principles and measuring outcomes of clinical practice. Focus on data collection, data analysis, presentation of visual and statistical techniques for qualitative and quantitative research methods, and utilization of findings for improving clinical social work practice. Continued application of statistical inference, integration of empirical research findings and decision-making. Required advanced clinical core curriculum course.

SLWK 709. Specialization Research for Understanding and Assessing Social Work Interventions and Services. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online or face-to-face). 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and SLWK 694; or SLWK 695; or SLWK 612. Students will deepen their understanding of social work service delivery processes by using research concepts to examine data and apply research findings to inform and improve practice, policy and programs. Skills such as data analysis, translating findings into practice and presenting data to diverse constituent groups are stressed. Additionally, this course emphasizes the use of professional social work values when assessing social work programs and services and encourages students to be attentive to issues of diversity, equity and inclusion.

SLWK 710. Concentration Social Policy. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. Focuses on advanced policy analysis through an in-depth, focused examination of a particular social policy area or population. Extends basic knowledge and skills of policy formulation, development and impact analysis/evaluation, as these affect practice on behalf of clients. Examines diversity of policy sources; value, political and economic determinants; policy formulation processes; the policy basis for current services; a broad range of potential need domains; and current programs and laws. Integrates knowledge of human behavior and the social environment relevant to the focal policy areas and pays special attention to issues of social and economic justice. Examines current policy issues, advocacy efforts related to these issues and practice strategies for effecting change.

SLWK 711. Strategies for Social Work Planning and Administrative Practice. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. Develops leadership and planning skills that guide the implementation of policy and practice in community and organizational settings. Present problem-solving strategies for planning, administration and management of community and organizational resources. Emphasizes planning context for diverse settings. Provides knowledge and skill for human and fiscal resource responsibilities, including fund raising. Examines ethical and justice implications of planning and administrative practice.

SLWK 712. Social Work Planning and Administrative Practice I. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. Pre- or co-requisites: SLWK 711 and SLWK 714. Presents knowledge and skills for social work leadership in administering, developing and advocating social service policies and programs that are socially and economically just. Examines underlying assumptions, political, value and ethical considerations in social service planning. Presents knowledge of organizational theories and analyzes the political context of problem solving in the internal and external environments of organizations and programs. Focuses on community and organizational planning theories and models of intervention in assessing needs, analyzing problems, determining feasibility and identifying emergent dilemmas. Emphasizes development of critical thinking and self-awareness about role responsibilities and ethical positions for organizational and community leadership at local, state, national and international levels.

SLWK 713. Social Work Planning and Administrative Practice II. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SLWK 712 with minimum grade of C. Continues development of knowledge and skills begun in prerequisite course. Examines traditional and alternative strategies in formulating proposals to address human needs. Emphasizes multiple program designs (e.g., direct service, advocacy, staff development and training, and community empowerment programs). Incorporates understandings of policies, community, and organizational behavior and change, and leadership styles and skills. Analyzes feasibility of interorganizational partnerships and community relationships. Focuses on financial and human resource acquisition and mobilization, monitoring, accountability and evaluation.

SLWK 714. Research for Social Work Administration, Planning and Policy Practice I. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. This course provides students with advanced knowledge and skills to carry out evaluations of social work programs and services. Building on the contents covered in SLWK 609 or equivalent, the course helps students to design and execute an independent research project. Major topics include types of evaluation, evaluation theory and design, and research proposal development that can be employed to improve the quality and delivery of social work policy, programs and services. Special attention is given to the student’s quest to understand and apply statistical analyses to questions of interest. The course will also address social and economic justice, value and ethical concerns involving human participants, and issues related to diverse populations at risk that arise in evaluation research.

SLWK 715. Research for Social Work Administration, Planning and Policy Practice II. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SLWK 714 with minimum grade of C. This course provides students with advanced knowledge and skills to carry out evaluations of social work programs and services. Building on the contents covered in SLWK 609 or equivalent, the course helps students to design and execute an independent research project. Major topics include types of evaluation, evaluation theory and design, and research proposal development that can be employed to improve the quality and delivery of social work policy, programs and services. Special attention is given to the student’s quest to understand and apply statistical analyses to questions of interest. The course will also address social and economic justice, value and ethical concerns involving human participants, and issues related to diverse populations at risk that arise in evaluation research.

SLWK 716. Concentration Social Policy for Social Work Administration, Planning and Policy Practice. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite(s): SLWK 693 and 694; or SLWK 695; or SLWK 612. Extends SLWK 602 through 606 content on policy practice, organizations, communities and advocacy. Critically analyzes traditional and alternative theories and models of the policy-making process. Demonstrates how the policy process is the core principle for decision-making in agencies, communities and legislatures. Develops advanced skills in policy analysis, policy formulation and place practice including advocacy. Emphasizes the relationship and impact of economic policies on clients, communities and agencies in light of principles of social and economic justice. Analyzes current regulatory and agency policies and their implications for policy practice/advocacy for effecting change.

SLWK 717. Social Work Practice in the School Setting. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online). 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, or permission of the M.S.W. program director. Emphasizes knowledge and skills of school social work practice with diverse populations in urban and rural school settings. Uses an ecological explanatory theoretical perspective to conceptualize the interdependence of school, family and community as complex interdependent systems that guide evidence-based practice interventions. Integrates a strengths-based social justice perspective for school-based concerns related to violence, racism, sexism, poverty and their impact on children and youth in educational settings.

SLWK 718. Social Work Practice in Child Welfare. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Enrollment is restricted to students pursuing a graduate degree in social work or the child welfare certificate or by permission of the program director. Identifies the major social, demographic and economic changes in child welfare services that impact children -- a vulnerable population -- and their families. Builds on explanatory theories and related skill sets required for effective service delivery. Primary service areas are intervention, family preservation, child protection and permanency planning.

SLWK 719. Gender and Substance Abuse: Social Work Practice Issues. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online). 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. Based on the social work person-in-environment explanatory multitheoretical perspective and current research to provide a multidimensional understanding of the influence of gender roles and biological sex in vulnerability to substance abuse and related problems. Evidence-based theory approaches are utilized to identify and address the effects of substance abuse and related problems for men, women and children. Advanced clinical elective course.

SLWK 725. International Social Work Practice. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SLWK 694, SLWK 695 or SLWK 612. This course is to build students’ competencies in international social work practice at micro, mezzo and macro levels, while providing opportunities to apply social work theories, values and concepts to various global social justice issues, both local and international. Students will gain knowledge and skills for critically examining various approaches to intervening in global social issues as well as experience in analyzing the efficacy of such interventions and policy. Students will also build cross-/multicultural competencies for working with international communities and linking local and international efforts to empower socially and economically disadvantaged communities and advance human rights and global, social, economic and environmental justice.

SLWK 726. Social Work Practice and Health Care. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. Focuses on social work practice in a variety of health care settings with a range of explanatory theories conceptualizing health care issues and identifies related interventions from prevention and health promotion to end-of-life care. Explores ethical and legal issues and introduces frameworks for addressing ethical dilemmas. Examines the role of the social worker on an interdisciplinary team. Examines the influence of economics, political decisions, technology, changing demographics and cultural, social and spiritual/religious experiences on individual health care decisions, access to health care and definitions of health and illness. Advanced clinical elective course.

SLWK 727. Trauma and Social Work Practice: Theory, Assessment and Intervention. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. Provides advanced explanatory theoretical knowledge and skills to explain, identify, assess and provide effective and competent evidence-based trauma intervention services to survivors of complex traumatic experiences. Focuses on the evidence-based biopsychosocial consequences of childhood sexual and physical abuse and military/war trauma experiences in daily functioning on individuals, families and groups. Advanced clinical elective course.

SLWK 729. Substance Misuse Prevention. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online). 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and SLWK 694; or SLWK 612; or SLWK 695, each with a minimum grade of C. Enrollment is restricted to students in their specialization year or by permission of the instructor. Focuses on models and theories regarding the etiology and prevention of substance misuse and the level of empirical evidence that exists for each. Extends knowledge of diversity to substance misuse etiology, assessment and prevention approaches. Examines evidence-based prevention interventions and policies and other environmental change efforts that affect the reduction of substance misuse. Considers effective strategies for implementing evidence-based approaches in local communities.

SLWK 742. Core Concepts of Child and Adolescent Trauma. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Enrollment is restricted to students pursuing a graduate degree in social work or the child welfare certificate or by permission of the program director. This course will introduce students to the core concepts (explanatory theory and foundational knowledge) that inform evidence-based assessment and intervention with traumatized children and adolescents. Strength-based practice will be highlighted along with a focus on the identification of protective and promotive factors that foster resiliency and post-traumatic growth. Trauma is broadly defined, and subjects include children and adolescents exposed to traumatic events including, but not limited to natural disasters, war, abuse and neglect, medical trauma, and witnessing interpersonal crime (e.g. domestic violence) and other traumatic events. The course will highlight the role of development, culture and empirical evidence in trauma-specific interventions with children, adolescents and their families. It will address the level of functioning of primary caregiving environments and assess the capacity of the community to facilitate restorative processes.

SLWK 743. Spirituality and Social Work Practice. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. Designed to educate students for advanced social work practice with persons of diverse religious and nonreligious perspectives of spirituality. It provides a comprehensive introduction to spiritually sensitive social work and is intended to expand the explanatory theories that inform professional social work practice. The concepts of person-in-environment and strengths become vivid as the student in practicum assesses how individuals may use spirituality to establish meaning and purpose in relation to their goals of daily living.

SLWK 744. The Dynamics of the Social Worker/Client Relationship. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SLWK 612, SLWK 694 or SLWK 695. Enrollment restricted to students in a field placement or work setting in in which they are currently delivering clinical services directly to clients. The effectiveness of all types of direct social work practice depends at least in part on the nature of the relationship between the social worker and client. This course examines in depth the many forms that such relationships can take in the context of various theories, models and strategies common to social work practice. The course reviews the positions of those theories and models with respect to the relationship with an in-depth focus on the processes of relationship development and sustainment and the complex interpersonal dynamics that can arise depending on how the social worker and client experience each other.

SLWK 745. Social Work Practice in Community Mental Health. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. Provides the specialized knowledge, values and skills requisite in community mental health settings. Builds on the explanatory biopsychosocial model of mental health/illness. Focuses on current evidence-based psychotherapeutic, psychoeducational, and skill-training models and approaches used with individuals, families and groups experiencing or affected by a range of mental health problems. Examines interdisciplinary teamwork, case management, advocacy and medication management roles. Advanced clinical elective course.

SLWK 746. Social Work Practice and Psychopharmacology. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. Reviews the historical, political and ethical context of psychotropic medications in social work practice. Provides an explanatory theoretical overview of psychopharmacology and social work roles and skill sets in medication management for effective collaboration with clients, families and other mental health practitioners on medication-related issues. Advanced clinical elective course.

SLWK 747. Social Work Intervention With Adolescents. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 610; and SLWK 693 and SLWK 694, SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. This course builds upon foundational social work practice knowledge, values, methods and skills in providing a concentration on clinical practice interventions with adolescents. Three general dimensions of adolescent functioning and adaptation are addressed from a multidimensional, biopsychosocial perspective: 1) behavioral and emotional issues that fall within a range of typical adolescent adjustment; 2) internalizing problems of adolescents that interfere with functioning in interpersonal, academic and family contexts; and 3) externalizing problems of adolescence that manifest in conflictual relations with others, as well as in breaches in societal norms and rules. The course introduces and explores evidence-based practice methodologies in addressing behavioral, emotional and situational problems of adolescents and their families in a range of social work intervention settings and includes a focus on individual, family and group intervention modalities.

SLWK 748. Group Methods in Social Work Practice. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. Presents several conceptual models of therapeutic groups that explain group dynamics and processes, including evidence-based treatment, educational and mutual aid/self-help. Covers agency conditions affecting practice with groups, the planning of new groups, the multiple phases of group process, and related theory-based interventions and techniques of work with groups and group practice evaluation. Advanced clinical elective course.

SLWK 749. Social Work Intervention in Substance Abuse. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. Provides students with the physiological, emotional and behavioral manifestations of substance abuse, DSM-IV-TR-based assessment, a range of relevant evidence-based intervention strategies and the role of social workers in evaluation and intervention. Covers explanatory theory models that guide substance abuse intervention and presents screening, assessment and interventional techniques. Current research and controversies in the field are also emphasized. Advanced clinical elective course.

SLWK 755. Social Work Practice in Organizing for Social Change. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. An advanced practice course that recognizes the central role of social action in social work practice, no matter the context, and the value of social justice, no matter what client population. Built on the idea of multiple perspectives and using the Rothman model of organizing, it assumes students already possess basic policy practice and direct practice skills in order to focus on the dimensions of social action and locality development.

SLWK 759. Art Therapy in Social Work Practice. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. Focuses on explanatory theory supporting art therapy as an evidence-based approach to clinical social work intervention. Explores the models, principles and techniques of art therapy in social work practice. Examines assessment, intervention, termination and evaluation strategies that supplement traditional social work treatment, including research and specific evidence-based practice strategies for individuals, families, groups and diverse populations.

SLWK 761. Interpersonal Violence in Clinical Social Work Practice. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and SLWK 694; or SLWK 695; or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. The purpose of this course is to increase clinical social work students' theory-based and practice knowledge and understanding of interpersonal violence as it relates to various client systems throughout the lifespan to include: prenatal exposure to interpersonal violence, child abuse and neglect, teen dating violence, intimate partner violence, children's experience with intimate partner violence, and elder abuse. The course will highlight victim and perpetrator experiences related to interpersonal violence. The course will emphasize resiliency as well as the experiences of diverse populations from a person-in-environment perspective. The course will also consider prevention strategies and relevant policy issues related to interpersonal violence.

SLWK 770. International Social Work Study Abroad. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. International study. Examines social work clinical and policy practice, social pedagogy and the social welfare system of another country that includes a field trip to the country. Examines a range of issues pertaining to the country, including: society, culture and history; social work education; the social welfare system; selected social programs; social work clinical and policy practice; and comparisons of these topics between the country and the U.S. Requires completion of several course units before the study abroad program.

SLWK 791. Topical Seminar. 1-3 Hours.

Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. Presents and analyzes current social work practice theories and/or issues in specialized areas of interest to social work. Advanced clinical curriculum elective course.

SLWK 792. Independent Study. 1-6 Hours.

Semester course; 1-6 lecture hours. 1-6 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with a minimum grade of C. The student is required to submit a proposal, guided by theory, for investigation in an identified practice area or problem in social work not ordinarily included in the regular M.S.W. curriculum. The topic is proposed by the student; the number of credit hours is determined by the instructor and approved by the M.S.W. program director. The results of the study are presented in a format determined by the instructor and student and approved by the M.S.W. program director. Concentration year elective course.

SLWK 793. Specialization Field Instruction I. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 field experience hours. 3 credits. Pre- or corequisite: SLWK 704. First of a two-course sequence that provides opportunities to master advanced social work application of theory knowledge, values and skills through practice under the direction of an agency-based field instructor, monitored by a faculty field liaison. Emphasizes integration of content from all areas of the specialization curriculum.

SLWK 794. Specialization Field Instruction II. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 field experience hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SLWK 793 with minimum grade of C. Pre- or corequisite: SLWK 705. Second of a two-course sequence provides opportunities to master advanced social work application of theory knowledge, values and skills through practice under the direction of an agency-based field instructor, monitored by a faculty field liaison. Emphasizes integration of content from all areas of the specialization curriculum.

SLWK 795. Specialization Block Field Instruction. 6 Hours.

Semester course; 6 field experience hours. 6 credits. Prerequisite: SLWK 704 with a minimum grade of C. Pre- or corequisite: SLWK 705. Advanced block field instruction. Provides opportunities to master advanced social work knowledge, values and skills through practice under the direction of an agency-based field instructor, monitored by a faculty field liaison. Emphasizes integration of content from all areas of the specialization curriculum. Not available during summer terms.

SLWK 796. Specialization Field Instruction Extended Semesters I. 2 Hours.

Semester course; 2 field experience hours. 2 credits. Pre- or corequisites: SLWK 703, SLWK 704 and SLWK 705, SLWK 706 and SLWK 707, SLWK 710, and electives; or SLWK 710, SLWK 711, SLWK 712 and SLWK 713, SLWK 714 and SLWK 715 and electives; or generalist curriculum; or permission of the instructor and M.S.W. program director. Course provides opportunities to master advanced social work application of theory knowledge, values and skills through practice under the direction of an agency-based field instructor and monitored by a faculty field liaison. Emphasizes integration of content from all areas of the specialization curriculum.

SLWK 797. Specialization Field Instruction Extended Semesters II. 2 Hours.

Semester course; 2 field experience hours. 2 credits. Prerequisite: SLWK 796 with minimum grade of C. Pre- or corequisites: SLWK 703, SLWK 704 and SLWK 705, SLWK 706 and SLWK 707, SLWK 710, and electives; or SLWK 710, SLWK 711, SLWK 712 and SLWK 713, SLWK 714 and SLWK 715, and electives; or generalist curriculum; or permission of the instructor and M.S.W. program director. Course provides opportunities to master advanced social work application of theory knowledge, values and skills through practice under the direction of an agency-based field instructor and monitored by a faculty field liaison. Emphasizes integration of content from all areas of the specialization curriculum.

SLWK 798. Specialization Field Instruction Extended Semesters III. 2 Hours.

Semester course; 2 field experience hours. 2 credits. Prerequisite: SLWK 797 with a minimum grade of C. Pre- or corequisites: SLWK 703, SLWK 704 and SLWK 705, SLWK 706 and SLWK 707, SLWK 710, and electives; or SLWK 710, SLWK 711, SLWK 712 and SLWK 713, SLWK 714 and SLWK 715, and electives; or generalist curriculum; or permission of the instructor and M.S.W. program director. Course provides opportunities to master advanced social work application of theory knowledge, values and skills through practice under the direction of an agency-based field instructor and monitored by a faculty field liaison. Emphasizes integration of content from all areas of the specialization curriculum.