54 courses with the subject SOWK, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
SOWK 105Introduction to Social Work3
An introduction to the knowledge, skills, and values of social work practice. Students will be assisted in understanding how social workers identify strengths and utilize a problem-solving process to address the needs of people in the context of their social environments. Particular attention will be given to students' self-awareness and faith as they prepare to establish professional helping relationships within the context of a social agency. Basic practice principles will be explored through the use of reading assignments, case studies, role plays, volunteer experience in social agencies, and classroom lectures.
A survey of the similarities and differences of human individuals and groups, and the effect of human diversity on social interaction, within the context of social welfare and social work. Particular attention will be given to differences based on age, gender and sexual orientation; race, ethnicity and nationality; culture and lifestyle; religion; ability and disability; and socioeconomic status. Material for thought and discussion will be provided by readings, videos, students' life experiences, and classroom lectures.
A survey of individual, family, and community needs, and the way American society organizes itself to meet them systematically through the social welfare institution, historically and in contemporary society. Students will be assisted in understanding the social welfare institution as a manifestation of the interplay of values in a political context. Attention will be given to the contributions of the Christian church and other faith-based organizations, and the roles of social workers, in the social welfare institution. Material for thought and discussion will be provided by reading assignments, videos, and student presentations. This is a writing-intensive course.
SOWK 230JSpecial Topic: Disaster and Crisis Response in Social Work Practice3
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to disaster and crisis response within the field of social work. Through an exploration of Hurricane Katrina, students will gain a deeper understanding of the complex impact of disasters on individuals, families, and communities. The course covers key phases of disaster management, including preparedness, response, and recovery, with a strong emphasis on the role of social workers in each phase. Students will develop critical skills in assessing community vulnerabilities, planning disaster response strategies, and integrating cultural competence and ethical principles into their practice. Additionally, the course will explore the intersection of spirituality and social work in disaster contexts, guiding students on how to incorporate spiritual care and faith-based approaches into their interventions. Practical applications, case studies, and interactive activities will equip students with the tools needed to effectively support and advocate for disaster-affected populations, fostering resilience and promoting recovery in diverse communities.
A study of problems experienced by families and children and the services designed to meet them. Attention will be given to traditional services dealing with problems such as child abuse and marital conflict, as well as less traditional services dealing with problems such as adolescent flight, spouse abuse, and addictions.
A family systems approach will be used to explore the beliefs, rituals, roles, and structures that are a part of family life, and to understand the dynamics and developmental processes of families, their social context, and policy implications. Home-based and community-based social services that help families deal with a wide range of issues will be identified.
An exploration of the physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs of the aging and the services available to meet them. Attention will be given to the role of the church in meeting the needs of the elderly.
An exploration of the history and growth of social work in the field of healthcare. Students will gain knowledge of health care policy and the relationship between policy, social welfare, and social work practice. It will examine the role of the social worker and address ethical dilemmas faced by social workers. Attention will also be given to emerging community health initiatives.
An exploration of current issues facing women and social services that have developed in areas such as child welfare, mental health and domestic violence. Consideration will be given to social, political, and economic factors that influence the way in which issues emerge and services are developed. Contemporary and historical response of secular and Christian communities to women's issues will be examined. Particular attention will be given to ways in which social workers listen and respond to women's needs.
This course is designed to provide an international cross cultural perspective and cultural immersion for students interested in learning about social welfare, social services and social work opportunities outside of the United States, particularly in underdeveloped and developing countries. Through international travel, activities and engagement with individuals and communities in developing nations students will gain a global view of social welfare and the social work profession. Particular attention will be given to values inherent in a Christian worldview. International travel is required.
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an introductory knowledge of the biological, sociological, psychological and spiritual complexities of addiction. Students enrolled in the course will gain knowledge and basic skills relevant to prevention, assessment, intervention, and treatment of addictions. The course will assist students in developing a multi-dimentional understanding of treatment needs of diverse populations and will explore the relationship between addiction, socio-economic status, gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and culture. Although the primary focus of this course will be drug and alcohol addictions, the course will examine other disorders including eating disorders and process disorders.
This course will provide students with information regarding mental health issues in American society. It will create a foundation for thinking about mental health issues. It will address various mental health services and programs for adults and the roles social workers perform in the promotion, prevention, treatment and habilitation to various populations in need of mental health services. Historical perspectives, contemporary policies, social trends and ethical issues as well as the impact of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and social class on mental health policies and services will be examined. The course will address issues related to the classification of mental health disorders and examine four primary diagnosis from a strengths perspective.
This course will cover loss throughout the life span and the impact of trauma, spirituality, human services and development on the grieving process. Age-appropriate interventions will be discussed. The course will include use of film clips, discussion, presentations and activities.
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to social group work theory and methods relevant for social work practice with groups (including families, communities, and organizations). The historical roots of social group work are examined along with Christianity and diversity issues within group work. Students will become familiar with tasks related to group development, leadership, goals and norms, communication, roles and outcome assessment. Particular attention will be given to task, treatment, educational, and self-help groups. The development of knowledge, skills and values regarding social group work is taught, in part, through the use of experiential group activities and exercises.
This course provides the student with an overview of trauma, including the history and current theories in the field, the nature of trauma (sexual abuse, combat, and natural disasters, transgenerational), how trauma affects individuals, communities and systems, grief reactions, faith, and traumatic stress. Basic interventions for trauma informed care within organizations/systems are explored along with integrating trauma informed care, trauma prevention, and trauma treatment into social work practice. Identifying the role of the social worker as an advocate for trauma impacted clients throughout the mezzo and macro realms are discussed. Risk and resilience theories are heavily discussed throughout course. This is an elective course with no prerequisites.
The purpose of this course is to provide an understanding of biological, psychological, sociological, spiritual, and cultural factors in human development and social interaction as part of the knowledge base for social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. These factors will be used to examine the development of the individual over the life span and the individual's membership in a range of social systems. The knowledge gained from the integration of biological, psychological, sociological, spiritual, and cultural factors will be used to focus on intervention within the social environment. Attention will be given to Christian faith development as an integral component of the course. Offered in the fall semester only. Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C in SOWK 110, PSYC 100, SOCI 100. Prerequisites or Corequisites: ANTH 101, BIOL 104.
An exploration of the social work agency from the perspective of a direct service social work practitioner. Students will use materials contributed from their practicum experiences as the basis for exploring the impact of the social work agency on its clients, the larger society, and the social worker.
An introduction to social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Assigned readings and social work process records provided by the instructor or contributed from the students' own practicum experiences will be used to begin to acquire knowledge and skills required by social work practitioners.
This course is a supervised social work practicum in an approved a social service agency or host setting. Students are in the practicum two days per week (typically Tuesdays and Thursdays) for a total of 200 hours for the semester. Students engage in beginning-level, direct-service tasks and receive social work supervision. Junior placements are arranged during the preceding fall semester. The course is graded on a Pass/Fail basis and is open only to junior-level students in the BSW program.
An exploration of the ideological and philosophical issues underlying current social welfare policy in the United States. Students utilize analysis of major social welfare policy areas to inform their understanding of current issues, developing social forces, and macro-level social change activities. Open to senior in the BSW program only.
Emphasis is placed on deepening understanding of social work practice and beginning integration of knowledge and skill. Open to seniors in the BSW program only. Must be taken during one academic year.
Emphasis is placed on deepening understanding of social work practice and beginning integration of knowledge and skill. Open to seniors in the BSW program only. Must be taken during one academic year.
This course is a supervised social work practicum in an approved social service agency or host setting. Students are in the practicum two days per week (typically Tuesdays and Thursdays) for a total of 200 hours per semester. Students engage in direct-service tasks under social work supervision throughout two semesters (for a total of 400 hours). This course is open to senior social work majors only. Senior placements are made during the spring semester of the previous academic year. Graded on a P/F basis. Must be taken during one academic year.
This course is a supervised social work practicum in an approved social service agency or host setting. Students are in the practicum two days per week (typically Tuesdays and Thursdays) for a total of 200 hours per semester. Students engage in direct-service tasks under social work supervision throughout two semesters (for a total of 400 hours). This course is open to senior social work majors only. Senior placements are made during the spring semester of the previous academic year. Graded on a P/F basis. Must be taken during one academic year.
An introduction to scientific methods of inquiry concerning the phenomena encountered by direct service social work practitioners. Particular attention is given to evaluation and interpretation of research findings, research design and implementation, basic statistical measures, evaluation of service delivery, evaluation of students' own practice, the implications of human diversity for research design and interpretation, and the ethical context of the research process.
An introduction to the knowledge, skills and values of social work practice. Students will be assisted in understanding how social workers identify strengths and utilize a problem-solving process to address then eeds of people in context of their social environments. Particular attention will be given to students' self-awareness and faith as they prepare to establish professional helping relationships within the context of social agency. Basic practice princples will be explored through the use of reading assignments, case studies, and classroom lectures. No Prerequisites.
Historically the United States of America has prided itself on being the "melting pot," that is, a country comprised of various yet distinctive ethnic, racial, and cultural groups. More recently, the term "salad bowl" has been used. In this course, we will research the similarities and differences of the individuals and groups that are represented throughout society. This course will explore factors such as lifestyle development, sex and gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, nationality, culture, religion, physical and mental ability and socioeconomic status. The experiences of individuals and groups based on their similarities and differences will be explored within the context of their social interaction with each other, their interactions with majority groups and the dynamics of those interactions. Students will be assisted in using knowledge to inform practice by developing skills and strategies based on strength and empowerment. Particular attention will be given to values inherent within a Christian worldview. Material for thought and discussion will be provided by reading assignments, videos, students' life experiences, field observation, and classroom lectures.
SOWK 520Human Growth and Behavior in the Social Environment3
The purpose of this course is to provide an understanding of biological, psychological, sociological, spiritual, and cultural factors in human development and social interaction as part of the knowledge base for social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. These factors will be used to examine the development of the individual over the lifespan and the individual's membership in a range of social systems. The knowledge gained from the integration of biological, psychological, sociological, spiritual, and cultural factors will be used to focus on intervention within the social environment. Attention will be given to Christian faith development as an integral component of the course.
SOWK 540Generalist Social Work Practice With Organizations3
This course is a continuation of the exploration of the social work agency begun in SOWK 501: Introduction to Social Work. To further gain understanding of the organization dynamic of the social work organization, students will use their field placement as a case study. The central themes of the course are: The variant ways social work agencies are organized to achieve their mission and carry out their function; The impact of the agency on its social workers and clients;The impact that social workers and clients can have on the agency.
This course provides an introduction into the history of social welfare policy, services, and the social work profession. It explores current social welfare issues and the underlying rationale and values that support different approaches. Emphasis is placed on major fields of social work service such as: child welfare, environmental and social justice, health care, mental health, poverty and services to the aging. Through the semester, students will explore the strengths and weaknesses of the United States social welfare system with respect to social justice and social change, behavioral and social science theory and research, in relation to multiculturalism and diversity. The purpose of the course is to prepare students to examine personal experiences, to engage in personal reflection and self-awareness, and to relate both experiences and reflections to historical and contemporary ideas. The course can also enhance your understanding of how to integrate a Christian worldview into your thinking about the American social welfare system. A key component of the course is learning to recognize the ways in which privilege and power are created, maintained, and enhanced through structures, values, and ideologies present in the U.S.
SOWK 561Generalist Social Work Practice With Individuals and Families3
This course is a continuation of the exploration of the social work generalist foundation of practice, focusing on interpersonal practice with individuals and famillies, while integrating community, organizational and policy contexts core to effective social work practice. Drawing upon earlier knowledge of diversity, cultural competence, social justice and social change, the course integrates historical, contextual, and social science knowledge presented in the prerequisite courses and draws upon the field experience which is taken concurrently. Included in the subject matter will be examination of ethics and values, and an understanding of the centrality of race, culture, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, spirituality and ability that a play a role in the interpersonal dynamics of pracitice. Prerequisite: SOWK 501, SOWK 510, SOWK 520. Co-requisite: SOWK 571.
SOWK 562Generalist Social Work Practice With Groups and Communities3
This course is a continuation of the exploration of macro social work begun in SOWK 540, Generalist Practice with Organizations. The course is divided into two parts: 1) understanding group dynamics and leadership, and 2) applying group dynamics in a community context. Part one exposes students to an understanding of group dynamics and group functioning. The second half of the course will apply those skills in the context of community and neighborhood. Students will apply course knowledge in their field placement, practicing burgeoning skills in a real-world context.
The internship experience is a cornerstone of social work education, offering students the chance to apply classroom learning in a supervised social work setting under the guidance of experienced practitioners. The 400-hour generalist internship takes place in a social work agency or similar host setting, where students undertake entry-level direct-service responsibilities. The internship placement is arranged in the semester prior to the start of the internship, in consultation with the MSW Internship Director. To be eligible for the internship, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This course is graded on a pass/fail basis.
The internship experience is a cornerstone of social work education, offering students the chance to apply classroom learning in a supervised social work setting under the guidance of experienced practitioners. The 400-hour generalist internship takes place in a social work agency or similar host setting, where students undertake entry-level direct-service responsibilities. The internship placement is arranged in the semester prior to the start of the internship, in consultation with the MSW Internship Director. To be eligible for the internship, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This course is graded on a pass/fail basis.
This course provides an introduction to scientific methods of inquiry concerning the phenomena encountered by direct service social work practitioners. Particular attention is given to evaluation and interpretation of research findings, research design and implementation, basic statistical measures, evaluation of service delivery, evaluation of students' own practice, the implications of human diversity for research design and interpretation, and the ethical context of the research process. The course introduces students to research methods used by social workers. The organizing theme of the course is the relationship between research and social work practice. The course focuses on three main elements. 1.) First, the course is designed to povide you with a general introduction to basic knowledge and skills that are necessary for the design, evaluation, method, and utlization of social work research. 2.) Second, the course is designed to help you understand how to apply research principles to different types of research from either an agency perspective or a practitioner's perspective. 3.) Third, the course will equip you to be a more knowledgeable user of research, a capableevaluator of your own practice, and, ultimately, a qualified research team member. Co-requisite SOWK 572 Generalist Field Practicum 2.
Provides knowledge, skills, and values required for advanced practice. This course builds upon students' foundational knowledge of generalist practice in engagement, assessment, intervention and evaluation they acquired in their BSW program. This course surveys theories of human behavior, policy, research, and practice to promote the needs and capacities of populations at risk. This course will assist students to think critically about social work practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels of practice. Specifically, students will be able to articulate the generalist social work practice model, its roles and functions, and demonstrate an understanding of all levels of practice. Students will demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate and synthesize empirical research as a tool for evidence based practice and policy.
This course will give students the opportunity to diagnose, classify, and assess mental disorders, and to facilitate an objective assessment of symptom presentations in their field experiences. As an advanced clinical course aimed to expand students' tools in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, this course will utilize a risk and resilience bio-psycho-social-spiritual framework to better understand mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. This course will utilize a trauma-informed life span approach and integrate critical thinking, evidence-based practice, a strengths-based perspective, social work values (i.e., the worth and dignity of individuals & a focus on person-in-environment), and field experience into the clinical process of assessing and diagnosing clients.
SOWK 640Trauma, Resilience and Spirituality in Advanced Social Work Practice3
This course addresses human suffering in the wake of trauma and the potential for spirituality to build resilience and bring healing. Students will explore types of trauma, micro and macro strategies for intervening with traumatized clients, the importance of personal and client self-care when dealing with primary and secondary trauma, and the meaning-making model of spirituality to assess and intervene with traumatized clients. Particular attention will be paid to ethical considerations, cultural competence with the traumatized, a trauma-informed perspective informed by a strengths and resilience paradigm, and ways that clients develop resilience and learn to cope with the after-effects of traumatization.
SOWK 641Trauma Informed Policy in Advanced Social Work Practice3
This advanced practice course addresses human experience in relation to trauma. Students will explore types of trauma, micro/mezzo/macro level strategies for intervention, and policy development. Particular attention will be paid to ethical and core values, the social work profession's knowledge base, a trauma-informed perspective, and advanced generalist practice policy development for individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations.
SOWK 642Trauma Informed Research in Advanced Social Work Practice3
This advanced practice course prepares students to engage in scientific methods of inquiry concerning human experience in relation to trauma. Particular attention is given to evaluation and interpretation of findings, research design, evaluation of service delivery, evaluation of student's own practice, and exploration of implications for human diversity with regard to individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. The organizing theme of this course is the relationship between advanced generalist social work practice and trauma informed research.
This course builds upon the first year of Generalist Practice (SOWK 561) and teaches direct social work practice with individuals at an advanced level, with emphasis upon assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation. Theories used provide models for understanding human behavior, and how to plan, implement, and evaluate change. Theoretical schools include: cognitive-behavioral, brief solution-focused, and problem-solving approaches. Each model provides knowledge and skills in assessment, diagnosis and treatment of the individual. A specific focus of the class is the Trauma-informed approach that builds upon individual resilience and integrates spirituality, integrating these with previous knowledge of the person-in-environment perspective, cultural competence, and the ethics and values of the profession of social work. The competency of research-informed practice and practice-informed research for selecting approaching interventions and evaluation of practice is a key component of the course.
SOWK 662Advanced Practice With Groups, Communities, and Organizations3
Building upon SOWK 561 (Generalist Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families) this course advances the knowledge required to work collaboratively with a variety of groups: task, educational, self-help, committees, boards, and treatment groups. Drawing upon a strengths-based paradigm, students learn, develop and practice group leadership skills with diverse clients both in the classroom and in the concurrent field experience, focusing on beginning, leading and terminating groups. Attention is paid to issues of mutual aid, empowerment, social/economic/environmental justice and group practice with at-risk populations. Evaluation of group outcomes using qualitative and quantitative methods will be examined.
Building upon SOWK 561 (Generalist Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families) this course advances the knowledge required to work with families in diverse practice settings. Theories introduced earlier will be applied to the process of engaging, assessing, intervening, and evaluating practice with families considering how various strategies enhance the strengths of a family while advancing justice with oppressed groups in work with families. The impact or social systems on family functioning will be emphasized. Students will understand and apply process designed to move families from a problem focus toward optimal functioning. Offered concurrent with SOWK 671 (Advanced Social Work Field Practicum 3), students will have opportunity to apply learning in the field setting and use field experiences to assist their critical thinking and practice skills that prepare them for professional practice as MSW prepared professionals.
The internship experience is a cornerstone of social work education, offering students the chance to apply classroom learning through 500 hours of supervised practice under the guidance of experienced social work practitioners. This internship takes place in a social work agency or similar host setting, where students assume intermediate to advanced direct-service responsibilities. Placement is arranged in the semester prior to the internship, in consultation with the Internship Director. The course is graded on a pass/fail basis.
The internship experience is a cornerstone of social work education, offering students the chance to apply classroom learning through 500 hours of supervised practice under the guidance of experienced social work practitioners. This internship takes place in a social work agency or similar host setting, where students assume intermediate to advanced direct-service responsibilities. Placement is arranged in the semester prior to the internship, in consultation with the Internship Director. The course is graded on a pass/fail basis.
The field experience is the signature pedagogy of social work education and provides an opportunity to apply classroom learning in a supervised social work setting under observation by experienced social work practitioners. The practicum occurs in a social work agency or host setting. Students carry beginning, direct-service responsibilities. Agency placement is made the semester previous to the start of the field experience in consultation with the Field Advisor. Graded on a P/F basis.
The internship experience is a cornerstone of social work education, offering students the chance to apply classroom learning through 500 hours of supervised practice under the guidance of experienced social work practitioners. This internship takes place in a social work agency or similar host setting, where students assume intermediate to advanced direct-service responsibilities. Placement is arranged in the semester prior to the internship, in consultation with the Internship Director. The course is graded on a pass/fail basis.
