19 courses with the subject SOCW, 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.
SOCW 101FOUNDATIONS OF SOCIAL WORK. This foundational course introduces
students to the rich and diverse discipline of social work and its widespread societal contributions. Students will learn the fundamentals of generalist social work; the ethics, tenets, and history of the profession; as well as an overview of the social welfare system in America. Examination of prominent social work values, philosophical assumptions, and theories occurs throughout the course. Discussions of the diverse populations and settings served by social workers are also discussed. Thoughtfully integrating the core values of social work and Biblical view of human nature is a particular aim of the course. Three hours.
SOCW 205SOCIAL SERVICE PROGRAMS AND GRANTS. This course introduces
students to conceptualizing social problems through careful problem analysis and the development of effective programmatic responses. Because social service agencies are widely funded through public and private grants, students will also be introduced to the process of grant writing. Emphasis is placed throughout the course on responding to human need through service that demonstrates compassion, competence, and a commitment to promoting human dignity and flourishing. Three hours.
SOCW 264HUMAN BEHAVIOR IN THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT I. This course
provides a solid understanding of human behavior and development as it is manifested and developed within families, groups, organizations, and communities. The relationships among biological, social, psychological, cultural, and spiritual realities are examined for the ways they impact and inform human behavior. Discussions of human behavior and development will be specifically targeted to forming a solid understanding and foundation for the practice of social work. Prerequisite: Social Work 101. Three hours.
SOCW 272SOCIAL WORK PRACTICUM. This practicum will be structured around
a professional field experience of 140 on-site hours completed at a local organization providing quality social services. This experience is a critical component of preparing for a Social Work career. In addition to the field experience, students will attend a weekly, one- hour meeting led by a professor from the department with the purpose of collectively discussing case scenarios as well as interpersonal dynamics with relevance to the development of competent social work practice. Practicum objectives include directly observing how professional social work practice is implemented within a specific setting, integrating an introductory generalist theory with practice, obtaining knowledge about macro social service delivery systems, applying critical thinking skills to specific case situations, and demonstrating increased self-awareness related to interest areas within the field of social work. Prerequisites: Social Work 101, 264, and 382. Three hours.
SOCW 280INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL PROBLEMS. This course, designed both for
students of social work and students of any major interested in issues of international social justice, examines the history and development of these problems from micro and macro perspectives, exploring the social, political, and economic dynamics that catalyze and perpetuate unjust practices as well as the everyday experiences of those directly impacted. A social development model will be introduced, as well as case studies and readings from the Global South that encourage students to consider cross-cultural perspectives on the efficacy of social development practices. Not solely a theoretical examination, the course will encourage students to formulate and integrate ideas grounded in knowledge about cross-cultural social work practice, human development, and theology. Prerequisite: Social Work 101 and 264. Alternate years, three hours.
SOCW 302GENERALIST PRACTICE I. This course introduces the generalist practice
model of social work including theoretical frameworks, epistemological foundations, values and ethics, and practice approaches with individuals and families situated in a diverse range of environments. The study of social work functions, knowledge formation, and foundational skills are integral to the course. Additionally, the development of micro-level observation, assessment, interviewing, and clinical analysis utilizing a problem-solving approach is a primary emphasis. Prerequisites: Social Work 101 and 264. Three hours.
SOCW 305CHILD WELFARE. Children represent a group that is critically important to
the future, yet also a group without the ability to advocate for themselves. This course will examine child welfare, society’s response to providing services for children who lack adequate adult care and nurturing. The history, philosophies, programs, policies, and practices which comprise past and current child welfare services will be examined for both their efficacy and intended and unintended consequences upon some of the most vulnerable persons within our society. Case studies that illustrate the complexities of providing ethical and competent child welfare practice will also be integrated into the course. Prerequisite: Psychology 101, Social Work 101, or Sociology 101. Alternate years, three hours.
SOCW 310GENERALIST PRACTICE II. This course builds upon the preceding
course, Generalist Practice I, by extending the study of social work theory and practice to task and treatment groups and to social service institutions. The course focuses on developing and evaluating the practice skills and interventions that are necessary for facilitating effective change within each of these levels. A section on case management theory and skills, as well as an introduction to motivational interviewing are also included. Special attention will be given to interventions that are particularly geared toward individuals on the margins of society including the poor, disabled, elderly, and other at-risk populations. Prerequisite: Social Work 302. Three hours.
SOCW 342SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY ANALYSIS. This course carefully analyzes
and evaluates social welfare policies and programs as responses to defined social problems within their historical, political, and economic contexts. Past and present social welfare policies will be evaluated from a generalist perspective and students will be encouraged to critically analyze policies for both their efficacy and intended and unintended consequences. Policies related to poverty, advocacy, mental health, homelessness, racism, and child welfare will be specifically examined for their relevance to the practice of social work.
SOCW 364HUMAN BEHAVIOR IN THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT II. This course
explores the frameworks, values, and skills inherent to meeting micro-level—individual and family—needs through an examination of the “mediating layers of society” of our organizations and communities. The underlying assumption of the course is there is a reciprocal relationship between individuals and families and the larger contexts in which they are situated. Therefore, working for change on any level requires an understanding of the full range of social contexts that both positively and negatively affect groups of people. This course explores the middle context which lies between that of the individual and macro-level social welfare policies. Particular emphasis will be given to exploring ways of intervening in society’s middle layers that utilize best practices and promote human flourishing. Prerequisites: Social Work 264. Three hours.
SOCW 382HUMAN DIVERSITY IN SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE. This course
highlights the ways in which an understanding of human diversity informs all aspects of social work including practice and policy. Attention to some of the ways humans are diverse including race and socioeconomic status will be carefully examined as they relate to the practice of social work. Case studies will also be utilized to explore ways in which individuals and groups are negatively affected psychologically, economically, and spiritually by biased or unjust systems and structures. Prerequisite: Social Work 101. Three hours.
SOCW 420FIELD PLACEMENT I. In this course, students are placed in social service
organizations under the supervision of social work practitioners who are “teachers” in the field (field instructors) and under the careful guidance of the on-campus faculty. Students do not simply “work” in the setting, but are guided by specific learning outcomes. The goals of the field placement experience are to link the traditional curriculum with experiential learning through the development of a professional self and the development of foundational generalist practice skills with clients and client systems. Prerequisites: Senior status and faculty approval. Four hours.
SOCW 421FIELD PLACEMENT II. In this course, students are placed in social service
organizations under the supervision of social work practitioners who are “teachers” in the field (field instructors) and under the careful guidance of the on-campus faculty. Students do not simply “work” in the setting, but are guided by specific learning outcomes. The goals of the field placement experience are to link the traditional curriculum with experiential learning through the development of a professional self and the development of foundational generalist practice skills with clients and client systems. Prerequisites: Social Work 420. Four hours.
SOCW 425FIELD PLACEMENT SEMINAR I. The purpose of the seminar is to
collectively discuss case scenarios, as well as interpersonal dynamics with relevance to the development of competent social work practice. Some of the course seminars will also be topical in nature, covering experiential components of social work practice such as confidentiality, boundaries, ethics, integration of faith and practice, and professional self- care. Prerequisites: Senior standing and faculty approval. Two hours.
SOCW 426FIELD PLACEMENT SEMINAR II. The purpose of the seminar is to
collectively discuss case scenarios, as well as interpersonal dynamics with relevance to the development of competent social work practice. Some of the course seminars will also be topical in nature, covering experiential components of social work practice such as confidentiality, boundaries, ethics, integration of faith and practice, and professional self- care. Prerequisites: Senior standing and faculty approval. Two hours.
SOCW 460INDEPENDENT STUDY. Opportunity for students to do independent study
work in a specialized area of social work. Senior standing, permission of the department chair, and a faculty sponsor are required. One, two or three hours.
