Courses Offered
Human Services
HSRV-H 202 Introduction to Alcohol and Drug Abuse I (3 cr)
Basic overview of the physiological, psychological, and sociological aspects of alcohol and drug abuse.
HSRV-H 203 Introduction to Alcohol and Drug Abuse II (3 cr)
Examination of the effects of alcohol and drug abuse on the body. Will include acute and chronic effects of use and implications for treatment.
- Prerequisite: H202.
HSRV-H 204 Introduction to Gerontology (3 cr)
Basic introduction to the field of gerontology and the role of the human services professional.
HSRV-H 205 Treatment Issues in Alcohol and Drug Abuse (3 cr)
Discussion of methods of treatment, continuum of care, selected approaches to counseling, and the treatment functions of screening, intake, orientation, and referral.
- Prerequisite: H202.
HSRV-H 211 Dynamics of Group Behavior (3 cr)
Focus on properties of groups, awareness of personal factors in group interaction, dimensions of leadership in achieving effectiveness, characteristics of larger social systems, and the dynamics of change. Lectures and experiential exercises.
HSRV-H 301 Service Needs of Older Adults (3 cr)
This course addresses the basic service needs of the older adult. The topics to be addressed will include nutrition, health, and housing. A case management approach will be used.
HSRV-H 302 Psychological Aspects of Alcohol and Drug Abuse (3 cr)
Discussion of psychological aspects of alcohol and other drug use, abuse, and addiction. Will include assessment, motivation, emotional aspects, personality characteristics, and individual treatment approaches.
HSRV-H 303 Counseling Needs of Older Adults (3 cr)
This course addresses the emotional and psychological needs of the older adult. Topics to be covered will include retirement, loss, companionship, isolation, sexuality, autonomy and others. Focus will be on assessment, delivery of services, and referral.
HSRV-H 304 Basic Counseling Skills (3 cr)
Development of basic counseling skills including listening, focusing, reflecting, interpretation, confrontation and self-disclosure, and establishing effective counseling relationships.
- Prerequisite: Six credits of alcohol/drug, gerontology, or psychology.
HSRV-H 323 Social Systems Aspects of Alcohol and Drug Abuse (3 cr)
Discussion of social systems such as family, peer groups, and cultural systems as they interrelate with persons abusing alcohol and other drugs. Will include substance abuse in the workplace and in organizations.
HSRV-H 360 Counseling Substance Abusers and Their Families (3 cr)
Recognizing symptoms of dependency, the role of the family, emotional enmeshment, family patterns, and treatment approaches. The course includes lectures, role plays, discussion, and films.
HSRV-H 401 Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Seminar (3 cr)
Study and analysis of diagnosis and treatment, including counseling styles and methods of facilitating change, self-help programs, treatment facilities models, and outcomes of effective treatment. Special attention will be given to poly-addicted clients, women, adolescents, and the family.
- Prerequisite: Six credits of alcohol and drug abuse courses.
HSRV-H 402 Integrative Seminar in Gerontology (3 cr)
Integration of gerontology knowledge and skills through completion of a special project in gerontology and participation in a seminar focused on the community and institutional care needs of older adults, along with the role of human services gerontology professionals.
- Prerequisite: Fifteen hours in Gerontology.
Social Work
SWK-S 100 Understanding Diversity in a Pluralistic Society (3 cr)
Theories and models to enhance understanding of our diverse society. Provides content about differences and similarities in experiences, needs, and beliefs of selected minority groups and their relation to majority groups.
- Pre- or Co-requisite: ENG- W131
SWK-S 141 Introduction to Social Work (3 cr)
Examination of characteristics, functions, and requirements of social work as a profession. Emphasis upon ideological perspectives of the profession and the nature of professional function and interaction.
- Pre- or Corequisite: ENG- W131
SWK-S 200 Special Topics in Human Services (3 cr)
Study of selected topics in human services such as chronic mental illness, drug and alcohol abuse, gerontology, child welfare, case management.
SWK-S 221 Human Behavior and Social Environment I: Individual Development and Functioning (3 cr)
Understanding of human behavior with the environment as a basis for social work practice. Focuses on understanding the interaction between person and environment. Coverage of major theories of individual functioning, life cycle development, and family context. Exploration of inequality, discrimination, and differential access to opportunities.
SWK-S 231 General Social Work Practice I: Theory/Skill (3 cr)
Development of beginning understanding of generalist social work practice. Uses a range of perspectives including strengths, perspective, empowerment, and person-in-environment. Focuses on beginning phase of problem-solving process and related skills.
- Prerequisite: Admission to B.S.W. program.
- Pre- or Co-requisite: S221.
SWK-S 232 Human Services Skills (6 cr)
Continuation of S231. Guided field experiences for application of generic practice concepts, principles, and development of basic skills.
SWK-S 251 Emergence of Social Services (3 cr)
Examination of the evolution of social services in response to human needs and social problems, as related to economic, political, and social conditions.
- Prerequisite S141 or permission of instructor.
- Pre- or Co-requisite: HIST- H106.
SWK-S 280 Introduction to Field Experience (3 cr)
Introductory field experience for testing interest in Social Work.
SWK-S 300 Selected Topics in Social Work (3 cr)
Study of selected topics in Social Work.
- Prerequisite: Junior standing.
SWK-S 322 Human Behavior and Social Environment II: Small Group Functioning (3 cr)
Examination of the significance of small group as context and means for social development of individuals and as agent of change in the social environment. Discussion of individuals as members of group, including family and organizations.
- Prerequisite: S221
SWK-S 323 Human Behavior and Social Environment III: Community and Organizational Functioning (3 cr)
Theoretical and conceptual foundation of community and formal organizations, community research, institutional discrimination, distribution of community resources, and power and control as it relates to oppressed groups.
SWK-S 332 General Social Work Practice II: Theory/Skill (3 cr)
Examination of middle and ending phases of the problem-solving process and related skills. Helping relationships with various client system sizes, impact of agency policies and procedures vis a vis clients’ problems, relationship between practice and research.
SWK-S 352 Social Service Delivery Systems (3 cr)
Policies, structures, and programs of service delivery systems at local, regional, and national levels. Emphasis on systems relationships and policy development process for beginning capacity in policy analysis and policy practice.
SWK-S 371 Social Work Research (3 cr)
Prerequisite Junior standing. Examination of basic research methods in social work, the relevance of research for social work practice, and selection of knowledge for use in social work.
SWK-S 381 Social Work Practicum I (3 cr)
Guided field experience for application of generic practice concepts, principles, and development of basic practice skills.
SWK-S 400 Practicum Seminar (1 cr)
Discussion of practice issues as experienced in S482.
SWK-S 433 Generalist Social Work Practice III: Theory and Skills (3 cr)
Development of the ability to work differentially with selected situations and varied system sizes. It identifies clients’ needs as the primary factor influencing the choice of intervention.
SWK-S 442 Practice-Policy Seminar in Fields of Practice (3 cr)
(2 courses required)
Addresses practice and policy issues in specific fields of practice, such as child and family, aging, addictions, and developmental disabilities.
SWK-S 472 Practice Evaluation (3 cr)
Develop the knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate own practice with individuals, groups, communities, and organizations.
SWK-S 482 Social Work Practicum II (5 cr)
Guided field experience for application of concepts and principles and development of skills for generalists practice with selected social systems.
SWK-S 490 Independent Study (1-6 cr)
Prerequisite special permission. Individual study of an area of special interest.
Social Work
SWK-S 100 Understanding Diversity in a Pluralistic Society (3 cr)
Theories and models to enhance understanding of our diverse society. Provides content about differences and similarities in experiences, needs, and beliefs of selected minority groups and their relation to majority groups.
- Pre- or Co-requisite: ENG- W131
SWK-S 141 Introduction to Social Work (3 cr)
Examination of characteristics, functions, and requirements of social work as a profession. Emphasis upon ideological perspectives of the profession and the nature of professional function and interaction.
- Pre- or Corequisite: ENG- W131
SWK-S 200 Special Topics in Human Services (3 cr)
Study of selected topics in human services such as chronic mental illness, drug and alcohol abuse, gerontology, child welfare, case management.
SWK-S 221 Human Behavior and Social Environment I: Individual Development and Functioning (3 cr)
Understanding of human behavior with the environment as a basis for social work practice. Focuses on understanding the interaction between person and environment. Coverage of major theories of individual functioning, life cycle development, and family context. Exploration of inequality, discrimination, and differential access to opportunities.
SWK-S 231 General Social Work Practice I: Theory/Skill (3 cr)
Development of beginning understanding of generalist social work practice. Uses a range of perspectives including strengths, perspective, empowerment, and person-in-environment. Focuses on beginning phase of problem-solving process and related skills.
- Prerequisite: Admission to B.S.W. program.
- Pre- or Co-requisite: S221.
SWK-S 232 Human Services Skills (6 cr)
Continuation of S231. Guided field experiences for application of generic practice concepts, principles, and development of basic skills.
SWK-S 251 Emergence of Social Services (3 cr)
Examination of the evolution of social services in response to human needs and social problems, as related to economic, political, and social conditions.
- Prerequisite S141 or permission of instructor.
- Pre- or Co-requisite: HIST- H106.
SWK-S 280 Introduction to Field Experience (3 cr)
Introductory field experience for testing interest in Social Work.
SWK-S 300 Selected Topics in Social Work (3 cr)
Study of selected topics in Social Work.
- Prerequisite: Junior standing.
SWK-S 322 Human Behavior and Social Environment II: Small Group Functioning (3 cr)
Examination of the significance of small group as context and means for social development of individuals and as agent of change in the social environment. Discussion of individuals as members of group, including family and organizations.
- Prerequisite: S221
SWK-S 323 Human Behavior and Social Environment III: Community and Organizational Functioning (3 cr)
Theoretical and conceptual foundation of community and formal organizations, community research, institutional discrimination, distribution of community resources, and power and control as it relates to oppressed groups.
SWK-S 332 General Social Work Practice II: Theory/Skill (3 cr)
Examination of middle and ending phases of the problem-solving process and related skills. Helping relationships with various client system sizes, impact of agency policies and procedures vis a vis clients’ problems, relationship between practice and research.
SWK-S 352 Social Service Delivery Systems (3 cr)
Policies, structures, and programs of service delivery systems at local, regional, and national levels. Emphasis on systems relationships and policy development process for beginning capacity in policy analysis and policy practice.
SWK-S 371 Social Work Research (3 cr)
Prerequisite Junior standing. Examination of basic research methods in social work, the relevance of research for social work practice, and selection of knowledge for use in social work.
SWK-S 381 Social Work Practicum I (3 cr)
Guided field experience for application of generic practice concepts, principles, and development of basic practice skills.
SWK-S 400 Practicum Seminar (1 cr)
Discussion of practice issues as experienced in S482.
SWK-S 433 Generalist Social Work Practice III: Theory and Skills (3 cr)
Development of the ability to work differentially with selected situations and varied system sizes. It identifies clients’ needs as the primary factor influencing the choice of intervention.
SWK-S 442 Practice-Policy Seminar in Fields of Practice (3 cr)
(2 courses required)
Addresses practice and policy issues in specific fields of practice, such as child and family, aging, addictions, and developmental disabilities.
SWK-S 472 Practice Evaluation (3 cr)
Develop the knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate own practice with individuals, groups, communities, and organizations.
SWK-S 482 Social Work Practicum II (5 cr)
Guided field experience for application of concepts and principles and development of skills for generalists practice with selected social systems.
SWK-S 490 Independent Study (1-6 cr)
Prerequisite special permission. Individual study of an area of special interest.
MSW Course Descriptions
SWK-S 501 Professional Social Work at the Masters Level: An Immersion (3 cr)
This foundation course provides an overview of social work including the definition, scope, history, ethics and values of the profession.
SWK-S 502 Research I (3 cr.)
This foundation research course assists students in developing the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of social work practice. Emphasis is placed upon knowledge of qualitative and quantitative designs, methodologies, and techniques that inform students of best practices in social work.
SWK-S 503 Human Behavior in the Social Environment I (3 cr)
This course provides content on the reciprocal relationships between human behavior and social environments.
SWK-S 504 Professional Practice Skills I (3 cr)
This foundation practice course focuses on basic generalist theory and skills that are necessary when working with a wide variety of client systems: individuals, families, small groups, communities, and organizations.
SWK-S 505 Social Policy Analysis and Practice (3 cr)
This foundation policy course will focus on using several policy analysis frameworks to analyze current social policies and programs both at the state and federal levels and to develop policies that increase social and economic justice.
SWK-S 513 Human Behavior and the Social Environment II (3 cr)
This course builds upon S503 (HBSE I) and focuses on developing further knowledge of human behavior theories and their application to practice. Students will link course content to the concentration that the student has selected.
SWK-S 514 Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups II (3 cr)
This course builds on the practice theories, principles, and skills introduced in the Professional Practice Skills course to prepare students for competent social work practice with individuals and families.
SWK-S 515 Social Policy and Services II (3 cr)
A group of courses covering topics or content including social problems, special populations, particular social service delivery areas, and social indicators that predict areas of future social policy transformations.
SWK-S 516 Practice with Organizations, Communities and Societies II (cr)
This course is concerned with helping communities and other social units to empower themselves and eradicate oppressive situations and practices through networking, political participation, leadership development, mobilization, utilization of resources, and other strategies and techniques.
SWK-S 555 Social Work Practicum I (3 cr)
The MSW Social Work Practicum I is an educationally-directed practice experience under the direct supervision of an approved field instructor.
Learning opportunities emphasize the values and ethics of the profession, fosters the integration of empirical and practice-based knowledge, and promotes the development of professional competence.
The Field Practice Seminar is designed to assist students in integrating classroom learning with the experience of an internship.
SWK-S 600 Electives (3 cr)
Vary in subject matter. Scheduling of these courses will be announced prior to semester registration.
SWK-S 623 Practice Research Integrative Seminar I (3 cr)
This course furthers the knowledge, skills, and values students develop in the foundation-year research course.
SWK-S 632 Child Welfare Practice I: Working with Children Impacted by Violence in the Family (3 cr)
This course is designed to provide practice skills for students working with children and families impacted by abuse, neglect or family violence.
SWK-S 633 Child Welfare Practice II: Working with Diverse and Transitioning Families (3 cr)
This course will focus on the experiences of children and families in the child welfare system.
SWK-S 634 Community Based Practice with Children and Families (3 cr)
This course will examine the development and implementation of a wide range of prevention and intervention strategies provided at the community level.
SWK-S 651 MSW Concentration Practicum II (4 cr) & S652 Practicum III (5 cr)
These courses together provide an in-depth practicum experience for MSW Concentration students under the guidance and supervision of an approved field instructor.
SWK-S 661 Executive Leadership Practice (3 cr)
This course addresses administrative, management, leadership, and supervisory skills necessary for leadership practice. Included are staff hiring, supervision, evaluation, and termination; working with boards and volunteers, leadership styles, strategic planning, and current best practices in administration.
SWK-S 662 Fiscal Management, Marketing & Resource Development (3 cr)
This course consists of three modules designed to develop core skill sin fiscal management (which will include issues of budgeting, understanding balance sheets, audits, and theories of accounting); resource development (including fund raising, grant writing and personnel policies), and marketing for social work leaders.
SWK-S 663 Leveraging Organizations, Communities, and Political Systems (3cr)
This course focuses on knowledge and skills essential for understanding, analyzing, and application in organizations, communities and political arenas.
SWK-S 664 Designing Transformational Programs (3 cr.)
This course focuses on alternative, transformational models of strategic, community, and program planning.
SWK-S 672 Families, Theories & Culture (3 cr)
This course is oriented to enhancing student ability to assess and intervene with families in culturally sensitive manner from a strengths oriented perspective.
SWK-S 673 Couples and Families Interventions I (3 cr)
This course provides in-depth discussion of ways to intervene with individuals on family-of-origin issues, couples at different stages of family development, parents with children at different ages, and the family as part of a larger social context utilizing a strengths perspective.
SWK-S 674 Couples and Family Interventions II (3 cr)
This course emphasizes family interventions on a variety of family challenges often seen in family agencies (substance abuse, violence, physical illness, mental illness, family life cycle disruption, etc.). The course reviews assessment and intervention strategies and how to build skill with a variety of family issues.
SWK-S 682 Assessment in Mental Health and Addictions (3 cr)
Recognizing the social, political, legal, and ethical implications of assessment, students enrolled in this course critically examine various conceptual frameworks and apply bio-psychosocial and strengths perspectives to understand its multidimensional aspects. n.
SWK-S 683 Community-Based Practice in Mental Health and Addiction (3 cr)
Students enrolled in this course examine a wide range of community-based services provided for people with severe mental illness and/or severe addiction problems. Special attention is given to strength-based, client-driven, and evidence-based practice models.
SWK-S 685 Mental Health and Addictions Practice with Individuals and Families (3 cr)
Students enrolled in this course develop knowledge, values and ethics, skills, and judgment necessary for competent application of selected evidence based, best practice approaches for service to and for children, youth, adults, and families affected by mental health and addictions issues.
SWK-S 686 Social Work Practice: Addictions (3 cr)
The purpose of this course is to provide learners with knowledge and skills relevant to various aspects of social work practice in prevention, intervention, and treatment of selected addictions.
SWK-S 687 Mental Health and Addiction Practice with Groups (3 cr)
Students enrolled in this course develop professional knowledge and skills for group work services to and for persons affected by mental health and addictions issues. The phases of group development and intervention during the various group work stages provide a conceptual framework for the course experience.
SWK-S 692 Health Care Practice I (3 cr)
This course will focus upon the role of the social worker in a health care setting. Issues such as team building, professional identity, patient advocacy, ethics and managed care will be addressed. Also, the impact of healthcare payment sources and healthcare choices for patients will be explored.
SWK-S 693 Health Care Practice II (3 cr)
This course will examine the psychosocial impact of illnesses. Areas such as coping with chronic illness, caregiver stress, grieving and loss, medical ethics and violence as a healthcare issue will be examined. The needs of at-risk populations (i.e., children, survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, frail elderly, individuals living with HIV/AIDS, etc.) will be addressed.
