Courses Offered
Human Services
HSRV-H 202 Introduction to Alcohol and Drug Abuse I (3 cr)
As an introductory course in drug and alcohol studies, this course is designed to provide students with a basic overview of the physiological, psychological and sociological aspects of substance abuse. Course material includes an introduction to classification, physical characteristics, physiologic and psychological effects, biochemical mechanisms of action, subjective and objective effects of commonly abused mood altering substances, the culture surrounding use, and implications for treatment. Students will be introduced to legal, ethical, personal, and societal implications of substance abuse, as well as terms and concepts used in substance abuse treatment, intervention and prevention fields.
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)
This course focuses on treatment of individuals impacted by drug and alcohol abuse. Content builds on previous learning in (H202) Introduction to Drug and Alcohol Abuse, and complements other courses in the Human Services Drug and Alcohol series of classes. It includes discussion of methods of treatment, continuum of care, selected treatment intervention models, and the functions of screening instruments, assessment, diagnosis, accurate treatment placement and aftercare. Further treatment strategies with special populations are explored.
- Prerequisite: H202.
HSRV-H 211 Dynamics of Group Behavior (3 cr)
Despite changes in theoretical approaches and methods, the primary context of service delivery to chemically dependent clients remains the treatment group. Humans are social beings by nature, and group settings and interactions can bring unique opportunities and motivations for individual change. The experience of being in a group can enhance the individual’s social skills, self-awareness, growth potential. New attitudes, behaviors, and responses can be learned and practiced. Human service workers must possess knowledge of group dynamics and processes, and must be able to competently apply group skills to help empower individuals make personal and environmental changes to reach their therapeutic goals.
This course increases students’ understanding of basic group interventions with chemically dependent individuals. This course focuses on group structure, dynamics and processes. Students will experience development of group leadership skills, ethical implications, and the influence of personal characteristics of the group leader on the group itself. Students will be encouraged to examine their own personal leadership styles and will begin to practice specific techniques to move clients toward therapeutic change and help manage relapse.
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)
This course is designed to help students become familiar with a broad range of theories, principles, terms, procedures, and techniques related to the psychological dynamics that contribute to and maintain addictive behaviors. Because the course specifically focuses on psychological dynamics, emphasis is on perceptions, defenses, and functioning at the level of the individual. Students will explore psychological explanations of stages of addiction, maintenance of addictive behaviors and recovery from addiction, including the roles of cognitive errors, distortions and defense mechanisms. Psychological profiles typical in addictive behaviors will be examined and discussed. Students will be introduced to various assessment instruments and techniques, as well as DSMIV-TR Diagnostic Criteria for substance abuse and dependence. Finally, the class will explore the recovery process from a strengths-based perspective and begin to identify psychological perspectives of relapse.
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)
This course is designed to introduce students to basic counseling skills and techniques. Skills such as listening attending, interviewing and treatment planning will be discussed and practiced by students. Students will be introduced to motivational interviewing techniques. The course will consist of didactic and experiential teaching methods in order to enhance students’ learning. Since this course is largely oriented around skill development with addicted clients, attendance and participation are crucial to student learning.
- Prerequisite: Six credits of alcohol/drug, gerontology, or psychology.
HSRV-H 323 Social Systems Aspects of Alcohol and Drug Abuse (3 cr)
This course introduces students to social systems such as family, peer groups, and cultural systems as they interrelate with persons abusing alcohol and other drugs. The course includes substance abuse in the workplace and in organizations. Course material will focus on the culture of addiction and the culture of recovery in the context of these social systems.
HSRV-H 360 Counseling Substance Abusers and Their Families (3 cr)
Counseling Substance Abusers and Their Families provides students insight into family dynamics around substance abuse. The student gains an appreciation for the role family dynamics play in maintaining, preventing, and alleviating substance abuse. The student begins to understand substance abuse and use as integral elements in an addicted family system. The student is introduced to intervention techniques to help families.
HSRV-H 401 Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Seminar (3 cr)
This course is designed to assist the student in the development of counseling skills and strategies for services to alcohol and other drug dependent clients. A variety of theories, modalities, and client characteristics will be discussed. The student will become familiar with assessments, treatment plans, and evaluations as strategies for intervening with addicted clients. A heavy emphasis will be placed on intervention techniques.
- 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.
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, methods, and techniques that inform students of best practices in social work. Students will recognize the impact of ethnicity, gender, age, and sexual orientation on the research process and be able to critically review published studies with attention to bias in research.
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, families and groups. A strengths perspective will be emphasized, and students will be introduced to the fundamental components of the task-centered and solution-focused approaches to practice. The trans-theoretical model of change will be presented, so students can develop skills to engage clients in the process of change. Students will be prepared to complete assessments and to use intervention skills that will serve diverse populations with specific attention to gender, sexual orientation, class, race and ethnicity.
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 517 Assessment in Mental Health and Addictions
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. Students learn to conduct sophisticated mental status and lethality risk interviews, engage in strengths and assets discovery, and apply the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association and other classification schemes in formulating assessment hypotheses. They gain an understanding of the application of several relevant assessment instruments and learn to evaluate their relevance for service to at-risk populations, including persons affected by mental health and addictions issues. Students learn to collaborate with a diverse range of consumers and other professionals in developing meaningful assessments upon which to plan goals, intervention strategies, and means for evaluation.
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. Students will apply their knowledge and skills in research to evaluate practice or program effectiveness in their concentrations, using research methods that are sensitive to consumers’ needs and clients’ race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and additional aspects important to effective and ethical research.
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. Content includes community-based services in areas of case management, employment, housing, illness management, family, dual disorder treatment, and consumer self-help. Students also examine a variety of issues involved in the provision of community-based services such as ethical and legal issues, quality and continuity of care, cultural competency, organizational and financial factors, and other relevant policy and practice issues.
SWK-S 685 Mental Health and Addictions Practice with Individuals and Families (3 cr)
Students enrolled in this course develop professional 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. Students explore topics such as risk and resilience, recovery and relapse-preventions, and consider implications of current social and policy factors affecting service delivery to persons affected by mental health and addictions issues. Students learn to discover, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate evidence of practice effectiveness and apply that knowledge in communication, strengths, discovery and assessment, hypothesis formation, contracting, intervention and prevention planning, service delivery, and evaluation. Students develop professional understanding and expertise in application of at least one evidence-based approach for service to individuals and families affected by at least one specific mental health or addictions issue.
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. Students draw upon previous and concurrent learning experiences and integrate values, knowledge, and skills acquired in other social work courses with the values, knowledge, and skills characteristic of addictions practice. The course assists students to develop a multidimensional understanding of prevention, intervention, and treatment needs of diverse populations and associated social work practice principles, methods, and skills. Students explore the relationships between and among addiction and socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical and mental ability, and other socio-environmental factors of vulnerability. Consistent with strengths and ecosystems perspectives, students consider the impact of social environments, physical settings, community contexts, and political realities that support or inhibit the emergence of addiction problems.
SWK-S 687 Mental Health and Addiction Practice with Groups (3 cr)
Students enrolled in this course develop professional knowledge and skill 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. Students learn to serve children, youth, adults and families in groups that are therapeutic, growth producing and life enhancing. Students examine a number of theoretical perspectives including cognitive behavioral, communications, behavioral, and interpersonal approaches.
The course will be instructed on the basis of the assumption of a major responsibility by students for defining their own learning needs. Thus, students are expected to involve themselves fully and openly in all course activities.
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.
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