Courses
SOWK 5501 Foundations of Social Work: 3 semester hours.
Course will cover foundational concepts of the Social Work profession including introduction of frameworks and models to understand human behavior in the social environment and diversity issues. Required for Traditional Two-Year Program students who have not completed an undergraduate degree in social work. PREREQ: Admission to MSW program. F
SOWK 5510 Human Behavior Theory and Cultural Diversity: 3 semester hours.
Course will cover advanced theoretical concepts to prepare students to apply conceptual frameworks and issues for understanding human behavior as a function of bio-psycho-social-spiritual processes and interactions in the environment. Advanced information related to human diversity and at-risk populations, including issues pertaining to racial and ethnic groups, and gender and sexual orientations will be covered. PREREQ: Admission to MSW program. F
SOWK 5515 Research in Social Work: 3 semester hours.
Introduces the principles and procedures of scientific research and includes a variety of strategies and tools for studying social phenomena. Course also includes a survey of statistical techniques focusing on descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing and correlations. Students work in computer labs and use software for statistical analysis commonly used in the social sciences to produce descriptive and summary statistics for large data sets. PREREQ: Admission to the MSW program. F
SOWK 5517 Interdisciplinary Evaluation Team: 1 semester hour.
Introduction to the principles and techniques associated with interdisciplinary evaluation. Disciplines emphasized: Audiology, Nursing, Physical Therapy, Psychology, Social Work, Special Education, Speech-Language Pathology. Equivalent to CSD 5517, DHS 5517, PSYC 5517, and NURS 5517. S
SOWK 5520 Direct Practice with Individuals and Families: 3 semester hours.
Examine micro level systems within the generalist social work framework. Theoretical frameworks for use with individuals and families as well as interviewing and problem-resolution methods will be covered. Students will utilize a generalist skill base in learning to engage, assess, intervene and evaluate individuals and families. PREREQ: Admission to MSW program. F
SOWK 5521 Families in Social Context: 3 semester hours.
Examination of the family as a social institution shaped by larger social structures. The course introduces students to basic concepts and theories, historical perspectives, facts, and processes of family formation and dissolution. Specific, evaluated graduate-level activities and/or performances are identified in the course syllabus. Equivalent to SOC 5521. F, S
SOWK 5536 Elite Deviance and Crime: 3 semester hours.
Explores the types of criminal behaviors engaged in by the American socioeconomic and corporate elite. The course first explores and identifies who this elite is and then examines their ideological and economic history in American society. Specific examples of elite and corporate crime are presented and discussed in class. Specific, evaluated graduate-level activities and/or performances are identified in the course syllabus. Equivalent to SOC 5536. EF
SOWK 5538 Sexual Crimes: 3 semester hours.
Complex relationships of human sexuality to law and crime. A range of sexual attitudes, practices and lifestyles will be discussed in the context of cultural norms, legal parameters and personal expression. Students will be introduced to cultural variations in defining and addressing sexuality and crime. Current theoretical explanations of sexual offending and U.S. social policies and clinical interventions for sexual offenders. Specific, evaluated graduate-level activities and/or performances are identified in the course syllabus. Equivalent to SOC 5538. S
SOWK 5550 Direct Practice with Groups: 3 semester hours.
Mezzo level systems within the generalist social work framework. Group theory, process, dynamics, and practice applications will be covered. Students will use a generalist skill base in learning to engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate small group systems. PREREQ: Admission to MSW program. S
SOWK 5551 Victimology: 3 semester hours.
Introduction to theory and research about individuals and populations that have been victimized by interpersonal, institutional, and state sanctioned violence and abuse. Topics include: intimate partner violence, sexual assault, bias-related crimes, and post-trauma syndrome as a result of war, torture, social, or environmental catastrophes. Students will become acquainted with community services, specialized programs within the criminal justice system, and practitioners who treat "survivors" of violence and abuse. Specific, evaluated graduate-level activities and/or performances are identified in the course syllabus. Equivalent to SOC 5551. F
SOWK 5552 Gang Violence: 3 semester hours.
Introduction to the sociological study of juvenile street gangs, prison gangs, and organized crime syndicates with special attention devoted to violent behavior. Topics include: early development, definitions, immigration, ethnicity, gender, victimization, theories, prison gangs, desistance, American Mafia, Russian organized crime, outlaw motorcycle gangs, and drug trafficking. A central course goal is to better understand gangs in order to prevent their growth and proliferation. Specific, evaluated graduate-level activities and/or performances are identified in the course syllabus. Equivalent to SOC 5552. OF
SOWK 5554 Guns and Mass Shootings: 3 semester hours.
Introduction to the sociological study of the role that guns have in the production of various types of violence, particularly mass killings. Topic include: guns as self-protection, the costs of gun violence, causes of gun violence, firearms regulation, effectiveness of gun policy, gun-related movements, trends in mass shootings, dangerous people and places, role of guns in mass killings, and mass shooting policies and preventions. Special attention will be devoted to proposed policies and their potential effectiveness. Equivalent to SOC 5554. ES
SOWK 5555 Prisons, Reentry, Reintegration: 3 semester hours.
A critical overview of the issues involved in the processes of incarceration, reentry, and reintegration into the community. Topics include: the historical origins of the prison, theories of correction, and the social factors that shape the prison and the context in which returning citizens reenter their communities. Specific, evaluated graduate-level activities and/or performances are identified in the course syllabus. Equivalent to SOC 5555. Su
SOWK 5556 Substance Abuse: Family and Community: 3 semester hours.
Examination of substance abuse issues and problems within the context of families and communities, paying particular attention to differing theoretical frameworks and value systems. Students will study evidence-based models of prevention and intervention for those affected by addiction. Specific, evaluated graduate-level activities and/or performances are identified in the course syllabus. Equivalent to SOC 5556. S
SOWK 5557 Fundamentals of Forensic Behavioral Sciences: 3 semester hours.
Introduction to the multidisciplinary (neurobiological, psychological, sociological, anthropological) nature of forensic behavioral science with a particular emphasis on violent criminal behavior. Topics include pattern identification of violence, targeted public violence and threat assessment, crime prevention and safety planning, multidisciplinary psychosocial assessments, and expert witness and court testimony. The course is designed to help integrate coursework related to the forensic sciences. Specific, evaluated graduate-level activities and/or performances are identified in the course syllabus. Equivalent to SOC 5557. S
SOWK 5560 Grief and Loss: 3 semester hours.
Prepares students to work with clients experiencing grief and loss issues stemming from a variety of experiences, including death, physical health changes, trauma, and life transitions. The philosophical, cultural, medical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of grieving and loss will be covered. The grief process and factors to consider in working with children, adolescents, and adults will be covered as well as assessment of complicated grief reactions. Specific, evaluated graduate-level activities and/or performances are identified in the course syllabus. Su
SOWK 5561 Migrant and Refugee Children and Families: 3 semester hours.
Examines the impact of forced migration on children and families-and the impact on hosting communities-in several locations across the globe. Explores the psychological, social, and legal implications of human movement in recent history. This course adopts a social justice framework through considering implications for human rights and individual experiences. Issues of local and international policy and direct and ethical practice are debated. EF
SOWK 5566 Rural Sociology and Community Development: 3 semester hours.
Examines the social construction of rurality as well as sociological theories of rural community development and contemporary social processes related to social change and restructuring in rural communities. Overview of the demographic, economic, political, environmental, health, interpersonal, and criminological factors that shape opportunities and barriers to rural community development. Specific, evaluated graduate-level activities and/or performances are identified in the course syllabus. Equivalent to SOC 5566. OS
SOWK 5571 Social Justice, Advocacy, and Policy Practice: 3 semester hours.
Examine social policies created as society's strategy for addressing social concerns such as unemployment, poverty, and mental illness. Students will critically evaluate programs and policies in order to develop skills to advance social and economic justice and to deliver effective social work services. Specific, evaluated graduate-level activities and/or performances are identified in the course syllabus. PREREQ: Admission to MSW program. F
SOWK 5576 Field Practicum I: 3 semester hours.
Placement within a social service agency under direct supervision of a licensed masters-level social worker for a minimum of 200 hours. Meets CSWE accreditation requirements to provide generalist practice for students to demonstrate social work competencies with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. PREREQ: Admission to the MSW program. F
SOWK 5577 Field Seminar I: 1 semester hour.
Seminar permits discussion and reflection upon field experience gained in SOWK 5576 and serves an integrative function for linking theory to applied practice. PREREQ: Admission to MSW program. COREQ: SOWK 5576. F
SOWK 5578 Field Practicum II: 3 semester hours.
Placement within a social service agency under direct supervision of a licensed masters-level social worker for a minimum of 200 hours. Meets CSWE accreditation requirements to provide generalist practice for students to demonstrate social work competencies with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. PREREQ: Admission to the MSW program. SOWK 5576. S
SOWK 5579 Field Seminar II: 1 semester hour.
Seminar permits discussion and reflection upon field experience gained in SOWK 5578 and serves an integrative function for linking theory to applied practice. PREREQ: Admission to MSW program. COREQ: SOWK 5578. S
SOWK 5582 Independent Problems Consultation: 1-6 semester hours.
Consultation course which may be repeated for maximum of 6 credits. PREREQ: 12 credits in Social Work.
SOWK 5587 Children and Families: Practice Perspective and Well-Being: 3 semester hours.
An exploration of the many facets of child welfare, including factors impacting the well-being of children and their families on a local and global level, such as governmental policies and societal values regarding child welfare, social issues that affect children, available services for children, and social work intervention strategies. Specific, evaluated graduate-level activities and/or performances are identified in the course syllabus. F
SOWK 5591 Special Topic: 3 semester hours.
Students will explore special topic content in practice with children and families or in forensic social work. This course may be repeated with a different content focus. Specific, evaluated graduate-level activities and/or performances are identified in the course syllabus.
SOWK 5594 Practice Interventions with Organizations and Communities: 3 semester hours.
Advanced focus on community and organizational structure and function. Uses the generalist model of social work with macro level systems including building knowledge and skills focusing on social action and social change. Specific attention is given to helping students develop necessary skills to engage, assess, intervene and evaluate with organizations and communities (macro level) effectively. Specific, evaluated graduate-level activities and/or performances are identified in the course syllabus. PREREQ: Admission to MSW program. S
SOWK 5599 Experimental Course: 1-6 semester hours.
The content of this course is not described in the catalog. Title and number of credits are announced in the Class Schedule. Experimental courses may be offered no more than three times with the same title and content. May be repeated.
SOWK 6615 Applied Research for Social Work: 3 semester hours.
Students develop a program evaluation proposal to demonstrate competency in utilizing practice-informed research and research-informed practice in the context of direct clinical practice. Students learn to apply a variety of program evaluation methods and approaches, including quantitative and qualitative methods, needs assessment, formative and process evaluation, and summative/outcome evaluation. PREREQ: Completion of SOWK 5578 or Advanced Standing admission to the MSW. S
SOWK 6620 Advanced Practice Interventions and Comparative Theories: 3 semester hours.
Course will cover advanced interventions and comparative theories in social work with emphasis on utilizing evidence-based practices in counseling with individuals, families, and groups at the clinical level. PREREQ: Admission to MSW program. S
SOWK 6625 Evaluation of Mental Disorders and Strengths-Based Assessment: 3 semester hours.
The course builds on the generalist practice courses and enhances clinical knowledge and skills regarding best practices in engagement and assessment with clients. Students learn to apply diagnostic procedures from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, as well as a strengths-based approach to assessment. This course prepares students for advanced clinical practice in mental health. Course registration restriction: PREREQ: Admission to MSW program. S
SOWK 6630 Professional Communication in Practice: 3 semester hours.
This bridge course prepares students to be competent social work communicators. Course content includes case documentation and report writing, public training and presentations, and application of APA style formatting. PREREQ: Admission to the MSW program. F, Su
SOWK 6635 Diversity in Social Work Practice: 3 semester hours.
This course is designed to familiarize students with the ways in which diversity impacts social work practice. Course content will focus on increasing students? knowledge of the lived experiences of diverse populations, awareness of theoretical frameworks regarding privilege, oppression, and
SOWK 6660 Trauma-Informed Practice: 3 semester hours.
Preparation for working with clients with traumatic life experiences. This course covers neurobiological understandings of trauma and application of clinical perceptions in social work practice. F
SOWK 6661 Interprofessional Practice with Children and Families: 3 semester hours.
Preparation for working in three distinct practice contexts with children and families: schools, health care, and mental health care. Students learn how to competently collaborate with professional colleagues from other service-oriented disciplines to effectively meet the needs of their clients. Students apply evidence-based intervention models in these practice contexts and explore the benefits and challenges of interprofessional practice with children and families. This course can be paired with SOWK 5517 to include a practice lab. S
SOWK 6662 Play Therapy: 3 semester hours.
Develops understanding of the value and function of play in interpersonal relationships and communication. Focuses on the ways that play informs and influences child development and how this approach is used as an effective intervention to assist children with behavioral challenges. Su
SOWK 6663 School Social Work: 3 semester hours.
This course is designed to prepare students to engage in social work practice in the K-12 school setting. This course will cover the history and function of social work in a school setting; organizational structures of public schools and the social context in which schools operate; the impact of state and federal laws on education; the function of special education in the public-school setting and the role those social workers play in special education services; pertinent theories on human development across the pre-school and school-age life-span; intervention strategies for school social workers; and contemporary trends that influence social work in schools and the school setting more broadly. Additionally, this course explores all identified tribal populations in the state of Idaho and examines their history and culture.
SOWK 6664 Advanced Diagnostics and Clinical Practice: 3 semester hours.
This course is intended for students who have already completed SOWK 6625: Mental Health Evaluation, and who are interested in pursuing a clinical social work license. In this class students will further explore the DSM and expand their diagnostic toolkit to include additional assessment tools. Students will learn to utilize tools like the SCID-5, Beck?s Depression Inventory, Substance Use Assessment protocols, DM-ID, and more. Students will enhance their ability to write assessments for the purpose of diagnosing mental health disorders and using diagnostics as a foundation for treatment planning.
SOWK 6671 Advanced Policy Practice and Advocacy: 3 semester hours.
Prepares students to be competent client advocates and policy change agents. Students gain knowledge and skills in the areas of advancing human rights, and social, economic, and environmental justice, as well as advocacy for policy that promotes evidence-based clinical practice. PREREQ: Completion of SOWK 5578 or Advanced Standing admission to the MSW.
SOWK 6676 Field Practicum III: 4 semester hours.
Continuation of field practicum experience consisting of placement within a social service agency under direct supervision of a licensed social worker for a minimum of 250 hours. Students will refine and utilize professional values, knowledge and skills. PREREQ: SOWK 5576 and SOWK 5578 and Admission to the MSW program. F
SOWK 6677 Field Seminar III: 1 semester hour.
Weekly on-campus seminar permits discussion and reflection upon the field experience in SOWK 6676 and serves an integrative function for linking theory to applied practice. PREREQ: Admission to the advanced standing MSW program or completing SOWK 5576 and SOWK 5578 in the two-year MSW program. F
SOWK 6678 Field Practicum IV: 4 semester hours.
Continuation of field practicum experience consisting of placement within a social service agency under direct supervision of a licensed social worker for a minimum of 250 hours. Students will refine and utilize professional values, knowledge and skills. PREREQ: SOWK 6676 and Admission to the MSW program. S
SOWK 6679 Field Seminar IV: 1 semester hour.
Weekly on-campus seminar permits discussion and reflection upon the field experience in SOWK 6678 and serves an integrative function for linking theory to applied practice. PREREQ: SOWK 6676 and Admission to the MSW program. S
SOWK 6691 Advanced Special Topic: 3 semester hours.
Advanced Special Topic courses may be repeated with a different content focus. Content is relevant to practice with children and families and/or forensic social work.
SOWK 6699 Experimental Course: 1-6 semester hours.
The content of this course is not described in the catalog. Title and number of credits are announced in the Class Schedule. Experimental courses may be offered no more than three times with the same title and content. May be repeated.
