Courses
SOWK 1101 Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare: 3 semester hours.
Survey and critical analysis of contemporary social work and social welfare policies and programs, their historical development, underlying theories and philosophies, and the need for social services in modern society with particular attention to issues of oppression and discrimination. Students will be introduced to the knowledge, skills, and ethics involved in social work practice and social welfare. Partially satisfies Objective 6 of the General Education Requirements. F, S
SOWK 1199 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 2299 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 3308 Sociological Methods and Social Work Research: 3 semester hours.
Introduces the principles and procedures of scientific research and includes a variety of strategies and tools for studying social phenomena. Equivalent to SOC 3308. F, S
SOWK 3372 Practice Interventions 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 Social Work Major. F
SOWK 3373 Practice Interventions 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 Social Work Major; SOWK 3372, SOWK 3374. S
SOWK 3374 Human Development and Diversity: 3 semester hours.
Conceptual frameworks and issues in human behavior and development across the lifespan, with attention given to the concept of person in the environment as a framework for understanding individual behavior as a function of bio-psycho-social-spiritual processes and interactions. Substantial information on human diversity and at-risk populations, including issues pertaining to racial and ethnic groups, and gender and sexual orientations. PREREQ: Admission to Social Work Major. F
SOWK 3375 Application of Contemporary Social Work Theory: 3 semester hours.
Expansion of theoretical concepts introduced in SOWK 3374 and used in social work courses. The relationship between social work theory and practice is explored for the purpose of increasing depth of understanding and generalization of knowledge. Focus will be on understanding existing theoretical approaches informing the field of social work, including philosophical assumptions, current reception, and points of critique. Focus is also on applying theory to build skills necessary for competency, including written and oral communication, using research to inform practice, and on applying theoretical approaches to examples. PREREQ: Admission to Social Work Major, SOWK 3372, SOWK 3373, SOWK 3374. F
SOWK 3379 Social Work in a Diversity World: 3 semester hours.
The 3000-level practice course is required for BASW students. This course is designed to educate students regarding the role diversity (e.g. diversity related to ethnicity/race, age, socioeconomic status, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, religion/spirituality, immigration status, and dis/ability, etc.) plays in many aspects of the human life experience, including the experience of oppression and privilege, and the implications this has for generalist social work practice. Focus will be on understanding social justice models of social work practice, on utilizing a human rights oriented lens, emphasizing client empowerment and utilizing a strength-based approach to social work, and integrating cultural humility in social work practice. PREREQ: SOWK 3372, SOWK 3373, SOWK 3374. F
SOWK 3399 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 4417 Interdisciplinary Evaluation Team: 1 semester hour.
Introduction to principles, techniques of interdisciplinary evaluation. Disciplines emphasized: Audiology, Dietetics, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Psychology, Social Work, Special Education, Speech-Language Pathology. Equivalent to CSD 4417, DHS 4417, NURS 4417, and PSYC 4417. PREREQ: Permission of instructor. S
SOWK 4421 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. Equivalent to SOC 4421. F, S
SOWK 4435 Environmental Sociology: 3 semester hours.
The scientific study of how human societies interact with, shape, and perceive nature and the biophysical environment. Special emphasis on current environmental challenges (especially climate change, natural disasters, and environmental justice) and their social causes and consequences. Equivalent to SOC 4435. ES
SOWK 4436 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. Equivalent to SOC 4436 and POLS 4436. EF
SOWK 4438 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. Equivalent to SOC 4438. PREREQ: SOC 2201 or SOC 3310 or minimum of 60 semester hours completed. S
SOWK 4451 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-traumatic 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. Equivalent to SOC 4451. PREREQ: SOC 2201 or SOC 3310 or minimum of 60 semester hours completed. F
SOWK 4452 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. Equivalent to SOC 4451. OF
SOWK 4454 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. Topics 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 4454. ES
SOWK 4455 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. Equivalent to SOC 4455. Su
SOWK 4456 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. Equivalent to SOC 4456. S
SOWK 4457 Fundamentals of Forensic Behavioral Science: 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. Equivalent to SOC 4457. PREREQ: SOC 3310 or minimum of 60 semester hours completed. S
SOWK 4460 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. D
SOWK 4466 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. Equivalent to SOC 4466. OS
SOWK 4471 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. PREREQ: Admission to Social Work Major, SOWK 3372, SOWK 3373, SOWK 3374. F
SOWK 4473 Social Work Field Practicum: 9 semester hours.
Placement within a social service agency under direct supervision of a licensed social worker for a minimum of 400 hours. Functions as an entry level opportunity for the student to apply professional values, knowledge and skills. PREREQ: Permission of instructor; SOWK 3372, SOWK 3373, SOWK 3374, SOWK 3375, SOWK 3379, SOWK 4471, and SOWK 4494. COREQ: SOWK 4474. All PREREQs need a minimum grade of C-. F, S
SOWK 4482 Independent Problems: 1-6 semester hours.
Consultation course. May be repeated for up to 6 credits. PREREQ: 12 credits in Social Work and permission of instructor. D
SOWK 4484 Title IV-E Scholars Seminar: 1 semester hour.
Professional competencies required for social work practice in foster care and adoption assistance programs, to prepare students for career advancement in public child welfare, and to prepare students for child welfare practice addressed by Title IV-E of the Social Security Act. PREREQ: Permission of instructor. D
SOWK 4485 Living and Dying: 3 semester hours.
Prepares students to work with clients experiencing grief and loss issues stemming from a variety of loss experiences including death, physical health changes, trauma, and life transitions. Includes the philosophical, cultural, medical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of grieving and loss; the grief process and factors to consider in working with children, adolescents, and adults; and assessment of complicated grief reactions. D
SOWK 4487 Children and Families: Practice Perspectives 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. D
SOWK 4491 Seminar: 3 semester hours.
Topical reading, discussion, exploration, experience, and demonstration of learning on selected topics. May be repeated for up to 9 credits with different content. D
SOWK 4494 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. PREREQ: Admission to Social Work Major; SOWK 3372, SOWK 3373, SOWK 3374. F,S
SOWK 4498 Social Work Capstone: 3 semester hours.
Comprehensive review and synthesis of all social work content areas within the generalist framework including ethics, critical thinking, diversity, human rights, social and economic justice, research, HBSE, engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation, with the goal of preparing students for the Social Work Licensure Exam. Special topics depending on student need and interests are also covered. PREREQ: Permission of instructor; SOWK 3372, SOWK 3374, SOWK 3374, SOWK 3375, SOWK 3379, SOWK 4471, and SOWK 4494. F, S
SOWK 4499 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.
