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2024-25 Academic Catalog

SWKG Course Descriptions

Table of Contents

SWKG 520 Diversity and Difference: Implications for Social Work Practice

3 credit hours

This course introduces students to diverse populations and helps them understand the different constraints and motivations of people from backgrounds different from their own, providing important lessons for social work practice. The course is designed to increase student's awareness, knowledge, and understanding of issues related to diversity and difference and the implications for social work practice.

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SWKG 521 Human Rights & Social Justice

2 credit hours

This course introduces MSW students to human rights and social justice framework in the context of social work history, values, ethics, and practice. Related concepts of oppression, power, privilege, and inequality will also be covered. This course will examine how oppression and privilege affect service delivery at micro and macro levels, and how a human rights framework integrated with cultural humility ameliorates social injustice and promotes culturally responsive services. This course will promote students’ career-long process of fostering cultural humility and applying an understanding of human rights, social justice and oppression to their practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities, and Society.

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SWKG 531 Human Behavior and the Social Environment I: Theoretical Foundations

3 credit hours

This first course in the 2-semester HBSE sequence will focus on major theories of human behavior from infancy through adulthood in the context of the interaction between and among the range of social systems (individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities) and with consideration of the impact of social and economic forces on all aspects of human development. The aim of this course is to provide a framework for creating, organizing, and understanding of theory, research, and practice issues of human behavior and the social environment as a foundation to practice advanced generalist social work, and on which to build advanced generalist practice skills. The focus of this course is on behavior and the continuous, reciprocal interchange and influence in, between, and among different systems of the larger environment. A strengths-based and person-in-environment theory approach leads to an understanding of how the biological, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual systems are interrelated and affect human development throughout the life span. Special attention is given to the impact of human diversity, discrimination, social injustices and oppression on the ability to reach or maintain optimal health and well-being. Values and ethical issues related to the theories presented will also be considered. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to consider the crucial relationship between evidence-based theory and social work practice. Co- or Prerequisite: SWKG 500 Introduction to the Social Work Profession

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SWKG 532 Human Behavior and the Social Environment II: Assessment through the Lifespan

3 credit hours

Assessment through the Lifespan builds on HBSE I, which provided knowledge and understanding of theory, research, and practice issues of human development within the context of biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors. Emphasis is placed on understanding of the relevance of evidence-based theory for practice and how race, ethnicity, culture, gender, and socioeconomic variables influence and contribute to human development and behavior within social systems. This second course in the 2-semester HBSE sequence further examines theories and knowledge of human bio-psycho-social-cultural- spiritual development from childhood to later adulthood in the context of the range of social systems (individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities), and with consideration of the impact of social and economic forces on all aspects of human development. The aim of this course is to use a strengths-based and person-in-environment theoretical framework to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for understanding human behavior as a function of biological, social, psychological, spiritual, and cultural systems across the life span. The focus of this course is on behavior and the impact of the larger environment on the individual. Special attention is given to the impact of social injustice, discrimination and oppression on the ability to reach or maintain human well-being. Prerequisite: SWKG 531 Human Behavior and the Social Environment I: Theoretical Foundations

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SWKG 533 Human Behavior in the Social Environment

3 credit hours

This course seeks to apply a basic bio-psycho-social-spiritual framework (theory and knowledge) to serve as a guide in understanding how human behavior is shaped, created, and organized across the lifespan. Social systems, human development theories, and strengths approaches are critically examined to foster understanding of individual, family, group, organizational, and community behaviors and the impact of the larger environment on these systems.

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SWKG 540 Research Methods & Statistics

2 credit hours

This course is designed to encourage and equip you to read, critically evaluate, and use the research of others to improve your effectiveness in practice and conduct your own practice research. The following will be examined: scientific methods for building knowledge for social work practice, ethical standards for scientific inquiry, qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, research designs for developing knowledge and systematically evaluating social work practice and human service programs, and the critical review and utilization of research findings. Co- or Prerequisite: SWKG 500 Introduction to the Social Work Profession

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SWKG 541 Research Methods & Applications

2 credit hours

This course is designed to move the student from the conceptual understanding of research methods to the application of research methods in practice. Students will apply scientific methods for building knowledge for social work practice, use ethical standards for scientific inquiry, choose qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, research designs for developing knowledge and systematically evaluating social work practice and human service programs, and the critical review and utilization of research findings. Prerequisite: SWKG 540 Research Methods and Statistics

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SWKG 542 Research Methods

3 credit hours

This course will move the student from the conceptual understanding of research methods to the application of research methods in practice. Students will apply scientific methods for building knowledge for social work practice, use ethical standards for scientific inquiry, choose qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, research designs for developing knowledge and systematically evaluating social work practice and human service programs, and the critical review and utilization of research findings. This course will review the basics of statistical thinking, tools, and techniques students need to select, calculate, and interpret appropriate statistics applicable to common data analysis situations related to social work practice and policy.

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SWKG 560 Social Policy

3 credit hours

This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the complexities of social welfare policy issues by examining key contemporary policy issues and options in income security, health care and human capital investment, etc. It also provides skills of policy analysis for assessing the impact of policy on disadvantaged individuals and communities, and comparative social welfare policies.

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SWKG 570 Values & Ethics: Spirituality & Religion

3 credit hours

This course provides students with a comprehensive exploration of social work values and ethics, with additional emphasis on their intersection with religious and spiritual values. Course content includes an examination of ethical issues as they apply to social work theory, research, policy, and practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities along with an exploration of the historical and contemporary relationships between social work ethics and religious belief. Students will acquire and practice the skills of ethical decision-making including values clarification, application of ethical theory, utilization of codes of ethics, and models of ethical analysis.

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SWKG 576 Generalist Practicum Seminar I

3 credit hours

This course is designed to provide an opportunity for social work students to apply academic learning to professional social work practice under the supervision of a qualified and experienced social work practitioner. SWKG 576 bridges classroom learning and the practice of social work through faculty coordination of the practicum experience and facilitation of the seminar sessions. SWKG 576, is a required course for all students in the traditional MSW program. It consists of a minimum of 224 hours of applied learning in an agency setting including a 2-hour integrative seminar that meets weekly. All students participating in the MSW Field Education Program must meet the entry-level competence required by their practicum agency. Academic coursework will provide an increasing knowledge and skill base from which students serve individuals of all ages, families, groups, organizations, and communities in various agency settings. Co- or Prerequisites: SWKG 533 Human Behavior in the Social Environment; SWKG 591 Social Work Practice I. Additional course fee required.

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SWKG 577 Generalist Practicum Seminar II

3 credit hours

This course follows the successful completion of SWKG 576, Generalist Practicum Seminar I, and is a required course for all students in the traditional MSW program. SWKG 577 bridges classroom learning and the practice of social work through faculty coordination of the practicum experience and facilitation of the seminar sessions. SWKG 577 is a required course for all students in the traditional MSW program. It consists of a minimum of 224 hours of applied learning in an agency setting including a 2-hour integrative seminar that meets weekly. All students participating in the MSW Field Education Program must meet the entry-level competence required by their practicum agency. Academic coursework will provide an increasing knowledge and skill base from which students serve individuals of all ages, families, groups, organizations, and communities in various agency settings. Prerequisite: SWKG 576 Generalist Practicum Seminar I

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SWKG 591 Social Work Practice I: Families, Individuals & Groups

3 credit hours

Students apply the steps of the Generalist Intervention Model (engagement, assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, and termination/transition) to create care management plans for individuals, families, and groups. Attention is paid to knowledge, skills, and values associated with planned change. Students discover and analyze developmental theories and apply these to the various life stages with special attention being given to human diversity and populations at risk. Students examine biological, psychological, spiritual, and social aspects of the human experience and explore how individuals and families are impacted by the various systems within which they live and work. Students apply knowledge and values of human behavior and the social environment in order to increase their capacity as a generalist social worker. Students strengthen personal and professional awareness as they perform and evaluate helping skills in the beginning, middle, and endings/transitions of planned change. This course is one of the two students take that will inform their capacity to intervene at micro, mezzo, and macro levels of social work practice. Co- or Prerequisite: SWKG 533 Human Behavior in the Social Environment

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SWKG 592 Social Work Practice II: Organizations & Communities

3 credit hours

This course is designed to teach students the values, knowledge, and skills for working in and through groups, communities, and organizations to (1) create structures and processes that foster social and economic justice, (2) reduce the vulnerability to distress and deprivation of at-risk populations, and (3) enhance the resources and strengths of persons, families, networks, groups, and communities. It emphasizes organizations, communities, and policies as the target of change. Various perspectives, models of change and values and ethical issues are reviewed and critically analyzed. The course includes attention to faith communities and religious organizations as contexts for professional practice. Prerequisites: SWKG 591 Social Work Practice I

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SWKG 595 Special Study

1-3 credit hour

Special Study

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SWKG 596 Introduction to Advanced Practice

1 credit hour

This course is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Generalist curriculum of the MSW program. The seminar links the Generalist curriculum to the Advanced Generalist curriculum of practicum and learning. SWKG 596 will focus on Advanced Generalist practice skills in preparation for Advanced Generalist practicum placement. Co- or Prerequisite: SWKG 577 Generalist Practicum Seminar II

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SWKG 600 Introduction to the DSM-V

1 credit hour

This one-credit required course is designed for beginning advanced practice students. The purpose of the course is to provide the student with an ability to use the DSM-5 as a tool in mental health field placement settings under guidance from the field instructors. Students will gain an understanding of how to use the manual, and understand the diagnostic language in order to be able to participate in assessment, diagnosis, development, and implementation of mental health service plans. This course will help prepare student to engage in discussions with mental health professionals from various disciplines.

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SWKG 601 Advanced Clinical Practice

3 credit hours

This course provides an overview of the DSM-5 and an in-depth study of the most common diagnoses. Students will gain an understanding of how to use the DSM-5 manual and the diagnostic language in order to participate in assessment, diagnosis, development, and implementation of client service plans. Based on the DSM-5, students will learn to make accurate and complete bio-psycho-social-spiritual assessments of children, adolescents, adults and families. Students will learn etiology, symptom classification and diagnostic formulation for various mental health diagnoses. Students will apply the diagnostic, assessment, and intervention knowledge to practical case examples. This course will be taken in concurrently with SWKG 605, Micro Practice/Adv Practice with Individuals and Families.

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SWKG 605 Micro Practice/Adv Practice with Individuals and Families

3 credit hours

This course provides an overview of theories and models of social work intervention with individuals, children and families. Students learn the philosophy and theoretical constructs of a variety of methods, as well as how and when to apply those methods. Students develop knowledge and use of skills for the application of research-informed models of direct social work with individuals and families. Advanced practice skills are emphasized with particular attention to engagement and intervention. This course is focused on practical application and is experiential.

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SWKG 606 Mezzo Practice/Adv Practice with Groups

3 credit hours

This course provides an overview of theories and models of social work intervention, with particular attention to small system dynamics (groups, small communities and agencies.) Students learn the philosophy and theoretical constructs of a variety of methods, as well as how and when to apply those methods. Students develop knowledge and use of skills for the application of research-informed models of direct social work with groups, small communities and agencies. Advanced practice skills are emphasized with particular attention to engagement and intervention. This course is focused on practical application and is experiential.

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SWKG 607 Macro Practice/Adv Practice with Communities

3 credit hours

Building on the generalist practice foundations, this course introduces the specialized theories and skills for practicing at the community level. Conceptualizing community as both a target and avenue for change, this course focuses on promoting human flourishing through progressive changes for social, economic, and environmental justice, human rights advancement, peace and reconciliation. It addresses theories, skills, and values in relation to various community practice models with specific attention to diversity, systems of oppression, populations at risk. Students will also critically review the roles of religion and spirituality in community change.

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SWKG 642 Advanced Research I

2 credit hours

Scientific methods of knowledge development for social work practice; ethical standards for scientific inquiry; quantitative and qualitative research methods; and research designs are applied to critical evaluation of research in your area of concentration and to development of a plan for research project implementation. Students will engage in an advanced research practice experience that enables them to demonstrate the capacity to plan, conduct, and evaluate an agency-based research project. The research proposal is implemented during the Advanced Field Internship and Advanced Research II (SWKG 643).

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SWKG 643 Advanced Research II

2 credit hours

Concurrent with your enrollment in Advanced Field Internship II (SWKG 677), this course is designed to assist you in completing a major research project related to your concentration internship. You will learn from one another’s work as you help one another refine your work. You will each deliver a professional continuing education presentation to the practice community and faculty, supported by an abstract (brief explanation of presentation topic and content), presentation objectives, a methodology statement, and a vita or resume. Prerequisite: SWKG 642

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SWKG 647 Research for Evidence Based Practices

2 credit hours

This course introduces the importance of research to improve social work practice, emphasizes the compatibility and reciprocity between practice and research, and acquaints students with strategies to evaluate the quality of evidence and research. Students are expected to use the process of evidence-based practice to identify, appraise, and select a best practice and demonstrate competencies in using research to inform practice. This course presents a detailed explanation of the concepts and procedures of systematic reviews and meta-analyses, provides step-by-step guidance on how to actually perform them, and help students to apply these in practice. This course, the first of a two-course sequence, develops skills in becoming critical evaluators and consumers of evidence and research reported in scientific literature.

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SWKG 648 Applied Social Work Research: Evaluation of Practice

2 credit hours

The course introduces students to the practitioner-researcher role. Professionals need to have an understanding of the basic experimental designs available for addressing practice questions about human behavior in social work settings. This course prepares students to conduct practice evaluation in micro, mezzo, and macro settings. The content of the course focuses on formulations, applications, and interpretations of single-case design research and program evaluation. This course, the second of a two-course sequence, develops skills in becoming effective producers of basic social work research. Prerequisite: SWKG 647

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SWKG 676 Advanced Generalist Practicum Seminar I

4 credit hours

This course is designed to provide an opportunity for social work students to apply academic learning to Advanced Generalist professional social work practice, under the supervision of a qualified and experienced social work practitioner. SWKG 676 bridges classroom learning and the practice of social work through faculty coordination of the practicum experience and facilitation of the seminar sessions. SWKG 676 is a required course for all students in the MSW program who have successfully completed the Generalist curriculum. SWKG 676 consists of a minimum of 280 hours of applied learning in an agency practicum setting and a 2-hour integrative seminar that meets weekly. Academic coursework will provide an increasing knowledge and skill base from which students serve individuals of all ages, families, groups, organizations, and communities in various agency settings. Additional course fee required.

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SWKG 677 Advanced Generalist Practicum Seminar II

4 credit hours

This course is designed to provide an opportunity for social work students to apply academic learning to Advanced Generalist professional social work practice, under the supervision of a qualified and experienced social work practitioner. SWKG 677 bridges classroom learning and the practice of social work through faculty coordination of the practicum experience and facilitation of the seminar sessions. SWKG 677 is a required course for all students in the MSW program who have successfully completed SWKG 676 and who are in the final semester of the program. SWKG 677 consists of a minimum of 280 hours of applied learning in an agency practicum setting and a 2-hour integrative seminar that meets weekly. Academic coursework will provide an increasing knowledge and skill base from which students serve individuals of all ages, families, groups, organizations, and communities in various agency settings. Prerequisite: SWKG 676 Advanced Generalist Practicum Seminar I

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SWKG 685 Elective

2 credit hours

These courses are developed to provide social workers with in-depth knowledge on specific topics of interests in fields of practice. Examples of possible courses include: Children's Issues; Gerontology; School Social Work; Substance Abuse; Death, Dying, and Grief; Rationality, Arts and Spirituality Integrated Practice; Poverty; Neurobiology and Trauma.

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SWKG 692 Theories for Advanced Practice: Community Organizations & Development

3 credit hours

This course provides an overview of the theory and models of community intervention essential for social work practice with neighborhoods, organizations, and communities. It addresses issues of community organizing, program development, policy practice, and advocacy at the legislative level. This course presents the conceptual and theoretical foundations for understanding the role of advanced social work community practice. Theoretical models for community practice interventions will be reviewed, focusing on models such as development, planning, organizing, and social action. Global issues, values and ethics, work with diverse and at-risk populations, and the appropriate incorporation of spirituality and religion in competent social work community practice are examined.

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SWKG 694 Skills For Advanced Practice: Community Organizations & Development

3 credit hours

The course emphasizes community interventions that are sensitive to human diversity in many forms, including community development, social action and organizing/planning. Knowledge, skills, and the application of social work values prepare students to assess and intervene in communities. The course uses practice theory and methods rooted in professional social work literature. Students also will examine the relationship between religious faith and communities, as well as the role of congregations and religiously affiliated organizations in community practice. In order to accomplish this, this advanced community practice will have a class project as its focus for the entire semester. Co- or Prerequisites: SWKG 600 DSM-5; SWKG 692 Theories for Advanced Practice Community Organizations & Development

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SWKG 695 Special Study

1-3 credit hour

Independent study of subjects outside of regular offering. Guiding bibliographies are provided, and regular reading reports and conferences are scheduled. Permission required by program director. No more than 6 credit hours of special study can be applied toward the completion of the MSW degree.

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SWKG 696 Special Issues in Advanced Practice: Families, Children, Individuals & Groups

3 credit hours

This course focuses on current clinical issues that families face, allowing students the opportunity to apply advanced practice theories and methods to particular problem areas.

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SWKG 697 Special Issues in Advanced Practice: Community Organizations & Development

3 credit hours

This course focuses on current issues in advanced practice with communities and organizations allowing students the opportunity to apply advanced practice theories and methods to particular problem areas.

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SWKG 698 Program Development, Administration, and Funding

3 credit hours

Social Work Administration prepares students to perform managerial functions in public, nonprofit, and faith-based human service organizations with particular emphasis on those with programs designed to improve family resilience and human wellness. Specific attention is given to the topics of leadership, human resources, fund raising, organizational development, structure and governance, resource management, and efforts to link human service organizations in an integrated community-wide service delivery system. Students analyze and evaluate selected administrative systems, management practices, and programs in their advanced internship agency and design strategies to maximize both their learning and performance in this and other settings. The course emphasizes the school of social work themes of integrating faith and practice, the strengths perspective, and building communities.

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SWKG 699 Supervision, Management and Leadership

2 credit hours

This course prepares students to perform leadership and supervisory functions in public, nonprofit, and faith-based human service organizations. Specific attention is given to various theories of leadership, coaching, human resources, organizational development, resource management, and efforts to link human service organizations in an integrated community-wide service delivery system. Students analyze and evaluate selected leadership practices, and programs in their advanced internship agency and design strategies to maximize both their learning and performance in this and other settings. Students appraise their own personal values to assure continual professional development by critically assessing one’s leadership styles and skills to develop one’s approach to leadership. The course emphasizes the College of Social Work themes of integrating faith and practice, the strengths perspective, and building communities with an emphasis on servant leadership practices.

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