Offered by Department of Social Work
College of Natural and Social Sciences
SOWK Courses
- SOWK 170GS - Introduction to Social Welfare - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
The course explores the foundation and principles of social welfare in American society. The spectrum of social welfare programs
and issues are examined with emphasis on the contexts that shape them and the impact they have on vulnerable and
underrepresented groups.
- SOWK 172 - Human Service Ethics and Experience - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
This course introduces students to the values and ethics that underlie the social work profession and human services. Students
are required to volunteer a minimum of 50 hours at a social service agency where they will observe and participate in agency and
community activities. Students should have completed or be enrolled in SOWK 170GS.
- SOWK 388GS - General Studies Capstone - 3 hours
- Prereq: open to juniors and seniors or to students within 6 hours of completion of their General Studies program
An interdisciplinary experience where students apply the knowledge, cognitive abilities, and communication skills they have
gained from General Studies in designing and completing an original project or paper. Students employ methods and interpretive
means of two or more disciplines to integrate knowledge and synthesize their results. Satisfies the General Studies capstone
course requirement. Students may take their Capstone course in any discipline.
- SOWK 400 - Human Behavior in the Social Environment - 3 hours
- Prereq: SOWK 170GS
This course analyzes human behavior in the social environment from a life-span developmental approach from conception through
adulthood. The theories, which emphasize biological, psychological, sociological, spiritual and cultural aspects of the
individual are examined. A systems approach is combined with an ecological perspective to analyze social conditions and to
identify problem areas in society.
- SOWK 410 - Social Policy & Programs - 3 hours
- Prereq: SOWK 170GS
The course examines the historical evolution of Social policy, value assumptions, as well as the social, political, and economic
contexts and processes that impact it. Students learn the skills required for analysis of policies and advocacy for social and
economic justice.
- SOWK 420 - Diversity and Social Justice - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
The course examines cultural, social, and economic diversity; the role of social institutions and social, political, and
cultural processes as they relate to discrimination and oppression based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, social
class and disability status.
- SOWK 440 - Fundamentals of Research in Social Welfare - 3 hours
- Prereq: STAT 235GS* or STAT 241GS*
This course will introduce students to the concepts and principles of social work research methodology, educate them about the
ethics and politics involved, and promote their understanding of research issues relevant to diversity, multiculturalism, as
well as social and economic injustices.
- SOWK 441 - Social Work Practice with Individuals & Families - 3 hours
- Prereq: a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 AND completion of SOWK 400* and SOWK 410*
This course provides a foundation for generalist social work practice with individuals and families using a problem solving
approach within a systems framework.
- SOWK 442 - Social Work Practice with Groups - 3 hours
- Prereq: a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 AND completion of SOWK 441* with a grade of C or better and fully admitted to a Social Work Program OR CSP 417
The course expands on the generalist practice foundation and skills gained in SOWK 441 and focuses on
social work practice with task and therapy groups.
- SOWK 443 - Social Work Practice with Organizations and Communities - 3 hours
- Prereq: a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 AND completion of SOWK 441* and SOWK 442* with a grade of C or better
This course focuses on macro social work with organizations, communities, state, and federal entities. It examines the models of
community planning and organization with emphasis on individual and community empowerment and modifications of institutional
structures. Program development, social planning, and administration of social agencies are taught and issues of equity and
social justice issues related to populations at risk such as minorities, elderly, and women are explored.
- SOWK 468 - Introduction to Disabilities - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
A theoretical framework grounded in the social welfare values of self-determination and dignity across the lifespan is used to
explore diverse issues in the disabilities field including demographics, etiology and policies, social welfare programs and community
resources, and the role of social workers in serving people with disabilities.
- SOWK 469 - Introduction to Mental Health Issues - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
This course enables students to develop a broader understanding of the occurrence and impact of mental illness in society and
from a social work perspective. Mental health issues across race, class, gender, and culture will be examined with the goal of
promoting practice skills and sensitivity to future clients.
- SOWK 470 - International Social Work Experience - 1-6 hours
- Prereq: permission of the Social Work Department Chair
This summer experience takes students to foreign countries and immerses them into the social, cultural, political, and economic
environment that impact citizens there. Policy issues and human rights are emphasized, compared to the American system, and
assessed for support or hindrance of general wellbeing especially related to at-risk and underrepresented groups.
- SOWK 471 - Aging Services - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
The common problems of the aged and their families are studied, knowledge of existing services is provided, and students are
exposed to the initial theory and practice of delivering services to the aged in both the outpatient and inpatient setting.
- SOWK 473 - Child Welfare Services - 3 hours
- Prereq: SOWK 172 and SOWK 400* and SOWK 410*
The common problems of children and families needing services are studied. Knowledge of existing services is imparted, and
students are exposed to the initial "how" of doing child welfare work.
- SOWK 475 - Child Abuse and Neglect - 3 hours
- Prereq: SOWK 170GS
The course prepares students for child welfare practice and provides an overview of child maltreatment. A historical perspective
of child abuse is used to examine issues related to reporting, legal response, treatment, and prevention, and intervention.
- SOWK 476 - Social Work in Legal Settings - 3 hours
- Prereq: SOWK 172 and SOWK 400* and SOWK 410*
An overview of social work practice, theory, and skills for working within and with legal host agencies, and a brief
examination of legal consequences of social work practice.
- SOWK 477 - School Social Work - 3 hours
- Prereq: SOWK 172 and SOWK 400*
An overview of services provided by school social workers and the interrelationships with other student services.
- SOWK 478 - Medical Social Work - 3 hours
- Prereq: SOWK 400* and SOWK 410*
An overview of social work services provided in medical and other health care settings. The relationships to other professionals
are explored in all health care settings. Students are introduced to the specific recommendations for practice in medical and
other health care social services.
- SOWK 479 - Violence Across the Lifespan - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
The course focuses on the causes, prevalence, treatment and prevention of violence that individuals may encounter throughout
the lifespan. It maintains a dual focus on victims and perpetrators of violence, the impact of violence on vulnerable groups,
and prevention and intervention strategies that may be used in practice, programming, policy, and research.
- SOWK 480 - Field Placement I - 3 hours
- Prereq: all required social work courses must be completed with the exception of SOWK 443*, Practice III, which can be taken prior to or concurrent with SOWK 480-SOWK 481 AND permission of the field coordinator
- SOWK 481 - Field Placement II - 3 hours
- Prereq: all required social work courses must be completed with the exception of SOWK 443*, Practice III, which can be taken prior to or concurrent with SOWK 480-SOWK 481 AND permission of the field coordinator
The complete practicum experience, SOWK 480 and SOWK 481, consists of 400 actual contact hours of
supervised field experience in an approved social services agency, along with scheduled group seminar meetings with the Field
Coordinator. The first 200 hours (SOWK 480) involves orientation to the agency, observing and learning
the structure of the agency, and the integration of classroom content with practicum experiences. The second 200 hours
(SOWK 481) involves actual hands on participation and students are expected to demonstrate a higher level of skills and an
increased responsibility for their learning and performance. SOWK 480 and SOWK 481 are arranged through
the Field Coordinator.
- SOWK 482 - Senior Social Work Seminar - 3 hours
- Prereq: SOWK 442* and permission of the Field Coordinator
Coreq: SOWK 480 and SOWK 481
This course is designed as an integrating seminar to be taken concurrently with Field Placement. It facilitates the transition
from student to professional social worker practice. Assignments build on the field placement experience to promote the
integration of knowledge, skills, and values. Students should have completed all required social work courses, and be enrolled
in SOWK 480/SOWK 481.
- SOWK 499 - Special Studies in Social Work - 1-3 hours
- Prereq: 6 hours of SOWK and permission of director
An in-depth study of contemporary social work practice issues. The project is supervised by the director. This course may be
repeated to a maximum of six hours.
* This course is the immediate prerequisite. Other preparation is required prior to this immediate prerequisite.
