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Department of Social Work
Course Descriptions
Social Work (SWK)
SWK-1100 Total Immersion Experience
–Sp
1 hour
Available to all students. Preprofessional experience for
students interested in social work. Participation with a social
service agency, shadowing a social worker (who has a degree
in social work or who is licensed as a social worker) for five full
and consecutive days to better understand: (1) social work as a
vocation; (2) the vulnerable populations social workers serve; (3)
the professional helping relationship; and (4) the agency setting.
Students must complete this course before applying for admission
to the program. (Fee: $60)
SWK-2330 Introduction to Social Work
–Fa, Sp
3 hours
Available to all students. This course gives an introduction to
the social work profession and a variety of fields of social work
practice. It includes a study of the historical development and
professionalization of social work. There will be an overview of the
integration of faith and practice and the program’s poverty focus.
Crosslisted as SOC or SWK. (Fee: $55)
SWK-2350 Field Survey
–Fa, Sp
2 hours
Experiential learning through visitation and observation of social
workers and interdisciplinary teams in agency settings. Course
provides detailed exposure to fields of social work practice, the
role of social work, and agency structure. There is a special
emphasis on understanding the dynamics of the professional
helping relationship given the client’s membership in certain
groups. Does not count toward social science elective for general
education. (Fee: $40)
SWK-2500 Social Work with Aging Populations
–Fa
3 hours
This course is designed to equip the student for beginning
professional social work practice with the elderly population. Focus
is on the issues related to aging, including wellness in senior living
as well as disease. Students will gain knowledge of the varied
social work careers that serve the aged as well as agencies that
serve the elderly.
SWK-2820 Social Work in Mental Health Settings
–Sp
3 hours
This survey course exposes the student to the complexities of
social work practice in mental health environments in the context
of a biblical worldview. The course teaches how mental health
diagnoses are defined and identified. It examines the systems of
care that currently exist for the mentally ill, their families, and the
community and the roles social workers fill within these systems.
SWK-2840
3 hours
Concepts of Chemical Dependency
–Fa, Sp, Su
Available to all students. This course presents an overview
of the social, economic, political, legal, spiritual, and ethical
considerations concerning the use and abuse of alcohol and other
drugs in our culture. Various philosophies and perspectives on
drugs and abuse as well as treatment and prevention options for
individuals and families will be discussed. Crosslisted as CRJU,
PYCH, SOC, or SWK.
SWK-2900 Ethics in the Helping Professions
–Sp
3 hours
This course is designed to introduce the student to current
issues and ethical dilemmas confronting professional helpers.
The course encourages development of critical thinking skills
by looking at dilemmas from a multifaceted point of view. Codes
of ethics for the various helping professions are reviewed and
emphasis is placed on understanding these codes. The course
strives to provide the student a foundation in basic concepts
of ethics and values, an understanding of the complexity of
ethical decision making, and a sense of how their own values
affect practice. The primary focus of this course is ethics, critical
thinking, decision making, and self awareness. Crosslisted as
SOC or SWK.
SWK-3010
3 hours
Human Behavior and the Social Environment
–Fa
This course will provide an examination of the social systems
approach to understanding human behavior with families, groups,
organizations, and communities. Particular focus will be on the
relationship among biological, social, psychological, and cultural
systems as they affect and are affected by human behavior.
Prerequisite: admission to the social work program.
SWK-3020
3 hours
Generalist Social Work Practice with
Multicultural Groups
–Fa, Sp
This course teaches an understanding of the cultural values
of diverse groups and their impact on the group process and the
importance of being a culturally sensitive group leader. Emphasis
is given to using a problem-solving and group decision-making
process in practicing group work with multicultural, small groups,
communities, and organizations.
Prerequisite: admission to the
program or permission of the instructor.
(Fee: $45)
SWK-3110 Social Welfare Programs and Policy
–Fa
4 hours
Survey of the American social welfare system. Analysis of the
history, purpose, programs, and assessment of this system from a
biblical theistic point of reference. Examines social welfare policies
and programs in relation to their effects on specific populations
in need in U.S. society. Within a historical and political context,
current social welfare programs and policies are further examined
in terms of underlying assumptions and values, substance,
implementation, and effectiveness. Considers major questions
of social choice and the underlying criteria for the funding and
delivery of social services. Policy analysis will be a major focus.
Innovative programs and models that the churches could consider
will be discussed and developed.
Prerequisite: admission to the
social work program.
(Fee: $35)
SWK-3210
4 hours
Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families
–Sp
This 4-hour course is taken concurrently with 16 hours per week
field experience designed to teach social intervention theory with
practice. Emphasis will be given to the basic principles and values
of practice in acquiring values, skills, theory, and principles of
social work practice as well as the skill developments essential
to beginning social work relationships. Intervention strategies
for work with families and target groups are presented with an
orientation toward problem-solving. The goal of this course is to
assist the student in integrating theory with practice and in gaining
awareness of the professional use of self. Professional writing
skills are further developed.
Prerequisites: admission to the social
work program.
SWK-3430 Junior Seminar I
–Fa
1 hour
and SWK-3440 Jr Field Experience I
–Fa
3 hours
Junior Field Experience I is the placement of students in a
poverty focused social service agency. The first four weeks will be
one hour orientation sessions designed to inform and equip the
student to complete all assignments required before entering their
junior experience. Each student will be in field for a minimum of 75
hours, practicing eight hours weekly with clients and agency staff
under the supervision of a qualified field instructor. Seminar class
will meet once a week for one hour, where the student will receive
input from peers and faculty.
Prerequisite: admission to the social
work program. Corequisite: It is recommended that SWK-3430
and SWK-3440 be taken concurrently.
(Fee: $150)
2016–17 Undergraduate Academic Catalog
Page
281
Course Descriptions
SWK-1100 – SWK-3440
SOCIAL WORK