2004-2005 Academic Catalog

205 Social Sciences and History School of Social Sciences and Professional Studies SWK-3010 4 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 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. 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 assump- tions 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 devel- oped. Prerequisite: admission to the social work program. SWK - 3210 4 hours Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups –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 prin- ciples 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 interviewing. Professional writing skills are further developed. Prerequisites: SWK-3010 Human Behavior and the Social Environment; admission to the social work program. SWK-3430 Junior Seminar I –Fa 1 hour and SWK-3440 Junior Field Experience I –Fa (Fee: $65) 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 his/her 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: SWK-3430 and SWK-3440 must be taken together. SWK-3450 Junior Seminar II –Sp 1 hour and SWK-3460 Junior Field Experience II –Sp (Fee: $65) 3 hours Junior Field Experience II is the placement of students in a poverty-focused social service agency. 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. The last four weeks will be one-hour orientation sessions designed to inform and equip the student to complete all assignments required before entering his/her senior field seminar. Prerequisite: admission to the social work program. Corequisite: SWK-3450 and SWK-3460 must be taken together. SWK-3610 Data Analysis –Fa 3 hours See course description for GSS-3610 Data Analysis. Social work majors are required to take this section of Data Analysis taught by a social work faculty member with the social work designator. Prerequisite: admission to the Social Work Program or permission of the instructor. SWK-3620 Social Work Research Methods –Sp 3 hours Designed to survey the basic process of research methods as practiced in the social sciences. Underlying principles of science and logic are emphasized and special attention is directed toward the recognition of common sources of error and bias in the implementation and interpretation of research studies as it affects the outcomes of research utilization. Students will be better prepared to recognize the impact of special population variables (age, race, gender, etc.) on the research process. Prerequisite: admission to the social work program. SWK-4210 3 hours Social Work Practice with Special Populations –Fa This course is the second part of a three-course sequence in acquiring values, skills, and knowledge of generalist social work practice. Intervention strategies for practice with a wide variety of populations will be presented, including people of different religions; women; lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, and transgendered people; children and youth; the elderly; disabled; appalachians; African Americans; Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders; American Indians; Mexican Americans; Hispanics and Puerto Ricans; and refugees and immigrants. Prerequisite: admission to the social work program. SWK-4220 4 hours Social Work Practice with Communities and Organizations –Sp Designed to complete the undergraduate program and thus equip the student for beginning professional social work practice. Focus is on competency in social work practice in multiple macro settings as a generalist in problem solving and social change. Prerequisites: admission to the social work program; SWK-4210 Social Work Practice with Special Popula- tions. (Fee: $20) SWK-4510 Senior Seminar I –Fa 2 hours and SWK-4560 Senior Field Experience I –Fa (Fee: $90) 7 hours These courses are coordinated with SWK-4210 Social Work Practice with Special Populations. This course offers students the opportunity to practice social work 16 hours weekly with professional supervision. A seminar is held two hours weekly in which students submit their own practice record for critical study and offer feedback to their peers. Emphasis is placed on the integration of students’ social work theoretical knowledge and skills as they enter the profession. Students must complete a minimum of 225 hours in field. Prerequisite: admission to the social work program. Corequisite: SWK-4510 and SWK-4560 must be taken together. SWK-4520 Senior Seminar II –Sp 2 hours and SWK-4570 Senior Field Experience II –Sp (Fee: $90) 7 hours These courses offer students the opportunity to practice social work 16 hours weekly, with professional supervision. A seminar is held two hours weekly in which students submit their own practice record for critical study and offer criticism to their peers. Emphasis is placed on the integration of the students’ social work theoretical knowledge and skills as they enter the profes- sion. Students must complete a minimum of 225 hours in field. Prerequisite: admission to the social work program. Corequisites: SWK-4520 and SWK-4570 must be taken together.