Graduate Catalog Course Descriptions
Foundation Year Courses
SWK 501 Social Work Practice I (3 credits)
This is the first course in a sequence of two courses that prepares the student for generalist social work practice with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. This course introduces students to the history of social work practice, the place and purpose of generalist practice, and the beginning phases of practice relationships. Assessment and developing relationships are considered from a cross-cultural, strength-based, community collaborative perspective across the five client systems. Emphasis is placed on developing a practice perspective that stresses the empowerment of client systems to address issues of economic and social justice.
SWK 502 Social Work Practice II (3 credits)
This is the second course in a sequence of two courses that prepares the student for generalist social work practice with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. Emphasis in this course is on practice with communities and organizations. This course introduces students to the work and termination phases of practice. Interventions are considered from a cross-cultural, strength-based, community collaborative perspective across the five client systems. Emphasis is placed on interventions that address the empowerment of client systems to address issues of economic and social justice. Various social work roles including conferee, enabler, broker, advocate, mediator, and guardian are considered.
SWK 503 Integrative Seminar for Advanced Standing (B)
This course is designed to provide the Advanced Standing student an opportunity to integrate GRC MSW core components into the generalist perspective gained in their previous BSW education. The integrated practice perspective, including community-based collaboration, empowerment-based perspective, interdisciplinary teamwork, and a strengths-based approach are considered in the preparation of the concentration year. Students consider social problems from a multi-level multi-system perspective including policy, practice, research, and human behavior and the social environment theory. 3 Cr.
SWK 504 Field Practicum I and Seminar I (3 credits)
Provides the foundation year first semester agency based field and seminar internship experience. Completing two days of field instruction per week over 14 weeks each semester provides the required 448 hours of field practice in the first year. Educational learning objectives are developed by the student, field instructor, and faculty liaison to provide student learning opportunities in interactions with individuals, groups, organizations, and larger community systems. The Seminar is utilized to integrate course work and field instruction experiences in the foundation year. Assignments and student-generated discussions serve to enhance knowledge and skill development based on practice situations. Seminar faculty serve as the first and second semester field liaison for students in the practicum.
SWK 505 Field Practicum II and Field Seminar II (3 credits)
Provides the foundation year second semester agency based field and seminar internship experience. Completing two days of field instruction per week over 14 weeks each semester provides the required 448 hours of field practice in the first year. Educational learning objectives are developed by the student, field instructor, and faculty liaison to provide student learning opportunities in interactions with individuals, groups, organizations, and larger community systems. The seminar is utilized to integrate course work and field instruction experiences in the foundation year. Assignments and student-generated discussions serve to enhance knowledge and skill development based on practice situations. Building on the previous semester's field practicum, each student is expected to acquire progressively more advanced skills.
SWK 506 Human Behavior and Social Environment I (3 credits)
This is the first course in a sequence of two courses which examines major social science theories that inform the social work profession's understanding of human behavior in social systems primarily focused on groups, families, and individuals. An ecological/systems framework together with a developmental approach and a diversity perspective is used to provide an interactional understanding human behavior. The relationships among biological, social, psychological, and cultural systems are emphasized throughout the course.
SWK 507 Human Behavior and Social Environment II (3 credits)
This is the second course in a sequence of two courses which examines the major social science theories that inform the social work profession's understanding of human behavior in social systems primarily focused on communities and organizations. An ecological/systems framework together with a developmental approach and a diversity perspective is used to provide an interactional understanding of human behavior. The course includes an exploration of the principles of community development and organizational analysis. The course examines the linkage between the five social systems within the principle of community collaboration.
SWK 520 Social Welfare Policy & Services (3 credits)
Social Welfare Policy and Services is the foundation course in the required two-course social policy curriculum content area. This course has as its primary purpose the study of the historical aspects and current nature of the major programs of social welfare, helping students develop skill in analyzing social welfare policies and programs, and exploring strategies for influencing policy at various levels. This course introduces students to the philosophical and historical perspectives of social welfare services and social work practice, and attempts to foster the development of not only descriptive, but also analytical and critical understanding of social welfare programs, policies, and services.
SWK 524 Social Work Practice and Cultural Diversity (3 credits)
This course is offered as a requirement in the foundation year of the curriculum and provides preparation for the student to engage in sensitive, culturally competent, cross-cultural and cross-ethnic social work practice. The course focuses on the processes of oppression in society, and the experiences, needs, and responses of people of who have been subjected to institutionalized forms of oppression because of their particular collective characteristics. Social work theory, knowledge, and practice skills are emphasized in order to guide culturally competent interventions aimed at addressing the needs of diverse groups. Both cognitive and affective processes are stressed throughout the course.
SWK 525 Cultural Competency in Social Work Practice for Advanced Standing
Offered in the summer semester of advanced standing study. Builds upon foundation-year content related to knowledge and skill building for sensitive, culturally competent, cross-cultural, and cross-ethnic social work practice. Emphasizes helping advanced-standing students deepen and broaden knowledge and skills in order to guide culturally competent interventions aimed at addressing the needs of diverse groups through empowerment, collaboration, and multi-system level practice. Stresses mastery of content related to diversity, multiculturalism, oppression, privilege, and culturally relevant practice along with emphasis on cognitive and affective processes throughout the course. 3 Cr.
SWK 530 Social Work Research I (3 credits)
This is the first in a sequence of two courses that present basic concepts of the social work research process as well as the methods that are employed. This class will introduce the basic aspects of research design, and will provide students with the basic skills required to formulate a researchable problem, design a research project, and develop a research proposal. Students are expected to remain with the same cohort of students and professor for this sequence.
SWK 531 Social Work Research II: Program Evaluation and Data Analysis Designs (B)
Second in a two course sequence that introduces the basic aspects of data gathering, analysis, and presentation of research findings. In addition, the course explores single subject research design, critical analysis of existing research, and the examination of fundamental concepts of program and practice evaluation. 3 Cr.
SWK 532 Social Work Research for Advanced Standing (B).
Provides a thorough review of all basic research concepts for advanced standing students with a particular emphasis on concepts related to program and practice evaluation. Includes basic knowledge of required computer skills, including library search and qualitative and quantitative data analysis. 3 Cr.
SWK 540 Social Work and Family Law (B).
Provides the social worker with a basic knowledge of concepts in jurisprudence and specific understanding of family court and its enabling legislation The Family Court Act. Includes lectures by experts in the fields of juvenile delinquency, persons in need of supervision, custody, child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, adoption and criminal justice. Emphasizes the role of the social worker in court, including responding to subpoenas, confidentiality and testifying effectively. Stresses the practical and realist philosophy of law. 3 Cr.
SWK 542 AIDS and Social Work: Policy and Practice Issues.
Considering the pandemic of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), which has implications for social workers in all practice settings, provides in-depth knowledge about HIV disease to produce social workers to provide community leadership. Helps students become more aware of the 1) medical realities of HIV disease; 2) psychosocial implications of the illnesses related to treatment issues; 3) policy issues relevant to the illness; 4) methods of prevention; 5) issues related to professional practice with persons who test antibody-positive to HIV; and 6) program planning issues, from program design to implementation. Assists students to provide culturally sensitive services to those infected/affected. 3 Cr.
SWK 600 Independent Study (B).
Arranged in consultation with the instructor/sponsor and in accordance with procedures of appropriate academic offices prior to registration. 1-6 Cr.
SWK 601 Social Work Practice III: Family and Community Practice (3 credits)
This course focuses on developing knowledge and advanced skills in techniques that effectively enhance, preserve, and restore family functioning within a community context. This course provides a knowledge base for practice with families and the communities within which they live who face the challenges of poverty, mental illness, minority status, family violence, sexual abuse, drug abuse, alcoholism, and major losses. The course builds on generalist skills introduced in the foundation year within the specialized focus of service to families and communities. Particular emphasis is given to developing advanced skills in assessment, intervention and evaluation. The influence of ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, developmental stage, organizations, the community, and the wider societal context is integrated throughout the course.
SWK 602 Social Work Practice III: Interdisciplinary Health Care Practice I (B).
Develops knowledge and advanced skills necessary to restore or enhance an individual and/or family's adaptation to a physical or mental health condition or illness. Teaches practice models and multi-level methods for effective social work practice in mental health and health care, including clinical diagnostic assessment, intervention, skill development, and implementation. Applies a strengths-oriented, family-centered approach through interpersonal, organizational, and environmental interventions. Explores the intersections between and among public, physical and mental health conditions. 3 Cr.
SWK 603 Family & Community Empowerment, Advocacy and Development (3 credits)
This course focuses on developing knowledge and advanced skills in approaches that effectively enhance, preserve, and restore communities and their capacity to support families. This course provides a knowledge base for work with the communities within which families live and skills to address the challenges of poverty, mental illness, minority status, family violence, sexual abuse, and substance abuses. The course builds on generalist skills introduced in the foundation year within the specialized focus of service to families and communities. Particular emphasis is given to developing advanced skills in assessment, intervention and evaluation. The influence of ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, developmental stage, organizations, the community and the wider societal context is integrated throughout the course. Emphasis is placed on empowerment and advocacy skills to help families create just and compassionate communities.
SWK 604 Social Work Practice IV: Social Work Interdisciplinary Health Care II (3 credits)
Continuation of the Interdisciplinary Health Care Practice course sequence. Builds on the direct practice content with individuals, families, and groups. Affords students deeper knowledge and skills in the application of an integrated practice model. Teaches practice models and multi-level methods of intervention for population-based, community collaborative services for populations at-risk with an emphasis on further development of clinical skills in the context of service development and delivery of community health and mental health services. Prepares students to critically examine the complex health and mental health environment and social work's role in service delivery. 3 Cr.
SWK 610 Field Practicum III and Seminar III (4 credits)
Provides concentration year first semester agency based field instruction experience and classroom seminar for advanced learning and practice opportunities relevant to the specific concentration of the student. Completing three days of field instruction per week over 14 weeks each semester is required for a total of 672 hours. Each semester of field practicum builds on the previous semester(s) and is progressive in knowledge and skill development. The seminar is utilized to integrate course work and field instruction experiences. Assignments and student-generated discussions serve to enhance knowledge and advanced skill development based on practice situations. Seminar faculty serve as the first and second semester field liaison for students in the practicum.
SWK 611 Field Seminar III and IV (5 credits)
Provides the concentration year second semester agency based field instruction experience and classroom seminar for advanced learning and practice opportunities relevant to the specific concentration of the student. The seminar is utilized to integrate course work and field instruction experiences. Assignments and student-generated discussions serve to enhance knowledge and advanced skill development based on practice situations. Field seminars in the concentration year are taken each semester concurrent with field practicum. Seminar faculty serve as the first and second semester field liaison for students in the practicum.
SWK 620 Advanced Social Welfare Policy: Families and Communities (3 credits)
This social policy course builds upon and has as a prerequisite the basic foundation year social policy course and focuses on problems, policies, and planning from the perspective of their impact on families and communities. This course builds upon the foundation of understanding the American social welfare system, human behavior and social systems, and advanced generalist social work practice. Recognizing the fundamental duty of the social work profession to promote social equity and justice, this course focuses on policy practice geared towards helping oppressed and stigmatized families within a community context.
SWK 621 Advanced Social Welfare Policy: Interdisciplinary Health Care (3 credits)
This is the second policy course specific to the Health Care Concentration. Federal, State and private organization of health services delivery and financing are studied. Health care trends and current policy shifts and challenges are the focal point for the study of policy implications for current and emerging health care organizations. Specific policy options for current community oriented delivery systems in collaborative models are examined.
SWK 630 Masters Project Development (3 credit)
Requires students to develop a master's project. May be developed independently or within a small group. Uses a seminar format with specific tasks and topics to be covered coming from the interests of the class. Requires students to read and critique proposals of class peers before they are submitted to faculty. 3 Cr.
SWK 631 Masters Project Implementation (3 credits)
Supports students in the implementation and evaluation of their master's projects. Uses a seminar format with specific tasks and topics to be covered coming from the interests of the class. Requires students to read and critique the projects of class peers before they are submitted to faculty. Also requires students to develop a research colloquium to present their work. 3 Cr.
SWK 640 Special Topics (B).
Provides an opportunity for in-depth class exploration of special topics in social work. Topics vary and change from year to year depending on the interests of students and faculty.3 Cr.
SWK 642 Contemporary Issues (B).
Provides an opportunity for students and faculty to explore contemporary issues outside of the regular course offerings. 3 Cr.
Advanced Standing Bridge Courses
SWK 503 Social Work Integrative Practice Seminar (3 credits)
This course is designed to provide the advanced standing student an opportunity to review the theoretical foundations and application of social work practice skills. Emphasis is placed on the processes involved in individual, family, group, organizational, and community interventions.
SWK 525 Social Work Practice and Cultural Diversity- Advanced Standing (3 credits)
This course is offered as a requirement for incoming advanced standing students and is designed to ensure that all students have a solid foundation for the student to engage in culturally competent social work practice with an appreciation for all diversity. The course assumes that students have had some exposure to the concepts and ideas of culturally competent practice and work within a diverse and pluralistic society. This course seeks to ensure this foundation exists and to present and integrate additional concepts and content specific to our program including: empowerment, collaboration, and multi-system level practice. The course focuses on the processes of oppression in society and the experiences, needs, and responses of people who have been subjected to institutionalized forms of oppression because of their particular collective characteristics. Particular attention is given to the concept of privilege and the systematic forces that reinforce the dominant paradigm. Social work theory, knowledge, and practice skills are emphasized in order to guide culturally competent interventions aimed at addressing the needs of diverse groups. Both cognitive and affective processes are stressed throughout the course. The experiences of this course are designed to push students further in their own understanding of themselves and to critically evaluate their previous practice experience. Personal feelings, attitudes, beliefs, experiences are utilized to enhanced awareness, understanding, growth, and sensitivity as advanced practitioners within an integrated practice framework. Mastery of content related to diversity, multi-culturalism, culturally relevant and appropriate practice, oppression and privilege are stressed throughout the course.
SWK 532 Social Work Research for Advanced Standing (3 credits)
This is a special research course for advanced standing students which will begin with an intensive overview of content covered in Research I, and then will provide a comprehensive overview of content covered in Research II.
MSW Electives
SWK 540 Social Work and Family Law
The law, especially as it pertains to families has an immediate ad direct impact on social work and the daily activities of the social worker. This course will provide the social worker with a basic knowledge of concepts in jurisprudence and specific understanding of family court and its enabling legislation The Family Court Act. It will include lectures by experts in the field of juvenile delinquency, persons in need of supervision, custody, child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, adoption and criminal justice. The course will emphasize the role of the social worker in court, including responding to subpoenas, confidentiality, and testifying effectively. The practical and realist philosophy of the law will be stressed.
SWK 542 Social Work & AIDS
Social work has a rich history of responding to the needy and oppressed of society. Today, we are facing a pandemic of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) which has implications for social workers in all practice settings. Persons with HIV-disease (PWHIV: ranging from HIV+ to AIDS) are experiencing discriminatory actions in almost every aspect of society including housing, employment, law enforcement, education, and medical care. The course is designed to provide in-depth knowledge about HIV disease and to produce social workers to provide community leadership. Seminar will help students become more aware of the (1) medical realities of HIV disease; (2) psychosocial implications of the illness as related to treatment issues; (3) policy issues relevant to illness; (4) methods of prevention; (5) issues related to professional practice with persons who test anti-body positive to HIV and (6) program planning issues from program design to implementation. This course will assist students to provide culturally sensitive services to those infected/affected.
SWO 574 Child Welfare (3 credits)
Covers the historical development of child-welfare services in the United States and other nations; related social-welfare policies affecting children and society and family; emphasizes working with the issues of child abuse, neglect, foster care, adoption, exploitation, adolescent pregnancy, and legal status; and examines of the rights of the child.
SWO 576 Gerontology (3 credits)
Examines the older person as an evolving person; bio-psycho-social elements in the aging process; major issues related to the older person; the aging process and the society; comparison of needs of elderly with the service system's program; and methods of intervention specifically needed for the older person.
SWK 600 Independent Study (3 credits)
Arranged in consultation with the instructor/sponsor and in accordance with procedures of the appropriate academic offices prior to registration.
SWK 642 Contemporary Issues (3 credits)
Provides an opportunity for students and faculty to explore special contemporary issues outside of regular course offerings.
SWK 644 Case Management (3 credits)
This course provides both a theoretical and practical understanding of case management. The role of case management and how it relates to both advanced generalist and each of the two program concentrations (Family and Community and Interdisciplinary Health Care) will be critically examined. Students will learn about the historical evolution of case management and its relation to various social work perspectives, functions, practice principles, and current use.
SWK 646 Management & Fiscal Administration in Human Services (3 credits)
This course examines the structure and functions of not-for-profit organizations and agencies. Concepts and theoretical constructs of administration and financial management are presented. The concepts and value of administration and management skills in agencies and organizations are examined. Budgeting and accounting principles are covered in the context of cost-effectiveness of service delivery.
SWK 647 Supervision and Consultation (3 credits)
This course identifies and examines central concepts and theories and models if supervision and consultation. Strategies and techniques for establishing, improving, and maintaining supervisory and consultative relationships as mechanisms for improving service to clients are considered. Special attention is given to organization dynamics and structure, to delineating the management function, and to issues of power and authority. Emphasis is placed on the dynamics of supervision and consultation, ethical and value principles, professional boundaries, supervision and consultation as leadership functions, and the importance of collaborative processes.
SWK 648 Community Collaboration & Organizational Leadership (3 credits)
This course examines the concepts, principles and related theories of organizational behavior and leadership, and collaborative planning. A knowledge base for understanding approaches to management of organizational internal and external environments is emphasized. Interprofessional, interorganization, and interdisciplinary collaboration in the community is stressed as the emerging direction for human services.