Social Work

SOCW 1100. Transitioning to University Studies in Social Work. 1 Credit Hour (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 1 Hour).

Practical study designed to prepare the student for university life, and in the development of skills for academic success, promote personal growth and responsibility, and encourage active involvement in the learning process from an individual college perspective. Also included will be the development of skills in the learning process from a Department of Social Work perspective.

SOCW 2361. Introduction to Social Work. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This introductory course focuses on the profession of social work: historical development, values, ethics, and various aspects of practice with an emphasis on the generalist perspective and populations at risk.

SOCW 2362. Social Welfare in America. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course offers a historical and contemporary examination of legislation and resulting programs, policies, and services in the context of the social welfare system in the United States. Special attention is given to the political, economic, environmental, and social conditions that prompted the development of legislation to meet the needs of vulnerable populations. Societal responses to legislation are also considered.

SOCW 3300. Methods and Skills of Interviewing. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

This pre-professional course will introduce students to the generalist practice skills. Beginning social work skills introduced include the principles of conducting the helping interview, initial client contact, attending, and listening, empathetic responses, exploration and elaboration, questioning, gaining cooperation, self-disclosure, and termination issues. Issues of problem solving with diverse populations and persons from different cultural backgrounds as well as ethical issues of helping relationships are explored. Prerequisites: Social Work majors must complete or concurrently enroll in SOCW 2361 with a grade of "C" or higher, and SOCW 2362 with a grade of "C" or higher.

SOCW 3303. Social Work with Diverse Populations. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course will familiarize the student with their cultural roots as well as cultural roots of other ethnic groups that make up American society, tracing the process of acculturation that characterizes their American experience.

SOCW 3306. Social Welfare Policy. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

This course helps students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively advocate for policy changes that promote social justice and to analyze policy to determine its effect on client populations and agency programs and services. Prerequisite: Completion of SOCW 2362 with a C or higher.

SOCW 3308. Case Management. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course is designed to provide intensive studies of current trends and issues related to professional social work practice, social service delivery, and populations at risk. This course serves to introduce the concept of case management as it is used to provide human services. The cases management process is examined from the intake interview to the termination of services, with in-depth attention given to three phases of case management: assessment, planning, and implementation. The responsibilities and skills of the effective case manager are explored. Additionally, the context in which the case management process occurs is reviewed and organizational, legal, and ethical issues confronting the case manager are addressed. Historical perspectives of case management and theoretical models utilized by case managers are discussed.

SOCW 3310. Social Work with Aging Populations. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course will use a competency-based approach to preparing students to engage in social work practice with aging populations. The focus will be on the four domains of geriatric competencies adopted by the Hartford Geriatric Social Work Initiative. The four domains are: 1) values, ethics, and theoretical perspectives; 2) assessment; 3) intervention; 4) aging services, programs, and policies. Prerequisite: Junior classification.

SOCW 3311. Social Issues. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Uses major theoretical perspectives from sociology to explore causes and consequences of contemporary social issues in American society such as alienation, family stresses, poverty, unemployment and technological change.

SOCW 3314. Methods of Social Work Research. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

Principles of the scientific method for building knowledge of and evaluating practice. Topics include: ethical and cultural issues in research; research design and methodology; quantitative and qualitative research strategies; evaluation of practice; critical evaluation of published research; and completion and reporting of research projects. All students must successfully complete ALE requirements to pass the course. The ALE assignment is a major percentage of the student’s overall grade. Prerequisite: Completion of SOCW 3320 with a grade of C or higher.

SOCW 3315. Statistical Methods & Analysis. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The course familiarizes the student with the quantitative and qualitative research methods, the research process, and the role of research in social work. Students develop a research proposal. Emphasis is placed on evaluation of all levels of practice. The course emphasizes the development of the quantitative and qualitative research knowledge necessary for evidence-based practice and the use of practice to inform research. Students are introduced to the concepts and skills underlying a systematic approach to social work research, including but not limited to, the roles of concepts and theory, hypothesis formulation, operationalization, research design, data collection, data processing, statistical analysis, computer skills, and research report writing. All students must successfully complete ALE requirements to pass the course. The ALE assignment is a major percentage of the student’s overall grade. Upon successful completion of the ALE requirements and the course requirements, students will receive 1 ALE in the category of Research. Prerequisites: Must have completed SOCW 3320 and SOCW 3314 with a C or higher.

SOCW 3316. Practice I. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Focus is on theories and methodologies needed for generalist social work practice with individuals and small groups. Critical evaluation of the value base of the social work profession and basic practice concepts for understanding a variety of intevention models in diverse settings will be explored. Prerequisites: Admission to the Social Work Program and completion of SOCW 3300 with a grade of “C” or higher, and concurrent enrollment or completion of SOCW 3329 with a grade of "C" or higher.

SOCW 3320. Service Learning. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Students identify and respond to a community/neighborhood challenge through volunteer, service learning work with a non-profit community agency and/or under direct supervision of the instructor. Projects may be based in the student’s home neighborhood or community. Students engage in supervised service activities and have the opportunity to reflect on the responses to the identified challenges. This course is an ALE course. All students must pass the ALE portion of the course to pass the course. Upon successful completion of the ALE requirements and the course requirements, students will receive 1 ALE in the category of Service Learning. Prerequisites: Completion of SOCW 2361 with a C or above and/or completion of or concurrent enrollment in SOCW 2362.

SOCW 3325. Special Population in Aging. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Special Populations in Aging provides an in-depth examination of select issues faced by specific older adult populations using a multi-systems perspective. This course covers the needs, interventions, and evaluations for specific marginalized older adults within society. Sample topics include dementia, caregiver stress, abuse, neglect and exploitation of older adults, older adults in the LGBTQ community, widowhood and the older adult, and substance abuse in older adults. By bridging theory and practice, content covered reflects common situations encountered by social workers who serve older adults and their families. Student will utilize the bio-psycho-social-spiritual-sexual framework to guide processes of assessment and intervention with marginalized older adults and their families. The student will be able to demonstrate the ability to assess the impact of multiple oppressions, including cultural, economic, and environmental factors on human functioning in older adults. Prerequisite: SOCI 3310 Sociology of Aging with a C or above.

SOCW 3329. Human Behavior and Social Environment I. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Using an ecological/systems, developmental, and strengths framework, this course provides an integrated look at the bio-psycho-social spiritual factors influencing human development focusing on human functioning from conception through middle childhood. Students will be exposed to theories and knowledge for practice across all system levels (individual, family, group, community, and society) of generalist practice. Cultural factors affecting human functioning, as well as implications for social work practice are explored. Prerequisites: Completion of SOCW 2361 with a grade of “C” or higher, SOCW 2362 with a grade of “C” or higher, completion of or concurrent enrollment in SOCW 3300 with a grade of “C” or higher, and SOCI 1306.

SOCW 3330. Sexuality & Intimacy of Older Adults. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course covers and challenges many of society’s cultural understandings on sexuality and aging. Using a biopsychosocial perspective, emphasis will be placed on the social, cultural, familial, and individual attitudes, values, and behaviors as they relate to sexuality and aging. Those that are aged 65 and over have oftentimes been regarded as non-sexual leaving this area of study to be neglected. In this course, we will address some of the basic concepts and theoretical perspective in sexuality and aging. This course will investigate the issues encompassing sexuality and aging utilizing social work values and ethics to manage learning. populations. Application of theories related to aging and sexuality in assessments and interventions with clients while exploring chronic conditions common in the aging process. Students will acquire an advanced understanding of sexuality and intimacy and the dynamics of sexual and intimacy expression with older adults.

SOCW 3339. Human Behavior and Social Environment II. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course is a continuation of Human Behavior and the Social Environment I with an emphasis on theories and knowledge about human functioning from middle childhood through the end of life. Additionally, this course provides an integrated look at the bio-psycho-social-spiritual factors influencing human development using an ecological/systems, developmental, and strengths framework. Students will be exposed to theories and knowledge for practice across all system levels (individual, family, group, community, and society) of generalist practice. Values and ethical issues are included. Prerequisite: Completion of SOCW 3329 with a C or higher.

SOCW 3377. Alcohol and Drug Abuse. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Focus on psychoactive substances of use and abuse including: alcohol, legal/illegal drugs, and their impact on individuals, families, and society. Models of addiction, society's attitudes, and services for persons and families are explored.

SOCW 4059. International Social Work. 3-6 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3-6 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Provides students with an understanding of social work practice and social welfare policies from an international perspective. The implications of globalization and its impact on social welfare policies and social work practice will be examined. Strategies for inter-cultural social work practice and methods of combating discrimination also will be examined. Students may have the opportunity to travel outside the U.S. in order to become familiar with social welfare policies and programs from an international perspective.

SOCW 4085. Social Work Seminar. 1-3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1-3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Intensive studies of current trends and issues related to professional social work practice, social service delivery, and populations at risk. May repeated for credit when topics vary. Prerequisite: Junior classification or approval of the Social Work Program Director.

SOCW 4086. Problems in Social Work. 1-6 Credit Hours (Lecture: 0 Hours, Lab: 1-6 Hours).

Independent reading and research on various social work-related topics. Entry into the course will be arranged by the faculty member with approval from the Department Head if needed.

SOCW 4090. Special Topics. 1-3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1-3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Intensive studies of current trends and issues related to professional social work practice, social service delivery, and populations at risk. May repeated for credit when topics vary. Prerequisite: Junior Classification.

SOCW 4310. Practice with Older Adults. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Focus is on theories and methodologies needed for generalist social work practice with older adults as individuals, within their families and small groups. Critical evaluation of the value base of the social work profession and basic practice concepts for understanding a variety of intervention models in diverse settings for older adults will be explored. This course will use a competency-based approach to prepare students to engage in social work practice with aging populations. The focus will be on the four domains of geriatric competencies adopted by the Hartford Geriatric Social Work Initiative. The four domains are: 1) values, ethics, and theoretical perspectives; 2) assessment; 3) intervention; 4) aging services, programs, and policies. Prerequisite: Junior classification.

SOCW 4311. Child Welfare. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course focuses on the practice of social work in a child welfare context. This course is designed to introduce students to a variety of social work practice settings in child welfare. Past and present child welfare policies and programs will be examined. This course is a required course for students pursuing the Child Welfare concentration.

SOCW 4312. Practice II. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Focus is on integrating theoretical concepts and frameworks with the practice of social change at community, society, and global levels. Models of community organization--community development, social action, and social planning will be emphasized including methods of resource delivery and redistribution and student will apply to final macro project. Prerequisites: Student must be admitted to the Social Work Program. Student must have completed SOCW 3300 Methods and Skills of Interviewing with a C or above.

SOCW 4313. Human Rights. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Using the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights as a foundation, this course examines human rights and human rights violations using a global perspective.

SOCW 4315. Social Work Values and Ethics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The focus of this course is to encourage and assist students in the development of an ethical framework for social work practice. This framework requires students to develop a better understanding of and the ability to manage the ethical issues and dilemmas they will encounter in social work practice. The course integrates concepts related to social values and ethics, diversity, promotion of social and economic justice, and empowerment of human beings. Additionally, the course allows students to apply the NASW Code of Ethics and the Code of Ethics of the Texas State Conduct of Social Work Examiners to multi-faceted ethical dilemmas.

SOCW 4318. Adoptions & Custody. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The focus of this course is on understanding the family court processes of adoption and child custody and the social worker/ mental health professional’s role in these processes. Students will obtain the assessment and writing skills to complete reports for family court.

SOCW 4324. Trauma & DeBriefing. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course examines a practical approach to understanding trauma and provides empowering interventions to apply to practice with childhood and adult survivors of physical, sexual and other forms of abuse and trauma.

SOCW 4325. Mental Health Care. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course provides a generalist view of social work practice in mental health, considering the social problems that affect health care, and ethical and effective intervention strategies and service delivery systems. Students will review the tools used for assessment of mental health disorders as well as learn the differences between various types of intervention approaches used within mental health care settings at the undergraduate generalist practitioner level. To provide students with general knowledge of mental health and mental health services. Students will engage in learning about tools of assessment used within these settings as well as intervention techniques for their level of practice including important terminology when working in mental health settings.

SOCW 4342. Disaster & Response. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The purpose of this class is to prepare social workers, and other helping professionals to understand the emergency management systems and to respond with a defined skill set that offers emotional support for persons during disaster incidents. It will also train participants in how to partner with public health, emergency management, hospitals, police, fire, and EMS agencies. Students will be trained to integrate with response partners during major disaster emergencies such as mass causality/fatality incidents, natural disasters, and the outbreaks of epidemic and pandemic diseases, where there was a need for psychosocial support.

SOCW 4352. Women's Issues. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Examines the role of women from a global perspective. Focuses on specific issues that affect the everyday lives of women. Special attention is given to the differential and unequal treatment of women based on age, race, social class, and cultural differences.

SOCW 4355. Grief, Loss & Bereavement. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course is an introduction to concepts surrounding the nature of loss, suffering, grief, and issues of death and dying. Historical, current, cultural, spiritual, and religious perspectives will be examined with attention to ethical and moral issues. Theoretical foundations will be explored as related to death and dying, as well as other types of loss to include divorce, adoption, foster care, palliative care, transitions and symbolic loss and how it impacts children and families.

SOCW 4377. Substance Abuse Education & Training. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The purpose of this course is to provide students with an introduction and overview of substance abuse education and research. The course focuses on self-help groups, assessment procedures, and current intervention strategies aligned with an introduction to substance abuse research. Students are given an opportunity to explore special issues that are of particular interest, research that topic and draft a project to share with other students. Emphasis will also be placed on introducing students to the particulars of educating, research training with faculty mentors to cover the context of ideologies. This course will familiarize the student with training regarding practice and research regarding substance use disorders (SUDs) and behavioral health (BH) disorders. Students will expand on their current knowledge of substance use disorders and behavioral health treatment approaches and interdisciplinary collaboration methods. Prerequisite: SOCW 3377.

SOCW 4378. Substance Abuse Prevention & Intervention. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The purpose of this course focuses on carrying out collection and analysis of community-based data of substance abuse and developing intervention methods for practice for working within agencies and populations impacted by substance use disorder and behavioral health disorders. Students are given opportunity to apply their substance abuse education and use their critical thinking skills in the development of prevention and intervention strategies. This course will allow students the opportunity to use critical thinking strategies to develop and implement an intervention and/or prevention method for substance abuse. Prerequisite: SOCW 4377.

SOCW 4398. Social Work Capstone. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Social Work Capstone: This course is designed for upper-level Social Work majors. Students will learn the applicability of their previous semester learning in their sequence courses of agency, group, and research. Through guidance, students will compile sequence course work into their senior project of a portfolio booklet which includes their use of research results from their sequence coursework to develop an intervention for a community-based agency. Students will have the opportunity to implement and present what they have learned in prior social work classes to their current and/or future careers. Restricted to Social Work majors who are in their senior year. Prerequisite: SOCW 3315 and SOCW 4622.

SOCW 4622. Field Placement I. 6 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 16 Hours).

This course is designed to provide application and integration of academic learning and development of skills within a field setting. Agency placement is arranged by the Director of Field. A seminar is scheduled along with agency placement. Students are expected to be at the agency approximately 16 hours a week for the duration of the semester. Students must complete 225 hours of placement. Prerequisites: Must be a senior and permission of Field Director.

SOCW 4623. Field Placement II. 6 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 16 Hours).

This course requires the application and integration of academic learning and development of skills within a field setting. Placement is arranged with social work field faculty. A seminar is scheduled along with agency placement. A total of 450 hours (225 each semester) is required in the field agency. Prerequisite: Completion of SOCW 4622 with a grade of "C" or higher.

SOCW 4632. Child Welfare Practicum. 12 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 27 Hours).

A practicum limited to students in the Title IV-E Child Welfare Program. Provides students with an opportunity to integrate theory and develop practice skills in a child welfare setting. Requires a minimum of 450 hours be completed in a professionally supervised State of Texas Child Protective Services setting. Prerequisite: Acceptance to the Title IV-E Child Welfare Program, completion of all required social work courses.

SOCW 5059. International Social Work. 3-6 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3-6 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Provides students with an understanding of social work practice and social welfare policies from an international perspective. The implications of globalization and its impact on social welfare policies and social work practice will be examined. Strategies for inter-cultural social work practice and methods of combating discrimination also will be examined. Students may have the opportunity to travel outside the U.S. in order to become familiar with social welfare policies and programs from an international perspective. Course is repeatable if focus of course or travel is different.

SOCW 5086. Problems in Social Work. 1-6 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1-6 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Independent reading and research on various social work-related topics. Entry into the course will be arranged by Social Work Program Director.

SOCW 5305. Generalist Practice with Communities and Organizations. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course provides a review of community organization theory and practice at both the macro and micro levels. Basic models of community organization theory and practice are highlighted, including locality development, social planning, and social action as well as major policy issues that relate to communities. Special attention is given to the historical base of community organization in America, citizen/consumer participation, volunteerism, assessment of community needs, impact of racism, and community work and intervention techniques. Students will examine the range of social work roles and functioning in community organization practice from the personal individual participant perspective to the social worker/ professional organizer perspective, and as a policy-maker.

SOCW 5306. Advanced Integrative Capstone Seminar. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The capstone is an integrative seminar at the end of the MSW program that will provide students the opportunity to demonstrate social work competencies at an advanced level in their area of concentration. Building on their application of advanced social work values, knowledge, and skills from coursework and internships, students will develop a professional paper that will reflect competency in the major themes, goals, and objectives of the social work program. Prerequisite: Completion of SOCW 5362 with a "B" or higher.

SOCW 5310. Generalist Direct Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Theory for social work practice is studied, using an integrated social systems and biopsychosocial-spiritual model. The student is introduced to the profession through its history, its conceptual development and through an examination of the values, knowledge and skills which characterize it. The course content focuses on the worker/client relationship and development of assessment, intervention and evaluation skills used in interventions with individual clients, families, and small groups. Appropriate worker intervention in individualized treatment planning and implementation and the dynamics of small group process are also examined.

SOCW 5315. Generalist Social Work Policy and Policy Analysis. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Foundation course on social policy, policy practice and practice in communities and organizations. Surveys historical evolution of social welfare policy and contemporary provision of social welfare services, including the role of values in policy formulation and principles of social and economic justice. Introduces the social work role as change agent in legislative, community and organizational arenas.

SOCW 5316. Advanced Social Policy: Advocacy, Analysis & Practice. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course provides students with the theoretical and practical knowledge base and skills to analyze, formulate, and advocate for social policies that promote social justice and facilitate social change at multiple levels, including mezzo and macro. Students will gain an understanding of policy practice, theories, and skills as they relate to social, economic, political, and organizational systems and will apply this knowledge to facilitate change at the agency, community, and societal level. Content will focus on social, distributive, political, and economic justice.

SOCW 5321. Generalist Foundations of Social Work. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course provides students a foundation in social work practice, including social work roles, functions, and tasks that social workers perform across settings. The course will also introduce social work values and ethics, theories, the generalist intervention model (GIM), diversity and inclusion, and licensing issues.

SOCW 5322. Generalist Field Placement I. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 0 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

This course the first foundation field course designed to provide application and integration of academic learning and development of skills within a field setting. Placement is arranged with the MSW Field Director prior to the beginning of the spring semester. A weekly integrative seminar is scheduled along with an agency placement. The total number of hours performed by the end of the semester for this foundation field course is 200 hours, completed over 15 weeks of field setting placement. The total number of hours for the graduate foundation field placement required by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is 400 hours; this first course covers the first 200 of those required hours.

SOCW 5323. Generalist Field Placement II. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 0 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

This course the second foundation field course designed to provide application and integration of academic learning and development of skills within a field setting. Placement is arranged with the MSW Field Director prior to the beginning of the spring semester. A weekly integrative seminar is scheduled along with an agency placement. The total number of hours performed by the end of the semester for this foundation field course is 200 hours, completed over 15 weeks of field setting placement. The total number of hours for the graduate foundation field placement required by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is 400 hours; this second course covers the final 200 of those required hours. Prerequisite: SOCW 5322.

SOCW 5325. Generalist Research Methods. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course focuses on foundation content in research design and methodology that can be used by social work practitioners to evaluate their individual practice, evaluate social programs, and advance practice knowledge. The major goals of the course are to enable students to develop a scientific perspective, to acquire an understanding of different research viewpoints that can be used to evaluate practice, and to incorporate that perspective and understanding into a broader conceptual base for social work practice. The course aids students in thinking critically about the methods and limitations of various systems of inquiry, and about society, people, and their problems.

SOCW 5330. Generalist Human Behavior in the Social Environment. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course examines the life cycle of the individual from in utero through old age and death from a biopsychosocial-spiritual perspective via multiple theoretical frameworks. Individual growth and development is studied in the context of culture, race, ethnicity, social class, gender, families and other social systems. Attention is also given to the impact of trauma, loss, and environmental stressors on the individual and the family.

SOCW 5340. Generalist Social Justice and Disparities. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course will introduce students to the importance of operating from a lens of equity by familiarizing students with culture and diversity within and between groups. Students will learn and apply an integral framework of equity using generalist practice skills at the micro, mezzo, and macro level to address social justice and disparity issues in society. Various diverse areas of age, gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, spirituality, physical and mental ability are explored with specific attention to the historical aspects of oppression and discrimination of each area. Students will also engage in critical self-exploration and self-awareness as it relates to each of the diverse areas taught in this course to advance his/her own self-identity.

SOCW 5341. Perspectives on Loss & Grief. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Perspectives on Loss and Grief acquaints students with the issues surrounding loss and grief. Theoretical foundations will be explored as related to death and dying, but also other types of loss including divorce, adoption and foster care, symbolic loss, etc. Students will explore various counseling techniques, and will learn about developmental issues that impact grief reactions.

SOCW 5342. Environmental Justice, Sustainability and Social Work Practice. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course focuses on environmental justice and sustainability and the relationship to social justice within the context of social work practice. The course incorporates multiple environmental issues such as clean energy, single-use plastics, consumption and environmental issues with a focus on becoming more globally and environmentally competent.

SOCW 5360. Advanced Administrative and Leadership Practice: Skills and Methods. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course teaches theories and strategies for effective leadership in organizations and communities. The course examines strategies to combat marginalization and institutional oppression, as well as those that promote social and economic justice in organizations and community environments. Students will develop leadership skills in a variety of settings in both formal and informal capacities. Prerequisite: SOCW 5371.

SOCW 5362. Advanced Field Placement I. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 0 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

This course is the first advanced field course designed to provide application and integration of academic learning and development of skills within a field setting. Placement is arranged with the MSW Field Director prior to the beginning of the academic year. A weekly integrative seminar is scheduled along with an agency placement. The total number of hours performed by the end of the semester for this advanced field course is 250 hours, completed over 15 weeks of field setting placement. The total number of hours for the graduate advanced field placement required by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is 500 hours; this first course covers the first 250 of those required hours.

SOCW 5363. Advanced Field Placement II. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 0 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

This course is the second advanced field course designed to provide application and integration of academic learning and development of skills within a field setting. Placement should be continued from the first field practicum course. A weekly integrative seminar is scheduled along with students completing hours in an agency placement. The total number of hours performed by the end of the semester for this advanced field course is 250 hours, completed over 15 weeks of field setting placement. The total number of hours for the graduate advanced field placement required by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is 500 hours; this first course covers the second 250 of those required hours. Prerequisite: Completion of SOCW 5362 with a "B" or higher.

SOCW 5365. Community Organizing & Engagement. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course examines the challenges and benefits of constructively engaging diverse community groups toward a solution that encompasses the voices of relevant stakeholders. The course proposes that working toward social and economic justice means addressing root causes of social issues, such as poverty, and working to end oppression, rather than creating mechanisms that institutionalize marginalization. Students learn how to build communities by enhancing their capacity to solve problems and implement solutions through strategic partnerships that engage stakeholders in meaningful partnerships, mutual learning, shared responsibility, and collective action.

SOCW 5370. Community & Evaluation Research. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course focuses on the ability to use research to address community and organizational problems. Both quantitative and qualitative methods will be taught and students will learn to develop community plans, develop programs, and submit grants based on research findings. The course includes content in advanced research design, implementation, methodology, and data analysis. The course will also explore time studies and policy research. Student will prepare a research proposal to be implemented in the Research Practicum.

SOCW 5371. Advanced Integrative Social Work Practice: Theory and Ethics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course examines the theoretical approaches to advanced integrative social work practice at all levels of intervention. This course focuses on evidence-based theories and emphasizes that no single theory captures the totality of the human experience: thus, practitioners must utilize an integrative approach for ethical and effective practice.

SOCW 5372. Advanced Direct Practice: Skills and Methods. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course emphasizes the application of practice models in complex situations, particularly those involving populations at risk and diverse clients, including behaviors, strengths, needs and values. Specific advanced intervention models will be introduced with emphasis on theoretical knowledge as well as implications within each student’s field of practice. Content focuses on building competency in intervention strategies and evaluation techniques that promote optimal functioning relevant to current social work practice with diverse populations in varied contexts. This course provides simulated opportunities for students to engage in critical thinking and practice that will prepare them for competent practice as they enter the workforce. Prerequisite: SOCW 5371.

SOCW 5373. DSM for Social Workers. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course introduces students to various diagnostic codes of emotional and mental disorders categorized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5 or the latest version) often experienced by individuals and families to help build students’ knowledge about mental illness and its role in advanced social work practice. Through the use of various assessment tools, students will learn how to utilize assessments as part of the process for interventions with children and families. The pathology of persons suffering from the most common disorders is also explored with specific emphasis on documentation skills of assessment, interviewing, and treatment planning of clinical social workers.

SOCW 5374. Practice and Program Evaluation. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Practice and Program Evaluation is an in-depth research course highlighting the quantitative and qualitative evaluation of practice. Primary areas of focus include integrating research skills related to single subject research design, data collection, data analysis, measurement, and reporting. Practice informed research and research informed practice application is emphasized along with assessing student’s critical consciousness and scholarly application of standardized and self-constructed measurement instruments as it relates to various modes of practice.

SOCW 5375. Grant Writing. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course is designed to provide students with knowledge and skills in program development, proposal writing and grant development.

SOCW 5376. Program Development. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course provides advanced social work students with the knowledge and skills to design and develop programs for the human service delivery system that emphasize approaches that empower marginalized populations, build human capacity, and create sustainable change. Students will become knowledgeable in assessment techniques related to the justification of program development.

SOCW 5385. Research Practicum. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course is the second part of SOCW 5370 Community & Evaluation Research. Students will use the proposal developed in that course to implement their research plan, analyze results, and develop recommendations and program/ grant ideas based on the research findings. This course focuses on the ability to use research to address community and organizational problems and the research will be conducted in the community and a professional presentation of results is expected in a community venue. Students will learn to write up results using scientific language. Students will also be encouraged to consider writing for publication and/ or presenting findings at professional conferences. Prerequisite: Entry into the course will be arranged by Social Work Program Director.

SOCW 5386. Group Work. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course builds on the foundational courses of practice skills and relates those skills to group work, group development, and group types (psychoeducational, support, task-oriented, therapeutic). Students will learn and apply the facilitation of groups in various agency and community based settings with culturally diverse groups and situations. The course will also provide additional knowledge about assessment of group dynamics to assist students in determining appropriate intervention skills within groups.

SOCW 5387. Interventions with Children and Families. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course will focus on treatment principles and techniques of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) with children and families. Students will develop essential skills to deliver effective evidence-based therapeutic services to children and families impacted by significant events that negatively affect their well-being.

SOCW 5390. Special Topics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An examination of different topics each semester with a focus on contemporary issues in Social Work. This course may be repeated for credit as the topic changes.