Foundation Level Courses
SWK400 Foundations in Human Behavior in the Social Environment
This course, for foundation-year graduate students in social work, teaches students
to critically evaluate and apply biological, psychological, and social theories to
client situations across the lifespan. Effects of the interplay of biological,
psychological, social, economical and cultural elements of the social environment on
human functioning are examined. Systems promoting or deterring people in the attainment
and maintenance of optimal health and well-being are explored with particular attention
on the effects over the life course of these systems on populations at risk, ethnic and
racial minorities, sexual minorities, women, and persons with disability. 3 S.H., 3 C.H.
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SWK450 Foundations in Social Work Practice with Individuals
Students will learn a problem-solving process that includes relationship building,
prevention, planning, interviewing techniques, case recording, termination and
evaluation. Attention to the evolution of social work practice from an historical and
international perspective will establish the context for this introduction to
contemporary practice. Students will be expected to participate in a laboratory
experience involving a helping relationship project. Knowledge and skills relevant to
practice with populations at risk including women, people of color, people who are gay
and lesbian, and people who are economically impoverished will be emphasized. Issues of
oppression, diversity, social justice, values, and ethics will be integrated throughout
the course. This course is required of all Master’s of Social Work students.
3 S.H., 3 C.H.
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SWK455 Foundations of Social Welfare Policies
This course, for foundation-year graduate students in social work, provides an
historical perspective for understanding current issues in social work and social
welfare. The policy making process is critically examined and the major actors
associated with it are identified. A significant part of the course will be spent in
the study of major welfare policies and the groups affected by them. Strategies and
involvement of people for policy change are examined. 3 S.H., 3 C.H.
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SWK460 Foundations of Social Work Research Methods
This course, for foundation-year graduate students, uses the scientific inquiry
model for social and behavioral science research in social work practice. Students
develop skills in formulating research problems and questions, conducting a
comprehensive literature review, establishing hypotheses and choosing research designs,
both quantitative and qualitative. Data collection instruments, analysis techniques and
report writing are emphasized. Ethical issues related to human subjects, as well as
sensitivity to the diversity of research participants are included. Emphasis is placed
on social work practice evaluation techniques, including single-subject as well as
experimental and quasi-experimental designs. Computers and information technology for
social work practice are introduced. The use of appropriate statistical techniques in
data analysis is covered. 3 S.H., 3 C.H.
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SWK465 Foundations of Social Work Practice with Groups and Families
This course for foundation level graduate students in social work continues the
study of the problem solving approach with multi-level client systems (individual,
groups, families, communities, organizations). The course focuses on concepts, methods,
and skills in social work practice with groups and families. Family development and
dynamics will be studied and social work intervention techniques with emphasis on
problem solving will be examined. Through class discussions, exercises and group
projects, students will apply their understanding of group dynamics and family
assessment, and demonstrate social work practice skills with groups and families.
3 S.H., 3 C.H.
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SWK480 Foundations of Social Work Practice with Organizations and Communities
This course for foundation level graduate students in social work continues the
study of the problem solving approach with multi-level client systems (individual,
groups, families, communities, organizations). This course reinforces and applies social
work knowledge, values, and skills using the problem solving approach and focuses on
intervention strategies with communities and organizations. Students practice generalist
social work within a systems theory framework. A policy practice emphasis is applied for
advocacy and change strategies with agencies and communities. Particular attention will
be given to strategies of change with populations at risk. 3 S.H., 3 C.H.
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SWK481 Foundation Internship I
This internship is the first of two foundation-level, graduate semesters (total 480
hours) of field instruction in social welfare agency settings, which are required under
the supervision of a professional social worker. Students apply foundation knowledge,
skills, values, and ethics of professional generalist practice. Through supervision,
students enhance their awareness of self, develop written and oral communication skills
necessary for analysis of professional practice, and apply critical analytic skills for
implementing and evaluating agency policies and programs. Students operationalize the
unique values, functions and roles of professional social work practice and develop
competency in identifying and assessing situations where the relationship of people and
their social environment needs to be enhanced or changed. The professional responsibility
of advocacy toward change and recognition of the impact of policy and programs on
oppressed groups is an integral part of the applied learning, as is development of
professional identity. A grade of "C" or better is required in this course to enter
SWK483, Foundation Internship II. Must be taken concurrently with SWK 482, Integrated
Professional Generalist Social Work Practice Seminar I. Prerequisites: SWK400, SWK450,
SWK460 (or can be taken concurrently). 4 S.H., 4 C.H.
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SWK482 Integrated Generalist Social Work Practice Seminar I
This seminar, the first of two for foundation-level MSW students, begins an
effective bridge to align the liberal arts perspective expected of entering
graduate-level students and the advanced level family-in-environment content. The
following concepts will be introduced and reinforced: the history and philosophy of
the social work profession, social work values and ethics, the Generalist Intervention
Model of Social Work, populations at risk, cultural diversity, promotion of social and
economic justice, and fields of social work practice. The Seminars complement the Field
Instruction and provide a structured learning opportunity where students process their
practice experiences and integrate the common base of social work values, skills, and
knowledge of generalist social work in a systems theory perspective. The seminars also
assist students to expand their knowledge of the human services field beyond the
confines of their own placement. Topics and policies of social work and social welfare
are discussed, based in large part, on the experiences of students in the field through
written logs, client summaries, and classroom discussions of experiences including
feelings about their social work practice. Must be taken concurrently with SWK 481.
3 S.H., 3 C.H.
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SWK483 Foundation Internship II
This is the second semester of field instruction (a total of 480 hours) in social
welfare agency settings which is required under the supervision of a professional social
worker. Students apply foundation knowledge, skills, values, and ethics of professional
generalist practice. Through supervision, students enhance their awareness of self,
develop written and oral communication skills necessary for analysis of professional
practice, and apply critical analytic skills for implementing and evaluating agency
policies and programs. Students operationalize the unique values, functions and roles of
professional social work practice and develop competency in identifying and assessing
situations where the relationship of people and their social environment needs to be
enhanced or changed. The professional responsibility of advocacy toward change and
recognition of the impact of policy and programs on oppressed groups is an integral part
of the applied learning. An agency-based research project is required in this semester
of fieldwork. Must be taken concurrently with SWK 484, Integrated Social Work Practice
Seminar II. Prerequisites: SWK 481 and SWK 482. 4 S.H., 4 C.H.
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SWK484 Integrated Generalist Social Work Practice Seminar II
This seminar, the second of two for foundation-level MSW students, continues
aligning the liberal arts perspective expected of entering graduate-level students and
the advanced level family-in-environment content. The following concepts will be
integrated: professional use of self, social work values and ethics in the context of
the mandate of the setting, the Generalist Intervention Model of Social Work, populations
at risk, cultural diversity, promotion of social and economic justice, and fields of
social work practice. The Seminars complement the Field Instruction and provide a
structured learning opportunity where students process their practice experiences and
integrate the common base of social work values, skills, and knowledge of generalist
social work in a systems theory perspective. The seminars also assist students to expand
their knowledge of the human services field beyond the confines of their own placement.
Must be taken concurrently with SWK 483. 3 S.H., 3 C.H.
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Advanced Standing Courses
SWK491 Internship for Advanced Standing I
This internship is the first of two graduate semesters (total 480 hours) of field
instruction in social welfare agency settings which are offered to students entering
the graduate social work program under advanced-standing status under the supervision
of a professional social worker prior to their advanced-year studies. Students re-visit
and apply foundation knowledge, skills, values, and ethics of professional generalist
practice. Through supervision, students enhance their awareness of self, develop written
and oral communication skills necessary for analysis of professional practice, and apply
critical analytic skills for implementing and evaluating agency policies and programs.
Students review the unique values, functions and roles of professional social work
practice and further develop competency in identifying and assessing situations where
the relationship of people and their social environment needs to be enhanced or changed.
The professional responsibility of advocacy toward change and recognition of the impact
of policy and programs on oppressed groups is an integral part of the applied learning,
as is development of professional identity. Must be taken concurrently with SWK 492.
3 S.H., 3 C.H.
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SWK 492 Generalist Social Work Practice for Advanced Standing I
This seminar, the first of two for incoming MSW students with advanced standing
status, begins an effective bridge to align the beginning generalist practice expected
of graduate-level students and the advanced level family-in-environment content. The
following concepts will be reinforced: the history and philosophy of the social work
profession, social work values and ethics, the Generalist Intervention Model of Social
Work, populations at risk, cultural diversity, promotion of social and economic justice,
and fields of social work practice. The seminars complement the Field Instruction and
provide a structured learning opportunity where students process their practice
experiences and integrate the common base of social work values, skills, and knowledge
of generalist social work in a systems theory perspective. The seminars also assist
students to expand their knowledge of the human services field beyond the confines of
their own placement. Topics and policies of social work and social welfare are
discussed, based in large part, on the experiences of students in the field through
written logs, client summaries, and classroom discussions of experiences including
feelings about their social work practice. Must be taken concurrently with SWK 491.
3 S.H., 3 C.H.
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SWK493 Internship for Advanced Standing II
This is the second semester of field instruction (a total of 480 hours) in social
welfare agency settings for students with advanced standing status, which is required
under the supervision of a professional social worker prior to advanced-year studies.
Students apply foundation knowledge, skills, values, and ethics of professional
generalist practice. Through supervision, students enhance their awareness of self,
develop written and oral communication skills necessary for analysis of professional
practice, and apply critical analytic skills for implementing and evaluating agency
policies and programs. Students operationalize the unique values, functions and roles
of professional social work practice and develop competency in identifying and assessing
situations where the relationship of people and their social environment needs to be
enhanced or changed. The professional responsibility of advocacy toward change and
recognition of the impact of policy and programs on oppressed groups is an integral part
of the applied learning. An agency-based research project is required in this semester
of fieldwork. Must be taken concurrently with SWK 494, Advanced Generalist Social Work
Theory and Practice II. Prerequisites: SWK 491 and SWK 492. 3 S.H., 3 C.H.
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SWK494 Generalist Social Work Practice for Advanced Standing II
This seminar, the second of two for incoming MSW students with advanced standing
status, continues to align the beginning generalist practice expected of graduate-level
students and the advanced level family-in-environment content. The following concepts
will be integrated: professional use of self, social work values and ethics in the
context of the mandate of the setting, the Generalist Intervention Model of Social Work,
populations at risk, cultural diversity, promotion of social and economic justice, and
fields of social work practice. The Seminars complement the Field Instruction and provide
a structured learning opportunity where students process their practice experiences and
integrate the common base of social work values, skills, and knowledge of generalist
social work in a systems theory perspective. The seminars also assist students to expand
their knowledge of the human services field beyond the confines of their own placement.
Must be taken concurrently with SWK 493. 3 S.H., 3 C.H.
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Advanced Level Courses
SWK500 Families in the Social Environment
This course is part of the advanced year of study for graduate students of social
work, in which foundation knowledge of human behavior in the social environment is
further developed into a specialized knowledge base. This knowledge is necessary for
effective social work practice with and on behalf of families. Students will acquire a
comprehensive conceptualization of the strengths and needs of diverse family forms and
an understanding of the social, cultural, economic, and political factors as well as
the social service delivery system which influence and shape family life across the
lifespan and the family as a social institution. 3 S.H., 3 C.H.
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SWK555 Applied Family Policy and Family Service Programs
This course will explore the interrelation between family functioning and
public/private policies at the local, state, and federal level. Students will explore
how the families contribute to social problems, how families are affected by these
problems, and how a family focus can enhance the effectiveness of policies. Students
will assess the consequences policies may have for family well-being with special
attention to selected family policy issues. The course will include theoretical
approaches for conceptualizing family policy and, most importantly, the roles
professionals can play in using research to design, implement, and evaluate policies
and programs. 3 S.H., 3 C.H.
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SWK560 Applied Methods of Social Work Research
This course for the advanced year social work students, builds on the foundation
level research course by allowing students to specialize in program and practice
evaluation of services with and on behalf of families. Single system and group designs
will be studied. Descriptive statistics and graphical representation of data using
computer software will be utilized. Values and ethical issues related to research with
particular sensitivity to populations at risk will be considered as an integral parts of
any social work research. Qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis will be
employed, and students will be introduced to the use of research in the prevention of
social problems. Emphasis will be placed on the critical use of research at each phase
of the problem solving process. 3 S.H., 3 C.H.
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SWK581 Advanced Internship I
This internship is the first of two advanced-level, graduate semesters (total 480
hours) of field instruction in social welfare agency settings which are offered to
advanced-level students and required, under the supervision of a professional social
worker. Students apply advanced knowledge of families in the social environment,
advanced competence, and the highly articulated values and ethics of advanced generalist
practice with and on behalf of families. Through supervision, students crystallize their
unique professional use of self in the context of their placement. They refine written
and oral communication skills necessary for analysis of professional practice and apply
critical analytic skills for differential assessment, selecting interventions,
implementing and evaluating agency policies and programs. Students operationalize the
unique values, functions and roles of professional social work practice in their
practicum setting and develop competency in identifying and assessing situations where
the relationship of people and their social environment needs to be enhanced or changed.
The professional responsibility of advocacy toward change and recognition of the impact
of policy and programs on oppressed groups is an integral part of the applied learning,
as is refinement of professional identity. Must be taken concurrently with SWK 582,
Advanced Theories of Social Work Practice I. Prerequisites: SWK500, SWK560 (or can be
taken concurrently). 4 S.H., 4 C.H.
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SWK582 Advanced Theory in Family-Centered Generalist Social Work Practice I
This is a concentration course, for specialized knowledge-building. It is the first
in a series of two theoretical seminars for advanced-level MSW students. Course content
is concentrated on the family as a universal social institution and may be classified
into three areas: 1) the development of the values, knowledge and skills of the
autonomous social work practitioner for work with and on behalf of families; 2) research
on the advancement of knowledge about family functioning; and 3) the effective, efficient,
and humane organization of social service delivery networks serving families. The course
also offers students opportunities to interact and integrate knowledge related to their
varied practica in order to expand their knowledge of the human services field beyond the
confines of their own placement. Must be taken concurrently with SWK 581. 3 S.H., 3 C.H.
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SWK583 Advanced Internship II
This internship is the second of two advanced-level, graduate semesters (total 480
hours) of field instruction in social welfare agency settings which are offered to
advanced-level students and required, under the supervision of a professional social
worker. Students apply advanced knowledge of families in the social environment,
advanced competence, and the highly articulated values and ethics of advanced generalist
practice with and on behalf of families. Through supervision, students crystallize their
unique professional use of self in the context of their placement. They refine written
and oral communication skills necessary for analysis of professional practice and apply
critical analytic skills for differential assessment, selecting interventions,
implementing and evaluating agency policies and programs. Students operationalize the
unique values, functions and roles of professional social work practice in their practicum
setting and develop competency in identifying and assessing situations where the
relationship of people and their social environment needs to be enhanced or changed. The
professional responsibility of advocacy toward change and recognition of the impact of
policy and programs on oppressed groups is an integral part of the applied learning, as
is refinement of professional identity. Must be taken concurrently with SWK 584, Advanced
Theories of Social Work Practice II. Prerequisites: SWK581, SWK582. 4 S.H., 4 C.H.
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SWK 584 Advanced Theory in Family-Centered Generalist Social Work Practice II
This is a concentration course, for specialized knowledge-building. It is the second
in a series of two theoretical seminars for advanced-level MSW students. Course content
is concentrated on the family as a universal social institution and may be classified
into three areas: 1) the development of the values, knowledge and skills of the
autonomous social work practitioner for work with and on behalf of families; 2) research
on the advancement of knowledge about family functioning; and 3) the effective, efficient,
and humane organization of social service delivery networks serving families. The course
also offers students opportunities to interact and integrate knowledge related to their
varied practica in order to expand their knowledge of the human services field beyond the
confines of their own placement. Must be taken concurrently with SWK 583. 3 S.H., 3 C.H.
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SWK595 Capstone Experience: Social Work and the Family-In-Environment
This advance-level course for graduate students in social work represents the
culmination of students’ educational experience. This course is designed to draw
on all previous courses and to engage students in integrating and applying all previous
course and field practica content. 3 S.H., 3 C.H.
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One-Credit Elective Courses
SWK501 Treatment Modalities for Social Work with Families
This one-credit elective course is designed to help the advanced-year graduate
student in social work who is interested in direct practice with families toward a
fuller understanding of the applications of specialized methods of intervention in
social work practice with a broad array of families. It builds on knowledge of families
in the social environment as considered in SWK500 as well as knowledge related to
generalist social work practice. 1 S.H., 1 C.H.
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SWK502 Social Work Crisis Intervention with Families
This one-credit elective course is designed to help the student who is interested
in direct practice with families toward a fuller understanding of the application of
crisis intervention methods in social work practice with a broad array of families.
It builds on knowledge of families in the social environment as considered in SWK500 as
well as knowledge related to generalist social work practice. 1 S.H., 1 C.H.
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SWK503 Social Work with Family Groups
This one-credit, elective course is offered for advanced-year graduate students in
social work who are specializing in direct practice with families. The course introduces
students to the use of multifamily group therapy in social work practice. An efficient
use of often scarce social work resources, this modality provides a unique opportunity
to combine professional help with mutual aid within and across families.1 S.H., 1 C.H.
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SWK504 Short-Term Treatment Models in Social Work with Families
This one-credit elective course is designed to help the advanced-year graduate
student in social work who is interested in direct practice with families toward a
fuller understanding of the applications of specialized methods of intervention in
social work practice with a broad array of families. It is concerned specifically with
time-limited methods of intervention, building on knowledge of families in the social
environment as considered in SWK500 as well as knowledge related to generalist social
work practice. 1 S.H., 1 C.H.
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SWK505 Psychopharmacology for Social Workers
Students will be presented with an overview of the current therapeutic use of
psychotropic drugs as well as pharmacological terminology and reference books. The
clinical use of psychotropic drugs such as narcotic analgesics, the sedative hypnotics,
stimulants, anxiolytics, neuroleptics, antidepressants and lithium will be examined.
Societal and ethical issues of psychopharmacology will be explored. 1 S.H., 1 C.H.
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SWK507 Differential Assessment Techniques for Social Workers
This one-credit elective course is designed to help the student who is interested
in direct practice with families toward a fuller understanding of holistic assessment,
including theoretical and value foundations as well as practice techniques. It builds
on knowledge of families in the social environment as considered in SWK500 as well as
knowledge related to generalist social work practice. 1 S.H., 1 C.H.
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SWK508 Maltreatment in the Family: Social Work Practice
This one-credit elective course is designed to help the advanced-year graduate
student in social work who is interested in direct practice with families toward a
fuller understanding of the applications of specialized methods of intervention related
to abuse in the family context with a broad array of families. It builds on knowledge
of families in the social environment as considered in SWK500 as well as knowledge
related to generalist social work practice. 1 S.H., 1 C.H.
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SWK516 Social Work in Health Care
This one-credit elective course is designed to help the advanced-year graduate
student in social work who is interested in direct practice with families in health
care settings toward a fuller understanding of the applications of specialized methods
of intervention in social work practice with a broad array of families. It builds on
knowledge of families in the social environment as considered in SWK500 as well as
knowledge related to generalist social work practice and the current social policy
environment in healthcare. 1 S.H., 1 C.H.
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SWK519 Qualitative Research In Social Work
This one-credit, elective course for advanced-year graduate students in social work
builds on the foundations in social science research as presented in the Master’s
of Social Work curriculum. Its particular focus is on the critique and practice of
qualitative research methods. Students will be introduced to the philosophy behind
qualitative research, with attention to its applicability to the study of diverse client
groups. Students will develop an understanding of the interpretive perspective through
examination of grounded theory, qualitative research design, and methods of data
collection, analysis and presentation. 1 C.H., 1 S.H.
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SWK520 Community Social Needs Assessment
This course will focus on community needs assessment techniques. In particular
students will be exposed to a variety of approaches to needs assessment including social
indicators, key informants, community forums and focused groups, and community surveys.
Issues associated with particular methods and techniques in using these approaches will
be studied. Emphasis will be placed on designing data collection and analysis techniques.
Ethical and policy issues will be examined. 1 S.H., 1 C.H.
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SWK 524 Program Evaluation and Social Work
This short-term course will develop the students’ capacity to be an
intelligent consumer and a producer of program evaluation. It provides an in-depth
examination of the issues associated with the design and implementation of a program
evaluation, introduces a model of outcome measures, examines community needs assessment
techniques and provides an framework for a cost benefit analysis. 1 S.H., 1 C.H.
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SWK525 Information Technology and Social Work Practice I
This short-term course is the first in a series of information technology courses
aimed at developing skills for effective use of computers and information technology in
social work practice, research, and the administration of social service programs.
Students will become familiar with information processing concepts and develop social
work applications using popular microcomputer word processing, spreadsheet, and database
management software. 1 S.H., 1 C.H.
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SWK526 Information Technology and Social Work Practice II
This short-term course is the second in a series of information technology courses
aimed at developing skills for effective use of computers and information technology in
social work practice, research, and the administration of social service programs.
Students will develop social work applications using popular microcomputer-based web,
database management, statistical, and presentation software. In addition, students will
be sensitized to the ethical questions and issues arising from the use of information
technology. Prerequisites: SWK 525, or permission of the instructor. 1 S.H., 1 C.H.
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SWK559 Social Work Intervention with Substance Abusing Populations:
A Systems Approach to Chemical Dependency Treatment
This course provides students with the knowledge necessary to examine intervention
strategies with adult populations of substance abusers. The students will explore the
overarching frameworks of substance abuse treatment, integration of the strength perspective
for advanced generalist practice with substance abusing populations and its application to
gender issues in substance abuse treatment. 1 S.H., 1 C.H.
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SWK561 Motivational Interviewing Skills: Social Work Strategies in Gender
Sensitive Addiction Treatment
This course provides students with the knowledge necessary to examine motivational
interviewing and the stages of change model with adult populations of substance abusers.
In addition to integrating the strength perspective students will be introduced to
motivational interviewing and its application to gender issues in substance abuse
treatment. Prerequisite SWK559 or permission of the instructor. 1 S.H., 1 C.H.
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SWK573 Publishing and Professional Presentations in Social Work
This course provides students with the tools needed to disseminate social work
knowledge and research findings in a variety of forums, including: peer-reviewed
journals, books and book chapters, practitioners’ periodicals, juried conferences,
and invitational workshops. Ethical considerations specific to disseminating research
will be discussed. 1 S.H., 1 C.H.
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SWK575 Clinical Supervision in Social Work
This course provides students with the knowledge necessary to provide quality,
ethical supervision to practicing social workers. Students will explore the purposes
of the clinical (as opposed to administrative) aspects of supervision along with
methods for achieving those purposes and evaluating supervisory outcomes. In addition,
students will be introduced to the professional literature available for their future
reference and to methods for supervisors to engage in ongoing professional growth
within their own supervisory processes. 1 S.H., 1 C.H.
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SWK579 Independent Study in Advanced Generalist Social Work Practice
This is an individualized, independent course of study in an area of advanced
generalist social work practice. The area of study may be used to expand upon
specialized knowledge gained in previous course-work or practicum experience. The focus
of the independent study may be to add further depth to specialized knowledge of a
field of practice (e.g. aging, mental health, mental retardation, child welfare and
family studies, etc.) or a practice modality (e.g. program administration, clinical
supervision, clinical practice, etc.). The area of study will be identified via
consultation among the student, a field representative/supervisor, and the student’s
faculty advisor. The independent study may be conducted under the direction of any social
work faculty member. 1-3 S.H., 1-3 C.H.
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