Course Descriptions and Syllabi
Required Undergraduate Courses
Undergraduate Elective Courses
Undergraduate and Graduate Elective Courses
Required MSW Professional Foundation Courses
MSW Concentration and Elective Courses
PhD Courses
Click on the course number and title to view the most recent course syllabus.
required undergraduate courses
....For Social Work and Social Welfare Majors
205 Introduction to the Field of Social Work. I; 4 cr (S-E).
A basic survey. Historical development, formation of social welfare
policies, and the role of the social work professional. P: So st.
206 Introduction to Social Policy. II; 4 cr (S-E). Provides
an awareness of problems and concepts of the policy process in the U.S.
Explores the political, economic, and institutional frameworks which
structure public social welfare choices. Might include income
maintenance, child welfare, mental health, corrections. P: So st.
457 Human Behavior and the Environment. II; 3 cr (S-I).
Physiological, psychological, and social changes throughout the life
cycle. Major crisis and developmental tasks at each point in terms of
their implications for social work practice. P: Soc work/welfare major.
640 Social Work with Ethnic and Racial Groups: Undergradaute Section. I; 2-3 cr
(e-S-A). This course prepares students for generalist social work
practice in a multicultural society. It discusses Afro-Americans,
Hispanics, American Indians, and Asian Americans, and implications are
drawn for social policy. P: Soc work/welfare major.
650 Methods of Social Work Research. II; 2-3 cr (S-A). Social
research and problems of project design and programming. Distinctive
characteristics of investigations directed to planning, administrative,
and scientific objectives. P: Jr st, stat requirement filled, soc
welfare major, BSW or MSW stdts.
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....For BSW Students
400 Field Practice and Integrative Seminar I. I, II; 2-6 cr
(A). An approved professional foundation field placement in direct
social work practice in a community agency setting. A minimum of 16
hours per week, including an integrative field unit seminar. The first
course of the two-seminar field sequence. P: Sr or Grad st; Social Work
major; cons of field director.
401 Field Practice and Integrative Seminar II. I, II; 2-6 cr (A). Continuation of Social Work 400. P: Sr or Grad st; Social Work major; Soc Work 400; cons field director.
440 Practice I: Foundations of Generalist Practice. I; 2 cr
(A). Provides a conceptual base for generalist social work practice at
all intervention levels. Helps students learn social work purposes,
values, ethics, processes, roles, methods, and integrate social work
theory and practice. P: Sr or Grad st, soc work major.
441 Practice II: Generalist Practice with Individuals, Families & Groups.
I; 3 cr (A). Develops generalist social work knowledge and skills for
working with and on behalf of individuals, families, and groups.
Lectures and labs focus on development of basic social work direct
practice skills. P: Sr or Grad st, soc work major.
442 Practice III: Generalist Practice with Communities and Organizations.
II; 2 cr (A). Exposes students to the theory and practice of planned
change in communities and organizations and helps them incorporate a
generalist model into practice at these levels of intervention. P: Sr
or Grad st, soc work major, Soc Work 440 & 441.
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UNDERGRADUATE ELECTIVE COURSES
105 Health Care Systems: Interdisciplinary Approach.
(Crosslisted with Nursing, S&A PHM, Ther Sci) I, II; 2 cr (S-E).
Introduction to health care systems. Factors affecting health and the
value placed on health, the delivery of health care in different
settings, the roles of various health workers, and the sociological and
economic aspects of health care. Does not count as a B.S.-Pharmacy
professional elective. P: Open to all undergrads. PRN's & NUR's
must register for 2 cr.
275 Contemporary Issues in Social Welfare. Irr.; 1-3 cr (E).
Topics will vary, reflecting new issues and trends in the social
services. See Timetable for topics. P: Open to Fr.
299 Directed Study. I, II, SS; 1-3 cr (I). Program of study
devised by a student in collaboration with a faculty member. Graded on
a lettered basis; requires consent of instructor. P: Cons inst.
420 Poverty and Social Welfare. Irr.; 3 cr (S-I). Nature and
dimensions of poverty in the U.S. Individual and social consequences of
poverty. Historic and contemporary approaches. Poverty and social
welfare policy and programs. P: Jr st.
422 The Social Problems of Aging and Old Age. (Crosslisted
with Soc) Irr.; 3 cr (S-I). Comparison of aging and the role of old
people in various societies; age-grading and age-norms; the changing
life cycle; factors that account for the changed position of the aged
in our society; problems of the aged and proposed solutions. P: Jr st,
intro soc crse or Soc Work 205.
453 Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse. II; 2-4 cr (S-I).
Presentation of social, legal, political, and ethical considerations
surrounding the use and abuse of alcohol and psychotropic drugs in the
U.S. P: Jr st.
454 Small Groups in Social Work Practice. I or II or SS; 3 cr
(S-I). Exploration and application of theory to the formation and
development of small groups deliberately used by social workers to
effect specified change in interpersonal relationships. P: Soc
work/welfare major.
462 Child Welfare. II; 3 cr (S-I). Supportive, supplementary,
and substitute child welfare services employed in dealing with the
problems of dependent, neglected, delinquent children. Scope, method,
problems, trends of the services; child welfare in other countries;
sociology of the child welfare worker. P: Soc work/welfare major.
521 African American Families. (Crosslisted with Afroamer,
HDFS) I or II; 3 cr (e-S-A). Historical background; variations in
contemporary family patterns; courtship and marriage, reproduction, and
socialization stresses; "culture of poverty" theories; sources of
stability and change. P: Jr st or cons inst.
523 Family Violence. I; 3 cr (S-D). An overview of the risk
factors and trauma effects of the major forms of family violence.
Models of prevention and intervention will be described. Attitudes
about family violence will be explored. Basic skills for detecting
abuse and making referrals will be taught. P: Jr or Sr st; soc
work/welfare majors.
578 Homelessness: A Service Learning Course. I, II; 4 cr
(S-D). Introduction to the complex issues surrounding homelessness in
America including epidemiology, demographics, history and public
beliefs and attitudes. It explores structural conditions and personal
attributes posited as causes of contemporary homelessness. Varying
social policies and service needs of homeless persons are discussed. P:
Jr or Sr st; soc welfare major.
579 Special Topics in Social Work. I or II or SS; 1 cr (A). Intensive study of selected topics in the field of social work. P: Jr st; cons inst.
681 Senior Honors Thesis. I; 3 cr (S-A). P: Sr st and cons inst.
682 Senior Honors Thesis. II; 3 cr (S-A). P: Sr st & cons inst & Soc Wk 681.
691 Senior Thesis. I; 2 cr (S-A). P: Sr st and cons inst.
692 Senior Thesis. II; 2 cr (S-A). P: Sr st cons inst & Soc Wk 691.
699 Directed Study. I, II, SS; 1-3 cr (A). P: Jr or Sr st & cons inst.
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UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE ELECTIVE COURSES
624 Social Work with the Small Group. I or II or SS; 2-3 cr
(A). Exploration of the small group as the interventive unit; major
models and techniques; principles guiding the selection of the small
group approach to intervention based on research knowledge of problems,
processes, and outcomes. P: Sr or Grad st, soc work major & Soc
Work 440.
642 Social Work and Adolescents. 2-3 cr. Drawing on
multiple theoretical perspectives and a critical review of the
literature, students explore practice implications and interventions
regarding problems of adolescents and at-risk youth with a focus on
environmental influences that affect normal development. P: Soc
work/welfare major.
644 Social Work and Developmental Disabilities. I, II, SS;
2-3 cr (S-A). Definition, incidence, etiology, and prevention of mental
retardation and other developmental disabilities. Examines the
life-cycle needs of this population, as well as social-welfare issues,
social services available, and the social worker's role. P: Jr st, soc
work/welfare major.
646 Child Abuse and Neglect. I or II; 2-3 cr (S-A). The
course is concerned with physical, emotional and sexual abuse of
children, child neglect and exploitation. P: Soc work/welfare major.
657 Understanding Latino Families and Communities.
(Crosslisted with Chicla) I or II; 3 cr (e-S-A). Examines U.S. Latino
families and communities, including social and economic conditions,
cultural values, and issues of identity, race, gender, discrimination,
acculturation and language. A service-learning course, students gain
knowledge of and direct experience with social work issues in Latino
communities. P: Jr st.
658 American Indian Affairs. (Crosslisted with Amer Ind) I,
II; 2-3 cr (e-S-A). Contemporary concerns and conditions of American
Indians examined in historical, cultural and legal perspective. P: Jr
st.
659 International Aspects of Social Work. I or II or SS; 2-3 cr (S-A). P: Jr st and Social Work 205 or cons inst.
663 Topics in Contemporary Social Welfare: Criminal Justice Field Observation. I, II; 2-3 cr
(S-A). P: Jr st,
soc work/welfare major.
664 Topics in Contemporary Social Welfare:Social Work with Troubled and Delinquent Youth
666 Topics in Contemporary Social Welfare: Ethical Issues in Social Work Practice
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REquired MSW Professional Foundation Courses
400 Field Practice and Integrative Seminar I. 2-6
cr. An approved professional foundation field placement in direct
social work practice in a community agency setting. A minimum of 16
hours per week, including an integrative field unit seminar. The first
course of the two-seminar field sequence. P: Sr or Grad st; Social Work
major; cons of field director.
401 Field Practice and Integrative Seminar II. 2-6 cr. Continuation of Social Work 400. P: Sr or Grad st; Social Work major; Soc Work 400; cons field director.
440 Practice I: Foundations of Generalist Practice.
2 cr. Provides a conceptual base for generalist social work practice at
all intervention levels. Helps students learn social work purposes,
values, ethics, processes, roles, methods, and integrate social work
theory and practice. P: Sr or Grad st, soc work major.
441 Practice II: Generalist Practice with Individuals, Families & Groups.
3 cr. Develops generalist social work knowledge and skills for working
with and on behalf of individuals, families, and groups. Lectures and
labs focus on development of basic social work direct practice skills.
P: Sr or Grad st, soc work major.
442 Practice III: Generalist Practice with Communities and Organizations.
2 cr. Exposes students to the theory and practice of planned change in
communities and organizations and helps them incorporate a generalist
model into practice at these levels of intervention. P: Sr or Grad st,
soc work major, Soc Work 440 & 441.
605 The Field of Social Work. 2 cr. Nature,
purpose, function, and organizational content of the profession.
Historical development; a consideration of the development of the
social welfare institutions, formation of social welfare policies and
their impact on practice, and the role of the social work professional.
P: Grad st.
606 Social Policy. 2 cr. Analysis of policy issues
as applied to such fields as poverty, discrimination, crime, physical
and mental health on both national and state levels. P: Grad st.
640 Social Work with Ethnic and Racial Groups. 2-3
cr. This course prepares students for generalist social work practice
in a multicultural society. It discusses Afro-Americans, Hispanics,
American Indians, and Asian Americans, and implications are drawn for
social policy. P: Soc work/welfare major.
650 Methods of Social Work Research. 2-3 cr. Social
research and problems of project design and programming. Distinctive
characteristics of investigations directed to planning, administrative,
and scientific objectives. P: Jr st, stat requirement filled, soc
welfare major, BSW or MSW stdts.
711 Human Behavior and the Environment. 2 cr. The
literature on human behavior and the environment is reviewed from a
bio-psychosocial perspective. Special attention is given to
understanding individual and family behavior and development as a
function of reciprocal interactions with groups, communities,
organizations, and society. P: Grad st.
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MSW CONCENTRATION AND ELECTIVE COURSES
624 Social Work with the Small Group. I or II or SS; 2-3 cr
(A). Exploration of the small group as the interventive unit; major
models and techniques; principles guiding the selection of the small
group approach to intervention based on research knowledge of problems,
processes, and outcomes. P: Sr or Grad st, soc work major & Soc
Work 440.
642 Social Work and Adolescents. 2-3 cr. Drawing on
multiple theoretical perspectives and a critical review of the
literature, students explore practice implications and interventions
regarding problems of adolescents and at-risk youth with a focus on
environmental influences that affect normal development. P: Soc
work/welfare major.
644 Social Work and Developmental Disabilities. 2-3
cr. Definition, incidence, etiology, and prevention of mental
retardation and other developmental disabilities. Examines the
life-cycle needs of this population, as well as social-welfare issues,
social services available, and the social worker's role. P: Jr st, soc
work/welfare major.
646 Child Abuse and Neglect. 2-3 cr. The course is
concerned with physical, emotional and sexual abuse of children, child
neglect and exploitation. P: Soc work/welfare major.
656 Family Practice in Foster and Kinship Care. 2-3
cr. Social welfare issues from national and local perspective,
research, and foster care practice. P: Jr st and Social Work major,
open to special students.
657 Understanding Latino Families and Communities.
(Crosslisted with Chicla) 3 cr. Examines U.S. Latino families and
communities, including social and economic conditions, cultural values,
and issues of identity, race, gender, discrimination, acculturation and
language. A service-learning course, students gain knowledge of and
direct experience with social work issues in Latino communities. P: Jr
st.
659 International Aspects of Social Work. 2-3 cr. P: Jr st and Social Work 205 or cons inst.
712 Psychopathology in Social Work. 2 cr. Teaches
social workers to recognize selected major mental disorders and to
become familiar with social work practice approaches used in treatment
of these disorders. P: Grad st.
715 Family Systems in Social Work. 1-2 cr. P: Grad st.
721 Methods of Planning Analysis. (Crosslisted with
Urb R Pl) 3 cr. Research methods and statistics used in analyzing
planning problems: conceptualization, design, and implementation of
planning research; statistical methods for analyzing data including
review of inferential statistics, analysis of variance, correlation,
and multiple regression; use of computer; review of sources of planning
data. P: Grad st.
741 Interventions with Children, Youth, and Families.
2 cr. Addresses multi-level interventions with children, youth, and
families across multiple service systems, with an emphasis on practice
innovations. P: Grad st.
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742 Assessing and Treating Children and Adolescents.
2 cr. An advanced practice course on social work treatment methods with
children and adolescents from a cognitive behavioral perspective.
Assessment, treatment, and generalization of change strategies;
problem-solving; resource development; intervention planning and other
practice issues are explored. P: Grad st.
746 Interdisciplinary, Coordinated Care of the Child with Chronic Illness.
(Crosslisted with Pediat, Nursing, Phm Prac) 2-3 cr. Workshops, case
conferences/simulations, and problem-solving exercises are presented by
members of an interdisciplinary pediatric team and guest speakers.
Course integrates knowledge from medicine, nursing, pharmacy, social
work, nutrition, respiratory care, home care, and education with an
emphasis on critical transition points in the care of children with
chronic disease. P: Grad st and/or cons inst.
800 Field Practice and Integrative Seminar III. 2-6
cr. An approved advanced social work practice field placement in an
area of concentration. A minimum of 20 hours per week, including an
integrative field unit seminar. The first of the two-semester advanced
field sequence. P: Grad st; cons of field director.
801 Field Practice and Integrative Seminar IV. 2-6 cr. Continuation of Social Work 800. P: Grad st; Soc Work 800; cons of field director.
821 Aging and Mental Health. 2 cr. Prepares front
line social workers to address mental health needs of older adults and
their family members. Examines common mental health conditions,
assessment, planning, evidence-based individual, family and group
interventions, resources, cultural competence, ethical issues, and
contexts for practice. P: Grad st.
822 Family Law I. (Crosslisted with LAW) 2-3 cr.
Marriage and less formal spousal relationships, husband-wife
relationships in on-going marriage; divorce and its economic and
custody consequences; post-divorce relationships. P: Cons inst required
for Social Work.
823 Family Law II. (Crosslisted with LAW) 3 cr. The
relationship of parent and child; the rights of unmarried mothers and
fathers and their children; parental rights to custody vis a vis third
parties; parents' rights to make decisions affecting children; neglect;
termination of parental rights; the foster care system and adoption.
825 Grief, Death, Loss and Life. 2 cr. This course
introduces social work students to the nature and centrality of the
experience of loss and subsequent grief in their personal lives, in the
lives of their clients, and in their role as professional helpers. P:
Grad st.
835 Advanced Soc Work Practice in Mental Health. 2
cr. Focuses on the core practice theories, conceptual frameworks, and
intervention skills necessary for social work practice in mental
health. P: Grad st in social work.
836 Mental Health Policies and Services. 2-3 cr.
Prepares students for leadership roles in mental health programs,
agencies and organizations. Examines mental health policies and
services that influence care and treatment of persons with mental
illness and shape mental health care systems, programs and services. P:
Grad st.
840 Advanced Macro Practice. 2 cr. Explores
multiple approaches social workers use to influence groups,
organizations, communities and systems. Concepts, theories and models
of macro level practice and advanced practice skills for addressing
complex practice and organizational situations are examined. P: Grad st.
841 Administration in Social Work. 2-3 cr.
Principally focused on developing management skills through case
material and structured activities. Students go through the various
sequential activities involved in conceptualizing and getting funding
for a human service program, and in developing and managing a nonprofit
organization. P: Grad st.
842 Consultation and Supervision in Social Work. 2-3 cr. Learning patterns, principles and methods of supervision and consultation. P: Grad st.
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854 Crises Intervention in Social Work. 2-3 cr.
Meaning of crisis to client systems and social work practitioners;
principles guiding rational decision to intervene at the point of
"critical incident". P: Grad st.
870 Clinical Social Work Interventions in Severe Mental Illnesses.
2 cr. An advanced practice course that teaches evidence-based
interventions used by clinical social workers in the treatment of
serious mental illnesses. P: Grad st.
873 Social Work Practice in Health Care. 2 cr.
Develops advanced practice knowledge and skills for social workers
practicing in health and health care settings. P: Grad st.
874 Advanced Practice in Health, Aging, and Disability.
2 cr. Develops advanced practice knowledge and skills related to
practice issues common to social workers practicing in the areas of
aging, health, and/or disability. P: Grad st.
875 Health, Aging, and Disability Policy and Services.
2 cr. Provides knowledge about the contemporary organization of health
care, as well as policies and services for older adults and people with
disabilities. P: Grad st.
920 Child, Youth, and Family Policies and Services.
2 cr. Considers legislation, policies, and institutional structures
that affect children, youth, and families across multiple service
systems. P: Grad st.
921 Child Welfare. 2-3 cr. Implications of
knowledge from the social and behavioral sciences and public welfare
policy on child welfare problems and services. P: Grad st.
923 Family Violence. 2 cr. An overview of the risk
factors and trauma effects of the major forms of family violence.
Models of prevention and intervention will be described. Attitudes
about family violence will be explored. Basic skills for detecting
abuse and making referrals will be taught. P: Grad st.
924 Family Problems and Social Work.
2-3 cr. Review of family theory and its relevance for social work
practice; an analysis of family subsystems in the U.S.; current
research on the American family. P: Grad st.
929 Social Work and Substance Abuse. 2-3 cr.
History, current understanding, assessment, and treatment of
problematic substance abuse. Provided knowledge and social work skills
to conceptualize, screen, assess, and treat substance abuse and
co-occurring disorders (i.e., mental illness and substance use
disorders. A biopsychosocial perspective is emphasized. P: Grad st.
940 Ethical Behavior in Social Work Practice. 2 cr. Ethical practice considerations confronting social workers. P: Grad st.
990 Thesis-Research. 2-3 cr. P: Cons inst.
999 Independent Reading. 1-9 cr. P: Cons inst.
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PhD COURSES
880 Prevention Science. (Crosslisted with HDFS, Ed
Psych, Nursing) 3 cr. This course provides a theoretical, empirical and
practical foundation for prevention science as it relates to the
prevention of human social problems. Research and evaluation methods,
program design strategies, best practices and policy as they relate to
the field of prevention are also examined. P: 2nd yr Grad st or cons
inst.
881 Capstone Seminar in Prevention Science.
(Crosslisted with HDFS, Ed Psych, Nursing) 1 cr. This course provides
an opportunity for students to meet with prevention professionals and
scholars from across campus and the community to explore current and
emerging issues of prevention research and professtional practice. P:
HDFS/Ed Psych/Nurs/Soc Work 880 & cons inst.
946 Faculty Research Seminar. 1 cr. This course is
designed to: further the socialization of students to the Ph.D.
program, its aims and objectives; provide opportunities for faculty to
discuss research interests and doctoral education. P: Grad st.
947 Student Research Seminar. 1 cr. Course designed
to: provide a forum for students to discuss experiences, success
strategies and research interests; provide opportunities for advanced
doctoral students to receive feedback on their research and later, on
colloquia they prepare for their job searches.
948 Proseminar: Quantitative Research Methods. 1-3 cr. P: Cons inst.
949 Proseminar: Qualitative Research Methods. 1-3 cr. P: Cons inst.
950 Proseminar: Social Policy Seminars. 1-3 cr. P:Cons. inst.
Seminar:Comparative Family Policy
951 PhD Proseminar: Applied Theory Seminars. 1-3 cr. P: Cons inst.
952 PhD Proseminar: Application of Research Methods Seminars. 3 cr. P: Cons inst.
Seminar: Race and Ethnicity in Research Methods
954 Social Work Education Teaching Practicum. 1-3 cr. P: Cons inst.
990 Thesis Research. 2-3 cr. P: Cons inst.
999 Independent Reading. 1-9 cr. P: Cons inst.
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