SWO: Social Work

SWO 199. Transfer Credits. 1-10 Credits.

Transfer Credits.
Repeatable for Credit.

SWO 200. Introduction to Social Welfare. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the social work profession, this course emphasizes the historical, economic, political, and philosophical foundations of the social welfare system in the United States; social policy; and social services. It introduces a framework for the critical analysis of social welfare policy from a system perspective.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.

SWO 220. Introduction to Generalist Practice. 3 Credits.

In this course, students are introduced to the knowledge base, values and skills of the social work profession that guides practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities, and societal systems.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

SWO 225. Race Relations. 3 Credits.

The course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of race, ethnicity, and culture. By integrating findings from history, political science, sociology, and social work, students are introduced to cultural differences as they affect family life, the development of law, and the nature and magnitude of racism in our society. The overarching goal of this course is to encourage the student to embark on the process of becoming culturally competent.
Gen Ed Attribute: Diversity Requirement, Interdisciplinary Requirement.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.

SWO 300. Family Systems. 3 Credits.

This course is an introduction to the family from a systems theory perspective. The course includes discussion of historical and contemporary definitions of the family, types of families, the social function of families, and an overview of the family life cycle. Particular attention is paid to diversity in order to highlight variations in family forms and styles along the lines of race, ethnicity, class and sexual orientation.
Gen Ed Attribute: Writing Emphasis.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Summer.

SWO 320. Generalist Social Work Practice I. 3 Credits.

Students apply their knowledge of the strengths and ecological perspectives to the processes of engagement, assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, and termination for social work practice with individuals and families. Social Work majors only.
Pre / Co requisites: SWO 320 requires a corequisite or prerequisite of SWO 220 with a minimum of C or better.
Gen Ed Attribute: Ethics Requirement.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

SWO 321. Generalist Social Work Practice II. 3 Credits.

Students apply their knowledge of the strengths and ecological perspectives to the processes of engagement, assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, and termination for social work practice with groups, organizations and communities. Social Work majors only.
Pre / Co requisites: SWO 321 requires a prerequisite of SWO 320 with a minimum grade of C or better.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

SWO 332. Social Welfare Policies and Services. 3 Credits.

This course introduces students to policy analysis. A main focus is an examination of how the U.S. Government supports or inhibits social and economic justice through social welfare, social security social policy, and social services.
Pre / Co requisites: SWO 332 requires prerequisites or corequisites of SWO 200, SWO 220, SWO 225, and SWO 300.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall.

SWO 350. Human Behavior in Social Environment I. 3 Credits.

This course examines the life cycle from pre-natal development through young adulthood with an emphasis on micro and mezzo theories of human behavior from a strengths and ecological systems perspective. The course is designed to provide the theoretical foundation that informs the knowledge and skill bases of the generalist social work practitioner.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

SWO 351. Human Behavior and the Social Environment II. 3 Credits.

This course examines the life cycle from middle adulthood through older adulthood and death and dying with an emphasis on mezzo and macro theories of human behavior from a strengths and ecological systems perspective.
Gen Ed Attribute: Diversity Requirement, Writing Emphasis.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

SWO 375. Field Experience I. 6 Credits.

Junior-year field experience for the social work major in an approved setting and under the supervision of an approved field instructor. Social Work majors only.

SWO 395. Junior Seminar. 3 Credits.

The integration of knowledge, values, and skills within the theoretical framework of generalist social work practice. This course is the beginning foundation for students to examine ways social work theory and values are integrated into the reality of practice.
Pre / Co requisites: SWO 395 requires a corequisite of SWO 375.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Typically offered in Spring.
Repeatable for Credit.

SWO 410. Independent Studies in Social Work. 1-3 Credits.

Special research projects or practices in social work.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.
Repeatable for Credit.

SWO 421. Mental Health, Substance Use & Social Work. 3 Credits.

This course introduces students to the signs and symptoms of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. Specific practice skills for social work practice, the range of mental health services, and relevant social policies are covered.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

SWO 423. Child Welfare Practice and Policy. 3 Credits.

Emphasis is placed on assessment of and understanding child abuse and neglect, the long term effects of child maltreatment, how to engage families in which child maltreatment is an identified issue, the child protective service system and relevant policies.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall.

SWO 431. Methods Of Social Inquiry. 3 Credits.

The course introduces students to qualitative and quantitative research, ethical and cultural issues in research, and fosters critical thinking in evaluating existing research. Students learn how to conduct a research project and the skills of social work practice evaluation.
Pre / Co requisites: SWO 431 requires prerequisites of SWO 200, SWO 220, SWO 225, and SWO 300.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall.

SWO 432. Advanced Policy Practice. 3 Credits.

The relationship between social policy and social work practice is strengthened as students are taught the concept of policy practice or how to develop, influence, and implement social policy in their social work practice everyday.
Pre / Co requisites: SWO 432 requires a prerequisite of SWO 332.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Spring.

SWO 450. Field Experience II. 6 Credits.

Senior field experience for the social work major in an approved setting and under the supervision of an approved field instructor. Senior social work majors only.
Repeatable for Credit.

SWO 451. Field Experience III. 6 Credits.

Senior field experience for the social work major in an approved setting and under the supervision of an approved field instructor. Senior social work majors only.
Repeatable for Credit.

SWO 490. Topical Seminar in Social Work. 3 Credits.

In-depth topics in social work offered to complement the undergraduate program's field practicum.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
Repeatable for Credit.

SWO 491. Human Sexuality for Helping Professionals. 3 Credits.

In this course, human sexuality is explored from trauma-sensitive, strengths-based, and bio-psycho-social-cultural-spiritual perspectives. Students are given the opportunity to examine how their values, connected to a variety of sexuality topics, lead to their individual sense of morality and influence their personal and professional conduct. Students analyze where the Circles of Sexuality Model and the NASW Code of Ethics naturally intersect and discuss how social workers are often in ideal positions to spread the benefits of accurate and positive sexual health education to the individuals, groups, and communities they serve. In addition, trauma-informed social work and trauma-sensitive mindfulness applications are topics explored throughout the duration of this course.
Gen Ed Attribute: Writing Emphasis.
Typically offered in Spring.

SWO 495. Social Work Senior Seminar I. 3 Credits.

Integration of field and classroom experiences in discussing the application of the generalist model to the helping process. Emphasis is on all levels of practice (individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social Work majors only.
Pre / Co requisites: SWO 495 requires a prerequisite of SWO 395 and a corequisite of SWO 450.
Gen Ed Attribute: Speaking Emphasis, Writing Emphasis.
Typically offered in Fall.

SWO 496. Social Work Senior Seminar II. 3 Credits.

Integration of field and classroom experiences in discussing the application of the generalist model to the helping process. Emphasis is on advocacy and social justice. Social work majors only.
Pre / Co requisites: SWO 496 requires a prerequisite of SWO 495 and a corequisite of SWO 451.