Courses and Descriptions
SOW 200 Introduction to Social Work 3 Credits
In this course, students will gain the foundational knowledge base essential to understanding the profession of social work and how it is practiced. The history of social work including a critical evaluation of how the profession has participated in racist and oppressive practices is examined. Students are introduced to the guiding principles and values of the profession and the NASW Code of Ethics. The various roles of the social work profession are explored in the context of various settings and students gain an understanding of how social workers intervene to solve problems at the micro, mezzo, and macro.
SOW 207 Anti-racist and Just Practice in Social Work 3 Credits
An examination of the history and contemporary forms of racism including social work’s role in racist and unjust practices will lead to understanding how they contribute to social, racial, economic, and environmental injustices. The impacts of oppression and racism on individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations are identified and critically examined throughout the course. Reflection and awareness of one’s own biases are embedded throughout this course and contribute to the development of an anti-racist and anti-oppressive framework for social work practice.
SOW 222 Social Justice and Equity in Social Work 3 Credits
Social Justice & Equity in Social Work (3) Implications of social diversity, including values, lifestyles, gender, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, culture, spirituality, and sexual orientation in the socially just social work relationship, as well as the significance of oppression in shaping the relationship.
Prerequisite(s): SOW 200.
SOW 250 Human Behavior and the Social Environment 3 Credits
This course explores functioning across the lifespan from a biopsychosocial and ecological systems lens. The course covers developmental theories to guide social work assessment, intervention, and evaluation at all levels in generalist social work practice. Students will understand factors which impact growth and development over the life course.
SOW 290 Advocacy and Social Action for Professional Social Workers 3 Credits
The focus of this course is to discuss relevant theories and strategies of social and political action that promote social justice within organizations, the larger community, and society. In this course students will gain an understanding of policy practice theory and skills in regard to social, economic, political, and organizational systems, and will use this knowledge to then influence, formulate, and advocate for policy changes to meet the needs of clients. They will develop the skills to create change at the client, agency, community, and/or societal level that is founded on the principles and ideals of social, distributive, political, and economic justice. Where advocacy assumes that people have rights, and those rights are enforceable, social action involves a coordinated and sustained effort to achieve institutional change to meet a need, solve a social problem, or correct an injustice to improve and/or enhance the quality of human life and individual well-being. This effort may occur at the initiative and direction of professional social workers, or it may occur through the efforts of individuals directly affected by the problem or policy change. Professional social workers must utilize their clinical skills, knowledge, and differential use of self to critically assess values, and evaluate needs and gaps in services for our constituents.
Prerequisite(s): SOW 200.
SOW 295 Social Work Research Methods 3 Credits
This course equips students to understand and use research methods from a social work perspective. By learning to critically analyze research, participate in studies, and evaluate their own practice, students become informed practitioners who can contribute to the profession's knowledge base. The course emphasizes applying research skills throughout a social worker's career for accountability and continuous improvement. Course
Prerequisite(s): Completion of 30 credits and a grade of "C" or better in SOC 101 or SOW 200 or concurrent enrollment in SOW 200.
SOW 300 Social Work Practice I: Individuals and Families 3 Credits
This course provides students with the foundational knowledge and skills for generalist social work practice with individuals and families. Students will explore the core principles and values of social work practice, learn about diverse populations and their needs, and develop essential skills for assessment, intervention, and evaluation. Interactive learning activities will include case studies, and simulated practice.
Prerequisite(s): A grade of "C" or better in SOW 200, 207, 250, 295 and 350; an overall GPA of 2.40 in the major; permission of the Program Director.
SOW 301 Field Work Experience and Seminar I 3 Credits
This course is a core component of the BSW program that provides students with an invaluable opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge and develop professional skills in real-world social work settings. The course consists of field placement in a social service setting where students will complete the first required 200 hours of supervised field placement. The course incorporates a weekly seminar component where students will gain critical practice skills, learn to utilize supervision effectively, and build a strong foundation for their future careers. This is the first of two required courses that must be taken upon successful completion of all the foundation and practice courses. Registration for this course requires approval from the Director of Field Education.
Prerequisite(s): A grade of "C" or better in foundation courses (SOW 200, 207, 250, 295, and 350) and practice courses (SOW 300, 303, 307, and 351) AND Director of Field Education Approval.
SOW 302 Field Work Experience and Seminar II 3 Credits
This course is a core component of the BSW program that provides students with an invaluable opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge and develop professional skills in real-world social work settings. The course consists of field placement in a social service setting where students will complete the first required 200 hours of supervised field placement. The course incorporates a weekly seminar component where students will gain critical practice skills, learn to utilize supervision effectively, and build a strong foundation for their future careers. This is the first of two required courses that must be taken upon successful completion of all the foundation and practice courses. Registration for this course requires approval from the Director of Field Education.
Prerequisite(s): A grade of "B-" or better in SOW 301 including 200 hours of field practice AND Director of Field Education Approval.
SOW 303 Social Work Practice II: Groups, Communities, and Organizations 3 Credits
This course examines the macro level of social work generalist practice. Students will learn to address social problems and create positive change through effective macro level practice and intervention. Through the exploration of unique dynamics and challenges, students will gain the knowledge and skills to work effectively with groups, communities, and organizations. The use of case studies, role, plays and simulated practice will help students acquire social work competency for work with groups, organizations, and communities.
Prerequisite(s): A grade of "C" or better in SOW 200, 207, 250, 301 and 350; an overall GPA of 2.40 in the major; permission of the Program Director.
SOW 307 Interview Skills in Social Work 3 Credits
This course introduces BSW students to the core skills of interviewing in social work practice. Students will explore various theories and techniques for conducting effective interviews with diverse clients and practice applying these skills in simulated scenarios.
Prerequisite(s): A grade of "C" or better in SOW 200, 207, 250, 301 and 350; an overall GPA of 2.40 in the major; permission of the Program Director.
SOW 350 Social Work Policy 3 Credits
This course examines social work policy practice and the role of social workers. It introduces students to the historical development of social welfare policy and frames the social policy practice from an anti-racist and anti-oppressive lens. Students will gain knowledge of major social issues and challenges facing societies. Policy analysis will include an exploration of ethical considerations and dilemmas involved in social policy decision-making. Intersectionality is examined as it relates to social welfare policies and marginalized and historically oppressed communities. Through simulated learning, students build policy practice skills.
Prerequisite(s): Completion of at least 30 credits; concurrent enrollment in SOW 295 or previous completion of SOW 295 with a grade of "C" or better.
SOW 351 Case Management, Documentation, and Report Writing 3 Credits
This course introduces students to the essential skills and knowledge required for effective case management, documentation, and report writing. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the case management process, develop proficiency in creating accurate and concise documentation, and learn to write informative and impactful reports. The course emphasizes ethical practices, cultural awareness, and effective communication in all aspects of case management.
Prerequisite(s): A grade of "C" or better in SOW 200, 207, 250, 295 and 350; an overall GPA of 2.40 in the major; permission of the Program Director.
SOW 362 Global Social Work Practice 3 Credits
This special topics course explores the complex realities and challenges of global social work practice from a human-rights approach. Students will gain a critical understanding of diverse social, cultural, and political contexts within which social work interventions are implemented across borders. Global social issues will be discussed alongside models of intervention.
SOW 400 Social Work Senior Seminar 3 Credits
In this course, students will embark on a journey of self-discovery and professional preparation by crafting a compelling e-portfolio that highlights their academic achievements, skills, and experiences relevant to generalist social work practice. Students will be guided through a strategic and creative process of identifying strengths, goals, and aspirations that highlight the attainment of the core competencies of the social work profession. Taken concurrently with SOW 302.