Social Work Dept.

SOCIAL WORK COURSES

SW 111, 112, 211, 212, 311, 312, 411, 412 Seminars credit 1 hr. ea.

This course involves the careful examination and evaluation of beliefs and behaviors by paying close attention to the thought process and logic supporting these beliefs and behaviors. Since social workers interact with micro, mezzo, and macro client systems and have the role of making and influencing decisions that impact the lives of many people, this course is designed to help them understand how to make purposeful decisions that reflect a clear and thorough evaluation of the process and the evidence. It will examine assumptions, facts, and the relationships between facts. Focus also will be on the need to be creative and open to alternative views in addressing problems. Vignettes and experiential activities covering the spectrum of social work will be used.

SW 230 Introduction to Social Work credit 3 hrs.

As an introductory course to the profession of social work, the course is designed to facilitate students' understanding of and beginning identity with the profession, its code of ethics, value system, and the conscious, planned use of self in professional helping. Personal skill development and values clarification are explored as a means of assisting students in assessing their own values and feelings about the diverse nature of human beings and the human condition. A generalist, problem-solving process that is used with multilevel client systems (individuals, groups, families, organizations and communities) is introduced. Fields of social work practice as well as diverse client groups are also explored. Students are required to complete a 20-hour volunteer experience in either a public, private, or nonprofit social work or human service agency.

SW 233 Developmental Issues in Child Abuse and Neglect credit 3 hrs.

This is the first of three courses in child maltreatment or child abuse and neglect required of students who are working toward the Certificate in Child Protective Services. The first course introduces students to abuse and neglect within multidimensional perspective; the effects on a family unit; the effects on the developing child; and the implications for social work. Four aspects of child maltreatment are addressed: physical child abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, and psychological maltreatment. As each aspect is presented, consideration is given to cultural factors and micro and macro theories are used to explain violent behavior. Attention is also given to research and preventive measures.

SW 234 Assessment in Child Abuse and Neglect credit 3 hrs.

This is the second of three courses offered in the program of study for the certificate in Child Protective Services. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to make appropriate assessments of child abuse and neglect. Child abuse and neglect are not new social problems. However, as societies become increasingly more complex, so has the assessment of child abuse and neglect. This course examines individual-related factors, family-related factors, and social and cultural factors and their association with child maltreatment. The role of protective service workers in protecting children from continued abuse and/or neglect in their homes and other environments are examined. Special attention is given to the need for workers to be culturally competent when working with abusive and neglectful families. Finally, the course emphasizes the multi-disciplinary approach in the assessment of child abuse and/or neglect. It highlights the role and function of the social worker as a member of the interdisciplinary team. Prerequisites: SW 233.

SW 330 Human Behavior in the Social Environment I credit 3 hrs.

This course is the first of two courses required of social work majors. The content of this course has been developed to contribute to students' understanding of individual, organizational, institutional, communal, and cultural contexts in which human behavior is significantly influenced and expressed. The content in this sequence provides students with a framework for observing and assessing behavior and development, planning strategies for intervention and the subsequent evaluation of helping efforts. Early stages of growth and development, beginning with conception, and ending with older adulthood will be emphasized. The approach to the study of human behavior is eclectic, using concepts from social systems theory, the ecological perspective and developmental theories, such as those of Freud, Erikson, Piaget and Kohlberg. For majors only. SW130, SW 230, Bio 140, Bio 233.

SW 331 Human Behavior in the Social Environment II credit 3 hrs.

This course is the second part of a two part-semester course. This course builds on the foundation from Human Behavior and Social Environment I. It looks at mezzo and macro systems' influence on diverse populations, with particular emphasis on populations-at-risk and oppressed groups. It will also look at the values and ethics of the social work profession as applied to these larger systems. Major theories of stress and social support will also be covered. Examination of the implications of social work values and theory for global concern, such as human diversity, international social justice and eco-environmental protection will be emphasized as important areas of concern for social work students. For majors only. Prerequisite: SW 330.

SW 333 Social Work Practice I credit 3 hrs.

The purpose of this course is to teach students practice skills that are inherent in the problem-solving process. Skills are taught within the context of the generalist method of social work practice. The course focuses on helping students integrate social work values and ethics, theoretical constructs about people, problems, and self-awareness into the development of a body of beginning practice skills. Students are provided the essential knowledge about working with individuals at the micro, and families at the mezzo level. Emphasis is placed on students integrating their understanding of the per-son-in-environment perspective into the development of basic practice skills. Students are taught the entire problem-solving process (Generalist Intervention Model) with a focus on relationship building and acquiring basic interviewing skills. For majors only. Prerequisites: SW 130, 230, 330.

SW 334 Social Work Practice II credit 3 hrs.

This course is designed to build on the conceptual basis of Social Work Practice I (SW 333) with a focus on groups. This course will discuss various types of groups, stages of group development, skills in facilitating groups, and group roles and dynamics. Groups will be viewed from an ecological problem-solving perspective. For majors only. Prerequisite: SW 333.

SW 335 Family and Child Welfare credit 3 hrs.

This course focuses on current policy and practice in the field of child welfare. The varied family forms and child welfare services are explored, including foster family, group care, institutional placement of children, and adoption. A central concern of the course is the impact of the changing role of the family on child welfare policy and practice.

SW 336 Introduction to Social Gerontology credit 3 hrs.

The course provides the student with the opportunity to acquire knowledge about the physical, social, and psychological processes of aging. This knowledge is intended to help the student learn to understand the older person as a person. The course will include theories of adjustment, role change, social relationships, and the social forces that influence the aging process. The student learns about opportunities and constraints imposed by an urban industrial society on the aged. This course also provides information about programs and services for the elderly.

SW 337 Social Welfare Policy credit 3 hrs.

This course provides an overview of the historical development, pertinent concepts, and definitions associated with social welfare problems and social policy. It focuses on the social, economic, and political forces that affect the social welfare system. The development of programs to remedy poverty and related social problems are examined. The effect of racism and sexism as direct and indirect factors contributing to social problems will be discussed. Specific content includes the influence of societal values and political-economic schools of thought as well as cultural traditions formulation and funding of public assistance programs, and the analysis, implementation and implications of social welfare policies. The roles and responsibilities of social workers in policy and program development, implementation and evaluation will also be discussed. For majors only. Prerequisites: SW 130, and 230

SW 338 Social Welfare Policy and Legislation credit 3 hrs.

This course examines the policy-making process with attention to the structure of power and decisionmaking at the national, state and local levels of government. The course examines the significance of social problems, issues and social justice as they relate to social change in a complex, increasingly "political" society. Particular emphasis is placed on examining the three primary means by which policy is developed: the legislative process, the media, and the court system. A framework for assessing social programs and policies is reinforced throughout the course. The primary thrust of the course is to help social work students understand the significance and relationship of social welfare policy and effective policy practice.

SW 339 Intervention in Child Abuse and Neglect credit 3 hrs.

This course is the final of the three courses offered in the program of study for the Certificate in Child Protective Services. It is designed to build upon the two previous courses providing students with didactic and experiential learning experiences. The focus of the course is to assist students in using their knowledge of case assessment to develop and implement appropriate intervention strategies in child maltreatment. Intervention is viewed from a social system and ecological perspective; thus both the environmental and child/family dynamics are considered in planning intervention. Intervention skills appropriate for individuals, families, and small groups are taught. Relevant social welfare policy and community services are reviewed. Child maltreatment prevention and treatment evaluation, emphasizing practice-based research are discussed. Prerequisites: SW 233 and 234.

SW 420 Field Practice Preparation credit 2 hrs.

This course is designed to assist students in the Social Work Program by providing opportunities for critical assessment of personal, societal and professional values and ethics and to ensure that students develop appropriate knowledge and communication skills for observing, processing and recording data based on the generalist method. In addition, it will serve to introduce students to agencies and organizations representing different fields of social work practice, and provide guidance in helping students select appropriate settings for field placement assignments. For majors only. Prerequisites: SW 130, 230, 330, 331, 333, 334, 337,

SW 433 Applied Social Work Research I credit 3 hrs.

This is the first of two courses designed to provide students the opportunity to integrate content of the social work curriculum with practice-based research. This course focuses on research methodology both qualitative and quantitative, understanding and interpreting published research espcially research conducted on women and racial-ethnic minorities; selection of a thesis topic; and, by the end of the semester, present a research proposal. For majors only. Prerequisites: SOC 330 and SSCJ 333.

SW 434 Applied Social Work Research II credit 3 hrs.

This course focuses on the research process of data collection, data analysis, developing conclusions, and implications for social work practice and further research. The research paper completed in the second semester fulfills the requirements for the senior paper for social work majors. For majors only. Prerequisite:SW 433.

SW 435 Social Work Practice III credit 3 hrs.

This course focuses on understanding organizations and communities. It considers some of the most prevalent social work theoretical approaches and intervention strategies in working with communities and organizations. This course builds on the Generalist Intervention Model by applying it to macro systems. Theories and skills taught in this class are operationalized through experiential activities and assignments. Prerequisites: SW 333 & SW 334.

SW 436 Women's Issues in Contemporary Society credit 3 hrs.

The course will include an analysis of women's status and position within our society; based on the premise that women's experiences emerge from society's social, political, and economic structures. Feminist theory is explored. General content areas will include feminist history, women and employment, women and poverty, women and mental health, women and violence, women and social change, women of color, women and sexuality, and feminism and men. Specific issues to be included are sexism and social work, battered women, incest, pay equity, pornography, eating disorders, sexual harassment, older women, rape, teenage pregnancy, women and crime, women and power, and prostitution.

SW 490 Field Instruction I credit 10 hrs.

This course is an educationally directed field practicum that provides students with teaching/learning experiences in a social service setting. A generalist framework is utilized to intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. All general education requirements, through the junior level are strongly recommended to be completed, and a GPA of 2.5 attained, prior to enrolling in this course. For majors only. Prerequisites: SW 130, 230, 320, 330, 331, 333, 334, 337, 433, and 435.

SW 490(S) Field Instruction Seminar credit 0 hrs.

This course is designed to ensure that professional behavior; classroom learning and social work knowledge and values are appropriately integrated with field practicum experiences. A generalist teaching/learning approach will be employed to ensure that students have opportunities for engage

Source: Benedict College Catalogue, 2007-2009.