COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

SWK – Social Work

SWK 123 – Introduction to Social Work: 3 credits

Introduction to the basic concepts of social welfare as an institution and social work as a profession. The integration of professional social work practice, values, and ethics with a faith-based worldview is explored. The course provides an opportunity for students to test their interest in the social work profession by introducing them to the arenas in which social workers practice and the knowledge, values, and ethics that underlie the profession.

SWK 143 – Social Welfare History: 3 credits

Examines social welfare development in the United States and internationally, specifically the social, political, and institutional responses to the poor and disenfranchised. This course includes a review of social work as a function of religion and philanthropy and its transformation into a profession.

Prerequisite: SWK 123

SWK 233 – Substance Abuse: 3 credits

This course offers an overview of substance abuse and dependency. Theories of addiction and treatment are explored. Assessment and intervention techniques are developed for work with individuals of various age, gender, race and cultural groups. 

Prerequisite: SWK 123

SWK 263 – Social Welfare Policy & Services: 3 credits

Social policy and service delivery in social service agencies is explored, as is the creation of social welfare policy and legislation in the United States. The political, ideological, and economic values underlying policy creation are examined. Within this context major fields of social work practice are reviewed. Models of change at the policy level in communities and organizations are discussed. The integration of Christian and social work values in policy practice is explored.

Prerequisites: SWK 123 and 143

SWK 303 – Spirituality and Social Work: 3 credits

Explores the role of spirituality in the field of social work. Examines public, private, and faith-based initiatives that meet the needs of individuals and families in various settings. Introduces models of practice that address spiritual issues and the dynamics of social work.

Prerequisite: SWK 123

SWK 313 – Public Social Service: 3 credits

The Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook states that the majority of Social Workers are employed by the state in public social services. This course is designed to expose and educate students about the functions and services available through public social services. The course is also designed to prepare students to take the state social service exam. The course will also provide students with a link to field placements and possible employment with a state social service agency.

Prerequisite: SWK 123

SWK 323 – Social Work Practice with Diverse Populations: 3 credits

This course approaches the study of diverse populations in the U.S. from social, literary, historical, religious and political perspectives. Stories (both fiction and nonfiction), articles, essays and commentaries are utilized to enable students to learn about the importance of understanding diversity, the experiences of diverse populations in our society, and the means by which the barriers that prevent cross-cultural understanding may be challenged and ultimately removed. The leadership roles of Christian organizations are reviewed. This course serves as an Ethnic Studies option. 

Prerequisite: SWK 123

SWK 333 – Community Mental Health: 3 credits

Focuses on practice models and theoretical perspectives in mental health care, with emphasis upon cultural competency, prevention, and interdisciplinary approaches to psychosocial treatment and rehabilitation services. This course will instruct students how to develop and implement functional assessments, resource assessments, and formation of plans to meet service needs. The conceptualization and structuring of mental health resources and services to the family, church, community and the role of social work in the provision of these services will be explored. 

Prerequisite: SWK 123

SWK 343 – Human Behavior in the Social Environment I: 3 credits

Provides a conceptual and theoretical framework for understanding human behavior and the social environment from an ecological perspective. Students explore how biological, psychological, sociological, cultural, and spiritual variables influence the development of individuals and families, as well as groups, communities, and institutions. Using this knowledge base, students learn to approach their work with clients from an informed perspective that considers diversity. The impact of diversity, discrimination, and oppression on development is also explored. 

Prerequisites: SWK 123, PSY 223 and PSY 283

SWK 373 – Social Work Practice I: 3 credits

This course offers an introduction to generalist social work practice with individuals. An opportunity to acquire the foundational-level knowledge and skills required for micro social work practice is provided. Basic communication and helping skills are emphasized.

Prerequisite: SWK 123 and 243

SWK 383 – Social Work Practice II: 3 credits

Building upon the skills acquired to work with individuals in Social Work Practice I, Practice II focuses upon the practice skills necessary to work effectively with families, groups, and organizations. 

Prerequisite: SWK 123, 243 and 373

SWK 391 – Social Work Practice III: 3 credits

This course introduces the student to social work practice through site visits to various community social service providers and supervised field placement experience. Junior Fieldwork compliments the student’s academic work through practical experience in social work practice. Under the supervision of an agency field instructor, the student learns beginning social work tasks and functions while applying theory to social work practice situations. Concurrent with fieldwork, students participate in an on-campus seminar with other junior social work majors.

Prerequisites: SWK 123, 243, 373 and 383

SWK 403 – Ethics and Practice: 3 credits

This course builds upon generalist practice knowledge and provides a concentrated study and understanding of social work values and ethics on the micro and macro levels, and their application to direct practice, social policy formulation/application and organizational policies and procedures. Emphasis will be placed on the NASW Code of Ethics. This course provides students with a strong understanding of the role of ethics in social work practice and the tools to make appropriate ethical decisions as a beginning generalist social worker.

Prerequisites: SWK 123, 373 and 383

SWK 411 – Social Work Research: 3 credits

Course includes instruction in the scientific method of applied and basic research and requires formulation of a research problem and hypothesis, research design, field research, and writing of a major research report. Students will learn the purpose and goals of social work research as well as the scientific approach to social work research. Student will be familiar with social work journal articles and outcomes of social work research studies. They will learn how to formulate hypotheses, design a research study, and will be required to write a scientific research paper.

Prerequisite: MTH 203

SWK 423 – Human Behavior in the Social Environment II: 3 credits

Provides a conceptual and theoretical framework for understanding human behavior and the social environment from an ecological perspective. Students explore how biological, psychological, sociological, cultural, and spiritual variables influence the development of groups, communities, and institutions. Using this knowledge base, students learn to approach their work with groups, communities, institutions from an informed perspective that considers diversity. The impact of diversity, discrimination, and oppression on community and institutional development is also explored. 

Prerequisites: PSY 223 and SWK 123

SWK 433-443 – Senior Seminar I & II in Social Work Practice: (Fall and Spring, 3 credits each semester)

These are the culminating, integrative practice courses of the social work major. Concurrent with field practicum, this seminar course allows for the integration of theory, methods, skills, and values of generalist practice with knowledge and experience gained in the student’s field placement. The seminar instructor serves as the field liaison for the student in field placement. This provides the student with support, supervision, and an integrative educational experience.

Corequisites: SWK 453 and SWK 463 respectively

Prerequisites: SWK 123, 143, 243, 263, 373, 383 and 391

SWK 453-463 – Senior Field Practicum: (Fall and Spring, 3 credits each semester)

Supervised Social Work practice in selected social service agencies and host settings. 200 hours in the field each semester is required. Classroom knowledge is connected to practical experience, allowing for advanced integration of knowledge and practice. Professional identity and the foundational skills for social work practice are developed. 

Co-requisites: SWK 433 and SWK 443 respectively

Prerequisites: SWK 123, 143, 243, 263, 373, 383 and 391

SWK 493 – Special Topics in Social Work: 3 credits

This course is designed for students to pursue special topics in Social Work, for which they have interest but have not had opportunity to research in other courses. It allows each student to conduct literature review culminating in a formal paper which then forms the basis of their class presentation. Each student benefits from the academic pursuit of classmates.

Scroll to Top