SW 101
Introduction to Social Work (3)
The first course in the social work major introduces the profession's history, philosophy, mission, purposes, fields of practice, and the experience of diverse populations within the context of the social welfare system.
Students are introduced to generalist social work approaches with individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities, and cultural systems.
Professional values, ethics, diversity, and action on behalf of justice are emphasized.
Participation in field observation in an agency setting for 10-15 hours during the semester is required, unless life experience meets this requirement.
SW 216
Social Welfare as a Social Institution (3)
Designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the historical development of social welfare policies and services in the United States.
Compares societal needs, values, and responses to the values of the social work profession.
The first of two policy courses.
Prerequisites: SO 103; SW 101 can be taken concurrently.
SW 240
Human Behavior and the Social Environment (3)
A study of human behavior and development from an ecological and social systems approach, including biological, psychological, spiritual, sociological, economic, political and system theories.
The social work practice perspective emphasizes how lifespan development is affected by interactions among individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities at local, national and international levels.
The impact of prejudice and discrimination on cultural diversity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, physical/mental disabilities and health issues as it impacts social and economic justice. Ethical values and issues are discussed.
Prerequisites: SO 103; PS 101; SW 101; BI 140 is also required for the HBSE Content Area.
SW 302
Generalist Practice I (3)
A study of the integrative systems approach to generalist social work practice examining the individual as a member of the family, small groups, the community and societal level systems.
Introduces student to basic interpersonal helping skills using a problem-solving model.
Emphasizes student's awareness of the self and of cultural, ethnic and lifestyle diversity as these impact practice.
Prerequisites: courses in the HBSE and Policy Content Areas; SW 338.
This course is restricted to social work majors.
SW 318
Policies, Programs and Issues (3)
An examination of the formulation of social welfare policy resulting from the interaction of social, political, and economic factors.
Analysis of current social welfare programs and services.
Discussion of methods for influencing social policy through advocacy at differing levels of policy-making.
Prerequisite: SW 216.
SW 338
Sociological Theory (3)
Selected sociological theories are examined for their assumptions about social stability and social change in society, social institutions, organizations, communities, small groups, families' and individuals' behaviors.
Linkage between research in sociology and social work practice is made.
Prerequisites: PS 101; SO 103; SW 101.
SW 401
Generalist Practice II (3)
Designed to prepare students for generalist social work practice with all size client systems with special emphasis on how the social work profession uses groups to accomplish individual, family, organization and/or community goals.
Use of the problem solving model is reinforced and expanded.
Prerequisites: SW 302, 434.
This course is restricted to social work majors.
SW 402
Generalist Practice III (3)
Designed to prepare students for generalist social work practice with all size client systems as these are linked to community and institutional systems.
Emphasis on community organizing and social planning.
Prerequisite: SW 401.
This course is restricted to social work majors.
SW 411, 412
Field Placement I, II (6, 6)
A two-semester sequence requiring 480 clock hours in an agency setting under the supervision of an agency field instructor and an academic instructor.
Offers students actual work situations to integrate with the theoretical basis of generalist practice.
The Integrative Seminar meets weekly with the Faculty Supervisor of Field Placement and other students in placement.
Effective Fall 2003, the agency-based fieldwork will be graded on a Pass/Fail basis (3 credit hours)
The Integrative Seminar (3 credits) will be graded based on the Ursuline College grading system.
SW 411 and 412 are taken concurrently with SW 401 and 402.
Prerequisites: SW 302, 434.
Students are required to carry liability insurance coverage while in field placement.
This course is restricted to social work majors.
SW 434
Research Methods (3)
Research concepts, ethics and designs are examined.
Social Work majors focus on their application to social work practice, especially the single-subject design. Sociology students develop a research design for an appropriate topic.
Prerequisites: SW 338; MA 212.
SW 461, 462
Independent Study (1-3, 1-3)
Student may elect to examine a particular topic of special interest that is related to Social Work.
Approval of program director is required.
SW 475, 476
Academic Internship (1-6, 1-6)
This course is a structured, out-of-class learning experience that allows the student to explore professional interests and potential career choices.
Approval of program director(s) required.
SW 488
Special Topics (3, 3)
Topics of special interest in social work are offered to address emergent issues and to enrich the program offerings.
Content varies from year to year.
