Course Information - Department of Social Work and Sociology

Department of Social Work and Sociology > Course Information

Department of Sociology and Social Work Course Descriptions

SOCIAL WORK (SW)

1103 Introduction to Social Work (3) F, SP: Provides the student with an overview of the social work profession with an emphasis on professional values, ethics and the diverse population groups served. It is designed to give the student a beginning knowledge of generalist practice and explore career opportunities in various fields of social work.
2313 Social Welfare Policy and Services I (3) F: Focuses on an understanding of the development of social welfare institutions and services. Explores the way in which changes in a democratic society affect social policy and how this influences the structure of the social welfare delivery system. Must be at sophomore level or above. Prerequisites: Social Work 1103 and Sociology 1123.
2333 Interviewing and Recording Skills (3) F, SP: This course examines the knowledge and values required for generalist social work practice while specifically focusing on the skills necessary for effective intervention. The student will be introduced to interpersonal skills, techniques of the interviewing process and beginning recording skills. Prerequisite: Social Work 1103.
2353 Effects of Disability (3) SP: This course is designed to introduce the student to disability issues. Current legislation, resources and intervention strategies will be included in this study. Use of guest speakers and/or field trips will enhance the student's understanding and awareness of people who are disabled.

3223 Social Work with Aging (3) F: A study of what it is like to be old in America with its implications for service delivery, social policy, and advocacy procedures, both with individuals and groups. Physical, social, and psychological aspects of aging will be examined and applied to social work processes and service delivery. WC.
3313 Child Welfare (3) F: A study of the child welfare system and how services are provided to children and their families. Emphasis is placed on home-based services, child abuse and neglect, foster care, residential care, adoption, and services to maternity clients. WC.
3333 Juvenile Justice (3) F: This course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of the development of the juvenile justice system, its structure, current issues and problems, and the role of social work within this system.
3533 HBSE I (Formerly 3523): This course focuses on the diversity of individuals, examining the biological, social-structural, psychological, and cultural sources of human behavior. Systems theory and ecological perspective are utilized in understanding the development of individuals and families throughout the life cycle. A problem-solving approach provides the framework for addressing individual and family issues within the context of the environment in which they exist. Prerequisites: Social Work 1103, Sociology 1123, Biology 2213, Psychology 1113. WC.
3543 HBSE II (Formerly 3513): This course continues to develop the framework presented in Social Work 3533, examining the definition and development of families, groups, organizations and communities. Traditional and alternative perspectives are examined in defining and understanding the development and behavior of each of these groups. Utilizing systems theory and an ecological perspective as a framework for problem-solving, the course will focus on understanding for the purpose of intervening with and on behalf of diverse families, groups, organizations, and communities. Prerequisites: Social Work 3533, Sociology 2103, 3223.

3613 Social Work Practice I (3) SP: This course is designed to assist the student in a critical study of generalist social work practice. Such a practice is characterized by a working knowledge of generalist methods of problem solving to be used in direct services to individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. This course focuses on micro and mezzo practice and places special emphasis on broad based knowledge and skill for intervention with families and groups. This is the second semester of work of the social work practice sequence. Prerequisites: Social Work 1103, 2333, 3543. Open to Social Work majors only.
3623 Social Work Practice II (3) F: A continuation of Social Work 3613 this course focuses on the philosophy, knowledge base, and methods of social work intervention, with emphasis placed on organization and community change. Utilizing experiences from Social Work 3632, the student participates in self-evaluation as well as agency analysis and evaluation. Strategies for identifying needed changes and maximizing available resources are examined. Prerequisite: Social Work 3613 and Psychology 3513. Must be taken concurrently with Social Work 3632. Open to Social Work majors only.
3632 Social Work Practicum I (2) F: Practice in a social work field is an important part of social work education. This course provides an opportunity for an initial planned experience in a social work agency. Requires a minimum of 4 hours per week in the agency and one hour per week in class. The student must make application for placement and be accepted by social work faculty. Must be taken concurrently with Social Work 3623. Open to Social Work majors only.
401V Independent Readings and Research (1, 2, 3): Directed individual reading and study in one or more specialized areas of social work, designed to strengthen and enhance the student's knowledge. Offered upon request.

4323 Social Welfare Policies and Services II (3) SP: Emphasis on social policy development, change, and the social worker's participation in the policy and planning process. Critical analysis of selected social welfare policies currently before the public will be made. Prerequisites: Social Work 2313, 4513. Open to Social Work majors only.
4513 Research Methods (3) SP: The research methods course is designed to acquaint the student with a practical understanding of science and its relationship to social work practice, through a review of research methods and strategies, program evaluation, scientific terminology, and relevant ethical issues necessary for becoming an effective generalist social worker. Prerequisite: Mathematics 1013 or a higher level course.
4903 Seminar in Social Work Practice (3) SP: This course provides an opportunity for the students to analyze their field experiences and integrate theory with practice. In an informal setting, the students meet for three hours on each Friday to discuss and debate the practicalities and realities of delivering social welfare services-to individuals, groups, or communities-with an emphasis on the student's pursuing his or her major career interest. Taken concurrently with Social Work 491B. Open to Social Work majors only.

491B Social Work Practicum II (12) SP: The student will be assigned to a social service agency Monday through Thursday for 32 hours per week. The agency will provide a planned experience in social work practice with individuals, groups, and communities under professional supervision. The student must complete an application and be accepted by social work faculty for placement. Prerequisites: Social Work 3623, 3632. Open to Social Work majors only.

SOCIOLOGY (SO)

1123 Introduction to Sociology (3) F, SP, SU: A basic study of the nature of human society, with its structure, forces, and changes.
2103 The Family (3) F, SP, SU: A study of the family, its history, development and problems. Emphasis is placed on its structure and functions as a social institution.
2113 Social Problems (3) SP, SU: A study of contemporary difficulties and disorganization facing modern society. Prerequisite: Sociology 1123.
3023 Criminology (3): A study of the nature, causes, and treatment of crime and delinquency. Offered on sufficient demand and scheduling availability.

3032 Sociology of Education (2): A study of the structure, functions, and problems of education as a social institution. Offered upon sufficient demand and scheduling availability.
3223 Race and Ethnic Groups (3) F, SP: A study of the problems arising from international racial and ethnic group relations, with special emphasis on the United States.
3233 Rural Sociology (3): A study of the population, institutions, trends, and problems in rural society. Rural-farm and non-farm patterns and relations with urban communities are also considered. Offered upon sufficient demand and scheduling availability.
3503 Introduction to Anthropology (3): A comparative study of cultures and a survey of theories of human and cultural development. Includes a survey of the various branches of anthropology. Open to second semester students with a "C" average and the instructor's permission. Offered on sufficient demand and scheduling availability.
401V Independent Reading and Research (1, 2, 3): Directed individual reading in sociological classics, study, or research for advanced students. Permission of the instructor required. Offered upon request.

4503 Quantitative Methods (3): Emphasizes applying statistical tests to data using computer packages. Statistical tests include multivariate and path analysis, non-parametric tests, and sociometric analysis. Prerequisite: Mathematics 1183. Offered upon sufficient demand and scheduling availability.
4513 Research Methods (3) F: The research methods course is designed to acquaint the student with a practical understanding of science-through a review of research methods and strategies, program evaluation and scientific jargon, and relevant ethical issues-necessary for becoming an effective scientific practitioner in the social services.