This course explores the social, political, economic and historical dimensions of poverty and welfare services in the United States. It complements other beginning courses in the social sciences by integrating this knowledge in a fashion which aids in the comprehension of welfare services while establishing a basis for movement toward higher level courses. (3 crs.)

This class introduces students to the theory, value and skill components necessary for effective interviewing with diverse client systems. Communication techniques and personal attributes that enhance problem solving are explored. Demonstration and practice of core skills are thoroughly integrated. (3 crs.)

This course assumes that generalist social workers perform varied tasks with basic skills, attitudes and knowledge, and that this development will increase self-awareness with subsequent emergence of a professional self. Students learn problem assessment, caseload management, and a variety of counseling theories and intervention strategies, with special emphasis on the unique characteristics of the rural client. Prerequisites: Majors Only; SOW 301 (3 crs.)

Humans evolve as sexual beings from a continual interplay among biological, cultural and psychosocial factors. The course studies the enhancement of personal well-being, establishing psychologically healthy relationships, making responsible sexual choices, protecting reproductive health, preventing sexual dysfunction and trauma. Included in the course is accurate information and open discussion regarding the ways in which sexuality both contributes to and affects overall health and well-being. The course covers diverse groups and human lifespan including sexuality and sexual expression among the elderly. The course is designed to ensure students' level of comfort with their own sexuality. Prerequisite: Junior status or instructor's permission. (3 crs.)

This course is the second in a four-course practice methods sequence. It builds on the skills developed in Social Work Practice with Individuals, utilizing the ecological-systems approach to assessment and problem solving. The course covers the history of social work with families, the stages of family development, assessment of goals and objectives for families, and the principles and values for intervention and problem solving with families. Prerequisites: Majors Only; Preor Co-req. SOW 302. (3 crs.)

This course exposes the undergraduate social work student to the unique problems and social needs of non-metropolitan communities, in particular small towns and rural areas. Students will come to understand the social structure of such communities and the pervasiveness of many social problems, especially poverty. Existent social welfare systems will be examined along with recommendations for program development, resource identification and social planning. Prerequisites: SOW 150. (3 crs.)

This course provides an analysis of the historical, economic, and political relations of American religious, ethnic, and racial minorities in terms of social change and social structure. Special attention is given to Puerto Rican, Chicano, and Indian subcultures, as well as minority experience in the rural environment. Sources of prejudice and discrimination and social processes, including conflict, segregation, assimilation, accommodation, and cooperation, are examined. (3 crs.)

This course provides foundation knowledge, contribution of studies, research, and theory in understanding human development. SOW 315 begins the life cycle from prenatal influence through young adulthood. Emphasis is on both normal development/behavior and on differences. The course illustrates how diverse groups are affected in their development through the life cycle, with examples from rural experience. (3 crs.)

This course provides foundation knowledge, contribution of studies, research and theory in understanding human development. SOW 316 continues the life cycle from adolescence through old age. Emphasis is on both normal development/behavior and on differences. The course illustrates how diverse groups are affected in their development through the life cycle, with examples from rural experience. (Program recommends taking SOW 315 first.) (3 crs.)

Historical trends and philosophical perspectives on social welfare programs and policy development are examined. This course provides an overview of the relationship of cultural and professional values to social, political, and economic institutions, with emphasis on the impact on oppressed and vulnerable client systems. Prerequisite: SOW 150. (3 crs.)

In this class, students learn about societal efforts to insure the welfare of children, the rights of children and parents, child welfare policies, programs, and service delivery problems. Students examine historical and current practices, working with natural parents, supportive services, substitutes, and residential care. (3 crs.)

This course examines poverty as a dependent and independent variable in its relationship to other social problems and human behavior. Social policy and programs that attempt to respond to the variety of conditions that are both causes and effects of poverty and related behavior will be studied. Prerequisites: SOC 100, or permission of instructor. (3 crs.)

This course is the third in a four-course practice methods sequence. It builds on the skills developed in Social Work Practice with Individuals, utilizing the ecological-systems approach to assessment and problem solving. The course covers the history of social group work, the stages of group development, assessment of goals and objectives for groups, and the principles and values for intervention and problem solving with groups. Prerequisites: Majors Only; Pre-or Co-req. SOW 302. (3 crs.)

This course is the third in a four-course practice methods sequence. It builds on the skills developed in Interviewing and Social Work Practice with Individuals, utilizing the ecological approach to assessment and problem solving. The course covers the history of social group work, the stages of group development, assessment of goals and objectives for groups and families, and the principles and values for intervention and problem solving with groups and families. Prerequisites: Majors only; Pre- or co-requisite: SOW 302. (3 crs.)

Macro practice methods refer to those skills that enable the generalist social worker to act at an organizational and community level to effect change in larger social systems. These skills encompass planning, organizing and administrative tasks. Proficiency at the macro level is particularly important for the rural practitioner who may be relatively isolated from other service providers. Through a semester-long class project, students gain hands-on experience in committee work, program development, action, research, budgeting and many other specific skills. Prerequisites: Majors Only; SOW 348. (3 crs.)

This course examines the development and current status of policies and services related to the elderly, the service delivery systems, and implications for social work practice concepts for working with the elderly. Prerequisites: SOW 150 or permission of instructor. (3 crs.)

This course examines the history and philosophy of social welfare policy and the basic process of policy development. Students apply a conceptual framework to analyze and evaluate policies and their consequences. Students pay particular attention to the impact of social policy on people and human service organizations. Built on an interdisciplinary base (economic, political, science, and sociological theories), the course prepares students for policy practice skills taught in Policy Practice in Social Work (SOW 370).

Students in this course learn to recognize the causes, prevention and treatment of deviancy among youth. This course explores the impact of sex, race, poverty, urban/rural context and other social factors on deviance. Students examine the juvenile court system, its nonadversary role, changing attitudes toward treatment and questions regarding change. Prerequisite: PSY 100. (3 crs.)

This course examines the basic process of policy development and helps social work students develop a conceptual framework for analyzing and evaluating policies and their consequences. Students pay particular attention to the impact of social policy on people and human service organizations. Built on an interdisciplinary base (economic, political, science, and sociological theories), the course prepares students for policy practice skills taught in SOW 370. Prerequisites: Majors Only; SOW 320. (3 crs.)

In this class, students learn about the social change process, strategies, reactions to change, the impact of change on social policy and social welfare institutions. Prerequisites: Majors Only: SOW 366. (3 crs.)

This course prepares the student to understand social work research methods and the use of research methods. The student will be able to understand the philosophy of research, the reasons for doing social work research and the components of the research process including strengths, limitations, ethics and interpretation of research findings. The course will progress from the general discussion of research principles and methods to the more specific elements of professional social work research. This is a 400 level course with work and expectations of student to be at an advanced level. (3 crs.) Prerequisites: Majors only; SOW 302, SOW 320

This course builds on psychosocial study, assessment, and treatment introduced in Social Work Practice with Individuals. It acquaints students with DSM-IV-R terminology and its uses for generalist social-work practice. It also explores the scope and depth of individual psychopathology, community concerns, prevention, and intervention approaches. Prerequisites: SOW 150 and SOW 320, or permission of instructor. (3 crs.)

This course provides a supervised placement in a practice setting under the supervision of a MSW social worker. The application of theoretical knowledge and skills, along with demonstrated competencies in working with various client systems is emphasized. The course requires a minimum of 480 clock-hours. Prerequisites: SOW 301, SOW 302, SOW 303, SOW 308, SOW 315, SOW 316, SOW 320, SOW 348, SOW 366 and SOW 405. SOW 349 may be taken concurrently if not already completed.

This course provides a supervised placement in a practice setting under the supervision of a MSW social worker. The application of theoretical knowledge and skills, along with demonstrated competencies in working with various client systems is emphasized. The course requires a minimum of 480 clock-hours. Prerequisites: SOW 301, SOW 302, SOW 303, SOW 308, SOW 315, SOW 316, SOW 320, SOW 348, SOW 366 and SOW 405. SOW 349 may be taken concurrently if not already completed.

This course provides a supervised placement in a practice setting under the supervision of a MSW social worker. The application of theoretical knowledge and skills, along with demonstrated competencies in working with various client systems, is emphasized. The course requires a minimum of 480 clock hours. Prerequisites: SOW 302, SOW 303, SOW 304, SOW 308, SOW 315, SOW 316, SOW 345, SOW 349, SOW 360, SOW 370 AND SOW 405.

This capstone seminar is paired with a supervised placement in a practice setting (SOW 425) under the supervision of a MSW social worker. This seminar is focused on professional reflection and synthesis of prior coursework with praxis in a field setting. The application of theoretical knowledge and skills, along with demonstrated competencies in working with various client systems, is emphasized. Ethical professional practice is emphasized. Prerequisites: SOW 302, SOW 303, SOW 304, SOW 308, SOW 315, SOW 316, SOW 345, SOW 349, SOW 360, SOW 370 AND SOW 405.

This seminar focuses on selected topics of particular significance or current importance and interest to the social work profession. Students can receive credit for more than one seminar provided that each seminar focuses on a different topic. Prerequisite: junior or senior in major or permission of instructor. (Variable crs.)