BA in Social Work

Prerequisite or Corequisite SOWK 300.

This course introduces students to basic interview and assessment skills utilized in social work. Students will practice interpersonal communication skills, assessment strategies, and explore the dynamics of the helping relationship. Students will examine social and cultural influences, theories, and diversity issues related to the interview and assessment process. Students will evaluate communication and assessment skills used in the interview and assessment process.

This course introduces students to basic research concepts and methods with particular emphasis on the application of research to social work issues. Students examine the process of conducting research and compare different research methodologies to understand social work issues. Social work values and ethics are explored as they apply to conducting research. Diversity and unique populations are considered in the decision of research topics, subjects, and methodologies. Research studies and findings are evaluated as they apply to practice situations. The issue of research-informed practice and practice-informed research is explored.

Prerequisite or Corequisite SOWK 300.

This course examines social welfare issues from an historical perspective. Students are introduced to the origins of the welfare state, the development of the social welfare system, and the evolution of the social work profession. Social welfare issues, such as poverty, discrimination, employment, and criminal justice, are explored in terms of their social, ideological, political, and economic context. Particular emphasis is given to oppressed and vulnerable populations and the role of social workers as advocates in addressing social welfare issues.

This course provides an overview of the criminal laws and sanctions specifically applied to domestic violence. Students will address various types of court proceedings including family court, juvenile court, and civil trials. They will also consider incidence, research, and theories of domestic violence and their influence on criminal justice response and intervention.

This course introduces the major theories, issues, and treatment approaches related to drug and alcohol abuse. Students examine perspectives on the causes, effects, context, and unique treatment needs of different populations. An historical and multicultural perspective is introduced to examine the origins and social context of substance use and abuse. The role of social work and social workers in addressing drug and alcohol issues is explored as well as societal attitudes and policy approaches to this issue. A social work perspective is applied to understanding and responding to the issues of drug and alcohol use, abuse, and consequences for individuals, families, and societies.

This course will introduce students to various models, theories, and intervention of children and adolescents considered "at-risk". Topics covered include, but may not be limited to the following: a) socio-cultural factors in defining and influencing behavior; b) psychological models both biological and ecological that interact to shape behavior; c) types of at-risk categories including school dropouts, substance use and addiction, teenage pregnancy, antisocial behavior, delinquency, gangs, school shooters, and youth suicide; and d) specific types of clinical abnormal behavior including anxiety, mood, and impulse control disorders; e) theoretical and practical considerations related to community and school interventions.