School of Professional Studies
M.S.W. Course Descriptions
Foundation Curriculum
Social Welfare
SWK6140 Social Welfare Policy and Institutions 3 semester hours
Major social welfare programs are reviewed within an overall policy analysis framework. Forces that impact on social policy such as American individualism and issues such as poverty, racism, and gender inequity are addressed. Historical forces which have contributed to the development of current social services are reviewed.
No prerequisites.
Human Behavior and the Social Environment
SWK6150 HBSE I: Theories of Human Development I 3 semester hours
This course, based in an ecological systems perspective, follows human development from infancy to adolescence in the context of family and larger environments. The course includes research-based knowledge about physical, socio-emotional, and cognitive development. This course emphasizes both knowledge and application of human development theories to social work assessment and practice.
No prerequisites.
SWK6160 HBSE II: Theories of Human Development II 3 semester hours
This course, based in an ecological systems perspective, follows human development throughout the entire adult lifespan in the context of family and larger environments. The course includes research-based knowledge about physical, socio-emotional, and cognitive development. This course emphasizes both knowledge and application of human development theories to social work assessment and practice.
No prerequisites.
Social Work Practice Theory and Methods
SWK6370 Social Work Practice I 3 semester hours
This course is the first in a sequence of five practice courses covering the foundation and concentration years in the MSW program. In Social Work Practice I, students are introduced to specific theoretical and skills based core concepts of generalist, individual, family, and couples social work direct practice.
No prerequisites.
SWK6381 Social Work Practice II: Group Work 1.5 semester hours
The course examines social work practice from a macro perspective introducing group work practice skills.
Prerequisite: SWK6370.
SWK6382 Social Work Practice II: Community 1.5 semester hours
The course examines social work practice from a macro perspective introducing community direct practice skills.
Prerequisite: SWK6370.
SWK6390 Cross-Cultural Social Work Practice 3 semester hours
This course is an exploration of historical and current economic, social, cultural and political forces that affect a wide range of minorities. Focus is on development of ethnic-sensitive, culturally competent practice skills. Self-awareness and attitudes towards self, others and differences are explored.
No prerequisites.
SWK6500 Social Work Perspectives on Psychopathology 3 semester hours
This course presents psychopathology through a distinctly social work perspective. The course includes bio-psycho-social assessment and treatment models, including the use of DSM-IV-R. The course emphasizes assessment, advocacy, direct service, interdisciplinary collaboration, and use of community resources and supports. The person is not defined by diagnosis or condition. Mental illness is seen through a strengths perspective and within a social context. Persons are viewed holistically, as participating members of their families and communities.
No prerequisites.
Research
SWK6250 Research I: Methodology 3 semester hours
This course is the first in a sequence of two required research courses. Students are introduced to ethical social work research using scientific inquiry. Class material provides an overview of various research methods and design elements. The course highlights creating, performing, and evaluating outcomes of practice and policies.
Prerequisite: Statistics with a passing grade of “C” or better.
Field Instruction
SWK6730, 6740 Field Instruction I, II 3 semester hours each
Sequence of two consecutive semesters beginning in the Fall. Experience in practice in professional agency under instruction of qualified practitioner; a minimum of 450 hours over two semesters.
No prerequisites.
Concentration Curriculum
Social Work Practice and Policy
SWK6511 Social Work Practice III: Clinical Concentration I 3 semester hours
This course builds upon the generalist practice knowledge and skills acquired in the foundation year. Required of students in the Clinical Concentration, the course will focus on the major clinical theories and methods essential to working in all clinical arenas of the social work practice field.
Prerequisite: Foundation curriculum.
SWK6512 Social Work Practice III: Leadership and Community Practice Concentration I 3 semester hours
This course builds upon the generalist practice knowledge and skills acquired in the Foundation Year. Required of students in the Leadership and Community Practice Concentration, the course will focus on management and administration in the human services. Includes decision-making and leadership styles. Basic tasks, roles, skills of managers; management processes such as financial and human resource management. Use of the competing values framework (a meta-theoretical model) to integrate management skills of boundary-spanning, human relations, coordinating, and directing.
Prerequisite: Foundation curriculum.
SWK6521 Social Work Practice IV: Clinical Concentration II 3 semester hours
A continuation of SWK6511, this course will further enhance and expand the clinical concentration student’s knowledge and skill in clinical social work practice with diverse clientele in all types of clinical settings and focuses on an integrative approach to clinical social work practice.
Prerequisite: SWK6511.
SWK6522 Social Work Practice IV: Leadership and Community Practice Concentration II 3 semester hours
A continuation of SWK6512, this course will prepare the student to do planning, administration, and organizing in social service agencies. This is a practice course that focuses on a broad range of material related to macro practice. Students will be exposed to many of the practice tasks that administrators must deal with to perform their roles effectively.
Prerequisite: SWK6512.
SWK6531 Advanced Social Policy: Clinical Concentration 3 semester hours
This course will emphasize an examination of policies relevant to clinical practice in social work. Students will also examine agency-level policy within the context of state- and Federal-level policy. Students will utilize a policy practice model to complete policy research projects relevant to the practice of clinical social work.
Prerequisite: Foundation curriculum.
SWK6532 Advanced Social Policy: Leadership and Community Practice Concentration 3 semester hours
Examination of policies relevant to the management and administration of social work and human service organizations. Human resource management policies; funding of human services; and agency-level policy within the context of state- and Federal-level policy. Students will utilize a policy practice model to complete policy research projects relevant to management, administration, and community practice.
Prerequisite: Foundation curriculum.
Research
SWK6281 Research II: Single Subject Design 3 semester hours
Required of students in the Clinical Concentration. Course emphasizes use of single-system design studies in practice to evaluate social work interventions. Students will plan, design and conduct a single system study including data collection, analysis of data and dissemination of research findings.
Prerequisite: SWK6250.
SWK6282 Research II: Program Evaluation 3 semester hours
Required of students in the Leadership and Community Practice Concentration. Course emphasizes use of program evaluation studies to evaluate social work programs. Students will design, plan and conduct a program evaluation including data collection, analysis of data and dissemination of research findings.
Prerequisite: SWK6250.
Advanced Field Instruction
SWK6750, 6760 Field Instruction III, IV 3 semester hours each
Sequence of two consecutive semesters beginning in the Fall. Experience in practice in professional agency under the instruction of a qualified practitioner; a minimum of 600 hours over two semesters.
Prerequisites: Foundation curriculum, SWK6730 and SWK6740.
Note: Refer to course descriptions under the Aurora campus, College of Professional Studies, School of Social Work program for the remaining course descriptions.
Please Note: The information listed on this page is current according to the 2007-2009 Graduate Catalog, unless otherwise noted.
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