Course Catalog

Click on the course name to view the course description.

School of Social Work BSW Catalog
Course Number	Title	Credits
SOWK 181	Introduction to Social Work	4
Description of course Introduction to Social Work :	This course introduces the student to the profession of social work within the context of the social welfare system. It provides an overview of an integrative approach to generalist social work practice which emphasizes intervention on individual, community and societal levels. Special emphasis is placed on values, human diversity, social justice and social work fields of practice.
SOWK 199	LD Social Work Elective	4
Description of course LD Social Work Elective :	No description is available.
SOWK 210	Relat/Intimacy/Sexuality	4
Description of course Relat/Intimacy/Sexuality :	This course addresses three major areas: exploring values and societal influence on relationships, intimacy and sexuality – the influence of culture, religion, family and friends; understanding self-worth, communication patterns and the effect of family and other significant relationships on the development of one’s needs/wants in relationships, intimacy and sexuality; discovering the basic attributes, purposes and powers of significant relationships, intimacy and sexuality. Participation in a structured small-group discussion is required. Open to non-majors. SOWK 210/2100 is the same course as SOWK 2100/210 at St. Catherine University/University of St. Thomas.
SOWK 240	Human Behav & Social Env	4
Description of course Human Behav & Social Env :	This a theory-driven course focusing on metacognition- training students to think about the way we think. The course takes a multidisciplinary approach to theoretical knowledge, introducing students to many ways of understanding how humans behave in, impact, and are impacted by multiple environments. Students learn to apply theories to understand human behavior in regard to their social and natural environments as well as reciprocal impact of humans and their environments. Theories are examined through a multidimensional framework constituting biological, psychological, spiritual, socio-cultural, political, environmental, and economic factors. Emphasis is on these factors within and between multiple systems: individual, family, small group, organization, community, and society, including political, economic, and natural systems. The course consists of five modules: interpersonal relations and empowerment, social systems, political and economic systems, social and environmental justice, and multiculturalism. The course investigates the multiple dimensions and intersections of diversity including gender, race/ethnicity, age, religion, ability, sexual orientation, nationality, and global and international perspectives. Students leave the class with a holistic understanding of the human experience within the environments that surround them. Recommended prerequisite or concurrent registration: SOWK 181 (or 281 under the old course number); Required Prerequisites: PSYC 202, or consent of the program director.
SOWK 243	Individual Study	2 OR 4
Description of course Individual Study :	See the description of these courses at the beginning of the “Curricula” section of this catalog.
SOWK 269	Research	2 OR 4
Description of course Research :	See the description of these courses at the beginning of the “Curricula” section of this catalog.
SOWK 281	Introduction to Social Work	4
Description of course Introduction to Social Work :	This course introduces the student to the profession of social work within the context of the social welfare system. It provides an overview of an integrative approach to generalist social work practice which emphasizes intervention on individual, community and societal levels. Special emphasis is placed on values, human diversity, social justice and social work fields of practice. Prerequisites: SOCI 100 OR PSYC 111
SOWK 291	The Anatomy of Violence	4
Description of course The Anatomy of Violence :	The purpose of this course is to increase the knowledge and understanding of cultural, racial and interpersonal violence and develop a commitment to promoting a violence-free society. Emphasis is on exploration of the extent,causes and effects of violence and strategies for intervention on the micro and macro levels. Specific areas of study include domestic/partner abuse, child abuse/neglect, peer/date violence, elder abuse, sexual assault/sexual harassment, cultural violence, racism and other systemic oppression. This course fulfills the Human Diversity requirement in the core curriculum.
SOWK 295	Topics	2
Description of course Topics :	The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule
SOWK 296	Topics	2
Description of course Topics :	The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule
SOWK 297	Topics	4
Description of course Topics :	The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule * Only offered at UST
SOWK 298	Topics	4
Description of course Topics :	The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule * Only offered at UST
SOWK 299	LD Social Work Elective	4
Description of course LD Social Work Elective :	No description is available.
SOWK 340	Human Behav & Social Env	4
Description of course Human Behav & Social Env :	This a theory-driven course focusing on metacognition- training students to think about the way we think. The course takes a multidisciplinary approach to theoretical knowledge, introducing students to many ways of understanding how humans behave in, impact, and are impacted by multiple environments. Students learn to apply theories to understand human behavior in regard to their social and natural environments as well as reciprocal impact of humans and their environments. Theories are examined through a multidimensional framework constituting biological, psychological, spiritual, socio-cultural, political, environmental, and economic factors. Emphasis is on these factors within and between multiple systems: individual, family, small group, organization, community, and society, including political, economic, and natural systems. The course consists of five modules: interpersonal relations and empowerment, social systems, political and economic systems, social and environmental justice, and multiculturalism. The course investigates the multiple dimensions and intersections of diversity including gender, race/ethnicity, age, religion, ability, sexual orientation, nationality, and global and international perspectives. Students leave the class with a holistic understanding of the human experience within the environments that surround them. Recommended prerequisite or concurrent registration: SOWK 181 (or 281 under the old course number); Required Prerequisites: PSYC 202, or consent of the program director.
SOWK 355	Comm/Interviewing Skills	4
Description of course Comm/Interviewing Skills :	This course is the first of a four-course practice sequence. The primary focus is on communication theory and skills as applied to social work with individuals, families, small groups, communities and organizations. There is an emphasis on self-awareness, beginning assessment skills and diversity issues. An integrative approach to generalist social work practice provides the context for intervention on individual, environmental and societal levels. SOWK 355 is taken with SOWK 375 (or 378) in the fall. Prerequisites or concurrent registration with: SOWK 181 (or 281 under the old course number) or consent of the program director.
SOWK 375	Jr Field Place & Integ Seminar	2
Description of course Jr Field Place & Integ Seminar :	Junior Fieldwork complements your academic work through practical experience in a social work agency, institution or department. Under the supervision of an agency field instructor, the student learns beginning social work tasks and functions while applying theory to actual social work situations. Students participate in an on-campus seminar with other junior social work majors while in placement. The placement is 10–12 hours per week throughout two consecutive terms (fall and spring semesters) for day social work students. SOWK 378 (4 credits) is designed for students taking a semester abroad in their junior year. It combines SOWK 375 and SOWK 376 into a single semester. Day students must consult with the program director before registering for this course. Prerequisites: SOWK 375 must be taken before SOWK 376. Prerequisites with concurrency: For SOWK 375: SOWK 181 (or 281 under the old course number) and SOWK 355.
SOWK 376	Jr Field Place & Integ Seminar	2
Description of course Jr Field Place & Integ Seminar :	Junior Fieldwork complements your academic work through practical experience in a social work agency, institution or department. Under the supervision of an agency field instructor, the student learns beginning social work tasks and functions while applying theory to actual social work situations. Students participate in an on-campus seminar with other junior social work majors while in placement. The placement is 10–12 hours per week throughout two consecutive terms (fall and spring semesters) for day social work students. SOWK 378 (4 credits) is designed for students taking a semester abroad in their junior year. It combines SOWK 375 and SOWK 376 into a single semester. Day students must consult with the program director before registering for this course. Prerequisites: SOWK 375 must be taken before SOWK 376. Prerequisites with concurrency: For SOWK 375: SOWK 181 (or 281 under the old course number) and SOWK 355.
SOWK 378	Jr Field Place & Integ Seminar	4
Description of course Jr Field Place & Integ Seminar :	Junior Fieldwork complements your academic work through practical experience in a social work agency, institution or department. Under the supervision of an agency field instructor, the student learns beginning social work tasks and functions while applying theory to actual social work situations. Students participate in an on-campus seminar with other junior social work majors while in placement. The placement is 10–12 hours per week throughout two consecutive terms (fall and spring semesters) for day social work students. SOWK 378 (4 credits) is designed for students taking a semester abroad in their junior year. It combines SOWK 375 and SOWK 376 into a single semester. Day students must consult with the program director before registering for this course. Prerequisites: SOWK 375 must be taken before SOWK 376. Prerequisites with concurrency: For SOWK 375: SOWK 181 (or 281 under the old course number) and SOWK 355.
SOWK 380	Social Work Research	4
Description of course Social Work Research :	This course fosters competence in the research skills needed for generalist social work practice. Students will gain knowledge in the steps of conducting research; practice evaluation; conducting research with vulnerable participants; locating and critically evaluating relevant research to inform practice; and evidence-based practice. They will learn values of ethical research practice, using the Belmont Report and the NASW Code of Ethics as guidelines. Particular emphasis is placed on protecting vulnerable research participants. Students will also gain skills in writing and presenting a literature review, developing a research proposal, and applying relevant research to practice. Prerequisites: SOWK 181 (or 281 under the old course number) and junior status or consent of the program director.
SOWK 385	Group Work Skills	4
Description of course Group Work Skills :	This course is the second of the four-course practice sequence. The primary focus of the course is on the study of human behavior in groups with emphasis on the use of groups in generalist social work practice to accomplish individual, family, organizational and/or community goals. This course provides experiential learning opportunities to integrate knowledge, values, and skills as both a group leader and a group member. The effects of diversity on group interaction are stressed. SOWK 385 is taken with 376 or 378 for students in the spring semester. Prerequisite: SOWK 355 or consent of the Program Director.
SOWK 389	Research	2 OR 4
Description of course Research :	See the description of these courses at the beginning of the “Curricula” section of this catalog.
SOWK 391	Social Policy for Change	4
Description of course Social Policy for Change :	This course equips students to understand and critically analyze current and past social policies. Policy alternatives are explored with a focus on the values and attitudes as well as the societal, economic and political dynamics from which they originate. Roles and responsibilities of citizens and professionals in formulating and implementing policies responsive to actual social needs are addressed. Prerequisite: SOWK 181 (or 281 under the old course number) or consent of the Program Director.
SOWK 393	Individual Study	2 OR 4
Description of course Individual Study :	See the description of these courses at the beginning of the “Curricula” section of this catalog.
SOWK 399	UD Social Work	4
Description of course UD Social Work :	No description is available.
SOWK 401	Gen. Pract I: Small Client Sys	4
Description of course Gen. Pract I: Small Client Sys :	This is the third course in the four-part practice sequence. This course prepares students for generalist social work practice with individuals, families and groups in the context of their social environments with emphasis on aspects of diversity. A primary focus is the application of social work knowledge through increased development of skills. The overall goal of the course is integration and application of the stages of the generalist social work method. SOWK 401 is taken with 405 in the fall by seniors. Prerequisites: SOWK 355 and SOWK 385.
SOWK 402	Gen Pract II: Large Client Sys	4
Description of course Gen Pract II: Large Client Sys :	This course is a continuation of SOWK 401 and the final of four courses in the practice sequence of the social work curriculum. The focus is on prevention/intervention methods based on generalist social work knowledge that can be applied to client systems of all sizes. A special emphasis is placed on effecting planned change in groups, organizations, communities, and national and global society toward the pursuit of social justice. A combination of lecture, discussion, experiential learning, and small group activities provides students with knowledge and skills for client advocacy and social change. SOWK 402 is taken with 406 in the spring semester. Prerequisites: SOWK 401.
SOWK 405	Sr Field Place & Integ Seminar	4
Description of course Sr Field Place & Integ Seminar :	Senior Fieldwork complements the student’s academic work through practical experiences in a social work agency, institution or department. Under the supervision of an agency field instructor, the student learns social work tasks and functions while applying theory to actual social work situations. Students participate in an on-campus seminar with other senior social work majors while in placement. The placement is approximately 15-20 hours per week throughout two consecutive terms (fall and spring semesters). Concurrent registration in SOWK 401 is required. SOWK 405 is the fall course.
SOWK 406	Sr Field Place & Integ Seminar	4
Description of course Sr Field Place & Integ Seminar :	See description for SOWK 405. SOWK 406 is the spring course. Concurrent registration in SOWK 402 is required.
SOWK 430	Ldrshp, Advocacy & Fundraising	4
Description of course Ldrshp, Advocacy & Fundraising :	The purpose of this class is to provide students with an overview of key elements of supporting and expanding programs in nonprofit agencies. Topics covered include nonprofit governance and administrative structures, fundraising, program design and development, philanthropy, supervision of paid staff and volunteers, and grant-writing and program evaluation. An emphasis will be placed on linking agency work and agency mission. The course will emphasize application and synthesis of course concepts through community-based projects. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing
SOWK 430C	Dev of Fundraising for Soc Ser	4
Description of course Dev of Fundraising for Soc Ser :	No description is available.
SOWK 475	Experiential Learning	2
Description of course Experiential Learning :	See the description of these courses at the beginning of the “Curricula” section of this catalog.
SOWK 476	Experiential Learning	2
Description of course Experiential Learning :	See the description of these courses at the beginning of the “Curricula” section of this catalog.
SOWK 477	Experiential Learning	4
Description of course Experiential Learning :	See the description of these courses at the beginning of the “Curricula” section of this catalog.
SOWK 478	Experiential Learning	4
Description of course Experiential Learning :	See the description of these courses at the beginning of the “Curricula” section of this catalog.
SOWK 483	Seminar	2
Description of course Seminar :	See the description of these courses at the beginning of the “Curricula” section of this catalog.
SOWK 484	Seminar	2
Description of course Seminar :	See the description of these courses at the beginning of the “Curricula” section of this catalog.
SOWK 485	Seminar	4
Description of course Seminar :	See the description of these courses at the beginning of the “Curricula” section of this catalog.
SOWK 486	Seminar	4
Description of course Seminar :	See the description of these courses at the beginning of the “Curricula” section of this catalog.
SOWK 487	Topics	2
Description of course Topics :	The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule
SOWK 488	Topics	2
Description of course Topics :	The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule
SOWK 489	Topics	4
Description of course Topics :	The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule
SOWK 490	Topics	4
Description of course Topics :	The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule
SOWK 491	Research	2 OR 4
Description of course Research :	See the description of these courses at the beginning of the “Curricula” section of this catalog.
SOWK 495	Individual Study	2 OR 4
Description of course Individual Study :	See the description of these courses at the beginning of the “Curricula” section of this catalog.