Northeastern State University

SOCIAL WORK (SOWK)

Note: # following course titles indicates a Liberal Arts and Sciences course. At least 50 percent of the major must be advanced (3000, 4000) courses within the College of Science and Health Professions; 50 percent of the major must be earned at NSU.

2013 Introduction to Social Work #

This course introduces the development of the profession of social work. Within this context, a historical perspective of the development of the American social welfare system and the purpose and function of major social service programs is examined. The primary focus of the course is on the history, values, ethics, roles, and methods of he social work profession, including an awareness of diverse populations.

3013 Interviewing Skills for Generalist Practice

This is a practice skill course for majors designed to acquaint students with the basic tool (interviewing) of generalist social work practice, with an emphasis upon self-awareness, communication with diverse populations, and skill development in engaging and assessing client systems through the interview process. Restricted to Social Work and Pre-Social Work majors.

3873 Human Behavior in the Social Environment I #

Introduction to an ecological model of human behavior as applied throughout the life cycle. Critically examines various theories of causation as they relate to functional and dysfunctional behaviors, and examines the impact of social stratification, especially by class, race, or sex, on human behavior. Prerequisites: Social work and pre-social work majors must complete SOWK 2013 and General or Human Biology. Biology may be taken concurrently with this course.

3953 Practice I

Utilizing a systems approach to problem-solving introduces student to the generalist orientation in social work practice and develops a beginning level of competence in social work modes of intervention with individuals and families. Prerequisite: SOWK 3873. Restricted to Social Work majors.

4043 Special Topics

Designed to explore social work and social welfare issues in greater depth, in a formal academic setting, than is possible in other structured courses offered in social work. May be repeated with different topics to a maximum of nine hours credit.

4313 Social Work Research #

An introduction to the rationale and use of social research methods. Course utilizes the techniques of problem formulation, data collection, and data analysis in survey, experimental, evaluative, field research, and the single subject design. Examines the National Association of Social Workers’ Code of Ethics as it relates to research. Restricted to social work majors. Prerequisite: SOWK 3953 and concurrent with SOWK 4984.

4613 Human Diversity and Social Work #

Critically examines theoretical frameworks, empirical findings, and problem-solving strategies and their effectiveness in providing social services to culturally-diverse populations. Effects of color or gender-based discrimination are analyzed in the stress-framework, with a focus on the strengths and resources developed within the minority experience.

4623 Social Work with the Elderly #

Develops a social systems perspective for working with the elderly. Examines interventive strategies for working with both individuals and institutions or organizations, and examines issues and policies that enhance or impede social and economic justice of the elderly.

4633 Family and Child Welfare Services #

Examines the development and scope of family and child welfare services, with emphasis on the child’s role in a family system. The impact of institutional and societal forces on family systems, and the role of social workers in this interaction are explored, particularly as they affect outcomes for children.

4643 Case Management #

An introduction to the practice of case management as a social work method of providing services whereby a professional social worker assesses the needs of the client and the client’s family, when appropriate, and arranges, coordinates, monitors, evaluates, and advocates for the package of multiple services to meet the specific client’s complex needs.

4673 Practice II

A continuation of Social Work Practice I, this course emphasizes social work interventions with groups. Course develops additional knowledge, values, and skills for generalist social work practice with diverse populations. Theories are linked to practice interventions. Restricted to Social Work majors. Prerequisite: SOWK 3953 and concurrent with SOWK 4984 or SOWK 4994.

4733 Practice III

This course introduces students to a theoretical framework for analyzing programs and organizations utilizing knowledge, values, and skills of generalist social work practice. Concentration will be on social work practice occurring with programs, communities, and organizations. Restricted to Social Work majors.

4741 Independent Study

Contracted independent study for topic not currently offered in regularly scheduled courses. May include library and/or field projects. Prerequisite: Social Work major or minor and permission of instructor. May be repeated with different topics to a maximum of three (3) hours credit.

4751 Workshop

An opportunity to study in depth an issue in Social Work of current significance, either in seminar or field trip situations. May be repeated with different topics to a maximum of six hours credit. SOWK 4751 graded by Pass/Fail.

4863 Social Policy #

Introduces the student to social welfare policy issues with emphasis in the areas of health and mental health, families and children, and economic security. It provides a beginning knowledge base for professional practice roles in the analysis, formulation, and implementation of policy and emphasizes the need for social reform through policy advocacy.

4873 Human Behavior in the Social Environment II #

A study of the social systems’ theoretical model and knowledge of human biopsycho- social development of persons in the environment. Includes other theories and knowledge about social systems in which individuals live (families, groups, organizations, communities and institutions). Application of critical thinking enhances an understanding of the interactions between human behavior in relation to social, cultural, and economic forces. Restricted to Social Work majors. Prerequisite: SOWK 3873.

4962 Senior Seminar

A capstone course that enables students to integrate what they have learned in the social work curriculum and to evaluate their preparation for engaging in entry level generalist social work practice in multicultural environments. Prerequisite: SOWK 4984 and Senior standing. Restricted to Social Work majors.

4984 Social Work Practicum I & Seminar

Designed to integrate theoretical concepts with applied learning experience in an approved human services agency. Students complete a minimum of 220 hours in the agency, and concurrently attend a weekly seminar on campus that is intended to integrate the knowledge, values and skills of generalist social work practice. Restricted to senior social work majors. Approval required. Prerequisite: SOWK 3953. Graded Pass/Fail.

4994 Social Work Practicum II & Seminar

Builds upon Practicum I to complete the applied learning experience necessary for entry level competency in generalist social work practice. Course is designed to integrate theoretical concepts with applied learning experience in an approved human service agency. Students complete a minimum of 220 hours in the agency and concurrently attend a weekly seminar on campus that is intended to integrate knowledge, values and skills of generalist social work practice. Restricted to Senior Social Work majors. Approval required. Prerequisite: SOWK 4984. Graded Pass/ Fail.