SOCW 101 (190): Introduction to Social Work – A, S2
An introduction
to human need and the field of social work. Provides an overview of
services, models of service delivery, and professional social work
values. Students visit agency settings and meet with social work
practitioners. A volunteer experience in the field is a required
component of this seminar-style course. (4)
SOCW 175: January on the Hill – A, S2
An intense experience of community work on Tacoma's Hilltop District
and/or Tacoma's east side where students learn first hand about poverty
and participate in community projects. (4)
SOCW 245: Human Behavior and the Social Environment – S2
Examination of the biological, psychological, cultural, social, and
spiritual influences on human behavior and development. Provides an
ecological systems perspective for applying developmental theory to
individuals, families, groups, institutions, organizations, and
communities and for understanding various systems in the context of
their environment. Explores meaning and interpretation of development,
family, and community from different perspectives, with an emphasis on
ethnicity and gender. Studies impact of social and economic forces on
individuals and systems from a global perspective. Volunteer experience
is required. (4)
SOCW 250: Social Policy I: History of Social Welfare – S2
Social
policy course required of all social work majors. Exploration of
interdependence of social, cultural, political, and economic factors in
the history, theory, and practice of social welfare, with special
reference to the development of the social work profession in response
to global social problems. Examination of the relationship among the
social welfare systems, the problems and issues addressed by social
services, and the role of the professional social worker. The impact of
political ideology and process on service delivery is also discussed.
(4)
SOCW 320: Child Welfare - A Global Perspective
An
examination of child welfare, including child abuse and neglect; child
welfare services, including CPS, permanency planning, foster care,
adoption; and the current status of child well-being around the world;
exploring the impact on children of such issues as poverty, war,
nutrition, HIV/AIDS, access to education, access to health care, care
for orphans, street children. (4)
SOCW 325: Service Learning in Tobago - C
Explore
strengths and needs of Tobago and effects of history and colonialism on
the development of community problems. Through service learning,
interaction with agency staff and community members, readings and
reflections, develop an understanding of the meaning of service in
another culture and deepen one's own ethic of meaningful service. (4)
SOCW 350: Social Policy II: Social Policy Analysis – S2
An in-depth examination of contemporary social welfare structure,
functions, policy, and programs. Legislative process, social justice
and strategies for political advocacy are discussed. An examination of
the impact of administrative and organizational structures at various
governmental levels on social policy implementation, especially as they
affect services to vulnerable populations. Introduces students to
applications of theoretical frameworks to social work policy in such
areas as income maintenance, health, mental health, child welfare, and
housing and homelessness in the U.S. and other countries. Prerequisite:
SOCW 250. (4)
SOCW 360: Social Work Practice I: Interviewing and Interpersonal Helping – S2
An
introductory practice course that provides students with the conceptual
framework of generalist social work practice. Application of the
ecological systems perspective to direct practice. Provides students
with the opportunity to learn intentional interviewing skills and apply
those skills within various models of practice and across cultures.
Assists students toward mastery in assessment, goal setting,
contracting, development of intervention plans based on theory and
assessment information, evaluation, and termination. Must register
concurrently for lab. Prerequisite: SOCW 245. (4)
SOCW 375: Social Services in the Community
Completion of a minimum of 50 hours of work in a community setting.
Through written work, students reflect on their experiences, their
personal growth, and the mission of the agency. May be repeated for
credit up to 2 semester hours. Prerequisites: SOCW 175, 245, or 360. (1)
SOCW 387: Special Topics in Social Work
Selected topics as announced by the department. Topics relevant to current trends and issues in the field of social work. (2–4)
SOCW 460: Social Work Practice II: Families and Groups – S2
Grounded
in the framework of generalist social work practice, the second
social work practice course examines theoretical models and practice
skills for assessment and intervention with families and groups.
Emphasizes the importance of culturally sensitive practice. Explores
how the meaning and definition of family differs across cultures.
Introduces students to group dynamics and group development.
Prerequisites: SOCW 245, 360. (4)
SOCW 465: Social Work Practice III: Macropractice – S2
Grounded
in the framework of generalist social work practice, this course
develops skills for practice with groups, organizations, and
communities. Emphasis on macropractice assessment, intervention, and
change strategies at organizational, community, institutional and
global levels. Students complete a community assessment and examine
community development from a global perspective. Prerequisites: SOCW 245,
250, 350, 360, 460. (4)
SOCW 475: Field Experience I
Students are assigned to a social service agency and participate,
under supervision, in the delivery of social work services.
Prerequisites: SOCW 245, 350, 360; to be taken concurrently with SOCW 460 and
485; requires consent of instructor. Pass/Fail. (3)
SOCW 476: Field Experience II
Continuation of SOCW 475. Students receive more advanced field
assignments in a social service agency setting. Must be taken
concurrently with SOCW 465 and 486. Pass/Fail. (3)
SOCW 485: Field Experience Seminar I
This seminar provides
students with the opportunity to learn about the intake and assessment
process at various social service agencies. Students develop a plan to
monitor and evaluate their practice in their field experience setting.
Must be taken concurrently with SOCW 475. (1)
SOCW 486: Field Experience Seminar II
Students learn about the
strengths perspective as it relates to social work practice and present
a case from their field setting. Students implement a plan evaluating
their own practice and learn about the applicability of research to
social work practice. Must be taken concurrently with SOCW 476. (1)
SOCW 491: Independent Studies
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. (1–4)
SOCW 499: Capstone: Senior Seminar – SR
Students examine the evolution of their own personal style of social
work practice, the theories and models for practice which they have
developed, the ethical and value foundation which underlies social
work, and how these are integrated with their personal and professional
experiences and prior coursework. The product of this final synthesis
is presented to the class and is open to others within the university
community. Prerequisites: SOCW 460 and 475. (4)
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