Ssw 501 Special Topics in Social Welfare (1-3)
Readings and discussions on topics of current interest in specific fields of research and study. May be repeated if the topic is different. Prerequisites: Open to undergraduate or graduate students. Permission of department required.
Ssw 600 Social Welfare Policy Practice (3)
Foundation knowledge and skills for policy practice, including democratic representation, policy development, advocacy, electoral justice, and policy analysis in a US context. Principles of social and economic justice are used in analyzing social policies and programs, with an emphasis on competencies needed to influence policies and services for oppressed and historically marginalized populations.
Ssw 604 Social Justice and Social Work (3)
This required MSW course is a touchstone for trauma-informed, anti-oppressive social welfare policy and social work practice. Students will learn about key ideas and theories that frame current understandings of oppression and social justice, focusing on power and privilege, intersectionality, and structural violence, as well as liberation, diversity, and equity. Topics addressed will focus on many forms of social injustices, for example, white supremacy, racism, ableism, ageism, adultism, homophobia, cisgenderism, and transphobia. Through study and engagement with history, social justice movements, and current community-based change work, individual learners will articulate their own positionality and engage in praxis (reflection and action directed at the structures to be transformed) as the class imagines new futures grounded in liberation.
Ssw 610 Human Behavior and Social Environment I (3)
Foundation knowledge of human behavior and the social environment as a basis for direct practice with individuals and families and for the management of social service programs. Theoretical and empirical knowledge about the range of normal bio-psycho-social development and the nature and impact of oppression and discrimination as individuals and families transact with their changing environments throughout the life course.
Ssw 611 Human Behavior and Social Environment II (3)
Continuation of Ssw 610. Focus on psychosocial dysfunction. Emphasis on multiple determinants of human behavior including biological, psychological, social and environmental factors. Prerequisite: Ssw 610.
Ssw 620 Micro Practice in Social Work I (3)
Introduces the values, models, methods and processes of social work practice with individuals, families, groups, and at-risk and oppressed populations. History, structure, and values of the profession, the agency context of practice and the importance of basing practice decisions on interventions with documented effectiveness. Emphasizes a generalist and systems perspective, beginning interviewing and relationship skills, problem assessment, goal setting and contracting; special attention to attributes of the client system such as race, gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic class. Prerequisite: To be taken concurrently with Ssw 650 and concurrently or following Ssw 610 and 630.
Ssw 620C Micro Practice in Social Work Continuation (0)
As per CSWE accreditation, students in first field practicum must participate in supporting practice courses. This course is exclusively for students who have completed Ssw 620 - Micro I but have not previously completed Ssw 650 and/or Ssw 651. This course introduces the values, models, methods and processes of social work practice with individuals, families, groups, and at-risk and oppressed populations. History, structure, and values of the profession, the agency context of practice and the importance of basing practice decisions on interventions with documented effectiveness. Emphasizes a generalist and systems perspective, beginning interviewing and relationship skills, problem assessment, goal setting and contracting; special attention to attributes of the client system such as race, gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic class. Prerequisites: Completion of Ssw 620; to be taken concurrently with Ssw 650.
Ssw 621 Micro Practice in Social Work II (3)
Continuation of Ssw 620. The dynamic nature of the helping process, the helping relationship, and assessment skills. Emphasis on the linkage between theoretical models, assessment, intervention and outcome in work with individuals, families, and groups. Skills in beginning, middle and ending phases of social work treatment, treatment evaluation, advocacy, and case management. Issues of ethics, human diversity, oppression, and self-awareness throughout the course. Prerequisites: Ssw 620, 630 and 650; must be taken concurrently with Ssw 651 and concurrently or following Ssw 611 and 631.
SSW 621C Micro Practice in Social Work 2 Continuation (0)
As per CSWE accreditation students in first field practicum must participate in supporting practice courses. This course is exclusively for students who have completed RSSW 621 Micro 2 but have not previously completed RSSW 650 and/or RSSW 651. Continuation of 621C - The dynamic nature of the helping process, the helping relationship, and assessment skills. Emphasis on the linkage between theoretical models, assessment, intervention and outcome in work with individuals, families, and groups. Skills in beginning, middle and ending phases of social work treatment, treatment evaluation, advocacy, and case management. Issues of ethics, human diversity, oppression, and self-awareness throughout the course. Prerequisites: Ssw 620C; must be taken concurrently with Ssw 651.
Ssw 627 Supervision and Consultation (3)
The philosophy, principles, and methods involved in the supervisory processes; supervision and consultation as administrative arrangements for program implementation; educational and administrative components of supervisory and consultant processes; the supervisor-worker relationship; differences in the supervisory process of professional and paraprofessional personnel; differentiation between supervision and consultation processes and relationships.
Ssw 630 Macro Practice in Social Work I (3)
Introduces social work practice at the group, organizational, community and societal levels with emphasis on at-risk and oppressed populations. Historical, theoretical and service delivery issues that form the context for social work practice in these areas. Themes include the history of macro-practice in social work; organization, group and community theory; non-clinical roles in social work; and the organizational and community contexts for the provision of social services.
Ssw 631 Macro Practice in Social Work II (3)
Continuation of Ssw 630. Practice models and skills used in social work at the group, organization, community and societal levels, particularly with at-risk and oppressed populations. Material at the organizational and community levels; group processes; organizational and community leadership; and written and oral communication. Prerequisite: Ssw 630.
Ssw 650 Field Instruction I (3)
Introduces social work practice and provides the initial experience of practice in a social work setting. Students are placed in a social service agency where, under a qualified instructor, they are assigned experiences which enable them to apply, integrate, and extend the theoretical knowledge learned in the classroom and to develop social work skills and appropriate attitudes, particularly in relation to at-risk and oppressed groups. Assignment to a specific agency is made according to each student's educational needs. Students are in the field two days per week. Prerequisites: Ssw 610 and 630 must be taken concurrently with or prior to this course. Ssw 620 must be taken concurrently with the course. Course fee applies. Consult the Schedule of Classes.
Ssw 651 Field Instruction II (4)
Continuation of Ssw 650. Students are in the field two days per week. Ssw 611 and 631 must be taken concurrently with or prior to this course. Ssw 621 must be taken concurrently. Prerequisites: Ssw 610, 630 and Ssw 650. Course fee applies. Consult the Schedule of Classes.
Ssw 660 Introductory Research Methodology (3)
Introduction to research methods in social work including content on defining social work research problems, developing and testing hypotheses, the logic of causal inference, sampling, measurement (including reliability and validity), basic skills in data analysis and research utilization, the ethics of research, and research issues concerning human diversity. Emphasizes methods and content relevant to social work practice and the problems of social welfare.
Ssw 661 Evaluation of Clinical Practice (3)
Application of research methods in testing and evaluating the effectiveness of interpersonal helping methods. The practitioner as researcher; development of skills in using research methods and materials as aids in the process of direct clinical practice. Prerequisite: Ssw 660.
Ssw 665 Research Methods in Program Evaluation for Social Welfare Management (3)
Methodological approaches and research techniques in program evaluation for social welfare management: relationship of evaluation to program planning and development, program objectives, formulating evaluation questions and selecting variables, techniques and research designs in evaluation, program monitoring, and utilization of evaluation results. Prerequisite: Ssw 660.
Ssw 679 Statistics & Data Analysis I with Lab (3)
First of two semester sequence designed to lay a foundation of fundamental knowledge about data analysis and basic statistics for use in quantitative research. Intended for students pursuing advanced graduate-level education. Topics include measurement, tables and graphs, probability, statistical inference and regression. Students are introduced to statistical computing programs; a required lab component is designed to strengthen skills. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
Ssw 680 Socialization of Women: Implications for Social Work (3)
Socialization of women, sex role attitudes and values, and patterns of sex discrimination in social institutions and in the social work field are examined. Implications for direct practice and management are addressed in relation to specific problems and issues relevant to women.
Ssw 687 Statistics & Data Analysis II with Lab (3)
Second of a two semester sequence, designed to lay a foundation knowledge about data analysis and statistics for later use in quantitative research. Topics include analysis of variance, regression and structural equation models. A lab component is designed to strengthen skills. Prerequisites: Graduate standing and Ssw 679.
Ssw 690 Independent Study in Social Welfare (1-6)
Specialized study designed to meet needs of social work students when no comparable organized course is offered in that area. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and administrative approval.
Ssw 705 Special Areas of Social Welfare (3)
Readings and discussions on topics of current interest in specific fields of research and study. May be repeated if the topic is different. Prerequisites: graduate status.
Ssw 710 Social Work Practice with Children (3)
Specifics of understanding and working with children who have emotional and adjustment problems. Theories of communication and treatment applied to practice situations; opportunity for guided peer supervision. Prerequisite(s): Ssw 621, 631, and 651 or consent of instructor.
Ssw 713 Intervening at the Intersections - Women of Color's Mental Health (3)
This is an advanced practice course that builds on foundation social work courses. The goal of the course is to assist students to build knowledge and apply assessment, intervention, and evaluation skills, relevant to mental health practice with Women of Color. Although the term "Women of Color" is used generally to represent various cultural and ethnic groups of women, the term in the course is used to represent women in the United States of the African diaspora - some of whom may consider themselves African American while others may consider themselves Latina or West Indian (Caribbean). However, the knowledge and skills obtained in this course are transferable to many marginalized groups. The interface of gender, race, class, culture, age, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and disability are an integral part of the course. Relevant theoretical perspectives as well as women/girls' developmental theories and life cycle issues are included. Additionally, we will focus on Black feminist theoretical and therapeutic understandings of intersectionality and womanism in the context of Women of Color's mental health. Relevant research is reviewed as it informs clinical social work practice. The general practice issues/topics for the course cover various psychosocial and contextual circumstances as well as prevalent disorders that impact Women of Color's mental health. Practice issues include but are not limited to 1) historical trauma; 2) violence; 3) substance abuse; 4) incarceration; 5) severe and persistent mental illness; and 6) sexuality and others. All issues and topics are considered within an intersectional, socio-cultural as well as social justice framework. Each course learning module will: 1) help students develop the analytical skills necessary to think critically about Women of Color's intersectional selves; 2) pay particular attention to the person-in-environment model (P.I.E.), and how hierarchies of power influence mental health and 3) draw on a range of texts and films to situate Women of Color's mental health and wellness not only as an intellectual response but as a personal and activist one. Prerequisites: Ssw 621, 631, and 651.
Ssw 717 Combating Oppression in Social Work Practice (3)
This course provides a foundation for understanding the interconnectedness of various social work and social-psychology theories and systems that influence discrimination, oppression and social injustice. Further, this course challenges social workers to change oppressive situations that client systems may face. Social work students, therefore, must understand and critically analyze social injustice within across diverse client populations and apply evidenced based methods at both the micro and macro levels of practice. Students require evidence-based knowledge in preparation for culturally competence practice in working with culturally diverse client systems, organizations, agencies, and communities. Prerequisites: Ssw 621, Ssw 631, and Ssw 651 or consent of instructor.
Ssw 719 Comparative Approaches in Direct Treatment (3)
This Advanced Clinical Practice course is concerned with the study of current approaches and methods of clinical practice. Three current intervention approaches will be selected – one from the psychodynamic tradition, one from cognitive-behavioral practice (as the two most used clinical intervention frameworks) and one with a social justice lens (to incorporate values of social work practice). The selected social work approaches will be compared and evaluated according to their theoretical assumptions, rationales, goals, operational principles, practitioner role, assessment and intervention procedures, criteria for use, fit with social work values, strengths and limitation and evidence for effectiveness. Students will examine how each theory informs the definition and assessment of the problem, choice of intervention and selection of intervention tools. Demonstrations of the theories through videos, live examples and hands-on practice with tools and techniques in the classroom will develop students’ familiarity with each theory. Prerequisite(s): Ssw 621, 631 and 651 or consent of instructor.
Ssw 722 Social Work Intervention with Grief & Loss (3)
Social work practice with clients experiencing grief and loss from terminal illness, bereavement through death, and non-death events such as divorce or changes in physical or mental health status. Role of individual difference (age, gender, race, ethnicity, spirituality) and societal/cultural beliefs. Shill development in all phases of the helping process; examination of students' personal attitudes and experiences; ethical, legal and policy-related issues influencing the decision-making process. Prerequisites: Ssw 621, 631, and 651 or consent of instructor.
Ssw 724 Social Work Practice with Groups in Direct Practice Settings (3)
The application of social work principles, small group theory, and group dynamics literature to the work with treatment and counseling groups in direct practice settings. Basic group concepts and dynamics, as well as different models of practice and the differential role of the worker are examined within the context of treatment and counseling situations. Prerequisite(s): Ssw 621, 631, 651 or consent of instructor.
Ssw 729 Social Work Practice with Women (3)
Knowledge and practice skills required for working with adult women in various life circumstances, using traditional and feminist models. Emphasis on incorporating feminist perspectives into practice approaches and on the societal and agency context for providing services to women. Prerequisites: Ssw 621, 631, and 651 or consent of instructor.
Ssw 730 Special Areas of Administration of Social Welfare (3)
Readings and discussion of topics of current importance in research and study in the administration of social welfare. Exploration of current issues and problems. May be repeated if the topic is different. Prerequisite(s): Ssw 621, 631, and Ssw 651 or consent of instructor.
Ssw 731 Special Areas of Clinical Practice of Social Welfare (3)
Readings and discussion of topics of current importance in specific fields of research and study in the clinical practice of social welfare. May be repeated if the topic is different. Prerequisite(s): Ssw 621, 631, and Ssw 651 or consent of instructor.
Ssw 732 Special Areas of Social Policy and Social Welfare (3)
Readings and discussion of topics of current importance in specific fields of research and study of social policy and social welfare. May be repeated if the topic is different. Prerequisites: Ssw 600 or consent of instructor.
Ssw 740 Social Gerontology: Policies, Programs, and Services (3)
Overview of the field of social gerontology with particular emphasis on the needs and problems of the elderly and the social work practice and programs designed to meet those needs. Prerequisite: Ssw 600 or consent of instructor.
Ssw 741 Practice with Mature and Aging Adults (3)
Practice approaches to problems of adult transitional crises: divorce, remarriage, "empty nest," occupational change and retirement, gender- specific transitions, and intergenerational family stresses. Examines the mid-thirties, or the mid-life decade (35-45), through the middle years to age 65 and into very old age. Prerequisite(s): Ssw 621, 631 and 651 or consent of instructor.
Ssw 742 Cognitive Methods in Social Work Practice (3)
Development of a cognitive approach to practice that will be suitable for the types of problems, settings, and contexts of most social work practice. Within this cognitive framework emphasis will be upon expanding competence in differential assessment as well as expanding the knowledge base for related differential intervention methods. Prerequisites: Ssw 621, 631, and 651 or consent of instructor.
Ssw 745 Social Work Intervention in Alcohol Abuse (3)
Treatment of alcohol abuse and alcoholism for social workers in direct practice. Etiology and diagnosis; individual defense structures; family dynamics understanding of continuum of care; treatment planning, implementation and evaluation from various theoretical perspectives and modalities; special emphasis on treatment of diverse special populations. Prerequisites: Ssw 621, 631, and 651 or consent of instructor.
Ssw 746 Cultural Diversity in Social Work Practice (3)
Social work practice with clients of diverse cultural backgrounds. Includes similarities and differences in practice among clients from selected cultures and sensitivity to the experiences of discrimination, alienation, oppression, and exclusion. Prerequisites: Ssw 621, 631, 651.
Ssw 747 Task-Centered Practice (3)
The task centered model of social work practice integrates problem- solving, cognitive-behavioral and selected family treatment approaches. Students apply the model to individual or family cases and discuss the application in small seminars. Prerequisites: Ssw 621, Ssw 631, Ssw 651 and consent of instructor.
Ssw 749 Social Work Practice in Health Care Settings (3)
Social work practice skills relevant to health care settings including assessment of the impact of illness, disability, treatment and hospitalization on patients and families; interdisciplinary collaboration and teamwork; various intervention models, discharge planning, dealing with death, family conflicts, resource development; the effects of class, race, culture, disability, and ethnicity on practice. Prerequisites: Ssw 621, 631, and 651 or consent of instructor.
Ssw 752 Field Instruction III (4)
Continuation of the field experience. Students are placed in a different agency in the second year so that they can experience practice in another setting. Field instruction in the third and fourth semesters in direct practice provides the opportunity for the student to develop greater depth of understanding of problems of social functioning and to continue to develop skill in treatment, as well as to develop understanding of how the structure of a particular agency and the relationship between community agencies affect the delivery of service. In the third and fourth semesters the management concentration provides the opportunity for the student to develop greater depth of understanding of the organization of social services in terms of problem definition and awareness of the organizational basis required for effective social work practice. There is continuing development of skill in the application of various social work technologies to achieve program objectives. Field placements in both concentrations are selected for their students according to their educational needs and, to the extent possible, their special field of interest. Students are in placement two days per week throughout the third and fourth semesters. Prerequisites: Ssw 611, 621, 631, 650 and 651. Course fee applies. Consult the Schedule of Classes.
Ssw 753 Field Instruction IV (4)
See above. Prerequisites: Ssw 650,651, and 752. Must be taken immediately following 752. Course fee applies. Consult the Schedule of Classes.
Ssw 754 Field Instruction V (3)
Supplemental field experience for students in their advanced concentration. May be taken in same agency ad Ssw 752 or another agency. Requires two days per week or equivalent in approved field agency. May not be repeated and may not be used to fulfill requirements for other field courses. Prerequisite or co-requisite: Ssw 752 and permission of instructor.
Ssw 760 Independent Research in Social Welfare (3-6)
An independent study arrangement in which the individual student selects, formulates, designs, and completes a social welfare project. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and administrative approval.
Ssw 770 Assessment and Treatment of Problems of Adolescence (3)
Assessment and treatment of problems characteristic of adolescent populations. Includes review of contextual factors that affect problems of the adolescent, various treatment modalities (such as, family and group), and intervention if differing contexts (e.g. out of home placement, school settings). Emphasis on understanding, and developing skill in the application of treatment models. Prerequisites: Ssw 621, 631, and 651 or consent of instructor.
Ssw 771 Social Work Intervention in Family Violence (3)
Knowledge, attitudes, and practice skills necessary to work in the family violence arena. Emphasis on approaches to delivering services to perpetrators and victims of violence in intimate adult relationships, physical child abuse, child sexual abuse, and elder abuse. Includes social policy implications of family violence interventions. Prerequisites: Ssw 621, 631, and 651 or consent of instructor.
Ssw 772 Social Work in the Schools (3)
Social work interventions for practice in and with schools. Explanatory theories relation to at-risk students and their families; selection and implementation of social work interventions; work with students who differ by gender, race, ethnicity, age, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental ability; skills for inter-professional collaboration with educators; involving parents in the educational process; systematic evaluation of practice. Prerequisites: Ssw 621, 631, and 651 or consent of instructor.
Ssw 773 Sexual Identity and Social Work Practice (3)
Affirmative models of social work practice with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered individuals, groups and families, including gay affirmative, feminist, and other practice modes. Homosexuality examined from a cross-cultural, sociological, political and historical perspective, with special emphasis on homophobia/heterosexism and the role of oppression on both sexual and gender identity, life-cycle development, and psychopathology. Prerequisites: Ssw 621, 631, and 651 or consent of instructor.
The structure and content of child welfare services in the United States. The roles played by federal, state, and local levels of government, the juvenile court, and social agencies that administer child welfare programs. Roles of social workers in providing services to children and their families, current issues in child welfare. Prerequisite: Ssw 600 or consent of instructor.
Ssw 781 (HHpm 660) Poverty, Behavioral Health and Health Policy (3)
Poverty, Behavioral Health, and Health Policy is designed to provide students with an understanding of how social factors contribute to racial/ethnic, socioeconomic and gender disparities in health, mental health, and care across the life course in a variety of related agency settings. We will examine how dynamic relationships such as interpersonal forms of discrimination and social ties may contribute to disparities in health and mental health. We will also examine the ways in which neighborhood and community context, as well as inequalities in socioeconomic status materially shape health and access to social services. Individual characteristics such as acculturation and client preferences may also contribute to disparities and will be explored. Prerequisites: Ssw 600, 621, 631, and 651 or consent of instructor.
Ssw 784 Women and Social Policy (3)
Examines current policies and programs in relation to their effects on women in U.S. society. Includes a historical and political context; underlying assumptions and values; formulation, development, implementation, and effectiveness; and alternative social policy approaches for addressing women's concerns. Emphasis on developing systematic frameworks for analysis that incorporate a "gender lens" and highlight issues of economic and social justice. Prerequisite: Ssw 600 or consent of instructor.
Ssw 785 Mental health Policy (3)
Examines the development and implementation of mental health and related policies on the national and state levels, with comparison to other countries. Historical perspective with special attention to the role of social work in formulation policy and implications for practice with disadvantaged populations. Prerequisite: Ssw 600 or consent of instructor.
Ssw 786 Policy and Practice of International Development (3)
This course offers students an introduction to the field of international development and humanitarianism from an interdisciplinary perspective, drawing from social work, public policy, economics, and public health. The course emphasizes a thorough understanding of the chief policy and program drivers of international development projects including the role of the state, bilateral aid, international financial institutions, multilateral actors such as the United Nations, UN conventions, corporations, civil society, and NGOs. Special emphasis is placed on critically analyzing and evaluating U.S. development policy and practice in the developing world. The course addresses many of the key concerns of development including global poverty, labor, health, child welfare, food security, disasters, and migration/refugees. Using a critical lens, students analyze the major macro-level factors influencing international development such as imperialism, post-colonialism, and neoliberal globalization. In addition, students examine the efficacy and impacts of policies and practices and the degree to which they embrace strengths, empowerment, participation, and cultural diversity. The course employs capabilities and human rights approaches to investigate the policy and practice of development and focuses on salient social and economic justice issues through the lens of race, class and gender. Prerequisites: Ssw 600, 621, 631, and 651 or consent of instructor.
Ssw 787 US Health Care and Health Policies (3)
U.S. Health Care Systems and Health Policy offers an examination of the United States (U.S.) health care delivery systems and related health care policies. Content areas include the history and organization of U.S. healthcare delivery systems; U.S. health care policies; health care policy analysis with specific attention focused on vulnerable, high-risk populations; and social work advocacy in the health policy arena to address social justice issues. The course will emphasize the impact of changes in health policy on social work roles in health care and the connections between U.S. health care systems, health policy, and social work practice. Prerequisite: Ssw 600.
Ssw 788 Substance Abuse Policies and Services (3)
This course examines substance abuse policies and services in the United States. Policies that address the range of substance use behavior, including use, abuse and dependence, and treatment and prevention services will be studied and discussed. Current policies and programs are examined in terms of their historical context; underlying assumptions and values; and formulation, development, implementation, and effectiveness. Because substance abuse is identified and/or treated in multiple service settings (social welfare, health, mental health, criminal justice, education), emphasis is placed on (a) critically analyzing the scope and definitions of the substance problem and (b) the consequences of problem definition for the nature and dimensions of substance abuse programs and services. The principles of social and economic justice are used in analyzing the differential impact of policies and services on the poor and other at-risk populations. Students will acquire hands-on experience through exploring substance abuse policies at various levels, examining their impact to different ethnic groups and communities, and creating alternative policy approaches to address substance abuse issues. Prerequisite: Ssw 600.
Ssw 789 Environmental Justice (3)
This course will highlight theories to enhance the students' understanding of "Person-in-Environment" to be inclusive of the physical environment. Students will develop a paradigm regarding the interconnection of social work and environmental justice with an understanding of the bi-directional relationship of people and nature. We will take a(n) national/international perspective on responses to environmental issues that are most likely to impact vulnerable populations and their communities. The contemporary world presents social workers with global challenges. From difficulties associated with the violation of human rights to the need for social justice and citizen participation, there is increasing pressure for the social work profession to expand its scope of policy and practice. Culturally relevant interventions and theoretical perspectives will be examined in an effort to learn skills that social work professionals can deploy to address natural, human-influenced, and global environmentalism often associated with issues related to exploitation, pollution and climate change. Social workers are positioned to engage in international partnerships committed to environmentalism to facilitate a sustainable connection between nature's life forces and people. Prerequisite: Ssw 600.
Ssw 790 Human Service Organizations in a Changing Environment (3)
This course is an introduction to the general field of organizational behavior with emphasis on the human service organization. The focus of the course is on the application of organizational and management theory, research, and practice to improving the delivery of social services, with special emphasis on services for oppressed and vulnerable client populations. Prerequisites: Ssw 621, 631, and 651 or consent of instructor.
Ssw 791 Managing Systems in Human Service Organizations (3)
This course addresses the practice and application of nonprofit agency management theories and techniques in social welfare and related organizations. It addresses financial management practice and principles, human resources and supervision, and management information issues for social work administrators. Prerequisites: Ssw 621, 631, and 651 or consent of instructor.
Ssw 792 Community Building (3)
This course introduces community definitions and theories; examines the characteristics and functions of communities; identifies community-based services and resources; examines the role of community systems in change and development; and focuses on community building as an effective social work intervention model. Action and experiential learning are emphasized. The social worker is viewed as a professional facilitator and advocate assisting in developing community leadership, participation, enhancement, and empowerment. Prerequisites: Ssw 621, 631, and 651 or consent of instructor.
Ssw 793 Leadership in Human Service Organizations (3)
This course is an introduction to the theories and models of leadership that are used in human service environments. The primary objective of the course is to explore leadership as a subject central to human services administration. Special emphasis will be placed on the leadership for the delivery of social services. Prerequisites: Ssw 621, 631, and 651 or consent of instructor.
Ssw 794 Community Economic Development (3)
This course is an introduction to community economic development as a macro strategy for helping communities and their residents meet their needs and achieve their goals. The course will focus on goal(s) of community economic development, which include both the development of the community and development in the community. Emphasis will be placed on poor, disadvantaged, oppressed and isolated communities. Prerequisites: Ssw 621, 631, and 651 or consent of instructor.
Ssw 795 Development (Marketing, Fundraising, and Grant Writing) (3)
This course covers financial development for non-profit agencies. The course focuses on the: 1) diversification of organizational funding; 2) identification of funding sources; 3) identification of strategies and resources necessary for successful development; and 4) legal and regulatory requirements. Prerequisites: Ssw 621, 631, and 651 or consent of instructor.
Ssw 796 Participatory, Action Oriented, and Anti-Oppressive Research (3)
This seminar provides an overview of participatory and action oriented research approaches, with particular attention to participatory action research (PAR), community based participatory research (CBPR), and action science and research. Participatory and action oriented research approaches seek to understand the world by trying to change it, and strive towards anti-oppressive engagement of practitioners and/or community members as collaborators in the research process. Such approaches often speak to social workers' desire to engage in research in ways that embody their personal and professional social justice commitments. The seminar is designed to serve advanced master's students in social work and doctoral students from social work, education, public health, and other helping and social justice related fields. Prerequisites: Ssw 621, 631, 651, 660 or consent of instructor.
Ssw 823 Social Welfare Practice Theory (Proseminar) (3)
The theories underlying social work practice at the policy, program, and direct service levels. Emphasizes the empirical foundations of selected practice approaches, past and potential contributions from other professions and disciplines, and current practice issues. Prerequisites: Admission to doctoral study and consent of instructor.
Ssw 826 Social Welfare Policy Proseminar (3)
Intensive examination of a select area of social welfare policy. The evolution of the problem and its current status. Consideration of the impact of social trends on problem and alternative solutions, programmatic approaches to date, and analysis of relevant legislation and regulations. Prerequisite(s): Admission to doctoral study or consent of instructor.
Ssw 831 Social Work Teaching and Pedagogy (3)
This course is designed to prepare doctoral students for teaching at the Undergraduate and Graduate levels. The aim of the course is to familiarize students with pedagogical history, theories and strategies for development and delivery of course content in face-to-face and online formats. Topics will also include course management and assessment and evaluation of student learning. Students will practice teaching skills and receive guidance and feedback from experienced social work instructors. Prerequisites: Admission to doctoral study or consent of the instructor.
Ssw 854 Doctoral Internship (3)
The provision of field experiences for students who wish to advance their knowledge through application. Such field experiences are supervised by faculty of the doctoral program and involve activities related to teaching, practice, and research. Prerequisites: Admission to doctoral study and consent of instructor.
Ssw 862 Social Welfare Research (Proseminar) (3)
Current developments and issues in social work research. Topics include developmental research, program evaluation, process studies, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and research dissemination and utilization. The proseminar builds on courses in research methods and statistics taken outside of the school and attempts to help the student apply the content of these courses to social work and social welfare contexts. Prerequisites: Admission to doctoral study or consent of instructor.
Ssw 863 Applications of Advanced Methods in Social Welfare Research (Proseminar) (3)
The course is aimed at helping students acquire advanced knowledge of social welfare research methods, especially those relevant to their own dissertation interests. Topics will include advanced levels of design, sampling, measurement, and data collection and analysis. Student hands-on activities (e.g., developing designs, constructing instruments, and conducting mini-projects) will be emphasized. Prerequisite: Ssw 862.
Ssw 865 Qualitative Social Work Research (3)
This interactive graduate seminar introduces qualitative social work research methods with a focus on epistemology, methodology, and positionality. Using the lens of social work, students will examine each stage of the research process: conceptualization, use of theory, design, implementation. data collection, analysis, and reporting. By engaging with social welfare issues, policies, and practice-related examples, students will have opportunities to consider research-informed practice and practice-informed research. Prerequisites: Admission to doctoral study or consent of instructor.
Ssw 866 Preparation for Scholarly Writing in Social Work (3)
This integrative seminar prepares students for scholarly writing, including but not limited to: the doctoral comprehensive essay, dissertation, manuscripts for publication, white papers, reports, and policy briefs as well as abstracts and supporting materials for conference presentations. Using the lens of social welfare and social work, students will examine multiple aspects of the writing process: (1) purpose and aim of writing projects; (2) knowing your audience; (3) formal steps in the writing process using different theoretical approaches (e.g. critical theories, scientific methods, and post-modernism); (4) navigating journal selection and authorship; (5) interpersonal dynamics of the writing process; (6) mechanics of the writing process; (7) writing style and format, including exploration of authorial voice (e.g. objectivity, reflexivity); (8) public scholarship in the digital age; and (9) cultural sensitivity, political implications and accountability in writing. The course will provide students with experiential opportunities to deepen skills in scholarly writing, such as collaborative writing, peer reviewing, providing critical feedback, and preparing and submitting manuscripts for publications. Prerequisites: Ssw 823, 826, 862, and 863 or consent of the department.
Ssw 870 Special Topics in Doctoral Study in Social Welfare Research (2-4)
Readings and discussion of topics of current importance in specific fields of research and the study of research in social welfare. May be repeated if the topic is different. Prerequisite: Doctoral standing or consent of instructor.
Ssw 888 General Readings in Social Welfare and Social Work (3-9)
A course of independent readings and individual work by the student in preparation for the qualifying examinations, including the essay, for the doctorate in Social Welfare. Course grading is Load Only and does not earn credit. Prerequisite: Open only to doctoral students in the School of Social Welfare with consent of their advisor.
Ssw 899 Doctoral Dissertation (1)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of comprehensive examinations. Registration for this course is limited to doctoral students who have been admitted to candidacy. Course grading is Load Only and does not earn credit.