Master's Program Course Descriptions
SASS 401. Field Education I (2).
This field education exposes students to social work experiences at the individual, community, and administrative levels. Students spend 128 hours in this field experience. A written assignment is required that reflects the student's understanding of the placement's approach to working with individuals and communities, as well as a comprehensive look at the administrative and professional focus of the placement. This course is taken concurrently with SASS 495 Skills Lab and SSWM 400 Methods.
SASS 402. Field Education II (4).
This course is a continuation of SASS 401. For students with advance standing this course is the first field education experience. Advanced standing students will have this placement in their area of concentration and will be required to complete the same written assignment required of students who take SASS 401. Students spend 360 hours in SASS 402.
SASS 495. Interpersonal Skills Lab (1).
The Skills Lab prepares students for entry into field education. The course introduces students to a number of topics and skills that are considered basic to beginning social work practice. Experiential learning is stressed; ample opportunity is provided for students to practice the skills introduced and receive feedback on their performances.
SPPP 470. Social Policy (3).
This course provides basic perspectives on social policies related to poverty, health, aging, mental health, substance abuse, and discrimination. An analytical framework is used to systematically identify, define, and analyze social problems and policies. The course also introduces the student to social planning and service delivery.
SSBT 440. Human Development Over the Life Span (3).
This course is an overview of normal individual development throughout the life-cycle. Psychosocial, learning, and social role theories constitute the theoretical basis for the course. Developmentally determined objectives and tasks for every life stage are examined in the context of physical, psychological, familial and sociocultural factors. Special emphasis is placed on the impact of gender, health, and minority status upon human development.
SSBT 584. Discrimination and Inequality (3).
This course focuses on the various types of inequality and theories that explain and predict their growth. A special emphasis is placed on the impact of social institutions on personality, group, and family development. Concepts such as class, gender roles, ageism, sexism, and racism are discussed. Policy and practice implications are explored. Prerequisite: SSBT 440.
SRCH 426. Introduction to Social Research (3).
This course provides an overview of the basic concepts used in the conduct of scientific inquiry and the tools of research methodology. Students are prepared to read and evaluate social work research and to relate findings to practice issues. Students are encouraged to focus on a specialization/practice-related research problem in their individual or group research projects. Students are alerted to the risks of cultural bias in research throughout the course through examples and scientific readings.
SSWM 400. Social Work Methods (3).
The foundation methods course is based on a generalist social work practice perspective incorporating a problem solving methodology applicable to individuals, families and small groups, organizations, and communities. Emphasis is placed on developing skills with respect to relationship formation and engagement, data collection and assessment, goal setting and contracting, designing and implementing appropriate interventions, assuming appropriate practice roles, evaluation, and termination. Explicit attention is given to issues of human diversity and its role in the social work process. The course is undergirded by relevant sociobehavioral and practice theories which emphasize the reciprocal nature of person-environment interaction.
SSWM 510. Organizational Management and Community Change (6).
This course introduces the management of human and financial resources as the primary challenge of organizations and communities. Social science concepts, theories, and practices are utilized to emphasize the key leadership functions of planning, inspiring, coordinating, decision-making, and dilemma-managing. Administrative and governance styles, budget formats and processes, and community organizing strategies are additional areas of study. Prerequisite: SSWM 400.
SSWM 517. Family System Interventions (3).
This course provides students with a family system perspective for direct practice with individuals and families. Basic concepts of family systems assessment and intervention are presented and applied to social work practice situations. Consideration is given to those factors which maintain the status quo in families, making change difficult. Methods and techniques for working with a variety of family forms and families of differing ethnic backgrounds are discussed. The course also explores the affect of family therapy on both the family and the worker. Prerequisites: SSWM 400, SSBT 520.
SSWM 530. Organizational Assessment and Redesign (3).
This course is designed to provide a conceptual and practical understanding of planned change in human service agencies from an organizational behaviorist perspective. Necessary skills and strategies for identifying the need for change, preparing the organization and managing the process, and institutionalizing the change are critically examined and explored. Prerequisite: SSWM 400.
SSWM 531. Interorganizational Relations (3).
The goal of this course is to provide organizational leaders with the concepts and practices critical to the development of interorganizational collaboration. Various strategies are examined and existing community-based and international linkages are explored. Prerequisite: SSWM 400.
SSWM 532. Leadership and Pluralistic Organizations (3).
This course is designed to provide organizational managers with the multiple frameworks and steps necessary for managing the complexities of workplace interdependency and diversity. Attention is given to sensitizing students to their values, beliefs, and misconceptions regarding issues of organizational pluralism. Prerequisite: SSWM 400.
SSWM 533. Volunteer Management (3).
Nonprofit organizations need an ongoing supply of dedicated volunteers to effectively survive the challenges of the 1990s and beyond. The major emphasis of this course is mastering theories and practices of motivations as they relate to effective recruitment and development of volunteer staff. Prerequisite: SSWM 400, SSWM 510.
SSWM 540. Fund Raising Professionals and Practices (3).
This course explores fund raising as a profession, including profiling who fund raisers are, their principal functions, compensation, career choices, and professional associations. As part of an overview of fund raising approaches, the current environment for fund raising, legal, and ethical issues are highlighted. The course gives attention to developing volunteer leadership, and structuring and managing development functions. Prerequisite: SSWM 400, SSWM 510.
SSWM 541. Attracting Government, Foundation and Corporate Support (3).
This course features -- for government, foundation, and corporation funding sources -- the trends, types of support available, sources of information, processes for accessing, criteria for decision-making, and the "politics" of grant, contract, in-kind or other types of support. Preparation of winning proposals constitutes a special focus. Nonprofit organizations' accountability, stewardship, and recognition responsibilities or activities are explored. Prerequisite: SSWM 400, SSWM 510.
SSWM 542. Conducting Annual, Federated and Membership Campaigns (3).
This course gives indepth attention to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of annual funds, federated campaigns, and membership campaigns. Special attention is paid to direct mail fund raising, telemarketing, phonathons, and special events fund raising. Computer software options and the selection and use of consultants are highlighted. Prerequisite: SSWM 400, SSWM 510.
SSWM 543. Major Gift, Planned Giving and Capital Campaign Fund Raising (3).
This course gives indepth attention to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of major gift, planned giving, and capital campaign fund raising. Prospect identification, rating, cultivation, solicitation, and recognition are featured. Special attention is given to developing case statements, face-to-face solicitation techniques, computer software options, selection and use of consultants, and donor stewardship programs. Prerequisite: SSWM 400, SSWM 510.
SSWM 564. Interventions in Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (3).
This course provides a basic orientation to alcohol and other drug abuses (AODA) as problems requiring the various interventions that constitute the social work profession. The historical background of AODA treatment interventions, self-help groups, and conceptual models of addiction are presented. Emphasis is placed on current assessment techniques and treatment of the following populations: women, minorities, physically challenged, adolescents, and multi-problem individuals. Students will explore their own attitudes and values toward AODA problems and how these affect treatment outcome and program development. Prerequisite: SSWM 400.
SSWM 565. Child Welfare Practice (3).
This course covers the knowledge, concepts, and tools needed in contemporary child welfare practice. Practice methods reflect a family-centered approach in which welfare of children is considered in the context of family systems of which they are a part. The continuum of child welfare services is covered including culturally relevant social work roles, activities, and intervention strategies for each. Topics include risk assessment, case planning, intervention approaches, work with families, supportive services, placement prevention, foster care, group care, adoptions, legal issues, and reunification. Prerequisite: SSWM 400.
SSWM 567. Community Organization and Development Strategies (3).
The general purpose of this course is to apply social science theory to the issues of the economy. The course develops theories and concepts pertaining to neighborhood and community life; identifies program and policy approaches to combat community disinvestment as they relate to economics, housing and community development; and identifies types of community organizations and the roles of the professional social worker. Prerequisite: SSWM 400, SSWM 510.
SSWM 568. Social Networks and Social Supports in Direct Practice (3).
This course examines the preventative and remedial functions of social supports in areas of normal human development as well as in crisis situations. Attention is paid to a wide variety of practice issues including the role and function of social workers in various informal and self-help networks, referral, and follow-up. Other topics include assessment, selection, implementation, and evaluation of formal, informal and self-help service delivery options. Social network interventions are applied to child welfare, alcohol and other drug abuse, aging, health, and mental health settings. Prerequisite: SSWM 400.
SSWM 571. Case Management (3).
This course addresses case management as an interdisciplinary human service intervention and examines the social, policy, programmatic, and practice factors that shape the delivery of case management services. A variety of models of case management are covered, along with their respective implications for social work practice. Multiple perspectives of consumers of case management services are addressed. Prerequisite: SSWM 400.
SSWM 572. The Child, Family, and Out of Home Care (3).
This course covers the roles, skills, and activities required for social work practice with children who are living in substitute care settings (foster care, group homes, and residential settings). Issues of separation, loss, and attachment to caregivers is stressed. Practice skills in working with children individually and in groups are presented. Skills in working with foster families, substitute caregivers, and biological parents are covered. Special concerns surrounding adoption and emancipation are explored. Prerequisite: SSWM 400.
SSWM 573. Home Based Family Interventions (3).
This course covers the philosophy, characteristics, and practice techniques of home based family interventions. Culturally appropriate assessment, engagement, and intervention techniques are covered. Students will learn to complete genograms, assess social support systems, join with the family, and establish goals, along with a variety of practice skills, such as communication, cognitive-behavioral and parenting skills. Crisis intervention techniques to ensure family safety and stability are covered. Special issues related to termination, supervision, and worker burnout are included. Prerequisites: SSWM 400, SSWM 517.
SSWM 579. Cognitive Behavioral Interventions (3).
This course acquaints students with the theoretical, conceptual and skill bases of several cognitive-behavioral approaches to practice. Topics include assessment, use of tasks and homework, coping skills, cognitive restructuring, and problem solving approaches to practice. The course draws upon students' field and work experiences to illustrate the application of the concepts and skills under discussion.
Prerequisite: SSWM 400.
SSWM 580. Mental Health Practice with Children and Adolescents (3).
This course focuses on promoting adaptive change in children and adolescents who have a diagnosable mental illness. Students will gain an understanding of interventions with clients displaying a broad range of disorders, from short-term behavior problems to severe depression. The course emphasizes techniques of interviewing and intervention, and assessment of normal and pathological functioning. The importance of parental influences/behaviors, and environmental and contextual factors also is considered. Prerequisites: SSWM 400, SSBT 501.
SSWM 581. Social Work with Older Populations (3).
This course focuses on various intervention strategies particularly appropriate for social work with the elderly. Social work in institutional, community and home based care is considered. Attention is given to work with special populations of the elderly including women and minorities of color. Prerequisite: SSWM 400.
SSWM 582. Social Work in Child Abuse and Family Violence (3).
This course addresses the etiology and treatment of child abuse including sexual abuse and the roles of child welfare, health and mental health agencies. Particular attention is given to direct work with children and adults who have experienced abuse, and to interventions with families experiencing violence. Prerequisites: SSWM 400, SSBT 501.
SSWM 583. Mental Health Practice with Adults (3).
This course focuses on promoting adaptive change in adult individuals who have a diagnosable mental illness. Students will gain an understanding of interventions with clients displaying a broad range of disorders, from transient adjustment and anxiety disorders to chronic mental illness. The course emphasizes techniques of interviewing and intervention, and assessment of normal and pathological functioning. The importance of environmental, familial and contextual factors is also considered. Prerequisites: SSWM 400, SSBT 508.
SSWM 584. Social Work with Couples (3).
This course provides an overview of assessment and intervention methods for working with couples regarding issues of marriage, divorce, and re-marriage. Alternate couple forms are discussed. The course emphasizes systems and social-learning approaches, communication and negotiation in problem solving and its relevance to assessment, treatment structure and techniques. Special attention is given to problems of chemical dependency, its affects on the family, and appropriate treatment approaches. Prerequisite: SSWM 400.
SSWM 585. Social Work with Groups (3).
A theoretical formulation of the social group work method as a problem solving process is addressed. Exercises are presented in the use of diagnostic skills to determine individual needs and problems for which groups may be helpful, the worker's role in facilitating group functioning through his/her interventions in the group process and structure, and his/her use of various program media. Attention is given to the significance of goals, agency environment and policy for direct work with groups. Prerequisite: SSWM 400.
SSWM 586. Social Work with Minority Populations (3).
This course builds on knowledge of values, principles, practice concepts, and problem solving skills gained in earlier methods courses. Attention is given to practice approaches that flow from understanding the duality of the ethnic minority experience and the interaction of the nurturing and the sustaining environment of which individuals and families are a part. This dual perspective provides a basis for problem/need identification, assessment, goal formulation, and interventions. Focus is on American Indians, Appalachian whites, Asian Americans, African-Americans, and Hispanic Americans. Prerequisite: SSWM 400.
SSWM 589. Social Work Intervention in Chronic Illness (3).
This course focuses on advance social work practice on behalf of individuals and their families in all age groups who suffer from chronic illness. Particular emphasis is on the psychosocial consequences of chronic illness, its inherent stresses and concomitant problem areas. Students present material from their field practice on social work intervention with individuals and families, and work with other health professionals as it contributes to the comprehensive approach to the individual. This offers content related to social attitudes, stereotypes and environmental conditions with reference to their impact on social functioning, interpersonal relationships and physical mobility. Prerequisite: SSWM 400.
SSBT 501. Advanced Child/Adolescent Development and Dysfunction (3).
This course traces the development and dysfunction of individuals from conception through adolescence. It stresses transactions between the individual and his/her environment including schools, peers, community, and family. Emphasis is given to the influences of poverty, gender, and ethnicity on development and dysfunction. A variety of etiologic perspectives are addressed in explaining the major maladaptive conditions of children and adolescents. Prerequisite: SSBT 440.
SSBT 508. Advanced Adult Development and Dysfunction (3).
This course examines broad perspectives on adult development and specific dysfunctions in adulthood. Several developmental theories are reviewed. The prevalent and serious emotional problems experienced by adults in our society are presented, with particular attention given to the social contexts in which these problems occur. Examples of such problems include marital dysfunction, family violence, maladaptive approaches to parenting, alcoholism and other addictions, depression, and suicide. The affects of poverty, gender, and minority status on development and dysfunction are addressed. Prerequisite: SSBT 440.
SSBT 520. Family Development (3).
This course covers development of the family over the life span, with an emphasis on normal family stages and tasks. Life cycle stages include marriage, parenting young children, families with adolescents, launching children and moving on, and families in later life. Divorce, remarriage, and forming step-families are considered. The course covers a range of family forms based on culture and socioeconomics as well as changes in the family life cycle over time. Families coping with various life stressors, such as alcoholism or drug addiction, children with chronic illness or developmental disabilities, care of elderly family members, and living in impoverished conditions also are discussed. Prerequisite: SSBT 440.
SSBT 533. Small Group Theory (3).
This course addresses human behavior in small group settings, including families, peer groups, vocational and work groups, and committees and councils. Small group behavior is considered from a variety of normative and non-normative perspectives. Course content is applicable to direct practice with individuals, groups and families, as well as work groups, committees, management, and community development. Prerequisite: SSBT 440.
SSBT 534. Organizational Theory (3).
This course is devoted to the understanding of organizational structure and its variability. Classical, neo-classical systems and interorganizational theories are considered. Issues addressed include organizational effectiveness, efficiency, survival, and productivity. Special focus is given to how nonprofit human service organizations are similar to and different from other organizations. Prerequisite: SSBT 440.
SSBT 535. Human Sexuality (3).
This course addresses sexuality as an integral part of human functioning and human relationships throughout the life cycle. The formation of sexual identity is addressed, including gender identity, sexual orientation, and sexual intention. The physiological and psychological aspects of sexual behavior are covered, including the affects of aging, chronic illness, and sexually transmitted diseases. The course concludes with practical applications for social work, including an overview of assessment and treatment of sexual dysfunctions. Prerequisite: SSBT 440.
SSBT 542. Child and Adolescent Psychopathology (3).
This course focuses on the dynamics, etiology, and description of diagnosable mental disorders in children and adolescents including disorders of behavior, conduct, affect, and thought. The course emphasizes the physical, psychological, environmental, and social factors that contribute to mental disorders in children and adolescents. Attention is given to treatment possibilities and the social implications of these disorders. Prerequisites: SSBT 440, SSBT 501.
SSBT 546. Theories of Poverty (3).
This course identifies and critically analyzes major theories of urban poverty and their implications for social policy in contemporary American society. Economic, socio-cultural, cultural, and integrative theories of poverty are examined. Case studies of poverty theories for social policy and the elimination of poverty are addressed. Prerequisite: SSBT 440.
SSBT 548. Adult Psychopathology (3).
This course focuses on the dynamics, etiology, and description of diagnosable mental disorders in adults including neuroses, character disorders, and psychoses. The course emphasizes the physical, psychological, environmental, and social factors that contribute to mental disorders. Attention is given to treatment possibilities and the social implications of these disorders. Prerequisites: SSBT 440, SSBT 508.
SSBT 555. Women's Issues (3).
This course examines various theories that are relevant to the development and socialization of women in this society, and on issues which are relevant to women's lives within the context of oppression based on sexism, racism, ageism, homophobia, and other forms of discrimination. Emphasis is placed on assisting students in becoming more aware of the issues that are specifically relevant to their own development and socialization, and to prepare for effective and sensitive professional practice by increasing knowledge about the issues facing women with whom they work. Prerequisite: SSBT 440.
Social Policy Courses (SPPP)
SPPP 502. Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Policy and Service Delivery (3).
This course explores selected current alcohol and other drug abuse (AODA) problems using a problem analysis framework. Emphasis is placed on current and past AODA problem definitions as they affect policy and program development. Conceptualization of the problems resulting from AODA, patterns of use and abuse, causation theories, and the role of local and national institutions are reviewed. Prerequisite: SPPP 470.
SPPP 510. Mental Health Policy and Service Delivery (3).
This course is designed to acquaint students preparing for careers as social workers in the mental health field with an understanding of mental health policy and service delivery at the federal, state, and local levels. Through readings, lectures, discussions, and written assignments, the course will aid students in developing a macro-level perspective of mental health policies and programs. Prerequisite: SPPP 470.
SPPP 511. Issues in Health Policy and Service Delivery (3).
This course will provide knowledge for understanding health care policy issues and options. It will highlight the development of health care policy in the U.S., the influence of health policy development and the role of social work. Similarly, it is an examination of problems, policy, and program issues in the subsidy, financing, reorganization, and regulatory capacity of health policy. National, state, and local issues will be stressed. The course is directed toward students in the health concentration but also welcomes students from other areas of the School and the University. Prerequisite: SPPP 470.
SPPP 512. Legislative and Political Processes (3).
This is an introduction to the legislative process. The course highlights how to work effectively with legislators and executive branch officials. It identifies the critical points at which intervention may occur to alter final policy directives. Lobbying methodologies for influencing legislative outcomes are explored. The influence of the executive branch in determining legislative priorities is analyzed. Prerequisite: SPPP 470.
SPPP 513. Aging Policy and Service Delivery (3).
This course critically reviews current income, health, and social service policies for older Americans. It also investigates patterns and levels of care for the elderly. Trends and issues in policies and programs for seniors are analyzed in the context of the dimensions and differential characteristics of the aging population in the country. Some cross-national comparisons of services for the elderly are included in this analysis. Prerequisite: SPPP 470.
SPPP 520. Homelessness (3).
This course provides an understanding of homelessness -- its incidence and prevalence, its origins, both historical and social, its consequences, and policy-based strategies for its prevention. The course investigates the impact of homelessness on single individuals, families with children, minorities, and vulnerable populations such as the mentally ill and alcoholics. Students examine a range of professional and community-based responses to the problem. Prerequisite: SPPP 470.
SPPP 525. AIDS Seminar (3).
This course prepares students to examine policy and service delivery issues related to AIDS in particular, and contemporary health care. The course will examine how policies affecting who benefits from treatment are made, and the growing controversy regarding the costs and benefits of medical treatment for AIDS patients. The impact of advocacy and special interest groups, and the development of alternative agencies are studied. Prerequisite: SPPP 470.
SPPP 529. Child and Family Policy and Service Delivery (3).
This course examines the roots of contemporary family policies, assesses the impact of social change on families, and evaluates the service delivery and policy issues which flow from one's definition of the family. The relationship between larger social policy issues and the family are explored, such as the impact of poverty and the consequences of welfare policy on women, members of minority groups, and individuals and groups with special needs. An integral part of the course is a student prepared multi-media presentation on a selected policy or service delivery issue. Prerequisite: SPPP 470.
SRCH 530. Social Research in Direct Practice (3).
This course prepares direct practice students to examine their own practice with individuals, families, and groups. Attention is given to basic principles of individualized measurement and selection of appropriate measurement instruments for evaluative uses in direct practice settings. The course also provides students with the technical skills necessary to investigate the components of social work practice and contribute to an empirically-validated social work knowledge base. The student is asked to determine the efficacy of his/her practice intervention in field placement by using a suitable design and method. A hands-on project is required using clinical experience from field practice. Prerequisites: SRCH 426, SSWM 400, SASS 401.
SRCH 532. Needs Assessment and Program Evaluation (3).
This course prepares macro practice students for assessing population needs, determining achievement of program objectives, outcomes, process, and cost-effectiveness. Research results are applied to policy formulation, planning, and program development. Students are asked to propose a project involving needs assessment of a population and/or a program evaluation using appropriate design and method. Prerequisites: SRCH 426, SSWM 400, SASS 401.
SRCH 536. Individual Research Practicum (3).
With instructor and research sequence chair approval, an individual program of supervised research experience may be undertaken. This course allows the student to tailor a program of applied research to their field of concentration, particular practice issue, or field setting. Students undertake an actual research project on a selected facet of practice. Prerequisites: SRCH 426, SSWM 400, SASS 401.
SASS 403. Field Education III (4).
In this advanced field education placement in the area of the student's concentration, students are expected to focus their experience to meet their learning needs. Students spend 360 hours in SASS 403.
SASS 404. Field Education IV (4).
Continuation of SASS 403. Students spend 360 hours in SASS 404.
SASS 574. Legal Issues in Social Work (3).
This course surveys the legal system as it affects social work, either direct service practice or in the development of human service policies and programs. Students are exposed to the basic trial court procedures and have the opportunity to develop necessary skills to testify. A paper is required in which the student analyzes and integrates the legal and social work issues on a proposed topic of interest.
SASS 586. Ethical Issues in Social Work Practice (3).
The main focus of the seminar is to relate ethical principles to direct practice. Through lecture, discussion, group projects, and case examples, students gain a deeper understanding of ethical issues related to confidentiality, justice, client autonomy, whistle blowing, right to life, and other areas of great importance to social work practice today.
SASS 592. Supervision and Staff Development (3).
Changing concepts and principles basic to supervision and staff development programs, and the use of individual and group conference methods in working with professional agency-trained staff and volunteers are considered. Attention is given to creative trends, educational processes, experiential methods in staff development, and work with paraprofessionals. Prerequisite: SSWM 400.
SASS 598. Individual Reading Course (1-6). (Credit as arranged with consent of the instructor).
Independent study is jointly planned to suit the interest and needs of the student and is supplemented by conference with the instructor.
SASS 599. Occupational Social Work: An Overview (3).
This course provides an overview of an emerging new area of social work practice, industrial social work. It examines the world of work and its organizational structures, explores the social welfare functions of the world of work, identifies the range of social work roles in these settings, and discusses the opportunities and dilemmas in this field. The teaching method combines lecture and discussion and the use of audiovisual aids. Prerequisite: SSWM 400.
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