| Course Descriptions |
SW
202 -
|
Introduction
to Social Work
This course is an introduction to the knowledge
and skills of the generalist practice of social
work. It includes an examination of the history,
principles, practice, research and literature in
the social welfare field. Theoretical and professional
foundations, diverse client systems, areas of practice,
contemporary social policies, strategies and social
work values are examined. The student is given opportunities
to visit community agencies.
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Requirements
|
SW
235 -
|
Human
Behavior and Social Environment I
This course examines human behavior and the social
environment using the generalist social work theoretical
framework to explain the interactions of individuals,
families, and groups. Special emphasis is given to
the biological, social, and psychological factors
which affect human behavior within these micro and
mezzo systems.
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Requirements
|
SW
236 -
|
Human
Behavior and the Social Environment II
This course examines human behavior and the social
environment using the generalist social work theoretical
framework to explain the interactions of communities,
organizations, and society. Special emphasis is
given to the biological, social, and psychological
factors which affect human behavior within these
macro systems. Pre or corequisite: SW 235.
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Requirements
|
SW
297 -
|
Independent
Study in Social Work
Independent readings, individualized seminars and
directed field projects in selected areas of interest.
These individualized study programs are designed
to meet the special interests and needs of students.
Prerequisites: SW 202 and approval of the instructor
and the department chair. May be repeated for credit
with a different topic for a maximum of six hours.
Only six hours of independent study (including 497)
may be earned in the department.
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to Social Work Program Requirements
|
SW
331 -
|
Social
Work Practice I: Micro Methods
The basic class in social work helping methods, this
course applies the generalist approach to social work
practice with individuals and families. Discussion
of case studies with emphasis on systems theory and
the ecological method. While this course focuses on
micro level practice, the methods introduced are applicable
to all types of social work practice. Prerequisite:
social work major; pre or corequisite: SW 235.
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Requirements
|
SW
332 -
|
Social
Work Practice II: Mezzo Methods
This focus of this course is the generalist approach
to problem solving and intervention practices at the
small and large group levels, introducing the function
and role of the social worker in these settings. The
class examines the dynamics that occur when clients
with common concerns are brought together for the
purpose of helping one another. Actual group situations
are used as a teaching method. Prerequisite: social
work major; pre or corequisite: SW 235.
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Requirements
|
SW
333 -
|
Social
Work Practice III: Macro Methods
This course introduces the function and role of the
social worker in organizations, communities, and societies.
While many of the processes used in micro, mezzo,
and macro practice are similar, there are unique features
involved in the macro context which are examined and
illustrated. Organizational and community theories
are linked to practice applications. Prerequisites:
social work major; SW 235, SW 331, SW 332; pre or
corequisite: SW 236.
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Requirements
|
SW
334 -
|
Social
Welfare Policy and Service
Development of social welfare policy and service programs
in response to changing social conditions. Focuses
on the theory, history, scope, nature, organization,
and implementation of current programs on local, state,
and federal levels and in the private sector. Prerequisite:
social work major or permission of instructor.
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Requirements
|
SW340
-
|
Working
with Diverse Populations
This course is designed to increase student knowledge
of diversity in individuals, families, groups,
communities, organizations and societies. Addressing
issues and exploring values necessary for successful
interaction with diverse individuals, their families,
and the communities and organizations with which
they interact. Groups to be addressed include
ethnic, racial, cultural, religious, socio-economic/class
distinctions, individuals with physical, mental
and emotional challenges, women, older adults
and youth, and sexual orientation. Designated
theoretical frameworks that explain the interaction
in the social systems of diverse individuals,
families, groups, communities, organizations
and societies will be discussed. The course also
focuses on the relationship between diversity
issues and human behavior, including prejudice
and discrimination. Specific frameworks will
be explored to understand the relationship between
diversity and cultural, historical, biological,
social and psychological variables.
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Requirements
|
SW
341-
|
Sexuality/Intimacy/Relationship
This course is designed to increase student learning in relationships through
a discussion of sexuality and intimacy. Students will address these topics
through knowledge of the biological, social, spiritual and psychological
aspects of relationships, sexuality, and intimacy. Knowledge of and competence
in understanding populations-at-risk who are experiencing issues with intimacy,
sexuality and relationships will be explored.
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|
SW
379-
|
Interviewing
Methods
A workshop course designed to assist students in learning interviewing techniques.
Discussion and practical exercises will be used as well as video and audio facilities.
Identification, observation, understanding, knowledge, demonstration and student
practicing of interviewing methods are utilized. Prerequisites: juniors or seniors
status or permission of the instructor.
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Requirements
|
SW
390 -
|
Special
Topics in Social Work
A seminar focusing upon a selected areas of interest in social work. Topics may
include such areas as social stress, death and dying, poverty, mental illness,
drug addiction, women in society, occupations and professions, conflict, education,
social psychiatry, criminal justice. This course may be repeated for credit with
a different topic and the consent of the advisor. Prerequisites: SW 202 or permission
of the instructor.
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Requirements
|
| SW
430 -
|
Social
Work Research Method
This
course is designed to familiarize the student
with various forms of research methods utilized
in the social work discipline, including survey,
single subject design, content analysis, field
observation, participant observation, participatory
research, historical research, and comparative
analysis. Course material will focus on the types
and application of research used in generalist
social work practice including needs assessment,
program evaluation, practice evaluation, and
grant writing. Qualitative and quantitative analysis
is utilized as well as statistical software,
including SPSS. Prerequisites: SOC 372 or PSYC
201 or Math 114.
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to Social Work Program Requirements
|
SW
486-487
|
Social
Work Field Practicum I, II
Professionally supervised agency placement for the
student so she may relate classroom learning to
the practice setting. This experience provides the
student with an opportunity to integrate knowledge,
values, and practice, to deepen her understanding,
and to develop proficiencies for beginning professional
practice. 400 hours of direct field experience are
required for the major in social work. Prerequisites:
SW 202, 235, 236, 331, 332, 333, and 334. Graded:
S/U. These courses must be taken prior to or concurrently
with SW 488-489.
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Requirements
|
SW
488-489
|
Practicum
Seminar I, II
An integrative seminar designed to help the student
bring together material from course work and field
experience into a coherent professional role. The
field placement is the primary focus for discussion.
Growing self awareness and a beginning frame of reference
for professional practice are emphasized. Prerequisites:
SW 202, 235, 236, 331, 332, 333, 334. SW 488-89 must
be taken concurrently with or following SW 486-87.
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Requirements
|
SW
495 -
|
Senior
Seminar
A social work program comprehensive seminar providing
the student the opportunity to examine, in detail,
her integration of the knowledge, values and skills
of the profession. Seminar presentations and discussions,
along with a major research paper are required of
each student. Prerequisites: Declared social work
major in the department, senior status and permission
of the social work program director. (Formerly SW
499)
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Requirements
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Saint
Mary's Social Work Majors...
Making a Difference!
When I came to Saint Mary’s I didn’t know what I wanted to study or what I wanted to do with my life. My first class was Human Behavior in the Social Environment and after three weeks, I was hooked and told everyone that I was going to be a social worker. My first social work class, and the classes I’ve taken since then, has shown me how important it is to take time to understand people and through this understanding the possible ways of connecting with them is endless. I want to be a social worker because I want to help people help themselves, I want to empower people to make their own choices and live their own life. To me, social work is the opportunity to see into the depths of people and then getting the chance to help that person be the best person they can be. There are so many rewarding experiences in social work and the learning opportunities are endless, I know that as a social worker I will never know everything and I can never know the solution to every problem but that is what makes it exciting. The challenge of being presented with many situations and having to prepare myself for anything makes social work exciting and makes me even more excited about joining the profession.
Katherine Putz , '09
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