400

In this course, students are introduced to research concepts policies, and principles related to social research. Students will explore the purpose of research and theory and the value of ethics in research in order to develop the foundation and critical research skills throughout the course. They will have the opportunity to develop their own research questions, hypothesis, and research design through a research proposal and presentation. Pre-requisite(s): MTH 102, SWK200, or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours

This course provides an in-depth examination of the development and implementation of social policies at local, state, and federal levels. Students will analyze how factors such as economics, politics, ideology, claims-makers, social movements, and systems of oppression shape the identification of social problems and influence policy development. Through an anti-racist and anti-oppressive lens, students will analyze the effectiveness of social policies in addressing contemporary social issues. The course emphasizes the role of social workers in policy creation, implementation, and evaluation across micro, mezzo, and macro practice, guided by social work values and ethics. The course also equips students with advocacy skills to actively promote policies that advance human rights, social, economic, racial, and environmental justice across system levels.

This interdisciplinary course examines trauma-informed resiliency practices in social services, mental health, and legal settings for enhancing individual and community well-being. Students explore the intersection of trauma with race, identity, and social justice, emphasizing cultural competence and affirming practices. Protective factors and evidence-based strategies, like strengths-based approaches and trauma-informed care, are covered, with a focus on marginalized populations. Restorative justice principles are studied for their potential in healing and accountability. Through case studies, exposure to community organizations, and interactive discussions, students gain skills and knowledge for serving trauma-affected individuals and communities. Additionally, the course addresses trauma stewardship, compassion fatigue prevention, and self-care for personal resilience. Ethical considerations in trauma work are examined through reflective exercises. Pre-requisite(s): SWK 311 or Department Chair Permission. Co-requisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours

This course is the first of three Field Education courses, and involves a course-based seminar component and an agency- based field component under qualified supervision. The field practicum and seminar enable students to integrate knowledge acquired across the social work curriculum with practice in an agency. Through analysis in the seminar of their experiences in the field, students' understanding of previously learned material is deepened and further knowledge acquired. Pre-requisite(s): SWK 304 and SWK 305. Co-requisite(s): SWK 306. 5 quarter hours

This course further integrates learning of practice skills and strategies begun in Field Seminar and Practicum I, and prepares students to enter the final field education course. The course comprises a course-based seminar component and an agency-based field component, which increases in responsibility and scope of practice from the Practicum I course. The field practicum and seminar enable students to integrate knowledge acquired across the social work curriculum with practice in an agency Through analysis in the seminar of their experiences in the field, students' understanding of previously learned material is deepened and further knowledge acquired. Pre-requisite(s): SWK 304, SWK 305, SWK 491. Co-requisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours

This course completes the field education and seminar component of the program, with increases in responsibility and scope of practice from the Practicum II course. This course requires students’ demonstration of Social Work competencies in alignment with the Council on Social Work Education standards and the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics. The course integrates this set of knowledge, values, and skills in a process of self-examination, reflection, articulation of professional identity, and development of plans for continued growth and development. Pre-requisite(s): SWK 304, SWK 305, SWK 491, and SWK 492. Co-requisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours