Shepherd University

2005-07 Catalog
(Volume XLV * May 2005)

Section VII: Courses of Instruction

Social Work

SOWK 201. Introduction to Social Work (3)
Sophomore-level course designed to introduce the beginning-level social work student to the issues and knowledge with which social welfare and social work are concerned. Through examination of the scope of social welfare as a concept, the structures that have grown out of it, and the theory and practice techniques which enable the structures to function, this course will attempt to lay the base for later, more detailed and advanced study of basic policy and practice concerns. The students will be introduced to the generalist concept of social work practice upon which the undergraduate curriculum is built and will have the opportunity to explore their own readiness to identify with the values, principles, and practices of the social work profession. Required for all social work majors. Prerequisites: SOCI 203, PSYC 203, or consent of instructor.

SOWK 300. Community Service Learning (3)
Community Service Learning provides students an opportunity to actively participate in both the classroom and the community to foster an awareness of social issues and citizenship development. The course emphasizes interactive, experiential education by placing curricular concepts in the context of community service. Students use critical thinking skills as they evaluate and synthesize these concepts through actual problem solving. Students see connections between service and learning through writing, reflection, and discussion as they evaluate experiences, analyze the connection to and the role of social services agencies, and meet in seminars to process their experience. Prerequisite: SOCI 203.

SOWK 301. Social Welfare as a Social Institution (3)
A survey of the historical development of social welfare institutions and the societal processes devised to deal with social welfare concerns. Special attention is given to the origin and development of the American social welfare system as well as current trends and issues in the social welfare field. This course also focuses on the profession of social work from both a historical and a contemporary perspective. Prerequisites: SOCI 203 and SOCI 205.

SOWK 305. Human Behavior in the Social Environment I (3)
The first of two courses in a sequence designed to introduce the student to theories and knowledge of the bio-psychosocial development of individuals within the context of a range of social systems. The dynamic interaction of human beings and their sociocultural context is explored in each of the developmental stages of the human lifespan. Particular attention is given to group memberships, family dynamics, and cross-cultural distinctions. Special emphasis is also placed on ethical issues, differing values, and the role of social institutions in both enhancing and limiting human growth and potential. This course is focused on the earlier part of the lifespan, through the adolescence and young adulthood. It introduces the systems model and how organizational and community systems affect client systems. Prerequisite: PSYC 203.

SOWK 306. Human Behavior in the Social Environment II (3)
The second of two courses in a sequence designed to introduce the student to theories and knowledge of the bio-psychosocial development of individuals within the context of a range of social systems. This course offering examines the impact of biological, psychological, and sociocultural systems on middle through late adulthood. It includes material on gender roles, sexism, sexual orientation, retirement, death, and dying. The impacts of social and economic forces and macro system responses to the challenges of development in adulthood are explored. Prerequisites: SOCI 203 and SOWK 305.

SOWK 311. Social Work Methods I (3)
An introduction to the basic interviewing techniques and skills utilized in social work practice. The mechanics of conducting interviews, gathering information, and making assessments as well as recording interviews will be covered. Techniques used in one-to-one interviews, cross-cultural interviews, social assessments, and termination are discussed. Roles of the social worker in staging interventions on the micro level in the context of responsibility for macro level charge are stressed. Prerequisites: SOWK 201 and SOWK 300.

SOWK 312. Social Work Methods II (3)
This course utilizes critical thinking from an empowerment perspective to engage in problem solving in mezzo generalist practice. A central focus of the course will be on developing generalist skills that help prepare clients in groups and families to effectively cope with future problems. Generalist practitioners are those who have attained an integrated understanding of social work knowledge, skills, and values which enable graduates to select and use appropriate methods of intervention on all levels in the delivery of human services. The selection and utilization of appropriate theories, strategies, and techniques with client systems is stressed. Prerequisite: SOWK 311; majors only.

SOWK 313. Social Work Methods III (3)
This course is designed to be an introduction to the topic of administration and supervision in the human services. The purpose of the course is to give B.S.W. level practitioners a knowledge and skill base for beginning administrative and supervisory practice. The content of the course will include an exploration of formal organizations, management styles and theories, issues in supervision, interpersonal and organizational communication, program planning, and evaluation as a function of social planning. The format of the course is designed to combine formal lecture presentations with experimental exercises, simulations, and films in an effort to explore the materials from a variety of perspectives. Prerequisites: SOWK 311 and 312; majors only.

SOWK 320. Child Welfare Services (3)
An introduction to the areas of child welfare problems, needs, and services in America. The historical development of child welfare services is surveyed as well as dealing with major current issues. Course content includes public and private agencies and specialized services in the categories of dependent and neglected children, family-centered services, physically and mentally handicapped children, adoptions, foster care, and institutional services. Prerequisites: SOCI 203 and PSYC 203.

SOWK 325. Orientation to Field Practicum (1)
This seminar for junior level students meets once a week to prepare students for field experience and to facilitate the application and interview process needed to secure a field placement. Students must complete a portfolio, a series of interviews and a proposal for a learning contract. Topics to be covered include 1) professional boundaries and liabilities, 2) diverse client populations, 3) practice settings, 4) legal, ethical, and practical concerns in the field experience practicum. Prerequisites: SOWK 301, 305, 311; majors only.

SOWK 402. Social Gerontology (3)
An interdisciplinary consideration of the sociological, psychological, and biological processes of aging with emphasis on modes of social intervention. Important aspects of the demography of the aged are clarified, as is the aging's relationship with the family. Studies in changes in intelligence, memory, brain function, and behavior accompany a look at the physiological aspects of the psychology of aging. Normal and pathological physical changes and the effects of exercise receive attention. Discussions of environmental and social issues such as prolongation of life, institutionalization, economics, neighborhood planning, public policy, and community services are examined in their particular applications to older persons and the aging processes. Strategies and techniques of the development and delivery of social services are presented. Prerequisites: SOCI 203 and PSYC 203 or permission of instructor.

SOWK 404. Social Welfare Seminar (3)
Gives the advanced undergraduate student an opportunity to explore further and integrate, in a generic way, knowledge learned in individual courses covering many other areas of content. There is in-depth analysis of social work values and ethics, professionalism, social change, and systems of delivering human welfare services. Prerequisite: senior majors only.

SOWK 407. Field Experience in Social Work I (3)
The culmination of the social welfare student's course work in which the student will be expected to transform theory into practice through direct delivery of human welfare services in an approved community agency under the direction of a qualified supervisor. The student works in an agency 20 hours per week and attends a two-hour seminar held weekly on the University campus. The University faculty and the agency supervise work closely to insure the student undergoes an intense, thorough, broad experience in direct service to people in need. Prerequisite: senior majors only. Note: All students required to complete field work must fill out a field work application form in duplicate during the semester preceding the proposed field work. Forms can be obtained from the field instruction coordinator.

SOWK 408. Field Experience in Social Work II (3)
Continuation of Field Experience in Social Work I.
Note: All students required to complete field work must fill out a field work application form in duplicate during the semester preceding the proposed field work. Forms can be obtained from the chair of the Social Work Department. Prerequisite: senior majors only.

SOWK 409. Field Experience Seminar I (2)
Weekly seminar which aids the student in meeting the objectives of the field experience program and in applying, in an integrated manner, the theoretical concepts and principles learned in the classroom to the actual delivery of social services. Through use of the case presentation format, the student will be exposed to a variety of change agent, client, target, and action systems and will further develop the ability to analyze and evaluate differing interventive approaches and techniques. The seminar will also expand the student's knowledge of and experience with group problem-solving and professional relationships. Prerequisite: senior majors only.

SOWK 410. Field Experience Seminar II (2)
Weekly seminar which aids the student in meeting the objectives of the field experience program and in applying, in an integrated manner, the theoretical concepts and principles learned in the classroom to the actual delivery of the social services. Through use of the case presentation format, the student will be exposed to a variety of change agent, client, target, and action systems and will further develop the ability to analyze and evaluate differing interventive approaches and techniques. The seminar will also expand the student's knowledge of and experience with group problem-solving and professional relationships. Prerequisite: senior majors only.

SOWK 411. Field Experience in Social Work III (3)
The culmination of the social welfare student's course work in which the student will be expected to transform theory into practice through direct delivery of human welfare services in an approved community agency under the direction of a qualified supervisor. The student works in an agency 20 hours per week and attends a two-hour seminar held weekly on the University campus. The University faculty and the agency supervisor work closely to insure the student undergoes an intense, thorough, broad experience in direct service to people in need. Prerequisite: senior majors only.

SOWK 415, SOWK 416. Readings in Social Work (3 each)
Selected, in-depth analysis of specialized areas of social welfare. The class is structured around intensive reading in a concentrated area with follow-up discussion groups. Each student prepares a research paper exploring some aspect of the topic under study. Content areas include historical analysis, policy formulation, practice theory, comparative policy and theory, and research theory and methodology. Prerequisite: junior/senior status.

SOWK 417. Sex and Gender in Contemporary Society (3)
This course explores changing roles for women and men in contemporary society. Rapid social change creates crisis and opportunity for individuals and society. Women and men are presently undergoing transitions in the social psychological, economic, and political spheres of their lives. Students critically analyze some of the current changes in gender roles. Lecture material is integrated with experiential material in the form of classroom activities. It is assumed that students have a basic knowledge of core concepts in sociology and social work. Prerequisite or corequisite: SOCI 203 and SOCI 303 or permission of instructor.

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