SWK 101 Introduction to Social Work and Human Services
3 credits
A general survey course introducing students to social work and human services in contemporary society. Professional knowledge,
values, and skills for intervention and the nature of interdisciplinary approaches to complex problems and issues are included. It further explores the special concerns of those most vulnerable and discriminated against. An issue is the professional mandate of social work to join in a concerted effort with other human service professionals to influence the social welfare institution and its social programs to become more responsive to these special populations. Teaching methodology includes interviews with practicing professionals and field trips to a variety of social agency settings.
SWK 111 Interpersonal Skills
3 credits
(Also PSY 111)
A general purpose skill development course that enhances assertive behavior, interpersonal communication, problem-solving, and group member skills for effective teamwork in organizational environments. Consideration is given to multicultural variables that influence human relations skills. Teaching methodology includes lecture-discussion and interactive exercises.
SWK 204 Special Topics
1-3 credits
Detailed examination of a current issue or problem in social work.
SWK 210 Statistical Techniques for Research Data Analysis
3 credits
(Also CRJ 214, HOS 214, PSY 210)
Prerequisite:Appropriate math placement test score or MAT 001 with a grade of C or higher
An interdisciplinary introduction to the basic principles of data analysis with an emphasis on application. Students are expected to apply these principles to data analysis in their respective areas of study. The applied focus is on the computerized application of summary statistics, one-/two-/multi-sample tests, linear models, association tests, randomness/normality tests, and probability distributions, as used across a variety of community and organizational settings. Other techniques may be added as appropriate for specific disciplines.
SWK 301 Human Behavior and the Social Environment I
3 credits
Prerequisite: Admission to the major
Concurrent enrollment: SWK 311, 321, and 331
A course incorporating theories derived from the liberal arts base, including physical science, biology, sociology, and political science. An ecological systems framework is used to integrate these various theories in order to develop a comprehensive understanding of person and environment dynamics. This understanding is then used to develop a holistic assessment approach, which is a distinguishing feature of generalist practice. Course emphasis is on the application of this integrated systems framework in the assessment phase of work with individuals, families, and small groups. The course content is linked to other foundation content through its application in the problem-solving process. Teaching methodology includes lecture-discussion and exercises in applied assessment.
SWK 302 Human Behavior and the Social Environment II
3 credits
Prerequisite: Admission to the major
Concurrent enrollment: SWK 312, 322 and 342
A continuation of the application of an ecological systems framework for integrated understanding and assessment in generalist practice. This course emphasizes the additional theories which aid in understanding social network, neighborhood, community, and organizational behavior as they apply to comprehensive assessment of person and environment dynamics. This content is linked to other foundation content through its application in the problem-solving process. Teaching methodology includes lecture-discussion, films, and exercises in applied assessment.
SWK 311 Generalist Practice I: NaturalResource Systems
3 credits
Prerequisite: Admission to the major
Concurrent enrollment: SWK 301, 321, and 331
Teaches a theoretical framework for practice based on three professional assumptions: a regard for human dignity and social justice as fundamental for a democratic society, a recognition of the interconnectedness between person-environment well-being, and the acceptance of holistic problem-solving as optimal for achieving individual and social change. The course focus is on individuals, families, and groups whose concerns may immediately initiate direct services provision on their behalf. These services engage both natural supports and societal resources to favorably influence client well-being. Theoretical content in SWK 301 is conjointly used to implement an ecological social systems approach to assessment, intervention, and evaluation. Teaching methodology incorporates case studies and guest practitioners, as well as lecture-discussion.
SWK 312 Generalist Practice II: SocietalResource Systems
3 credits
Prerequisite: Admission to the major
Concurrent enrollment: SWK 302, 322, and 342
As an extension of the theoretical framework for generalist practice, the course focus is on societal units (the professional's agency, other community organizations, the social work profession at large, and the social welfare institution) where concerns exist which may initiate indirect services provision. These services engage colleagues, agency constituents and clients, other professionals, community members, and regional or national groups to critically reflect upon and favorably influence the public well-being through changes in social policies, programs, and practices. Theoretical content from SWK 302 is conjointly used to implement an ecological social systems approach to assessment and intervention. Content from SWK 331 and 342 is similarly used to evaluate policy and program at agency, community, state, regional, and national levels and to suggest strategies for intervention.
SWK 321 Skills Laboratory I
3 credits
Prerequisite: Admission to the major
Concurrent enrollment: SWK 301, 311 and 331
A basic skills development course linked to the theoretical content of the concurrent foundation courses. The course focus is primarily on direct practice skills for working with clients (individuals, families, and groups) to effect changes in their private well-being. Teaching methodology includes modeling, observation, simulation, role-play, structured exercises, use of audio-video and computer equipment, and peer or instructor feedback.
SWK 322 Skills Laboratory II
3 credits
Prerequisite: Admission to the major
Concurrent enrollment: SWK 302, 312 and 342
A basic skills development course linked to the theoretical content of the concurrent foundation courses. The course focus is on indirect practice skills for working with agency, community, and societal organizations to improve the social well-being for the common good of all through changes in policy, programs, and service delivery. Teaching methodology includes modeling, observation, simulation, role-play, structured exercises, use of audio-video and computer equipment, and peer or instructor feedback.
SWK 331 Policies and Programs
3 credits
Prerequisite: Admission to the major
Concurrent enrollment: SWK 301, 311 and 321
An examination of frameworks for analyzing social welfare policies and programs, and the social worker's role in policy development and implementation. Special emphasis is placed on a policy's differential impact on women, minorities of color or other vulnerable groups who may be discriminated against by age, social class, sexual orientation, geographic location, etc. Selected policies related to income assurance, health, mental health, family-child welfare, and older adults are examined in detail.
SWK 342 Research Methods
3 credits
(Also HOS 342, PSY 342)
Prerequisite: CRJ 214 or HOS 214 or PSY 210 or SWK 210
Concurrent enrollment: SWK 302, 312, 322
(Admission to major or permission by program)
This course presents the basic principles and methods of social science research. Students are introduced to techniques for critical analysis of the professional practice literature and how, as consumers, they can incorporate research findings into practice. Students also acquire knowledge and skills for applying research in their practice. Similarities between the research and problem-solving processes are identified, beginning with conceptualization of the research question, followed by determination of the appropriate design and methodology, and concluding with qualitative and quantitative data analysis and presentation of findings. Professional values and ethics, as well as sensitivity to human diversity, are subsumed within the conduct of research.
SWK 360 Practicum in Research I
1-3 credits
(Also CRJ 360, PSY 360)
Prerequisite: Permission
Introduction to the practice of developing research skills in the major. Perform, under supervision, various tasks associated with the research process. Tasks may include collection of data, development materials, literature searches, data analysis, report preparation, or other activities.
SWK 362 Practicum in Research II
1-3 credits
(Also CRJ 362, PSY 362)
Prerequisite: SWK 360 and permission
A continuation of SWK 360, a further practice of developing research skills in the major will be explored. Perform, under supervision, various tasks associated with the research process. Tasks may include collection of data, development materials, or other activities.
SWK 404 Special Topics
3 credits
Prerequisite: Admission to degree candidacy
This course provides theoretical and/or applied learning opportunities in selected fields of practice along with an emphasis on practice skill enhancement and current practice innovations. These topics reflect the particular competencies and interests of the faculty as well as the considered needs and interests of students. A subtitle indicating the specific subject is added each time the course is offered.
SWK 411 Seminar I
2 credits
Prerequisite: Admission to degree candidacy Concurrent enrollment: SWK 497
This course is intended to provide a forum for sharing practice accomplishments and practice issues that have arisen during the field experience. Teaching methodology incorporates a seminar format for the discussion of weekly logs, field learning contract assignments, and other experiential learning. This discussion is directed toward strengthening the integration and refinement of generalist practice knowledge, values and skills. An initial focus is on the expanded range of roles required of generalist practice in the assessment and intervention planning with clients, the agency, and others associated with practice activities.
SWK 412 Seminar II
1 credit
Concurrent enrollment: SWK 498
This course provides a continuing forum for sharing practice accomplishments and practice issues which have arisen during the field experience. Teaching methodology incorporates a seminar format for the discussion of weekly logs, field learning contract assignments, and other experiential learning. This discussion is directed toward strengthening the integration and refinement of generalist practice knowledge, values, and skills. An additional focus is on agency-specific policy analysis, as well as termination and evaluation activities with clients and the service delivery system.
SWK 414 Independent Study
3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission
A student-designed learning experience that is submitted in proposal form to a Social Work faculty member to develop a mutually
acceptable independent study plan. This faculty-guided experience allows students of superior ability to pursue a topic of interest not available through regular courses.
SWK 421 Family Intervention
3 credits
Prerequisite: Admission to degree candidacy
This course builds upon foundation course knowledge about families as well as prerequisite knowledge and skills in assessment and intervention. The course begins by reviewing issues of diversity in family forms and backgrounds, and significant historical changes in the structure and functions of American families. Students are introduced to a number of different models of family treatment, including structural, psychodynamic, communications/strategic, and crisis models. Assessment, intervention, and evaluation techniques specific to work with families are presented, while at the same time maintaining a holistic perspective that includes the social context of the family
and relevant cultural aspects. Guest practitioners are brought in to share their experiences and perspectives about family interventions.
SWK 422 Law and the Helping Professions
3 credits
(Also PSY 422)
This course examines the Wisconsin Statutes and Administrative Codes that guide helping professionals in their practice with clientele. Attention is directed toward assisting the helping professional recognize the legal duties and responsibilities within their professional lives. Particular emphasis is placed on the children's code, mental health/developmental disabilities, protective services, care records, mandatory reporting, abuse, domestic violence, and professional conduct.
SWK 432 Senior Seminar
3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission
A course integrating both classroom and applied learning for entry-level practice. A central component of the seminar is the development of a comprehensive paper about a contemporary social issue or concern currently impacting on social work practice. In keeping with a generalist perspective, the paper will address policy, research, and practice dimensions of the issue. It will be presented and defended on the basis of its relevance, scholarship, and creative thinking. As a concomitant activity, students also engage in reflective analysis of their professional development, complete resumes, and prepare for professional employment search. The teaching methodology emphasizes self-directed inquiry.
SWK 497 Social Work Internship I
4 credits
Prerequisite: Admission to degree candidacy Corequisite: SWK 411
The first course in a two-course sequence, the field experience is designed to provide an educationally guided generalist social work experience in an approved community social services agency. It consists of a minimum of 225 clock hours or approximately 16 hours
of applied practice per week in the agency. A learning contract is used to focus on learning expectations, applied practice activities, a time frame for their accomplishment, and the suggested means for their evaluation.
SWK 498 Social Work Internship II
4 credits
Prerequisite: Admission to degree candidacy; SWK 497
Corequisite: SWK 412
The second course in a two-course sequence, the field internship is designed to provide a continuation of an educationally guided generalist social work experience in the same approved community social services agency. It consists of a minimum of an additional 225 clock hours or approximately 16 hours of applied practice per week in the agency. Use of the learning contract is continued as a means of assuring a generalist approach to practice and a systematic plan for the application of learning.