An introduction to the knowledge, skills, and values of social work practice. Students will be assisted in understanding how social workers identify strengths and utilize a problem-solving process to address the needs of people in the context of their social environments. Particular attention will be given to students' self-awareness and faith as they prepare to establish professional helping relationships within the context of a social agency. Basic practice principles will be explored through the use of reading assignments, case studies, role plays, volunteer experience in social agencies, and classroom lectures.

A survey of the similarities and differences of human individuals and groups, and the effect of human diversity on social interaction, within the context of social welfare and social work. Particular attention will be given to differences based on age, gender and sexual orientation; race, ethnicity and nationality; culture and lifestyle; religion; ability and disability; and socioeconomic status. Material for thought and discussion will be provided by readings, videos, students' life experiences, and classroom lectures.

A survey of individual, family, and community needs, and the way American society organizes itself to meet them systematically through the social welfare institution, historically and in contemporary society. Students will be assisted in understanding the social welfare institution as a manifestation of the interplay of values in a political context. Attention will be given to the contributions of the Christian church and other faith-based organizations, and the roles of social workers, in the social welfare institution. Material for thought and discussion will be provided by reading assignments, videos, students. This is a writing-intensive course. Offered in the fall and spring semesters

This course provides the student with an overview of trauma, including the history and current theories in the field, the nature of trauma (sexual abuse, combat, and natural disasters, transgenerational), how trauma affects individuals, communities and systems, grief reactions, faith, and traumatic stress. Basic interventions for trauma informed care within organizations/systems are explored along with integrating trauma informed care, trauma prevention, and trauma treatment into social work practice. Identifying the role of the social worker as an advocate for trauma impacted clients throughout the mezzo and macro realms are discussed. Risk and resilience theories are heavily discussed throughout course. This is an elective course with no prerequisites.

A study of problems experienced by families and children and the services designed to meet them. Attention will be given to traditional services dealing with problems such as child abuse and marital conflict, as well as less traditional services dealing with problems such as adolescent flight, spouse abuse, and addictions.

A family systems approach will be used to explore the beliefs, rituals, roles, and structures that are a part of family life, and to understand the dynamics and developmental processes of families, their social context, and policy implications. Home-based and community-based social services that help families deal with a wide range of issues will be identified.

An exploration of the physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs of the aging and the services available to meet them. Attention will be given to the role of the church in meeting the needs of the elderly.

An exploration of the history and growth of social work in the field of healthcare. Students will gain knowledge of health care policy and the relationship between policy, social welfare, and social work practice. It will examine the role of the social worker and address ethical dilemmas faced by social workers. Attention will also be given to emerging community health initiatives.

An exploration of current issues facing women and social services that have developed in areas such as child welfare, mental health and domestic violence. Consideration will be given to social, political, and economic factors that influence the way in which issues emerge and services are developed. Contemporary and historical response of secular and Christian communities to women's issues will be examined. Particular attention will be given to ways in which social workers listen and respond to women's needs.

This course is designed to provide an international cross cultural perspective and cultural immersion for students interested in learning about social welfare, social services and social work opportunities outside of the United States, particularly in underdeveloped and developing countries. Through international travel, activities and engagement with individuals and communities in developing nations students will gain a global view of social welfare and the social work profession. Particular attention will be given to values inherent in a Christian worldview. International travel is required.

The purpose of this course is to provide students with an introductory knowledge of the biological, sociological, psychological and spiritual complexities of addiction. Students enrolled in the course will gain knowledge and basic skills relevant to prevention, assessment, intervention, and treatment of addictions. The course will assist students in developing a multi-dimentional understanding of treatment needs of diverse populations and will explore the relationship between addiction, socio-economic status, gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and culture. Although the primary focus of this course will be drug and alcohol addictions, the course will examine other disorders including eating disorders and process disorders.

This course will provide students with information regarding mental health issues in American society. It will create a foundation for thinking about mental health issues. It will address various mental health services and programs for adults and the roles social workers perform in the promotion, prevention, treatment and habilitation to various populations in need of mental health services. Historical perspectives, contemporary policies, social trends and ethical issues as well as the impact of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and social class on mental health policies and services will be examined. The course will address issues related to the classification of mental health disorders and examine four primary diagnosis from a strengths perspective.

This course will cover loss throughout the life span and the impact of trauma, spirituality, human services and development on the grieving process. Age-appropriate interventions will be discussed. The course will include use of film clips, discussion, presentations and activities.

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to social group work theory and methods relevant for social work practice with groups (including families, communities, and organizations). The historical roots of social group work are examined along with Christianity and diversity issues within group work. Students will become familiar with tasks related to group development, leadership, goals and norms, communication, roles and outcome assessment. Particular attention will be given to task, treatment, educational, and self-help groups. The development of knowledge, skills and values regarding social group work is taught, in part, through the use of experiential group activities and exercises.

The purpose of this course is to provide an understanding of biological, psychological, sociological, spiritual, and cultural factors in human development and social interaction as part of the knowledge base for social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. These factors will be used to examine the development of the individual over the life span and the individual's membership in a range of social systems. The knowledge gained from the integration of biological, psychological, sociological, spiritual, and cultural factors will be used to focus on intervention within the social environment. Attention will be given to Christian faith development as an integral component of the course. Offered in the fall semester only. Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C in SOWK 110, PSYC 100, SOCI 100. Prerequisites or Corequisites: ANTH 101, BIOL 104.

An exploration of the social work agency from the perspective of a direct service social work practitioner. Students will use materials contributed from their practicum experiences as the basis for exploring the impact of the social work agency on its clients, the larger society, and the social worker.

An introduction to social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Assigned readings and social work process records provided by the instructor or contributed from the students' own practicum experiences will be used to begin to acquire knowledge and skills required by social work practitioners.

Supervised social work practice and observation in a social work agency or host setting, two days per week (normally Tuesday and Thursday). Students carry beginning, direct-service responsibilities. Agency placement is made the previous fall semester. Graded on P/F basis. Open to juniors in the BSW program only.

An exploration of the ideological and philosophical issues underlying current social welfare policy in the United States. Students utilize analysis of major social welfare policy areas to inform their understanding of current issues, developing social forces, and macro-level social change activities. Open to senior in the BSW program only.

Emphasis is placed on deepening understanding of social work practice and beginning integration of knowledge and skill. Open to seniors in the BSW program only. Must be taken during one academic year.

Emphasis is placed on deepening understanding of social work practice and beginning integration of knowledge and skill. Open to seniors in the BSW program only. Must be taken during one academic year.

Supervised social work practice in a social work agency or host setting, two days per week. Students carry direct service responsibilities throughout the two semesters. Open to senior social work majors only. Agency placement is made during the spring semester of the previous academic year. Graded on a P/F basis. Must be taken during one academic year.

Supervised social work practice in a social work agency or host setting, two days per week. Students carry direct service responsibilities throughout the two semesters. Agency placement is made during the spring semester of the previous academic year. Graded on a P/F basis. Must be taken during one academic year.

An introduction to scientific methods of inquiry concerning the phenomena encountered by direct service social work practitioners. Particular attention is given to evaluation and interpretation of research findings, research design and implementation, basic statistical measures, evaluation of service delivery, evaluation of students' own practice, the implications of human diversity for research design and interpretation, and the ethical context of the research process.