Social Work and Sociology Courses: Fall 2024
Social Work
SW 509: Theories of Organizational Behavior and Development
3 Credit Hour(s)
This course examines key theories and concepts related to organizational behavior and development in human service organizations. The course borrows from the behavioral and social sciences (E.G., psychology, sociology, political science, and anthrolpology) and management literature to aid students i developing a sound appreciation of person/organizational dynamics in preparation for supervisory, administrative, and leadership. (GR)
SW 511: Foundations of Micro/Mezzo Practice
3 Credit Hour(s)
This course emphasizes the development of practice knowledge and skills necessary for micro and mezzo social work practice. Students will be introduced to the philosophies, role sets, values, ethics, and knowledge base of professional social work practice. Specific theories and intervention strategies for use with individuals, families, and treatment groups will be explored and applied. (GR)
SW 512: Foundations of Macro Practice
3 Credit Hour(s)
This course emphasizes the development of practice knowledge and skills necessary for macro social work practice. Students will be introduced to the philosophies, role sets, values, ethics, and knowledge base of professional social work practice in community and organizational settings. Specific theories and intervention strategies will be explored and applied. (GR)
SW 513: Social Work Research
3 Credit Hour(s)
This course presents the conceptual foundations and methods of research in order to help students integrate research knowledge within their professional social work practice. The research process is followed from problem identification to the conceptualization of research questions, sampling, design, measurement, data collection, and analysis. (GR)
SW 514: Applied Research & Data Analysis
3 Credit Hour(s)
The course will prepare students to utilize applied research techniques to evaluate their practice; improve program, policy, and service delivery systems; and initiate change. Students will also develop skills in collecting quantitative and qualitative data (using appropriate computer applications) and gain a basic understanding of data analysis and interpretation. (GR)
SW 515: Oppression, Power & Change
3 Credit Hour(s)
This course will involve students in an examination of oppression, power, and change to provide them the knowledge and skills necessary to engage in anti-oppressive social work practice. Students will identify strategies for more effectively working with diverse and vulnerable populations and will gain a greater appreciation of the advocate's role in eliminating barriers to rights, opportunities, and services for the oppressed and marginalized through an examination of contemporary activism. (GR)
SW 516: Social Welfare History, Policy And Services
3 Credit Hour(s)
This course emphasizes the social, cultural, political, and economic implications of major social welfare legislation as well as the linkage between social problems and social policies, programs, and services. Students are also introduced to the legislative process and engage in projects to develop their advocacy skills. (GR)
SW 517: Human Behavior and the Social Environment
3 Credit Hour(s)
This course focuses on the development of the individual from conception through older adulthood and examines the impact of various aspects of the social environment (i.e., family, groups, organizations, and community) on that development. Content includes empirically-based theories and knowledge related to interactions between and among individuals, groups, societies, and systems. (GR)
SW 519: Field Instruction and Seminar
3 Credit Hour(s)
This seminar focuses on the enhancement of generalist practice social work skills and the integration of theory and practice concurrent with the student's field placement. The course offers students an opportunity to process their field placement experience in a safe, confidential, and educationally-enriched environment. (GR)
SW 520: Field Instruction II and Seminar
3 Credit Hour(s)
This seminar focuses on the enhancement of generalist practice social work skills and the integration of theory and practice concurrent with the student's field placement. The course offers students an opportunity to process their field placement experience in a safe, confidential, and educationally-enriched environment. (GR)
SW 602: Child and Family Policy
3 Credit Hour(s)
This course focuses on policies and services affecting children, youth, and families from diverse backgrounds as given form in welfare, child welfare, education, health and mental health, disability, substance abuse, and juvenile justice institutions and systems of care. (GR)
SW 611: Crisis Intervention
3 Credit Hour(s)
The course is designed to increase student knowledge and skills related to crisis intervention in light of increased acute crises in our society. Students will apply crisis intervention theory and models of intervention to various problem areas such as suicide, sexual assault, domestic violence, substance abuse, grief and loss, disasters, and violent behavior in institutions. (GR)
SW 612: Advanced Clinical Practice With Evidence Based Intervention
3 Credit Hour(s)
This course examines theories of clinical social work practice and their application in the engagement, assessment (diagnosis), intervention (treatment planning), and evaluation of individual clients. This is an advanced practice seminar in which mastery of all previous generalist coursework of the MSW Program curriculum is assumed. (GR)
SW 615: Mindfullness Based Interventions
3 Credit Hour(s)
This course will introduce students to the practice of mindfulness; a moment to moment intentional way of engaging in their personal life, clinical work with others, and as a framework for macro level practice. Over the semester, students will learn the mindfulness practice of cultivating the capacity to be fully present in each moment while simultaneously recognizing one's own thoughts and sensations. Course content facilitates knowledge and skill development of applying evidence-based mindfulness interventions to the range of challenges arising from stress, psychological conditions, and macro-level social problems and social injustice. (GR)
SW 617: Psychopathology
3 Credit Hour(s)
This course is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the major mental disorders manifested in children, youth, and adults. Student capacity for differential diagnosis and treatment planning will be enhanced through examination of genetic, biological, psychological, and social causes; development; and manifestation. (GR)
SW 619: Field Instruction III and Seminar
3 Credit Hour(s)
This course focuses on the enhancement of advanced (clinical) practice social work skills and the integration of theory and practice concurrent with the student's field placement. This course offers students an opportunity to process their advanced (clinical) field placement experience in a safe, confidential, and educationally-enriched environment through the monthly seminar. (GR)
SW 620: Field Instruction IV and Seminar
3 Credit Hour(s)
This course focuses on the enhancement of advanced (clinical) practice social work skills and the integration of theory and practice concurrent with the student's field placement. This course offers students an opportunity to process their advanced (clinical) field placement experience in a safe, confidential, and educationally-enriched environment through the monthly seminar. (GR)
SW 621: Solution-Focused Social Work Practice
3 Credit Hour(s)
Building on generalist and clinical practice coursework, Solution-Focused Social Work Practice deepens student understanding and application of theoretical foundations, key concepts, linguistic skills, and intervention techniques in solution-building work with individuals, families, groups, and communities. Revisiting the planned change process, students will learn to redefine basic phases of social work practice through a strengths-based and solution-oriented lens, strategically applying language and planning for work based on identified needs and the preferred future of client systems. (GR)
SW 652: Concentration: Children and Families I
3 Credit Hour(s)
This course builds on the generalist curriculum and prepares students to demonstrate advanced competencies in practice with children and families. The course utilizes a systems of care framework that emphasizes family-centered practice, cultural competency, and community-based services as contexts for development of basic competencies in child and family practice. Practice will be informed by a trauma-informed perspective with an emphasis on building protective factors to strengthen children and families. (GR)
SW 653: Concentration: Children & Families II
3 Credit Hour(s)
This course builds on the generalist curriculum and prepares students to demonstrate advanced competencies in practice with children and families across the life span. This course expands on Children and Families I by applying the frameworks and practice models learned in the first course to specific issues facing children and families across the life span including child maltreatment, domestic violence, substance abuse, mental illness, physical illness, poverty, and care of aging parents. (GR)
SW 680: Social Work Licensure Preparation
0 Credit Hour(s)
This course prepares students to take the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWE) Master and Clinical examinations to secure licensure in New York and other states. (GR)
SW 682: Clinical Practice With Children
3 Credit Hour(s)
This course deepens student understanding and application of concepts, theoretical perspectives, and techniques of advanced (clinical) social work practice with children and adolescents (and their families) as primary client system. Various phases of the therapeutic process, including assessment, use of therapeutic modalities, and documentation, are explored and applied. The understanding of play as purposeful, meaningful communication for and with children is integrated throughout the course. (GR)