Course Catalogs

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2020-2021 Course Catalog
Catalog
2020-2021

Department/Program:

Social Work (Graduate)

Majors, Minors & Degrees:

Master of Social Work (MWS) degree starting Fall 2021. For more information, visit: https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/academics/graduate-programs/master-social-work-1

Courses

In this generalist practice course, students will be introduced to the historical development and current state of the field of social work. Students will identify the impact of social problems on individuals, families, and/or communities. In preparation for the Generalist Field Practicum Placement, students will be introduced to the professional social work code of ethics and social work practice roles and values crucial in real practice situations.

In this generalist course, students with synthesize and examine the body of knowledge concerning how the individual, group, family, and community systems interrelate with each other and the larger social context from the lifespan stages from birth through adolescence, adulthood, aging, and death. Content will be drawn from the biological, psychological, sociological, eco-political, and cultural environmental systems. The importance of professional ethics in the assessment process is also examined.

In this generalist practice course, students will increase their knowledge and awareness of experiences of people of oppressed populations in relation to forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination within the history of the United States. Students will gain insight into historical, political and cultural realities of perceived and genuine differences.

In this generalist practice course students will study the historical development of social welfare policies, services, and institutions and address contemporary policy and service delivery issues. The social, political, and value systems that create policies are studied. A systems perspective focuses on the relationship between policy, services, and institutions at the local, state, and federal levels. International perspectives on social policy are discussed for comparative purposes. Primary areas of focus are public welfare, aging and mental health. Policy implementation and change are discussed.

Pre or Corequisite(s): SOCWK 5000 History Of Social Work.

In this generalist practice course students will explore social work theory and practice-based skills. Study of communication patterns, empathic response and assessment of client situations. Experiential learning through role playing, observation, and discussion will be integral aspects of learning throughout the course.

Prerequisite(s): SOCWK 5000 History Of Social Work, SOCWK 5100 Privilege And Oppression, SOCWK 5230 Research Informed Practice.

In this generalist course, students will identify the theoretical underpinnings as well as practical applications of group work as a vehicle for social work. Students will also explore how and why groups function and develop skills and techniques of membership and leadership.

Prerequisite(s): SOCWK 5000 History Of Social Work, SOCWK 5100 Privilege And Oppression, SOCWK 5230 Research Informed Practice.

This is an introductory course in the administration and planning of social service organizations. Major emphasis is placed upon community organization, legislative analysis, management skills, program planning, and program evaluation. This is a practice-oriented course including simulations, community and agency-based experiences, in-class projects, and personal introspection.

Prerequisite(s): SOCWK 5000 History Of Social Work

In this generalist practice course students will be provided and introduction and overview of research methods used in generalist social work practice. Course content includes both quantitative and qualitative methods and empathize critiquing research, program evaluation, methods of data collection and analysis, single-subject design, ethical considerations, and the application of evidence-based practice to improve policy and social service delivery.

Prerequisite(s): SOCWK 5000 History Of Social Work.

Pre or corequisite(s): SOCWK 5010 Human Behavior In Social Environment.

This course provides students with supervised learning experiences in selected social work agencies. The experience introduces a variety of social work practice roles and enables the student to apply social work knowledge, skills, and values in a real practice situation. The MSW Program requires students to complete 8 credit hours of practicum, where each credit is equivalent to 50 clock hours, totaling 400 hours of practicum for the Generalist Curriculum. Students have the option of completing hours in one semester or concurrently over two semesters. The Field Director will place students in area agencies.

Prerequisite(s): SOCWK 5000 History Of Social Work and permission of Field Director.

In this advanced practice course students will be introduced to the different types of traumatic experiences from private terrors to public traumas. Students will understand that all trauma occurs within a social context. Additionally, the role of affect regulation as a key component in the treatment of trauma and practical interventions for both the practitioner and client in regulating affect will be discussed. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of brain function and the experiences that shape the developing brain.

In this advanced practice course, students will be introduced to cognitive behavioral theory, psychodynamic theory, and attachment theory. This will provide students with advanced practice skills to provide necessary engagement, assessment, and intervention techniques with individuals and families.

Pre or Corequisite(s): SOCWK 5300 Nature Of Trauma & Traumatic Experience.

This advanced practice course will build upon basic attending skills and group dynamics and theory. Students will be provided with advanced practice skills in facilitating therapeutic group interventions.

Prerequisite(s): SOCWK 5300 Nature Of Trauma & Traumatic Experience, SOCWK 5310 Advanced Social Work Interventions.

In this advanced practice course students will learn to assess the type of traumatic event and intensity of exposure in order to effectively treat the symptoms of trauma. Students will be introduced to instruments utilized to evaluate the impact of traumatic events and the elements of trauma treatment which include establish a sense of safety, manage emotions and develop coping strategies. Students will further be introduced to well established practice models to treat trauma as well as how to apply the most recent research on resilience as applied to a variety of clients and practice settings.

Prerequisite(s): SOCWK 5300 Nature Of Trauma & Traumatic Experience, SOCWK 5310 Advanced Social Work Interventions.

In this advanced practice course students will increase their abilities in their analytical and critical thinking skills related to policy analysis. Students will learn policy practice theories and skills to assist them in obtaining experience in policy advocacy at the local, state, and/or federal level. Students will explore policy change processes that will help to better meet the needs of identified diverse client populations. Students will build and practice skills in creating change at the policy level within communities, agencies and/or society. This course will focus on social, economic and environmental justice and their impact on the provision of services to all client populations.

Prerequisite(s): SOCWK 5300 Nature Of Trauma & Traumatic Experience, SOCWK 5330 Assessment & Treatment Of Trauma.

In this advanced practice course students will explore a variety of theoretical models for leadership and management. Students will assess their own leadership style and engage in self-reflection to explore their role as future leaders in the social work profession. Students will also review the challenges that face leaders in today's profession social work environment while upholding the ethical standards of the profession.

Prerequisite(s): SOCWK 5300 Nature Of Trauma & Traumatic Experience.

In this advanced practice course students will develop skill-based knowledge in the practice of supervision and program administration with individuals, groups, organizations and communities who have experienced trauma. This will include content focused on conflict and personnel management within the context of ethical, trauma conscious social work practice with diverse populations. Students will acquire the skills that will enable them to be effective supervisors and administrators in settings where individual, organization, and systemic trauma have been experienced.

Prerequisite(s): SOCWK 5450 Leadership In Social Work.

This course provides students with supervised learning experiences in selected social work agencies. The experience provides students with opportunities to continue to develop and strengthen advanced social work skills and behaviors. Students will be required to complete 500 hours of advanced practicum. Students have the option of completing hours in one semester or over the course of one calendar year. The Field Director will place students in area agencies.

Pre or Corequisite(s): SOCWK-5420.

In this advanced practice course, students have the opportunity to integrate and apply previous learning (academic and field) through the creation and implementation of a project to demonstrate mastery of knowledge, skills, ethics and values necessary for evidence-based advanced social work practice. This course will provide students with the opportunity to contribute to the knowledge base of the social work profession as well as develop and enhance professional presentation skills through the creation of a capstone product and creation/delivery of a professional poster presentation.

Prerequisite(s): Completion of all specialized coursework and permission of instructor.