Master Course Offerings
The University reserves the right to withdraw or modify any of the courses or programs listed herein, or to cancel any course or program for which it deems the registration insufficient, or to make any change considered necessary or desirable.
A complete syllabus for current courses offered can be found on the Master Syllabi page.
FOUNDATION CURRICULUM
SWGS 6006 — Social Welfare Policy and Services
The first of two required courses covering the content of social welfare policies and services, this course introduces students to the ways American society has provided for human needs and addressed social problems through the social welfare institution, and to the underlying values, assumptions and philosophical perspectives that explain the development of this country’s social welfare system. The major forms of social provision are addressed in an historical framework that traces the development, expansion, contraction, reorganization and (at times) their elimination. Special attention is given to how economic, political and social forces lead to differential policies and provisions with racial, class and gender dimensions, as well as to inequities, and social and economic injustices. The role of the social work profession in influencing social welfare is emphasized.
SWGS 6007 — Social Policy Analysis, Advocacy and Practice
This is the second of two required courses covering content on social welfare policies and services. Building on the first course, this course introduces the knowledge, skills and strategies necessary to examine the impact of specific social policies on clients, agencies, service delivery and practice, and to influence these policies as participants in the major arenas where policy is analyzed, formulated, implemented and changed. This course is offered with a broad focus upon diverse fields of practice or, alternatively with afocus on a specific practice area. Prerequisite: SWGS 6006. This Foundation- level course is usually taken while the student is in the Advanced phase of the program.
SWGS 6208 — Human Behavior and the Social Environment I
The is the first of a two-semester course sequence. The course presents content from the behavioral sciences and related professional literature regarding those theoretical constructsand insights most relevant for social work practice. It uses an ecosystems perspective to coordinate and synthesize a broad range of knowledge pertinent to practice concerning the transactional and interactional aspects of large and small systems.
SWGS 6209 — Human Behavior and the Social Environment II
The second semester course in the Human Behavior and Social Environment sequence discusses human development over the life course. Similarities and variations in personal and social functioning; in social, cultural and physical environments; in complex organizations and social institutions. All are examined for insights concerning the interplay between people and their environment. This focus includes biological, psychological and sociocultural factors and how the environment affects individual development. Prerequisite: SWGS 6208.
SWGS 6319— Social Justice — Practice with Organizations and Communities
First in a three-course generalist social work practice sequence, this course examines the organizational and community context of social work practice from a social justice perspective. It places particular emphasis on oppression, institutional racism, economic and social discrimination and how these factors affect access to social services. Students consider how systemic oppression and socialjustice may emerge in agency, organizational and community settings. A strengthsbased, ecological assessment-planning-intervention-evaluation paradigm is used to focus learning and help students develop practice values, knowledge and skills relevant for work with larger systems. Concurrent field instruction is required; students in the Experienced and Employed Social Service Practitioners plan are exempt from the concurrent field instruction requirement, but must be enrolled in the field practicum laboratory course (SWGS 6907).
SWGS 6321 — Generalist Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups I
This second course in the generalist social work practice sequence covers the initial phase of the helping process with individuals and families and the middle phase with individuals. It focuses on building generalist practice skills in communication, interviewing, engagement, individual and family assessment, intervention planning, contracting and case documentation. Concurrent field instruction required; students in the Experienced and Employed Social Service Practitioners plan are exempt from concurrent field instruction requirement
but must be enrolled in the field practicum laboratory course (SWGS 6907).
SWGS 6322 — Generalist Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups II
The third course of the generalist practice sequence continues to build skills of generalist practice, attending in greater detail to the processes of intervention, evaluation and termination. Particular attention is paid to the beginning and middle phases of work with families and groups, and the necessary tasks and skills involved in endings and transition for all system levels — including the evaluation of practice. Skills involved in case management are addressed. Prerequisite: SWGS 6321; concurrent field instructionrequired;students in the Experienced and Employed Social Service Practitioners plan are exempt from concurrent field instruction requirement but must be enrolled in the field practicum laboratory course (SWGS 6907).
SWGS 6801 — Social Work Practice in Research I
This is the first of a two-course sequence that culminates in the completion of a research project and presentation of a research report. This course introduces students to social work research and focuses on various phases of the scientific method from the preparation of a research question developed by the class to the point of data collection.
SWGS 6802 — Social Work Practice in Research II
In this second course in the foundation research sequence, students implement the proposed class research projects. The course includes content on data collection and analysis, how to interpret the theoretical and practical meaning of findings for social work practice, and how to report on and present data. Basic computer skills and statistical concepts (SPSS) are presented through “hands on” training in the computer laboratory. Prerequisite: SWGS 6801.
SWGS 6901 — Field Work I (Yearlong)
Actual practice with a limited work load under close supervision designed to assist the student in applying theory to practice and to enable the student to master fundamentals of generalist practice. Includes 10 two-hour seminar sessions. Fourteen hours per week from September through July; 21 hours per week from September through May.
SWGS 6907 — Field Practicum Laboratory Course for Students in the Program for Employees in the Social Services
This required laboratory course for students who enter as experienced employees in the social services complements the Generalist Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups I & II. The focus is on the integration of classroom learning with practice. Assignments are closely related to issues covered in these practice classes. Class participation, process recording, presentations, role-playing and focused journal writing are important tools in the course. Upon satisfactorily completing this course, students will receive three credits and will be eligible for SWGS 6908, Combined Field Work in the following academic year.
Elective Course
SWGS 6303 — Human Service Agencies as the Context for Practice
This course will focus on how agency goals, structure, members, technologies and relationships with the environment affect how and to whom services are provided. Emphasis is given to the skills and strategies social workers need to engage in organizational change and efforts to enhance the quality and delivery of services. This course is open to beginning nonmatriculated students as well as to all interested matriculated students in the Foundation or Advanced phase of the program.
CLINICAL PRACTICE CONCENTRATION
Required Courses
SWGS 6413 — Clinical Social Work Practice I
The first of a two-course sequence in advanced clinical social work practice, this course expands and deepens the knowledge base of generalist practice, emphasizing advanced assessment with clients across the life cycle, and evaluation of practice. Treatment planning with individuals, families and groups are all explored. Special attention is given to the assessment of trauma. Prerequisite: SWGS 6319, 6321, 6322; concurrent field practice is required.
SWGS 6414 — Clinical Social Work Practice II
This is the second of a two-course sequence in advanced clinical social work practice. Building upon a generalist approach to social work practice and an understanding of psychopathology and resiliency, it focuses on clinical decision making and interventions. It also examines ways in which specific models of intervention with individuals, families and groups can be tailored to client needs. Special attention is given to work with clients across the life cycle who are coping with vulnerable conditions or traumatic life events. Prerequisite: SWGS 6413; concurrent field practice is required.
SWGS 6415 — Seminar in Clinical Social Work Practice
This required course assists students in integrating the knowledge gained in the required clinical practice courses and in field instruction. By developing and presenting an internship case, students demonstrate their ability to integrate theory and practice. Prerequisite: SWGS 6413; concurrent SWGS 6414 and field practice are required.
SWGS 6430 — Advanced Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis
This course, required for those electing a clinical concentration, covers clinical assessment and diagnosis from an historical and developmental point of view. Special attention is paid to the social work perspective in relation to the classification systems available to the practitioner. The course focuses on recognizing and understanding mental health and mental illness, and distinguishing between client dysfunction and client strength within an environmental framework. Prerequisites: SWGS 6208 and SWGS 6209.
SWGS 6902 — Field Work II (Yearlong)
Actual practice with a limited work load under close supervision designed to assist students in applying theory to practice and to enable students to adapt fundamentals of practice to a particular concentration and field. Includes 10 two-hour seminar sessions. Prerequisite: SWGS 6901; Advanced Standing students are exempt from this prerequisite. Fourteen hours per week from September through July; 21 hours per week from September through May.
SWGS 6908 — Combined Field Work (Yearlong)
Open only to students admitted to the Experienced and Employed Social Service Practitioner plan, this course combines a review of fundamentals of practice with a focus on applying fundamentals in a particular concentration and field of practice. Students are in placement 28 hours per week from September through May, and are required to attend 10 twohour seminar sessions during the work day or in the evening. Prerequisite: SWGS 6907.
Elective Courses
All clinical electives require that students registering have completed the full Foundation level of the program or have the permission of the area chairperson to enroll in the course.
SWGS 6028 — Child Abuse and Family Violence
This course focuses on intervention with abused children and battered women from an ecological perspective. It highlights the need for trauma-specific interventions with individuals and families, as well as system-wide advocacy with social and cultural institutions that contribute to the continuation of abuse within family relationships.
SWGS 6030 — Death and Dying
This course examines the experience of death as encountered by social workers in clinical practice. The focus is on providing a theoretical base forunderstanding the psychosocial aspects of loss, death and bereavement across the life cycle. Additional emphases includestrategies, techniques and goals of interventions in clinical work with the bereaved.
SWGS 6104 — Spirituality and Social Work Practice
This course will explore a number of holistic concepts under the definition of “spirituality.” The many ways spirituality can be used in a variety of social work practice settings will be the main theme. A range of methods of spiritual practice and approaches to healing will be taught.
SWGS 6109 — Capacity Building with Faith Communities: Meeting the Challenges of Poverty
This course will introduce students to capacity building with the faith community on behalf of the poor. The stage will be set to consider the role of social work and faith communities through review of poverty in the U.S, the incumbent challenges the poor experience, and the role that different faith traditions have based on their belief in social justice as a lived mission. Specific methods for capacity building will include asset-based community development, use of a strengths perspective, empowerment practice and building sanctuary and understanding social work traditions of community development, advocacy and community-based clinical practice. Students will be introduced to faith capacity building initiatives in New York City, for example: housing collaboratives, congregational organizing, alternatives to incarceration – creating refuge and sanctuary, mentoring programs for the formerly homeless, and emergency food services. This is a transverse elective.
SWGS 6206 — Psychological Aspects of Social Work
This course uses a seminar approach to focus on the psychological dimensions of various theoretical, clinical, practice and philosophical aspects of social work. There is significant eclectic content and use of audiovisuals.
SWGS 6220 — Seminar on Alcoholism Counseling
This seminar is focused on an in-depth examination of the varied approaches involved in counseling substance abusers.
SWGS 6223 — Practice with Families of Alcoholics and Other Substance Abusers
The focus of this course is on individual, group and family practice with family members of alcoholics and other substance abusers. Family treatment of the addicted person is also presented. The immediate and generational familial effects of addictions are explored in depth from a systems perspective.
SWGS 6403 — Family-Oriented Treatment
This course provides an introductory overview of major themes of family intervention. The approach is eclectic and integrates theory and practice. The styles of Ackerman, Satir, Minuchin, Bowen and others are emphasized.
SWGS 6404 — Crisis Intervention andTrauma Therapy
This course emphasizes the theoretical base that guides crisis intervention and trauma treatment with individuals, families and groups across the life cycle. Case materials illustrate the assessment and resolution of crisis and trauma in a variety of contexts.
SWGS 6408 — Social Work with Children
The focus of this course is on the application of theories, concepts and principles in the direct treatment of children. Adevelopmental and systemic perspective serves as the framework for assessing the child in the context of family and environment. A range of interventive modalities is presented, including individual, family and group treatment, as well as interdisciplinary collaboration and psychoeducational approaches.
SWGS 6409 — Practice with Older People and Their Families
This course focuses on direct practice with older people and their families. The course examines the social context of aging, the aging process, associated changes and the effects on older people and their families. Emphasis is on the nature of support systems and the social work role in maintaining and enhancing older people’s functioning and well-being. The role of caregivers, when elders are limited in their capacity to function independently, is examined.
SWGS 6417 — Practice with Abusers of Alcohol and Other Substances
This course examines the diagnostic and treatment implications for social work practice with alcoholics and those dependent on other drugs. Addictions are viewed from a bio-socio-psychological perspective. The diversified roles of the social worker are emphasized.
SWGS 6418 — Social Work Practice in Schools
This course focuses on the knowledge, values and skills appropriate for social work practice within the school setting. Understanding of the school context and its politics is highlighted. Special attention is given to working with students, teachers, parents and administrators as well as on interfacing with the community. Emphasis is placed on the tasks of social assessment for educational planning, the formulation of goals and objectives,record keeping, accessing school resources and external referrals. Theoretical approaches include problem solving, crisis and role theory, play therapy, brief treatment and group treatment.
SWGS 6422 — Individual-Oriented Treatment
This course provides an overview of the principles, premises and practices of a selected sample of current theories andmethods of intensiveindividual treatment. Examining and comparing the clinical dimensions of history-taking, diagnosis, symptomatology, time and relationship, it focuses on critical appraisal of commonalties and differences across theories with a view toward developing an integrated approach to direct social work treatment of individuals.
SWGS 6424 — Women’s Issues in Social Work Practice
This course explores the evolving theory of women’s psychological development with an emphasis on the implications for social work intervention. Through an examination of the impact of gender throughout the life cycle, the course seeks to increase understanding of gender-related premises underlying professional social work practice and the issues women clients present.
SWGS 6426 — Cognitive/Behavioral Brief Treatment With Children and Adults
This course focuses on the theory and practice of cognitivebehavioral social work. Several common problems of children, adolescents and adults are examined, including aggression, depression and anxiety disorders. Techniques that effectively treat these problems such as cognitive reframing, behavior modification, assertiveness training, stress management, the use of homework and bibliotherapy and the evaluation of practice will be introduced.
SWGS 6427 — Brief Treatment: Current Models
This course provides an overview of the theory, premises, practice principles, method and techniques used in the major current brief treatment models. It examines these elements, the models from which they are drawn, and the client populations and problems best served by a brief approach. The effi- cacy of these different approaches is also examined.
SWGS 6428 — Social Work Practice with Adolescents
Adolescence is explored within a developmental context in this course. The importance of maturational norms, family dynamics, class and cultural factors and peer group influence are examined. Particular attention is paid to adolescents at psychosocial risk and to the development of assessment and intervention skills with the adolescent client.
SWGS 6429 — Methods of Group Intervention
This course focuses on group practice as an integral part of social work intervention. It includes theories and methods of work with groups for prevention and treatment, and the use of groups in staff and team relationships. Theory and practice are integrated through an eclectic approach. Teaching is augmented by group exercises.
SWGS 6433 — Relational Practice with Children, Adolescents and Adults
This course will emphasize the application of relational theories — attachment theory, ego psychology, object relations theory, self psychology and women’s relational theory — to social work practice. Risk and protective factors in child development will also be considered. Case materials of children, adolescents and adults will be discussed.
SWGS 6434 — Evidence-Based Mental Health Practice
This course is aimed at developing the knowledge and skills necessary for working with individuals with a diagnosis of serious mental illness using recovery-oriented, evidence-based practices. Students will become familiar with evidence-based practices, within a recovery-oriented paradigm, as a general approach to practice as well as specific evidence-based interventions to use for individuals with a diagnosis of serious mental illness. It is assumed that students will have a basic knowledge of serious mental illness as a pre- or co-requisite, however, a review will be provided. Students will learn to examine research literature to determine the various levels of support for specific interventions and essential principles for translating research into practice. In addition, they will identify the appropriate treatment outcomes that reflect effective, quality mental health practice. Each evidence-based practice presented will also be examined for its utility with diverse groups. Providing assessment and treatment to a diverse group of individuals with a diagnosis of serious mental illness is the focus of this course and will be discussed in detail. This is a clinical elective and there is a prerequisite – SWGS6430 Advanced Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis.
Leadership and Macro PRACTICE CONCENTRATION
There are two ways to pursue the Leadership and Macro Practice Concentration. The first, Social Work Management, referred to as Track A, allows students to focus on the knowledge and skills needed to administer and manage agencies, programs or projects. Students are prepared to assume administration positions at all levels, as supervisors, program or project managers, or executive directors. The second, Client-Centered Practice and Management, Track B, prepares students to work directly with and on behalf of client populations while at the same time performing management roles and tasks to ensure that organizations and communities respond to client needs, although they may not hold formal administration positions.
Required Courses — Track A (Social Work Management)
SWGS 6617 — Administration I
The first of a two-semester course sequence in administration, this course introduces the key knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage human service programs, units or agencies. Content focuses upon the generic requirements of managers, regardless of organizational role, function, position or setting. Different perspectives are used to examine the manager’s job in human service organizations. Special attention is given to becoming a manager, possible obstacles to effective management and issues around leadership, motivation, gender, ethnicity and race. Prerequisite: SWGS 6319, 6321, 6322; concurrent field practice is required.
SWGS 6618 — Administration II
The second of a two-semester course sequence, this course focuses on significant management areas including strategic planning, designing and restructuring organizations; managing finances; managing a diverse and multicultural workplace; evaluating programs, performance and agencies; and managing the environment. Cases are used to examine the theories and skills that provide a framework for management practice. Prerequisite SWGS 6617; concurrent field practice is required.
SWGS 6607 — Practice with Task Groups
This course focuses on the knowledge and skills for effective work in and with a variety of a organizational task groups such as boards, committees, teams, staff meetings, workgroups, coalitions or administrative policy and decision making bodies. It examines group processes, tasks and functions, membership and leadership roles and effective group functioning. Experiential exercises provide opportunities for student self-assessment, insight and professional growth in relation to practice with groups. Concurrent field practice is required. Required Courses—Track B (Client-Centered Practice and Management)
Required Courses — Track B (Client Centered Management)
SWGS 6620 — Client-Centered Management I
The first of a two-semester course sequence in the management of direct service agencies, this course broadens and deepens the knowledge base of macro generalist practice, introduces the concept of client-centered management, and focuses on the management roles of social workers engaged in practice with clients. It focuses on knowledge and skills in relation to the planning, design, and administration of community-based programs, and in working with communities and organizations to insure quality services are available and accessible especially to populations-at-risk. Prerequisite: SWGS 6319. 6321, 6322; concurrent field practice is required.
SWGS 6621 — Client-Centered Management II
This is the second of a two-course sequence in advanced management. It expands upon managerial roles and skills for improving or changing programs and service delivery. Special attention is given to interagency collaboration, enhancing community capacity, and managing programs and agencies faced with challenges related to funding, staffing, competing values and changing environments. Prerequisite: SWGS 6620; concurrent field practice is required.
SWGS 6413 — Clinical Social Work Practice I
The first of a two-course sequence in advanced clinical social work practice, this course expands and deepens the knowledge base of generalist practice, emphasizing advanced assessment with clients across the life cycle, and evaluation of practice. Treatment planning with individuals, families and groups are all explored. Special attention is given to the assessment of trauma. Prerequisite: SWGS 6319, 6321, 6322; concurrent field practice is required.
SWGS 6414 — Clinical Social Work Practice II
This is the second of a two-course sequence in advanced clinical social work practice. Building upon a generalist approach to social work practice and an understanding of psychopathology and resiliency, it focuses on clinical decision making and interventions. It also examines ways in which specific models of intervention with individuals, families and groups can be tailored to client needs. Special attention is given to work with clients across the life cycle who are coping with vulnerable conditions or traumatic life events. Prerequisite: SWGS 6413; concurrent field practice is required.
Required Courses—Track A and Track B
SWGS 6902 — Field Work II (Yearlong)
Actual practice with a limited work load under close supervision designed to assist students in applying theory to practice and enable students to adapt fundamentals of practice to a particular concentration and field. Includes 10 two-hour seminar sessions. Prerequisite: SWGS 6901; Advanced Standing students are exempt from this prerequisite. Fourteen hours per week from September through July; 21 hours per week from September through May.
OR
SWGS 6908 — Combined Field Work (Yearlong)
Open only to students admitted to the Experienced and Employed Social Service Practitioner plan, this course combines a review of fundamentals of practice with a focus on applying fundamentals in a particular concentration and field of practice. Students are in placement 28 hours per week from September through May, and are required to attend 10 twohour seminar sessions during the work day or in the evening. Prerequisite: SWGS 6907.
Elective Courses
SWGS 6412 — Practice in the Workplace
The focus of this course is on the individual as worker, the environment as defined by employing organizations, work itself, and social policy as it relates to the world of work. Special attention is given to: professional roles and ethical issues; models of service delivery like EAPs; opportunities and challenges in practice in workplace settings; and issues such as managing work and family, work transitions, diversity in the workplace, creating supportive work environments and organizational cultures and climate.
SWGS 6605 — Community Organization
This course provides a history of community organizing, especially in the context of the social work profession andas a way of meeting the needs of vulnerable and at-risk populations and communities. Focus is on the various community organizing models and the array of roles and functions of community organizers. Emphasis is on practice strategies and tactics for assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating community organizing projects and campaigns.
SWGS 6608 — Quality Management
This course deepens the knowledge and skills of the social work administrator by focusing on management practices that are currently being used in response to the emphasis on measuring organizational performance. Total quality management andquality improvement approaches are applied to human service organizations. The course focuses on the tools and techniques used to define quality,assess problems and measure improvement.
SWGS 6609 — Seminar: Advanced Organizational Practice
This course focuses on concepts, principles and values that inform macro practice. Emphasis is on integration of theories, research and interdisciplinary content applicable to practice issues that transcend any one macro practice area. Topics covered are drawn from student interests and practice and may include women and minorities, the public sector, communitybased or alternative agencies, TQM. Prerequisite: SWGS 6605 or SWGS 6617.
SWGS 6614 — Technology in Social Welfare Services
This course focuses on the principles of computer technology and management information systems and their application to administration. It includes their use in planning, program monitoring and evaluation, accountability, case review, client eligibility determination and third-partypayment. Emphasis is on management issues that arise in acomputer environment, including confidentiality, impact on practice, practitioner support or resistance.
SWGS 6615 — Supervision and Staff Development
This course examines supervision and staff development as management functions in diverse agency settings and within the context of social work values and ethics. The philosophy, functions, principles and methods of supervision as well as staff development and training are covered. Emphasis is given to the knowledge and skills required to motivate and retain an effective and multicultural workforce, and to effectively supervise varying levels of staff (volunteers, nonprofessionals, professionals) during turbulent times.
SWGS 6616 — Program and Proposal Development
Students learn, step-by-step, to develop and prepare proposals, design programs, seek foundation funding and respond to grant requests. Attention is given to what makes programs and proposals effective and would enhance the likelihood of funding. Emphasis is on how program proposals relate to both organizational mission and funding interests and offer opportunities to serve underserved, neglected, vulnerable and at-risk populations.
SWGS 6624 — International Social Development and Community Building in a Global Context
This course aims to expand students’ understanding of the global context and to equip students to work with diverse communities locally or internationally. International social development increasingly becomes the core component of change, hence the essence of social work as a profession with international coherence and global reach. As small communities everywhere are part of a larger machinery affecting the social and economic tapestry of the world, it is crucial for social work professionals to gain a better understanding of significant global issues, and to be prepared to engage in global social development, as agents of change. The course will focus on enhancing students’ skills in the areas of community building; community needs assessment and capacity mapping; community organizing; stakeholder analysis; and advocacy. The course is designed around the following themes: (1) international social development and social work – theoretical perspectives and the roles of a social worker in the global context; (2) globalization, global issues and the consequences of these issues for communities and their residents from an international perspective; (3) human rights and the implications of choosing to become an agent of change from a human rights’ perspective; and (4) international social development – current approaches; best practices and future trends. This is an administrative elective.
SWGS 6701 — Planning: Theory and Practice
This course examines interdisciplinary approaches to policy formulation and planning and the ideological, technical and political aspects of the planning process. Focus is on collaborative and inter-organizational planninginitiatives for the delivery of services to vulnerable and at-risk populations.
RESEARCH PRACTICE CONCENTRATION
Required Courses SWGS 6805 — Introduction to Statistics
This course introduces the statistical techniques most commonly used in social welfare research: descriptive statistics (frequency distributions and crosstabulated data, measures of central tendency and variability); concepts related to inferential statistics (probability and the normal curve); and tests of significance. Computer analysis using statistical software is taught with an emphasis on interpretation of results. Prerequisite: basic knowledge of Windows operating system. Students with a strong background in Statistics may be waived from this course on the basis of an examination.
SWGS 6812 — Advanced Research Design
This is the first of a two-course sequence in which students design and conduct an original research project submitted as a master’s thesis. The course focuses on techniques of a literature review, definition of a research problem, hypothesis formulation, design of data collection instruments and writing a research proposal. Prerequisite: SWGS 6805 (unless a waiver has been obtained by examination); concurrent field practice required.
SWGS 6813 — Advanced Research Analysis
This is the second of a two-semester sequence in which each student completes an original research project as a master’s thesis. The course focuses on advanced data analysis using statistical software, including data management, data transformations, presentation of data using tables and graphs and report writing. Prerequisites: SWGS 6805 (unless a waiver has been obtained by examination) and SWGS 6812; concurrent field practice is required.
SWGS 6902 — Field Work II (Yearlong)
Actual practice with a limited work load under close supervision designed to assist students in applying theory to practice and to enable students to adapt fundamentals of practice to a particular concentration and field. Includes 10 two-hour seminar sessions. Prerequisite: SWGS 6901; Advanced Standing students are exempt from this prerequisite. Fourteen hours per week from September through July; 21 hours per week from September through May.
SWGS 6908 — Combined Field Work (Yearlong)
Open only to students admitted to the Experienced and Employed Social Service Practitioner plan, this course combines a review of fundamentals of practice with a focus on applying fundamentals in a particular concentration and field of practice. Students are in placement 28 hours per week from September through May, and are required to attend 10 two-hour seminar sessions during the work day or in the evening. Prerequisite: SWGS 6907
Elective Courses
SWGS 6806 — Program Evaluation
The use of evaluative research in social welfare planning, program development and theory building is examined. Recent evaluations of social work practice, including interventions on a social policy, neighborhood, family and individual level, are reviewed. Traditional research designs are considered, but emphasis is placed on emerging models of evaluation. Course is appropriate for students preparing for direct service practice.
Note: Research students, with approval from the director of the doctoral program, may enroll in the SWGS 7000 course serieslisted in the Doctoral Course Offerings.
TRANSVERSE CURRICULUM
SWGS 6008—Social Work and the Law
The legal foundations for social welfare policies and programs are examined, including the history and development of the rule of the law, civil liberties and civil rights, sources of different systems of law, due process and legal institutions. Special attention is given to professional relations between lawyers and social workers, their differing values and ethical systems and on preparing social workers to practice in and with the courts.
SWGS 6012 — Interdisciplinary Responses to Child Abuse and Child Neglect
The course is designed for social work and law students to jointly study the efficiency and limitations of the professional responses of lawyers and social workers to the children and families that come to the attention of the child protection system and family court. This course will examine the legal, ethical and clinical standards that govern professional responsibilities to children and families. Dilemmas shared by practitioners in both professions and common ground for collaboration between the professions will be explored. This course is team-taught by members of the social work faculty and Law School faculty. Prerequisite: Completion of the Foundation requirements.
SWGS 6014 -- Women, Work and Poverty
This transverse elective course focuses on low income and working class women in the United States taking an interdisciplinary perscpective on issues of race, class and gender, and striving to understand their effects on women's quality of life and opportunites for advancement. More specifically, theory and empirical research are harnessed to examine the causes of womens's poverty and econominc dependence, women's experiences in the family and the workplace, and the impact of public policy on women. Various strategies for social change are critically analyzed as vehicles for achieving economic justice and parity for women.
SWGS 6017 -- Empowerment Practice with Immigrants and Refugees
Empowerment Practice with Immigrants and Refugees is an advanced lecture-seminar course that focuses on critical approaches to practice with/in immigrants and refugees. This course builds on HBSE, social policy, research, and micro and macro practice content in the Foundation Curriculum. This course focuses on: 1) introduction of post-colonial perspective and theoretical representations of immigrant and refugee communities, 2) critical examination of the principles of empowerment practice and understanding of trauma and recovery, 3) effects of displacement and transnational migration on immigrant and refugee individuals and their communities; and 4) social service provision strategies pertaining to working with/in immigrant and refugee communities.
SWGS 6102 — Case Management with Diverse Populations
This course examines principles of case management, models of service delivery, clinical issues in case management and the range of service delivery systems. Special attention is given to the diverse populations using case management (e.g., persons with HIV/AIDS, mental illness or frailty). The advocacy role of the social worker in case management is emphasized, as is the range of social work practice activities used in case management.
SWGS 6103 — Social Work and HIV/AIDS
This course focuses on the impact of HIV and AIDS upon individuals, families and communities. A knowledge base from social work, social sciences, psychology, psychiatry, medicine, law and public policy is used to explore policy and practice implications. Advocacy and case management interventions are stressed.
SWGS 6106 — Domestic Violence: Social Work and Law
This course, open to both social work and law students, explores the roles of social work and law in the field of domestic violence. The course is based on the premise that increased interdisciplinary understanding will lead to more effective intervention for both victims and perpetrators. Jointly taught by a social work professor and a law professor, the course provides students with both an historical and a contemporary perspective on the social and legal response to domestic violence. An understanding of the practice skills requiredin the performance of social worker and lawyer roles is emphasized. Specifically, students explore roles in detection, crisis intervention, assessment and intervention. Prerequisite: Completion of the Foundation requirements.
SWGS 6108 — Sexuality and Social Work
This course presents an integrated approach to understanding human sexuality and the range of human sexual expression using the ecosystems and strengths perspectives. Students will learn to assess and to explore sexual issues that social workers frequently encounter in organizational practice settings and develop an overview of the social worker’s professional role in helping clients with sex-related concerns. Models of practice applicable to individuals, couples, and families will be considered as well as practice models aimed at meeting organizational and community needs. Current and historical research will be examined to understand the context and development of diverse treatment models. Sexuality as it relates to GLBT populations, race and ethnicity, and cultural diversity are integrated within the course content. This course emphasizes the social worker’s ethical responsibility to clients within diverse social work practice settings to promote the highest practice standards. This is a transverse elective.
SWGS 6705 — Comparative International Social Welfare
This course explores the similarities and differences among helping systems in the United States and other societies. This includes consideration of historical, economic, political and social forces which influence the nature and functioning of those systems. Other topics covered include social development and the globalization of social problems.
SWGS 6904 — International Practicum, Laboratory Course for Students Entering their Advanced Year
This course is designed for students who have completed their Foundation courses and who wish to supplement these courses and the practicum with an international experience. The emphasis is on the continued integration into practice of what has been learned in the foundation year, within different institutional and cultural contexts. This will be accomplished through supervised practice, formal and experiential learning activities, small-group interaction in seminars intended for students only, as well as those for local students and professionals. The learning experience is enriched by day-to-day immersion in an international living and working environment. Upon successful completion of this intensive three-month course, students will earn six credits, the equivalent of two elective courses. This course will not substitute for any of the mandatory field placement hours.
