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School of Social Work

Bachelor of Social Work Requirements

In order for B.S.W. students to enroll in the upper division classes they must have:

  1. Met the prerequisites for upper-division coursework and submitted a completed application for admission to the B.S.W. upper division.
  2. An institutional GPA or 2.0 or greater.
  3. A requirement of a “C” or better for all SOWK courses.

This program will prepare graduates to enter generalist social work practice under professional supervision in a variety of social service and health care settings, placing special emphasis on the needs of the most prominent cultural groups in the Northwest Georgia area - Appalachian persons and the recently arrived Hispanic-Latino population. Attainment of Spanish language skills and knowledge of Hispanic-Latino cultures are integral elements of the curriculum. Each student will have the opportunity to participate in a Spanish-language immersion experience, ordinarily and preferably in Latin America, for the courses SOWK 3003, Spanish for the Social Services, and SOWK 4301, Latino Family and Culture. Full accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education has been granted (October 2019). The DSC BSW will prepare its graduates to compete successfully for admission to accredited Master of Social Work programs at the advanced-standing level and to exempt the first year of study in the two-year terminal degree. This degree requires proof of computer literacy.

Students entering the upper-division (junior year) in social work must apply for admission directly with the School of Social Work (SSW). No student is allowed to take 3000- or 4000-level courses unless admitted by the SSW admissions committee. Students obtain the application form from the SSW office. The admission application date for the upper division is midterm of the semester prior to enrolling in social work classes.

Bachelor of Social Work

I. Core Curriculum
Area A: Essential Skills
ENGL 1101English Composition I3
ENGL 1102English Composition II3
MATH 1111College Algebra3
or MATH 1001 Quantitative Skills and Reasoning
Area B: Institutional Options
COMM 1110Fundamentals of Speech3
One of the following electives:1
Environmental Impact of Natural Disasters
Argumentation and Advocacy
Introduction to Greek Mythology
Creative Writing
Appalachian History - Special Topics
Sports History and the American Character
Mystery Fiction in Popular Culture
Political and Social Rhetoric
Health & Wellness Concepts
Race and Ethnicity in American Society: An Introduction
Area C: Humanities/Fine Arts
Must choose a minimum of one, but no more than two of the following electives: 6
Introduction to Film as Literature
World Literature I
World Literature II
British Literature I
British Literature II
American Literature I
American Literature II
If only one English Elective is chosen, add one of the following:
Art Appreciation
Expressions of Culture I
Expressions of Culture II
Music Appreciation
American Music
Theatre Appreciation
Area D: Science/Mathematics/Technology
Two of the following Lab Science Electives:8
Environmental Studies
Principles of Biology I
Principles of Biology II
Principles of Botany
Entomology
Survey of Chemistry
Principles of Chemistry I
Principles of Chemistry II
Principles of Geology
Historical Geology
Introductory Physics I (Trigonometry based)
Introductory Physics II (Trigonometry based)
Principles of Physics I
Principles of Physics II
One of the following electives:3-4
Introduction to Astronomy (Area E: Social Sciences)
Environmental Studies
Principles of Botany
Entomology
Survey of Chemistry
Introduction to Computer Science
Principles of Geology
Historical Geology
Precalculus Mathematics
Applied Calculus
Introduction to Statistics
Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
Calculus and Analytic Geometry II
Area E: Social Sciences
HIST 2111United States History to 18773
or HIST 2112 United States History since 1877
POLS 1101American Government3
PSYC 1101Introduction to Psychology3
One of the following electives:3
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
Principles of Macroeconomics
Principles of Microeconomics
Introduction to Geography
Introduction to Human Geography
Introduction to Physical Geography
World Civilization to 1650 CE
World Civilization since 1650
United States History to 1877
United States History since 1877
Introduction to World Religions
Introduction to Philosophical Issues
Logic and Critical Thinking
Introduction to Political Science
State and Local Government
Comparative Politics
International Relations
The Psychology of Adjustment
Human Development
Applications in Psychology
Abnormal Psychology
Social Problems *
Area F: Major Related
SOCI 1101Introduction to Sociology3
SOWK 2101The Profession of Social Work3
SOWK 2102History of Social Welfare3
SPAN 1002Elementary Spanish II3
SPAN 2001Intermediate Spanish I3
One of the following electives:3
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
Introduction to Computer Science
Introduction to Mass Communication
Interpersonal Communication
Introduction to Criminal Justice
Principles of Macroeconomics
Principles of Microeconomics
Introduction to Political Science
State and Local Government
Comparative Politics
International Relations
The Psychology of Adjustment
Human Development
Applications in Psychology
Abnormal Psychology
Social Problems
Marriage and Family
Interviewing Skills
Physical Education
Activity Elective **1
II. Upper Level Courses
SOWK 3002Latino Culture and Language I3
SOWK 3003Spanish for the Social Services3
SOWK 3101Human Diversity3
SOWK 3102Human Behavior in the Social Environment I3
SOWK 3103Human Behavior in the Social Environment II3
SOWK 3201General Practice of Social Work I: Interviewing and Communication Skills3
SOWK 3202General Practice of Social Work II: Individuals and Families *3
SOWK 3302Social Work in Child Welfare3
SOWK 3505Social Work with Appalachia3
SOWK 4201General Practice of Social Work II: Groups, Organizations, and Communities3
SOWK 4202General Practice of Social Work IV: Policy Advocacy3
SOWK 4301Latino Family and Culture II3
SOWK 4400Research Methods and Statistical Applications3
SOWK 4401Senior Capstone Project2
SOWK 4402Senior Capstone Project2
SOWK 4998Practicum and Seminar in Social Work I **4
SOWK 4999Practicum and Seminar in Social Work II **4
Three of the following electives:9
Writing for Education/Social Sciences
Advanced Spanish for Social Work I
Social Work in Mental Health
Social Work with Older Adults
Substance Abuse
Seminar in Child Welfare
Social Work in Healthcare
Directed Readings in Social Work Variable
Total Hours121-122

*

Requires 50 hours of practicum in social service agency.

**

Requires 20 hours per week practicum in a social service agency.


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Courses

SOWK 2002. Language and Culture for Social Work. 3 Units.

An introductory course designed to prepare students for social work practice with Latino individuals and families at the associate-degree level. It provides a survey of current issues relevant to Latino families and intensive practice of Spanish language skills in a professional context. The languages of instruction will be Spanish and English. The class will serve as an elective in Area F of the AA Social Work Plan of Study. (S)
Prerequisites: A grade of "C" or better in SPAN 1002

SOWK 2101. The Profession of Social Work. 3 Units.

History and current status of the profession of social work. The role of the social worker in various fields of practice. The professional's commitment to social and economic justice for vulnerable and oppressed populations. The person-in-environment perspective. (F,S,M)

SOWK 2102. History of Social Welfare. 3 Units.

History and current status of social welfare programs and services in the United States. Philosophical, religious, economic, and political perspectives on social welfare. A comparison of approaches to social welfare in the United States and other developed nations. (F,S,M)
Prerequisites: ENGL 1102

SOWK 2103. Interviewing Skills. 3 Units.

This course seeks to provide an introduction to methods, skills, and procedures used in interviewing clients in a variety of practice settings. The course incorporates theory, research, and practice skills relevant to relationship building, the change process, and professional communication skills and techniques. Students will be offered the opportunity to learn and practice professional interviewing, assessment, goal-setting, and communication skills and techniques. The course will consist of lecture and classroom experience as well as a weekly laboratory. The course will encourage students to take the risk of gaining greater self-awareness and insight related to tolerance, diversity, and difference.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1102

SOWK 3002. Latino Culture and Language I. 3 Units.

A course designed to prepare students for social work practice with Latino individuals and families. It provides a survey of current issues relevant to Latino families and intensive practice of Spanish language skills in a professional context. The languages of instruction will be Spanish and English. (F)
Prerequisites: Provisional admission to Bachelor's of Social Work program, SPAN 1002 with a grade of "C" or better.

SOWK 3003. Spanish for the Social Services. 3 Units.

Advanced communication skills for serving Spanish-speaking clients. Advanced conversational skills with important social work terms and concepts. Proper greetings, translation of technical terms, and ways of reducing discomfort for Spanish-speaking clients. Usually includes a study abroad experience. (M)
Prerequisites: Provisional admission to Bachelor's of Social Work program or persmission of instructor.
Corequisites: SOWK 4301

SOWK 3004. Advanced Spanish for Social Work I. 3 Units.

An advanced course in Spanish grammar, verb forms, and idioms with special application to health and social service settings. Advanced readings from contemporary sources such as newspapers, Spanish-language health and social service documents, and Latin American legal documents. Emphasizes the ability to use conversational Spanish. The class will be conducted primarily in Spanish. (S)
Prerequisites: SOWK 3003

SOWK 3005. Advanced Spanish for Social Work II. 3 Units.

An advanced course in Spanish grammar, verb forms, and idioms with special application to health and social service settings. Advanced readings from contemporary sources such as newspapers, Spanish-language health and social service documents, and Latin American legal documents. Emphasizes the ability to use conversational Spanish. The class will be conducted primarily in Spanish. (S)
Prerequisites: A grade of "C" or better in SPAN 3001 or Social Work 3004

SOWK 3101. Human Diversity. 3 Units.

A general introduction to the concepts of cultural diversity in the United States, including the various histories of oppression of minority groups. Readings and sensitivity exercises related to African-American, Appalachian, and Hispanic/Latino cul-tures. An introduction to the concepts of cultural competence with visits to social service agencies serving diverse populations. In-class exercises and community visits related to vulnerable populations. (F)
Prerequisites: Provisional admission to Bachelor's of Social Work program or permission of instructor.

SOWK 3102. Human Behavior in the Social Environment I. 3 Units.

An overview of theories of human behavior needed for generalist practice with an introduction to ego psychology, behaviorism, and life-stage development theories. An introduction to ecological systems theory and the ecological perspective in social work with orientation to micro, mezzo, and macro levels of understanding individuals and families. (F)
Prerequisites: Provisional admission to Bachelor's of Social Work upper division or permission of instructor.

SOWK 3103. Human Behavior in the Social Environment II. 3 Units.

The second of a two-course HBSE sequence is a study of the interaction of human behavior and the social environment with an emphasis on larger systems: groups, organizations, and communities utilizing the ecological and multi-level systems perspectives. (S)
Prerequisites: Admission to the Bachelor's of Social Work program, SOWK 3102.

SOWK 3201. General Practice of Social Work I: Interviewing and Communication Skills. 3 Units.

This course is designed to introduce students in a variety of professional disciplines to effective verbal and written communication skills, as well as the methods, skills, and procedures used in interviewing clients in a variety of practice settings. Theory and research will provide the foundation for the development and practice of effective professional communication and interviewing skills. (F)
Prerequisites: Admission to the Bachelor's of Social Work programm ENGL 1102

SOWK 3202. General Practice of Social Work II: Individuals and Families. 3 Units.

Theory and practice of generalist social work. Knowledge, skills, and ethical principles needed for beginning social work practice. Problem identification, assessment, intervention, and evaluation of practice with individuals and families from a person-in-environment perspective. Record keeping in social service agencies. Requires 50 hours of practicum in a social service agency. Practicum emphasizes application of theory to cases involving individuals as clients. (S)
Prerequisites: Admission to the Bachelor's of Social Work program, SOWK 3201

SOWK 3302. Social Work in Child Welfare. 3 Units.

History and practice in the child welfare programs of the United States with special attention to family systems, child development, identifying child abuse and neglect, and child welfare services. (F)
Prerequisites: Provissional admission to the Bachelor's of Social Work program.

SOWK 3501. Social Work in Mental Health. 3 Units.

History of mental illness, treatment, and systems in the U.S., with particular attention to the mental health system in Georgia. An overview of current mental health diagnoses, theories, and treatment modalities. Ecological, systems, and strengths perspectives working with individuals, families, and groups. The role of case management with the chronically mentally ill. (S)
Prerequisites: Provisional admission to the Bachelor's of Social Work program.

SOWK 3502. Social Work with Older Adults. 3 Units.

Overview of the impact of aging, using the biopsychosocial-spiritual, ecological, and strengths perspectives. Federal, state, and local programs, services, and social policies are reviewed. Generalist practice models are introduced for working with older adults and their families, with a focus on empowerment. The roles of generalist social workers and career opportunities are examined. (S)
Prerequisites: Provisional admission to Bachelor's of Social Work or permission of instructor.

SOWK 3503. Substance Abuse. 3 Units.

This course is taught from a social work perspective, focusing on client strengths and empowerment. An overview of the history of substance abuse and social policies. Categories, properties, and effects of alcohol and drugs on the individual. Impact of addiction on individuals, families, and communities. Current treatment modalities and services, with interventions appropriate for generalist social workers. (F,S)
Prerequisites: Provisional admission to Bachelor's of Social Work program or permission of the instructor.

SOWK 3504. Seminar in Child Welfare. 3 Units.

Seminar including discussion of case material for students doing a senior practicum in child welfare in the Georgia Department of Family and Children's Services. Emphasis on foster care and adoption. Risk assessment, intake and family assessment, case planning, intervention, and documentation within the context of family-centered child welfare practice. (S)
Prerequisites: SOWK 3302

SOWK 3505. Social Work with Appalachia. 3.0 Units.

SOWK 3505 is a requirement for social work juniors and seniors providing practice knowledge and skills for work with individuals, families, communities, and the region of Appalachia. Prepares students for generalist social work practice in Appalachia. Emphases are cultural competence and issues of oppression and soical justice. (S)
Prerequisites: Provisional admission to the Bachelor's of Social Work program, SOWK 3101, SOWK 3102

SOWK 3506. Social Work in Healthcare. 3 Units.

History and structure of the health care system in the United States and in other industrial nations. Overview of health care systems in Mexico and Latin America. Social worker roles in health care settings including hospitals, public health centers, daycare programs, nursing homes, managed care organizations, and dialysis clinics. The role of interdisciplinary teams in health care. (M)
Prerequisites: Provisional admission to the Bachelor's of Social Work program or permission of instructor.

SOWK 4100. Social Welfare Policies and Services. 3 Units.

Social insurance, public assistance, and social service programs in the United States, including the nonprofit, private sector. Social welfare within a capitalist economy and an individualistic, democratic society. Comparative social welfare systems in Europe and Latin America. The influences of economics and politics on social services. Introduction to models of policy analysis. (S)
Prerequisites: SOWK 2102 and SOWK 4201

SOWK 4201. General Practice of Social Work II: Groups, Organizations, and Communities. 3 Units.

Theory and practice of generalist social work. Knowledge, skills, and ethical principles needed for entry-level social work practice. Problem identification, assessment, intervention, and evaluation of outcome from a multi-level, ecological systems perspective and a strengths perspective. Emphasizes application of theory toward interventions with groups, organizations, and communities. (F)
Prerequisites: SOWK 3201, SOWK 3103

SOWK 4202. General Practice of Social Work IV: Policy Advocacy. 3 Units.

Social insurance, public assistance, and social service programs in the United States, including the nonprofit, private sector. Social welfare within a capitalist economy and an individualistic, democratic society. Comparative social welfare systems in Europe and Latin America. The influences of economics and politics on social services. Introduction to models of policy analysis. (S)
Prerequisites: SOWK 3103, SOWK 4201

SOWK 4301. Latino Family and Culture II. 3 Units.

SOWK 4301 is designed to prepare students to practice social work with Latino individuals and families. It provides a survey of current family theory with application to Latino families. Content will cover Latino family patterns, naming customs, family celebrations, general cultural patterns--including artistic expression (¡Viva La Musical!), and culinary delights. It will focus on individual, social and environmental issues that social workers must consider in micro, messo, and macro practice with Latino clients. In addition, it will allow students to explore a topic of interest on a specific group of Latinos. THE SUMMER OFFERING WILL INCLUDE A TWO-WEEK CULTURAL AND LANGUAGE IMMERSION EXPERIENCE IN LATIN AMERICA. (M)
Prerequisites: SOWK 3102
Corequisites: SOWK 3003

SOWK 4400. Research Methods and Statistical Applications. 3 Units.

Social worker practitioners must demonstrate the effectiveness of services they deliver to clients. In SOWK 4400, students gain competency in research problem formulation, design, data collection and analysis (including statistical procedures), and clear communication of results - all of which demonstrate the effectiveness (or ineffectiveness) of social work interventions. Students will gain expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. (F)
Prerequisites: SOWK 3201
Corequisites: SOWK 4401, SOWK 4498

SOWK 4401. Senior Capstone Project. 2 Units.

The first of a two-course sequence of directed study experiences during which the senior BSW student will conceptualize an outcome study related to the student's senior practicum, conduct a literature review of the topic area, select measurement tools, and write a first draft of the project. The study will develop in parallel with the development of research skills and completion of assignments in SOWK 4400 and the development and application of practice skills in SOWK 4998. (F)
Corequisites: SOWK 4400, SOWK 4998

SOWK 4402. Senior Capstone Project. 2 Units.

The second of a two-course sequence of directed study experiences during which the senior BSW student will complete an outcome study related to the student's senior practicum, refine the literature review of the topic area, carry out the design of the study, and write a polished manuscript presenting the results of the study. (S)
Prerequisites: SOWK 4400, SOWK 4401, SOWK 4998
Corequisites: SOWK 4999

SOWK 4900. Directed Readings in Social Work Variable. 1 Unit.

1-6 hours. May count as elective hours. Repeatable for a maximum of 6 hours.Individual study, reading, or projects under direction of a social work faculty member. Nontraditional format: Directed study.
Prerequisites: SOWK 4998
Corequisites: SOWK 4402

SOWK 4998. Practicum and Seminar in Social Work I . 4 Units.

Generalist practicumand integrative seminar. A minimum of 20 Hours per week of supervised social work practice in a social agency is required. Nontradtional format: practicum. (F)
Prerequisites: SOWK 3201
Corequisites: SOWK 4400, SOWK 4401

SOWK 4999. Practicum and Seminar in Social Work II . 4 Units.

Generalist practicum and integrative seminar. A minimum of 20 hours per week supervised social work practice in a social agency is required. Nontraditional format: practicum. A continuation of SOWK 4998. (S)
Prerequisites: SOWK 4998
Corequisites: SOWK 4402

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