School of Social WorkBachelor of Social Work RequirementsIn order for B.S.W. students to enroll in the upper division classes they must have:
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
This page is currently being constructed. Please check back later. CoursesSOWK 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) 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) 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. 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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. 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) 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) |
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