Courses

The listing of a course description here does not guarantee a course’s being offered in a particular semester. Please refer to the published schedule of classes on the Student Link for confirmation a class is actually being taught and for specific course meeting dates and times.

• SSW HB 723: Adult Psychopathology
  The goal of this course is to provide students with a framework for understanding human behavior when challenges to healthy adult functioning overwhelm coping mechanisms and resources. A biopsychosocial model of psychopathology is emphasized as we study some of the disorders classified in the DSM-5, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, PTSD, dissociative disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, and substance abuse/addictions. Complex factors in the etiology of various disorders are considered, including genetic, neurochemical, biological, developmental, familial, sociocultural, and political variables that affect the occurrence, presentation, course, and treatment of a problem. While learning the perspective and language of the phenomenological approach outlined in the DSM-5, we also highlight weaknesses and blind spots in the traditional approach to diagnoses. In particular, we explore the impact of oppression and bias on the naming and treatment of mental disorders, including the influences of race, gender, sexual orientation, class, disability, religion, and ethnicity on the diagnostic process. Students learn to consider the DSM-5 classification system as a social construction that reveals as much about the society and its views of human behavior as it does about the clients with whom social workers have contact. While this course is not designed to focus on treatment, students have the opportunity to consider how diagnoses inform treatment and review current research on both biological and psychosocial treatments for different disorders. Finally, we seek to enhance empathic understanding of our clients experiences and the experiences of their families and loved ones, remembering that people are not their diagnoses, that what is labeled individual pathology may be an adaptive response to oppressive external circumstances, and that people who experience a breakdown in functioning demonstrate not only difficulties but also compelling strengths. This course employs lecture, large and small group discussion, case presentations, and videotapes. Clinical vignettes from instructors and class are used to illustrate mental disorders and theoretical perspectives, and make material relevant to clinical practice, particularly with urban populations
• SSW HB 727: Child Psychopathology
  Grad Prereq: SSW HB 720 or permission of department chair. *This course uses a developmental psychopathological model to explore complex psychological disturbances in children, adolescents, and families with a focus on the urban family experience. It addresses multiple research and theoretical perspectives that promote a way of understanding ?normal? and ?pathological? child and adolescent behaviors that change over time in the context of their genetic make-up, biological processes, interpersonal relationships, culture, and available community resources and support. In this course, developmental, systemic, psychodynamic, neurobiological and behavioral theoretical perspectives inform students? understanding of children and adolescents? adaptive and maladaptive patterns of behavior, which evolve over time in the context of their complex developmental histories and socio-cultural relational experiences. The course promotes the importance of assessing in children and families both the historical and present risks for disturbed behavioral development and the historical and present protective factors that promote healthy and resilient behavioral development. Implied throughout the course curriculum is the perspective that a deep understanding of children?s adaptations to stress and trauma is central in the social worker?s role of making informed and accurate assessments and diagnostic evaluations of children, adolescents, and families. Discussion of clinical case material and relevant research assists students in learning to assess children and adolescents? current, unique developmental needs and strengths with a goal of empowering them to find pathways of behavior that better meet these developmental needs and give freedom to the deepening of these strengths. 3 cr.
• SSW HB 735: Racial Justice and Cultural Oppression
  This course examines the social psychological, and institutional causes and implications of racism as a dynamic force influencing social work. The course builds on and integrates concepts presented in foundation courses. It analyzes and evaluates the social, cultural, political, economic, and interpersonal contexts of racism that bear on our current policies and institutional arrangements. The course is designed to familiarize students with 1) theoretical overviews of race and racism; 2)historical accounts and contemporary experiences of racism; 3) the formation of racial identity; 4) multicultural contexts and fundamentals of cultural competency; and 5) effective social change efforts based on organizational analysis.
• SSW HB 743: Social Work with Refugees and Immigrants
  Social workers and other mental health and social service practitioners find themselves increasingly called upon to work with refugees and immigrants from around the world. Social workers are also becoming sought after by international development agencies and non-governmental organizations. In this course we gain an understanding of the refugee and immigrant experience and of the continuum of the acculturation process. We examine the potential problems facing these individuals and families as they seek to rebuild their lives; we learn to recognize and utilize their strengths, cultural resources and natural support systems; and we increase our cultural competence by learning skills for culturally appropriate relationship-building, clinical assessment, and intervention.
• SSW HB 744: Spirituality and Social Work Practice
  The goal of this course is to acquaint the student with current theories regarding religion and spirituality and their role in clinical work. Particular attention is given to the function of spirituality and religion in bridging internal and external adaptations throughout the life cycle. Utilizing psychodynamic and narrative frameworks, this course addresses ways of assessing and working with an individual?s spiritual and existential belief systems and attending to the ways in which spiritual beliefs and practices provide a window into a client?s inner world. In addition, the course addresses issues of transference and countertransference as they arise in the exploration of religious and spiritual material in psychotherapy. The course draws heavily on case material, film, and fiction.
• SSW HB 750: Organizational Behavior and Culture
  This course familiarizes the student with basic concepts related to organizational behavior and culture in human service organizations. The primary focus is on how human service organizations function, with a particular focus on the influence of internal and external factors, and methods for achieving change within these settings.
• SSW HB 751: Human Neuropsychology
  Students develop foundational knowledge in the structure and function of the nervous system with special emphasis on processes underlying common neuropsychological disorders. The course is designed to make basic neuroscience accessible and interesting for students with a minimum of basic science background.We cover basic neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, neurochemistry and nervous system development in the context of neuropsychological disorders to provide a clinical context for material that might otherwise seem overwhelming.
• SSW HB 752: Exploring Ethnicity, Race, and Culture through Narratives: Clinical and Human Behavior Perspectives
  A major purpose of this course is to deepen students' knowledge of the role of culture in lifespan development and human behavior. Building on knowledge and skills from the foundation courses Human Behavior, HB 720 and Clinical Practice, CP 759, that apply ecological and systems frameworks to themes of identity formation, risks and resiliency, loss and death. In addition, through narrative stories themes such as dual cultural identity, oppression and diaspora are explored, and students will leave the class able to (1) identify various expressions of cultural identity, (2) articulate the strengths of cultural affiliation, (3) distinguish between behaviors that represent psychopathology and behaviors that are expressions of cultural values and/or traditions, and (4) describe the distinct experiences of individuals living in the context of diaspora; (5) determine the role of systemic oppression on individuals whose experiences are not part of dominant cultural perspectives in the United States, and (6) recognize the value of cross-cultural theoretical and research literature that describes how to approach work with groups discussed in the narratives presented in the course.
• SSW HB 756: Theories And Issues In Aging
  This course examines a broad range of theories and contemporary issues in aging that relate to social work practice with older adults and their families. Domains of inquiry include biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives of aging and older adults. There is a critical examination of the social constructions of old age, social work values and ethics, and social work practice within an aging society at the individual, community, and institutional level. Specific consideration is given to heterogeneity of the older adult and aging population in the areas of age, gender, race and ethnicity, class, sexual orientation, religious, physical or mental disability, and national origin. Additionally, the diversity of experiences, activities, roles, and responsibilities of older adults are evaluated as they related to aging theories and issues such as productive aging, intergenerational relationships, and cultural norms. Social and economic justice, evidence-based practice, and capacity building are highlighted throughout the course. Students will participate in community/applied learning projects as an integral part of this course. Professional communication skills will be practiced. Throughout the course, we will discuss how to apply the tenants of evidence-based practice to the theories and issues that impact aging.
• SSW HB 758: Black Lives Matter: Lessons for Antiracism
  The emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement offers lessons for 21st century antiracism. The purpose of this course is to provide students the opportunity to acquire this learning. This will include analysis and discussion of primary and secondary written and electronic sources, small and large group activities, multimedia presentations and out-of-class activities.
• SSW IS 100: Professional Development Seminar
  This seminar is required of all students in the Off-Campus, Online and Hybrid programs. The seminar is comprised of three parts, each part focusing on the students' developmental phase while enrolled in MSW program. There are a total of 12 sessions and students enroll in the seminar each semester. The seminar includes a self-paced component and live classroom sessions. The focus of the seminar includes professional development; an overview of the social work profession, its values and ethics; an orientation to, and integration with, field education; an overview of social work professional licensing and career preparation.
• SSW IS 800: Seminar: Children Youth and Families
  The Children Youth and Families integrative seminar will focus on the multiple systems that affect young people and their families and the best practices to promote their healthy development. Through a variety of methods including presentations from community partners, agency visits, presentations by faculty, and readings, students will be introduced to a number of conceptual frameworks that inform current practice. Over the course of the academic year, students will have the opportunity to apply these frameworks to a topic and project of their choosing, which will demonstrate their competency in advanced clinical, macro, or policy practice with children, youth, and families.
• SSW IS 801: Seminar: Behavioral Health, Health Care, and Public Health Practice
  The Behavioral Health, Health Care, and Public Health Practice specialization combines theory and skill development to enable MSW graduates to promote health in multiple domains. Students learn to advance health equity as members of inter-disciplinary teams and prepare for professional leadership to assure health systems address social determinants of health, as well as the needs of individuals, families, and communities. Graduates enter the workforce understanding the unique role of social work to enhance prevention and treatment with diverse populations facing multiple challenges in an ever-changing practice environment.
• SSW IS 805: Foundations in Trauma-Informed Social Work Practice, Programs, & Policy
  The field of trauma has exploded in the last several decades with advances in neurobiology, increased attention to evidence-based and evidence-informed interventions in trauma, and widespread recognition of violence across multiple contexts. Because trauma is a rapidly evolving field, social workers need integrated and cutting edge training to work with and on behalf of diverse populations who are affected by wide ranging traumatic experiences, including gender and race-based violence, interpersonal and/or community violence, natural disasters, combat trauma, and terrorism. Students will learn the foundations of trauma informed and multi-level practice and policy, and apply this knowledge to prevention, intervention, and policy-making to mitigate the impact of violence and trauma on individuals, families, communities and societies. This course is open to macro and clinical practice.
• SSW KC 902: Proseminar in Social Work
  The PhD program doctoral proseminar is a 14 week course designed for first year or early social work students. The purpose of the proseminar is to facilitate socialization to contemporary academic and research environments in the field and the practice of interdisciplinary social work research. A primary modality for the course will include faculty presentations and discussion with students related to current research and invited guest speakers from across the university. Students work collaboratively to develop mentoring plans and maps and initial specialization statements.
• SSW MP 759: Communities and Organizations: Analysis and Intervention
  MP759 is a foundation course that provides an orientation to macro social work as a core method for all practitioners. Students learn a common framework and practical skills for planning and implementing change in communities and organizations. The course emphasizes principles including social and economic justice and empowerment through an examination of racism and other intersecting oppressions, constituent-led change efforts, and a strengths-based orientation to practice in urban settings and other social environments. Designed for clinical and macro practitioners, the course provides skills in community and organizational assessment, including power analysis and use of demographic and other data; development of strategic action plans; and use of partnerships with non-traditional settings, coalitions, and other constituencies to effect social and organizational change. Teaching and learning methods include use of case studies, videos, field-based research, and in-class exercises and discussion.
• SSW MP 773: Hum Serv Mgt
  This course description is currently under construction.
• SSW MP 775: Strategic Management
  Focuses on strategies for developing, strengthening, and advancing the effectiveness of non-profit organizations. Significant issues and emerging themes in agency administration are examined with an emphasis on equity and inclusion. Students will acquire skills in strategic planning, strategic collaboration, authentic stakeholder engagement, and grant writing through the preparation of a strategic plan and a proposal for grant funding, along with other learning methods.
• SSW MP 780: Advocacy for Equity and Justice
  This course combines theory and skill development to enable social workers to shape legislation, regulations, budgets, and institutional policies and practices as advocates committed to respectful engagement with constituents and community partners. The course distinguishes advocacy from other social change strategies, relates advocacy to policy practice, and builds skills in issue framing, testimony, media relations, partnerships, and different forms of advocacy writing to advance strategic objectives. MP780 draws upon the experiences of class members and the instructor and incorporates case studies, guest speakers, and interactive exercises and assignments. Upon completion of the course, students will be prepared to practice effectively as advocates committed to advancing equity and justice in multiple settings.
• SSW MP 781: Community Organizing
  MP781 is designed to strengthen the ability of class members to foster progressive social change. It provides knowledge and skills in different models of community organizing, with a focus on collective action to promote social and economic justice, particularly in urban settings. Class members will develop skills in outreach and recruitment, leadership development, issue selection, strategy and tactics, campaign planning, coalitions, and building grassroots community organizations. MP781 emphasizes the responsibility of social workers to facilitate democratic participation and community empowerment based on respect, humility, and commitment to addressing racism and intersecting forms of oppression. In addition to readings and lectures, the course utilizes guest speakers, small group exercises, role play, video, poetry, music, and direct engagement with community-based organizations. Assignments emphasize skill building and integration of organizing theory and practice. The course relates community organizing to policy, planning, and management to underscore its relevance for all macro practitioners.

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