Required Courses
 

SW 212C: SOCIAL WORK VALUES AND POPULATIONS-AT-RISK

This course introduces social work values; it provides students an opportunity to identify and clarify conflicting values and ethical dilemmas; and, it examines the impact of discrimination, economic deprivation, and oppression on groups distinguished by race, ethnicity, culture, class, gender, sexual orientation, religion, physical or mental ability, age, and national origin. Students learn assessment and intervention skills that enable social workers to serve diverse populations and to promote social and economic justice. (Fulfills SS and CD requirements) 3 credits

SW 222: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIAL WELFARE

Introduction to social welfare and the field of social work from a historical, educational, and theoretical perspective. The course explores the values, knowledge and skills required in the profession, along with their practical application in the field, and the factors affecting social work practice, e.g., class, gender, race. (Fulfills SS requirement) 3 credits

SW241: RESEARCH FOR THE HUMAN SERVICES

Examination of the research process used by human service professionals. Students learn about social science methodology from the perspective of a future practitioner and research consumer. Topics include: problem formulation, measurement, design, qualitative and quantitative modes of observation, data collection and analysis. The course addresses practical issues such as single-subject design, program evaluation and the ethical dilemmas involved in conducting human subject research. Laboratory time is used for students to work directly with instruments and data. 4 credits

SW 253: HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT

A multi-disciplinary examination of theories and knowledge of human bio-psycho-social development from birth through later years. The course draws on research from biology, psychology, sociology, anthropology, and political science to study the impact of biological, psychological, social and cultural systems on health and well being. Students explore the range of social systems in which individuals live (families, groups, communities and organizations) and study the importance of ethnicity, culture, gender, disability and other elements of diversity in human development. 3 credits

SW 333: SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE WITH INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES

Course designed to prepare students for entry-level generalist social work practice with diverse individuals and families. Students will gain the knowledge, skills, and values needed for beginning practice during all phases of the helping process. Critical thinking skills and the use of research based knowledge will also be emphasized. The additional credit will provide students with opportunities to observe micro social work practice in a field setting and complete integrative assignments. Students will select community service placements in coordination with faculty instructor and field coordinator. Prerequisite: SW 212, 222. Open only to students who are admitted to the major or permission of instructor. Non-liberal arts. 4 credits

SW 334: SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE WITH GROUPS, ORGANIZATIONS, AND COMMUNITIES

Course designed to prepare students for entry-level generalist social work practice with treatment and task groups, organizations, and communities. Students will gain the knowledge, skills, and values needed for beginning practice during all phases of the helping process. The additional credit will provide students with opportunities to observe mezzo and macro social work practice in a field setting and complete integrative assignments. Students will select community service placements in coordination with faculty instructor and field coordinator. Prerequisite: SW 212, 222, and permission of instructor. Non-liberal arts. 4 credits

SW 338: SOCIAL POLICY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

The study of social policy, welfare program planning and social service implementation, evaluation, and analysis. Included are reviews of selected policies on federal, state, and local levels. Students will compare the social policies of the United States with those in other countries. The value, political, and societal issues that underpin policies and programs are questioned and specific attention is given to the evaluation of policies by using research skills and by applying the principles of social justice. The additional credit hour will provide students with the opportunity of participating in a research study. Prerequisite: SW 222 or permission of the instructor. 3 credits

SW 340: FIELD PREPARATION SEMINAR

Course designed to provide historical and current context for understanding the requirement of field instruction in social work programs. It answers questions about student preparation for the field practicum, the partnership with social service agencies, supervision, finding and selecting a placement, and provides information and suggestions for enriching the practicum experience. Prerequisite: SW 212, SW 222, SW 241, SW 253, SW 333, SW 334 and permission of instructor. Open only to social work majors. Non-liberal arts. 2 credits

SW 381: SOCIAL WORK FIELD PRACTICUM SEMINAR

Provides discussion and analysis of practicum-related experiences and professional issues. A major purpose of the seminars is the development of professional judgment through examination of cases and practice situations encountered in field instruction. Prerequisite: all required social work courses and permission of instructor. Open only to social work majors. Non-liberal arts. 3 credits

SW 382: SOCIAL WORK FIELD PRACTICUM

Thirty-five hours per week spent in social services agencies and related organizations in Saratoga County and the surrounding area. Specific placements made according to academic interests and needs of individual students. Prerequisite: all required social work courses and permission of instructor. Open only to social work majors. Non-liberal arts. 12 credits