Social Work Course Descriptions

SOCWK-201 Principles of Social Work

Provides an introduction to the field of social work practice with an emphasis on the historical development of social work as well as the values and ethics that guide social work practice. Students will explore possible career opportunities in the field of social work and will gain volunteer experience in a social service agency. 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00

SOCWK-300 Micro Social Work Practice

This course focuses on the change process at the three levels of social work practice (individual, family and group). Students will acquire specific skills which will assist them in assessing, contacting, working with and terminating some clients. Prerequisites: SOCWK 201 and Junior standing. 4 hours.
Credits: 4.00

SOCWK-301 Macro Social Work Practice

This course provides an overview of the major influences on the service delivery system, including social work values and ethics. The student will trace the evolution of social welfare and American social policy in a multicultural context. Macro intervention and the change process at three levels of social work practice (organizations, community, and state and federal public policy) will be the focus of the course. Prerequisite: SOCWK 201 and Junior standing. 4 hours.
Credits: 4.00

SOCWK-320 Human Behavior in Social Environment

This course provides an introduction to the various theories related to human behavior in the social environment in the context of a life span developmental perspective. The relationship between social, biological, psychological, environmental and cultural systems will be analyzed as they relate to the "person-in-environment" foundation of professional social work practice. Prereq: SOCWK-201. 3 credits
Credits: 3.00

SOCWK-323 Junior Seminar

Students will practice reading and evaluating primary research works in progress. Attention will be given to articulating the research process and to preparing students for their own independent research projects. Students will be instructed in pathways beyond Pacific, for example, how to find and apply to graduate programs, develop a resume, and set up a job-shadowing experience. Prerequisite: Junior standing or above and must be a Sociology, Anthropology-Sociology, or Social Work major or minor. Pass/No Pass. 1 credit.
Credits: 1.00

SOCWK-351 Social Policy & Social Justice

This course provides an examination of both the historical and contemporary context of social policy, issues, programs and legislation. The course will emphasize human diversity, populations at risk and social and economic justice in the United States. Social welfare policy will be investigated as a dimension of generalist social work practice and the course will include content related to values and ethics. Prerequisites: SOCWK 201 with a minimum grade of C-. 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00

SOCWK-355 Special Topics

See department for details
Credits: 1.00

SOCWK-395 Independent Study

See department for details.
Credits: 1.00

SOCWK-425 Counseling & Interviewing Techniques

The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with fundamental counseling and interviewing techniques according to the major psychosocial theories. Students will also examine the impact of diversity, self-awareness, and use of self on the counseling process. Prerequisite: SOCWK 201. 3 credits.
Credits: 3.00

SOCWK-450 Directed Research in Social Work

Directed Research in Social Work allows students of advanced standing to participate in a research project with a social work faculty member in order to gain practical experience in the conduct of ongoing professional-level social work research. Prereq: Junior standing or above, and instructor consent. Offered for variable credit, from 1 - 3 credits. May be repeated for credit, up to 6 credits total.
Credits: 1.00

SOCWK-480 Pre-Practicum Seminar

The focus of this course is to assist students in preparing for the social work practicum experience. Students will select a population of interest and will conduct a literature review in order to develop a theoretical framework for intervention with that population. Students will also complete the tasks necessary for obtaining an practicum site including resume preparation, interviewing and developing a learning agreement. Prereqs: 19 hours in required social work courses. 1 hour.
Credits: 1.00

SOCWK-481 Social Work Practicum

This course will provide students with an opportunity to integrate theoretical and clinical learning in an agency setting. Students will work as interns in an approved agency throughout the semester under the supervision of an agency staff member in consultation with a social work faculty member. Students will complete a signed learning agreement prior to beginning the internship which will guide their individualized learning experiences. Interns will be required to meet with the instructor and other social work interns in a weekly seminar setting to discuss their work in the field placement. In addition to hours spent working in the field, students will be expected to complete assignments and readings intended to enhance the internship experience. Prerequisite: 2.75 GPA, 19 hours in required Social Work courses including SocWk-480. 4-14 hours.
Credits: 4.00