Course Offerings

4 hours credit
Introduces and sensitizes students to the major concepts of cultural diversity, race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, class, sexual orientation, physical and mental abilities, pluralism and conflicts caused by ethnocentrism, discrimination and prejudice. Explores the relationship and intersection between these major concepts and social work practices and policies. Emphasizes the examination of major ethnic groups as well as other social groupings based on such factors as gender, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, physical and mental abilities, and other differences in human populations. Evaluates the common elements of oppressions and prejudicial and discriminatory practices from both micro and macro theoretical frames of reference. Explores the application of the ecological perspective, generalist and problem-solving process. Prerequisites: SOWK 200, sophomore standing or permission of instructor. Four hours per week.

4 hours credit
Provides insights and perspectives on the cultural aspects and history of the deaf and hard of hearing communities in the United States. Four hours per week.

4 hours credit
Provides the foundational knowledge of human rights development and principles as it relates to the experiences of women in the U.S. and around the globe, emphasizing the intersecting identities of gender, race and class. Examines the role of traditions and laws in maintaining systems of oppression and strategies that women have used to advance their rights. Develops and applies social work practice skills to raise awareness about human rights violations experienced by women. Prerequisite: SOWK 200 or permission of instructor. Four hours per week.

4 hour(s) credit
Explore the role of social workers in various health care settings, as well as best practices for related interventions. The biopsychosocial impact of illness, injury, treatment and loss are evaluated with emphasis on cultural sensitivity. In addition, knowledge of medical terminology, common illnesses and treatment options, including alternative holistic options, are evaluated. Develop an understanding of policies currently impacting access to care and trends in health insurance. Four hours per week.

4 hours credit
Provides an overview of physical, social and emotional implications of being differently abled within the context of generalist social work practice. Examines the life course of people who are differently abled, including the collaboration of families and community, the role of social workers and other health professionals, as well as presenting general issues related to services available, advocacy movements and social policy. Prerequisite: SOWK 200 or permission of instructor. Four hours per week.

4 hours credit
Provides the foundation knowledge needed for generalist practice with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) persons. Explores the lived experiences of LGBTQ persons in the U.S. across the lifespan and addresses some of the key social problems faced by this population. Explores the heterogeneity of LGBTQ lives across cultural, class, age, race, ethnic, religious and political cohorts and communities. Assumes a strengths-based affirmative model of social work practice with sexual minorities. Prerequisite: SOWK 200 or permission of instructor. Four hours per week.

4 hours credit
Examines the role of professional social work in the area of sustainability at the local, national and global levels as sustainability is a crucial link to the attainment of environmental, economic and social justice. Using an interdisciplinary perspective, explores the environmental, economic and social aspects of sustainability from theoretical and practical perspectives. Prerequisite: SOWK 200 or permission of instructor. Four hours per week.

4 hours credit (499) / 3 hours credit (599)
In this course, students will explore the culture of white supremacy in the United States. This course encourages learners to reflect on how the culture of white supremacy has shaped our experiences in social work. Students will analyze systems of oppression, specifically how these systems shape the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in the United States. In addition, learners will develop strategies for anti-racist social work practice in various systems and social work settings. These systems include: child welfare, education, legal, prison, and health care. This course requires the utilization of critical thinking skills and utilizes critical race theory, feminist theory, anti-oppressive social work practice, and anti-racist social work practice as guiding theories. Course available Fall 2020 and Fall 2021.

3 hours credit
This course will cover a complete approach to the treatment of trauma and trauma-related disorders from a strengths-based perspective. It will cover trauma theory, including developmental trauma and complex trauma. Students will understand various treatment models for acute and complex trauma, and further develop the skills of assessment, treatment planning, and intervention with clients who have been traumatized. Students will have an opportunity to practice intervention skills, including psychoeducation and affect regulation. The intergenerational, sociocultural, and societal impact of trauma is explored.