SOWK 200 • Sociology for Social Workers 2 Credits

Introduction to fundamental sociological theories, methodologies, findings, controversies and history of sociology related to social work practice. Analysis of how social factors contribute to social inequalities. Evaluation of the processes of how socialization operates in different societies and cultures. Examining the dialectical relationship between sociological insights and Christian life and thought.
Fulfills: CAPS Goal Area 5.

SOWK 240 • Socioeconomic & Justice Issues 3 Credits

Critical evaluation of how market economies operate, their broad socioeconomic consequences, and their impact on the lives of socially disadvantaged people. Evaluation of global and local processes and mechanisms. Analysis of theories and approaches to social justice that advocate and promote social and economic justice, and human rights.
Fulfills: CAPS Goal Area 5.

SOWK 250 • Social Welfare History 2 Credits

Historical and critical examination of the social and political movements that have shaped the emergence, resistance and commitment to social activism. Evaluation of significant turning points and their legacies in society with a view to gain appreciation of the linkages and contexts that inextricably interconnect past, present, and future social welfare reform efforts. Identification of strengths and weaknesses of the American welfare state and its impact on the delivery of social services. Fulfills: CAPS Goal Area 5.

SOWK 270 • Social Perspective 3 Credits

Examination of societal conditions and their impact on individuals and communities. Evaluation of the influence of power structures at communal, local, and national levels as well as the way they impact the lived realities of people from nondominant cultures and identities. Application of contemporary writings, social theory, and the voice of marginalized individuals. Analysis of systems that promote justice and equity, and those that exist to exploit and further marginalized vulnerable populations.
Fulfills: CAPS Goal Area 5.

SOWK 300 • Intro to Social Work 4 Credits

Understanding of social work mission, core values, history, and field of practice overview. Recognition of the dimensions of diversity, cultures, and structures that may oppress and marginalize people groups. Communication and collaboration with diverse individuals with community-based, cross-cultural service learning. Consideration of social work as career choice.
$20 course fee.

SOWK 310 • Human Behavior I 2 Credits

Analysis of individuals, families, and groups utilizing systems theory, learning theories and psychosocial frameworks as part of human behavior in the social environment perspective. Appraisal of important lifespan milestones and the influence of social environment on human development. Application of information and theories consistent with social work values and the promotion of social justice.
Prerequisites: SOWK 300. Can be taken concurrently.

SOWK 315 • Human Behavior II 2 Credits

Analysis of individuals, families, and groups utilizing systems theory, learning theories and psychosocial frameworks as part of human behavior in the social environment perspective. Appraisal of important lifespan milestones and the influence of social environment on human development. Application of information and theories consistent with social work values and the promotion of social justice.
Prerequisites: SOWK 300, SOWK 310.

SOWK 320 • Experience in Anti-Racism and Justice Informed Social Work Practice I 2 Credits

Integration of anti-racism and anti-oppressive and justice-informed theories and practice to social work experience. Understanding of how one’s own cultural identity impacts engagement and assessment with individuals, groups, families, organizations, and communities. Application of interpersonal skills within a multi-service community based agency setting.
Prerequisites: SOWK 300. Fees: $195 EXAAT fee and $15 ICD Intercultural Conflict Style Inventory. Special Notes: Students are recommended to take SOWK 325 immediately after this course.

SOWK 325 • Experience in Anti-Racism and Justice Informed Social Work Practice II 2 Credits

Apply and integrate beginning knowledge, values, skills, and ethics for social work practice with an emphasis on diversity, human rights and justice, and professional generalist practice. Weekly field seminar supports integration while students work a minimum of 100 hours in field setting under agency supervision.
Prerequisites: SOWK 320. $15 FPPAI Fee. Special Notes: Students are recommended to take this course immediately after completing SOWK 320.

SOWK 330 • Social Work Practice I 3 Credits

Description of how cultural structures and values affect privilege and power. Identification of practices that ensure that rights and responsibilities are distributed equitably. Analysis of strength-based assets and community empowerment. Application of self-awareness and self-regulation, relationship building and inter-professional collaboration strategies, multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks and intervention strategies based on assessment, research, values, and preferences of clients.
Prerequisites: SOWK 300.

SOWK 335 • Social Work Practice II 3 Credits

Generalist social work theory and practice with individuals and families. Beginning professional development, critical thinking, effective communication, Human Behavior and the Social Environment (HBSE), ethical and evidenced-based practice. Simulated case assignments for development of knowledge and skills of social work practice: engagement, assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, and termination.
Prerequisites: SOWK 300, SOWK 330.

SOWK 340 • Environmental Justice, Health Disparities and Restorative Perspectives in Social Work Practice 2 Credits

Examination of policies established to address the inequitable distribution of environmental risks. Explanation of theories and history of environmental justice. Analysis of environmental justice and health disparities in racial groups and communities. Identification of strategies to reduce environmental injustices and health disparities.

SOWK 350 • Social Welfare Policy 3 Credits

Interrelationship of social problems, social welfare policies, and service delivery from historical, economic, political, and program perspectives. Social systems content applied to social policy analysis. Students develop, analyze, advocate, and provide leadership for policy and service delivery that promote economic and social justice.
Prerequisites: SOWK 250 (can be concurrent), SOWK 300.

SOWK 370 • Social Work Research I 2 Credits

Analysis of research methods, with an emphasis on becoming proficient and critical consumers of research-based data, for the purposes of knowledge advancement, informed practice, and program and practice effectiveness evaluation.
Prerequisites: SOWK 300, SOWK 320.

SOWK 380 • Social Work Research II 2 Credits

Application of principles of logic and curiosity in the analysis of relevant scientific information. Synthesis of scholarly research and current best practice in an organized and coherent professional literature review. Analysis and evaluation of appropriate research methods for various practice contexts and purposes. Creation of a research study to improve practice, policy or delivery.
Prerequisites: SOWK 300, SOWK 320, SOWK 370.

SOWK 420 • Social Work Field Experience I 2 Credits

Application of social work competencies to guide ethical and professional practice. Analysis of personal strength and barriers in professional social work development. Analysis of social, economic, racial and environmental injustices and human rights issues. Analysis of policy practice in relation to human rights and injustice issues. Application of practice skills in the engagement, assessment, intervention and evaluation of client constituencies.
Prerequisites: SOWK 300, SOWK 320, SOWK 325. Special Notes: Students must complete 400 field hours between SOWK 420 and SOWK 425 and each course must contribute at least 135 hours toward the total. Students are encouraged to take SOWK 425 immediately after completing this course.

SOWK 425 • Social Work Experience II 2 Credits

Demonstration of ethical and professional behavior. Engagement in Antiracist, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI), practice-informed research, research-informed practice, and policy practice. Advancement of human rights and social, economic, racial and environmental justice. Engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Prerequisites: SOWK 300, SOWK 320, SOWK 325, SOWK 420. $15 FPPAI fee. Special Notes: Students must have 400 field hours shared between SOWK 420 and SOWK 425 and each course must contribute at least 135 hours toward the total. Students are recommended to take this course immediately after SOWK 425.

SOWK 430 • Social Work Practice III 3 Credits

Application of generalist social work theory to integrated practice within client systems. Emphasis on families/groups and on the planned change process. Application of critical thinking, research-informed practice and culture competence. Evaluation of assessment and intervention strategies applicable to a specific population.
Prerequisites: SOWK 300, SOWK 320, SOWK 325, SOWK 330, SOWK 335.

SOWK 450 • Abuse,Trauma and Mental Health in Social Work Practice 3 Credits

Presentation of the characteristics and consequences of family violence, intimate partner abuse and child and elder abuse. Identification of theoretical frameworks for assessment and intervention with survivors. Exploration of the role of racism and oppression in addressing abuse and trauma. Application of the DSM in case plans for client vignettes.
Prerequisites: SOWK 300, SOWK 310, SOWK 315, SOWK 330.

SOWK 490H • Integrative Seminar 4 Credits

Integration of generalist social work knowledge, values, and skills through ethics-based case studies and completion of practice/program evaluation research applied to field practicum setting. Critical thinking, leadership, and scholarship emphasized. Understand ethical integration of a Christian worldview into social work practice.
Prerequisites: SOWK 300, SOWK 320, SOWK 325, SOWK 330, SOWK 335, SOWK 420, SOWK 425, SOWK 430. Fulfills: CAPS General Education Category H. Total fees: $100 ($30 specialized trainings, $25 practice exam, $5 FCAI post test, exit SWEAP $5, $35 poster presentation).