SOCIAL WORK COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

SOWK 240 | SOWK 260 | SOWK 388 | SOWK 470 | SOWK 480 | SOWK 481

SOWK 240
Information Technology in Social Work

This course will offer an introduction in use of technology for communication, data collection and electronic research in human services. Students will create an individual Web page that will serve as the basis for meeting the program requirement of developing an electronic portfolio. Corequisite: SOWK 260.

SOWK 260
Introduction to Social Welfare, Social Policy, Social Work

This course is the first social policy course required of all social work majors. It provides an overview of the historical development and contemporary forces that have shaped the social welfare system in the United States. The course examines the relationship between the social welfare system and the problems and issues addressed by social services, and the role of the professional social worker in areas such as aging, child welfare, health and mental health, income maintenance, and services to women and minorities. In addition, the course offers opportunities to meet with practitioners in the field to understand the diverse populations served. Note: This course must be taken prior to beginning field work. Corequisite: SOWK 240.

SOWK 388
Human Behavior I

This course examines theory, research and practice issues of human development within the bio-psycho-social context of mutually influencing personal, family, community and societal systems. Emphasis is placed on understanding the relevance and use of theory for practice and on how diversity in race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation and socio-economic circumstances contribute to and influence personality development, as well as the systems within which this takes place. The course content covers normal life-cycle development from infancy through childhood from the perspective of ecological systems theory. Note: This course must be taken prior to beginning field work. Prerequisite: PSYC 100, SOCY 101 and human biology.

SOWK 470
Social Work Research

This course deals with problem formulation, data collection and analysis, and presentation of research findings and conclusions. Attention is paid to classic and recent studies and to the application of research to social work knowledge and practice. Note: The following UMBC courses are acceptable substitutes for SOWK 470: AFST 301, SOCY 300, POLI 400 and PSYC 332. Prerequisite: Junior standing and an approved course in statistics.

SOWK 480
Field Instruction I

Students are assigned to a social service agency and participate in the delivery of social work services. Note: P/F only. Students who drop SOWK 480 also must drop SOWK 481. (Fall) Prerequisite: SOWK 260, 397 and 388 with a grade of “C” of better in each course; an overall GPA of 2.5 or better; senior standing; and permission of the department. Corequisite: SOWK 481.

SOWK 481
Social Work Methods II

This course presents a conceptual framework of the social work intervention and covers the common elements of social work practice. It combines development of the ecological perspective with the problem-solving model and the development of basic social work skills. Students are introduced to concepts and skills relevant for intervention with clients with particular emphasis on case management and crisis intervention. Students are also introduced to indirect interventions on behalf of clients. (Fall) Corequisite: SOWK 480.