University of the Cumberlands
Department of Human Services & Social Work

 

Course Descriptions

SOCI 131 Introduction to Sociology

Sociology is the scientific study of human social activity. It is the study of social life, societal change and the causes and consequences of human behavior on society. This course will survey the field of sociology, with emphasis on social problems and the theoretical perspectives of their causes. Particular attention will be given to the discipline of sociology as it relates to the resolution of current social problems. Credit, 3 hours. Offered fall and spring semesters.

SWRK 131. Foundations of Social Welfare

An examination of the basis of social welfare, including such issues as the development of social welfare services, the definition of social welfare, and relevant ideological philosophical themes. An introduction to social welfare programs in such areas as child welfare, poverty, and healthcare. The roles of the social worker in the delivery of social welfare services are explored. SOCI 131 is required as a pre-requisite or co-requisite. Credit, 3 hours. Offered Fall and Spring semesters.

 

SWRK 231. Introduction to Criminal Justice

A study of substantive criminal offenses, the federal and state court systems, case law, and the impact of the Bill of Rights and later amendments to the United States Constitution. Credit, 3 hours. Offered as needed.

 

SWRK 234. Human Services & Social Work Skills

A study of the skills essential to such Human Services & Social Work processes as engagement, interviewing, assessment, and contracting. The class is designed to foster experimental learning through interactive processes such as guided imagery, communication exercises, application of Human Services & Social Work roles through case scenarios, and role play. Pre-, co-requisite: Initial progression. Credit, 3 hours. Offered Fall and Spring semesters.

 

SWRK 235. Human Behavior and the Social Environment

A general systems perspective is used to consider the interrelationships among biological, social, psychological, and cultural factors as they influence the spectrum of human social systems: individuals, families, groups, and communities. Pre-requisites: Initial progression, and PSYC 131. Credit, 3 hours. Offered Fall and Spring semesters.

 

SWRK 331. Human Services & Social Work Practice: Individuals and Families

As preparation for generalist practice, the course focuses on integration of professional values, theories of intervention, practice principles, and skills of the problem-solving process for beginning Human Services & Social Work practice with individuals and families. Emphasis is given to application of Human Services & Social Work ethics in practice. Pre-requisite: Initial progression. Credit, 3 hours Offered Fall and Spring semester.

 

SWRK 332. Human Services & Social Work Practice: Groups and Community

As preparation for generalist practice, the course focuses on professional values, theoretical frameworks, and the development of skills essential to the problem solving in Human Services & Social Work practice with groups, communities and organizations. Pre-requisites: Initial progression. Credit, 3 hours. Offered Fall and Spring semesters.

 

SWRK 334. Society & Criminal Law

A study of criminal procedure, United States Supreme Court case law, the federal and state court systems, with special emphasis upon the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, and the resulting effects upon society. Credit, 3 hours. Offered as needed.

 

SWRK 335 Social Research

A study of the research process as it applies to research on individuals, families, groups and social phenomena. Attention is given to the methods and techniques of social research including data collection, data analysis, and presentation of findings. Issues research on human beings such as diversity and ethical research are given special emphasis. Prerequisite: initial progression. 3 Credit hours. Offered Fall and Spring semesters.

 

SWRK 337 Race and Diversity

Introduces students to diverse populations and helps them understand the different constraints and motivations of people from backgrounds different from their own, providing important lessons for Human Services & Social Work practice and life. Particular attention is given to the role of racism and sexism in American life and how these conflict with basic Christians values and the practice of ethical Human Services & Social Work . Prerequisite: Initial progression. Open to non-majors with instructor’s approval. Credit, 3 hours. Offered Fall and Spring semesters.

 

SWRK 430. Special Topics in Criminal Justice

A course designed to address specialized topics in criminal justice that are not otherwise available as a separate course. Examples include criminal victimization, law and values, current criminal law, juries and the community, issues in legal theory, litigation, jurisdiction and court organization, pleading and claims, criminal justice research-understanding crime.  May be repeated once for credit up to a total of 6 semester hours provided topic is different. Prerequisite: Initial progression.  Open to non-majors with instructor’s approval. Offered as needed.

 

SWRK 433. Social Policy Analysis

An analysis of social welfare policies and policy information based on the values, ethics and ideologies of Human Services & Social Work practice. The historical basis for current policies, theoretical frameworks for policy analysis, and social worker roles in policy formulation and analysis are considered. Special attention is given to issues of race and diversity in social policy formulation and policy outcomes. Prerequisite: Initial progression, POLS 233. Open to non-majors with the instructor’s approval. Credit , 3 hours. Offered Fall and Spring semesters.

Pre-requisites: POLS 233. Credit, 3 hours. Offered Fall and Spring semesters.

 

SWRK 460. Special Topics in Human Services & Social Work .

A course designed to address specialized topics in Human Services & Social Work that are not otherwise available as a separate course. Examples include child welfare, Christian social ministries, aging, mental health, marriage and family, and Human Services & Social Work practice in Appalachia. May be repeated once for credit up to a total of 6 semester hours provided topic is different. Credit, 3 hours. Offered Fall and Spring semesters.

 

SWRK 491. Human Services & Social Work Integrative and Supervising Seminar

This course offers the opportunity for Human Services & Social Work students to work with individuals, groups, and community organizations under close supervision of a professional social worker in a social service agency approved by the Human Services & Social Work department. Emphasis is on implementing knowledge learned in previous course work, application of practice skills, learning how to incorporate essential knowledge unique to the placement setting, working within the structure of the agency and community, application of Human Services & Social Work ethics in specific settings, and self-awareness as a developing professional. Students are required to complete a minimum of 450 clock hours. A two-hour weekly seminar is required. SWRK 331 or SWRK 332 may be taken as a co requisite. Departmental approval must be received the semester prior to being placed. Credit: 12 hours. Offered Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.

 

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