New M.S.S.W. Listings for 2007–2008
510—Social Work and Social Welfare Policies and Programs (2) Key professional competencies, diversity, justice, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice are emphasized. Organizational, community, and legislated policies related to social issues, problems, and client systems using local to international comparisons. Use of justice, power, social construction, and social work values and ethics in analyzing, influencing, developing, implementing, and advocating for policies and programs.
512—Social, Economic, and Political Environments (2) Examines the profound influences on and critical interfaces of client systems with the world in which we live. Incorporates local to international information about social, economic, and political trends and innovations, and about effects of social problems, injustice, and power on client systems and on social change and service delivery systems.
513—Lifespan and Neurophysiologic Development in a Cultural, Ecological, and Transactional Framework (4) Theories, frameworks, and research that address culturally sensitive understanding of human development and behavior. Effects of risk/protective factors, culture, and other environmental effects, such as poverty, on developmental milestones. Includes neurophysiologic development across the lifespan, starting with early childhood; the profound influence of the environment on these processes; and implications for early prevention, treatment, policies, and services. Includes identification, assessment, and treatment of developmental delays and neurodevelopmental disorders. Processes critical to understanding human behavior and community risk and resilience for vulnerable populations are emphasized.
517—Diversity, Social and Economic Justice, and Oppression (2) In context of the cultural, ecological, developmental, and transactional theories, social work values and ethics, and a human rights perspective, critically assesses theory and research about sources, forms, and outcomes of oppression for at-risk client systems. Integrates local to international information about our global, diverse, multicultural society with evidence-based knowledge and skills that address oppression, are culturally affirming, and promote social and economic justice and human dignity.
519—Foundation Research (3) Social work practice-focused quantitative and qualitative research knowledge and skills. Includes critical evaluation of empirical literature and basic research methodology including construct operationalization; study design; selection, development, implementation, and evaluation of measures and instruments; and data management and analysis using statistical software.
520—Evidence-Based Practice (1) Examines how to (1) convert information needs related to practice decisions into well-structured answerable questions; (2) efficiently locate the best evidence with which to answer such questions; (3) critically appraise such evidence; (4) apply results to practice and policy decisions; and (5) evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the application of such results to practice and policy decisions.
Recommended background: Advanced Standing
522— Introduction to Social Work Practice (4) Historic and contemporary contexts of social welfare. The profession’s distinctive mission, history, values and ethical standards, and multiple roles with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities are examined using local to international comparisons. Theories are examined in the context of critical thinking and evidence-based practice. Defines generalist practice philosophy, methods, roles. Emphasizes skills (i.e., interpersonal communication, relationship building, power analyses, assertiveness, conflict management) that are essential to problem identification, assessment, and intervention with all client systems (individuals, groups, organizations, communities), and with other professionals and decision-makers. Uses local to international examples to translate theory and evidence-based knowledge into practice that is competent, ethical, culturally affirming, and empowering.
Registration Restriction: Admitted Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) students.
537—Introduction to Psychopathology and Social Work Practice (2) The course examines psychopathology and mental disorders from an ecological perspective. Emphasis is placed on understanding biopsychosocial influences on the incidence, course and treatment of the most commonly presented mental disorders and the differential effect of these factors on diverse populations. The course emphasizes the acquisition of diagnostic skills as they relate to comprehensive social work assessment and the development of social work interventions. Ethical issues, collaboration with families, knowledge of psychopharmacology and the varied roles social workers play in mental health settings will be stressed.
(DE) Prerequisite(s): 510, 512, 513, 517, 519, 520, 522.
538—Practice with At-Risk Populations (2) This course provides in-depth study of evidence-informed and evidenced-based practice models with at-risk populations. Assessment and interventions focus on individuals, groups, families, and communities.
(DE) Prerequisite(s): 510, 512, 513, 517, 519, 520, 522.
Registration Restriction(s): Master of Science in Social Work
539—Leadership Skills and Knowledge for Advanced Social Work Practice (2) Organizational management knowledge, leadership skills and supervision required in development and management of structure, resources and cultures of human services delivery systems. Administrative financial knowledge and skills in budgeting, resource allocation, marketing and expenditure control. Issues regarding organizational management change in organizations, communities and national global contexts.
(DE) Prerequisite(s): 510, 512, 513, 517, 519, 520, 522.
542—Foundation Field Practice I (1-3) Instruction and supervision in generalist social work practice. This course includes a seminar and agency-based internship.
Grading Restriction: Satisfactory/No Credit grading only.
Repeatability: May be repeated only if a grade of S has been earned. Maximum 3 hours
Registration Restriction(s): Master of Science in Social Work
544—Foundation Field Practice II (1–3) Instruction and supervision in generalist social work practice. This course includes a seminar and agency-based internship.
Grading Restriction: Satisfactory/No Credit grading only.
Repeatability: May be repeated only if a grade of S has been earned. Maximum 3 hours.
Registration Restriction(s): Master of Science in Social Work
Application & Admission to the Program
Programs of Study
Full time
Extended Study
Advanced Standing
Distance Education
The Bulletin of the College of Social Work