Social Work

MSW Courses

Master of Social Work Course Descriptions
 
1st Year:  Social Work Foundation
SW 7100 - Foundations of Community Partnerships
SW 7200 - Human Development Through the Life Course
SW 7300 - Methods of Community Research
SW 7400 - Social Work Practice I
SW 7500 - Foundation Field Education I
SW 7600 - Social Welfare Policy
SW 7800 - Social Work Practice II
SW 7900 - Foundation Field Education II

2nd Year: Community Partnership Concentration
SW 8100 - Skills and Techniques of Community Partnerships
SW 8200 - Evaluation and Technology
SW 8300 - Leadership and Management
SW 8500 - Community Field Education I
SW 8800 - Community Project
SW 8900 - Community Field Education II

Elective Courses
SW 7250 - Child Maltreatment Practice, Policy and Research Issues
SW 7260 – Aging Practice, Policy, and Research Issues
SW 7270 – Substance Abuse Practice, Policy, and Research Issues
SW 7290 – Child Welfare Practice, Policy, and Research Issues
SW 7310 - Group Facilitation Skills
SW 7340 - Social Work and the Law
SW 7350 - Economics of Poverty and Public Policy
SW 7360 - Forensic Social Work
SW 7370 – Psychopathology
SW 7380 – Disabilities Practice, Policy, and Research Issues
SW 7950 - Selected Topics in Social Work


Summer Bridge Courses (Advanced Standing B.S.W. Students)
SW 7100 - Foundations of Community Partnerships
SW 7700 - Community Foundation Integrative Seminar
SW 7960 - Seminar on Community Partnerships: Practice and Issues

1st Year:  Social Work Foundation (30 hours)

SW 7100 - Foundations of Community Partnerships  (3)
This integrative course introduces students to community partnerships from social systems and ecological perspectives. Macro content from human behavior and social environment, policy and practice undergirds the community partnership framework. Provided is an overview of community practice through an examination of theories, history, applications, and domains. Students develop an understanding of the mission of social work and economic justice in the context of community and will participate in community building through an experiential component.

SW 7200 - Human Development Through the Life Course  (3)
This course presents knowledge on developmental issues occurring throughout the life span. The focus is on gaining knowledge on individuals, families, and interpersonal relationships in a multi-cultural context. Students will develop a critical understanding of current theories of well being, stress, coping, and adaptation, as well as macro issues such as oppression, privilege, and discrimination. The inter-relationships between small and large social systems will be explored, as well as the influence of bio-psycho-social factors on individual and family well-being. The implications of this knowledge for all domains of social work practice in the community will be considered.

SW 7300 - Methods of Community Research (3)
This course is designed to provide an overview of basic principles of social science research that provide the foundation for research in social work settings. Research processes will be examined in stages from problem formulation to data collection and some basic descriptive analysis. Both qualitative and quantitative methods will be reviewed. This course will stress the importance of the relationship between research and social work practice, and prepare students to evaluate existing social science research. Ethical issues, human diversity, and issues in community research will be discussed. Statistical techniques will be also presented. 

SW 7400 - Social Work Practice I  (3)
SW 7400 and SW 7800 are designed as a continuum. This course is designed to provide foundation content in generalist social work practice from a strengths perspective. Purpose, values, and ethics of the social work profession will be addressed.  The multifaceted context of social work practice will be explored and will include the effects of oppression, discrimination, and economic deprivation.  Interviewing, assessment, intervention, and practice evaluation will be addressed in the context of diverse populations and generalist practice. 

SW 7500 - Foundation Field Education I  (6)
SW 7500 and SW 7900 are designed as a continuum.  This course provides a field experience that enables the social work student to integrate social work foundation knowledge, values, and skills with agency-based social work practice. This experience incorporates an agency based field practicum and field integrative seminars.

SW 7600 - Social Welfare Policy  (3)
This course focuses on the historical development and implementation of contemporary social welfare policies and service programs in the United States.  Critical analysis of the policy making process is emphasized.  The influence of social values on the policy development process is highlighted relative to the differential allocation of material and social resources.  Specific attention is given to understanding the roles performed by social workers as community practitioners to affect change, and acknowledging the interplay among legislative, judicial and administrative levels of government. Although the primary focus is on federal/state government policies; presentations will incorporate policy development at the local as well as organizational/agency levels when appropriate. The current provisions and service delivery systems emanating from social welfare policies are examined, with special attention given to a society’s most vulnerable population defined by status, age, health or economic circumstances.

SW 7800 - Social Work Practice II  (3)
This course is a continuation of SW 7400. Building on the previous content, this course will focus on the change process and the sustainability of change efforts that target individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, and communities.  Within a generalist practice framework, the role of community resources, social networks, and economic and political factors will be explored. 

SW 7900 - Foundation Field Education II  (6)
This course is a continuation of SW 7500.
2nd Year: Community Partnership Concentration (30 hours)

SW 8100 - Skills and Techniques of Community Partnerships (3) 
This course focuses on advanced skills, strategies and techniques required by community practitioners to address social environmental problems and issues.  Major topics will include communication skills (use of self, assertiveness, public speaking, use of small groups, building consensus, persuasion, recruitment, facilitating discussions and meetings, and use of the media); leadership skills; and resource development (grant writing and fundraising). Students will have the opportunity to apply the skills.
 
SW 8200 - Evaluation and Technology  (3)
This course addresses the vital role of evaluation and technology in the modern social work environment.  The course develops students’ skills in the formative and summative evaluation of community service delivery systems.  With strong emphasis on the integration of evolving technologies for the human services, students will examine and experience methods for assessing and improving the quality of programs, policies, and community partnerships.

SW 8300 - Leadership and Management  (3)
This course offers students a general introduction to the theory and practice of leadership and management, from a social work perspective within public, for profit, and non-profit organizations. Theories of management (human resource, policy, functional, and strategic management), organizational structure, roles, and skills for mezzo and macro practice within an agency or organization are examined.  The unique perspective that social workers bring to this discipline in the resolution of community and agency issues, ranging from teamwork, to personnel management, strategic planning, power, and decision making, are central elements in this course. The ways in which the social work manager as leader can facilitate community partnerships will also be examined.

SW 8500 - Community Field Education I  (6)
SW 8500 and SW 8900 are designed as a continuum. This course provides a field education experience that enables the social work student to apply the knowledge, values, and skills of creating community partnerships. This experience incorporates a community-based field education practicum and field integrative seminars.

SW 8800 - Community Project  (3)
This course is designed to have students synthesize, integrate and apply content from the foundation and concentration to a viable community project.  In coordination with one or more agencies, students are expected to apply the skills set and complete a project from the problem definition and the methodology stage to the presentation of the final product.

SW 8900 - Community Field Education II  (6)
This course is a continuation of SW 8500.


Social Work Electives:

SW 7250 - Child Maltreatment Practice, Policy and Research Issues (3)
Child abuse and neglect are examined from both historical and contemporary perspectives. Medical, legal, social, and cultural aspects of child maltreatment are analyzed. The phenomenon is also viewed in relation to human behavior and as a pervasive social manifestation. Symptomatology and sequelae of abusive behavior will be examined with specific reference to the implications for family and community systems.

SW 7260 – Aging Practice, Policy, and Research Issues  (3)
This course is designed to provide the basic knowledge and entry-level skills appropriate for social work practice with older people and their families. Special attention is given to the biological, sociological, psychological, political, and economic factors affecting older adults and methodology for meeting these needs.

SW 7270 - Substance Abuse Practice, Policy, and Research Issues (3)
This course will provide students with an overview of the various classes of psychotropic drugs.  Students will learn the physiological mechanisms of action of each of the major classes of drugs.  They will learn how each drug affects mood and behavior, how each drug affects major organ systems in the body, and how genetic and social factors may predispose an individual to drug use. 

SW 7290 - Child Welfare Practice, Policy, and Research Issues (3) 
This course will provide participants the opportunity to explore some of the current challenges inherent in the delivery of child welfare services to children, youth and families. Specifically, there will be opportunities for students to develop their knowledge of child welfare policy, practice, and research in relation to the problems and challenges of diverse populations, vulnerable groups and at-risk families. The course is intended to serve as a forum for the exchange of ideas and will focus on a range of critical issues in the field of child welfare, including: violence, child maltreatment, HIV, drug exposure and homelessness. In addition, child welfare services including: foster care, adoption, family based, and child protection services, will also be examined.

SW 7310 - Group Facilitation Skills (3)
This course aims to develop knowledge and skills in group facilitation.  Issues and principles common to all types of groups, including those based on group purpose (individual change to social action) and/or membership (families, self-help groups, agencies, organizations, neighborhood groups) will be addressed.  The course will also review specific methods of group facilitation, including team building, consensus planning, and planning for strategic action, and the application of skills to targeted groups.  The development of new partnership structures will be addressed as will the differential role of the social worker with diverse groups.

SW 7340 - Social Work and the Law (3)
Brief introduction to the law as it applies to social work practice and clients.  Using case studies, students examine problems that the poor, the disadvantaged, and all other clients served by social workers face in confronting the justice system. Attention is given to worker liability and those skills essential for testifying in court and advocating.

SW 7350 - Economics of Poverty and Public Policy (3)
This course applies basic economic concepts to the study of poverty in the United States.  There are three main topics: (1) measuring the extent of poverty in the United States, (2) explaining the causes of poverty, and (3) evaluating actual and potential private sector or government responses to the problem.  Within this framework, topics that will be discussed include poverty and inequality, economics of the family, racial/gender discrimination and segregation, neighborhood effects, history of welfare, the incentive structure of the current and proposed welfare plans, and welfare reform.

SW 7360 - Forensic Social Work
This course will introduce students to social work issues that are encountered by social workers, attorneys and other specialists in a forensic setting.   The course will include a critical analysis and study of particular social issues and the impact of those issues on the purposes and the effectiveness of organizations and individuals who work within the legal system.  The course will address social work skills and ethical issues in a forensic setting. 

SW 7370 - Psychopathology
An overview of the DSM-IV with special emphasis on community treatment and sources of funding.  The purpose is to acquaint students with the major types of psychopathology.  Students should recognize those descriptions that are the defining features of each of the major pathologies.  Theories as to etiology considering both biochemical and social explanations will be reviewed.  Contrasting perspectives of the ways in which a society can label and address deviant behavior will be presented.  The public mental health system in Georgia will be explained.  The major issues pertinent to forensic social work will be reviewed (commitment proceedings, the history and current status of the insanity defense, issue of competence to stand trial, evaluation of mitigating circumstances, mental health systems within the department of criminal justice).

SW 7380 - Disabilities Practice, Policy, and Research Issues
This course will provide participants with the opportunity to develop their knowledge of the impact of both physical and developmental disabilities on individuals and families.   Focus will be on responses to those disabilities diagnosed at birth or acquired through illness or injury. Emphasis will be placed on utilizing appropriate social work interventions, while recognizing such variables as age, socio-economic status, family constellation, cultural issues, and pre-morbid conditions. Understanding disabilities from a human rights perspective and the impact of oppression on people with disabilities will be explored. A historical perspective on how disability has been perceived and addressed by societal institutions will be presented.

SW 7950 - Selected Topics in Social Work (3)
This course will offer knowledge and skills on variable topics that impact social work practice.  May be repeated up to six hours if topic varies.
 
Summer Bridge Courses (Advanced Standing B.S.W. Students):

SW 7100 - Foundations of Community Partnerships
Description listed above.

SW 7700 - Community Foundation Integrative Seminar (3)
The purpose of this course is to integrate and synthesize foundation content from a community perspective. Through the critical analysis of a contemporary social welfare issue, e.g. homelessness, welfare reform, affirmative action, HIV/AIDS, students will examine the research, discussion, and the exchange of ideas in a seminar format. This course will be required of all 
advanced standing students.

SW 7960 - Seminar on Community Partnerships:  Practice and Issues (3)
An exploration of current challenges, issues, research, skills, or areas of special interest related to the social work practice of community partnerships.  May be repeated up to six hours if topic varies.