Social Work (SOWK)
Social Work Undergraduate Courses
SOWK 1000 SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIAL WELFARE (3 credits)
This course is designed for the student who wants to learn about social welfare and to explore a possible major in social work. The student examines historical and current issues in social welfare, social services, and the social work profession. The course focuses on values, beliefs, and goals of social services and social work, and provides a historical perspective for present activities.
Distribution: U.S. Diversity General Education course and Social Science General Education course
SOWK 1500 SOCIAL WORK AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT (3 credits)
This course is designed to acquaint the student with the social work profession, professional roles and functions, and social services delivery systems. Students will have an opportunity to observe and participate in social services activities within Nebraska and Iowa communities incorporated with didactic experiences. Students will also have an opportunity to explore their vocational aptitude for social work practice via interactive encounters with clients and helping professionals.
Prerequisite(s): Not open to non-degree graduate students.
SOWK 2120 RACE, CLASS AND GENDER IN THE UNITED STATES (3 credits)
This course examines the effects of race, class, and gender on social policy and social injustice. The focus is on how institutional manifestations of racism, classism, and sexism, and how these are interconnected and are mutually reinforcing. The consequences of institutionalized oppressions are examined at the individual, group, family, and societal levels.
Distribution: U.S. Diversity General Education course
SOWK 3000 APPLIED STATISTICS AND DATA PROCESSING IN PUBLIC SECTOR (3 credits)
A course on the use of data and statistical methods to explore and make inferences about society, while critically considering the influence of context and the powers and limitations of quantitative evidence. (Cross-listed with CRCJ 3000, PA 3000).
Prerequisite(s): MATH 1120 or MATH 1130 or MATH 1220 or MATH 1300 or MATH 1320 or an ACT of 19, or above or permission from the department.
SOWK 3010 HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT I (3 credits)
This course is the first part of a two-semester sequence within the Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) required curriculum. It focuses on major contributions of theories from the biological, social, and behavioral sciences that help to understand human functioning across the lifespan, particularly infancy through adolescence, within the social environment at the micro- and macro-level (e.g., individuals, families, groups, organizations, institutions, and communities), as they relate to effective social work generalist practice.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1010, SOC 1010, BIOL 1020, and admission to the BSSW program. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
SOWK 3020 HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT II (3 credits)
This course is the second part of a two-semester sequence within the Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) required curriculum. It focuses on major contributions of theories from the biological, social, and behavioral sciences that help to understand human functioning across the life span -- particularly during young, middle, and late adulthood -- within the social environment at the micro- and macro-level social systems (e.g., individuals, families, groups, institutions, organizations, and communities), as they relate to effective social work generalist practice.
Prerequisite(s): SOWK 3010. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
SOWK 3110 SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY (3 credits)
This course is an introduction to social welfare policy analysis. It informs the Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) student about the history of professional social work, the development of social services in the United States, and the values, beliefs, ethics and social welfare theory that frames professional policy practice. The course examines social welfare policy taking into account historical, political, economic, social, and cultural perspectives.
Prerequisite(s): PSCI 1100, ECON 1200, HIST 1120, and admission to the BSSW program
SOWK 3320 SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE I (3 credits)
This course introduces students to the values, ethics, knowledge, and skills of generalist social work practice. Using constructs from the Generalist Intervention Model, systems theory, and the strengths-based perspective, students learn about engagement, assessment, planning and contracting, intervention, evaluation, and termination. Diversity and case management are emphasized as part of bringing planned change to client systems, including individuals and families.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1010, SOC 1010, and admission to the BSSW program.
SOWK 3350 SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE II (3 credits)
This course reinforces the values, ethics, knowledge, and skills of generalist social work practice. Students gain specific knowledge and skills in assessing, intervening and terminating with families. Students will learn about the process of development and implementation of groups.
Prerequisite(s): SOWK 3320.
SOWK 3890 WRITING FOR SOCIAL WORK (3 credits)
This course emphasizes the process of critical thinking and analysis and the process of effective professional writing as required for generalist social work practice. Students will apply selected generalist social work concepts to prepare writing samples such as research/term papers, client progress/ psychosocial reports, analytical reviews, professional development papers, business communications, and grant proposals. Research and writing skills emphasized are: conducting electronic literature searches, outlining, paragraph and sentence structure, revising, using APA format, and proofreading for correct grammar, word usage, and punctuation.
Prerequisite(s): ENGL 1160 and admission to the BSSW program.
SOWK 4010 SOCIAL WORK WITH AMERICAN INDIANS (3 credits)
This course provides the student with a broad study of the origins, influences and issues of the American Indian which affect social work practice. The usefulness of established social work generalist methods is explored. Alternative methods applicable to culturally diverse people across the lifespan are presented. This is a Service Learning class. (Cross-listed with SOWK 8016).
Prerequisite(s): Not open to non-degree graduate students.
SOWK 4020 SOCIAL WORK WITHIN THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY (3 credits)
This course seeks to develop in students an awareness and understanding of some of the social and psychological/cognitive realities influencing the behavior of African American youth and families across the lifespan. The content draws upon theories, research and social work practice skills relevant to African American youth and families, as well as the cognitive process and social systems which impact African youth and families. (Cross-listed with SOWK 8026)
Prerequisite(s): Admitted to the BSSW program or permission of the school.
SOWK 4030 SOCIAL WORK WITH LATINOS (3 credits)
The purpose of this course is to study and analyze cross-cultural social work practice with Latino populations. Students will learn what factors impact Latino communities and what skill sets are essential for diverse social work practice. (Cross-listed with SOWK 8036).
Prerequisite(s): Admitted to the Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) program or [SOWK 1000, junior or senior standing, and permission of the Grace Abbott School of Social Work]
SOWK 4040 WORKING WITH MINORITY ELDERLY (3 credits)
This course is designed to provide the student with knowledge of the differing status, attitudes, and experiences of older adults who identify as members of minority groups in the U.S. This course examines various social policies, service systems, and practice models in terms of their relevance and effectiveness in meeting the needs of an increasing and diverse aging population. (Cross-listed with GERO 4690, GERO 8696, SOWK 8046).
Prerequisite(s): Admitted to the BSSW program or [SOWK 1000, junior or senior standing, and permission of the School
SOWK 4050 ETHNIC DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE (3 credits)
This course focuses on effective generalist social work practice with clients of ethnic diversity. (Cross-listed with SOWK 8056)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to BSSW or permission of the school.
SOWK 4060 MEDICAL SOCIAL WORK (3 credits)
This course is an introduction to medical social work. BSSW and MSW students will focus on the knowledge base and practice skills needed to assess the holistic care of patients and their families. This course prepares students to 1) understand healthcare disparities and needs of individuals and their family, 2) apply theory and models of patient-centered care delivery, 3) develop skills for working on interprofessional teams, 4) formulate ideas for addressing barriers and improving health care access. (Cross-listed with SOWK 8066).
Prerequisite(s): SOWK 3320 prior to or concurrent
SOWK 4360 SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE III (3 credits)
This course is an introduction to a goal-oriented planned change process with an emphasis on task groups, organizations, and communities.
SOWK 4400 RESEARCH METHODS IN SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE (3 credits)
Focus will be on the scientific method as it is applied to social work research. The purpose of all social work research is to answer questions or solve problems. The six phases of the research process will be identified and the basic tasks to be accomplished in each phase will be learned. Special attention will be given to evaluating social work practice.
Prerequisite(s): Prior or concurrent STAT 1530, CRCJ 3000, PA 3000, PSYC 3130, SOWK 3000, or STAT 3000
SOWK 4410 GENERALIST SOCIAL WORK PRACTICUM I (5 credits)
This course is designed to provide supervised, individual and experiential learning offered within the setting of a selected social service agency. The student will be introduced to a variety of social work practice roles, develop professional relationships with client systems and learn to apply a number of interventive modalities to effect change across the life span. In order to facilitate integration of classroom theory with practice, students will attend a seven-week practicum seminar (2 hours per week).
Prerequisite(s): Prior: SOWK 2120, SOWK 3020, SOWK 3350. Prior to or concurrent: SOWK 4360.
SOWK 4420 GENERALIST SOCIAL WORK PRACTICUM II (5 credits)
This course is designed to provide supervised, individual and experiential learning offered within the setting of a social service agency, typically the same agency as in SOWK 4410. This course builds upon opportunities provided and competence achieved in Generalist Social Work Practicum I.
Prerequisite(s): SOWK 4410 prior or concurrent.
SOWK 4450 SOCIAL WORK CAREER PREP (1 credit)
This course is intended as an integrating senior seminar designed to be taken with the final course of practicum. It facilitates the transition from student to professional social worker through the use of specific assignments focused on areas of resume development, continuation of research, awareness of continuing education needs, issues of licensure, and exposure to social work professionals.
Prerequisite(s): SOWK 4410 prior or concurrent.
SOWK 4510 TREATMENT ISSUES IN CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY (3 credits)
This course addresses chemical dependency treatment issues including denial, minimization, relapse and its prevention, resistance, family dynamics, poly-substance abuse, co-occurring disorders, spirituality and the influence of self-help groups. The education will include the clinical treatment needs of individuals suffering from chemical dependency, taking into consideration diversity, gender, culture and lifestyle. (Cross-listed with COUN 4510, COUN 8516, SOWK 8516).
Prerequisite(s): Admission to counseling program or social work programs or permission of instructor. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
SOWK 4530 SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK (3 credits)
This course explores the field of social work practice in school settings, including the history of social work practice in schools, school environment, roles of school social workers, mandated foundations for school social work services, eligibility for special education and 504 plans, theories of practice that include school and community based models, and interventions for target populations in schools. (Cross-listed with SOWK 8536).
Prerequisite(s): Admission to MSW program OR permission of the school. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
SOWK 4620 TRAUMA AND RESILIENCE (3 credits)
This course provides an overview of issues related to trauma including: the factors related to development of trauma, definitions of trauma, the impact of trauma on individuals, families and communities, and the programs and practices that are most effective and appropriate regarding the social work role in responding to trauma. (Cross-listed with SOWK 8626)
Prerequisite(s): SOWK 3320
SOWK 4640 SOCIAL WORK IN CHILD WELFARE (3 credits)
This course examines the history, challenges, and issues of governmental intervention in families to protect at-risk children. The course concentrates on the effects of the 1980 federal legislation (PL 96-272) on child welfare delivery systems and practice. It provides a comprehensive overview of child welfare services, including child protective services, in-home services, foster care, group care, intergenerational childcare, and adoption. It also provides an overview of the juvenile justice system and its impact on children and their families.
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) program or permission of the Grace Abbott School of Social Work.
SOWK 4650 SOCIAL WORK IN MENTAL HEALTH (3 credits)
This is an introductory course to develop basic knowledge and skills of mental health concepts, interventions, and services for social workers. The focus is on history, contemporary trends, legal and practice implications, human rights, social justice, assessment and delivery of culturally competent social services.
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) program or permission of the Grace Abbott School of Social Work.
SOWK 4660 SOCIAL WORK WITH INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES (3 credits)
This is an introductory course to increase awareness of intellectual and developmental disability issues across the lifespan that affect social work practice. The focus is on history, contemporary trends, legal and practice implications, human rights, social justice, assessment, and delivery of culturally competent services.
Prerequisite(s): Admission to BSSW or permission of the school
SOWK 4680 MEDICAL AND PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS OF SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS (3 credits)
This course introduces students to substance use disorders and their impact on the individual, family, and society. It covers psychopharmacology, alcohol and drug interactions, drug classifications, theories of substance use disorders, various models of treatment, vulnerable populations, and ethical and legal issues. (Cross-listed with SOWK 8686, COUN 4680, COUN 8686).
SOWK 4690 ASSESSMENT AND CASE MANAGEMENT IN SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS (3 credits)
This course focuses on assessment of clients and their environment, and diagnosis and referral for substance use disorder treatment. Emphasis is given to assessment instruments, treatment levels, treatment planning, case management, and social justice. (Cross-listed with COUN 4690, COUN 8696, SOWK 8696).
SOWK 4800 SOCIAL WORK AND THE LAW (3 credits)
This course presents the fundamental principles of criminal and civil law that have relevance to the practice of social work. Topics include: the legal system, legal research methods, professional ethical/legal responsibilities and liabilities, family law, elder law, criminal law, juvenile law, personal injury law, employment discrimination law, capacity to make contracts and wills, rights of institutionalized patients, and rights of handicapped children to an education. (Cross-listed with SOWK 8806).
Prerequisite(s): SOWK 3320
SOWK 4810 SPIRITUALITY AND SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE (3 credits)
Social work literature defines spirituality as the human striving for a sense of meaning, purpose, values, and fulfillment. Spirituality is expressed through diverse forms throughout a client's lifespan; it is central to clients' understanding of suffering and their attempts to resolve it. This course examines major issues pertaining to spiritually-sensitive social work practice with clients of diverse religious and non-religious (i.e., outside sectarian institutional contexts) perspectives. (Cross-listed with SOWK 8816)
Prerequisite(s): SOWK 3320
SOWK 4820 GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT: A SOCIAL WORK PERSPECTIVE (3 credits)
This course prepares students to work in a global setting. Students examine theories, concepts, and skills related to social development, cross-cultural engagement, and issues related to particular countries. The course is designed with two elements: 1) On-campus classroom learning focused on global social work knowledge, and, 2) Field-based labs that involve direct engagement with an international population. Students select one lab: i) faculty-led trip to China for two-weeks, ii) refugee resettlement service-learning project in Omaha. (Cross-listed with SOWK 8826).
SOWK 4830 CRISIS INTERVENTION (3 credits)
The prevalence of crisis experiences within our society and lifespan development necessitates that social workers acquire a knowledge and skill-base for effective and professional crisis intervention practice. Students will study the ABC Model of Crisis Intervention and how to ethically practice with diverse and vulnerable populations. Students will apply crisis intervention theory and models of intervention to various concern areas including but not limited to: suicide, sexual assault, domestic violence, substance abuse, grief and loss, and violence. A systems, strengths, and cultural emphasis will be applied to the various crisis situations covered. (Cross-listed with SOWK 8836)
Prerequisite(s): SOWK 3320
SOWK 4850 HOSPICE & OTHER SERVICES FOR THE DYING PATIENT/FAMILY (3 credits)
This course examines the hospice concept and other related services available in the community. The student will learn that hospice is an alternative to the traditional medical model. (Cross-listed with GERO 4850, GERO 8856, SOWK 8856.)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to BSSW or permission of the school
SOWK 4880 TOPICAL SEMINAR IN SOCIAL WORK (3 credits)
Specific seminar topics will focus on advanced content in social work theory and practice. The course description will be announced when a specific topical seminar is proposed. The topics selected will be consistent with Grace Abbott School of Social Work program objectives, faculty expertise, and student needs. (Cross-listed with SOWK 8886)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to BSSW or permission of the school.
SOWK 4890 SPECIAL STUDIES IN SOCIAL WORK (1-4 credits)
This independent study course allows students to pursue a special selected area or topic within social welfare in order to deepen knowledge and/or skills in that particular area.
Prerequisite(s): Admission to BSSW program or permission of the school.
SOWK 4980 SENIOR HONORS PROJECT/THESIS (3-6 credits)
An independent research project supervised by an approved faculty member. The senior honors project must be approved by the CPACS Honors Coordinator.
Prerequisite(s): Senior in Honors Program and permission of the School.