Social Work (SOWK)

SOWK 8016  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 4010).

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8130 prior to or concurrent, or BSSW degree. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

SOWK 8026  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 4020).

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8130 or admitted as Advanced Standing

SOWK 8036  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 4030).

Prerequisite(s): Admitted to the BSSW program or SOWK 8130.

SOWK 8046  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 4040).

SOWK 8056  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 4050)

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the MSW program or permission of the Grace Abbott School of Social Work

SOWK 8066  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 4060).

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8130 prior to or concurrent, or BSW degree

SOWK 8070  HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT I (3 credits)

This course is the first part of a two-semester sequence within the Master of Social Work 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): Undergraduate Human Biology course (prior to or concurrent) and admission to the Master of Social Work program.

SOWK 8080  HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT II (3 credits)

This course is the second part of a two-semester sequence within the Master of Social Work 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 during young, middle, and late adulthood-- 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): SOWK 8070

SOWK 8090  SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY (3 credits)

This course is an introduction to social welfare policy analysis. The course examines social welfare policy taking into account historical, political, economic, social, and cultural perspectives. Basic concepts and choices are examined in relation to values, ethics, context, social functioning and social consequences.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Master of Social Work program or permission of the Grace Abbott School of Social Work.

SOWK 8110  INSTITUTIONAL OPPRESSION (3 credits)

This course is about institutional racism, sexism and classism as it relates to social policy and social injustice. The focus is on how institutional oppressions are related and are mutually reinforcing. The consequences of institutional racism, sexism and classism are examined at the individual, group, family, and agency levels.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Master of Social Work program or permission of the Grace Abbott School of Social Work.

SOWK 8130  GENERALIST PRACTICE I (3 credits)

This course provides an introduction 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): SOWK 8070 prior or concurrent.

SOWK 8150  GENERALIST PRACTICE II (3 credits)

This practice course is an introduction to a goal-oriented planned change process with an emphasis on educational, support, and task groups, organizations, and communities. The focus is on building knowledge and developing indirect practice skills in collaboration, planning, empowerment, and advocacy to effect social change using the Generalist Intervention Model.

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8130 prior, and SOWK 8080 prior or concurrent

SOWK 8160  GENERALIST SOCIAL WORK PRACTICUM I (3 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 different interventions 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: Human Biology, Research Methods, and Statistics deficiencies complete; Prior or Concurrent: SOWK 8070, SOWK 8090, SOWK 8130; Not open to non-degree graduate students.

SOWK 8170  GENERALIST SOCIAL WORK PRACTICUM II (3 credits)

This course is designed to provide supervised, individual, experiential learning offered within the setting of a social service agency, typically the same agency as in SOWK 8160. This course builds upon opportunities provided and competence achieved in Generalist Social Work Practicum I.

Prerequisite(s): Prior or Concurrent: SOWK 8160, SOWK 8080, SOWK 8110, and SOWK 8150. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

SOWK 8190  RESEARCH & COMPUTER APPLICATIONS (3 credits)

This course focuses on the use of research and computer programs in social work practice. Social and behavioral science research methods are reviewed. Students learn to analyze existing data using SPSS and to write an empirical research report. The use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint in social work practice are explored.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Master of Social Work program.

SOWK 8220  CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK WITH INDIVIDUALS (3 credits)

This advanced course provides an in-depth study of several theories of personality and behavior, and of therapeutic approaches derived from the theories. Major focus is on therapy with individuals across the life span, but application to family systems is also considered, as well as the fit of each theory within the broader social systems framework.

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8170 prior to or concurrent; SOWK 8160 or admitted with advanced standing.

SOWK 8230  CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK WITH GROUPS (3 credits)

This advanced course provides knowledge of and experience in working with groups as systems. It includes both assessment of dynamics as well as developing skills in intervention modalities appropriate for working with various types of groups.

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8220; SOWK 8170 or admitted to the Master of Social Work program with advanced standing.

SOWK 8240  SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE WITH CHILDREN (3 credits)

This advanced practice course provides an overview of several social work interventions used with children and adolescents. A brief review of normal child development and the family life cycle is the context for presenting a range of children's problems and special needs. The course will cover several intervention models and address their application in various service settings and in individual, family, group, and social action formats. Children in diverse family settings, institutions, and in minority families and cultures are considered to understand unique therapeutic issues present for them.

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8220

SOWK 8250  SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE WITH FAMILIES (3 credits)

This course considers the family context as a system for therapeutic intervention. The family unit and its diverse forms are defined; theories for assessment and understanding family's interactions across the lifespan are considered, and the alternative modalities useful for treating family dysfunction are presented. As a practice-oriented course, it emphasizes the development of professional skills in working with the family across the lifespan.

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8220; SOWK 8170 or admitted to the Master of Social Work program with advanced standing.

SOWK 8260  SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE WITH OLDER ADULTS (3 credits)

This course is part of the advanced MSW curriculum and focuses on micro- and macro-level practice skills essential to competent and effective social work practice with diverse older adults. This course emphasizes clinical and complimentary/ alternative interventions (particularly creativity programming) that focus on individuals and small groups as well as community practice skills that involve social marketing and community organizing, networking, and collaborating with inter-professional community practitioners.

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8220 and SOWK 8170 or admitted as Advanced Standing

SOWK 8270  SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE WITH SEXUAL CONCERNS (3 credits)

This course provides a survey of the current knowledge base, theory and research in human sexuality with a focus on advanced practice intervention and prevention approaches for a variety of sexuality issues faced by individuals, couples, and families throughout the lifespan.

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8170 or admitted to the Master of Social Work program with advanced standing, and SOWK 8220.

SOWK 8280  SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE WITH COUPLES AND CHANGING FAMILY STRUCTURES (3 credits)

This is an advanced practice course designed to prepare students to provide therapy for couples and families at all life stages who are experiencing problems in intimacy, marital, divorce, or remarriage adjustment.

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8220

SOWK 8290  SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE IN HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH (3 credits)

This course emphasizes the development of advanced level clinical and social work practice skills for working with selected acute and chronic health and mental health conditions affecting individuals across the life cycle.

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8170 or admitted to the Master of Social Work program with advanced standing, and SOWK 8220. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

SOWK 8400  ADVANCED SOCIAL WORK PRACTICUM I (3 credits)

This course is designed to provide supervised, individual professional learning experiences offered within the setting of a selected social service agency in the student's chosen concentration. The student will be introduced to a variety of advanced direct and indirect social work practices. The Dual Degree Program is a part of Integrated Practice. Dual Degree students may take SOWK 8400 as their administrative practicum. If so, then PA 8010, 8050 and 8090 must be taken prior to and one course from concentration prior to or concurrently.

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8190 (prior to), SOWK 8220 (prior to), SOWK 8230 (prior to or concurrent). Not open to non-degree graduate students.

SOWK 8410  ADVANCED SOCIAL WORK PRACTICUM II (3 credits)

This course is designed to provide supervised, individual professional learning experiences offered within the setting of a social service agency in the student's chosen concentration, typically the same agency as in SOWK 8400. This course builds upon opportunities provided and competence achieved in Advanced Social Work Practicum I.

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8400 (prior or concurrent), SOWK 8290 (prior or concurrent). Not open to non-degree graduate students.

SOWK 8420  ADVANCED SOCIAL WORK PRACTICUM III (1-3 credits)

This course is designed to provide a third supervised, individual professional learning experience offered within the setting of a social service agency in the student's chosen concentration. This course builds upon opportunities provided and competence achieved in Advanced Social Work Practicum II.

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8410 prior to or concurrent, and permission of the Grace Abbott School of Social Work.

SOWK 8510  SOCIAL WORK LEADERSHIP (3 credits)

This course provides social work students with the knowledge and skills to be leaders in their organizations and communities. This course will explore leadership models and theories, and their usefulness in diverse settings, including social work leadership ethics. Students will also learn models and theories related to general supervision, power, and authority in public and nonprofit organizations. Useful skills covered include conflict management and evidence-informed decision-making. Students will also learn about care of self and others, especially as it relates to resiliency and vicarious trauma.

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8160 or admitted to the Master of Social Work program with advanced standing.

SOWK 8516  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 4510).

Prerequisite(s): Admission to counseling program or social work programs or permission of instructor. For social work students, SOWK 8686 or COUN 8696 and SOWK 8696 or COUN 8696 must be taken prior to COUN 8516 or SOWK 8516. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

SOWK 8536  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 4530).

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 3320 or SOWK 8130. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

SOWK 8540  PLANNING FOR SOCIAL CHANGE (3 credits)

This course takes an in-depth look at the framework of macro-level problem solving and its application to all areas of social work practice. Focus will be placed on the critical exploration of social problems, their causes, and their potential solutions from a lens of broader social inequity.

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8160 or admitted to the Master of Social Work (MSW) program with advanced standing. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

SOWK 8550  SOCIAL JUSTICE AND SOCIAL ADVOCACY (3 credits)

This course provides a perspective on national and international social and economic injustices experienced by people under corporate globalization. Practice implications for social workers are addressed.

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8130 or admitted as Advanced Standing. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

SOWK 8560  ADVANCED COMMUNITY PRACTICE (3 credits)

This course is an elective macro course in the MSW curriculum. The course is designed to help students develop an analytical and empirical approach to empowering communities. The course builds on the social work "person-in-environment" perspective by focusing on the client system and its environmental contexts as a partner in practice. This course is particularly relevant to direct practice with and advocacy for diverse disempowered groups in society. The course may use a community-based service-learning pedagogy.

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8170 or Master of Social Work student admitted with advanced standing or permission of the Grace Abbott School of Social Work. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

SOWK 8570  ADMINISTRATION OF SOCIAL WELFARE AGENCIES (3 credits)

This course focuses on the knowledge and skills needed by administrative leaders of social welfare agencies. Students will learn about resource issues, including grant writing, fundraising, budgeting, and financial management. Acknowledging political contexts and shaping organizational culture will also be covered. In addition, they will learn about personnel and managerial issues related to collaboration, human relations, governing/advisory boards, and strategic planning.

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8170 or admitted to the Master of Social Work program with advanced standing.

SOWK 8600  PERMANENCE FOR CHILDREN (3 credits)

This course is about the child welfare system and focuses on policies, laws, and agency structures designed to help abused and neglected children and their families.

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8130 or admitted as Advanced Standing

SOWK 8610  FAMILY AND COMMUNITY VIOLENCE (3 credits)

This course covers family and community violence across the life span with an emphasis on gaining knowledge of the issue, skills in policy analysis, and a broad framework for developing effective services in various service settings.

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8130 or admitted as Advanced Standing

SOWK 8626  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 4620)

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8070 and SOWK 8080 or Advanced Standing

SOWK 8650  HEALTH/MENTAL HEALTH POLICIES FOR SOCIAL WORK (3 credits)

This course emphasizes the development of health and mental health policy analysis skills and knowledge for social work students. Major topics include government response to health care, cultural and historical perspectives, service provision, and epidemiological trends across the life span. It provides a framework for clinical interventions in a variety of health and mental health settings.

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8090 or admitted to the Master of Social Work program with advanced standing.

SOWK 8686  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 4680, COUN 4680, COUN 8686)

Prerequisite(s): Admission to counseling program or social work program or permission of instructor.

SOWK 8696  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 4690).

Prerequisite(s): Admission to MSW program or permission of the School and SOWK 8686 or COUN 8686 (or equivalent course) prior to or concurrent.

SOWK 8806  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 4800)

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8130 or admitted as Advanced Standing

SOWK 8816  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 4810)

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8130 or admitted as Advanced Standing

SOWK 8826  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 4820).

Prerequisite(s): Admitted to Graduate College. Travel overseas early summer-course lab. Passport, visa-China, travel insurance-UNO, immunizations and registration (International Studies) required to travel abroad. Faculty member leading trip to provide further info.

SOWK 8836  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 4830)

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8130 or admitted as Advanced Standing

SOWK 8856  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 4850.)

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8130 or advanced standing

SOWK 8880  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 School of Social Work program objectives, faculty expertise, and student needs. This course may be repeated for up to nine hours credit.

SOWK 8886  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 4880)

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Master of Social Work (MSW) program or permission of the Grace Abbott School of Social Work (GASSW).

SOWK 8900  SPECIAL STUDIES IN SOCIAL WELFARE (1-3 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): Permission of the Grace Abbott School of Social Work (GASSW). Not open to non-degree graduate students.

SOWK 8940  EVALUATION OF SOCIAL PROGRAMS (3 credits)

This is an advanced research course in the evaluation of social programs and social agencies which focuses on agency organizational structure, program design and effectiveness, and social impact.

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8190

SOWK 8950  RESEARCH METHODS IN CLINICAL PRACTICE (3 credits)

This course provides a study of the issues involved in clinical research methodology. Students are introduced to the tools for documenting the effects of clinical practice interventions for individuals, couples, families and groups (including qualitative and quantitative methodologies: single-case design, standardized measurement, self-report data, self-monitoring, case study, grounded theory etc.).

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8190 and SOWK 8220

SOWK 8960  RESEARCH OTHER THAN THESIS (3 credits)

This course enables students, under faculty supervision, to prepare a research proposal, carry out the study, and prepare a detailed report of the purpose, design, outcome, and significance of the study.

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8190 and permission of the Grace Abbott School of Social Work

SOWK 8990  MASTER'S THESIS (3-6 credits)

The Master's thesis provides students the opportunity to acquire first-hand experience in research methods under faculty direction. With the guidance of the thesis coordinator and a supervisory committee, the student prepares a research proposal, conducts the proposed study, and prepares a detailed report of the purpose, design, results, and implications of the findings.

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8190 and permission of the Grace Abbott School of Social Work (GASSW)