Social Work

SOWK 8016  SOCIAL WORK WITH AMERICAN INDIANS (3 credits)

This course provides the student with a broad study of the historical origins, influences and issues of American Indians in relation to social work practice. The application of generalist social work methods are explored, including anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) framework. The student will learn and understand the political identities of American Indians, which are unique to this population. Methods of intervention applicable to American Indian populations and communities are reviewed, giving special attention to practice across the lifespan. (Cross-listed with SOWK 4010).

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8130 or Advanced Standing. 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): SOWK 8130 or Advanced Standing

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 social work practice with ethnic diversity. Students critically examine different theoretical frameworks to understand ethnic diversity. Current major ethnic groups in American society are explored regarding demographics, history, worldviews, cultural traditions, and social welfare. The goal is to deepen student's basic knowledge, skills, and values of ethnic diversity in relation to family structure, gender roles, care giving, and help-seeking behaviors. In addition, attention is given to immigrants, refugees, and persons who identify as multi-ethnic. (Cross-listed with SOWK 4050)

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8130 or Advanced Standing

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 or Advanced Standing

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

This course is the first part of a two-semester sequence within the MSW 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, 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): Admission to MSW 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 MSW required curriculum. It focuses on major contributions of theories from the biological, social, and behavioral sciences that help to contextualize human functioning across the lifespan at the mezzo and macro levels of practice. Building upon developmental and lifespan theories introduced in HBSE I, this course allows the student to evaluate individual dynamics as they exist in mezzo and macro spaces. This class will also expose the student to contemporary issues of social justice, allowing the student to meaningfully connect learning to real-world 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 considering 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 MSW

SOWK 8110  INSTITUTIONAL OPPRESSION (3 credits)

This course examines 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 MSW

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, families, and small groups.

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8070 prior/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 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/concurrent

SOWK 8160  GENERALIST SOCIAL WORK FIELD 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 is 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 field practicum lab/seminar (2 hours every other week in spring/fall; every week in summer).

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8070 and SOWK 8130 prior and SOWK 8090 prior/concurrent. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

SOWK 8170  GENERALIST SOCIAL WORK FIELD PRACTICUM II (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 is 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 field practicum lab/seminar (2 hours every other week in spring/fall; every week in summer).

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8080, SOWK 8110, SOWK 8150, and SOWK 8160 prior/concurrent. 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 write literature reviews and analyze existing data using Excel. The uses of Microsoft Word, and Excel in social work practice are explored.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to MSW

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 8160 prior and SOWK 8170 prior/concurrent or 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 8170 and SOWK 8220 or 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 8170 and SOWK 8220 or Advanced Standing

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 8170 and SOWK 8220 or 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 older adults of diverse backgrounds. This course emphasizes intervention and creative programming. Social marketing, community organizing, networking, and collaborating with interprofessional community practitioners in relation to this population.

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

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 8170 and SOWK 8220 or Advanced Standing

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

This master-level graduate course delves into the intricacies of client engagement, assessment, and the development of mental health diagnoses using the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Students will explore evidence-based assessments and interventions while focusing on the art and science of comprehensive case conceptualization. Through a combination of theoretical discussions, practical exercises, and case studies, students will gain the skills necessary for conducting thorough assessments, engaging clients collaboratively, and formulating accurate and nuanced diagnoses. Emphasis will also be placed on integrating social work perspectives, cultural humility, and anti-racist practices throughout the assessment and diagnosis process.

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8170 and SOWK 8220 or Advanced Standing.Not open to non-degree graduate students.

SOWK 8400  ADVANCED GENERALIST SOCIAL WORK FIELD 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.

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8230 and SOWK 8290 prior/concurrent and no more than 12 credits left in program. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

SOWK 8410  ADVANCED GENERALIST SOCIAL WORK FIELD PRACTICUM II (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. This course builds upon opportunities provided and competence achieved in Advanced Social Work Practicum I.

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

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

This course is designed to provide a third supervised, individual professional learning experience offered within the setting of a selected social service agency. This course builds upon opportunities provided and competence achieved in Advanced Social Work Practicum II. Requires 85 hours of practicum for each credit hour the student elects to take.

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8410 prior/concurrent and permission of the school

SOWK 8510  SOCIAL WORK LEADERSHIP AND SUPERVISION (3 credits)

This course provides social workers 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. The course examines various contexts of practice and the influence of politics, economics, technology, and socio-cultural factors within leadership and supervisory practice. Students will also learn about care of self and others, especially as it relates to resiliency and vicarious trauma.

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8170 or 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. Major topics include: history of social work practice in schools; the 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 8130 or Advanced Standing

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 8170 or 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, economic, and environmental injustices experienced by people under corporate globalization. Practice implications for social workers are addressed.

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8130 or 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 examining the client system and its environmental contexts. The course may use a community-based service-learning or social action pedagogy.

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8170 or Advanced Standing. 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 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 Advanced Standing

SOWK 8610  FAMILY AND COMMUNITY VIOLENCE (3 credits)

This course covers family and community violence across the lifespan within a comprehensive framework for understanding effective services in various settings. Students will examine the major types of family and community violence and their impact on individual, family, and societal functioning. This course will explore ways in which social advocacy has advanced contemporary responses to marginalized populations experiencing violence.

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

SOWK 8646  PERMANENCE FOR CHILDREN (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 social policies, like the 1980 federal legislation (PL 96-272) on child welfare delivery systems and practices. 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. (Cross-listed with SOWK 4640).

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8130 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 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 the MSW Program

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 children with disabilities to an education. (Cross-listed with SOWK 4800)

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8130 or Advanced Standing

SOWK 8816  SPIRITUALITY AND SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE (3 credits)

This course examines major issues and basic concepts pertaining to spirituality and social work practice. This course applies critical thinking to deepen understanding of spirituality in relation to clients of diverse religious and secular perspectives. The goal is to develop students' professional use of self and spirituality as the human striving for meaning, purpose, and wellbeing. Classroom time is organized around lectures, field trips, and reflective assignments. (Cross-listed with SOWK 4810)

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 8130 or 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)

Students will study Robert's 7-Stage 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 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 the Grace Abbott School of Social Work program objectives, faculty expertise, and student needs. (Cross-listed with SOWK 4880)

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the MSW Program

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 School. 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 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): Permission of the School

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 formal research proposal, gains IRB approval, conducts the proposed study, and prepares a detailed report of the purpose, design, results, and implications of the findings. The student will present the thesis in an oral defense to the thesis coordinator and supervisory committee.

Prerequisite(s): Permission of the School