BSSW Program

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: Social Science General Education course and U.S. Diversity 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 oppression of racism, classism, and sexism are interconnected and are mutually reinforcing. The consequences of institutionalized oppression are examined at the individual, family, group, organization, community, 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 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 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 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, emphasizing functioning at the mezzo and macro levels of practice. This class is designed to build upon the theories of lifespan development presented in the initial course of the sequence.

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 3010, SOWK 3320, SOWK 3890. 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 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 theories that frame professional policy practice. The course examines U.S. social welfare policy, taking into account historical social, racial, cultural, economic, organizational, environmental, and global influences that affect social policy.

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 3010, SOWK 3320, SOWK 3890. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

SOWK 3320  GENERALIST PRACTICE WITH INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES (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, families, and groups.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to BSSW Program. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

SOWK 3350  GENERALIST PRACTICE WITH GROUPS, ORGANIZATIONS, AND COMMUNITIES (3 credits)

This course reinforces the values, ethics, knowledge, and skills of generalist social work practice with groups. Students gain specific knowledge and skills in group assessment, intervention, and termination. Students will learn about the process of group development and facilitation. This course looks at the various types of groups social workers may facilitate.

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 3010, SOWK 3320, SOWK 3890. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

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): Admission to BSSW Program. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

SOWK 4010  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 8016).

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the BSSW Program. 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): Admission to the BSSW program

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): Admission to the BSSW Program

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 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 8056)

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the BSSW Program

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.

Prerequisite(s): SOWK 3320, SOWK 3110, SOWK 3020

SOWK 4400  RESEARCH METHODS IN SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE (3 credits)

The focus of the course will be to define research methods as they are applied in social work, using ethical, culturally informed, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive approaches. Students will use research to inform their practice decision-making. Values and ethical issues are infused throughout the content of the course as they relate to research processes and methods.

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 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 4360 prior or concurrent

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 an integrative senior seminar designed to be taken concurrently with practicum. This course facilitates the transition from BSSW student to professional social worker. To achieve this, students will reflect on the following: how to prepare for a job interview, personal financial planning, continuing education, licensure, and social work competencies.

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. 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 8536).

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the BSSW Program

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): Admission to the BSSW Program

SOWK 4640  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 8646).

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the BSSW Program

SOWK 4650  SOCIAL WORK IN MENTAL HEALTH (3 credits)

This is an undergraduate introductory social work course on mental health. The aim of the course is to acquire basic knowledge and skills for effective and culturally appropriate interventions. Students examine the history of psychiatric care to inform a social work perspective on mental health/illness, human rights, social justice, stigma, ethical/legal issues, and a continuum of care for families, communities, and service providers. Mental health/illness is taught from a distinct social work perspective using historical-critical analysis and case studies.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the BSSW Program

SOWK 4660  SOCIAL WORK WITH INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES (3 credits)

This is an introductory course to explore contemporary social work practices pertaining to the experiences of individuals with intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) across the lifespan. Law and policy trends will be examined through the lens of disability rights, advocacy, and ethics. The course will assess the impact of intersectionality and diversity on the health and well-being of individuals with I/DD.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the BSSW Program

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).

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the BSSW Program

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 children with disabilities to an education. (Cross-listed with SOWK 8806).

Prerequisite(s): Admission to BSSW Program

SOWK 4810  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 8816)

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the BSSW Program

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).

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the BSSW Program

SOWK 4830  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 8836)

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the BSSW Program

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 the Grace Abbott School of Social Work program objectives, faculty expertise, and student needs. (Cross-listed with SOWK 8886)

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the BSSW Program

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 the BSSW Program

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.