Social Work (SWRK)
SWRK 101 Foundations of Human Services 3 Hours
Starting with the basic principles, concepts and a historical perspective, the course will examine problems addressed by diverse social service programs and explore their activities. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code E-SB | SB
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; summer 2023; fall 2023
SWRK 205 Introduction to Social Work 3 Hours
An introduction to the social work profession and its value, skill and knowledge bases. The history, development, and current status of the social work profession are explored. This introductory course emphasizes appreciation of and respect for human diversity as core concerns of professional social work practice.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
SWRK 270 Mental Health and Social Policy 3 Hours
A survey course of the mental health delivery system in the United States. Services and issues will be discussed.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
SWRK 300 Diversity and Social Welfare 3 Hours
This course engages students in the analysis of the nature and impact of economics, political and social ideologies, and cultural forces that shape the development of social welfare policies impacting diverse populations in the United States and abroad. The course emphasizes comparative approaches to the analysis of welfare policies influencing service delivery locally and globally. Policies covered include those that address: poverty, public assistance, health and behavioral health care, criminal justice, child welfare, food insecurity, and homelessness. Specific attention will be paid to the implications of social welfare policies for economic, environmental, and social justice issues and their impact on marginalized populations. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-LG
Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status
Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022
SWRK 301 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Human Services 3 Hours
Explores how students' personal identity and experiences shape their view of social, economic, and environmental justice issues affecting marginalized populations. Focuses on building upon this understanding to begin to develop cultural competence in preparation for social work practice with vulnerable client systems. Note: Admission to the BSW program required.
Prerequisite(s): SWRK 101 with a minimum grade of C
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Social Work (459) or Social Work (594)
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022; fall 2023
SWRK 305 Environmental Justice: Theory, Policy, and Practice 3 Hours
Relationships between the environment and inequity with regard to race/ethnicity and social class are explored by introducing key theories, policies and intervention skills related to environmental justice. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SY
Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022
SWRK 311 Understanding Intergenerational Trauma 3 Hours
Clinicians and researchers have become increasingly aware that the effects of trauma suffered by one generation have physical and psychological effects on their descendants. These consequences manifest in higher rates of physical illness, mental health issues, addiction disorders, and the breakdown of family and community structures. This course introduces students to the concepts associated with intergenerational trauma. Emphasis is placed on resilience, multicultural issues, and systems factors. Course objectives are achieved using experiential exercises, class discussions, didactic presentations, podcasts, and/or films, which encourage students to develop skills in critical thinking. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SC
Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status
Recent Term(s) Offered: summer 2023; fall 2023
SWRK 324 Opioid Epidemic 3 Hours
Prepares students to recognize the repercussions of opioid addiction, address root causes of the crisis, and review federal, state, and local policies aimed at reducing opioid use. The role of the social environment, implications of culture, access, and policy regarding substance abuse services are applied to opioid-related issues.
Recent Term(s) Offered: summer 2022; spring 2023; summer 2023
SWRK 325 Social Work & Women in Society 3 Hours
This course will provide an analysis of women's status and position within our society, based on the premise that women's experiences emerge from society's political, social, and economic structures. Content areas emphasized include women and social change, violence, poverty, men, and feminist change strategies.
Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior or Freshman may not enroll.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
SWRK 326 Services for the Older American 3 Hours
This course focuses on individual and societal aspects of aging with emphasis on programs, resources and services to meet the social tasks of later life. Field trips to off-campus locations are required. Students are responsible for providing their own transportation.
Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior or Freshman may not enroll.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022
SWRK 330 Human Behavior in the Social Environment 3 Hours
The social, natural, and behavioral sciences are used to examine human behavior across the life span, especially as influenced by ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, and ability. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SY
Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status
Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2021; spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; summer 2023; fall 2023
SWRK 344 Social Work Statistics and Data Analysis 3 Hours
Enrollment limited to a social work major or minor.An introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics, focusing on integrating research and social work practice, and computer applications in research.
Prerequisite(s): (MATH 109 or MATH 112 or MATH 115 or MATH 116 or MATH 117 or MATH 123 or MATH 136 or MATH 142 or MATH 183 or CS 146 or PHIL 215)
Recent Term(s) Offered: summer 2021; summer 2022; fall 2023
SWRK 345 Social Work Research Methods 3 Hours
An introduction to concepts, research design, and program evaluation in social work research. Emphasis will be placed on developing skills in utilizing research information in social work practice.
Prerequisite(s): (SWRK 378 and SWRK 379)
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022; fall 2023
SWRK 356 Services for Juvenile Offenders and Their Families 3 Hours
The nature and extent of delinquency, structure, and function of the juvenile court will be stressed. Emphasis will be on the provision of services to the juvenile offenders and their families. Field trips to off-campus locations are required. Students are responsible for providing their own transportation.
Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior or Freshman may not enroll.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022; fall 2023
SWRK 357 Case Management 3 Hours
This course introduces students to the fundamental aspects of case management (service coordination), including common case management roles, processes, responsibilities, and employment challenges. Major content areas include: case management roles, (including advocate, broker, resource coordinator), the roles and responsibilities of the multidisciplinary team (including nurses, social worker, physicians, and other disciplines), case management with special populations(forensic,geriatric, children, diverse populations), and the responsibilities of a case manager working in health care and mental health settings. Students will be introduced to the employment challenges of case management (types of programs that hire case managers, workforce retention issues, expectations of case manager, and job satisfaction). Students will develop familiarity with how case managers and clients interface with individual, group, and family systems. Students will develop knowledge of case ma nagement ethics and explore common ethical dilemmas and boundaries issues that confront case managers.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2022; spring 2023
SWRK 375 Social Work Practice I 3 Hours
The first of three practice classes that equip students with theory and skills for effective generalist social work practice with individuals and their interpersonal networks.
Prerequisite(s): SWRK 330 (may be taken concurrently)
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Social Work (594)
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022; fall 2023
SWRK 378 Social Work Practice II 3 Hours
The second of three practice classes that equip students with theory and skills for effective generalist social work practice with groups.
Prerequisite(s): SWRK 330 and SWRK 375
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2022; spring 2023
SWRK 379 Introduction to Social Work Communication Skills 3 Hours
Study and practice of interviewing individuals, families, and groups. The skill of relationship building as it relates to both micro and macro practice of social work is emphasized.
Prerequisite(s): SWRK 330 and SWRK 375
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2022; spring 2023
SWRK 381 Social Work Practice III 3 Hours
The third of three practice classes that equip students with theory and skills for effective generalist social work practice with organizations and communities.
Prerequisite(s): (SWRK 378 and SWRK 379)
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022; fall 2023
SWRK 395 Social Welfare Policy and Issues 3 Hours
An understanding of the historical perspectives of social welfare policies as they affect current policy issues. Includes examination of the processes of policy formulation. Models of policy analysis assist students identifying, and their impact on citizens representing a diversity of backgrounds.
Prerequisite(s): (SWRK 345 and SWRK 381)
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2022; spring 2023
SWRK 428 Social Work in Sports 3 Hours
Introduces students to the role of social workers in sport, in practice with athletes. Theories and policies informing social work practice in sport will be examined. Explores the role of social work within an interprofessional collaborative team that works to support athletes. Applies social work values, ethics, and competencies to sport social work. The well-being of the athlete and how to assess those issues, along with sport as a platform for the advancement of social justice, will be emphasized. Course objectives are achieved through the use of experiential exercises, class discussions, didactic presentations, and/or films, which encourage students to develop skills in critical thinking.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
SWRK 433 Ethical Issues and Dilemmas in Social Work 3 Hours
An examination of professional ethics and common ethical dilemmas in social work. Models of ethical decision making are applied in case vignettes.
Prerequisite(s): SWRK 101
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2023
SWRK 436 Services to Children 3 Hours
A survey of institutional and community services with focus on principles of social services for children and their families.
Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior or Freshman may not enroll.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2022; spring 2023
SWRK 437 Military Social Work 3 Hours
This course is designed to increase knowledge and competence in the area of social work services delivered to military personnel, Veterans and their families. Knowledge, values and skills required to work with this special population will be covered, along with evidence-based interventions that would be best suited for this area of social work practice.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2022; spring 2023
SWRK 438 Understanding Trauma 3 Hours
Comprehensive exploration of trauma with a focus on understanding trauma events, symptoms, theoretical practices and assessment relevant to social services and mental health.
Prerequisite(s): SWRK 101 or PSY 100 or PSYS 100
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; summer 2022; summer 2023
SWRK 450 Child Maltreatment 3 Hours
Comprehensive introduction to child abuse and neglect from a social work perspective. The extent of the problem, effects on children, treatment issues, the social worker's role, and advocacy on behalf of individuals and families are explored. This course is the first of two specific course requirements for the Public Child Welfare Certification Program available through WKU and the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children. Note: Consent of Instructor required.
Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior or Freshman may not enroll.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022; fall 2023
SWRK 451 Child Maltreatment Interventions 3 Hours
Second of two specific course requirements for the Public Child Welfare Certification Program available through WKU and the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children. Covers various practice skills and treatment interventions related to social work with abused neglected children and their families. Students will have several opportunities to develop their own skills through a variety of teaching methods.
Prerequisite(s): SWRK 375 and SWRK 450
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2022; spring 2023
SWRK 455 Integrative Seminar: Strategies for Trauma-Informed Approaches Improving Resilience (STAIR) 1 Hour (repeatable max of 3 hrs)
This integrative seminar provides students the opportunity to reflect on their studies in the STAIR certificate program, synthesize their learning, and connect coursework with future goals. The aim of this course is to facilitate the development of your Capstone E-Portfolio.
Prerequisite(s): SWRK 311 with a minimum grade of C and SWRK 330 with a minimum grade of C and SWRK 438 with a minimum grade of C
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
SWRK 480 Social Work Field Practicum I 3 Hours
Social Work practice experience in a social service agency. Note: Field director approval required.
Prerequisite(s): SWRK 378 and SWRK 379
Corequisite(s): SWRK 481
Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior, Freshman or Sophomore may not enroll.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022; fall 2023
SWRK 481 Social Work Field Seminar I 3 Hours
Integration of the knowledge, skills, values, and experiences gained in the internship. Note: Field director approval required.
Prerequisite(s): SWRK 378 and SWRK 379
Corequisite(s): SWRK 480
Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior, Freshman or Sophomore may not enroll.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022; fall 2023
SWRK 482 Social Work Field Practicum II 3 Hours
Continued social work practice experience in a social service agency.
Prerequisite(s): SWRK 480 with a minimum grade of P and SWRK 481
Corequisite(s): SWRK 483
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2022; spring 2023
SWRK 483 Social Work Field Seminar II 3 Hours
Integrates the knowledge, skills, values, and experiences gained during the second semester of the internship.
Prerequisite(s): SWRK 480 with a minimum grade of P and SWRK 481
Corequisite(s): SWRK 482
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2022; spring 2023
SWRK 490 Selected Topics in Social Work 3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
This course permits in-depth examination of selected topics in social work. The specific topics vary. May be repeated with different topics.
Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2021; spring 2021; summer 2021; winter 2022; winter 2023; spring 2023; summer 2023
SWRK 495 Directed Study 1-3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Available to students who wish to conduct individual, intensive reading and research in a specific area of social work, in close cooperation with supervising faculty. Approval required prior to enrollment.
Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior or Freshman may not enroll.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
SWRK 496 Directed Study 1-3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Available to students who wish to conduct individual, intensive reading and research in a specific area of social work, in close cooperation with supervising faculty. Approval required prior to enrollment.
Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior or Freshman may not enroll.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None