Social Work (SW) | Academic Catalog

SW-105 Introduction to Social WorkCredits: 3

Term Offered: All Terms

Course Type(s): None

Social work and its professional practices, its goals, guiding philosophy, and basic assumptions; the uses of the professional relationship; roles of the professional social worker and collaborative activity in the helping process. Not open to students who have completed SO-105. Previously listed as SW-101.

SW-198 Special Topics in Social Work (100 Level)Credits: 1-3

Course Type(s): None

An intensive study of a particular subject or problem in social work to be announced prior to registration. May be conducted on either a lecture-discussion or a seminar basis. If a prerequisite is required it will be announced in the course schedule.

SW-199 Independent Study in Social WorkCredits: 3

Term Offered: All Terms

Course Type(s): None

Directed individual study of social work in areas of special interest. Prior permission of the directing professor and department chair is required to take this course.

SW-205 Global Human Rights and Social JusticeCredits: 3

Term Offered: All Terms

Course Type(s): BI.EL, GU, SJS, SUS

Examines social issues and injustices from a global perspective. A central focus will be the struggles of individuals, families, and communities from around the world. Introduces the student to the concepts of social justice, human rights, social welfare and oppression, and discusses ways to promote social welfare from a human rights and social justice perspective.

SW-223 Human Behavior and Social EnvironmentCredits: 3

Prerequisite(s): SW-105 or SW-205

Co-requisite(s): BY-104 or BY-105

Term Offered: All Terms

Course Type(s): HY

A study of significant life tasks in the physical, social, and emotional development of the individual.

SW-260 Alcohol and DrugsCredits: 3

Prerequisite(s): SW-105 or PY-103 or SW-205

Course Type(s): None

Addresses the special population in social work, specifically the substance abusing population. Through lecture, small group exercises, and films, the course will educate the students as to what are substance abuse and addiction, what treatment options are available, how to determine the appropriate treatment, as well as different forms of therapy and relapse-prevention work.

SW-261 Diagnosing Mental Health IssuesCredits: 3

Prerequisite(s): SW-105 or PY-103 or SW-205

Term Offered: Fall Term

Course Type(s): None

A detailed explanation of the DSM IV and its practical use in the social work profession. Cultural applications, as well as international implications and the accurate assessment terminology, will be discussed.

SW-263 Family CounselingCredits: 3

Prerequisite(s): SW-105 or PY-103 or SW-205

Course Type(s): None

Introduces students to the assessment and treatment of various family systems. A continuation of the ecological perspective of systems theory and social work practice illustrated in Human Behavior and the Social Environment and Social Work Practice Techniques I. Ethnic, culture, and gender issues are included as they apply to families. Family violence, substance abuse, adolescence conflict, and marital discord are among the topics discussed.

SW-264 AddictionsCredits: 3

Prerequisite(s): SW-105 or PY-103

Course Type(s): None

Addresses the addictions component of social work. Working with the clients and families to address the unbalance and dysfunction in their lives through assessment, treatment planning, and individual, group, and family therapy. Covering eating disorders, gambling, nicotine, sexual addiction, and workaholism.

SW-265 Creative TherapiesCredits: 3

Prerequisite(s): SW-105 or PY-103 or SW-205

Course Type(s): None

With creative and interactive approaches, the students will recognize and appreciate their personal experiences to better assess the needs of their clients, as well as enhance conventional therapeutic methods. Also introduces alternate approaches to talk therapy to work with specialized client groups, such as young, traumatized, or non-verbal clients.

SW-266 Spirituality and Social WorkCredits: 3

Prerequisite(s): SW-105 or PY-103 or SW-205

Course Type(s): None

Explores spirituality as it broadly relates to the profession of social work. Holistic concepts under the definition of spirituality will be explored. The many ways spirituality can be used in social work practice settings will be discussed. Methods of spiritual practice and approaches to healing will be covered. Spirituality will be differentiated from formal religion.

SW-276 Administration of Gerontological ServicesCredits: 3

Term Offered: Spring Term

Course Type(s): None

The examination of the theory and practice of the administration of programs designed to meet the needs of older adults, with an emphasis on structure of organizations, impact of public policies and funding patterns on agencies, styles of administration, development and presentation of a budget, management of public information, and relationships with other gerontological agencies.

SW-278 Family ViolenceCredits: 3

Term Offered: Spring Term

Course Type(s): GS

The characteristics and dynamics of violent families. Emphasis on the issue of domestic violence as it relates to cultural values and beliefs. Myths, motivations, and linkages to substance abuse will be addressed, as well as appropriate interventions and treatment methods.

SW-298 Special Topics in Social Work (200 Level)Credits: 1-3

Term Offered: Spring Term

Course Type(s): None

SW-299 Independent Study in Social WorkCredits: 3

Term Offered: All Terms

Course Type(s): None

Directed individual study of social work in areas of special interest. Prior permission of the directing professor and department chair is required to take this course.

SW-317 Racism, Sexism, and Social WelfareCredits: 3

Term Offered: Spring Term

Course Type(s): CD, GS

Analysis of institutional racism and sexism in relation to social welfare; the nature of social work intervention with racial and ethnic minorities and women.

SW-324 Environmental Justice and Sustainable Development in Social WorkCredits: 3

Term Offered: Fall Term

Course Type(s): GU, HY

This course will address environmental justice and sustainable development in social work using a social justice and human rights framework embodied in Green Social Work and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The course will highlight social work skills, knowledge and values necessary for working with communities, groups and organizations on issues of environmental justice and sustainable development. Social work pathways to facilitating environmental justice will be explored and developed, grounded in local and global policy and program solutions that "promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all".

SW-326 Social Welfare Policy and ServicesCredits: 3

Prerequisite(s): SW-223 and either EN-101 or EN-102

Term Offered: Spring Term

Course Type(s): WT

Dimensions of choice in social welfare policy design; eligibility for service; structures, staffing, and funding for services; theoretical material related to current developments and services in the field.

SW-332 Gender and Sexual IdentitiesCredits: 3

Prerequisite(s): SO-101

Term Offered: Spring Term

Course Type(s): CD, GS, SI, SJS

Draws on sociological and feminist theories of identity to question the definitions, constructions, deconstructions, ambivalences, and socially constructed nature of gender and sexual identities. In questioning such identities, this course aims at helping students understand the connections between gender and sexuality, and how those two social forces shape people's individual identities and the identities of others. The course examines how structure of race, class, gender, and sexuality, and social institutions such as family and work shape gender and sexual identities. It pays particular attention to how one's social location within power structures shapes personal identities. Also listed as SO-332.

SW-341 Social Work Practice with GroupsCredits: 3

Prerequisite(s): SW-223 passed with a grade of C or higher

Term Offered: Fall Term

Course Type(s): EX5

Methods and skills utilized in generalist social work practice; major methods of social work intervention with individuals, groups, and communities using case analysis and theoretical concepts. Previously listed as SW-413.

SW-342 Social Work Practice with Individuals and FamiliesCredits: 3

Prerequisite(s): SW-105 and SW-223 both passed with a grade of C or higher

Co-requisite(s): SW-342L

Term Offered: Spring Term

Course Type(s): EX5

SW-342L Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families LabCredits: 1

Prerequisite(s): SW-223

Co-requisite(s): SW-342

Term Offered: Spring Term

Course Type(s): None

Designed to provide students with a hands-on experience with the assessment skills and tools taught in Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families class (SW-342). Students will become familiar with videotaping equipment and will develop strong assessment skills to be used with clients in the field. For Social Work majors only.

SW-344 Social Work Practice with CommunitiesCredits: 3

Prerequisite(s): SW-223

Term Offered: Spring Term

Course Type(s): None

Examines conceptual models of community social work; development of skills to help promote social change.

SW-371 International Service SeminarCredits: 3

Prerequisite(s): PS-102

Term Offered: Spring Term

Course Type(s): EX5, PSIP

Students will learn to unite theory and practice by studying theories and policies based on human security, and learning about their applications through service-learning projects. Students will enhance their understanding of human security by volunteering in international community organizations and reflecting on the social, political, and economic factors and policies that affect them. Also listed as PS-371, AN-371 and SO-371.

SW-383 Migration and Intercultural CooperationCredits: 3

Course Type(s): GU, RE

Students will become familiar with issues and strategies to deal with immigrant populations effectively. Discussions will be directed towards increasing intercultural cooperation, respect for the principle of peaceful co-existence, and diversity as a strength for economic growth and societal progress. Emphasis will also be given to the theories related to ethnicity, race, culture, and geographic location of the origin of immigrant populations. Special attention will be given to the diverse issues that arise from the varied cultural backgrounds of immigrants and refugees. Students will learn skills related to culturally appropriate and tailored interventions. Experiential learning will be utilized. Prepares students using a strength-based empowerment approach to effectively utilize required resources serving the needs of diverse, immigrant populations.

SW-398 Special Topics in Social Work (300 Level)Credits: 1-3

Course Type(s): None

SW-399 Independent Study in Social WorkCredits: 1-3

Term Offered: All Terms

Course Type(s): None

Directed individual study of social work in areas of special interest. Prior permission of the directing professor and department chair is required to take this course.

SW-409 Social Work Research MethodsCredits: 3

Prerequisite(s): EN-101 and EN-102

Co-requisite(s): SW-421

Term Offered: Fall Term

Course Type(s): WT

Basic skills necessary for Social Work research: problem formulation, theoretical framework development, research design, methods of data collection, evaluation techniques, and data analysis.

SW-411 Data Analysis for Social WorkCredits: 3

Prerequisite(s): MA-105; this course is for Social Work majors only

Course Type(s): None

Introduction to the basic knowledge and skills necessary for the analysis of data collected or reported in social work research. Preparation for the social work practitioner to assess the adequacy of statistical procedures and to appropriately choose statistical procedures to make order out of data collected within their own research. Not open to students who have successfully completed MA-151. Limited to Social Work majors.

SW-412 Practice Evaluation in Social WorkCredits: 3

Prerequisite(s): SW-409, SW-411 or MA-151, Senior standing, and EN-101 and EN-102

Co-requisite(s): SW-422

Term Offered: Spring Term

Course Type(s): None

Applications of research methods to social work practice. Using skills in practice evaluation, advanced research in single-system design will be conducted.

SW-421 Field Practice in Social WorkCredits: 6

Prerequisite(s): SW-342 and SW-344 both passed with a grade of C or higher

Co-requisite(s): SW-409

Term Offered: Fall Term

Course Type(s): EX5

Supervised experience in a social agency; direct work with individuals, groups, or communities; preparation for professional responsibility upon graduation. Sixteen hours per week in placement and a weekly seminar at the University.

SW-422 Advanced Field Practice in Social WorkCredits: 6

Prerequisite(s): SW-421 passed with a grade of B- or higher

Co-requisite(s): SW-412

Term Offered: Spring Term

Course Type(s): EX5

Advanced field practice; direct services to individual clients, families, groups, and communities, with the possibility of administrative experiences. Sixteen hours per week in placement and a weekly seminar at the University.

SW-424 New Perspectives on Human SexualityCredits: 3

Prerequisite(s): 9 credits from either Social Work, Sociology, Psychology or Anthropology

Course Type(s): None

Recent research and developments in the field of human sexuality focusing on individual and social problems.

SW-426 Seminar in Social WorkCredits: 3

Prerequisite(s): EN-101, EN-102, SW-421 and Senior standing

Term Offered: Spring Term

Course Type(s): WT

Seminar focusing on topics of particular interest to Social Work students planning to enter practice or graduate school.

SW-461 Culturally Diverse Child Welfare PracticesCredits: 3

Term Offered: All Terms

Course Type(s): CD, RE

Provides an understanding of the context from which the practice of child welfare originates, examining the impact of policy upon the direct care of children at risk. Contemporary issues that face children at risk such as sexual abuse, neglect, physical abuse, poverty, and maternal substance abuse are covered, as well as recommended services and treatment that address these concerns. Public child welfare in New Jersey will be of central focus, including the impact and changes of the system's reform plan. In addition, issues of cultural diversity and cultural difference in child welfare practices and child rearing behaviors will be reviewed, with a focus on how the child welfare system could better infuse diversity of experience in policy and practice.

SW-498 Special Topics in Social Work (400 Level)Credits: 1-3

Prerequisite(s): SW-421

Term Offered: Spring Term

Course Type(s): None

An intensive study of a particular subject or problem in social work to be announced prior to registration. May be conducted on either a lecture-discussion or a seminar basis. If there is a prerequisite for this course it will be announced in the course schedule.

SW-499 Independent Study in Social WorkCredits: 1-3

Term Offered: All Terms

Course Type(s): None

Directed individual study of social work in areas of special interest. Prior permission of the directing professor and department chair is required to take this course.