Course Descriptions

SOCW 101 : Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare - ES

An introduction to human need and the field of social work. Provides an overview of services, models of service delivery, and professional social work values. Students visit agency settings and meet with social work practitioners. A volunteer experience in the field is a required component of this seminar-style course. (4)

SOCW 175 : January on the Hill - VW, GE

An intense experience of service and community work on Tacoma's Hilltop District and/or Tacoma's eastside where students learn firsthand about poverty and participate in community projects. (4)

SOCW 232 : Research Methods

This course will prepare students to demonstrate basic competencies in the knowledge, values, and skills of research methodology to analyze the social world. This includes problem formulation, research designs, measurement, sampling, interviewing, and critical evaluation of research in social work and the social sciences. Required for social work majors. Prerequisite: SOCI 101. (4)

SOCW 245 : Human Behavior and the Social Environment - ES

Students examine developmental theory through the lens of an ecological systems perspective and a biopsychosocial-spiritual framework, emphasizing power, privilege, and cultural differences (particularly race/ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation) as applied to individuals, families, groups, institutions, organizations, and communities locally and globally. Volunteer experience is required. (4)

SOCW 287 : Special Topics in Social Work

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

SOCW 288 : Special Topics in Social Work

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

SOCW 289 : Special Topics in Social Work

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

SOCW 290 : Anti-Racism, Diversity, & Equity in SW Practice

In this course, human diversity is broadly explored and defined to include race, ethnicity, culture, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and ability. The course content looks critically at privilege and ways in which a society's cultural practices and structure may oppress, marginalize, and alienate some while enhancing power and privilege of others. (4)

SOCW 291 : Directed Study

To provide individual undergraduate students with introductory study not available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as DS: followed by the specific title designated by the student. (1 to 4)

SOCW 325 : Social, Educational, and Health Services in Tobago - VW, GE

Explore strengths and needs of Tobago and effects of history and colonialism on the development of community problems. Through service learning, interaction with agency staff and community members, readings and reflections, develop an understanding of the meaning of service in another culture and deepen one's own ethic of meaningful service. (4)

SOCW 332 : Research Methods

This course will prepare students to demonstrate basic competencies in the knowledge, values, and skills of research methodology to analyze the social world. This includes problem formulation, research designs, measurement, sampling, interviewing, and critical evaluation of research in social work and the social sciences. Required for social work majors. Prerequisite: SOCI 101. (4)

SOCW 335 : Human Behavior in the Social Environment I - ES

Addresses theories and knowledge of human bio-psycho-social development from birth to young adulthood, including theories and knowledge about the range of social systems in which individual live (families, groups, organizations, institutions, and communities). Interactions between and among human biological, social, psychological, and cultural systems as they affect and are affected by human behavior. (4)

SOCW 336 : Human Behavior in the Social Environment II

Addresses theories and knowledge of human bio-psycho-social development from early adolescence through late adulthood, including theories and knowledge about the range of social systems in which individual live (families, groups, organizations, institutions, and communities). Interactions between and among human biological, social, psychological, and cultural systems as they affect and are affected by human behavior. (4)

SOCW 350 : Social Work Policy & History

This course will explore how power, privilege, and oppression emphasize political process and global social change in the development of the American welfare state and the profession of social work. Students reflect critically up on the development of social and political policies historically. Students also develop legislative policy practice and advocacy skills and examine the impact of policy implementation, administration, and governmental structure on services to vulnerable populations. Critical thinking is used to analyze contemporary policy in income assistance, health/mental health, child welfare, homelessness, and services to seniors. (4)

SOCW 360 : Social Work Practice I: Interviewing and Overview of Generalist Practice

Students learn the conceptual framework of generalist practice and apply the ecological systems perspective to practice. This course introduces engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation in the context of social work both locally and globally. Students are able to learn intentional interviewing skills and apply those skills within various models of practice and across cultures. Prerequisite: SOCW 335. (4)

SOCW 387 : Special Topics in Social Work

Selected topics as announced by the department. Topics relevant to current trends and issues in the field of social work. (2 to 4)

SOCW 388 : Special Topics in Social Work

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

SOCW 389 : Special Topics in Social Work

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

SOCW 395 : Social Work & Health Care

This course is designed to provide students with an overview of social work practice in health care settings. Areas of emphasis will include social work practice in acute inpatient care settings, community health clinics, and agencies. Students will consider the historic context of medical social work, trends in both its development and theoretical orientations, present practice opportunities and characteristics, and ways in which professional practice differs across the health care spectrum. Skills required for effective social work practice in varied health care settings, factors impacting such practice, bioethical issues common to contemporary health care practice, and considerations and guidelines regarding the provision of care to diverse populations will be examined. The course will also address recent and anticipated changes in health care - and the role of the social worker within this dynamic context. (4)

SOCW 460 : Social Work Practice II: Families and Groups

Grounded in the framework of generalist social work practice, the second social work practice course examines theoretical models and practice skills for assessment and intervention with families and groups. Emphasizes the importance of culturally sensitive practice. Introduces students to group dynamics and group development. Prerequisite: SOCW 335, 360. (4)

SOCW 465 : Social Work Practice III: Macropractice - SR

Using the generalist social work practice framework, students develop engagement, assessment, intervention and evaluation skills for local and global practice with organizations, and communities. As professional social workers, students map community assets, examine community development, and advocate for diverse and marginalized groups. Students recognize social service organizations as a changing context for professional practice and research. Within this course, students also complete a capstone project in conjunction with their SOCW 481 course taken concurrently. Prerequisites: SOCW 335, 336, 350, 360, and 460. (4)

SOCW 480 : Social Work Practicum I

Students are placed in social service agencies where, under supervision, they demonstrate the generalist skills of engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation of practice. They apply ethical principles in interactions with clients and staff, demonstrate critical thinking, engage and embrace diversity, demonstrate and apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment. In weekly seminar, students integrate the theories and skills from their coursework with experiences in their field settings, applying theories of human behavior and the social environment. Prerequisites: SOCW 350 and 360; to be taken concurrently with SOCW 460. Requires consent of instructor. (4)

SOCW 481 : Social Work Practicum II

Continuation of SOCW 480. Practicum in social work consists of 460 hours of progressive growth in a professional setting and this course is the culmination of this effort. Students practice and refine the generalist skills of engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation. Through their deepening identification with the social work profession, they analyze how their agency respond to changing contexts and reflect on ways to engage in policy and advocacy practice. Weekly seminar supports student growth in their professional identification and behavior. Must be taken concurrently with SOCW 465. (4)

SOCW 487 : Special Topics in Social Welfare

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

SOCW 488 : Special Topics in Social Welfare

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

SOCW 489 : Special Topics in Social Welfare

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

SOCW 491 : Independent Study

To provide individual undergraduate students with advanced study not available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as IS: followed by the specific title designated by the student. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. (1 to 4)

SOCW 495 : Internship

To permit undergraduate students to relate theory and practice in a work situation. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as Intern: followed by the specific title designated by the instructor in consultation with the student. (1 to 12)

SOCW 505 : Human Behavior & the Social Environment

This course is designed to introduce students to human behavior in the social environment through a critical race lens as students begin to explore theory and practice with diverse clients in healthcare settings. Students will explore the concepts of privilege, oppression, social justice in their work with diverse clients. This course will emphasize the impact discrimination and oppression by individuals and society on the developmental experience for people from culturally diverse backgrounds and orientations. Students will develop an understanding of the ecological systems perspective and how it is utilized in social work. Issues of power and oppression will be explored at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels of social work practice. (4)

SOCW 510 : Social Work Theory & Practice I

This course provides a foundation and background to the field of social work practice. Students will be introduced to the history of social welfare and the development of the social work profession in the United States. They will learn about foundational theories that apply to generalist social work practice as well as a more focused exploration of work with individuals and families. Content on working with diverse populations will be integrated to assist students in developing social work practice skills using various theoretical constructs (i.e. strengths perspective, problem-solving, empowerment) and evidence-informed practices. Additional focus will be to assist students in developing a professional self with an integration of social work values and ethics throughout the course. Skill building will be practiced using role plays, videos, and written assignments in preparing students for their field experience in the spring semester. (4)

SOCW 515 : Social Work Theory & Practice II

Students will build on the foundation provided in SOCW 510 to explore work with groups, organizations, and communities. Content on working with diverse populations will be incorporated and students will be encouraged to use an anti-racist lens to look at social work theories that underlie mezzo and macro level practice. (4)

SOCW 525 : Anti-Racism, Diversity, & Equity in Social Work Practice

In this course, human diversity is broadly explored and defined to include race, ethnicity, culture, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and ability. The course content looks critically at privilege and the ways in which a society's cultural practices and structure may oppress, marginalize, and alienate some while enhancing power and privilege of others. Students will explore their own intersecting identities and how awareness of these factors influences delivery of social work practice in healthcare and mental healthcare settings. (4)

SOCW 532 : Social Work Research Methods

Social work relies on careful collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data to answer theoretical, empirical, and applied research questions. This course will introduce students to methods of data collection and analysis in social work and provide students with the tools to engage in this central component of scientific inquiry. This course lays the foundation for social research, including an introduction to the scientific method and ethics. Students will learn about several of the most used methods of research in social work; including, experiments, surveys, interviews, field research, single subject design, content analysis, and analysis of secondary data. Research design, conceptualization, and sampling will be covered. Students will apply methods in course assignments and will demonstrate their cumulative learning through preparation of a research proposal using one of the methods. (4)

SOCW 535 : Advanced Social Work Foundations

This course is provided for incoming students into the advanced standing program. The course provides a review of the central social work theories, values, and skills that enhance the understanding of social work assessment and intervention at multiple system levels. Students will also review research methods as well as history and policy underlying the social work profession and social work practice. (4)

SOCW 555 : Social Work in Health Care

This course builds on generalist social work theory and practice with a look at advanced assessment and intervention skills in healthcare settings across micro, mezzo, and macro practice settings. Theory will guide assessment and intervention selection for social work practice in healthcare settings. Issues of diversity and equity in practice will be addressed to meet the needs of multiple constituencies. Prerequisite: SOCW 505, 510, 515, or acceptance into the MSW program in advanced standing status. (4)

SOCW 560 : Mental Health Assessment & Intervention

This foundational course helps students develop a multi-dimensional assessment and intervention framework for clinical social work practice. This course builds on Social Work Theory and Practice from a Racial Justice Perspective and focuses on bio, psych, social, and spiritual assessment and intervention at the individual and family level and includes children, youth, adults, and older adults. The DSM-5 classification system is discussed within the context of social work values and ethics. Several empirically-based assessment tools and intervention techniques that are grounded in social work practice are explored to meet the needs of clients and families from diverse backgrounds. Prerequisite: SOCW 505, 510, or acceptance into the MSW program in advanced standing status. (4)

SOCW 565 : SUD Assessment & Intervention

This course provides a broad understanding of the stages, processes, and effects of substance use disorders, the social and psychological dynamics of substance use disorders, and the social worker's role in prevention, intervention, and aftercare, including recovery and relapse prevention. Students will also learn specific interventions for substance abuse treatment, such as motivational interviewing (MI) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). (4)

SOCW 570 : Comparative Health Care

In this course, students will have the opportunity to visit and learn about health care in another country or location. They will explore different cultural meanings attached to health and well-being, see how healthcare policy is implemented in other countries and communities, and learn about access to and quality of health care in a global context. Prerequisite: SOCW 555.(4)

SOCW 573 : Policy Practice & Advocacy in Health Care

This course builds on policy content offered in previous courses. The course provides students with knowledge, skills, and abilities for understanding the interrelationship between developments in health policy, the health care delivery system, and social work practice. Diversity, inequality, and social and economic justice are continuing themes of study in the advanced concentration year. Prerequisite: SOCW 555, 570. (4)

SOCW 576 : Foundation Practicum Experience I

Students are assigned to a practicum setting (e.g. healthcare, mental healthcare, or social service agency) and participate under social work (practicing MSW-degreed social worker) supervision and mentoring in the delivery of social work services. Students will have the opportunity to practice foundational social work skills; including, completing intakes, developing social histories, interviewing, developing intervention plans, analyzing politics relevant to practice, and other skills that the student, the practicum instructor, and faculty liaison mutually develop. The experience requires a minimum of 320 clock hours. Along with practice int he community, students attend a regular classroom seminar, which provides students with the opportunity to integrate the content in their courses with their practicum experience learning activities. Students develop a plan to monitor and evaluate their practice in their practicum experience setting. The seminar provides students with an opportunity to explore, question, and process their experiences in their placements. Prerequisite: SOCW 505 and 510. (4)

SOCW 586 : Advanced Practicum Experience II

Students are assigned to a practicum setting (e.g. healthcare, mental healthcare, or social service agency) and participate under social work (practicing MSW-degreed social worker) supervision and mentoring in the delivery of social work services. Building on their foundational skills, students will begin to practice advanced social work skills of assessing, intervening with research-informed practices, and assessing interventions with individuals, families, and groups. The experience is a minimum of 320 clock hours. Along with practice in the community, students attend a regular classroom seminar, which provides students with the opportunity to integrate the content in their courses with their practicum experience learning activities. Students develop a plan to monitor and evaluate their advanced clinical practice in their advanced practicum experience setting. The seminar provides students with an opportunity to explore, question, and process their experiences in practicum related to advanced clinical social work practices. Prerequisite: SOCW 576 or acceptance into the MSW program in advanced standing status. (4)

SOCW 587 : Special Topics in Social Work

To provide graduate students with new, one-time and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. Selected advanced topics. (1 to 4)

SOCW 588 : Special Topics in Social Work

To provide graduate students with new, one-time and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. Selected advanced topics. (1 to 4)

SOCW 589 : Special Topics in Social Work

To provide graduate students with new, one-time and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. Selected advanced topics. (1 to 4)

SOCW 591 : Independent Study

To provide individual graduate students graduate-level study not available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as IS: followed by the specific title designated by the student. (1 to 4)

SOCW 596 : Advanced Practicum Experience III

Students continue their advanced clinical practicum experience under social work (practicing MSW-degreed social worker) supervision and mentoring in the delivery of social work services. Building on their advanced practice skills, students will continue to practice advanced social work skills of assessing, intervening with research informed practices, and assessing interventions with individual, families, and groups. The experience is a minimum of 320 clock hours. Along with practice in the community, students attend a regular classroom seminar, which provides students with the opportunity to integrate the content of their courses with their practicum experience learning activities. Students develop a plan to monitor and evaluate their advanced clinical practice in their advanced practicum experience setting. The seminar provides students with an opportunity to explore, question, and process their experiences in practicum related to advanced clinical social work practices. Students have the opportunity to prepare and present a capstone project to document their learning and skills related to the specialized competencies of the program. Students will also develop a professional resume and explore the MSW job search and licensing process. Prerequisite: SOCW 586. (4)