Independent reading and/or research under the supervision of a faculty member. Refer to the academic policy section for independent study policy. Independent study contract is required. May be repeated for credit.

This course will provide students with knowledge and skills of generalist social work practice with individuals and families. Students will develop interviewing and practice skills in relation to working with clients of diverse racial, cultural, class, and religious backgrounds, as well as address social work values and ethics. The planned change process, ethical and purposeful use of self, and use of theory to guide practice will be emphasized. Prerequisites: 280, 331; admission to the social work program.

This course focuses on theory and knowledge of individuals and families including biological, social, psychological, spiritual, and cultural factors that impact human development and behavior. Utilizing the generalist approach to social work practice, a social systems perspective is applied to understand the relationships between individuals, families and the broader social environment. Diversity is presented in its many facets covering ethnicity, culture, race, social class, gender, sexual orientation, age, and disability. The impact of discrimination and other forms of oppression on individual development and behavior are examined. Prerequisites: BIOL 203, PSYC 171, SOCL 125, admission to the social work program.

This course surveys the field of child welfare. Students will acquire an understanding of the issues that impact the welfare of children in our society, including poverty, substance abuse, violence, and mental health concerns, the relationship between these issues and child abuse and neglect. Students will examine the issues involved in providing services to children affected by child abuse and neglect, unplanned pregnancy, foster care, and institutional care. The student will acquire knowledge relevant to working with children, biological parents, foster parents, adoptive parents, and other systems involved in the welfare of children. Restricted to students with sophomore standing or higher. Prerequisite: 210 or SOCL 125 or PSYC 171.

This course introduces students to the profession of social work within contemporary society including the historical, social, economic, and political context of social work practice. Students develop an understanding of the connection between social work practice and social welfare policy. Social work values and ethics, including the professions commitment to social justice and valuing of diversity, will be emphasized. Students are introduced to the social service delivery system, the person-in-environment perspective, and generalist social work practice. The course will help students consider the social work profession as a career choice. OC, SS

This sophomore level writing emphasis course introduces social work students to the research process, critical thinking, and analytic writing. Students will learn to critically read and evaluate sources and scholarly writing. Emphasis will be placed on learning to write in APA style. An overview and basic understanding of the scientific research process, with an emphasis on quantitative research is stressed. Ethical issues in human subject research and evidence based practice in social work are examined. This is the first course in a two-course research sequence required for social work majors. Prerequisite: ENGL 104 or 105 or 195. Restricted to Social Work, Criminal and Community Justice, and Communication Disorders majors. WCII, IL.

This three-credit course enables students to explore the unique circumstances of vulnerable and disadvantaged populations through an ADEI lens. Students will also gain experience serving these populations outside the classroom. Students will meet for class once a week and complete 3-5 hours of service/shadowing per week starting week 3. Students will complete at least 30 hours of service/shadowing by the end of the semester. At the beginning of the semester, students will develop a service-learning plan that includes the agencies where they will complete their hours, the agency supervisors, the activities they will participate in, and the learning objectives for each agency. Students will get experience with a minimum of 5 different populations throughout the semester. Assignments support the integration of course material with experience and will focus on incorporating ADEI values into social work practice. Students examine the congruence of personal values with professional values, study social work ethics, and learn about professional boundaries. Prerequisite: 210 or concurrent.