2009-2011 - Benedict College

118 SOCIAL WORK DEPARTMENT
helping efforts. Early stages of growth and development, beginning with conception, and ending with
older adulthood will be emphasized. The approach to the study of human behavior is eclectic, using
concepts from social systems theory, the ecological perspective and developmental theories, such as
those of Freud, Erikson, Piaget and Kohlberg. For majors only. SW130, SW 230, Bio 140, Bio 233.
SW 331 Human Behavior in the Social Environment II
credit 3 hrs.
This course is the second part of a two part-semester course. This course builds on the foundation
from Human Behavior and Social Environment I. It looks at mezzo and macro systems’ influence on
diverse populations, with particular emphasis on populations-at-risk and oppressed groups. It will also
look at the values and ethics of the social work profession as applied to these larger systems. Major
theories of stress and social support will also be covered. Examination of the implications of social
work values and theory for global concern, such as human diversity, international social justice and
eco-environmental protection will be emphasized as important areas of concern for social work students.
For majors only. Prerequisite: SW 330.
SW 333 Social Work Practice I
credit 3 hrs.
The purpose of this course is to teach students practice skills that are inherent in the problem-solving
process. Skills are taught within the context of the generalist method of social work practice. The
course focuses on helping students integrate social work values and ethics, theoretical constructs
about people, problems, and self-awareness into the development of a body of beginning practice
skills. Students are provided the essential knowledge about working with individuals at the micro, and
families at the mezzo level. Emphasis is placed on students integrating their understanding of the person-in-environment
perspective into the development of basic practice skills. Students are taught the
entire problem-solving process (Generalist Intervention Model) with a focus on relationship building
and acquiring basic interviewing skills. For majors only. Prerequisites: SW 130, 230, 330.
SW 334 Social Work Practice II
credit 3 hrs.
This course is designed to build on the conceptual basis of Social Work Practice I (SW 333) with a
focus on groups. This course will discuss various types of groups, stages of group development, skills
in facilitating groups, and group roles and dynamics. Groups will be viewed from an ecological
problem-solving perspective. For majors only. Prerequisite: SW 333.
SW 335 Family and Child Welfare
credit 3 hrs.
This course focuses on current policy and practice in the field of child welfare. The varied family forms
and child welfare services are explored, including foster family, group care, institutional placement of
children, and adoption. A central concern of the course is the impact of the changing role of the family
on child welfare policy and practice.
SW 336 Introduction to Social Gerontology
credit 3 hrs.
The course provides the student with the opportunity to acquire knowledge about the physical, social,
and psychological processes of aging. This knowledge is intended to help the student learn to understand
the older person as a person. The course will include theories of adjustment, role change, social
relationships, and the social forces that influence the aging process. The student learns about opportunities
and constraints imposed by an urban industrial society on the aged. This course also provides
information about programs and services for the elderly.
SW 337 Social Welfare Policy
credit 3 hrs.
This course provides an overview of the historical development, pertinent concepts, and definitions
associated with social welfare problems and social policy. It focuses on the social, economic, and
political forces that affect the social welfare system. The development of programs to remedy pover¬ty
and related social problems are examined. The effect of racism and sexism as direct and indirect
factors contributing to social problems will be discussed. Specific content includes the influence of
societal values and political-economic schools of thought as well as cultural traditions formulation and
funding of public assistance programs, and the analysis, implementation and implications of social
welfare policies. The roles and responsibilities of social workers in policy and program development,
implementation and evaluation will also be discussed. For majors only. Prerequisites: SW 130, and 230
SW 338 Social Welfare Policy and Legislation
credit 3 hrs.
This course examines the policy-making process with attention to the structure of power and decisionmaking
at the national, state and local levels of government. The course examines the significance of