2018-2019 Undergraduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences
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Chair: Professor Truss (History).
Professors Barone (History), Day (History), Fallin (History), Gilbert (Psychology), Hultquist (History), McDonald (Anthropology), Parker (Sociology), Turner (Political Science); Associate Professors Bawden (History), Doerfler (Political Science), Lowry (Sociology), Newell (Social Work); Assistant Professors Bare (Psychology), Beal (Social Work), Bounds (Sociology), Caplow (Environmental Studies), Eckelman (Political Science), Longo (Psychology), Shepherd (Psychology), Tetloff (Social Work); Senior Clinical Instructor Duke (Social Work).
Department Office Contact Information
Dr. Ruth Truss, Chair
University of Montevallo on Main
(205) 665-6180
Mission
The Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences explores the human condition in all of its richness and complexity. While focusing on the development of the essential skills of critical analysis in the disciplines of geography, history, political science, psychology, social work, and sociology, the department fosters a commitment and capacity for informed citizenship. As active citizens, students gain an understanding of diverse social perspectives and evaluate culturally-based values and beliefs. Finally, the department instills in its graduates the ability and desire to recognize and appreciate learning as a life-long process.
General Education
Several courses in Behavioral and Social Sciences fulfill the Social and Behavioral Sciences component of the UM General Education requirements: GEOG 231 ; HIST 101 , 102 , 103 , 104 ; POS 200 , 250 ; PSYC 201 ; SOC 101 ; 102 ; SWK 203 , 260 , 322 . ES 100 fulfills a Science requirement, and ES 200 fulfills the Personal Development requirement.
Students majoring in History, Political Science, Psychology, Social Science, Social Work, or Sociology must complete two semesters of World Civilizations (HIST 101 and 102 or 103 and 104 ).
Majors
The department offers the bachelor’s degree (either the B.A. or the B.S.) in the following disciplines:
Environmental Studies
History
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology - General or Criminology
Social Work
Social Science
Internships
Faculty in Behavioral and Social Sciences encourage participation in internships. The history, political science, and sociology programs regularly offer internships, especially in the summer terms. Social Work majors complete a practicum as part of their course curriculum. Contact faculty in the pertinent programs for additional information.
Courses in Behavioral and Social Sciences
Note: 400-level courses may be cross-listed with 500-level (graduate) courses.
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African American Studies Minor
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Environmental Studies Minor
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Environmental Studies, B.A.
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Environmental Studies, B.S.
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History Minor
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History, B.A.
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History, B.S.
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Human Rights and Public Service Minor
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Human Services Minor
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Political Science Minor
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Political Science, B.A.
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Political Science, B.S.
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Pre-Law Minor
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Psychology Minor
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Psychology, B.A.
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Psychology, B.S.
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Social Science, B.A.
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Social Science, B.S.
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Social Work, B.A.
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Social Work, B.S.
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Sociology Minor
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Sociology, B.A.
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Sociology, B.S.
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Sociology, Criminology, B.A.
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Sociology, Criminology, B.S.
POS 475 - Constitutional Law
3 credit hours
An examination of the role of the Supreme Court in constitutional interpretation, with emphasis on a study of the historical landmark decisions, from the Marshall Court to the Rehnquist Court.
POS 490 - Directed Reading in Political Science
3 credit hours
Investigation of assigned subjects with supervised reading and independent study. May be repeated for a maximum of six credit hours. Open to seniors only, with consent of instructor.
POS 495 - Government Internship
3-15 credit hours
Practical experience working in a politically related position under the guidance of a faculty member in political science.
POS 499 - The Science of Politics
3 credit hours
This “capstone seminar” reviews the history and development of the political-science discipline. A major objective is to assist students in the integration and assimilation of the various subfields and methodologies within the discipline. Limited to Political Science majors in their senior year, except with consent of instructor.
PSYC 201 - Foundations in Psychology
3 credit hours
General Education Course
Facts, principles, and theories of psychology with which every educated person should be familiar. PSYC 201 is a prerequisite for all other Psychology courses. Recommended for sophomores.
PSYC 300 - Descriptive Statistics
3 credit hours
Choice, calculation by hand and through statistical software, and interpretation of descriptive statistical techniques in the behavioral sciences. Topics include measures of central tendency and variability, correlation, t-test, and regression. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 201 , a grade of C or better in MATH 147 , or permission of instructor.
PSYC 301 - Research Methods in Psychology
3 credit hours
An overview of scientific reasoning, research design and ethics, and research writing for psychological sciences. Includes observational, correlational, experimental, and quasi-experimental designs. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 201 and PSYC 300 .
PSYC 306 - Lifespan Developmental Psychology
3 credit hours
Behavior throughout the human life span, from conception to death; biological, cross-cultural, and environmental factors influencing physical, intellectual, perceptual, social, personality, emotional, and verbal development; theories and methodology of the scientific study of development. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 201 .
PSYC 307 - Psychology of Death
3 credit hours
Current perspectives on issues surrounding death and dying. Emphasis on grief, mourning, and coping with loss. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 201 and 306 or consent of instructor.
PSYC 310 - Psychopathology
3 credit hours
A study of psychopathological behavior, theoretical models, and therapy modalities. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 201 .
PSYC 311 - Drugs, Brain, and Behavior
3 credit hours
A study of commonly abused licit and illicit drugs examining their effects on the brain and on behavior. Topics may also include major classes of drugs, effects, and toxicity, historical and cultural perspectives, addiction and treatment, and government regulations. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 201 .
PSYC 312 - Psychology in Film
3 credit hours
An exploration of topics such as social psychology, psychopathology, developmental psychology, therapy, learning through an examination of the presentation of psychology in film. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 201 .
PSYC 315 - Child Psychopathology
3 credit hours
Study of psychopathology as it relates to children and adolescents. Students will examine behavior, theoretical models, and modes of therapy for children and adolescents. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 201 and PSYC 310 .
PSYC 321 - Social Psychology
3 credit hours
Reciprocal influences of individuals in social interaction settings, social perception, social cognition, attitudes, social exchange, social influence, and control. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 201 .
PSYC 340 - Cognitive Psychology
3 credit hours
An analysis of thinking, conceptualization, attention, memory, problem solving, language, and related mediational processes in the individual. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 201 .
PSYC 345 - Principles of Learning
3 credit hours
Basic principles of classical and operant conditioning, including reinforcement, punishment, and stimulus control. Application to animal and human learning. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 201 .
PSYC 350 - Forensic Psychology
3 credit hours
The study of psychological principles associated with various aspects of the legal system, including forensic assessment and expert witness testimony, police stress, lawyers and judges in the courtroom, victims’ rights, and the use of the insanity defense in criminal cases. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 201 and PSYC 310 .
PSYC 351 - Introduction to Clinical Psychology
3 credit hours
An in-depth study of various theoretical models underlying psychotherapy; clinical decision-making and assessment before, during, and after therapy; non-traditional therapies; biologically based therapies; ethical issues in psychotherapy; therapy over the life span; racial and gender issues in psychotherapy; and the efficacy of psychotherapy. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 201 and 310 .
PSYC 352 - Health Psychology
3 credit hours
An in-depth study of health psychology as a subdiscipline within psychology. Emphasis on the interaction of biopsychosocial factors as they influence physical illnesses. Methods of successful intervention with patients, based on psychological research, will be a major focus. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 201 and 3 additional hours of Psychology.
PSYC 375 - Psychology of Personality
3 credit hours
Examination of personality theories, structure, development, methodology, and assessment. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 201 .
PSYC 391 - Special Topics in Clinical Psychology
3 credit hours
An in-depth study of a topic within Clinical Pyschology. Course may be repeated for credit as often as topic changes. Consent of instructor required. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 201 and PSYC 310 .
PSYC 392 - Special Topics in Developmental Psychology
3 credit hours
An in-depth study of a topic within Developmental Pyschology. Course may be repeated for credit as often as topic changes. Consent of instructor required. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 201 and PSYC 306 .
PSYC 393 - Special Topics in Cognition and Learning
3 credit hours
An in-depth study of a topic within Cognition and Learning. Course may be repeated for credit as often as topic changes. Consent of instructor required. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 201 and PSYC 340 .
PSYC 394 - Special Topics in Social Psychology
3 credit hours
An in-depth study of a topic within Social Psychology. Course may be repeated for credit as often as topic changes. Consent of instructor required. Prerequisite(s) with concurrency allowed: PSYC 201 and PSYC 321 .
PSYC 395 - Special Topics in Biological Psychology
3 credit hours
An in-depth study of a topic within Biological Psychology. Course may be repeated for credit as often as topic changes. Consent of instructor required. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 201 and PSYC 425 .
PSYC 396 - Special Topics in Psychology
3 credit hours
An in-depth study of one area of specialization within Psychology. Course may be repeated for credit as often as topic changes. Consent of instructor required. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 201 , 3 additional hours of Psychology.
PSYC 415 - Human Factors
3 credit hours
Design of systems, work places, and products that effectively support humans in the tasks they perform. Topics include display-control designs, human perceptual limitations, human information processing, design of the work place, and designing to minimize the impact of human error. Case studies will be used. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 201 and PSYC 340 or consent of instructor.
PSYC 418 - Psychological Testing
3 credit hours
Psychological testing instruments used in clinical, counseling, industrial, and educational settings. Emphasis on criteria and information sources for selection of psychological tests, score interpretation, ethical considerations, bias in testing, and current issues in test use. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 201 , PSYC 300 and PSYC 310 .
PSYC 420 - Sensation and Perception
3 credit hours
Study of sensation and perception from a historical perspective and current paradigms. Sensory systems and their biological organization as well as traditional and contemporary questions about perception of sensory information. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 201 and junior or senior standing.
PSYC 425 - Biological Psychology
3 credit hours
Physiological bases of behavior, including learning, motivation, psychopathology, emotion, the senses, body rhythms, and other brain-behavior relationships. Neurochemical aspects of behavior and drug effects. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 201 and BIO 105 , or consent of instructor.
PSYC 430 - Experimental Psychology and Inferential Statistics
3 credit hours
Experimental design, computer analyses, and inferential statistics appropriate to the field of psychology. Methodologies discussed include case studies, surveys, observational studies, correlational studies, and factorial designs. Sampling theory, hypothesis testing, and parametric statistics are covered. Course includes a significant computer component appropriate to analyzing and presenting research findings in the behavioral sciences and related fields. Ethical issues in research and writing APA-style results and discussion sections are also covered. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 201 and 300 .
PSYC 489 - Individual Research I
3 credit hours
Open to Psychology majors only and consent of instructor required. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 201 , PSYC 301 , and 12 additional hours of Psychology.
PSYC 490 - Individual Research II
3 credit hours
Open to Psychology majors only and consent of instructor required. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 201 , PSYC 301 , and PSYC 489 .
PSYC 491 - Directed Readings in Psychology
3 credit hours
Current literature on selected, varying topics in Psychology. May be repeated for a maximum of six credit hours. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 201 , 9 additional hours of Psychology, and consent of instructor.
PSYC 499 - Senior Seminar in the History of Psychology: A Capstone Experience
3 credit hours
A capstone course that surveys the history and development of the discipline of psychology. Emphasis will be placed on integrating material from the psychology curriculum in order to examine the interconnectedness of the field, despite its vast diversity. Prerequisite(s): BIO 105 (or 107 ), PHIL 290 , PSYC 201 and 425 , and 21 additional hours of Psychology.
SOC 101 - Introductory Sociology
3 credit hours
General Education Course
Patterns of modern society, including social behavior in terms of culture, group relationships, social organizations, and social stratification.
SOC 102 - Honors Introductory Sociology
3 credit hours
General Education Course
Introduction to sociology as a social-scientific perspective and academic field of inquiry. Special attention to the social structures and conditions that shape, and are shaped by, human interactions, biographies, and behaviors. Enrollment in the UM Honors Program required.
SOC 240 - Social Problems
3 credit hours
Concepts and theories used in the sociological study of social problems. Emphasis on the process through which troubling conditions become understood as social problems. Students develop skills of thinking critically about social problems and successfully presenting claims about troubling societal conditions.
SOC 303 - Selected Topics in Sociology
3 credit hours
Topics vary. Course may be repeated for credit as often as topic changes. (Cross-listed with GEOG 303 , HIST 303 , and POS 303 .)
SOC 310 - Sociology of Popular Music
3 credit hours
The relationship of music and cultural values, beliefs, and practices is complex and subject to much debate. Music both reflects and shapes cultures. In this course we will examine popular music as an important social, economic, political, and historical force in American life.
SOC 322 - Minorities
3 credit hours
Principal American social and ethnic groups, with emphasis on immigration and migration of minority groups and the effects of prejudice and discrimination.
SOC 324 - Social Stratification
3 credit hours
Theories and systems of caste and class, with specific consideration given to status, occupation, income, education, and other elements in contemporary American stratification. Prerequisite(s): SOC 101 or SOC 102 .
SOC 341 - Juvenile Delinquency
3 credit hours
Systematic approaches to dealing with the major problems of juvenile delinquency in the United States. Emphasis on development, rehabilitation, and prevention of delinquent behavior. Junior or senior standing required. Prerequisite(s): SOC 101 or SOC 102 .
SOC 342 - Criminology
3 credit hours
This course is a study of the nature of criminal acts, theories of causation, and modern trends of punishment and/or rehabilitation. Junior or senior standing required. Prerequisite(s): SOC 101 or SOC 102 .
SOC 352 - Medical Sociology
3 credit hours
Nature and organization of medical practice and health-care delivery systems. Includes history of medical care, evolution of medicine, structure of health-care system, and the relationship between health care and other major institutions. Attention also given to the role of the practitioner and the patient in the health-care process. Prerequisite(s): SOC 101 or SOC 102 .
SOC 360 - Social Change
3 credit hours
Theories and processes of social change in advanced societies, with emphasis on demographic development, social movements, and collective behavior. Prerequisite(s): SOC 101 or SOC 102 .
SOC 393 - Probation and Parole
3 credit hours
Analytical and theoretical examination of probation and parole systems in the United States, with emphasis on the technical aspects of the field of corrections. Prerequisite(s): SOC 101 or SOC 102 .
SOC 401 - Sociology of Aging and the Life Course
3 credit hours
Sociological study of aging across the life course including the social construction of age and aging. Review of classical perspectives on aging with a particular focus on the life course perspective. Examination of how age-related experiences intersect with socioeconomic status, gender, race, and ethnicity. Prerequisite(s): SOC 101 or SOC 102 .
SOC 402 - Sociology of Education
3 credit hours
Comprehensive study of education as an institution of enculturation, with emphasis on the relationship of education and other social institutions, schools as experienced by students, and contemporary crisis in education. Prerequisite(s): SOC 101 or SOC 102 .
SOC 403 - Animals and Society
3 credit hours
Sociological perspectives on the role of animals in the production and re-production of human culture and society. Emphasis on the use of animals for human consumption, leisure, status acquisition, identity expression, knowledge production, and meaning-making. Socio-historical views on pet-keeping, euthanasia, and animal abuse. Prerequisite(s): SOC 101 or SOC 102 .
SOC 404 - Environmental and Natural Resources Sociology
3 credit hours
Focuses on interactions between social structures and biophysical environments. Topics include: Socio-cultural understandings of nature, social causes and consequences of environmental degradation, human population dynamics, environmental justice, environmental health, globalization of food systems, and public opinion toward environmental change. Prerequisite(s): SOC 101 or SOC 102 .
SOC 411 - Selected Topics in Sociology
3 credit hours
Topics vary. Course may be repeated for credit as topic changes. Prerequisite(s): SOC 101 or SOC 102 .
SOC 445 - Sex Roles, Gender, and Culture
3 credit hours
Study of sex roles within broader cultural patterns in various societies. Topics include: acquisition of gender, interactional styles, and political/economic consequences of gender differences. Prerequisite(s): SOC 101 or SOC 102 .
SOC 480 - Development of Sociological Theory
3 credit hours
Origins and development of prominent sociological theories and the contributions of outstanding theorists. Prerequisite(s): SOC 101 or SOC 102 .
SOC 490 - Independent Study in Sociology
3 credit hours
May be repeated for a maximum of six credit hours. Consent of instructor required.
SOC 495 - Internship in Sociology
1-6 credit hours
The sociology internship is designed to provide students with experience in a professional setting related to sociology. Students will have the opportunity to apply concepts learned in the classroom while developing professional networks, knowledge, and skills. Restricted to Sociology majors with at least 60 earned hours (junior standing). Permission of instructor also required. Prerequisite(s): SOC 101 or SOC 102 .
SOC 499 - Sociology Capstone
3 credit hours
A culminating, reflective experience in which students integrate learning from prior courses, demonstrate the ability to apply disciplinary tools, hone professional identities and skills, and begin transition to post-graduate life. Depending upon the instructor, course requirements may include some or all of the following: Completion of a research project or other product that demonstrates knowledge and application of the discipline’s core perspectives, theories, and strategies; application of disciplinary knowledge in problem-solving activities, reflective participation in community activities or events; and/or generation of a professional portfolio or other product appropriate to the student’s post-graduation goals. Prerequisite(s): SOC 101 or SOC 102 , 240 , 324 , and nine additional credit hours of sociology electives. Prerequisite(s) with concurrency allowed: SWK 355 or POS 370 , and SOC 480 .
SWK 203 - Introduction to Social Welfare and Social Work
3 credit hours
General Education Course
Introduction to social welfare as a humane and stabilizing influence in U.S. society, and to social work as the dominant profession in social welfare.
SWK 260 - Social Work Practice with Children and Families
3 credit hours
General Education Course
This course presents issues affecting children and families in American society. Emphasis on providing social services to children who are abused, neglected, developmentally delayed, homeless, chronically ill and disabled. Policy issues related to the provision of adequate services to children and their families will also be reviewed.
SWK 301 - Selected Topics in Social Work
3 credit hours
Specific subjects will vary each time the course is offered. The subject will be announced the previous semester. Course may be repeated for credit each time the topic changes.
SWK 311 - Substance Abuse
3 credit hours
Evolution of alcohol and drug abuse/dependence in the U.S. and selected other countries and models used to treat substance abuse. Content includes the effects of drugs, including alcohol, on the body, as well as how the disease of dependence affects every area of life and the lives of family members.
SWK 322 - Human Behavior and the Social Environment
3 credit hours
General Education Course
Examination of interrelationships among the individual, family, small groups, organizations, and the community. Special attention given to diversity, cultural sensitivity, oppression, and discrimination. Prerequisite(s) with concurrency allowed: SWK 203 .
SWK 350 - Generalist Social Work Practice
3 credit hours
This course serves as an introduction to generalist social work practice as a planned, purposeful process driven by the mission, values, and ethical principles of the social work profession. Emphasis is placed on practice theories and methods of intervention with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. For social work majors only. Prerequisite(s): SWK 203 and 322 , and PSYC 306 or FCS 291 , with a GPA of 3.0 in prerequisite courses.
SWK 355 - Research in Social Welfare
3 credit hours
This course introduces the theoretical principles and application of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Emphasis is placed on developing students’ practice skills as consumers of the research literature to inform evidence-based social work practice and evaluation at the micro and macro levels of service. Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or better in SWK 203 (for Social Work majors).
SWK 373 - Social Policy
3 credit hours
An introduction to the study of social policy, with emphases on 1) how social policy influences the lives of citizens and clients, 2) how social policy influences the practice of social work, and 3) the resulting responsibilities of social work to try to influence social policy. Non-majors are allowed to take this course with consent of instructor. Prerequisite(s): For Social Work majors: SWK 203 and 322 (with grades of C or better), EC 231 or 232 , and POS 200 or 250 . Also recommended for Human Service minors, for whom the prerequisite is SWK 203 .
SWK 380 - Social Work Practice in Mental Health Care
3 credit hours
This course describes the role of professional social workers as service providers to the mentally ill and intellectually disabled. Emphasis is placed on the use of a comprehensive bio-psycho-social model for the assessment of mental health conditions. Prerequisite(s): SWK 203 .
SWK 390 - Social Work Practice with Groups
3 credit hours
Emphasis on the development of knowledge and skills for generalist social work practice with small groups, including task and treatment groups. For social work majors only. Consent of instructor required for non-social work majors. Prerequisite(s): Grades of C or better in SWK 203 and 322 .
SWK 400 - Social Work Practice Skills and Pre-Practicum
3 credit hours
A competency-based course emphasizing preparation for the social work practicum. Emphasis placed on the acquisition of skills in client interviewing, oral and written communication, professional documentation, and presentation. Students will apply to the Practicum Program and complete 24 hours of pre-practicum orientation. For social work majors only. Students must meet criteria for admission to the social work professional program to enter the course. Prerequisite(s): Grades of C or better in SWK 350 and 355 . Co-requisite(s): SWK 410 .
SWK 401 - Social Work Practice with Aging Populations
3 credit hours
This course provides a comprehensive examination of the social problems related to aging in contemporary society. Emphasis on the theoretical approaches and practice methods applied to populations receiving services within aging and geriatric settings. Prerequisite(s): SWK 203 .
SWK 410 - Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families
3 credit hours
Examines social work practice with individuals and families. The problem-solving process, social work purposes, values, and ethics are examined. Emphasis is given to the helping relationship and the phases of the helping process. For social work majors only. Prerequisite(s): SWK 350 and 355 . Co-requisite(s): SWK 400 .
SWK 411 - Selected Topics in Social Work
3 credit hours
Topics vary. Course may be repeated for credit as often as topic changes, up to a total of 9 credit hours. Prerequisite(s): SWK 203 and 322 .
SWK 420 - Social Work Practice with Communities and Organizations
3 credit hours
Emphasis on the development of knowledge and skills for generalist social work practice with communities and organizations. For social work majors only. Prerequisite(s): Grades of C or better in SWK 350 and 355 .
SWK 455 - Social Work Practicum
10 credit hours
The social work practicum provides an opportunity for students to have direct and continuing contact with the realities of social work practice for the purpose of developing professional social work capabilities. The student is assigned to a social service agency five days a week and is supervised by a qualified professional practitioner employed by the agency. Students must be admitted to the practicum program before registering for this course. A GPA of 3.0 is required in social work courses. An overall GPA of 2.3 is also required. Prerequisite(s): SWK 373 , 390 , 400 , 410 , and 420 .
SWK 456 - Social Work Integrative Seminar
2 credit hours
Emphasis is on helping students incorporate previous classroom content with their “real life” experiences in the practicum. Themes that are infused into the total curriculum and preparation for entering social work practice are emphasized. The course meets every week for two hours. Co-requisite(s): SWK 455 .
SWK 490 - Directed Readings in Social Work
1-3 credit hours
May be repeated for a maximum of six credit hours. Page: 1
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