Social Work...............................................................Bachelor of Arts

SOCIAL WORK

PARRIS J. BAKER, Ph.D., MSSA, Program Director FACULTY: Associate Professor: Sara Lichtenwalter. Assistant Professor: Parris J. Baker. Adjunct Professor: Charles Murphy.

The practice of professional social work requires not only the intellectual capacity to absorb a substantial body of knowledge, but also the ability to master skills in interpersonal relationships, to effect social change through social policy advocacy and to consume and produce relevant, evidence-based research. Professional social work promotes personal commitment to the NASW Code of Ethics and the fundamental principles and tenets of Catholic Social Thought. Critical to the development of professional social workers at the baccalaureate level is the acquisition of generalist practice skills; the capacity to work with various size client systems; to interact with diverse populations who may function in different social and cultural environments; and to embrace the challenges of securing social and economic justice. The mission of the Gannon University Social Work Program is to prepare students as social work professionals able to competently promote human and community well-being by utilizing social work knowledge, values and skills. Through a curriculum informed by the JudeoChristian concept of social caring and social work professional values, we produce graduates committed to: service; integrity; social and economic justice; human rights; the dignity and worth of the person and their relationships; and scientific inquiry who will become leaders in local, regional and global communities. The Gannon University Social Work Program directs special attention toward preparing students to engage international social work practice and policy, to conceptualize the interrelationship and interdependence of our global community, to promote human rights as defined by the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to analyze international social welfare concerns such as poverty, healthcare and social and economic justice. The Social Work Program of Gannon University is accredited at the baccalaureate level by the Council on Social Work Education. Upon graduation, students who have earned a letter grade of B or better in the social work concentration and are accepted in an accredited master of social work program can achieve Advanced Standing. Advanced Standing permits students to complete graduate social work education in 12-18 months.

Vision Statement

To be the recognized leader in social work education; a program that produce students who passionately pursue the values and ethics of professional social work; who facilitate social transformation in individuals, families, organizations, and communities; who believe in the empowerment of social systems, and advocate for social equity and inclusion, economic justice, and political representation for all.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Gannon University Social Work Program is to prepare students as social work professionals who competently promote human and community well-being by utilizing social work knowledge, values and skills. Through a curriculum informed by the JudeoChristian concept of social caring and social work professional values, we produce graduates committed to: service; integrity; social and economic justice; human rights; the dignity and worth of the person and their relationships; and to scientific inquiry; who will become leaders in local, regional, and global communities.

Core Values

1. Service 2. Social Justice 3. Dignity and Worth of the Person 4. Importance of Human Relationships 5. Integrity 6. Competence

LIBERAL STUDIES (42)

LENG 111 College Composition (3) LENG 112 Critical Analysis & Comp. (3) LHST 111 History without Borders (3) LTHE 121 Sacred Scripture (3) LPHI 131 Introduction to Philosophy (3) First-Year Seminar (2) Leadership (1) SPCH 111 Public Speaking (3) MATH (met in major) (0) *Philosophy II Series (3) *Theology II Series (3) *English Literature Series (3) *Fine Arts Series (3) *Theology/ Philosophy III Series (3) SCWK 212 *Social Science (0) (Met in Major) Natural Science (3) Senior Year SCWK 400 Capstone Senior Seminar (2) SCWK 401 Capstone Senior Seminar (1)

FIELD OF CONCENTRATION (45)

SCWK 111 Intro to Social Work (3) SCWK 212 Soc. Prob., Serv. & Issues (3) SCWK 221 Human Beh/Soc Env I (3) SCWK 222 Human Beh/Soc Env II (3) SCWK 230 Human Diversity (3) SCWK 360 Interviewing Skills (3) SCWK 361 Intro to Generalist Practice (3) SCWK 362 Gen Practice w/Family/Group (3) SCWK 363 Gen Practice w/Org/Com (3) SCWK 364 Social Welfare Policy (3) Programs, & Issues SCWK 380 Social Work Research (3) Methods SCWK 490 Field Placement I (6) SCWK 491 Field Placement II (6)

REVISED GENERAL ELECTIVES (9)

CRJS 360 Criminal Justice Statistics or PSYC 211 Psychological Statistics (3) Global Language (6)

ELECTIVES (32)

* Please consult semester schedule/catalog for approved courses.

TOTAL 128

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

SCWK 111: Introduction to Social Work

This is the first course in the Social Work program and is required for all other courses in the Social Work Sequence. It provides the student an opportunity to learn about Social Work and exposes him/her to the field of Social Work Practice. Students are also required to participate in field observation in an agency setting for 3 hours per week. 3 credits, fall

SCWK 211: Intro to Gerontology

An overview of the study of gerontology. Examines aging in America, stereotypes, theories on aging, adult development, work and living environments, and selected problems of the elderly. This course has a service-learning component. 3 credits, fall

SCWK 212: Social Problems, Services and Issues

This is the foundation course of the Social policy sequence and is required for admission to the Social Work Program. It is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the historical development of social welfare policy in the United States. In addition to its primary

purpose of introducing students to the social policy process, this course provides students with an opportunity to explore career choices through interactions with local human service delivery organizations during tours of community agencies. Furthermore, there is a 20 hour volunteer component to this course. 3 credits

SCWK 213: Medical Terminology

This course introduces social work students and other students to medical terminology and demonstrates the interaction and interrelationship between and among anatomy, physiology, and pathology. 1 credit

SCWK 220: Dying, Death and Bereavement

This course explores dying, death and grief, a topic of interest to personnel in the human service and related professions. Issues discussed are theories of dying, death and bereavement with aged, and assessments and interventions with clients and their families. Social cultural differences in attitude and behavior toward death as well as ethical, legal issues, resources and support services are explored. 3 credits

SCWK 221: Human Behavior and the Social Environment I

This is the introductory course to understanding human behavior from a multidimensional, biopsychosocial approach. Here we focus on the social environment and apply theoretical frameworks in order to put human behavior into perspective. In this course students begin to study the person from a biological perspective, looking at the major systems of the human body. We also examine psychological and sociological theories and knowledge by looking at cognition, emotion, the self as well as stress and coping. This course also examines the impact of culture, spirituality, the physical environment and social institutions in shaping human behavior. Finally, this course addresses different sized social systems from formal organizations, communities, groups and the family. Students begin to see how social systems promote or defer health and well being. 3 credits

SCWK 222: Human Behavior and the Social Environment II

This is the continuation of HBSE I. This course takes a person-in-environment focus across the life span. For each stage in the Life Cycle biological, psychological, sociological, and spiritual variables that influence development are identified. This course addresses the impact of various size systems on human behaviors as well as issues of discrimination and social/ economic justice. 3 credits

SCWK 223: Human Behavior and the Social Environment III

Human Biology. Examination of the major human biological systems with a special emphasis on understanding the brain and the effects of drugs and alcohol. 3 credits

SCWK 230: Human Diversity

This course studies the impact of discrimination and inequality on specific and generalized collectivities (groups) in our environment. Particular and specific attention will be given to the more vulnerable populations of women, gay and lesbians, and minorities of color. The course will examine the response(s) offered by specific disciplines (i.e., professional social work) and by the larger society, as they relate to discrimination and inequality. Methods to celebrate differences are explored. 3 credits

SCWK 315: Bio Medical Aspects of Aging

This course is designed to acquaint students with the biological and medical changes occurring in the organs of man during the aging process. Course will include a layman’s discussion of the aging and pathological process of the organs as well as common medical pharmacological, and surgical treatments of these organ systems. 3 credits

SCWK 316: Counseling Older Adults

This course will identify various areas impacting lives of the “young” old, “middle” old, and the “old” old. Misconceptions, stereotypes, and biases toward the aging process will be explored. The course focuses on assessment, counseling interventions, and techniques designed to enrich the world of the mature adult and their families. 3 credits

SCWK 322: Correctional Counseling and Case Management

An examination of strategies for affecting offender behavior change by correctional counseling and case management in both institutional and community based settings. Emphasis will be on functional and contemporary approaches. CRJS elective. Prerequisite: CRJS 201 3 credits

SCWK 328: Drugs of Abuse

The U.S. has the highest rate of drug abuse of any industrialized country in the world. This course is designed to provide the student with a broad understanding and insight into drug abuse within American society and it’s impact upon society in general. The primary focus will be on how the criminal justice system, health care system, and other institutions attempt to deal with the nations’ drug problem. The course will focus on what has been done in the past by society about the drug problem, what is and what is not working now, and what needs to be done in the future. 3 credits

SCWK 330: The Juvenile Justice System

An analysis of the justice system as it relates to the disposition of cases involving the juvenile offender. Where appropriate, a comparative analysis with the adult process will be emphasized. 3 credits, Spring and Distance Learning (Internet)

SCWK 332: Balance and Restorative Justice

This course introduces the student to the state of the art in juvenile justice. It provides the student with an understanding and a working knowledge of the key principles in balanced and restorative justice. Key issues that will be addressed are how to implement and measure these principles. 3 credits

SCWK 333: Victimology

This course will examine the plight of victims including child maltreatment, domestic violence, victimization at work and school. It further explores the extent of homicide victimization. In reviewing the above mentioned topics, guest speakers with expertise in these areas will present their viewpoints on the extent of victimology. Throughout this course, the BARJ principle will be the focus in balancing the victim’s role in the criminal justice system. 3 credits

SCWK 336: Mental Health and the Elderly

Factors involved in successful aging and maintenance of healthy personality functioning are investigated. The most common psychological disorders of the elderly are considered from etiological, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects. 3 credits

SCWK 360: Interviewing Skills

This course introduces students to the basic interpersonal helping skills using a problem solving model. Students are expected to demonstrate understanding of the relationship of interpersonal skills to social work practice and to demonstrate initial mastery of the basic helping skills. 3 credits

SCWK 361: Introduction to Generalist Practice

Emphasis is placed on introducing students to a generalist problem-solving practice framework that is applicable across a wide range of settings, problems and different size systems. 3 credits

SCWK 362: Generalist Practice with Families/Groups

This is a continuation of SCWK 361. It is designed to reinforce, deepen and expand the student’s knowledge of the generalist problem-solving practice framework with particular emphasis on recognizing its utility in working with groups and the family size systems. Prerequisite: SCWK 361 3 credits

SCWK 363: Generalist Practice with Organizations/Communities

Continuing with the generalist problem-solving model, this course focuses on a generalist approach to practice with community and institutional systems. Students gain knowledge

and skills in working with both organizations and communities through such activities as community assessments and asset mapping, along with opportunities to demonstrate leadership by advocating for policies and services in their field placements. Professional social work interventions for vulnerable populations such as homeless and immigrant populations, the low-income elderly and disabled, and families residing in marginalized neighborhoods are considered utilizing organization theory and various frameworks for community analysis. This course is designed to be taken concurrently with SCWK 490 (Social Work Field Placement I) and facilitates the integration of field experience with course content. Prerequisites: SCWK 361 3 credits

SCWK 364: Social Welfare Policy, Programs and Issues

This course analyzes social welfare policy, programs and services. In addition to developing conceptual understanding, students will begin to develop skills in policy analysis using the policies of local community agencies as case illustrations. The impact of State, Federal, and global policies on social welfare are explored. Prerequisite: SCWK 361 3 credits

SCWK 380: Social Work Research Methods

Through participation in a semester long research project, students learn that they are both a consumer and a producer of empirically based knowledge. This course includes an introduction to evidence-based practice models and assists students in developing beginning knowledge and skill in evaluating their practice and conducting evaluative research. The relationship between epistemological approaches, theory, and scientific are explored in light of ethical scientific inquiry and research practice informed by the NASW Code of Ethics Standards for Research. 3 credits

SCWK 390-394: Special Topics in Social Work

Topics of special and/or current interest in all areas of Social Work will be covered. The topics will vary from year to year, depending on the faculty resources and the needs of the students. 1-3 credits

SCWK 395-399: Independent Study

1-3 credits

SCWK 400: Social Work Senior Integrating Seminar I

This course is intended to help students integrate knowledge along with developing and refining skills for beginning professional Social Work practice. Students will use specific episodes of services (live cases) from their field experience in this course. Concurrent with SCWK 363, SCWK 490 2 credits

SCWK 401: Social Work Senior Integrating Seminar II

A continuation of SCWK 400 intended to facilitate the integration of knowledge, along with the development and refining of skills for beginning Social Work Practice. Taken concurrently with SCWK 491. Prerequisite: SCWK 400. 1 credit

SCWK 490 & 491: Social Work Field Placement I and II

In field placement, students are expected to demonstrate in specific and concrete ways that they are prepared as beginning professional generalist practitioners to work with all size systems from individual, family, group, organization and community. It is the program’s expectation that students will not only use the values and ethics that they have acquired through their liberal arts foundation and the social work curriculum but that they will actively promote these values and ethics in agency settings. The field component by its very nature of exposing students to real and complex life situations demonstrates and requires students and field instructors to seek new social work knowledge in order to find the best solutions to meet the client systems needs. Corequisite: SCWK 363, 400 6 credits

SCWK 495: Advanced Interviewing Skills

This course will focus on two very similar approaches to interviewing: solution focused and motivational interviewing. Both approaches are similar and reinforce each other and both approaches are aimed at what professionals label difficult clients. The course requires a basic understanding and skill in using basic interviewing skills. These skills will be quickly reviewed and then students will learn both solution focused and motivational interviewing. Prerequisite: SCWK 360 3 credits

Social Work Curriculum

(Numerals in front of courses indicate credits) FRESHMAN Fall Semester 3 College Composition/LENG 111 3 Social Work/SCWK 111 3 Foundations of Theology/LTHE 101 2 First-Year Seminar 3 Public Speaking/SPCH 111

14 Spring Semester 3 Crit Analysis & Comp/LENG 112 3 Elective 3 Introduction to Philosophy/LPHI 131 3 Elective 3 Social Problems, Services, Issues/ SCWK 212

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SOPHOMORE Fall Semester 3 History Without Borders/LHST 111 3 Literature Series/LENG 3 The Bible: An Intro/LTHE 201 3 Hum Beh & Soc Env I/SCWK 221 3 Human Diversity/SCWK 230 3 Philosophy II Series/LPHI 18 Spring Semester 3 Psychology/PSYC 111 3 Elective 1 Leadership Seminar 3 Interviewing Skills/SCWK 360 3 Hum Behav & Soc Env II/SCWK 222 3 LPHI 237 or any LTHE 300 course 16

JUNIOR Fall Semester 3 Statistics/SOCI 351/PSYC 211/CRJS 360 3 Intro to Generalist Practice/SCWK 361 3 Global Language 3 Fine Art Series/LFIN 6 Electives

18 Spring Semester 3 Natural Science/BIOL 104 Human Biology Recommended 3 Generalist Practice with Families/ Groups/SCWK 362 3 Generalist Practice with Comm. & Org/ SCWK 363 3 Social Work Research Meth/SCWK 380 3 Global Language 15

SENIOR Fall Semester 6 Social Work Field Placement I/ SCWK 490 3 Social Welfare Policy, Prog & Issues/ SCWK 364 5 Electives 2 Social Work Senior Integrating Sem I/SCWK 400

16 Spring Semester 6 Social Work Field Placement II/ SCWK 491 1 Social Work Senior Integrating Seminar II/SCWK 401 9 Elective

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