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

PSGA 101: Intro to PSGA

This course is designed to introduce students to the ideas behind, rationale for, and careers in public service and global affairs. In this course, students will engage in informational interviews with professionals engaged in public service and global affairs and write a career prospectus. 1 credit

PSGA 300: Leadership Seminar

The Leadership Seminar introduces students to a three-dimensional model of leadership, including a repertoire of leadership skills and means of using those skills responsibly in the various communities to which they belong. In addition, the course helps students explore the relevance of leadership skills in the leadership process. 1 credit (offered in the spring of the junior year)

PSGA 301: Research Seminar

The Research Seminar is intended to prepare students to develop, write, and defend their bachelor’s thesis. This course focuses upon the development of their research topic, locating relevant secondary literature, delving into the primary research at a major archive, which will culminate into the production and defense of a research prospectus. Students will present their prospectus at “Celebrate Gannon.” 2 credits (offered in the spring of the junior year)

PSGA 350: PSGA Internship

The PSGA internship gives students an opportunity to gain important experience beyond the classroom through work at a governmental or private agency concerned with public policy. The course can be taken in any semester (fall and spring) as well as during the summer term for academic credit ranging from 1-12 hours. A student may register for up to 12 credits of Internship. Six credits will satisfy “PSGA Core Electives.” Credits beyond this will fall under “Free Electives.” If the situation arises where more credits are justified, the student will need to seek individual approval from the PSGA director for any credits, above 12 credits. 1-12 credits PSGA 390-392: Special Topics 3 credits

PSGA 400: Senior Seminar

Writing Seminar course is geared toward preparing students to write a medium-length, thesis driven, bachelor’s thesis. The course will focus on the process of composition, with a heavy emphasis on editing and revision. Students will defend their essays in front of a panel of their choosing. Thesis writing using the research collected during PSGA 301. 3 credits (offered in the fall of the senior year)

SOCIAL WORK

PARRIS J. BAKER, Ph.D., MSSA, Program Director FACULTY: Associate Professors: Sara Lichtenwalter, 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

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