Academics at MBC
Courses
SOWK 124 Aging
SOWK 153 Introduction to Social Work
SOWK 156 Interviewing in Human Service Profession
SOWK 235 Human Behavior and Social Environment I
SOWK 335 Human Behavior and Social Environment II
SOWK 251 Child Welfare Services
SOWK 275 Social Welfare Policy
SOWK 317 Social Work Research
SOWK 355 Social Work Practice I
SOWK 365 Social Work Practice II
SOWK 375 Social Work Practice III
SOWK 353 Social Work with Diverse Populations
SOWK 400 Field Instruction in Social Work
SOWK 287/387 Field Observation
Course Description
SOWK 124 Aging
(3 s.h.) Usher
An introduction to the dynamics of aging, including biopsycho-socio aspects and special needs of aged persons. Participants will examine society’s provisions for the aged and methods that can be used in working with their problems. Students will have opportunities to study these issues through lectures, seminars, and field trips to various
Social agencies and institutions.
SOWK 153 Introduction to Social Work
(3 s.h.) Rai
This course is designed for those interested in exploring career opportunities in the field of social work. Special emphasis is on the profession of social work as it relates to practice with children, families, and other persons who experience problems with adjustment to their social environment. In addition, participants will study philosophies, values, and attitudes that form a base for professional practice in social work. Guest lecturers representing abroad spectrum of practice are available to consult with each student.
SOWK 156 Interviewing in Human Service Professions
(3 s.h.) Staff
A course designed to help students acquire knowledge and develop skills for effective communication in helping individuals and families in planning change. Emphasis is on the development of interviewing skills. Class activities include role playing and interviews with individuals and groups.
SOWK 235: Human Behavior and Social Environment 1
(3 s.h.) Rai
The purpose of this course is to provide a basic framework for creating and organizing knowledge of human behavior and the social environment. In addition, social systems, life-span and strengths approaches to understanding HBSE are introduced. The focus of this course is on individual and families and the impact of the larger environment on these systems. Special attention is given to the impact of human diversity, discrimination and oppression on the individual’s ability to reach or maintain optimal health and well- being.
SOWK 335: Human Behavior and Social Environment II
(3 s.h.) Rai
The purpose of this course is to provide a basic framework for creating and organizing knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, along with social systems, life-span and strengths approaches acquired in HBSE I, to understand group organizational and community systems. Special attention is given to the impact of human diversity, discrimination and oppression in the context of groups, organizations, and communities on our ability to reach or maintain optimal health and well- being.
SOWK 251 Child Welfare Services
Spring (3 s.h.) Staff
A study of adoption, foster care, child care, protective, juvenile court, and other child welfare services for children in need of protection. We study the well being of children, as well as attitudes and values that define parents’ and society’s responsibilities to children. Course format includes lectures, films, discussions, field trips, and guest speakers representing many child welfare programs. The primary objective is to help the student understand society’s commitment to children in need.
SOWK 275 Social Welfare Policy
(3 s.h.) Rai
Social welfare policy describes and analyzes the policies and services rendered by local, state, regional, national, and international agencies as well as the policy implications for social work practice. Students prepare to advocate for social policy changes designed to improve social conditions, promote social justice, and to empower at-risk populations.
SOWK 317 Social Work Research
(3 s.h.) Rai
This course is designed to increase students’ knowledge of research as a tool for social work practice. Students will acquire the basic skills and knowledge to utilize existing social research for practice related decision making as well as the capacity to carry out systematic methods of inquiry in their practice setting. The implementation of these research skills will enhance social service delivery and contribute to the knowledge of the profession.
SOWK 355 Social Work Practice I
(3 s.h.) Staff
This course is designed to assist students in developing knowledge and skills to work with individuals. Experiential techniques are employed to aid in the integration of theory and practice. Many of the videotapes, class exercises, case studies and role plays focus on the implications of cultural diversity and include application to vulnerable populations (i.e. minorities, women, the poor, people with disabilities, aged, and mental health population, etc.).
SOWK 365 Social Work Practice II
(3 s.h.) Staff
This course is designed to assist students in developing knowledge and skills to work with families and groups. Experiential techniques are implied to aid in the integration of theory and practice. Many of the videotapes, class exercises, case studies, and role plays focus on the many implications of cultural diversity and include application to vulnerable populations (i.e. minorities, women, the poor, people with disabilities, aged and mental health populations).
SOWK 375 Social Work Practice III
(3 s.h.) Rai
This course is designed to assist students in developing the knowledge base necessary for an understanding of the contemporary American community, its structure, politics, factors contributing to its growth and/or decline, and the roles and functions of various human service agencies and/or organizations within the community. The course will also focus on how people can empower themselves for the purpose of improving the overall quality of life in communities. The plight of oppressed population and/or special populations within communities will be emphasized.
SOWK 353 Social Work with Diverse Populations
(3 s.h.) Staff
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of and sensitization toward cultural diversity, racism, gender issues and heterosexism in the context of social work practice and policy. Personal values toward racial, cultural, gender and heterosexism are explored and discussed in the context of social work values and practice. A key focus is on expanding the range of perception, thought and practice skills relative to race, culture, gender and sexual orientation.
SOWK 400 Field Instruction in Social Work
(15 s.h.) Staff
Prerequisites: Completion of the social work core curriculum with a minimum grade of “C” in each core course. Supervised field instruction in a social service agency designed to provide senior level students with opportunities to acquire knowledge and skills in social work practice. Under the supervision of the Field Instructor, students participate in the delivery of social services, and develop insights, habits, and attitudes that facilitate professional growth. Internship requires a semester block placement, five days a week, 8 hours per day, for a maximum of 450 contact hours on a scheduled basis. An integrating seminar class will be taken concurrently with the senior field placement (SOWK 400).
SOWK 287/387 Social Work Field Observation
May Term (3 s.h.) Rai
Prerequisites: SOWK 153 and SOWK 156
The introductory field experience in social service agencies provides the student with the opportunity for direct exposure to social service in an agency setting. Through affiliation with an agency as service provider, the student observes the nature of the client-worker relationship. The development of the perceptual orientation and description skills are emphasized through varied levels of observation. Internship requires placement for four weeks, five days a week, 8 hours per day, or a minimum of 120 contact hours on a scheduled basis. Group supervision taken concurrently with the first field experience (SOWK 287/387) allows faculty to monitor classroom/field integration.
