Courses - NMU Bulletin

SW 100 Exploring Social Work 4 cr.

• Offered: Fall Winter

Introduces students to the social work profession. A broad survey course covering the educational requirements of the profession and fields of practice. The course assists students in making career choices about social work. Students are required to do 20 hours of volunteer work in addition to scheduled class sessions.

SW 208 Methods of Social Research I 4 cr.

• Offered: Fall Winter
• Prerequisites: SO 101 or instructor's permission.

Introduction to techniques of data analysis for social research. Applied uses of descriptive and inferential statistics are emphasized. Computers and statistical software are used as part of the instruction process.

Notes: Cross listed as SO 208.

SW 230 Human Behavior in the Social Environment I 4 cr.

• Offered: Fall Winter
• Prerequisites: SO 101 and PSY 100, or instructor's permission.

Examination of social and behavioral science applications to practice. Presents social systems model for analyzing human functioning in the social environment.

Notes: Formerly SW 330.

SW 272 Basic Crisis Intervention Skills 4 cr.  (4-0-0)

• Offered: Contact department

Crisis is best defined as a perception of an event or situation as an intolerable difficulty that exceeds the resources or coping mechanisms of the person(s). Effectiveness in crisis intervention requires a basic knowledge of human behavior and purposeful communication skills. In this course, the humanistic and strengths perspectives are applied to understanding and responding to persons in crisis. Students will learn and practice skills in establishing rapport, empathetic listening, de-escalation, and other verbal and nonverbal communication. Students are also introduced to the community human services network, so that they have knowledge of resources available for follow-up. This course is particularly well-suited for students who are pursuing careers in human services professions, but can be applied in many other professional and/or personal situations.

SW 283 Tribal-Centered Victim Services 4 cr.  (4-0-0)

• Offered: Summer
• Prerequisites: NAS 204 and instructor approval.

This course provides students with an introductory, experiential opportunity to practice social service work with Tribal communities in the Upper Peninsula. Students will be placed in a Tribal victim services agency where they will both observe and perform relevant tasks in cultural competence with Native American peoples, and a foundational understanding of Native American culture will allow students to develop increased competency in this area.
 

 

Notes: A maximum of 12 students will be allowed to enroll in the course. Per the grant, the course will start with fewer students (6) and progress toward (12) by the end of the 3 year grant period.

SW 308 Methods of Social Research II 4 cr.

• Offered: Fall Winter
• Prerequisites: SO 208 or equivalent or instructor's permission.

Introduction to methods, concepts and techniques of social research, including sampling, questionnaire and interview design, experiments, observation, evaluation research and ethics. Involves research projects on social science issues. Computers and statistical software may be used as part of the instruction process. Notes: Cross-listed with SO 308.

SW 331 Human Behavior in the Social Environment II 4 cr.

• Offered: Fall Winter
• Prerequisites: SW 230 or instructor permission.

Theories and research literature on life stages are explored in a variety of historical, cultural, class, gender, racial and community contexts. Emphasis on how the self interacts with legacies of biological variables, cultural history, social system, life history and personal social environment.

SW 341 Social Welfare Policy 4 cr.

• Offered: Fall Winter
• Prerequisites: SW 100 or instructor's permission. Primarily for social work majors and social welfare minors.

Study of issues in current social welfare policy and of the significance of social, economic and political factors that influence policy-making and implementation. In addition, students learn various techniques of policy evaluation and review. Notes: Cross listed as PS 341.

SW 345 Comparing Global Approaches to Social Protection and Social Development 4 cr.  (4-0-0)

• Offered: Contact Department

Explores the study of the social relations necessary for human well-being and the actual social policies by which well-being is promoted in emerging and developed welfare states. Comparative social policy approaches enlist a range of ideas to analyze national welfare arrangements, including how economic and social policies are intertwined. Students will acquire knowledge of the theoretical and methodological aspects of comparative social policy analysis, and the profound impact of how nations deal with social challenges.

SW 370 Generalist Practice Methods I 4 cr.

• Offered: Winter
• Prerequisites: Bachelor of Social Work program admission.

Introduction to a generalist practice perspective including a common set of values, skills and tasks essential to helping people in their social environment. Emphasizes assessment skills and intervention strategies. Requires participation in skill practice including 16 lab hours of videotaping for classroom criteria.

SW 371 Apprenticeship 1-2 cr.

• Offered: Contact department for information
• Prerequisites: SW 370 and written department permission.

Directed apprenticeship activities in the human skills laboratory. Apprentices work with lab groups supervising lab sessions and assist in the feedback process. Notes: May be taken twice.

SW 372 Generalist Practice Methods II 4 cr.

• Offered: Winter
• Prerequisites: Bachelor of Social Work program admission and SW 370.

A continuation SW 370. This course covers practice methods content from mezzo- to macro-level perspectives. Systems of families, groups, organizations and communities will be highlighted. The use of video labs provides students with relevant practice situations.

SW 401 Child Welfare 4 cr.

• Offered: Fall
• Prerequisites: Bachelor of Social Work program admission, junior standing or instructor's permission.

Study of program and social work procedures related to child welfare, particularly in reference to dependent and neglected children, children of unwed parents and children with behavior problems and special needs.

SW 405 Aging Public Policies and Programs 4 cr.

• Offered: Fall semester of even-numbered years
• Prerequisites: Bachelor of Social Work program admission or gerontology minor, junior standing or instructor's permission.

An overview of aging public policies and programs. The course examines the origin, current program structure and delivery system of various policies such as Social Security, Medicare and the Older Americans Act that provide income security, health care and social services to older adults in the United States.

SW 411 Social Work in the Health Fields 4 cr.

• Offered: Contact department for information
• Prerequisites: Bachelor of Social Work program admission, junior standing or instructor's permission.

Examination of the role of social work in relation to health care services. Considers social policy issues associated with health services and the application of social work practice principles to a variety of case situations, such as adolescent pregnancy and terminal illness.

SW 413 Social Work with Families 4 cr.  (4-0-0)

• Offered: Contact Department
• Prerequisites: Junior standing or instructor's permission.

Survey of contemporary theories used to inform social work practice with families emphasizing variations on family systems theory, power and control theory, and feminist theories. Case studies and simulation are used to develop students’ skills in assessment and intervention with families who come into contact with the social service delivery system because of intimate partner violence, child abuse and neglect, developmental delays, juvenile delinquency, elder abuse, and a range of other family troubles.  

SW 415 Prevention of Substance Use Disorders 4 cr.  (4-0-0)

• Offered: Winter
• Prerequisites: Junior standing or instructor's permission.

Perspectives on conceptualizing substance use, misuse and addiction are explored in a variety of historical, cultural and global contexts.  Emphasis is placed on understanding the reasons for problematic substance use and social constructs that contribute to substance use.  A variety of prevention tools are explored throughout the course, as well as social policies that perpetuate and conversely, prevent substance use.

SW 417 Social Work in Mental Health 4 cr.

• Offered: Contact department for information
• Prerequisites: BSW program admission, junior standing or instructor's permission.

An elective course that deals with social work functions within psychiatric settings. This course will include theoretical concepts, yet is designed for practical social work applications. Three distinct social work involvement stages will be addressed: preadmission/admission screening procedures, interdisciplinary treatment team planning and discharge planning. Both community-based and institutional care will be emphasized.

SW 419 Evaluation and Treatment of Substance Use Disorders 4 cr.  (4-0-0)

• Offered: Fall
• Prerequisites: Junior standing or instructor permission.
  
  

Theories on substance use disorder treatment modalities are explored in this class, with regards to population specific considerations. Emphasis is placed on learning to understand anti-oppressive practice methods in working with people experiencing SUDs with Motivational Interviewing explored as a primary method.

SW 423 Death, Dying, and Grieving 4 cr.  (4-0-0)

• Offered: Winter
• Prerequisites: SO 101, or SW 101, or AN 101, or HL 111, or instructor permission.

This course provides an inter-disciplinary comprehensive overview of death, dying, and grief. The course examines the structure of the human response to death, dying, and grief in their socio-cultural, interpersonal, and individual contexts. Theories, research, and implications for practitioners will be discussed. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to apply principles and evidence-based tools to enhance their professional and personal life related to grief.

SW 440 Social Work Policy Analysis 4 cr.

• Offered: Winter
• Prerequisites: SW 341, social work major or social welfare minor.

The study of the impact of social policy at the local, state and national levels on the development, implementation and delivery of social/health services in fields of practice where social workers are employed. Emphasis will be placed on current policy changes directly impacting clients, practitioners, agencies and their communities.

SW 472 Anti-Oppressive Social Work Practice 4 cr.  (4-0-0)

• Offered: Fall
• Co-requisites: SW 473 and SW 480.
• Prerequisites: BSW Program Admission or instructor permission.

This course looks at the impact of power and privilege in our society and teaches students to use their knowledge, awareness, and skills to engage in anti-oppressive practice. This course emphasizes how diversity and intersectionality shape human experiences and identity development and affect equity and inclusion. Students will learn to demonstrate anti-racist and anti-oppressive social work practice at the individual, family, group, organizational, and community levels. Students will learn to demonstrate cultural humility by applying critical reflection, self-awareness, and self-regulation to manage the influence of bias, power, privilege, and values in working with clients and constituencies.

SW 473 Integrative Seminar I 2 cr.

• Offered: Fall
• Prerequisites: Bachelor of social work program admission, SW 331, SW 370 and SW 372. Taken concurrently with SW 480, junior standing or instructor's permission.

Integration of field education experiences with an emphasis on the values and ethics of generalist social work practice. Specific topics will include role conflicts, values clarification and ethical practice concerns of beginning generalist social work practitioners with an emphasis on self evaluation. Individual field experiences will be shared and regularly discussed.

SW 474 Integrative Seminar II 2 cr.

• Offered: Winter
• Prerequisites: Bachelor of social work program admission, SW 331, SW 370, SW 372, SW 473 and SW 480. Taken concurrently with SW 481, junior standing or instructor's permission.

Capstone seminar focusing on personal strengths in a professional role as a social worker. Individual field experiences are shared and discussed with an emphasis on differing roles and responsibilities in professional practice. Students assemble a professional portfolio integrating learning experiences in areas designated by the Council on Social Work Education.

SW 480 Senior Field Placement I 4 cr.  (4-0-0)

• Offered: Fall
• Graded: S/U
• Prerequisites: Bachelor of Social Work program admission, 2.50 grade point average and concurrent enrollment in SW 473, junior standing or instructor permission. Application deadline for following fall: February 1.

Practice skill instruction provided through university-arranged placements in social work agencies. Emphasizes demonstration of skill mastery through agency-supervised practice experience of 15-20 hours per week.