Courses

In this course, students learn to write formal manuscripts using APA style. They also learn to read, understand, and critically evaluate behavioral science research as presented in academic journals and conferences. Learners in this course build foundational skills needed to succeed in their future courses. (3 units; Fall, Spring, Summer, & Online)

An introduction to the knowledge, values, ethics, skills, systems, and settings of generalist social work practice. An historic overview of political, economical, and cultural factors that influence the profession. This course is a prerequisite for all other courses in Social Work. (3 units; Fall, Spring)

This course explores the critical role of the Christian church in the history and development of the social work profession, social work values and ethics, and techniques employed in social work practice. Students will see church congregations as vital contexts for social work practice. Prerequisites: Social Work major or minor. (3 units; Fall)

This course is a survey of substance use disorders, treatment, and recovery models, including a historical and contemporary understanding of addiction, and its impact on individuals, families, and society. Prerequisite: SWK 300. (3 units; Spring)

This course will introduce students to the definition trauma, the prevalence of children experiencing trauma locally, nationally and globally, as well as the physical, emotional, cognitive, social and spiritual impact trauma can have on children and adolescents. The concepts of trauma informed practice, resilience, and evidence based practices with children experiencing trauma are key components of the course. The role of social workers in working with children experiencing trauma locally, nationally and globally is also a key feature of the course. Although trauma is broadly defined, the course will focus mainly on abuse and neglect, violence, natural disasters, war, and medical trauma. (3 units; Spring)

Students learn about the critical role of social workers in health care settings using bio-psycho-social-spiritual assessments and interventions to assist health practitioners, patients, and their families in addressing medical concerns, social determinants of health, and the social-cultural meanings ascribed to illness. Prerequisites: BEH 250, SWK 300, and Social Work major. (3 units; Fall)

This IPE introductory course provides exposure to learners early in their educational programs to engage in activities that offer knowledge based information, focused on “describing roles and responsibilities” and “demonstrating awareness of interprofessional (IP) communication and teamwork in the context of shared curricular topics required across health professions. An introductory level hybrid course of Inter-Professional Education Collaborative (IPEC) competencies and an end of course seminar for all students will be required. Pass/Fail. Prerequisite: Social Work major. (1 unit; Fall)

This course will engage intermediate learners in their educational program together through their own programs activities that provide opportunities to continue to build upon IPE competencies and develop collaborative skills, knowledge and attitudes. Programs will integrate multifaceted active teaching methods such as simulation, problem-based learning, clinical practicum, community-based projects, service-learning, and other IPE activities. Pass/Fail. Pre- or Co- Requisite: IPE 410. (1 unit; Spring)

This course prepares advanced learners to work collaboratively as appropriate, to assess, plan, provide care/intervention and make decisions to optimize client/patient, family, and community health outcomes and improve quality of care through a University wide IPE simulation. Students will draw upon previously learned knowledge, skills, and attitudes related to the four domains of IPE education to effectively apply leadership qualities that support collaborative practice, and team effectiveness through reflection and application. Pass/Fail. Prerequisite: IPE 420. (1 units; Spring)

This course provides students with a greater perspective of the ways in which various cultures engage with and understand health and illness. Students will gain understanding of the political and economic structures embedded within health systems. (3 units; Fall/Spring)

An overview of Christian congregation and community from theological and behavioral science perspectives. Subjects include the function and purpose of Christian Institutions including the household and congregation as a place of discipleship, worship, fellowship and relational reconciliation. Secondary institutions will include Christian media, economics, law and education. The impact of the shift from Christian nationalism to post-Christian America will be addressed. (3 units; Fall)

Students will critically examine the charges of direct and indirect institutional racism within the totality of the criminal justice system. Students will also analyze society's response to crime, cultural, economic and political differences. (3 units; Fall, Spring, & Online)

The role of minorities in the development of America. Principal areas of focus are immigration and the immigrant experience and the ethnic experiences of Blacks, Indians, and Hispanics. (3 units; Fall, Spring, & Online)

This course studies the biblical and theological foundations of global missions alongside mission strategies applied in global and urban settings. Prerequisite: 3 units of Biblical Studies coursework. (3 units; Spring)

This course will expose students to a variety of global social issues related to social welfare and social development. Engaging in critical thinking and analysis of global social welfare issues, students will explore how political, economic and cultural, faith-based, historical and environmental factors impact social welfare policies and the global delivery of human services. Prerequisites: SWK 300 and Social Work major. (3 units; Spring)

This course is an introduction to the role of spirituality, religion, and secularism in micro, mezzo, and macro social work practice. Students will examine their own personal values, morals, spirituality, religious, and secular traditions and reconcile any differences between these personal values and professional, ethical practice with diverse clients. Prerequisites: SWK 300 and Social Work major. (3 units; Fall)

This course examines the social welfare policies, programs, and services to families and children, historically known as "child welfare services". It explores major issues facing children, youth and families, critically examining the assumptions, values, and philosophical perspectives underlying the social policies that shape child welfare. Prerequisites: SWK 300 and Social Work major. (3 units; Fall)

This course is designed to be an in-depth seminar on a selected topic within the field of social work. May be repeated for a maximum of nine (9) units with change in topic. Prerequisite: SWK 300. (3 units; As offered)

This course will examine current cultural, political, social, economic, and human rights events particularly in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and South America. We will review the historic contexts which have shaped our modern social structures and the events occurring today. Within the 'headline stories' we will focus on social problems and human rights violations, organizations which provide humanitarian aid and advocate for human rights and civil society. Topics include refugeeism and migration, famine, child soldiering, genocide, post-conflict rebuilding, women's health, global health, education, community building and social justice. (3 units; Fall/Spring)

This course provides a comprehensive overview of both quantitative and qualitative research methods used in behavioral science research, along with an understanding of the ethical considerations and other challenges involved in good research design. Additional topics include measurement, sampling, and qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Prerequisite: BEH 250. (3 units; Fall, Spring, & Online)

This course introduces the various quantitative and qualitative methodologies utilized in behavioral science research. Also included are the collection, treatment, and interpretation of data in research and testing using a statistical analysis application. Prerequisites: BEH 290, and either MAT 115 or STA 144. Lecture: 3 hours. Lab: 3 hours. (4 units; Fall/Spring)

This course presents some of the more complex quantitative and qualitative methodologies utilized in behavioral science research. It builds on the various concepts of quantitative research, qualitative research, data collection, analysis, and interpretation introduced in previous courses. This course continues the development of student proficiency with basic and intermediate functions of a statistical analysis application. Prerequisite: BEH 383. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. (4 units; Fall/Spring)

This course provides foundational knowledge and skills of generalist social work practice, while exploring social work history, theory, ethics, problem solving, and diversity in social work practice with individual client systems. Prerequisites: SWK 300, Social Work major, and Senior status. (3 units; Fall)

This course provides the foundational knowledge and skills in generalist Social Work practice utilizing problem-solving models for work with Macro (organization and community) systems and considers implications for vulnerable and marginalized populations. Prerequisites: SWK 300, Social Work major, and Senior status. (3 units; Spring)

This foundation course explores the theories, themes, and issues concerning the interaction among individuals as they grow, change, and develop over the lifespan and the impact of their social context on their development. Prerequisites: Social Work major and Senior status. (3 units; Fall)

This foundation course presents and critiques theories of human behavior as they relate to mezzo and macro systems, such as family, groups, organizations, and communities. Students will apply knowledge of person-in-environment and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks to macro client systems to address social injustice. Prerequisites: SWK 410 and Social Work major. (3 units; Spring)

This foundation course examines the history and philosophy of social work and social welfare policy in the United States as it relates to poverty, oppression, and marginalized groups. The course focuses on policy analysis and addresses the role of policy in effective service delivery for vulnerable/marginalized populations. Additional course fee. Prerequisites: Social Work major and Senior status. (3 units; Spring)

This course allows students to practice social work in agency settings under qualified educational supervision, serving vulnerable and oppressed populations while learning generalist skills. Additional course fee. Prerequisites: Social Work major and Senior status. Pre- or Co- Requisite: SWK 401. (3 units; Fall)

This foundation course provides an overview of the history of case management and provides an in-depth analysis of case management from a strengths perspective. Client engagement, assessment, intervention, advocacy, evaluation, and termination are addressed in depth on micro through macro levels. Prerequisites: Social Work major and Senior status. (3 units; Fall)

This course allows students to continue to practice social work in agency settings under qualified educational supervision, serving vulnerable and oppressed populations while learning generalist skills. Prerequisites: SWK 421, Social Work major, and Senior status. Pre- or Co- Requisite: SWk 405. (3 units; Spring)

This course addresses what it means to be marginalized and presents information on the history and current status of various vulnerable populations domestically and globally. The course explores the importance of cultural competence in engaging, assessing, and intervening with client systems. Prerequisites: Social Work major. (3 units; Fall)