Loyola University Chicago

Course Offerings

SOWK 200. Introduction to Social Work

(3 cr.) Introduction to the social work profession through the identification of some of the human problems in society and the role of both society and social services in response to the problems discussed. Students have the opportunity to observe several social service agencies and to evaluate current ways in which agencies interpret social problems and administer services.

SOWK 201. Social Welfare Policy and Services I

Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or by permission from chairperson
(3 cr.) Analysis of institutional structures of welfare as they relate to social problems. Selected major values and interests in American society are used to analyze the social welfare institution. Students are expected to be able to describe and analyze current social welfare policies and social services, as well as to be familiar with how social welfare and social work have evolved within a historical, societal and political context.

SOWK 301. Social Work Methods I

Prerequisite: SOWK 200; Junior standing
(4 cr.) Fundamental social work concepts, skills and activities upon which practice methodology is organized. The structure of a generalist's practice methodology is evaluated from its applicability to social problems and in various social service settings. Didactic and experiential learning formats enhance professional development. A full semester of volunteer experience in a social agency is required.

SOWK 302. Social Work Methods II.

Prerequisite: SOWK 301;
corequisite SOWK 330.
Application of methodological principles to practice experience, emphasizing relationship skills, assessment principles, and intervention activities and goals. The active, purposeful and planned participation of both client and worker in the social work process is highlighted, as well as the worker's use of self as the major tool in the helping endeavor.

SOWK 303. Group Process

Prerequisite: SOWK 200 and Junior standing
(3 cr.) Theoretical and practical factors that influence group functioning. Different types of groups and their influence, helpful aspects of group process, group dynamics, stages in group development, planning and implementing a new group, leadership skills, group work in a social services setting, ethical considerations in working with groups; group work with disadvantaged populations.

SOWK 305. Human Behavior and the Social Environment

Prerequisites: Junior standing; SOWK 200; PSYC 101; NTSC 103 or equivalent; or chair's permission.
(3 cr.) This course draws from biological, behavioral and social sciences content. Social systems theory, its applicability to understanding social functioning and the effects of larger systems on human interaction. Human diversity as an integral part of the knowledge base necessary for working with people. Theory and concepts are applied to social work practice.

SOWK 307. Social Welfare Policy and Services II

Prerequisites: SOWK 201, SOWK 301; corequisite, SOWK 330; or chair's permission.
(3 cr.) Social workers within political, organizational and community contexts and their active participation in the implementation of policy and change. Policy skills as related to needs assessment, community analysis, and assessment of organizations as a backdrop to designing alternatives focusing on target populations, levels of intervention, strategy, evaluation and constituencies' expectations.

SOWK 330. Social Work Practice I

Prerequisites: SOWK 200, 201, 301, 305, 390, permission of fieldwork director; corequisite SOWK 302.
(4 cr.) Provides a structured practice experience in a social agency setting where classroom theory is utilized and integrated with beginning practice skills.

SOWK 340. Social Work Practice II

Prerequisite: 330.
(4 cr.) Builds on the practice experience acquired in 330. There is continued emphasis on utilization and integration of theory.

SOWK 350. Integrative Practice Seminar.

Prerequisites: senior standing, SOWK 330; corequisite SOWK 340.
Provides an opportunity to assess and deepen integration of theory from courses and readings with practice experiences. Objectives are to strengthen professional identification and to facilitate the transfer from social work education to professional practice or graduate studies.

SOWK 360. Independent Study

Prerequisite: Junior standing
(1-3 cr.) A course designed for individuals or small groups to focus on selected issues and problems in social work practice beyond the course offerings.

SOWK 361. Special Topics

Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
(3 cr.) A survey course on a particular topic such as aging, alcoholism and drug dependency, family process, group process, American Black men: gender, race, and culture.

SOWK 370. Cultural Diversity

Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
(3 cr.) An examination of the major economic, social, institutional and political forces which have shaped the experiences and life chances of persons within African, Asian, Mexican, Puerto Rican and Native American cultures. The course will explore the relevance of diversity to social work values and interventions. The concept of social and economic justice in relation to diversity will be explored.

SOWK 390. Introduction to Research Methods

Prerequisites: SOWK 200, 201, Junior standing
(3 cr.) The course is designed to promote the development of a scientific stance and to enable students to acquire a basic knowledge of social work research methods and a beginning competency in using these as tools of generalist practice. A special emphasis is placed on interrelating various aspects of research methodology with tasks of the social worker and on enhancing professional accountability.