The purpose of this course is to provide students with an overview of the fields of practice in which social workers are employed, social work values, the nature of generalist practice, social welfare history and policies, populations-at-risk which are served by social workers, and professional social work ethics. A required 40-hour field practicum within a social service setting provides students with an introduction to professional social work.

Prerequisite: PSYC 121. Offered each Fall.

 

This course examines different social science theories about human growth and development. The intent is to look at these theories in relation to the generalist social work perspective and in relation to diverse ethnic, racial, gender, religious, and age-related groups. It provides an understanding of the interactions between and among human biological, social, psychological, and cultural systems as they affect and are in turn, affected by human behaviors.

Prerequisites or co-requisites: PSYC 220; BIOL 273. Offered each Spring.

 

History of Social Welfare (3) 

This course examines the historical development of the social welfare institutions, the development of the profession of social work, and the basic philosophies which have molded the structure and provision of service to vulnerable citizens throughout history.

Prerequisite: SWK 222 or permission of the Department Chair. Offered each Fall.

 

This course develops a framework for understanding and evaluating social welfare policy at the national, state, local and agency levels, for analyzing policies related to certain population groups, and for understanding methods of achieving change in social policy. Discussion of policy making from a generalist perspective is introduced. Techniques for advocacy, as well as NASW Policies as reflected in Social Work Speaks, are discussed and analyzed. Social justice for those who have faced historic oppression within the United States is emphasized. Prerequisite: SWK 311 or permission of the Department Chair. Offered each Spring.

 

This course introduces students to the stages of the social work helping process: assessment, goal planning, intervention, evaluation, and termination. This course also assists students to appreciate diversity, develop culturally competent practice skills, use theoretical models to guide social work practice, and practice according to professional social work ethics. The course combines experiential learning activities, such as role-playing and case study analysis, with lectures and class discussion. Prerequisites: SWK 242 or permission of the Department Chair, initiation of application to the major/or acceptance into the major. Offered each Fall.

 

SWK 346 Practice Skills II (6)

This course builds on SWK 345, with the focus of the course shifting to application of the social work helping process with larger client systems, such as families, groups, organizations, and communities. Diversity issues and culturally competent practice are also explored in the context of mezzo-level and macro-level practice. The course also emphasizes the use of various theories from the social work field and related disciplines to guide practice. As in SWK 345, the course combines experiential learning activities with lectures and class discussion. A 60-hour field practicum focused on macro-level applications of the social work helping process is required. Prerequisites: SWK 345, initiation of application to the major/or acceptance into the major. Offered each Spring.

 

Methods of Social Research (3) 

This course introduces the student to the logic and skills of social science research, especially as it applies to the practice of social work. Special emphasis will be placed on knowledge of research terms, developing a critical approach to research studies, application of research techniques to practical situations, and use of others’ research. Use of research and evaluation techniques to improve practice effectiveness will be emphasized. Prerequisite: PSYC 140 or permission of the Department Chair. Offered each Fall.

 

This course critically examines social work’s role in society and the basis for its knowledge, values, and skills. Students are sensitized to social work’s role in a culture rich with diversity, and are equipped with the necessary tools to develop reasoned responses to issues facing practice. The course focuses on application of professional social work ethics and the integration of these ethics with personal faith. Prerequisite: SWK 345 or permission of the Department Chair. Offered each Fall.

 

This course gives students an opportunity to observe and practice generalist social work in a professional setting. Field sites are diverse – child and family services, mental health, legal aid, school social work, law enforcement, community development, settlement house, child protective services, medical social work, services for senior citizens, services for people diagnosed with HIV. Emphasis is on placements that offer opportunity to apply generalist theory and practice as taught at Malone College, and that promote social work values in work with diverse ethnic, religious, age- related peoples. Co-requisite: SWK 460. Offered each Spring or by arrangement.

 

An opportunity for the student to pursue, under supervision, an area of special interest either on his/her own initiative or in a small group. Not required for the major. Open to juniors or seniors who are majors in this area and who have completed or are taking regularly scheduled courses. Permission of the Department Chair is necessary for enrollment.

Field Instruction Seminar (2) 

This course is designed to complement the student’s internship. It functions to provide a forum to discuss field experiences and to make systematic connections between theory and practice. Intended Outcome: Entry-level social workers whose practice is systematically guided by theory.

Co-requisite: SWK 440. Offered each Spring or by arrangement.

 

Provides students with an opportunity to study special topics within the domain of social work, dependent upon faculty availability. Not required for the major. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing in Social Work.