THE SOCIAL WORK CURRICULUM

Program Requirements for Social Work Major
Relationship of SW Requirements to General Education
Requirements
General Education Requirements
Social Work Curriculum - Course of Study
Course Descriptions
The Practicum
Practicum Application Procedures
Practicum Manual
NASW Membership
Practicum Supervision
Practicum Agencies

THE SOCIAL WORK CURRICULUM

Program Requirements for a Major in Social Work

A major in social work consists of a minimum of 53 credit hours. Required courses include: Social Work 114, 215, 236, 301, 333, 334, 335, 337, 339, 355, 356, 357, 440, 441, 445, 490, and a social work elective. Prerequisites for the professional sequence courses include: SOC 103, PSY 101, SOC 261, NAT 111, and SWK 276 or SWK 343.

Social Work majors take 4-8 credit hours of Practicum I, SWK 440, and 5-12 credit hours of Practicum II, SWK441. One credit hour for Practicum I and II requires 45 hours of supervised work in an agency. Students take the Practicum I and II courses during their senior year. Both practicum courses (SWK 440 and 441) are taken concurrently with seminars (SWK 445 Integrative Seminar and SWK490 Field Seminar). In the case of transfer students or those who make late decisions to become social work majors, it is possible to take the Practicum during the summer following the senior year. (Please see the Practicum Manual and page 40 of this Handbook for more details regarding practicum policies and procedures.)

OVERVIEW OF REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BSW DEGREE AT DANA COLLEGE

I. General Education Requirements 50 hours (max.)
(see following section for more detail)
II. Social Work Required Courses 53 hours (min.)
Social Work Prerequisites 15 hours (min.)
III. Electives 13 hours (min.)

Total Hours Required for Graduation 128 hours

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REQUIREMENTS FOR A MAJOR IN SOCIAL WORK

Prerequisites for Upper Level Professional Social Work Courses	Cr.Hrs.
SOC 103 Introduction to Sociology	3
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology	3
SOC 261 Introduction to the Political Economy	3
NAT 111 Life Science	3
SWK 276 Native American Studies or SWK 343 African American Experience	3

 

Social Work Courses	Cr.Hrs.
SWK 114 Introduction to Social Work	3
SWK 215 Experience in Human Services	3
SWK 236 Cultural Diversity	3
SWK 301 Social Welfare Policy & Services	3
SWK 333 Human Behavior & the Social Environment I	3
SWK 334 Human Behavior & the Social Environment II	3
SWK 335 Human Behavior & the Social Environment III	3
SWK 337 Methods of Behavioral Research	3
SWK 339 Research Methods and Statistical Analysis	3
SWK 355 Social Work Practice Theory and Methods I	3
SWK 356 Social Work Practice Theory and Methods II	3
SWK 357 Social Work Practice Theory and Methods III	3
SWK 440 Social Work Practicum I	4-8
SWK 441 Social Work Practicum II	5-12
SWK 445 Social Work Integrative Seminar	3
SWK 490 Field Seminar	2

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RELATIONSHIP OF SOCIAL WORK REQUIREMENTS TO THE GENERAL

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

The social work program is built upon the base of the liberal arts, which are embodied in the Dana College general education program and social work program prerequisites. It is expected that before beginning the upper level social work courses students will have completed most of their general education requirements.

The following outline describes the General Education program:

I. General Education Requirements

Each student must meet the general education requirements by taking courses, by demonstrating competency by high ACT scores, or by completing examinations as described in the college catalog. (Some of these requirements may be met by fulfilling requirements for the Social Work major.)

A. Skills for Living in a Global and Technological Community
(Baseline Competencies - up to 20 credit hours):

1. Mathematics Skills
2. Written Communication Skills
3. Oral Communication Skills
4. Languages

These requirements will be waived for students demonstrating that they have met the baseline competencies as defined in the baseline competency statements adopted by the Dana College faculty. (Please see guidelines available in the Registrar’s Office or the Social Work Office.)

B. The Shared Experience - 11 credit hours

1. The Liberal Arts Reading Program
(Total 4 credits) (1 credit hour taken one semester each year)
2. Assessing the Liberal Arts Portfolio
(Sophomore year and junior year) (0 credit)
3. Wellness Concepts
Two 1⁄2 credit PE activity courses (total 1 credit)
4. Religion (select one) (3 credit hours)
Introduction to the Bible
Introduction to Religion
Introduction to Christianity
5. Liberal Arts Senior Seminar (3 credits)

C. The Challenge to Expand - 18 credit hours

In consultation with their advisors, students will select eighteen hours of courses drawn from three areas of study outside their own majors. Students will take at least six credit hours from each of the three areas. Social work students will need to take six credit hours each from the Human Culture, Human Scientific Inquiry, and Human Aesthetic Expression areas.

Areas of Study

1. Human Culture: Courses in this area are primarily drawn from the disciplines of History, Humanities, Philosophy and Religion.
2. Human Scientific Inquiry: Courses in this area are primarily drawn from the disciplines of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science.

3. Human Development and Organizations: Courses in this area are
Drawn up primarily from the disciplines of Anthropology, Business, Communication, Economics, Education, Geography, Physical Education, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and Social Work
4. Human Aesthetic Expression: Courses in this area are drawn primarily from the disciplines of Art, English, Languages, Music and Theater Arts.

 

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DANA COLLEGE SOCIAL WORK CURRICULUM PLAN

FIRST YEAR

Code: *Required SW Course **Social Work Prerequisite +Fulfills Gen. Ed. requirement

TOTAL HOURS: 33

SECOND YEAR

TOTAL HOURS: 33

THIRD YEAR

TOTAL HOURS: 34

FOURTH YEAR

TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 30

MINIMUM TOTAL CREDIT HOURS FOR GRADUATION: 128

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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Please consult the Dana College Catalog and supplements for information about the prerequisites for each course.

114. Introduction to Social Work (SWK 39114)
Credit 3 hours
Designed for the student considering a social work major or desiring to learn about the function of social welfare in society. Includes historical perspectives on the development of social services, current issues, and an overview of the profession of social work.
Prerequisites: None

206. Marriage and the Family (SWK 39206)
Credit 3 hours
Provides a foundation in knowledge, theory and research related to the functioning of family systems. The course explores gender roles, intimacy, sexuality, the processes of relationship building, communication, parenting, and diverse family forms and experiences. Modes of intervention in families are also explored.
Prerequisites: SWK 39.114 Introduction to Social Work or SOC40.103 Introduction to Sociology

215. Experience in Human Services (SWK 39215)
Credit 3 hours
Supervised volunteer work experience in a social service agency or organization approved by social work faculty. Emphasis upon understanding and analyzing the social service delivery system, and analysis, and the functioning of the professional social worker within the system.
Prerequisites: SWK 39114, Introduction to Social Work, and permission of the department

236. Cultural Diversity (SWK 39236)
Credit 3 hours
A study of social issues and theories and family and community life related to the experience of three major ethnic groups. It includes an introduction to the history, cultures and world views of contemporary African Americans, Native Americans (especially the Plains tribes), and Latinos (with emphasis upon the Chicano experience). The course focuses on patterns of institutional racism, conflict resolution, developing cultural competence, and building community in a pluralistic society.Prerequisite: SWK 39114, Introduction to Social Work or SOC 40103 Introduction to Sociology.

276. Native American Studies (SWK 39276)
Credit 3 hours
Explores the various factors internal and external influences that have shaped the distinctive lifestyles of Native Americans, relations with the dominant society, and contemporary issues.
Prerequisite: None

277. Introduction to Women’s Studies (SWK 39277)
Credit 3 hours
An exploration of the history and culture of the women’s movement, while tracing and evaluating the role of gender, history and culture in the formation of feminism. Branches of feminist theory such as lesbian, womanist, reformist, and radical will be presented as frameworks for analyzing women’s political, economic and social rights and opportunities.
Prerequisite: None

301. Social Welfare Policy and Services (SWK 39301)
Credit 3 hours
An examination of the process of social policy development as related to human need, with special emphasis on high-risk groups. Historical and social context, economic theory and application, value assumptions and skills required for policy formulation, analysis, and change are studied. Course highlights the analysis of social policy, programs, and service delivery systems.
Prerequisite: SOC 40261 Sociology of the Political Economy; SWK 39343 African American Experience; SWK 39335 Human Behavior and theSocial Environment III and formal admission to the social work program.

333. Human Behavior and the Social Environment I (SWK 39333)
Credit 3 hours
The Human Behavior and the Social Environment sequence provides the student with a basic understanding of the reciprocal relationship between the individual and the social environment. This course emphasizes the need for knowledge of individual biological and behavioral factors in transaction with family, community, and cultural systems and follows the individual life span development from birth through adolescence. Individual and family systems in high-risk groups are emphasized.
Prerequisites: SWK 39114 Introduction to Social Work; PSY 37101 Introduction to Psychology, SOC 40103 Introduction to Sociology, and NAT 32111 Life Science.

334. Human Behavior and the Social Environment II (SWK 39334)
Credit 3 hours
A continuation of Social Work 39333. This course follows the individual’s
development from young adulthood through old age. Emphasis is placed upon the individual’s functioning in families, groups, and communities as well as the relationship between human identity and membership in special groups related to age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and other factors.
Prerequisite: SWK 39333, Human Behavior and the Social Environment I

335. Human Behavior and the Social Environment III (SWK 39335)
Credit 3 hours
Focuses on the theories, structures, and dynamics of groups, formal organizations, and communities. Special attention is given to vulnerable populations, social stratification, and to factors related to diversity, such as social class, gender, race, and ethnicity.
Prerequisite: SWK 40103 Introduction to Sociology; SOC 40261 Sociology of the
Political Economy; SWK 39236 Cultural Diversity; SWK 39333 Human Behavior and the Social Environment I, and formal admission to the social work program.

337. Methods of Behavioral Research (SWK 39337)
Credit 3 hours
A survey of and actual experience in the methods of research used by behavioral scientists. Techniques and methods to be covered include: research design, sampling, instrumentation, questionnaire construction, interviewing, and a diversity of methodological applications, including the evaluation of one’s own practice.
Prerequisites: SOC 40103 Introduction to Sociology, math competency, and formal admission to the social work program.

339. Research Methods and Statistical Analysis (SWK 393339)
Credit 3 hours
A study of the use of statistics and computers in the analysis of research data and in the evaluation of human service programs and the professional’s own practice. Emphasis will be placed upon the appropriate use of statistical methods and tools, the interpretation of data, and statistical analyses currently used in professional social work and related fields.
Prerequisites: SWK 39337 Methods of Behavioral Research.

343. The African American Experience (SWK 39343)
Credit 3 hours
A study of the social dynamics of African Americans as members of their own unique communities and as citizens of the mainstream society, focusing on understanding the social and political forces which shape the African American experience as a means of competently conducting creative social work practice.
Prerequisite: SWK 39236 Cultural Diversity or SOC 40246 Race and Ethnicity.

355. Social Work Practice Theory and Methods I (SWK 39355)
Credit 3 hours
Focuses on the values, knowledge and skills basic to generalist social work practice. Emphasizes communication skills and the problem-solving model combined with the utilization of research as foundations for practice.
Prerequisites: SWK 39236 Cultural Diversity; SWK 39334 Human Behavior and the Social Environment II, SWK 39335 Human Behavior and the Social Environment III (may be taken concurrently), and formal admission to the social work program.

356. Social Work Practice Theory and Methods II (SWK 39356)
Credit 3 hours
An expansion of the skills and knowledge base presented in SWK 39355. Included is an examination of social work practice methods appropriate for use with individuals, families and small groups.
Prerequisite: SWK 39355 Social Work Practice Theory and Methods I.

357. Social Work Practice Theory and Methods III (SWK 39357)
Credit 3 hours
An examination of the structure and dynamics of a variety of types of organizations and communities. Students will learn how to use the problem solving method in organizations and communities for the purposes of providing resources for clients and working for social justice. Leadership and administrative skills also are addressed.
Prerequisite: SWK 39355 Social Work Practice Theory and Methods I and SWK 39335 Human Behavior and the Social Environment III.

369. Gerontology (SWK 39369)
Credit 3 hours
An introduction to the physical, psychological and social aspects of aging. Students review the reciprocal relationship between individual and societal responses to important issues such as work and retirement, family relationships, and death and dying. Planning, programming, and working with the aged are included.
Prerequisite: SWK 39334 Human Behavior and the Social Environment II or permission of department. Offered as needed.

379. Professional Seminar (SWK 39379)
Credit 3 hours
An examination of special social work practice issues, as well as fields of practice. The following topics will be offered on an alternating basis with others offered as needed:
Theory and Practice of Mediation
Social Work in Health Fields
Social Work Practice and Developmental Disabilities
Child Welfare
Practice Issues in the Latino Community
Prerequisite: SWK 39114 Introduction to Social Work, sophomore standing, and admission to the professional sequence.

399. Special Topics (SWK 39399)
Credit 1-3 hours
A selected area of study in social work. The topic is announced in the appropriate semester’s course schedule.
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or permission of instructor. Offered as needed.

440. Social Work Practicum I (SWK 39440)
Credit 3-8 hours
A supervised introductory field practicum focused on the development of professional generalist social work practice knowledge, skills, and ethics within an approved social agency setting. Students are expected to spend a minimum of 135 hours in the agency. (One credit hour requires 45 hours of supervised work in a social agency,) To be taken concurrently with SWK445, Social Work Integrative Seminar.
Prerequisites: Senior standing and acceptance to the practicum (through application process).

441. Social Work Practicum II (SWK 39441)
Credit 5-12 hours
SWK441 Practicum II is a continuation of SWK 440 Practicum I and focuses on further development of generalist social work practice knowledge, skills, values, and ethics within an approved social agency. SWK 441 is offered in the spring semester and during the summer and must be taken concurrently with SWK490 Field Seminar. (Social Work majors take a minimum of 9 total credit hours of the practicum, SWK 440 and SW 441, and 5 total credit hours of the concurrent seminars, SWK 445, and SWK 490.) .

445. Social Work Integrative Seminar (SWK 39445)
Credit 3 hours
This seminar is to be taken concurrently with SWK 440 Social Work Practicum I. Course is designed to assist students in professional self-assessment as related to departmental objectives; integration of knowledge, skill, and values/ethics base; and development of individualized practicum learning goals, learning plans, and resumes. Emphasis will be placed upon effective functioning in professional social work practice roles in social agency settings.
Prerequisites: Senior standing and acceptance into the practicum (through application process).

479. Special Projects (SWK 39479)
Credit 1-3 hours
An opportunity for advanced students to undertake special projects in fields of interest to them under the supervision of a faculty member.
Prerequisites: 12 hours of social work courses and permission of department

489. Readings in Social Work (SWK 39489)
Credit 1-3 hours
In-depth readings in a specific area of social work. The student is expected to meet regularly with a faculty member.
Prerequisites: 12 credits in social work courses and permission of department

490. Field Seminar (SWK 39490)
Credit 2 hours
An integrating seminar designed to be taken concurrently with SWK 440 Practicum II. Emphasis is on the development of professional skill levels through specific assignments related to field experience. Students complete the Integrative Paper in this course.
Prerequisites: SWK 440 and SWK 445. To be taken concurrently with SWK 39441 Social Work Practicum II.

499. Research in Social Work (SWK 39499)
Credit 1-3 hours
An opportunity for advanced students to plan and carry out an independent
research project under the supervision of a faculty member.
Prerequisites: 12 hours of social work and permission of department

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THE FIELD PRACTICUM COURSES

The field practicum courses provide the capstone experience of the entire social work program, as they are the student’s opportunity to integrate all the learning of the entire course of study and emerge ready for beginning level social work practice. Students must complete most of the social work requirements before taking the introductory practicum course, Practicum I (SWK 440) in the fall of their senior year. This course prepares them for entering the second practicum (SWK 441) and the accompanying field seminar (SWK 490) in the spring of their senior year. The course SWK 445 Social Work Integrative Seminar is to be taken concurrently with SWK440 Social Work Practicum I. (See master plan on preceding pages.) Students are expected to have taken the human behavior and social environment sequence (SWK 333, SWK 334, and SWK 335), the research sequence (SWK 337 and SWK 339), the policy and services courses (SWK 301 and SWK 343), and the first practice course (SWK 355). The remaining two practice courses (SWK 356 and SWK 357) may be taken concurrently with the field practicum and field seminar. In the case of transfer students or students who make late decisions to become social work majors, the second practicum SWK 441 and SWK 490 Field Seminar may be taken during the summer following the senior year.

Practicum Application Procedures:

Students anticipating taking the practicum should discuss plans with their advisor and fill out the practicum application form the previous semester. The form is to be turned in to the Practicum Director, Professor Richard Potter.

Upon receiving the Practicum Director’s approval for taking the practicum, the student should make an appointment with him to discuss the choice of a practicum agency. Generally, the student and the director arrive at a joint decision about two or three possible choices appropriate to the student’s learning needs. The student then sets up interviews with these agencies and upon the completion of these interviews, a joint decision is made concerning final assignment.

Before going to agency interviews, the student is expected to prepare a resume’ and learning goals to give to the agency staff to assist them in evaluating and placing the student. Students are also expected to consult with the Practicum Director in fine-tuning the learning goals before the first day of the practicum. The learning goals will be reviewed and adjusted by the student and the field instructor, the agency social worker who supervises students in their placements.

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Practicum Manual:

Practicum Manuals are available for each practicum student in the Social Work Office. Students are asked to pick one up and to read it before beginning the practicum, as the manuals contain more detailed information on the objectives, assignments, policies, and procedures of the practicum.

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NASW Membership:

Students are encouraged to become members of the National Association of Social Workers before beginning the field practicum.

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Practicum Supervision:

The Practicum Director, Professor Richard Potter, is responsible for the overall supervision of the student during the practicum. Other faculty members will serve as practicum liaisons as needed. This will generally involve at least one visit to the agency and telephone conferences with the field instructor as needed during the semester. If the field instructor does not have the MSW degree, the Practicum Director will provide more intensive supervision to ensure that the student acquires the social work perspective. In addition, the student will stay in touch with the Practicum Director through the weekly field seminars held on campus. These seminars are the key to the integration of field and classroom learning, so attendance is extremely important.

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Practicum Agencies:

The Social Work Department collaborates with a variety of agencies that provide students with a quality learning experience. The following are examples of agencies which are recommended and are generally available as practicum placements. Other agencies may be available if the student has a special interest in a particular setting.

Agency City
Camp Fire USA Omaha, NE
CASA Program Papillion, NE
Chicano Awareness Center Omaha, NE
Children’s Square, USA Council Bluffs, IA
Community Alliance, Inc. Omaha, NE
Columbus Community Hospital, Inc. Columbus, NE
Diversion Services Drug Court Omaha, NE
Family Resource Center of Lincoln Lincoln, NE
Family Service of Lincoln Lincoln, NE
Crisis Center for Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Fremont, NE
Fremont Hospital and Merrick Manor Fremont, NE
Fremont Public Schools Fremont, NE
Guidance and Development Center Macy, NE
Immanuel Fontanelle Home, Alegent Health Omaha, NE
Immanuel Hospital, Alegent Health Omaha, NE
Iowa Department of Social Services Logan, IA
Lutheran Family Services Omaha, NE
Lutheran Social Services of Iowa Council Bluffs, IA
Memorial Community Hospital Blair, NE
Nebraska AIDS Project Omaha, NE
Nebraska Health and Human Services Systems Omaha, NE; Fremont, NE
Blair, NE; Papillion, NE
Region V Family and Youth Investment Lincoln, NE
Creighton University Hospital Omaha, NE
The Salvation Army Omaha, NE
Douglas County Juvenile Probation Omaha, NE
United Way of the Midlands Omaha, NE
Winnebago Tribal Court Winnebago, NE
Winebago Child and Family Services Winnebago, NE
YWCA Domestic Violence Program Omaha, NE

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