Social Work (SW)

Introduces students to the history, practice, values and perspective of social work. Provides an overview of social problems and social services for different populations with an emphasis on advancing social and economic justice. Students participate in an observational service learning component (2 hours/week or 30 hours/semester) arranged individually with the instructor. Falls and Springs.

Introduces students to the social work skills associated with case management: planning, seeking, advocating for and then monitoring services on behalf of individuals. Content is built on strength-based and person-in-environment frameworks which are the cornerstones of social work practice. Springs and Falls.

Introduces students to academic, professional, and self-reflective writing as it relates to the profession of social work. Emphasizes APA formatting, social work documentation, and professional communications. Offered over 8 weeks and required of all Social Work majors. Falls and Springs.

Prerequisite(s): Social Work majors only.

This elective course provides students with an overview of Substance Use Disorders. As substance use is a pervasive facet of our current society, it is imperative that those in a helping profession develop specialized knowledge and skills in the neurobiology, epidemiology, pharmacology, spiritual, and interpersonal aspects of substance use disorders. Falls.

Examines concepts of aging, the aging process and its impact on individuals, families and society, and differences and disparities in aging by race, class and gender. Students examine demographic trends, as well as physical, social and emotional changes associated with aging. Political and economic issues of aging and older adulthood in modern society are also considered from both an historical and contemporary perspective. Falls and Springs. (WECO)

Provides an overview of the development of the child welfare system in the US from institutional care in the 1800s to the current system of supportive, foster care, adoption and protective services. Emphasizes the economic condition of children and families that underlie the problems of child welfare. Reviews the organization and delivery of child welfare services in NH. Springs and Falls.

A critical examination of the etiology of child maltreatment. Explores causality, interventions to prevent or remedy child maltreatment, abuse, neglect, family violence and psychological maltreatment. Considers oppression, poverty and cultural factors relevant to child maltreatment. Springs.

Examines current issues and problems in mental health, mental illness and health care delivery from a domestic and global perspective. Studies the impact of social life, including culture, social class, race and ethnicity, gender and age on physical and emotional health. Studies the history and current status of mental health care and service delivery in the United States and other nations. Addresses cross-cultural issues and challenges, epidemiological trends, treatment methods and interventions and mental health outcomes. Falls and Springs. (GACO)

Examines how difference is constructed at the individual, social, institutional, and societal levels leading to prejudice and oppression. Introduces difference with respect to race, sex/gender, sexual orientation, social class, age, religion, physicality, and disability. Provides students with an understanding of diversity and a general knowledge of strategies to alleviate oppression and to empower the oppressed. Springs and Falls. (DICO)

Specialized topics in social welfare and social work not normally covered in depth in other Social Work courses. Possible topics include: substance abuse, income maintenance, administration, school social work. Course may be repeated with a different topic.

Prerequisite(s): SW 2200.

The study of major social welfare policies (income maintenance, health care, employment, social services) in the United States. Policies and services reviewed in historical perspective. Open to majors and Interdisciplinary majors with Social Work as one area of concentration, or permission of the instructor. Springs.

Prerequisite(s): Open to majors and Interdisciplinary majors with Social Work as one area of concentration, or permission of the instructor.

Examines current issues and problems in health, illness and health care delivery from a domestic and global perspective. Studies the impact of social life, including culture, social class, race and ethnicity, gender and age on physical and emotional health. Examines illness in developing countries, disparities in the health of populations and health care systems and policies in other nations. Falls and Springs. (GACO) (WECO)

The application of social work theory in mezzo (group) practice contexts. Emphasis is on small group process from theoretical and practical perspectives which form the framework for worker planning, engagement, intervention and termination. Springs.

Prerequisite(s): SW 3510 or SW 3610; Social Work majors only.

The application of social work theory in macro contexts. Knowledge of community development and organization as applied within agency and community contexts. Falls.

Prerequisite(s): SW 3510 or SW 3610; Social Work majors only.

The application of social work theory in micro practice contexts. Generalist social work practice skills, knowledge and values as applied to individuals and families. Use of problem solving approach with attention to engagement, contract, intervention and termination in a professional relationship. Falls.

Prerequisite(s): Social Work majors only; SW 2200; completion of the Social Work Application and Interview; permission of instructor.

Analyzes human behavior and the social environment from a “person-in-environment” or social systems framework. This analysis is designed to enhance and increase students’ potential for developing effective generalist social work practice. In addition to social work theory and philosophy, students integrate and apply knowledge from liberal arts courses in sociology, psychology, and human biology. Falls.

See SS 3705 for course description. Falls and Springs. (QRCO)

Prerequisite(s): Mathematics Foundations.

The internship engages students in workplace settings and provides an opportunity to learn about various fields of practice. Individually arranged with instructor who will supervise internship. Does not fulfill requirements of Social Work Practicum courses (SW 4430, SW 4440, SW 4450, SW 4460, SW 4470). Letter graded. Repeatable for credit. Falls and Springs.

Prerequisite(s): Junior or Senior status and permission of the Department Chair.

Helps students develop an understanding of and appreciation for an empirical approach to building knowledge for practice and evaluating the delivery of services. Content includes quantitative and qualitative methodologies, data analysis, evaluation of practice, analysis and evaluation of research reports and a review of relevant technological advances. Falls. (TECO)

Prerequisite(s): SW 2200, Minimal grade: C, and (MA 2300, Min grade: C, Or SS 3700, Min grade: D-, Or SW 3700, Min grade: D-).

The practicum engages students in 450 hours of supervised social work practice and provides opportunities to apply classroom learning in the field setting. Placement occurs in senior year; taken concurrently with SW 4550. Practicum is arranged on an individualized basis in consultation with the faculty Field Education Director. Transfer credit cannot be applied to the Practicum. Paid field placements are prohibited. In special circumstances, with the permission of the Field Education Director, students may secure a stipend or scholarship from the field agency. Existing paid employment cannot qualify as a field placement. For majors only. Pass/No Pass. Springs.

Prerequisite(s): permission of Field Education Director.

Corequisite(s): SW 4550.

Designed to encourage integration of student learning of current field experiences within a generalist social work practice framework. Provides opportunities to explore practicum experiences against a backdrop of social work theory and knowledge gained from liberal arts and social work courses. The intention is to foster the transition from role of student to professional. Transfer credit cannot be applied to the Seminar. For majors only. To be taken in the senior year. Springs. (WRCO)

Provides students with specialized knowledge in an area of social work practice not covered in available courses or relating to a student's special interests. Consent required of the instructor who will supervise the independent study and the Department Chair.