Please see the section on Course Description Symbols and Terms in the University Catalog for an explanation of course description terminology and symbols, the course numbering system, and course credit units. All courses are lecture and discussion and employ letter grading unless otherwise stated. Some prerequisites may be waived with faculty permission. Many syllabi are available on the Chico Web.

Social Work Course Offerings

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
SWRK 170	Social Welfare Institutions: A Response to Power and Scarcity	3.0	FS	GE
This course identifies groups within American society which have a high risk of disenfranchisement. Societal responses established to reduce the impact of inequitable distribution of goods, services, and opportunities based on economic, medical, educational, generational, gender, and legal scarcity are studied. Issues are examined from historical and contemporary perspectives. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (009411)
SWRK 198	Special Topics	1.0 -3.0	FS
Prerequisites: Department permission. This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 3 hours supervision. (009414)
SWRK 200	Diversity and Social Justice	3.0	FS	USD
This course presents a framework for understanding and openly interacting with people from diverse backgrounds that compose the rich mosaic of the United States. The class is designed to promote ethnic-sensitive interpersonal relationships. Diverse people studied are distinguished by issues of race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion/spirituality, generation, and national origin. Historical and cultural experiences shaping their lives and current reality are examined. The overall goal is for students to develop high regard for the worth and dignity of all people. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved US Diversity course. (009415)
SWRK 202	Human Behavior Across the Lifespan	3.0	FS
Using a systems framework and selected human behavior theories across the lifespan, the biological, social, psychological, and cultural influences on individuals, families, and groups are investigated. Particular emphasis is given to ethnic and cultural diversity and promoting student self-reflection across generations and cultural competence. 3 hours lecture. (021644)
SWRK 303	Human Behavior and the Social Environment	3.0	SP
Prerequisite: Social Work majors only. Second of two human behavior and social environment theory courses relevant to social work practice. While SWRK 202 focuses on individuals and families across the lifespan from diverse backgrounds, SWRK 303 studies groups, organizations, institutions, and communities as social systems. Examines the reciprocal interactions between these larger social systems and diverse individuals and families. 3 hours lecture. (009423)
SWRK 305	Community and Organizational Change	3.0	SP
Prerequisite: Social Work majors only. This course provides students with a foundation in community-based change strategies. Students explore how individuals affect communities, how communities affect individuals, and how social workers can become involved to create social change in conjunction with community members. 3 hours lecture. (015907)
SWRK 320	Child Welfare	3.0	FS
This course acquaints students with the relevant history, concepts, and structure of the child welfare system. Areas of study include the examination of abuse, neglect, commercial sexual exploitation, foster and kinship care, permanency including adoption, intergenerational family issues, disproportionality and disparity, assessment, and service delivery. The focus is on the application of generalist social work knowledge, values, skills, and the problem-solving process to child welfare practices. The course content view the impact of gender and gender identity, ability, culture, ethnicity, economic status, sexual orientation, religion/spirituality, generation, and trauma and resilience across the lifespan on child welfare issues. This is a required course for the Title IV-E students. 3 hours lecture. (009425)
SWRK 325	Basic Skills in Social Work Practice	3.0	SP
Prerequisite: Social Work majors only. Introduces students to the application of social work ethics and skills for social work practice. Includes the ecological systems framework, strengths perspective, and differential application of practice knowledge related to the needs of various groups characterized by gender, race, ethnicity, culture, generation, sexual orientation, class, and ability. Students learn basic interviewing and communication skills. 3 hours clinical. (009426)
SWRK 330	Social Work Research Methods	4.0	SP
Prerequisite: Social Work majors only. An introduction to the logic and styles of social work research. Particular attention is given to the nature of the scientific method, the methods of formulating research questions, the design of social research and the nature of scientific evidence. A laboratory provides application of research practice introduced in class. 1 hour lecture, 3 hours discussion. (008970)
SWRK 398	Special Topics	1.0 -3.0	FS
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Topics will vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 3 hours supervision. (009420)
SWRK 399	Special Problems	1.0 -3.0	FS
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 3 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (009421)
SWRK 435W	Social Work Methods I (W)	3.0	FA	GW W
Prerequisites: GE Written Communication (A2) requirement, SWRK majors only. Corequisite: SWRK 489A. Explores the dimensions of social work practice from a systems perspective: engagement, data collection, assessment, and planning. Students develop skills in building partnerships with clients, group leadership, culturally competent relationship building, problem/need partializing and prioritizing, goal setting, and collaborative planning. Values, ethics, and ethical decision making are emphasized. Students apply knowledge of social systems, human development across the lifespan, and diversity in assessing and planning with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. 3 hours clinical. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. This is an approved Writing Course. (009427)
SWRK 445W	Social Work Methods II (W)	3.0	SP	GW W
Prerequisites: GE Written Communication (A2) requirement, SWRK majors only. Corequisite: SWRK 489B. Builds on Methods I in the areas of intervention, evaluation, and closure. Students enhance their skills in maintaining partnerships with clients, group facilitation, culturally competent change strategies, collaboration, evaluation of practice, and closure. Values, ethics, and ethical decision making are applied to intervention and evaluation. Students apply knowledge of social systems, human development across the lifespan, and diversity in intervention and evaluation with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. 3 hours clinical. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. This is an approved Writing Course. (009429)
SWRK 474	Policy and Programs for Older Adults	3.0	SP
Examines major social policies, legislation, programs, models of service delivery, and funding related to the needs and concerns of older adults living in the US. Barriers to service availability and delivery to older populations-at-risk, and types of advocacy efforts to promote policy change are addressed. 3 hours lecture. (001570)
SWRK 478	Mental Health Wellness and Recovery	3.0	FA
This undergraduate course examines the concepts and practices of wellness, recovery, and resilience for individuals, families, and society. The course addresses mental health services including psychosocial rehabilitation, peer recovery, and other approaches to treatment. Underlying values and components of the recovery movement and recovery based programs are addressed in conjunction with a historical overview of mental health treatment in the United States. 3 hours lecture. (021319)
SWRK 481	Law and Disadvantaged Persons	3.0	INQ
This course is also offered as POLS 481. Explores legal issues facing the poor, older adults, disabled, and minorities, and how to advance the legal rights of the disadvantaged. Family law, consumerism, small claims court, Social Security, welfare law, and landlord/tenant rights are addressed from theoretical and practical perspectives, with an emphasis on advocating those rights. 3 hours lecture. (009431)
SWRK 485	Social Welfare Policy, Programs, and Services	3.0	FA
Prerequisite: Social Work majors only. This course examines economic, historical, generational, political, intellectual, sociocultural, leadership, values, ideologies and other such factors that shape social welfare policy, programs, and services. The course addresses various frameworks for studying social welfare policy and examines the roles of policy makers, processes of social change, and the roles of social workers as facilitators of positive social change. 3 hours lecture. (009432)
SWRK 489A	Social Work Practicum I	6.0	FA
Prerequisite: SWRK majors only. Corequisite: SWRK 435W. Students are placed in an approved social service agency and, under the supervision of a qualified field instructor, engage in generalist social work practice with multi-level client systems. The approved agency may be public, non-profit, or proprietary. The Director of Field Education facilitates student placement. 240 hours in the agency practicum are required. 18 hours supervision. Credit/no credit grading. (009434)
SWRK 489B	Social Work Practicum II	6.0	SP
Prerequisites: SWRK majors only, department permission. Corequisite: SWRK 445W. This course is a continuation of SWRK 489A. Interns remain in the same agency with the same field instructor to further develop their ethical foundation, skills, knowledge, and understanding of self in the delivery of social services with multi-level client systems. 240 hours in the agency practicum are required. 18 hours supervision. Credit/no credit grading. (009435)
SWRK 498	Special Topics	1.0 -3.0	FS
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Topics will vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 1 hour lecture. (009442)
SWRK 499	Special Problems	1.0 -3.0	FS
Prerequisites: Faculty permission. This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 3 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (009443)
SWRK 499H	Honors in Social Work	3.0	FS
Prerequisite: Faculty permission. The student will work closely with faculty in a particular area of interest on an original project or research topic. The year-long collaboration culminates in a professional product for public presentation. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (009444)
SWRK 601	Human Behavior and Social Environment	3.0	FA
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and acceptance to the MSW program or instructor permission. Corequisites: SWRK 605, SWRK 608, SWRK 617, SWRK 631. This course provides understanding of human behavior and social environment from an eco-systemic and value-based perspective as applicable in social work practice. Content includes theories and knowledge of human, bio-psycho-social development, and the range of social systems (families, groups, organizations, institutions, and communities) in which individuals live. This course looks at the larger view of the interaction of human behavior and the social environment across the life span from the human ancestor and family genetic inheritance to birth, childhood, youth, adult life, old age, and death. 3 hours lecture. (009446)
SWRK 605	Social Welfare Policy and Services	3.0	FA
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and acceptance to the MSW program or instructor permission. Corequisites: SWRK 601, SWRK 608, SWRK 617, SWRK 631. This course examines economic, historical, political, intellectual, sociocultural, leadership, values, and ideologies and other factors which shape social welfare and economic policy, programs, and services. It addresses various frameworks for studying social welfare policy, programs, and services, and examines the roles of policy-makers, processes of social change, and the roles of social workers as facilitators of positive social change. Special emphasis is placed on effects of social and economic policy decisions on impoverished and oppressed people. 3 hours lecture. (009448)
SWRK 608	Generalist Social Work Theory and Practice I	3.0	FA
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and acceptance to the MSW program. Corequisites: SWRK 601, SWRK 605, SWRK 617, SWRK 631. This is an introductory course in generalist social work practice methods and skills of social work intervention with individuals. Attention is given to the historic development of social work practice, the nature and application of social work values and ethical principles, the theoretical framework of helping methods and the helping process of assessment, planning, intervention, termination, and evaluation. Emphasis is on a generalist approach to helping within an ecosystem approach for understanding the person-in-situation. A minimum of one hour per week will be devoted to skills development laboratory. 3 hours clinical. (009450)
SWRK 609	Generalist Social Work Theory and Practice II	3.0	SP
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of the first semester of the foundation year. Corequisites: SWRK 610, SWRK 612, SWRK 632, SWRK 644. This course is designed to provide a framework for systematic study of the components and issues involved in the practice of social work with groups and families. This course prepares the student to become familiar with the processes involved with group and family formation as well as ongoing processes of assessment, intervention, and evaluation. A minimum of one hour per week will be devoted to skills development laboratory. 3 hours clinical. (009451)
SWRK 610	Generalist Social Work Theory and Practice III	3.0	SP
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of the first semester of the foundation year. Corequisites: SWRK 609, SWRK 612, SWRK 632, SWRK 644. This course is designed to help students understand organizations, institutions, and communities, and to provide the knowledge bases of social work generalist practice for interventions at this level. It provides an opportunity to explore selected macro models of practice, and learn about human service organizations that often serve as an immediate context for community practice. A minimum of one hour per week will be devoted to skills development laboratory. 3 hours clinical. (009452)
SWRK 612	Diversity and Social Justice	3.0	SP
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of the first semester of the foundation year. Corequisites: SWRK 609, SWRK 610, SWRK 632, SWRK 644. This course is designed to assist graduate social work students in understanding and interacting in a culturally competent manner with the multitude of groups that are identified by race, culture, ethnicity, class, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, and regional and national origins that compose the diverse cultural mosaic of the U.S. The course will also cover issues relating to international social work practice and the increasingly interconnected global economy. 3 hours lecture. (009447)
SWRK 617	Research Methods for Social Work Knowledge and Practice	4.0	FA
Prerequisites: Acceptance to the MSW program. Corequisites: SWRK 601, SWRK 605, SWRK 608, SWRK 631. This course provides an overview of social science and statistical research methods useful for social work practice. It provides the foundation knowledge and skills that enable students to be intelligent consumers of information, to conduct social research, and to critically evaluate social work practice. The application of social research methods to social work practice in various size systems is a primary emphasis. 4 hours lecture. (009449)
SWRK 631	Foundation Practicum	3.0	FA
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and acceptance to the MSW program. Corequisites: SWRK 601, SWRK 605, SWRK 608, SWRK 617. Foundation field education is an educationally supervised agency experience designed for students to apply the knowledge, skills, and values learned in their previous liberal arts and concurrent social work courses. Students complete a minimum of 240 hours of supervised practice and participate in a bi-weekly integrating seminar throughout the semester. In consultation with students, the Field Education Director makes agency assignments. 9 hours independent study. Credit/no credit grading. (009455)
SWRK 632	Foundation Practicum	3.0	SP
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of the first semester of the foundation year. Corequisites: SWRK 609, SWRK 610, SWRK 612, SWRK 644. Foundation field education is an educationally supervised agency experience designed for students to apply the knowledge, skills, and values learned in their previous liberal arts and concurrent social work courses. Students complete a minimum of 240 hours of supervised practice and participate in a bi-weekly integrating seminar throughout the semester. In consultation with students, the Field Education Director makes agency assignments. 9 hours independent study. Credit/no credit grading. (009456)
SWRK 636	Contemporary Issues in Social Work Practice and Research	4.0	SM
Prerequisites: Graduate standing, admission to the MSW program, and acceptance in the One-Year Program. This course is designed to examine contemporary issues in social work practice and research which serves as a foundation for students beginning the accelerated master's program. 4 hours lecture. (009458)
SWRK 641	Advanced Practice in Mental Health Services	3.0	FA
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of foundation year. Corequisites: SWRK 643, SWRK 648, SWRK 653. This course prepares students for differential assessment and intervention with individuals and families with problems representative of the mental health focus area. Students develop knowledge and skills in the psychosocial approach to advanced ethnic-sensitive practice, crisis intervention, and other selected treatment approaches. Focus is on influences of culture, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, spirituality, and generation in all phases of practice. 3 hours clinical. (009459)
SWRK 642	Advanced Practice in Families, Children, and Youth Services	3.0	FA
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of foundation year. Corequisites: SWRK 643, SWRK 648, SWRK 653. This course prepares students for differential assessment and intervention with individuals and families with problems representative of the families, children, and youth focus area. Students develop knowledge and skills in the psychosocial approach to advanced ethnic-sensitive practice, crisis intervention, and other selected treatment approaches. The focus is on influences of culture, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, spirituality, and generation in all phases of practice. 3 hours clinical. (009460)
SWRK 643	Assessment of Individuals and Families	3.0	FA
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of foundation year. Corequisites: SWRK 641 or SWRK 642; SWRK 648, SWRK 653. This course provides content on assessment of families and individuals experiencing problems-in-living, including biopsychosocial considerations. Includes assessment methods and diagnostic techniques, including mental status, person-in-environment (PIE), psychosocial, risk, and safety assessments, and use of current DSM. The legal, social, cultural, and ethnic factors impacting assessment and intervention are explored. 3 hours clinical. (009461)
SWRK 644	Human Behavior and the Social Environment II	3.0	SP
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of first semester of foundation year. Corequisites: SWRK 609, SWRK 610, SWRK 612, SWRK 632. This course examines theories and research regarding work groups, organizations, and communities as contexts for social work practice and preparation for practice with larger systems. Includes the role of community power structures in the governance of systems, the change process, and their effects on the provision of services, including interactions between these systems and diverse individuals and families. 3 hours lecture. (009462)
SWRK 648	Advanced Practicum I	4.0	FA
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of foundation year. Corequisites: SWRK 641 or SWRK 642; SWRK 643, SWRK 653. Advanced practicum under the supervision and instruction of an MSW field instructor. This course provides students with opportunities to apply and expand knowledge, values, and skills gained from previous and concurrent course work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The Director of Field Education makes field assignments after consultation with the student and agency. Students complete 360 hours during the fall semester. 12 hours independent study. Credit/no credit grading. (009464)
SWRK 652	Supervision, Program Development, and Administration	3.0	SP
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of foundation year. Corequisites: SWRK 655; SWRK 656 or SWRK 681; SWRK 658. This course provides an introduction and overview of methodologies for supervision, consultation, management, administration, and planning within social services settings. Leadership, decision making, conflict resolution, fiscal management, fundraising, legal issues, program and staff development, and work with boards are covered. 3 hours lecture. (009468)
SWRK 653	Research: Program Evaluation for Social Work	3.0	FA
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of foundation year. Corequisites: SWRK 641 or SWRK 642; SWRK 643, SWRK 648. This course prepares students to design and conduct evaluative studies of social work interventions within the program context. Emphasis is on the development of evaluative research methods relevant to program evaluation. 3 hours lecture. (009469)
SWRK 655	Advanced Policy Practice for Social Work	3.0	SP
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of foundation year. Corequisites: SWRK 652, SWRK 658; SWRK 656 or SWRK 681. This course prepares students to analyze social welfare and mental health policies and their impact on families, children, youth, adults, and older adults throughout the generations. Students examine the historic and current forces underlying the development of current policies and services. This course includes an analysis of alternative policy choices and their effect as a basis for intervention and service provisions at multi-system levels. 3 hours lecture. (009471)
SWRK 656	Advanced Social Work Macro Practice	3.0	SP
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of foundation year or instructor approval. Corequisites: SWRK 652; SWRK 655; SWRK 658. This advanced course continues students' understanding of organizations, institutions and communities, and the knowledge bases of social work generalist practice for interventions at this level. It provides an overview of personnel management, organizational functioning, planning, and community practice processes for advanced year students. Themes include selected macro models of practice, management, financing, and governance of human service organizations. 3 hours lecture. (020082)
SWRK 658	Advanced Practicum II	4.0	SP
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of foundation year. Corequisites: SWRK 652; SWRK 655; SWRK 656 or SWRK 681. Continuation and culmination of supervised advanced practice experience with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Students complete 360 hours during the spring semester. 12 hours independent study. Credit/no credit grading. (009472)
SWRK 673	Trauma and Loss	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of the foundation year or instructor permission. This course examines issues of trauma and working with people who have experienced trauma or loss or are facing death. Several theoretical approaches are examined, with emphasis on expanding knowledge of trauma concepts, intervention models, specific populations-at-risk, and developing treatment strategies and techniques that help people heal from trauma and deal with losses or imminent death. Focus is on planned interventions with individuals and families in stressful situations through the use of primarily cognitive or problem-solving approaches. 3 hours lecture. (009488)
SWRK 674	Policies and Practice with Older Adults and Their Families	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of the foundation year or instructor permission. This course is designed to provide students with the specialized knowledge base necessary for policy analysis and advanced social work practice with older Americans and their families. Students learn a variety of practice concepts, skills, models, and theories from a strengths perspective, to facilitate their gerontology social work practice. Focus is on social work practice with older ethnic and minority group members, women, and people who belong to other special population groups. 3 hours lecture. (009479)
SWRK 677	Substance Use: Etiology and Treatment	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of the foundation year or instructor permission. This course examines the incidence and etiology of chemical dependence and its impact on individuals, families, and society. The course also addresses pharmacological properties and physiological, psychosocial, and cultural aspects of psychoactive substance use, assessment and classification of substance use disorders, and models of interventions and treatment. 3 hours lecture. (009482)
SWRK 678	Mental Health Wellness and Recovery	3.0	FA
This course is intended to provide students with relevant information regarding wellness, and recovery in the field of mental health. Concepts, roles and applications vital to community mental health practice are covered. The purpose of this course is to meet the need for mental health practitioners who are knowledgeable and have essential skills in the area of recovery and wellness. 3 hours lecture. (020991)
SWRK 681	Advanced Family and Child Treatment	3.0	SP
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of the foundation year. Corequisites: SWRK 652; SWRK 655; SWRK 658. This course builds on SWRK 641 and SWRK 642 to provide advanced knowledge and skills for students wishing to pursue advanced clinical treatment of families and children. Emphasis is on contemporary research, theories, and models of intervention with families and children. 3 hours lecture. (009486)
SWRK 687	Advanced Child Welfare	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of the Foundation year or acceptance into the concentration year. Title IV-E requirement. This course covers core knowledge and skills for the practice of social work, with an emphasis on child welfare practice. Content includes interviewing, assessment, and interventions, with special attention to problems and concerns related to child protection and family preservation. Students learn to apply a strengths perspective in an environmental context and to work collaboratively. Students learn to evaluate child and family information and to take appropriate steps toward permanency planning. In addition, the course covers the professional use of self within the values and ethics of social work practice. 3 hours lecture. (015912)
SWRK 697	Independent Study	1.0 -3.0	FS
Prerequisites: Instructor and MSW Director permission. This course is a graduate-level independent study offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Students must register directly with a supervising faculty member and have approval of the MSW Director. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (009490)
SWRK 698	Special Topics in Social Work	1.0 -3.0	FS
Special topics course offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Course content is either a contemporary issue in social work or a topic related to California licensure requirements. 3 hours seminar. (009489)
SWRK 699P	Master's Project	2.0	FS
Prerequisites: Advancement to candidacy. This course is a master's study offered as a Master's Project. Students must register directly with a supervising faculty member and have approval of the MSW Director. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 4.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (009495)
SWRK 699T	Master's Thesis	2.0	FS
Prerequisites: Advancement to candidacy. This course is a master's study offered as a Master's Thesis. Students must register directly with a supervising faculty member and have approval of the MSW Director. 18 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 4.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (009494)