School of Social Work

Academic Programs

Undergraduate

Overview | Course Descriptions | Sample Plan of Study

SWK 101 Opportunities in Social Work
Introduces first year and transfer social work majors to the general
resources available at the University of Maine and to the specific resources
found at the School of Social Work. Includes an introduction to the library
and computer facilities, student support services, an overview of graduation
requirements, General Education requirements, and requirements for the |
BASW degree. Explores available volunteer opportunities on campus, in
surrounding communities, and through the School of Social Work Student
Organization (SSWSO). Social work practitioners serve as invited speakers
to discuss both internship and career opportunities in the profession. Cr 1.

SWK 320 Introduction to Social Work
Focuses on the history and development of social welfare and social work,
the basic values and concepts of social work practice and the major fields
of social work practice. Second semester students or sophomore level.
Satisfies the General Education Social Contexts and Institutions Requirement.
Prerequisites and Course Notes: SOC 101 or permission. 3 Cr.

SWK 330 Contemporary Issues in Diversity and Pluralism
Examines plurality and diversity from a standpoint of difference created by
culture, race, social structure, religious affiliation, gender, age, sexual
orientation and ability. Issues of prejudice and discrimination examined
on an individual and societal level. (Satisfies the General Education
Cultural Diversity and International Perspectives Requirement).
Prerequisite: SOC 101 3 Cr.

SWK 350 Human Behavior and the Social Environment I
Examines research and traditional/alternative theories related to normative
life span development as influenced by age, gender, social class, social
structures, oppression, and other environmental factors. Uses a systems
theory and person-in-environment as the analytical framework. Considers
implications for social work practice and social welfare policy.
Prequisites: PSY 100, SOC 101, and SWK 330 (or PSY 323 or CHF 201)
or permission. Cr. 3

SWK 351 Human Behavior and the Social Environment II
Examines research and traditional/alternative theories related to normative
development of families, small groups, and communities. Explores the
impact of age, gender, social class, social structures, oppression, and
other environmental factors. Examines the social structure and context of
organizations and institutions and their impact on individuals, families,
small groups, and communities. Considers implications for social work
practice and social welfare policy.
Prerequisite: SWK 350 or permission Cr. 3

SWK 361 Generalist Practice I
Explores the functions and roles of the social worker, the value base of
social work practice, and the process of providing service. Social Work
majors only.
Prerequisite: SWK 350 or permission. 3 Cr.

SWK 365 Problems of Child Abuse and Neglect: A Multidisciplinary
Approach
Examines the roles of the major disciplines, agencies and professions
involved in the prevention, early detection, assessment, intervention,
treatment and management of child abuse and neglect. Focus on victims
and their families. (Satisfies the General Education Social Contexts and
Institutions Requirement).
Prerequisite: SOC 101 or permission. (Continuing Education Only). 3 Cr.

SWK 368 Psychosocial Aspects of Disability
Examines the impact of disability, including hidden disabilities, on people's
development, self-concept, and self-esteem. The fields of societal attitudes, structures, legislation and institutions on the disabled individual also are examined critically.
Prerequisite: SOC 101 or permission. 3 Cr.

SWK 395 Beginning Field Experience in Social Work
Preparation for field practicum, exploration of interest in professional social
work and introduction to social welfare agency milieux through volunteer
experience. Students must register for both fall and spring semesters.
(Pass/ Fail grade only).
Prerequisite: Social Work majors or permission only. 3 Cr.

SWK 397 Independent Projects in Social Welfare I
1-3 Cr.

SWK 440 Social Welfare Policy and Issues
Provides an analytic perspective on the provision of social services and the
interrelatedness of practice and policy analysis. The dimensions of choice
in social welfare policy and major issues in provision of services are
examined. (Satisfies the General Education Social Contexts and Institutions
and Writing Intensive Requirements).
Prerequisite: ENG 212 or ENG 317; POS 100 Or PAA 100 Or PAA 220;
and SWK 320 or Permission. 3 Cr.

SWK 462 Generalist Practice II
Develops knowledge, values and skills necessary for provision of social
services to individuals, families and small groups. Includes knowledge and
skill building in interpersonal communication, planning and carrying out
interventions, and evaluating interventions within the context of generalist
social work practice. Integrates classroom and field instruction experiences.
Prerequisite: SWK 361. Limited to senior SWK majors. 3 Cr.

SWK 463 Generalist Practice III
Explores the theory and practice of purposive social change in social
agencies and communities, participation of social workers in politics, and
social worker roles of advocate, resource mobilizer, program planner, and
organizer. Integrates the classroom and field instruction experience.
Prerequisite: SWK 462. Limited to senior SWK majors. 3 Cr.

SWK 481 Introduction to Horticultural Therapy
Introduces students to horticultural therapy as an intervention approach using horticultural activities with a broad range of populations including, but not limited to, children and teens in a variety of settings such as foster care or residential placements, persons with special needs, adults with various issues, and persons who are incarcerated.
Prerequisite: SWK 320 or permission. 3 Cr.

SWK 491 Methods of Social Work Research
Beginning methods of social work research. Strategies and methods of
developing knowledge in the context of social work practice and social
welfare. The place of theory in research, problem formulation, ethical
concerns, research designs, including practice research and evaluation,
methods of data collection, sampling, introduction to program evaluation,
and basic procedures in data analysis and statistics. 3 Cr.

SWK 495 Field Practicum in Social Work
Generalist social work practice in community agencies provides
opportunities to apply social work knowledge and skills directed toward
planned intervention and change efforts. (Satisfies the General Education
Capstone Experience Requirement).
Prerequisite: SWK 361 and SWK 440. Limited to social work majors who
have completed at least 75 course credit hours. Taken concurrently with
SWK 462 (Fall semester) and SWK 463 (Spring semester). Twelve credit
hours required; six per semester, variable by permission only. 1-6 Cr.

SWK 497 Special Topics in Social Work
Content varies to suit needs of individual students or small groups. May be
repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: Permission. 1-3 Cr.