Courses
St. Augustine College offers the following Social Work courses. Students enrolled in these courses may find this guide of particular use:
SWK 200 Introduction to Social Work (4) (4,0) This course introduces students to the development of social work and social welfare policy and services, beginning with the English Poor Laws up to contemporary social welfare issues related to globalization. Students will also be introduced to the NASW Code of Ethics, the basic conceptual models of generalist practice, and a sampling of fields practice for generalist practitioners today. This course emphasizes writing an fulfills the College’s computer literacy requirement. Prerequisite: AA degree or 7 General Education courses including ENG 160, ENG 162, and ENG 165. SOC 101can be a corequisite.
SWK 305 Ethics and Values in Social Work (4) (4,0) This course will build upon the material presented in SWK 200. The course introduces students to major concepts, dilemmas, and themes that affect daily social work and that have relevance to social work such as processes of individual and social change, the biopsychosocial perspective, diversity, the development of empathy and judgement in conditions of uncertainty, and decision-making under conditions of scare resources. This course will challenge students to consider personal values and hot to think critically when considering ethical issues and decisions, and how those may affect practice within the context of generalist practice. Prerequisite: AA degree or 10 General Education courses including ENG 162, BIO 102, PSY 101 or SOC 101.
SWK 310 Social Work Policy and Analysis (4) (4,0) This course will provide the knowledge and frameworks for understanding the experiences of immigrants, refugees, ad migrants. The course addresses perspectives, problems, and processes related to uprooting, displacement, resettlement, and adaptation. Policy issues related to disadvantaged status and discrimination, availability and acquisition of services, and the legal status of refugees, immigrants, and migrants will be examined. This course examines contemporary issues in U.S. and global immigration policy, provides an overview of current immigration trends, and teaches students to conceptualize and demonstrate ways of advocating for immigrant and refugee policy change. Students will analyze social policies, programs, and social problems experienced by immigrant and refugee groups. Prerequisite: SWK 200, SWK 305, SWK 315. Admission to the BSW program.
SWK 315 Human Behavior in the Social Environment I (4) (4,0) In this course, students will explore human growth and behavior from conception to adolescence. The major dimensions studied are biological, psychological, and social development. Environmental influences from mezzo and macro levels are studied as they shape, act upon, and affect human lives. Multiple influences of culture, race, racism, gender fluidity, sexual orientation, and sexism are introduced and considered in relation to the life course. Theoretical perspectives such as strengths, ecological systems, empowerment, organizational theory, and community change models are analyzed and applied to human behavior. Prerequisite: AA degree or 10 General Education courses including ENG 162, BIO 102, PSY 101, or SOC 101.
SWK 319* Human Behavior in the Social Environment II (4) (4,0) Five theories form the basis for this course. This course uses the ecological-systems theory, social conflict theory and structural functionalism from sociology, interdisciplinary theory, and adult attachment theory. These theories are combined with current research regarding adult development and problems of adult life. Using these theories and critical thinking, students study the multidimensional risk factors and protective factors for common challenges of living that social workers are often called on for intervention. A working model and the bio-psychosocial-spiritual perspective is used to focus on the intersection between life stage, life challenges, and the macro, mezzo, and micro factors that contribute to risk and protection and shape a unique outcome for each person. A systemic focus on protective factors requires that students understand the functioning of social institutions, organizations, communities and small groups as well as spiritual resources that impact families and individuals. Students will gain knowledge of contemporary issues in adult development in relation to challenging life events during adulthood. The course prepares students for informed advocacy in relation to social justice and well-being for vulnerable people. The course prepares students for an empathetic understanding of the complications of human behavior, behavior change during adulthood, and resilience. Prerequisite: SWK 200, SWK 305, and SWK 315. Admission to the BSW program.
*BSW exception: students who have a 3.0 GPA or above may take SWK 315 and/or SWK 305 along with SWK 319 if necessary, as long as other admission requirements are met and the student is given permission by a SWK advisor or the chair. This allows students who demonstrate higher academic skills some flexibility if loss of financial aid is a concern.
SWK 325 Social Welfare Policy and Services (4) (4,0) This elective course introduces content on current social welfare services and policies in the U.S. within a global context. Students will explore, analyze, and critique major social policies, including social insurance and assistance, health care, child welfare, and criminal justice. The course will discuss how the delivery of service is impacted by funding, organizations, and political concerns. The course will emphasize the issues of poverty, racism, sexism, globalization, ableism, and inequity, with a corresponding focus on justice and human rights. Students will engage in a learning process of advocacy that is consistent with social work values. Prerequisite: SWK 200, SWK 305, and SWK 315. Admission to the BSW program.
SWK 331 Case Studies in Generalist Practice (2) (2,0) This two-credit hour elective course has been designed to increase student knowledge of generalist practice while improving writing skills. Students will read several case studies, provide written responses to the studies, and share their responses in class. The case studies include scenarios at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Students will also participate in role play for an intake appointment and then produce a progress note using the S.O.A.P. format. In addition to a basic review of elements of grammar and composition, the instructor will provide feedback to the students on how to improve their writing skills. Prerequisite: SWK 200, SWK 305, and SWK 315. Admission to the BSW program.
SWK 333 Social Work and Aging (4) (4,0) This elective course is an interdisciplinary and intersectional overview of aging. This course is designed to explore gerontological frameworks that examine human development and aging. Additionally, we will explore social theories and science of aging to understand heterogeneity and quality of life issues that lead to inequality such as health, income, housing, retirement, and disability within the context of aging. This course will examine the need to promote quality of life and a positive social environment for older persons while addressing ageism, cultural diversity, race, class, sexual orientation, and gender. Prerequisite: SWK 200, SWK 305, and SWK 315. Admission to the BSW program.
SWK 335 Social Justice and Social Action (4) (4,0) The primary focus of this course is to explore macro theory and generalist practice with a global perspective that utilizes the Just Practice Framework. The course includes content on understanding and assessing power, law, history, and the ways in which people experience oppression and discrimination. Students will gain an understanding of how to assess relationships between and among groups, communities, organizations, and social systems through six core processes with the focus of addressing and overcoming social injustice. Students will also self-reflect on their personal experiences, social positions, and values to better engage macro practice systems. Prerequisite: SWK 200, SWK 305, and SWK 315. Admission to the BSW program.
SWK 337 Child Welfare I (4) (4,0) This course examines contemporary child welfare policies and practices in the State of Illinois and the United States. The course explores the rights of children, the rights and responsibilities of parents and society and their points of conflict. The nature and impact of child maltreatment, the ways in which society prevents or responds to the social problem of child maltreatment, and the system of response to child maltreatment are addressed. This course is presented through a partnership between St. Augustine College Department of Social Work and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. The knowledge included in the IDCFS Placement/Permanency Foundation Training curriculum for caseworkers is integrated throughout and that content is included on the professional employment exams discussed below. This course includes online content developed by the IDCFS that focuses on the fundamentals of knowledge required for child welfare practice in Illinois. Students will take the Child Welfare Employee Licensure (CWEL) Exam, as well as the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) Exam that are both required for those providing direct child welfare services to Illinois families with children placed in substitute care. This is a cross-listed course: SWK/PSY Prerequisite: SWK 200, SWK 305, and SWK 315 (for BSW majors). PSY 201, PSY 220, or PSY 234 (for PSY majors).
SWK 338 Child Welfare II (4) (4,0) The primary focus of this course is to explore macro theory and generalist practice with a global perspective that utilizes the Just Practice Framework. The course includes content on understanding and assessing power, law, history, and the ways in which people experience oppression and discrimination. Students will gain an understanding of how to assess relationships between and among groups, communities, organizations, and social systems through six core processes with the focus of addressing and overcoming social injustice. Students will also self-reflect on their personal experiences, social positions, and values to better engage macro practice systems. This course uses a seminar approach to presenting current child welfare policy, practice, and research issues that are intended to prepare students for potential employment in public and private child welfare agencies within the state of Illinois. The course includes expert speakers, participation in professional preparation exercises, and online content developed by the IDCFS that focuses on the core competencies of knowledge and skill required for child welfare practice in Illinois. These competencies include family engagement, assessment of risk and safety, intervention, and permanency planning. Student will take professional employment exams that will qualify them for certification in the Child Endangerment Risk Assessment Protocol (CERAP) and the Placement Specialty Exam that are required for those providing direct child welfare services to Illinois families with children placed in substitute care. This course is presented through a partnership between St. Augustine College Department of Social Work and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. The knowledge and skills included in the DCFS Placement/Permanency Foundation Training curriculum art integrated throughout, and that content is included on the professional employment exams. This is a cross-listed course: SWK/PSY Prerequisite: SWK 200, SWK 305, SWK 315, and SWK 337 (for BSW majors). PSY 201, PSY 220, or PSY 234 (for PSY majors).
SWK 341 Introduction to Trauma (4) (4,0) This elective course offers an introduction to trauma and the impact of trauma at bio-psychosocial-spiritual level for general practice. The course will review topics in trauma and trauma response for different populations and communities, with an emphasis on the impact of trauma on marginalized communities and identity groups, as well as the necessity of engaging a multicultural lens in understanding and addressing trauma at an individual, family, community, organizational and societal level. Case examples will be offered to assess the impact of trauma for different communities and students will be given an overview of the function of trauma, trauma response, posttraumatic stress disorder, crisis, and response in various populations. Prerequisite: SWK 200, SWK 305, and SWK 315. Admission to the BSW program. PSY students may enroll if approved by the PSY department.
SWK 345 Multicultural Social Work Practice (4) (4,0) This course will involve an exploration of social work in the context of a culturally diverse society. Students will explore the meaning of cultural competence and cultural humility in relation to social work practice in the United States and the world. This will include discussing the need for social workers to embark on a lifelong journey toward cultural humility through knowledge, skills, and self-awareness. Students will examine the meaning and dimensions of culture, race, ethnicity, racism, prejudice, oppression, assimilation versus acculturation, and bias in service delivery. Additionally, students will study critical issues in social work practice including sexual orientation, gender, class, religion and ability. Populations will be studied in the context of intersectionality while addressing economic, historical, political, and social forces that impact these groups. Students will be challenged to consider empirically based theories as they relate to culturally competent social work. Prerequisite: SWK 200, SWK 305, and SWK 315. Admission to the BSW program.
SWK 355 Research and Practice Evaluation (4) (4,0) This course will cover basic and applied research concepts and methodology, statistics, and how to interpret research published in professional literature related to social work. Students will learn methods to evaluate their practice and develop a critical perspective to social work methods in order to improve their practice. The course will cover basic issues of research including ethics and informed consent, bias, developing research questionnaires, qualitative and quantitative designs, sampling, measurement, and analysis of data. Prerequisite: SWK 200, SWK 305, and SWK 315. Admission to the BSW program.
SWK 410 Social Work Practice I (4) (4,0) This course will offer learners the skills to prepare, engage, intervene, and evaluate practice ethically and collaboratively for general level social work practice. These skills are the basis for all social work jobs at the bachelor’s level, for continuation in a master’s level social work program, for effective case management practice, individual supportive counseling, and for community-centered work in social work. Using active listening, process recordings, motivational interviewing, and strength-based assessment skills students will actively participate in role plays, in practice interviews outside of class, and apply problem-solving techniques with the goal of empowering those they serve. An Interactional Model (Schulman) of helping and knowledge of factors increasing resilience will be related to serving diverse voluntary and involuntary clients, and those in crisis. Students will complete a macro level community assessment project during the course. They will prepare individual service and action plans and learn to evaluate those plans. Practice methods learned will be evidence-based practice methods as those apply to case management, supportive strength-based counseling, and community assessment. Prerequisite: SWK 200, SWK 305, and SWK 315. Admission to the BSW program.
SWK 420 Social Work Practice II (4) (4,0) This course builds on the general practice model emphasized in SWK 410. In this course, students continue to extend the skills learned in Practice I, to social work with families and groups. Students will apply family systems theory and theories of group dynamics to families and groups, and to professional use of self as a social worker. Students will learn to think critically about family definitions, types of groups, and empowerment within contexts that include interacting cultures, social injustice, and both public and private resources to meet the needs of people. They will learn how varying stages of the family life cycle and varying social conditions change the intervention plan. Students continue to learn about evidence-based practice and practice evaluation as they did in SWK Practice I. Students will continue preparation for the social work practicum by learning how to work effectively within organizational structure and under supervision. Students will be able to apply the Social Work Code of Ethics to the process of intervention with families and groups. They will learn to prepare themselves for continuing education and lifelong professional learning by identifying personal learning needs. Prerequisite: SWK 200, SWK 305, and SWK 315. Admission to the BSW program.
SWK 450 Field Instruction I (4) (1,14) This course is the initial experience for the student to begin working as a social worker. This course requires 210 hours of supervised social work experience at a field site. Once the student has a field contract and has been oriented to the agency’s mission, organization, and its services, the student will begin the internship, offering general social work services under supervision by an experienced social worker. During this course time, the student will work with the site supervisor and begin to develop their skills, knowledge, and competency. The student should learn basic skills in assessment, treatment plans, interventions, and referral. The student should grow in understanding the generalist approach from the strength’s perspective, biopsychosocial perspective, and using ecological-systems perspectives. The student should also learn about the mission and functions of the agency and its relationship to governmental bodies, social policy, and funding sources. The student will be evaluated at the end of the semester and a passing grade will be required to continue the course sequence (SWK 460). Prerequisite: Department approval. SWK 200 through SWK 420 completed. No more than 3 elective courses left to complete and a 2.75 GPA. Exceptions: students with a 3.0 GPA or above may be allowed to take one core social work course while completing their internship (SWK 450 and SWK 460) and the seminar (SWK 470).
SWK 460 Field Instruction II (4) (1,14) This course continues the work begun in SWK 450. The student will be expected to deepen and improve the learning begun in the first course. This course also requires 210 hours of supervised social work experience at the same field site. In addition to improving, one’s skills and knowledge, students may also be working on issues of termination with clients and staff, utilizing supervision more successfully, and reflecting about one’s own values, skills, and professional development. Successful completion of the field experience is required for graduation. Prerequisite: Department approval. SWK 200 through SWK 420 completed. No more than 3 elective courses left to complete and a 2.75 GPA. Exceptions: students with a 3.0 GPA or above may be allowed to take one core social work course while completing their internship (SWK 450 and SWK 460) and the seminar (SWK 470).
SWK 470 Field Seminar (4) (4,0) This is the capstone course of the social work degree program. The purpose of the seminar is to assist the student in synthesizing theory and knowledge with field practice (field education) in order to better understand and improve one’s practice. This class will utilize case studies, journaling, and complete a literature review tied to a gap in knowledge at their field site to improve their competency in all practice standards. Students will also reflect on their development as social workers and understand how their practice is impacted by their sense of self and personal values. More in-depth study of the NASW code of ethics is also included. Students participate actively in the seminar and share their knowledge and experience with their classmates in order to understand, integrate, and develop as generalist-practice social workers. Co-requisite: SWK 450 and SWK 460 Prerequisite: Department approval. SWK 200 through SWK 420 completed. No more than 3 elective courses left to complete and a 2.75 GPA. Exceptions: students with a 3.0 GPA or above may be allowed to take one core social work course while completing their internship (SWK 450 and SWK 460) and the seminar (SWK 470).
SWK 498 Topics in Social Work I (1) Independent study course. This course is designed to allow students to pursue areas of study in social work which are relevant to the completion of the SWK degree. This course is offered on request. Projects may be supervised by any social work faculty but must be approved by the department chair. SWK 499 Topics in Social Work II (2) Independent study course. This course is designed to allow students to pursue areas of study in social work which are relevant to the completion of the SWK degree. This course is offered on request. Projects may be supervised by any social work faculty but must be approved by the department chair.