Social Work (SCWK)

SCWK 2010:   Introduction to Social Work  
Social Work  
An introductory systems approach to the professional and ethical knowledge, value, and skill base necessary for understanding generalist social work and the American social welfare system.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 2160:   Social Welfare Policy I  
Social Work  
First of a two-part social welfare policy sequence. Review of the history, mission, and philosophy of social welfare. Consideration of major policy areas. Role of policy toward achievement of social justice and optimal health and well being for oppressed populations.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 2200:   Fndtns in Maternal & Chld Hlth  
Social Work  
This course introduces the interdisciplinary field of maternal and child health using the Life Course Model and includes history of key MCH legislation, policies, and programs, as well as discussion and analysis of current issues in the health of mothers, children, and their families from preconception through adolescence. Special attention is given to life course theory, health disparities and cultural competency, and MCH policies, programs, and practice in resource-poor environments domestically and internationally.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 2330:   Juvenile Corrections  
Social Work  
History and development of corrections for youthful offenders; organization of juvenile courts and related services; emphasis on working with oppressed populations in these systems.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 2910:   Physical Aging  
Social Work  
This course provides an overview of the physical aspects of aging, treatments, and strategies to assist the aging adult. The course will familiarize students who plan to work with older adults with how to assist them. It will enable younger generations to be visionary, innovative, and strategic in leading and facilitating the changes needed to improve aging outcomes for future generations.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 3010:   CAST: Chld Maltreatment & Advo  
Social Work  
This course covers the history, comparative perspectives, legal framework, reporting, identification, and effects of child maltreatment, and professional/community responses to child maltreatment. The course will allow the student to examine skills necessary to do the work and exchange ideas with students from diverse academic disciplines. The course is designed for students majoring in areas where knowledge of child maltreatment and advocating for children might be necessary. Much of the work will be hands-on and participatory.  
3 credits  
Prerequisites
24 Earned Credits.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 3211:   Hum. Behav and the Soc Env. I  
Social Work  
First of two courses that utilize biological, psychological, social, and cultural perspectives to examine human growth and development across the life span. Covers conception through adolescence. Considers the impact of families, groups, organizations, and communities upon development and behavior.  
3 credits  
Prerequisites
SOCY 1010 and PSYC 2001 and (BISC 1020 or BISC 1040 or BISC 1500 or BISC 1600 or BISC 1620 or BISC 2060 or BISC 2070 or BISC 2100) and 24 earned hours.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 3212:   Hum. Behav and the Soc Env. II  
Social Work  
Second of two courses that utilize biological, psychological, social, and cultural perspectives to examine human growth and development across the life span. Covers early through late adulthood. Considers the impact of families, groups, organizations, and communities upon development and behavior.  
3 credits  
Prerequisites
SCWK 3211 with minimum grade of C and 24 earned hours.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 3250:   The Helping Prof. in Hlth Sett  
Social Work  
An elective course to study the dynamics of illness, death, and grief, the psychological aspects of patient care within the health care system, common health care practices and terminology, and the roles of social workers and other helping professionals within the health care system.  
3 credits  
Prerequisites
24 Earned Credits.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 3260:   Gerontology: Soc. Welfare Asp.  
Social Work  
An elective course to study the aging processes and the social and personal adjustments accompanying this stage; examination of implications for social welfare planning and social service provision.  
3 credits  
Prerequisites
24 Earned Credits.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 3270:   Compassion Fatigue: Strategies  
Social Work  
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to compassion fatigue via self-paced learning modules through a fully online learning experience. Students will discover how to identify symptoms, reduce their negative effects, and balance the needs of client, agency, and self. Students will be exposed to the historical underpinnings of its discovery as well as the state of the research today.  
3 credits  
Prerequisites
24 Earned Credits.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 3300:   Hum. Div. and Soc. Work Pract.  
Social Work  
The purpose of this course is to enhance the student's understanding of our diverse society. This course will provide content about differences and similarities in the experiences, needs, and beliefs of selected minority groups and their relations to the majority group. Concepts related to race and ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and disability status include but are not limited to sociopolitical processes (racism, sexism, heterosexism, ableism, oppression, prejudice, discrimination, class, etc.), interpersonal processes (identity, self- concept/esteem, authenticity, mental health, and basic behaviors), and socio-cultural processes (cultural fusion, culture conflict, acculturation, and assimilation). We will examine the often invisible forces (homophobia, racism, sexism, classism, etc.) that operate in this society to profoundly shape and alter the life experiences of large numbers of people. Human worth, dignity, values, and social justice are some of the major themes that will permeate the course materials and lectures. We will also assess issues of political diversity and cultural and political hegemony. Certainly no course would be able to address all the "diversities" of the human condition. Thus, students are strongly encouraged to think beyond conventional borders and bring up these issues in class and to incorporate them into any of the course assignments.  
3 credits  
Prerequisites
24 Earned Credits.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 3350:   Social Work Practice I  
Social Work  
First in a sequence of four social work practice courses. An introduction to oral and written communication theories and skills utilized in establishing relationships, data gathering, and conducting assessments essential for generalist social work intervention with diverse individual, family, group, organizational, and community systems. Attention to ethical practice.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 3400:   Social Work Research  
Social Work  
Research terminology, types and purposes of research, and research design. Role of research in evaluation of social work practice. Formulation and examination of research questions, reaching valid conclusions, reporting results, basic data analysis techniques, quantitative vs. qualitative methods, and ethics in research.  
3 credits  
Prerequisites
24 Earned Credits.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 4010:   CAST: Responding to Chld Traum  
Social Work  
The purpose of this course is to prepare students to recognize the effects of child maltreatment and apply intervention strategies for children and their families. Multidisciplinary approaches to prevention, advocacy, and treatment of child maltreatment survivors will be presented and discussed. The course is designed for students majoring in fields where knowledge of child maltreatment and advocating for children will be necessary. The experiential lab for this course involves courtroom observation and interaction with children.  
3 credits  
Prerequisites
SCWK 3010 and 24 earned hours.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 4020:   Child Welfare Policies  
Social Work  
Organization and components of child welfare services in a diverse society; examination of current problems, trends, and populations at risk.  
3 credits  
Prerequisites
24 Earned Credits.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 4050:   Fields of Social Work  
Social Work  
An examination of specific social work professional settings, to assist students in decision making about internship options. To be taken in the semester prior to internship. Z grade.  
1 credit  
Prerequisites
24 Earned Credits.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 4170:   Social Welfare Policy II  
Social Work  
Second part of a two-part social welfare policy sequence. Emphasis on the interconnectedness of social welfare policy and social work practice. Examination of the social worker's role in policy formulation. Exploration of current and proposed social welfare legislation, and analysis of social welfare policies.  
3 credits  
Prerequisites
SCWK 2160 (minimum grade of C required for either) and 24 earned hours.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 4270:   Psychosocial Asp. of Loss Deat  
Social Work  
This course provides content on psychosocial aspects of loss, death, dying, and bereavement with emphasis on how the dying process relates to adaptive process of living.  
3 credits  
Prerequisites
24 Earned Credits.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 4280:   Soc. Aspects of Child. at Risk  
Social Work  
This course will explore the context of child development in family systems exposed to various social and family problems. The class will discuss issues that are risk factors for children. Ideas regarding parenting and social environments that promote healthy, optimal development for children will be discussed.  
3 credits  
Prerequisites
24 Earned Credits.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 4360:   Social Work Practice II  
Social Work  
Second in the series of four practice courses. Utilization of the generalist problem-solving model for interventions with individuals and families. Particular attention to oppressed populations and ethical practice.  
3 credits  
Prerequisites
SCWK 3212 and SCWK 3350 and 3400 (each with minimum grade of C) and 24 earned hours.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 4370:   Social Work Practice III  
Social Work  
Third in the series of four practice courses. Utilization of the generalist problem-solving model for social work with groups, with attention to achieving social justice for oppressed populations. Attention to ethical practice.  
3 credits  
Prerequisites
SCWK 3212 and SCWK 3350 and 3400 (each with minimum grade of C) and 24 earned hours.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 4380:   Social Work Practice IV  
Social Work  
Fourth in the series of four practice courses. Utilization of the generalist problem-solving model for social work with organizations and communities, with attention to achieving social justice for oppressed populations. Attention to ethical practice.  
3 credits  
Prerequisites
SCWK 3212 and SCWK 3350 and 3400 (each with minimum grade of C) and 24 earned hours.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 4590:   Directed Study in Social Work  
Social Work  
Individual study in specialized areas.  
1 - 3 credits  
Prerequisites
24 Earned Credits.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Independent Study  
SCWK 4600:   Directed Study in Social Work  
Social Work  
Individual study in specialized areas.  
1 - 3 credits  
Prerequisites
24 Earned Credits.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Independent Study  
SCWK 4950:   Social Work Internship  
Social Work  
Internship to facilitate the integration of curriculum content through supervised experiences with diverse client systems. Internship locations limited to departmentally approved settings in Mississippi and Shelby County, Tennessee. All other degree requirements must be completed prior to the internship. Z grade  
9 credits  
Prerequisites
24 Earned Credits.  
Corequisites
SCWK 4960  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Internship  
Course Fees:
$90.00
  
SCWK 4960:   Internship Seminar  
Social Work  
Integrative seminars designed to foster critical linkages between classroom instruction and field experiences, provide students an opportunity to discuss mutual concerns, and focus on achieving internship objectives.  
3 credits  
Prerequisites
24 Earned Credits.  
Corequisites
SCWK 4950  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Seminar  
SCWK 4999A:   Special Topics  
Social Work  
Content varies. May be repeated once for credit.  
3 credits  
Prerequisites
24 Earned Credits.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Seminar  
SCWK 5111:   Psychosocial Aspects of Aging  
Social Work  
Introduction to gerontology with a foundation in biological, psychosocial, and behavioral aspects of aging; emphasis on current research and experience working with older adults.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 5611:   Psychosocial Aspects of Aging  
Social Work  
Introduction to gerontology with a foundation in biological, psychosocial, and behavioral aspects of aging; emphasis on current research and experience working with older adults.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 6000:   Hum. Div. and Soc. Work Pract.  
Social Work  
The purpose of this course is to enhance the student's understanding of our diverse society. This course will provide content about differences and similarities in the experiences, needs, and beliefs of selected minority groups and their relations to the majority group. Concepts related to race and ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and disability status include but are not limited to sociopolitical processes (racism, sexism, heterosexism, ableism, oppression, prejudice, discrimination, class, etc.), interpersonal processes (identity, self- concept/esteem, authenticity, mental health, and basic behaviors), and sociocultural processes (cultural fusion, culture conflict, acculturation, and assimilation). We will examine the often invisible forces (homophobia, racism, sexism, classism, etc.) that operate in this society to profoundly shape and alter the life experiences of large numbers of people. Human worth, dignity, values, and social justice are some of the major themes that will permeate the course materials and lectures. We will also assess issues of political diversity and cultural and political hegemony. Certainly no course would be able to address all the "diversities" of the human condition. Thus, students are strongly encouraged to think beyond conventional borders and bring up these issues in class and to incorporate them into any of course assignments.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 6010:   Hum. Behavior in the Soc. Env.  
Social Work  
Knowledge of reciprocal relationships between human behavior and social environments. Theories and knowledge on interactions between and among individuals, families, groups, societies, and economic systems are discussed.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 6020:   Soc. Work Pract. with Indiv.s  
Social Work  
Basic theory, professional values and ethics and methods of social work practice with individuals along with assessment and planning, communication, intervention, and evaluation skills.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 6030:   Social Work Research Methods  
Social Work  
Research methodologies with respect to evolution and application to social work theory and practice are covered. History and philosophies of science; problem formulation, research design, ethics; instrument use and construction; data collection; analysis and reporting; and evaluation and utilization of research.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 6040:   Soc. Welfare Pol. and Progs  
Social Work  
Historical perspective on the development of social welfare institutions, programs, and policies are addressed. Students will learn methods of current policy analysis and evaluation of social problems.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 6060:   Eth. and Hum. Subjects Res.  
Social Work  
This course has been designed to study the ethical underpinnings for the proper conduct of research involving human participants. Course topics will include a brief historical review of ethics in science; a short history of how we arrived at our current system of ethical oversight in human subjects’ research; an examination of the codes, laws, and regulations that address human subjects’ research. Throughout the course, we will seek to understand ethical dimensions in scientific inquiry. We will discuss the application and integration of ethical principles in human subjects’ research – including ethics related to experimental design, participant recruitment and the consent process, management and access of scientific data, authorship and publication, the scientists’ interaction with industry, dealing with conflicts of interest, and emerging societal issues that result from new technology and scientific advances. The purpose of this course is consistent with the University of Mississippi Creed: "The University of Mississippi is a community of learning dedicated to nurturing excellence in intellectual inquiry and personal character in an open and diverse environment. As a voluntary member of this community, I believe in respect for the dignity of each person. I believe in fairness and civility. I believe in personal and professional integrity. I believe in academic honesty. I believe in academic freedom. I believe in good stewardship of our resources. I pledge to uphold these values and encourage others to follow my example." These noble tenets require thorough understanding and wisdom in application as you engage in research with human participants.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 6150:   Pract. with Families and Grps  
Social Work  
Generalist practice with family and small group systems is the focus of this course. Ecological theory to frame understanding of such systems and their adaptation to environments and various social work roles and intervention strategies pertaining to client systems.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 6200:   Practice with Org.s/Cmty.  
Social Work  
Basic theory, methods, problems, and strategies in implementing planned change within and among larger social systems: task groups, human service organizations, and community systems. Various practice roles: planner, program developer, supervisor, administrator, advocate, and task group leader.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 6211:   Field Instruction I  
Social Work  
The internship experience consists of a minimum of 225 hours of directed practicum in an approved social service setting with individuals, families, groups, formal organizations, and communities. This course also includes a 3 hour seminar that will meet monthly.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Internship, Lecture  
Course Fees:
$90.00
  
SCWK 6212:   Field Instruction II  
Social Work  
The second of two foundation courses that require a minimum of 225 hours of directed practicum experience. This course also includes a 3 hour seminar that will meet monthly.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
Course Fees:
$90.00
  
SCWK 6213:   Field Instruction III  
Social Work  
One of two concentration courses providing a minimum of 225 hours of internship experience.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
Course Fees:
$90.00
  
SCWK 6214:   Field Instruction IV  
Social Work  
This course is one of two concentration courses that provide an internship experience consisting of a minimum of 225 hours of directed practicum in settings representative of student areas of concentration in communities with diverse populations.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Internship, Lecture  
Course Fees:
$90.00
  
SCWK 6300:   Thry & Meth. of Fam. Intervent  
Social Work  
Understanding and analyzing family dynamics and interactional patterns from the perspective of major family therapy models. Intervention, theories, methods, and skills for problem resolution.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 6400:   Advanced Clin. Soc. Work: Grps  
Social Work  
Theoretical and historical approaches to social work with groups and clinical principles supporting specific types of group work used in clinical practice and associated leader interventions.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 6410:   Readings in Advanced Soc. Work  
Social Work  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Independent Study  
SCWK 6500:   Clin. Assessment and Diagnosis  
Social Work  
This course will provide students with the knowledge and skills needed for the diagnostic assessment and treatment of adults and youths with psychiatric problems and with information on psychotropic medications utilized in mental health settings.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 6510:   Indiv Study Project  
Social Work  
1 - 9 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Independent Study, Lecture  
SCWK 6600:   Clin. Practice and Supervision  
Social Work  
Interactive clinical practice and supervisory skills that social workers need for practice, supervision, and consultation in the clinical setting are covered. The students will examine the dynamics of both the clinician/client and supervisory relationship and roles. Students will examine and explore foundational concepts of advanced clinical practice as well as supervisory theory and practice in clinical settings. Students will develop knowledge and skills in balancing the complexities of both clinical and supervisory roles, relationships, and process. Major clinical and supervisory functions will be emphasized as important concepts in grappling with today’s practice realities--such as --such as engagement, assessment (including strengths), therapeutic and supervisory models that can be used across modalities, ethical issues in clinical practice and supervision, and becoming a culturally competent clinician and supervisor. The course will promote understanding of clinical supervision and its critical role in continuing professional growth by examining both sides of the supervisory process.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 6700:   Leadership & Administration  
Social Work  
Management practices and leadership skills required in development and management of human services delivery systems. Issues regarding human resources management, resource allocation, strategic planning and organizational dynamics are included.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 6800:   Evaluation Research  
Social Work  
History, philosophy, and issues, conceptual approaches, techniques and methods in practice and utilization of evaluation research as applied to development and evaluation of social work programs and policies.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 6810:   Forensic Soc. Work with Child.  
Social Work  
This course emcompasses forensic social work with children and adolescents. The students will develop skills in court evaluations, court testimony, and the treatment of child/adolescent victims.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 6820:   Clin. Pract. in Child Welfare  
Social Work  
This course is intended to provide students with an advanced study of the field of child welfare and the complex and changing practice and policies within this specialized field. Focus will be upon the knowledge, skills, and values required in this critical area. The course will emphasize child welfare services for a diverse society.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 6830:   Theories of Psychotherapy  
Social Work  
This course is designed to familiarize students with therapeutic models and related intervention strategies by focusing on the common principles and elements of current psychotherapies, with a special emphasis on cognitive and behavorial therapeutic approaches.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 6840:   Soc. Work in Hlth Care Set.  
Social Work  
Individual, group, and family approaches to social work practice in health care settings. Special emphasis on cross-cultural practice and ethical/legal issues, including managed care, health care insurance, Medicare and Medicaid.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 6850:   Gerontological Social Work  
Social Work  
This seminar provides an introduction to gerontology with a foundation in the biological, psychological, social, and behavorial aspects of aging. Emphasis will be on incorporating current research and experimental components in working with the aging population.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 6860:   Traumatic Stress & Crisis Inte  
Social Work  
How people respond to traumatic stress is an individual matter based on a number of factors including psychological, emotional, social, cultural, biological, and familial. Students and instructors engage in a process of problem definition and specification, identification, critical reading of pertinent theory and research, and an exploration of specialized social work responses and practices related to the topic studied. Attention will be given to crisis intervention, trauma-focused interventions such as TF-CBT, and other interventions utilized by mental health professionals to assist individuals who have experienced a traumatic event. This course will provide the framework for understanding and treating traumatic stress by drawing upon empirical research and theory.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 6870:   Substance Abuse and Addiction  
Social Work  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 6880:   Acceptance & Commitmnt Therapy  
Social Work  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 6890:   Professional Readiness  
Social Work  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 7010:   Colloquium I  
Social Work  
Colloquium I is designed to provide a foundation for doctoral study at the University of Mississippi Department of Social Work. The purpose of the course is to present issues in social work research, define standards for scholarly achievement, and prepare students for successful independent scholarship. Students are expected to use the information provided in this course to clarify their long-term scholarly goals and to develop an educational plan to achieve them. Colloquium I exposes doctoral students to social science research knowledge and skills by reading and analyzing social science and social work research, framing researchable questions, and evaluating and critiquing research methodology in published empirical studies. This course will prepare students for Colloquium II, as well as prepare them for their professional roles in conducting, analyzing, and/or evaluating social work research dedicated to closing the gap between the demands of the social work practice world and the limited empirical bases for responding to critical social welfare issues.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 7012:   Colloquium II  
Social Work  
The content of this course builds upon and extends the social science research knowledge and skills acquired in Colloquium I and strengthens students’ abilities to conduct original social science research. Colloquium II affords students the opportunity to develop and refine the organizational and critical thinking skills that are required for writing literature reviews. This course also will serve as a vehicle for exploring and understanding the ethics of conducting research in collaboration with others and for examining the ethical principles and values attendant to scholarly publication in social work. In Colloquium II, students focus on a set of skills that are essential to their professional roles as social work researchers: reading, analyzing, and evaluating published social science literature reviews, and developing and disseminating a critical and comprehensive review of literature in a social work substantive area of interest in order to ameliorate distress among our most vulnerable population.  
3 credits  
Prerequisites
SCWK 7010 and SCWK 7020 and SCWK 7030.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 7020:   Research Design in Social Work  
Social Work  
In the first part of this yearlong course, students will understand a scientific analytic approach to building knowledge for respective topics in the field of social work. Different theoretical bases and methodological procedures for social work research are addressed, as are basic statistical procedures including developing research questions based on the literature, hypothesis formulation, measurement, sampling, and data collection. Ethical standards of scientific inquiry are emphasized with attention to protecting and promoting the well-being of vulnerable and at-risk populations, as well as culturally sensitive research methods. Students will be able to understand the reciprocity between social work research, and practice, theory, policy, and education. Ultimately, students are expected to develop a research proposal including research questions, design, and hypothesis that will be carried out in part II of the course.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 7030:   Top. with At-Risk Populations  
Social Work  
This course examines evidence-informed and evidenced-based research with diverse and at-risk populations. The focus is on understanding social work research in global, diverse, multicultural societies with an emphasis on developing an anti-oppression framework that promotes social and economic justice, human dignity, and the pursuit of human rights.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 7040:   Thry & Res. in Neuro & Bhvr.a  
Social Work  
Scientific research in the field of neuroscience continues to make profound discoveries regarding brain systems, neurobiology, and their implications for social work. This course will provide foundations in neurobiological study through a social work perspective. Students will acquire a fundamental understanding of interacting brain systems as they influence individuals’ behavioral, social, and emotional worlds. Particular emphasis will be placed on the biological and environmental factors affecting development and behavior through the study of epigenetics and its influence on daily functioning.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 7050:   App. and Inferential Stat.s  
Social Work  
Students in this course are introduced to the concepts and procedures that are fundamental to both applied and inferential statistics. Empirical research examining selected topics with at-risk populations is explored. Students will carry out proposals developed in the first semester Research Design course using existing national data sets. Students will conduct an analytic strategy to answer their research questions effectively. Emphasis is also placed on gaining skills in presenting and communicating important results to relevant audiences and stakeholders. Students will be introduced to statistical analysis of measuring instruments (including procedures for evaluating the reliability and validity of tests and surveys), descriptive statistics, measures of variability and correlation, general linear models (including regression analysis, analysis of variance and covariance), and nonlinear models, such as logistic regression.  
3 credits  
Prerequisites
SCWK 7010 and SCWK 7020.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 7060:   History of Social Welfare  
Social Work  
This course surveys the evolution of social welfare with a focus on gender, class, and race. The course examines the development of social welfare systems and the underlying philosophies in the context of the social, economic, political, and cultural environments in which they emerged. Topics include the development and history of social work, the development of contemporary social welfare, the professionalization of social work, and methods of social policy analysis.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 7090:   Social Policy Analysis  
Social Work  
Social Policy Analysis focuses on research conducted to inform social welfare policy. It exposes students to numerous types of policy-related research including social problem assessment, comparative research, historical research, implementation research, and numerous types of qualitative and quantitative outcome-related research. Policies related to the problem of poverty have been selected as the content focus of this class since this issue is especially salient in the state of Mississippi and for many social work clients internationally. By analyzing and critiquing numerous types of research related to policy, students will learn the many ways research influences policy and begin to define their roles as researchers in social work, a policy-based profession.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 7100:   Iss. & Res. Prob. in SW Interv  
Social Work  
A systematic approach to the design, implementation, and evaluation of social work interventions provides the framework for developing models that address a range of social issues and needs.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 7110:   Qual. Meth. in Soc. Work Resea  
Social Work  
The purpose of this class is to introduce students to the theories, assumptions, and practices underlying the use of qualitative research in social work. In the tradition of survey courses, this class examines the broad history, concepts, and themes that distinguish multiple methods of qualitative research, specifically as they relate to social work research. Students will study, practice, and reflect on different qualitative research methodologies and consider the components and challenges faced when engaging in qualitative research methods. Each student will design and conduct his/her own qualitative study using ethnography. Issues related to data collection, negotiating access to the field, ethics, and representation will be of particular importance. While it is not assumed that students will gain a comprehensive understanding of all qualitative research traditions over the trajectory of the course, it is expected that, upon completion, students will acquire the foundational knowledge and experience to begin evaluating, selecting, and defending appropriate ethnographic methods for use in their own research projects.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 7120:   Advanced Stat.s in Soc. Work  
Social Work  
This course will cover a wide range of research situations that require longitudinal and mediation analyses, comparisons between groups, and analyses that include data from multiple sources such as from parents, teachers, and children. The course will focus on using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analyses, a widespread approach that gained popularity from the early '80s. SEM merges confirmatory factor analysis with path analysis and provides means for constructing, testing, and comparing comprehensive structural path models as well as comparing the goodness of fit of models and their adequacy across multiple groups (samples). Among other advantages of SEM over the traditional path analysis is that it provides adjustment for the relative unreliability of the observed measures, overall goodness of fit measures, and tests for comparing models. Without adjustment for reliability, results from traditional path analyses confound the substantive contribution of predictors with their relative methodological strength as indicated by their reliabilities. This confounding may lead to seriously flawed conclusions in the interpretation of the results. This course will cover the conceptual and technical issues relevant to the application of Structural Equation Modeling. Following the presentation of major conceptual issues, five basic structural models will be described in detail. The models vary from simple to more complex ones. The description and discussion of the models will provide students with the knowledge and skills to apply SEM techniques using Stata software for analyzing, evaluating, and reporting results produced by this analytic method. This knowledge is easily transferable to the use of EQS, LISREL, or AMOS software. Course work will require the students to construct and test a structural model using their own data or data from available data sets and produce a paper reporting their analysis.  
3 credits  
Prerequisites
SCWK 7020 and SCWK 7050.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 7130:   Special Topics  
Social Work  
Course content varies to cover current research on issues, problems, or controversies in social welfare.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 7190:   Directed Independent Study  
Social Work  
Practical experience in the conceptualization, organization, and implementation of a research project, as well as reporting of the results. It may be repeated for credit. Adviser approval required for 1-6 credits.  
1 - 6 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
SCWK 7998A:   Dissertation  
Social Work  
A doctoral-level course, which focuses on the completion of the dissertation May be repeated for credit.  
1 - 9 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Dissertation