Social Work Course Offerings
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.
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. This
is an approved General Education course.
This course is a practicum experience offered for 1.0-2.0 units. Students have the option of working weekly in a convalescent
home or being matched with an older adult. This course is applicable to all disciplines dealing with this population. Sign
up at the CAVE office. May be repeated for credit. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no
credit grading only.
Prerequisites: No prerequisites or corequisites for non-majors; concurrent enrollment in SWRK 302 for majors.
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. This is an approved US Diversity
course.
Prerequisites: No prerequisites or corequisites for non-majors; concurrent enrollment in SWRK 200 for majors.
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. This is an approved General
Education course.
Prerequisites: SWRK 170, SWRK 200, SWRK 302. Majors only.
Corequisites: SWRK 305, SWRK 325, SWRK 330.
Second of two human behavior and social environment theory courses relevant to social work practice. While SWRK 302 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.
Prerequisites: SWRK 170, SWRK 200, SWRK 302; majors only.
Corequisites: SWRK 303, SWRK 325, SWRK 330.
This course introduces students to the basic elements that form the cornerstones of field education. The objectives of the
course include helping students develop a deep commitment to social work values and ethics, to social and economic justice,
and to working with diverse populations. Students also learn about the basic organizational structure of various social service
agencies and the interpersonal skills necessary to establish and maintain professional relationships. Course content is enhanced
by the requirement of 60 hours of service learning in a social service setting. Students are placed in various agencies through
consultation with the CAVE Program and participate in the service learning requirements associated with that program. 2.0
hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity.
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the BSW professional sequence.
This course engages students in technical writing and critical thinking skills frequently required for professional social
workers. Through in-class assignments, peer feedback sessions, weekly dialogues on writing, and critical analysis of writing
examples, students learn techniques for analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating writing. Students use written social work
course assignments to gain experience in evaluating pattern errors and develop writing, editing, and revision skills for the
academic and professional genres. Students are exposed to the citation and writing style of the Publication Manual of the
American Psychological Association. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 9.0 units. Credit/no credit grading
only.
Acquaints students with the relevant history and concepts of child welfare. Examines abuse, neglect, molestation, prostitution,
pornography, day care, teen pregnancies, foster care, intergenerational issues, and adoptions. Focuses on the application
of generalist social work knowledge, values, and skills, and the problem-solving process to child welfare practices. Required
for TItle IV-E students.
Prerequisites: SWRK 170, SWRK 200, SWRK 302. Majors only. SWRK 330.
Corequisites: SWRK 303, SWRK 305,
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. 3.0 hours clinical.
Prerequisites: SWRK 170, SWRK 200, SWRK 302. Social Work majors only.
Corequisites: SWRK 303, SWRK 305, SWRK 325.
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. 3.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity.
Examines current theory and research concerning conditions of women as a special population. Issues covered are employment
stressors, single parenthood, feminization of poverty, institutional sexism and racism, power, sexuality, substance abuse,
eating disorders, and relationships and the implications of these issues for the organization and delivery of services and
social policy.
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.
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. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only.
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher, SWRK 170, SWRK 200, SWRK 302, SWRK 303, SWRK 305, SWRK 325, SWRK 330. Majors only.
Corequisites: SWRK 485, SWRK 489A, SWRK 490A.
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. 3.0 hours clinical. This is a writing
proficiency, WP, course; a grade of C- or better certifies writing proficiency for majors.
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher, SWRK 170, SWRK 200, SWRK 302, SWRK 303, SWRK 305, SWRK 325, SWRK 330, SWRK 435, SWRK 485, SWRK 489A, SWRK 490A. Majors only.
Corequisites: SWRK 489B, SWRK 490B.
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. 3.0 hours clinical. This is a writing proficiency, WP, course; a grade of C- or better certifies
writing proficiency for majors.
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.
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. This course is also offered as POLS
481. Formerly SWRK 480.
Prerequisites: SWRK 170, SWRK 200, SWRK 302, SWRK 303, SWRK 305, SWRK 325, SWRK 330. Majors only.
Corequisites: SWRK 435, SWRK 489A, SWRK 490A.
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.
Prerequisites: SWRK 170, SWRK 200, SWRK 302, SWRK 303, SWRK 305, SWRK 325, SWRK 330. Majors only.
Corequisites: SWRK 435, SWRK 485, SWRK 490A.
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 practicum are required. You may take this
course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only.
Prerequisites: SWRK 170, SWRK 200, SWRK 302, SWRK 303, SWRK 305, SWRK 325, SWRK 330, SWRK 435, SWRK 485, SWRK 489A, SWRK 490A. Majors only.
Corequisites: SWRK 445, SWRK 490B.
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 practicum are required. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units.
Credit/no credit grading only.
Prerequisites: SWRK 170, SWRK 200, SWRK 302, SWRK 303, SWRK 305, SWRK 325, SWRK 330. Majors only.
Corequisites: SWRK 435, SWRK 485, SWRK 489A.
Discussion and learning processes designed to facilitate integration of previous and ongoing learning with the realities of
practice and consolidation of personal growth as a social worker.
Prerequisites: SWRK 170, SWRK 200, SWRK 302, SWRK 303, SWRK 305, SWRK 325, SWRK 330, SWRK 435, SWRK 485, SWRK 489A, SWRK 490A. Majors only.
Corequisites: SWRK 445, SWRK 489B.
Discussion and learning processes designed to facilitate integration of previous and ongoing learning with the realities of
practice and consolidation of personal growth as a social worker.
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.
Prerequisites: SWRK 170, SWRK 200, SWRK 302, SWRK 303, SWRK 305, SWRK 325, SWRK 330.
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. You may take this course more than once
for a maximum of 6.0 units.
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.
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.
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. 3.0 hours clinical.
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. 3.0 hours clinical.
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. 3.0 hours clinical.
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.
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.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and acceptance to the MSW program.
This course engages students in the technical writing and critical thinking skills frequently required for professional social
workers. Through in-class assignments, peer feedback sessions, weekly dialogues on writing, and critical analysis of writing
examples, students learn techniques for analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating writing. Students use written social work
course assignments to gain experience in evaluating pattern errors, develop thesis statements/arguments, and learn writing,
editing, and revision skills for the academic and professional genre. Students are exposed to the citation and writing style
of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. This 1-unit course is not counted toward the MSW. You
may take this course more than once for a maximum of 9.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only.
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. Credit/no credit grading only.
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. Credit/no credit grading only.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing, admission to the MSW program, and acceptance in the One-Year Program.
This course is designed for students in the One-year Program (see admission requirements for BSW degree holders and holders
of social work degrees not earned in the United States). The course helps students prepare for entry into the concentration
year of the MSW program and aids in their adjustment to the rigors of graduate-level academic study.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing, admission to the MSW program, and acceptance in the One-Year Program.
This course is designed to examine various scientific methods for social work research, with special attention to research
design and statistical analysis (correlations, T-test, Chi Square, and analysis of variance).
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. 3.0 hours clinical.
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. 3.0 hours clinical.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of foundation year. SWRK 642; SWRK 648, SWRK 653.
Corequisites: SWRK 641 or
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. 3.0 hours clinical.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of first semester of foundation year. SWRK 632.
Corequisites: SWRK 609, SWRK 610, SWRK 612,
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.
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. Credit/no credit grading only.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of foundation year.
Corequisites: SWRK 654 or 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.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of foundation year. SWRK 648.
Corequisites: SWRK 641 or SWRK 642; SWRK 643,
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.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of foundation year.
Corequisites: SWRK 652, SWRK 653, SWRK 658; SWRK 656 or SWRK 681.
This course prepares students to analyze mental health policies and services and their impact on client systems. Students
examine factors underlying development of the current mental health system as a basis for developing strategies for policy
change, as well as planning and implementing improved policies and services.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of foundation year.
Corequisites: SWRK 652, SWRK 658; SWRK 656 or SWRK 681.
This course prepares students to analyze social policies, including funding policies, and their impact on families, children,
and youth. Students examine the historic and current forces underlying development of current policies and services. Includes
an analysis of alternative policy choices and their effect as a basis for intervention and service provisions at multi-system
levels.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of foundation year or instructor approval.
Corequisites: SWRK 652; SWRK 654 or 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.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of foundation year. SWRK 656 or SWRK 681.
Corequisites: SWRK 652; SWRK 654 or SWRK 655;
Continuation and culmination of supervised advanced practice experience with individuals, families, groups, organizations,
and communities. Students complete 360 hours during the spring semester. Credit/no credit grading only.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of the foundation year or instructor permission.
This course focuses on analysis of health care policies, programs, and approaches to social work practice in health care settings.
Emphasis is given to evaluation of practice and to the empowerment of oppressed groups and populations-at-risk in accessing
health care resources. Selected contemporary ethical and research issues and their implications for policies and social work
practice in health care settings are explored.
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.
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.
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.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of the foundation year.
Corequisites: SWRK 652; SWRK 654 or 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.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of the Foundation year or instructor permission.
This course provides an overview of the theories of normative individual development that have been most influential in the
development of interpersonal practice methods in social work. In addition, it reviews varied theoretical conceptualizations
on the life experiences that may result in psychological dysfunctions and practice interventions that alleviate impediments
to realization of individual potentials despite their areas of strength. Finally, it ties these concepts to specific mental
illnesses and assessment of risk, prognosis, and optimal facilitation of clients' improvement of interpersonal function.
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.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of the foundation year or instructor permission.
This course examines the traditional roles of school social workers, including screening, prevention, and early intervention
with children and their families. The course includes an introduction to a conceptual framework for providing school social
work services, and learning collaborative and integrative approaches for serving children and families. Additionally, an overview
of the history of school social work, educational policies affecting school social work, and the current issues facing public
schools are reviewed. This course serves as a partial fulfillment for the requirements of the Pupil Personnel Services Credential
with a specialty in School Social Work.
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. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
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. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 3.0 units.
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. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 4.0 units.
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. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 4.0 units.