Social Work
SWK 103 3 Credits
Introduction to Social Work (s)
Introduction to the profession of social work and the human services
delivery system. Examines historical development of social work focusing
on the knowledge, values and skills that characterize the social worker.
Orientation to the context for social work, including the diversity
of human needs, human services, social policy and legislation. Services,
programs and career opportunities within rural and urban Alaska, as
well as nationally, are discussed. (3 + 0) Offered Fall,
Spring
SWK 220 3 Credits
Ethics, Values and Social Work Practice (s)
The professional nature and meaning of generalist social work practice.
Examines the NASW code of ethics. Introduces interpersonal communication
and interviewing. Assists students in making decisions about social
work or other helping professions. (Prerequisite: SWK 103.) (3 + 0)
Offered Fall
SWK 305 3 Credits
Social Welfare History (s)
Analysis of social inequality and the U.S. social welfare system.
Traces the historical development of government responses to social
inequality and explores historical and persisting dilemmas in the provision
of social welfare services. (Prerequisites: SWK 103 and SOC 100X; or
SOC 101.) (3 + 0) Offered Fall
SWK 306W 3 Credits
Social Welfare: Policies and Issues
Social policies and how they effect the delivery of social services.
Factors influencing development of the current social service system.
Analysis of dilemmas which develop in a welfare system attempting to
deal with rapid social change. Alternative approaches to the solution
of social problems and possible future developments. (Prerequisites:
ENGL 111X; ENGL 211X or ENGL 213X or permission of instructor;
SWK 103 and SOC 100X.) (3 + 0) Offered Spring
SWK 310 3 Credits
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
An overview of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders with a particular
focus on the needs, issues and programs that are specific to Alaska.
(Prerequisites: SWK 103. Recommended: SWK 341.) (3 + 0) Offered
Fall, As Demand Warrants
SWK 320 3 Credits
Rural Social Work
Preparation for practice in rural areas characterized by the need
for multiple delivery systems, unique local customs and inadequate
resources. Emphasis on preparation for practice nationally with unique
features of Alaska incorporated at key points. (Prerequisites: SWK
103, SOC 100X.) (3 + 0) Offered Spring
SWK 341 3 Credits
Human Behavior in the Social Environment I (s)
Theoretical frameworks for organizing knowledge about personality
development and social behavior of individuals. Includes study of the
life cycle and processes that shape individual differences. (Prerequisites:
SOC 100X or 101; SWK 103; PSY 101; and social work major.) (3 + 0)
Offered Fall
SWK 342O 3 Credits
Human Behavior in the Social Environment II
Theoretical frameworks for organizing knowledge about small and
large groups, organizations, and communities. Includes study of community
relations and social interaction in groups and organizations. (Prerequisites:
COMM 131X or 141X; SOC 100X or 101; SWK 103, PSY 101; and social
work major.) (3 + 0) Offered Spring
SWK 350W 3 Credits
Women’s Issues in Social Welfare and Social Work Practice (s)
(Cross-listed with WMS 350W)
Examination of theories and research concerning women’s issues in the
field of social work and in the social welfare system, with particular emphasis
on women in poverty and women of color. Contemporary policy issues and strategies
of empowerment will be covered. (Prerequisites: ENGL 111X; ENGL 211X or
ENGL 213X; SWK 103 or SOC 100X; or permission of instructor.) (3 + 0)
Offered Alternate Fall
SWK 360 3 Credits
Child Abuse and Neglect
Dynamics, implications and treatments of child abuse and neglect
for individuals and families in rural and urban Alaska. (3 + 0)
Offered Spring
SWK 370 3 Credits
Social Work and the Aging Society (s)
Examination of the aging process, theories, political processes
and social work generalist intervention strategies with the aging population.
The rapidly changing social and health issues of the older adults are
addressed in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural approach. (Prerequisites:
SWK 103 and SOC 100X.) (3 + 0) Offered As Demand Warrants
SWK 460 3 Credits
Social Work Practice I
Development of beginning skills in interviewing and helping processes
with individuals, families and groups. Application of intervention
strategies and techniques made to case materials, primarily in family
and child welfare services. Contracting, case management and social
brokerage. (Prerequisites: social work major, senior standing, SWK
220, 306, 320, 342.) (3 + 0) Offered Fall
SWK 461 6 Credits
Practicum in Social Work I
Individual training and practice in a social service agency. Students
complete 200 hours of direct practice in an approved agency under the
supervision of a field instructor. (Prerequisites: social work major,
senior standing, SWK 220, 306, 320, 342.) (0 + 15) Offered
Fall
SWK 463 3 Credits
Social Work Practice II
Further development of student’s knowledge of direct practice
with clients and development of beginning skills in community work
including social planning. Emphasis on aspects of rural practice such
as utilization of community associations and the informal helping network.
Taken concurrent with SWK 464. (Prerequisites: Grade C or better in
SWK 460, 461 and 473.) (3 + 0) Offered Spring
SWK 464 6 Credits
Practicum in Social Work II
Continuation of SWK 461; further direct practice experience in
an agency. Students complete 200 hours of practice in an approved agency
under the supervision of a field instructor. Taken concurrent with
SWK 463. (Prerequisites: Grade C or better in SWK 460, 461, social
work major and senior standing.) (0 + 15)
SWK 470 3 Credits
Theories of Chemical Dependency and Social Work Practice (s)
Examination of research and theories of chemical dependency from
a social work, systems/ecological framework. Critically examines current
theory and practice in terms of effectiveness, cultural appropriateness
and validity with vulnerable populations. (Prerequisites: SOC 100X
or SWK 103.) (3 + 0) Offered As Demand Warrants
SWK 473W 3 Credits
Research Methods in the Social Sciences (s)
(Cross-listed with SOC 473W)
Course has a two-fold objective: to help students become critical consumers
of research in the social sciences and to allow students to carry out beginning
research studies. Course sequentially covers phases of the research process,
whether quantitative or qualitative. Research phases include problem formulation,
conceptualization, sampling, data presentation and analysis, and conclusions.
Also available via Independent Learning. (Prerequisites: ENGL 111X and PSY/SOC
250.) (3 + 0) Offered Fall
SWK 484 3 Credits
Seminar in Social Work Practice Areas
Covers problem areas in social work. Problem areas vary in different
semesters, content announced in class schedule prior to each semester.
Course may be repeated for credit when topic varies. (Prerequisites:
Permission of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered As Demand Warrants