Below is a list of all
courses with the SOWK prefix. Included
with descriptions are credit hours, prerequisites,
concurrent requirements, general education categories,
and terms in which the course is offered. For
complete information, see the current
Manchester College Catalog.
Click on a button below to view
a sample syllabus for a specific course.
SOWK 110:
Introduction to Social Services (3 hours / Fall,
Spring)
Introduction to the helping professions, with particular
emphasis on the nature of generalist social work.
Content includes professional values and ethics, social
problems and inequities, populations-at-risk, and social
service delivery philosophies and settings. Social
work perspectives, including systems models, strengths
perspective, social and economic justice,
person-in-environment, and evidence-based practice are
highlighted.
SOWK 220:
Social Gerontology (3 hours / Fall)
An introductory course in the field of aging.
Study areas include perspectives on aging, social roles,
family, retirement, living environments, minority and
cross cultural experiences, political and economic
implications of aging. Also included is a study of
the social institutional response to the needs and
problems of older adults in the form of policies,
programs, and services.
Prerequisite: SOC 101 or permission of instructor
SOWK 222:
Social Research Methods (3 hours / Fall)
The methodological framework for planning and
implementing qualitative and quantitative social
research, including the process of developing research
designs, the selection of samples, the construction and
use of research instruments, and methods of analyzing
and interpreting data. Ethical issues and the
relevance of empirical research for building knowledge
and evaluating service delivery in helping professions
are considered. Students are encouraged to satisfy
the General Education requirements in computers and
mathematics before enrolling in the course.
Prerequisite: SOC 101
SOWK
228: Racial,
Ethnic, and Gender Group Relations (3 hours /
GE-M1 / Fall, Spring)
A sociology approach to the dynamics of racial, ethnic,
and gender group relations using relevant theories,
concepts, and empirical studies. Patterns of
differential power and intergroup conflict in U.S.
society will be examined using examples from several
groups.
SOWK
233: Social
Welfare as an Institution (3 hours / Fall)
An historical and analytical assessment of social
welfare as an institution, using a framework of
problem/need definition, policy goals, program design,
and service delivery. Evolution of social welfare
and social work within the United
States. Functions of social work as a profession
in programs concerning income security, family and
children's services, aging, criminal justice, mental
health, developmental disabilities, and others. The
impact of conflicting values, inequality and oppression
on social welfare.
Prerequisite: SOC 101 or permission of instructor
SOWK
244: Criminal
Behavior and the Criminal Justice System (3 hours
/ Fall)
The study of theories about crime and delinquency, and
an overview of all major elements of the criminal
justice system. Examination of the use of the
criminal sanction in the U.S., through major statutory,
case, and Constitutional law.
Prerequisite: SOC 101 or permission of instructor
SOWK 274:
Practice Methods in Social Services (3 hours /
Fall)
Introduces a variety of generalist social work
intervention approaches through written work, volunteer
service, and experiential learning. Students learn how
to apply social work knowledge, skills, and values to
micro, mezzo, and macro practice situations. Attention
given to self awareness, communication, the helping
relationship, use of theory, phases of problem solving,
ecosystems and strengths perspectives, diversity,
advocacy, case management, recordkeeping, team
functioning, peacemaking, self care, and evaluating
effectiveness.
Prerequisite: SOWK 110
SOWK 275:
Practicum in Human Services (1-3 hours / Fall,
Jan, Spring)
Observation and participation in a human services
organization. Focus on exposing students to social
service delivery systems and potential roles in human
services. May be repeated for a total of six
hours.
Prerequisite: consent of department chair.
SOWK 334:
Human Behavior in the Social Environment (4 hours
/ Spring)
Examination of human development over the life span as
the individual participates in families, groups,
organizations, and communities. Empirically-supported
theories and knowledge are used to understand reciprocal
relationships among human biological, psychological,
spiritual, social, and cultural systems. Appreciation of
diversity is fostered, including understanding the
consequences of oppression for "at-risk" populations.
Students apply an interdisciplinary knowledge base to
the generalist social work assessment process.
Prerequisites: BIOL 102 or 204; ECON 221, 222, 320, or
328; POSC
121, 122, 140, or 233; PSYC 110; SOC 101; or permission
of instructor
SOWK
340: Youth and
the Juvenile Justice System (3 hours / Spring)
Examination of the problem/need-definition process with
youth and young offenders, including the ambiguity of
social policies and adolescent roles in the United
States. Adolescent needs and need-meeting
structures. Historic landmarks in juvenile
justice, including major movements and court decisions.
Elements of current U.S. youth justice systems, and
examination of policy and program alternatives for
intervention.
Prerequisite: SOC 101 or permission of instructor
SOWK 350:
Policy and Practice Issues in Social Welfare (3
hours)
A group study of issues and programs in a selected field
of social welfare such as child welfare, rural or
industrial social services, drugs and social behavior,
or international social welfare. Focus of study
and location vary according to faculty resources and
student interest. Aspects of need definition,
policy goals, program design, and service delivery are
addressed. May be repeated on different topics
with permission.
SOWK 366:
Social Service Policy (3 hours / Fall)
Application of the social policy/program model
introduced in SOWK 233 to domestic and international
social welfare policy; impact of values and power on
policy development and application in public and private
programs; social allocation and integrated service
delivery; social planning and other mezzo- and
macro-level intervention strategies; analysis of
programs with potential to promote social and economic
justice.
Prerequisites: SOWK 233; ECON 221, 222, 320, or
328; POSC 121, 122, 140, or 233
SOWK 371:
Advanced Studies in Gerontology (3 hours / Spring)
In-depth study and analysis of aging, including the
following areas: developmental changes, life
circumstances, social policies, service programs, and
research approaches and findings. Course goals
also include development or refinement of specific
skills and techniques for studying or working with older
adults.
Prerequisites: SOC 220 and PSYC 331
SOWK 372:
Sociological Research Practicum (2 hours / Fall,
Jan, Spring)
Experience in the process of using existing research
findings for a better understanding of community
problems, client needs, service programs, etc. The
student is assigned to a setting where a realistic
application of research knowledge is done under the
direction of both a setting supervisor and the College
instructor.
Concurrent with or following SOC/SOWK 222
SOWK 375:
Social Work Practice I (3 hours / Fall)
Integration of social work knowledge, values, and skills
for entry-level generalist practice with diverse
individuals, families, groups, organizations, and
communities. Application of current research and
theoretical perspectives to assessment, intervention,
and evaluation process. Emphasis on advanced critical
thinking, empowerment-based practice, peacemaking and
students' emerging professional identities. Includes
retreat and service learning project.
Prerequisites: admission to the Social Work
Program and the Senior Social Work Practice Block.
SOWK 475:
Field Instruction (4-10 hours / Jan, Spring)
Observation and participation in a social service
setting under supervision of a qualified practitioner.
Students carry limited administrative and case load
responsibilities congruent with entry-level generalist
social work practice and program mission. Total of 10
semester hours (completed consecutively) are required
for the major.
Prerequisites: admission to Social Work Program
and the Senior Social Work Practice Block, and
completion of SOWK 110, 222, 228, 233, 274, 334, 366,
375.
Concurrent enrollment with SOWK 476
SOWK 476:
Field Instruction Seminar (4 hours / Spring)
Weekly group and individual supervision from faculty for
analysis and evaluation of field instruction experience.
Students complete integrative written projects and
presentations on topics related to generalist social
work. Includes retreat, extended field trip on urban
social issues, workshop on sexual orientation and gender
identity. Fees required.
Concurrent enrollment with SOWK 475
SOWK 477:
Social Work Practice II (3 hours / Spring)
Integration of the theoretical social work practice
models and principles conceptualized during Social Work
Practice I, and tested in generalist practice roles
during field instruction. Development within each
student of a coherent personal practice model based on
practice values, validated knowledge and practice
skills. Course requires individualized learning
objectives developed during retreat that ends field
instruction and begins this seminar.
Prerequisites: SOWK 475 and 476.
SOWK 380 or 480:
Special Problems (1-4 hours / Fall, Jan, Spring)
A student who has demonstrated ability to work
independently may propose a course and pursue it with a
qualified and willing professor. The department
chair and the vice president and dean for academic
affairs must also approve. A set of guidelines can
be secured from the
Office of the Registrar.
SOWK 385 or 485:
Seminar (1-4 hours)
An in-depth consideration of a significant scholarly
problem or issues. Students pursue a supervised,
independent inquiry on an aspect of the topic and
exchange results through reports and discussions.
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