Siena Heights University
field. Students will also be responsible for completing a series of writing assignments for the development of a
writing portfolio demonstrating their competency in professional writing and social work research.
Prerequisite: SWK 334
Course is offered: WI Every Year
SWK 440
SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY
3
This course provides students with an overview of the issues surrounding the development, implementation, and
evaluation of social welfare policies. It is specifically designed to strengthen students' recognition of social,
political, and economic forces that shape social welfare policy, how policy affects people’s lives, and ways to
influence it. The course begins with developing an understanding of the relationship between social work and
social welfare policy. The course reviews the basic concepts, theories, and history of social welfare policy. It then
critically examines major social welfare policies and programs that are relevant to generalist social work practice.
The final portion of the course is devoted to policy practice which includes the formulation, implementation, and
evaluation of policies to promote social and economic justice.
Prerequisite: Junior Status or permission
Course is offered: FA Every Year
SWK 452
SOCIAL WORK WITH FAMILIES
This course is designed to provide students with competence in generalist social work practice with families
including engagement, assessment, treatment planning, intervention, and evaluation. The course will assist
students in understanding the development and dynamics of family functioning from multiple perspectives
including family life cycles and developmental stages. The course is also designed to increase students’
awareness and understanding of diversity and its impact on families including race, class, culture, ethnicity,
religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, and ability.
Prerequisite: SWK 335, SWK 348, or permission
Course is offered: FA Every Year
3
SWK 453
SOCIAL WORK WITH GROUPS
3
This course is designed to prepare students for competent generalist social work practice with groups in the
context of their social environments. Students will begin by examining multiple group theories and understanding
types, purposes, and functions of groups in social work practice. In addition, they will learn how to implement and
evaluate group intervention techniques.
Prerequisite: SWK 335, SWK 348, or permission
Course is offered: FA Every Year
SWK 455
SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE WITH DIVERSE POPULATIONS
3
This course is constructed to develop students’ understanding and knowledge of the dimensions of diversity
including but not limited to age, class, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression,
immigration status, political ideology, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation. This will include assisting
students in recognizing and appreciating the strengths and resources of diverse populations. The course will also
seek to promote the students’ sensitivity and knowledge of oppression, marginalization, alienation, and
discrimination of individuals, groups, organizations, and communities and how it impacts social work practice.
Students will also identify and challenge personal biases and values that might impact their work with diverse
populations. Furthermore, the course seeks to cultivate students cultural competency at all levels of social work
practice by developing and enhancing their knowledge, values, and skills. Students will learn an assortment of
intervention strategies for various populations increasing their abilities to provide effective cross-cultural services.
Students will be required to attend an off-campus community-based event that focuses on the fundamental
concepts of the course.
Prerequisite: SOC 244 or permission
Course is offered: WI Every Year
Course fee: See course schedule for exact amount.
Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog 2016-2018
297