SOCIAL WORK

School of Social Work

Professors: Bardill, Figley, Mazza, McNeece, Smith, Thyer; Associate Professors: Abell, Graham, Maddox, Maxwell, Vinton; Assistant Professors: Altholz, Cash, Crook, Delva, T. Gomory, Ryan, Sellers; Visiting Assistant Professors: F. Gomory, Lager, T. Perry; Faculty Administrators: Berry, P. Lager; Associate in Field Instruction: Keroack; Associate in Research: Bax; Assistants in Field Instruction:Allen, Boone, Calohan, Detweiler, Gallego, Giddens, Schultz, Sheheen, Sherman, Wright, Yanke; Assistant in Field Instruction and Academic Advising: Mathis; Associate in Social Work: Lee

The School of Social Work offers programs of study leading to the 1) bachelor of arts (BA) and bachelor of science (BS) degrees, which are designed to enable students to give direct service to individuals, families, groups, and communities at the generalist level of social work practice; 2) master of social work (MSW) degree, which is designed, as an advanced practice degree, to increase the skills of professional social workers to more advanced competencies acquired through two concentrationsthe clinical social work concentration and the social policy and administration concentration; and 3) doctor of philosophy (PhD) degree, which is designed to advance the social work profession through the development of researchers/scholars and educators. Doctoral students choose a concentration area of study from among social welfare administration, direct practice, or clinical social work.

For complete details of undergraduate degree requirements, plus a description of the School of Social Work, its opportunities, and available financial assistance, refer to the "School of Social Work" section of this General Bulletin. Refer to the Graduate Bulletin for graduate programs.

State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites

The State of Florida has identified common course prerequisites for this University degree program. These prerequisites are lower-level courses that are required for preparation for the University major prior to a student receiving a baccalaureate degree from The Florida State University. They may be taken either at a community college or in a university lower-division program. It is preferred that these common course prerequisites be completed in the freshman and sophomore years.

The following lists the common course prerequisites or approved substitutions necessary for this degree program:

Three (3) semester hours in each of the following:

1. American government (American national government or American government);
2. Biology (human biology or anatomy and physiology);
3. Economics (microeconomics or macroeconomics [ECO prefix]);
4. Introductory psychology;
5. Introductory sociology/social problems.

Definition of Prefix

SOW - Social Work

Undergraduate Courses

SOW 1502r. Human Services Experience (1). (S/U grade only.) Volunteer experience in a social agency or community program providing human service. Thirty (30) hours of volunteer work required per hour of credit. May be repeated to a maximum of three (3) semester hours.

SOW 3203. Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare (3). This course surveys the philosophy, history, and services of social welfare as well as the values, methods, and practice settings of the profession of social work.

SOW 3350. Interviewing and Recording in Social Work (3). Overview of the basic elements of interviewing and recording as utilized in various helping professions.

SOW 3701. Alcohol Use and Abuse (2). Course examines the physiological, sociological, cultural, and psychological responses to alcohol use and abuse in the United States. Lectures, group discussion, and experiential learning help students assess their own values in relation to drinking. Alcoholism is discussed as it affects the individual and the family.

SOW 3949. Cooperative Education Work Experience (0). (S/U grade only.)

SOW 4104. Human Behavior in the Social Environment I (3). Prerequisites: SOW 1502, 3203, 3350. This course focuses on the individual and various systems such as families, groups, organizations and communities. Theoretical explanations of psychosocial development across the life cycle also are explored.

SOW 4108. Women's Issues and Social Work (3). This course is designed to acquaint students with the oppressive focuses that affect women throughout life and the role that social work plays in addressing these issues.

SOW 4152. Human Sexuality (3). Survey of issues and problems associated with human sexuality, intended for social workers and others in helping professions. Emphasis on sexually oppressed groups, sexual life cycle from a psychosocial perspective, and student's attitudes and values regarding sexuality.

SOW 4232. Social Welfare Policies and Programs (3). Prerequisites: SOW 1502, 3203, 3350; economics and national government. Provides a beginning understanding of the relationship between social policy, social welfare, and American society. Particular attention will be paid to the nature of our present social welfare system and its impact on disadvantaged populations. Majors only.

SOW 4242. Social Services for Families and Children (3). Contemporary practice and policies in the area of social services for families and children. Attention given to historical roots and trends in child welfare services and to the societal values underlying them. Major U.S. programs serving parents and children are examined.

SOW 4280. Ethics in Social Work Practice (3). This course provides students with a framework of knowledge and skills to prepare them for effective ethical decision-making which adheres to the NASW Code of Ethics.

SOW 4302. Peer Advising in Social Work (3). Prerequisites: SOW 1502, 3203, 3350. This course offers students an opportunity to develop and strengthen interviewing, assessment, problem-solving, networking, and communication skills through participation in the School of Social Work Peer Advising Center.

SOW 4323. Theory and Practice of Social Work with Groups (3). A practice-oriented course to develop group leaders who have an understanding of group dynamics and possess effective leadership skills to facilitate group development and work. The course will focus on both task and treatment groups.

SOW 4332. Theory and Practice of Community Organization (3). Examines contemporary models of social work practice from a macrosystems perspective. Community organizing, social planning, and the tactical use of group structures and processes in community organizing are emphasized as strategic processes in the identification, prevention, and solution of major social problems.

SOW 4340. Theories and Models of Social Work Practice (3). This is one of three courses in the practice foundation curriculum. The course is designed to introduce students to a range of theories and models of social work practice from an ecological framework. Majors only.

SOW 4341. Social Work Practice (3). Prerequisites: SOW 1502, 3203, 3350. A beginning course in social work practice focusing on individuals, families and communities. Content includes: social work values, assessments, contracts, crisis intervention, family systems techniques, recording, working with minority and women clients, termination, and skill development component. Majors only.

SOW 4403. Introduction to Social Work Research (3). Prerequisites: SOW 1502, 3203, 3350. An overview of methods and issues in social research designed to teach students to be critical consumers of others' research as well as to provide them an experience in conducting their own research. Includes design, data collection, data analysis, and interpretation. Methods of evaluating practice are presented. Majors only.

SOW 4414. Measurements in Social Work Research (3). Prerequisites: SOW 4403. Statistical procedures which have practical application to research in the social work profession. Majors only.

SOW 4510. Undergraduate Field Instruction (12). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisites: completion of all required social work courses; a 3.0 GPA in social work courses; Corequisite: SOW 4522. Supervised generalist experience in a social agency totaling five hundred twelve (512) hours. Internships are available fall, spring, and summer semesters. Due to a limited number of agencies in the Tallahassee area, however, students may be placed outside of this area. Students should plan for the possibility of relocation. Students must submit an application to the Office of Field Instruction. Majors only.

SOW 4522. Integrative Field Seminar (3). To be taken concurrently with SOW 4510. Designed to assist students in integrating theoretical concepts with actual social work practice; examines professional issues faced by practitioners. Majors only.

SOW 4602. Social Work in Health Settings (3). Exploration of the characteristics of health and medical care programs in the U.S. and the parameters of social work practice within them. Patterns of service delivery, standards, rural-urban differences, and racial/ethnic and gender considerations in service delivery are addressed.

SOW 4620. Diversity in Social Work Practice (3). This course will enhance students' understanding of human diversity and will prepare them to work with ethnic minorities, women, gays and lesbians and people with disabilities. Students also will understand the connections between diversity issues and social and economic justice.

SOW 4622. Social Work with Black Families (3). Theories and research relevant to examining selected forces that impact on African-American family structures and functions. Major consideration is given to misconceptions, misplaced emphasis, and myths about the African-American family in contemporary America and to appropriate models and strategies for intervention.

SOW 4627. Mental Health of Diverse Populations (3). This course examines various factors that impact the mental health of minorities, women and other diverse populations. Special focus on mental health needs, accesibility and services will be addressed.

SOW 4633. The Social Worker in the Public School System (3). Designed to give students an in-depth understanding of current school social work practices; focuses on the multidisciplinary team approach, alternative models of service delivery, the impact of Florida and federal legislation, and the characteristics of client problems encountered in the field.

SOW 4645. Aging and Old Age: Social Work with the Aged (3). An introduction to the field of aging. Course purposes include making students aware of their own attitudes toward aging and the aged, dispelling myths and stereotypes about the aged, and assessing past and present efforts to meet the needs of the elderly.

SOW 4654. Social Work With Children (3). Designed to increase the knowledge and understanding essential for effective interventions in the psychological and behavioral disorders of children and to develop special skills in working with children and their parents in the area of direct social work practice.

SOW 4658. Mental Health and Child Welfare (3). This course provides students with the knowledge and skills to relate to theory, research and implications of child and adolescent maltreatment in child development and mental health issues. This course is part of a child welfare certificate program.

SOW 4680. Living with AIDS: Prevention Intervention and Care (3). Provides a comprehensive overview of the biopsychosocial implications of HIV/AIDS-related illness. Research and policy implications are reviewed, with a focus on the roles of service providers responding to the needs of severely impacted groups.

SOW 4681. Mental Retardation: New Service Models (3). Course identifies policies, regulations, proposed legislation, or laws dealing with the problem of mental retardation. Addresses the major research contributions to the field of retardation and the implications of this research for practice. Focuses on the interdisciplinary systems of services needed by the retarded.

SOW 4702. Chemical Dependency Problems and Programs (3). Students are introduced to the etiology and epidemiology of chemical dependency. Both physiological and psychological aspects of addiction are covered. Major programs and treatment modalities used in social work practice for chemically dependent clients are examined.

SOW 4905r. Directed Individual Study (1–4). Prerequisites: Eight (8) credit hours in social work; 2.75 GPA; consent of instructor. May be repeated to a maximum of eight (8) semester hours. See departmental guidelines.

SOW 4911r. Honors Work in Social Work (1–4). Prerequisites: Junior standing; 3.2 or higher GPA; at least one term of twelve (12) or more semester hours; junior college transfers with membership in Phi Theta Kappa may be admitted directly. A thesis, completed over a period of two or three semesters, based on traditional library research and critical analysis. May be repeated to a maximum of eight (8) semester hours.

SOW 4935r. Seminar in Social Work: Selected Topics (3). May be repeated to a maximum of twelve (12) semester hours as topics change.

Graduate Courses

• SOW 5105. Human Behavior and the Social Environment I (3).
• SOW 5106. Human Behavior and the Social Environment II (3).
• SOW 5109. Women's Issues and Social Work (3).
• SOW 5125. Psychopathology in Clinical Practice (3).
• SOW 5153. Human Sexuality (3).
• SOW 5156. Emotional and Social Aspects of Illness (3).
• SOW 5214r Policy Innovations in Social Welfare (3).
• SOW 5235. Policies and Programs in Social Services (3).
• SOW 5238. Advanced Policy Analysis (3).
• SOW 5281. Ethics in Social Work Practice (3).
• SOW 5282. Legislative Advocacy (3).
• SOW 5324. Group Treatment in Social Work Practice (3).
• SOW 5334. Organization and Community System Change (3).
• SOW 5335. Theories and Models of Social Work Practice (3).
• SOW 5340. Theory and Practice of Poetry Therapy (3).
• SOW 5342. Practice I: Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families and Small Groups (4).
• SOW 5344 Practice II: Social Work with Task Groups, Communities, and Organizations (3).
• SOW 5345. Advanced Social Services Administration (3).
• SOW 5353. Marital and Couple Counseling in Social Work Practice (3).
• SOW 5356. Social Work Practice (3).
• SOW 5363. Evaluation of Social Work Practice (3).
• SOW 5364. Theory and Practice of Psychodynamic Social Work (3).
• SOW 5365. Behavioral Approaches to Social Work Practice (3).
• SOW 5366. Social Networking and Case Management in Social Work (3).
• SOW 5367. Theory and Practice of Crisis Intervention and Brief Treatment (3).
• SOW 5369. Integrative Seminar in Advanced Social Work Practice (3).
• SOW 5371. Dynamics of Social Services Systems (3).
• SOW 5372. Supervision, Consultation, and Staff Development in Social Work (3).
• SOW 5376. Budgeting and Finances in the Social Services (3).
• SOW 5377. Personnel Administration in the Social Services (3).
• SOW 5378. Data Management and Technologies in the Social Services (3).
• SOW 5383. Theory and Practice of Administration for the Human Services (3).
• SOW 5404. Introduction to Social Work Research (3).
• SOW 5415. Measurement and Analysis in Social Work (3).
• SOW 5435. Evaluation Research (3).
• SOW 5455. Grant Writing and Grant Management (3).
• SOW 5532r. Graduate Field Instruction I (5–10). (S/U grade only.)
• SOW 5535r. Graduate Field Instruction II (6–12). (S/U grade only.)
• SOW 5537r. Field Instruction: Special Placement (3–12). (S/U grade only.)
• SOW 5603. Social Work in Health Settings (3).
• SOW 5611. Family Counseling in Social Work (3).
• SOW 5612. Intensive Family Practice in Social Work (3).
• SOW 5614. Family Violence Across the Life Span (3).
• SOW 5623. Social Work with Black Families (3).
• SOW 5628. Mental Health of Diverse Populations (3).
• SOW 5635. The Social Worker in the Public School System (3).
• SOW 5646. Aging and Old Age: Social Work with the Aged (3).
• SOW 5655. Social Work with Children and Adolescents (3).
• SOW 5656. Child Welfare Practice (3).
• SOW 5659. Mental Health and Child Welfare (3).
• SOW 5671. Mind/Body, Medicine (3).
• SOW 5683. Mental Retardation: Social Work Practice and Issues (3).
• SOW 5688. Living with AIDS: Prevention Intervention and Care (3).
• SOW 5712. Chemical Dependency Problems and Programs (3).
• SOW 5908r. Directed Individual Study (1–4). (S/U grade only.)
• SOW 5915r. Supervised Research (1–3).
• SOW 5938r. Social Work Seminars: Selected Topics (3).
• SOW 5941r. Supervised Teaching (1–3). (S/U grade only.)
• SOW 6358. Assessment Methods in Social Work Practice Research (3).
• SOW 6375Lr. Teaching Tutorial Laboratory (1–3).(S/U grade only.)
• SOW 6398. History and Philosophy of Social Welfare Services and Policies (3).
• SOW 6399. Social Policy Analysis (3).
• SOW 6492. Theory, Design, and Problem Formulation in Social Work (3).
• SOW 6494. Advanced Research in Social Work (3).
• SOW 6693. Theories and Models of Social Work Practice (3).
• SOW 6694. Research Issues in Direct Practice (3).
• SOW 6696. Course Design and Curriculum Building in Social Work (3).
• SOW 6697. Philosophies of Science in Social Work (3).
• SOW 6904r. Reading in Social Work/Social Welfare (1–6). (S/U grade only.)
• SOW 6909r. Directed Individual Study (1–6). (S/U grade only.)
• SOW 6916r. Supervised Research (1–5). (S/U grade only.)
• SOW 6936r. Dissertation Seminar (2–5). (S/U grade only.)
• SOW 6938r. Selected Topics in Social Work (3).
• SOW 6942r. Supervised Teaching (1–3). (S/U grade only.)
• SOW 6945r. Family Therapy Practica (1–12).
• SOW 6960. Preliminary Prep (0–12). (S/U grade only.)

For listings relating to graduate course work for thesis, dissertation, and master's and doctoral examinations and defense, consult the Graduate Bulletin.