skip to Main Content
Home About UH Academic Calendar Courses Undergraduate Education Graduate Education Degrees, Minors, & Certificates Colleges, Schools, & Academic Units

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

SAMPLE COURSE DESCRIPTION

COURSE NUMBERING SYSTEM

GENERAL EDUCATION DESIGNATION

DEPARTMENTS OFFERING DIVERSIFICATION COURSES

Courses

Social Work (SW)

School of Social Work

SW 200 The Field of Social Work (3) Orientation to the profession of social work; historical development, values and philosophy, scope and aims. DS

SW 302 General Social Work Practice I (3) Orientation to practice principles, concepts, values, knowledge base, and their application. Pre: 200 (complete with C or better) and majors only.

SW 303 General Social Work Practice II (3) Introduction to practice skills with individuals, families, groups, and communities. A significant portion of class time is dedicated to writing instruction congruent with professional expectations. Pre: 302 (complete with C or better) and majors only. Co-requisite: 391.

SW 325 History of Social Welfare (3) Historical developments and implications of social welfare activities, institutions, and policies and European backgrounds; introduce social welfare developments in selected non-European countries. SW majors only. Recommended: 200.

SW 326 Social Welfare as a Social Institution (3) Study of U.S. social welfare institutions and policies as an expression of societal response to human needs; interrelationship of American value system to goals, objectives, and policies of social security programs; focus on examination of Hawai‘i’s social service programs. SW majors only. Pre: 325. DS

SW 360 Human Development and Behavior for Social Work Practice (3) Examination of social and cultural variables such as human development and behavior; use of knowledge in these areas by social work practitioners. SW majors only. Recommended: 200. DS

SW 361 Sociocultural Content for Social Work Practice (3) Examination of ethnicity, class, and sex statuses as these affect human development and behavior for social work practice. SW majors only. Pre: 360 with a grade of C or better. Recommended: 200. DS

SW 380 Topics in Social Welfare (V) An examination of current trends in the field of social welfare. SW majors only. DS

SW 391 Junior Practicum (3) Introduction to field instruction; application of social work knowledge, skills, and values to field experience. CR/NC only. Pre: 302, 325, 326 (or concurrent), 360, and 361 (or concurrent) complete with C or better; and majors only. Co-requisite: 303.

SW 402 General Social Work Practice III (3) Use of problem-solving process in practice with individuals, families, groups, and communities. Pre: 303, 326, and 361 complete with C or better; and majors only. Co-requisite: 440 and 490.

SW 403 General Social Work Practice IV (3) Examination of practice methods and intervention models; identification and analysis of issues related to practice. A significant portion of class time is dedicated to writing instruction congruent with professional expectations. Pre: 402 (C or better) and majors only. Co-requisite: 491.

SW 435 Back to the Future: Aging in Today’s Society (3) By 2050, more than a quarter of the world’s population will be 60 years of age or older. Explores what we know about aging today to encourage a lifetime of aging well. A-F only. Pre: 201 or SW 360 or WS 305 or PSY 100 or HDFS 230 or NURS 200; or consent. (Cross-listed as PH 435)

SW 440 Research Development in Social Welfare (3) Introduction to and application of language of research, theoretical concepts underlying advancement of knowledge, practical steps in research. SW majors only. Pre: completion of required junior-level SW courses (i.e., 302, 303, 325, 326, 360, 361, and 391) with C or better. Co-requisite: 402 and 490. DS

SW 475 Social Services with Children (3) Study of current social services for children in the U.S. with focus on familiarization of child welfare programs and services in Hawai‘i. Pre: senior standing or consent.

SW 477 Social Welfare Concepts and Issues in Gerontology (3) Aging and its effect on the individual, family groups, associations, and communities. Impact of aging on social service delivery systems, public policy and role of social work. Pre: senior standing or consent. DS

SW 480 Topics in Social Welfare (V) An examination of current trends and issues in social work. SW majors only.

SW 490 Senior Practicum (4) Field instruction, application, and integration of classroom knowledge with field experiences. Pre: 391 complete with C or better, and majors only. Co-requisite: 402 and 440.

SW 491 Senior Practicum (4) Field instruction, application, and integration of classroom knowledge with field experiences. Pre: 490 complete with C or better, and majors only. Co-requisite: 403.

SW 499 Directed Reading and Research (V) Planned individualized study or research in special area related to social work practice interest. Up to 3 credit hours. Pre: majors only, senior standing, and consent of program chair and faculty advisor.

SW 500 Master’s Plan B/C Studies (1)

SW 606 Social Work Practice with Individuals (3) Beginning practice course introduces students to the basic processes of social work and the roles and skills needed for generalist practice. Relevant theories of social work practice with individuals are explored for the efficacy with various problems and for their applicability to practice with various ethnocultures, social classes, and oppressed populations. Interviewing and interpersonal skill development are incorporated. A-F only. Pre: admission to MSW program. (Fall only)

SW 607 Social Work Practice with Families and Groups (3) Practice course builds upon the generalist framework and foundation content presented in 606. Special emphasis is given on models for assessment, intervention, and evaluation of practice with families and groups. Relevant theories of groups and the principles of group dynamics and group work methods are examined in regard to task, therapeutic, psychoeducational, and social development groups. Family content includes structural, behavioral, communication/experiential, and culturally-specific theories of intervention. A-F only. Pre: 606.

SW 630 Social Welfare Policy and Services (3) Examines in a historical and comparative framework the economic, social, political, organizational, and administrative factors influencing the development, formulation, and implementation of social welfare policies in the U.S. Provides opportunity for the application of various models of social policy analysis in major areas of social welfare programming and service delivery. SW majors only. A-F only. Pre: graduate standing. (Fall only)

SW 631 Social Work Practice in Communities and Organizations (3) Community conceptualization; organized roles of developer, enabler, broker, mediator, and advocate; diagnostic and problem-solving technology; the special characteristics of the social worker as community organizer; matrix of structural objectives; sources and use of power; how to build an organization; and interorganizational negotiation. SW majors only. A-F only. Pre: 606, graduate standing, and consent. (Spring only)

SW 633 Organization and Administration in Social Work (3) Introduction to formal organization theory. Social service administration examined and implications for service delivery systems developed. SW majors only. Pre: graduate standing.

SW 636 Policies, Programs and Services on Aging (3) Explores policies, programs, and services for older adults. Students learn about the aging network, assess older adults’ needs, link older adults to appropriate services in the community, and track legislative bills that address older adults’ quality of life. Pre: graduate standing or consent.

SW 637 Death and Dying (3) Physical, social, cultural, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of dying, death, and bereavement. Pre: graduate standing or consent.

SW 639 Social and Cultural Aspects of Aging (3) Overview of aging from the biopsycho, socioeconomic and cultural perspectives. Explores common theories of aging. Emphasis on bridging the gap between the realm of concepts and theories, and the world of practice in gerontology. Pre: graduate standing or consent.

SW 640 Introduction to Scientific Methods and Principles in Social Work (3) Understanding and interpreting results of nomothetic and idiographic research; design principles and statistical analyses and their relationship to practices; use of published research. SW majors only. A-F only. Pre: graduate standing. (Fall only)

SW 650 Research Designs and Data Analyses for the Evaluation of Practice Effectiveness (3) Extending the study of scientific methods introduced in 640. Covers the range of empirical research methods and data analytic procedures suitable for knowledge building and practice evaluation at all levels of intervention from case to program. A-F only. Pre: 640. (Spring only)

SW 651 Quantitative Methods I (3) Introduction to quantitative methods in behavioral sciences. Introduction to general linear model as principle of data analysis. Course requires basic statistics. (Meets PhD common inquiry methods requirement or elective.)

SW 654 Applied Regression and Analysis of Variance (3) Introduction to linear statistical models as principle of data analysis. Topics include multiple regression models with continuous and categorical predictors. ANOVA with multiple factors, ANOVA with repeated measures, and ANCOVA. Pre: 601 or consent.

SW 656 Multivariate Methods (3) Multivariate forms of multiple linear regression, analysis of variance, and analysis of co-variance. Multiple discriminant analysis, canonical correlation, and principal components analysis are discussed. SW majors only.

SW 659 Human Behavior in the Social Environment I (3) An overview of social work’s person-in-environment focus as it applies to human behavior in the context of families, groups, communities, and organizations. Using an ecological perspective, theories and evidence about human behavior are introduced and examined. SW majors only. A-F only. Pre: graduate standing. (Fall only)

SW 660 Human Behavior in the Social Environment II (3) Uses social work’s person-in-environment focus to organize knowledge development about biological, psychological, social, and cultural systems as they are affected by human behavior. It is designed to provide students with an overview of human behavior and healthy and unhealthy development over the life span. A-F only. Pre: 659. (Spring only)

SW 663 Treatment of Chemical Dependency (3) Introduction to treatment of alcoholism and other chemical dependencies. Application of social work strategies in work with individuals and families in the disease and recovery process. Repeatable one time. SW majors only. Pre: graduate standing.

SW 672 Child Welfare as a Field of Social Work (3) Emphasis on the developments in child welfare; issues, concerns with regard to needs and rights, and the application of social work services to problems associated with needs for protection. Review of historical, theoretical, empirical, and legal findings for skill development in intervening in dysfunctional parent/child interaction. SW majors only. Pre: graduate standing.

SW 674 Community and Public Health Practice (2) Community organization and development applicable to the delivery of health services. Understanding community dynamics, mobilizing community groups for effective health care practice and delivery. SW majors only. Pre: PH 647 or consent. (Cross-listed as PH 671)

SW 680 Topics in Social Welfare (V) Current trends in field of social welfare. Recent courses have focused on forensic social work, immigrants and refugees, and leadership in human services. Meets seminar requirement. Repeatable one time in different topics. SW majors only. Pre: graduate standing.

SW 682 Marriage and Family Therapy (3) Introduction to couple and family therapy offers an overview of family systems perspective, theory and technique relevant to informing effective social work case planning, case management, advocacy, and interaction with clients. SW majors only. Graduate students only.

SW 690 Practicum (3) Field units are maintained by the school in public and voluntary welfare agencies, as well as in governmental programs. Students receive instruction related to their school experience with social problem situations and an opportunity to see the applicability and to experience the use of concepts and principles in actual practice. A-F only. Pre: admission to MSW program.

SW 691 Practicum (3) Field units are maintained by the school in public and voluntary welfare agencies, as well as in governmental programs. Students receive instruction related to their school experience with social problem situations and an opportunity to see the applicability and to experience the use of concepts and principles in actual practice. A-F only. Pre: admission to MSW program.

SW 696 Health and Aging (3) Biological and physiological changes associated with aging. Social and psychological factors associated with health maintenance. Major threats to health, changing patterns of morbidity and mortality of the aged. Pre: graduate standing.

SW 699 Directed Reading and Research (V) Students, on the basis of special interest, select a faculty member to work with on a problem for which planned individualized study or research is deemed advisable. Repeatable unlimited times. Pre: consent.

SW 700 Thesis Research (V) Independent research under supervision of a thesis committee. Includes formal proposal and defense of finished research. Repeatable unlimited times.

SW 707 Methods of Group Psychotherapy (3) Designed specifically to train students in the theory and practice of leading psychotherapy groups; it includes historical developments, research, theories, and application of group psychotherapy, group techniques and exercises. SW majors only. Pre: 607 or consent.

SW 715 Therapeutic Strategies with the Older Adult (3) Focuses on interdisciplinary strategies with older adults: individual, family, and group therapy; eclectic mental health approaches; case management; and environmental intervention. Emphasis placed on the use of these strategies as preventive, as well as supportive, measures for the well, transition, and frail elderly. Meets seminar requirement. SW majors only. Pre: graduate standing.

SW 717 Social Work Practice with Children and Families (3) Advanced practice course for students specializing in social work with children and families. Designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of both theoretical formulations and therapeutic techniques for practice in the field of family and child welfare. Emphasis placed on the development of specialized knowledge and skills for assessment, intervention, and evaluation of a variety of common child and family practice situations. SW majors only. Pre: completion of foundation courses.

SW 718 Seminar in Social Work Practice with Children and Families (3) Designed for students in the child and family concentration and builds upon past knowledge and skill development in practice classes and in the practicum. Students integrate, demonstrate, and extend earlier learning, acquire new knowledge, and learn and practice new skills. Organized around student case presentations in a consultation format. Meets seminar requirement. SW majors only. Pre: 717.

SW 722 Social Work Practice in Health Care (3) Didactic and experiential learning activity focuses on the major role functions of the social worker in the health field including assessment, contracting, counseling, advocacy, case management, discharge planning, family group work, community and team building. Covers health care policy, research directions in practice and social work management issues. SW majors only. Pre: completion of foundation courses.

SW 723 Seminar in Social Work Practice in Health Care (3) Through the use of case studies developed by the students, social work practice is examined in three areas of health care: primary care provided in health departments and medical groups, hospital-based services, and long-term care. Meets seminar requirement. SW majors only. Pre: 722.

SW 724 Seminar in Social Work Practice in Mental Health (3) Prepares students for social work practice in mental health settings. As the first course in the concentration, it focuses primarily on minor or short-term mental dysfunctioning (e.g., reactive depression, anxiety). Built on conceptual foundations including cultural implications of mental health, human ecology, life cycle/events, strengths assessments, and research. Includes a seminar component which involves student case presentations and consultations. SW majors only. Pre: completion of foundation courses.

SW 725 Social Work Practice in Mental Health (3) Prepares students to work with persons who are experiencing major mental disorders and to improve the systems of care that have been developed to serve this population. It reviews the history of the community mental health movement, discusses relevant policies and laws, and describes the current mental health system in the U.S. and Hawai‘i. SW majors only. Pre: 724.

SW 726 Social Work Practice with the Aged (3) Designed for social work students specializing in social work practice with the aged and their families. Examines normative and pathological aging and its impact on physical processes, intellectual functions, and personality. Emphasis is placed on the development of specialized knowledge and skills for assessment, intervention, and evaluation of a variety of issues and needs common in later life. Discussions on the applicability of certain interventions with the older adult and the family, along with ethnocultural and gender considerations. SW majors only. Pre: completion of foundation courses.

SW 727 Seminar in Social Work with the Aged (3) Designed for social work students in the aged concentration, builds upon past knowledge and skill development from courses and practicum. Students examine micro and macro interventions used for a wide range of issues and problems encountered by older adults and their families through the use of both case presentation and case consultations assignments. Meets seminar requirement. SW majors only. Pre: 726.

SW 731 Social Policy Analysis (3) Students pursue in-depth a specific topic in the areas of social planning, social policy analysis, evaluation of social programs, administration, supervision, and consultation. Selectively a comparative perspective is introduced and case studies used to illustrate concepts, principles, and techniques, with implications for practice. Meets seminar requirement. SW majors only. Pre: 630 or consent.

SW 737 Social Work and the Law (3) Knowledge of judicial systems and law relevant to social work practice in corrections, child-family welfare, health, and mental health. Skills for effective participation in the legal process are acquired in moot court and in practice for testifying. SW majors only. Pre: graduate standing.

SW 741 Review of Research in Social Work (3) In-depth study of research in a substantive area. Each seminar will be devoted to a particular topic: e.g., foster care of children, effectiveness of social work intervention, etc. SW majors only. Pre: 650.

SW 743 Individual or Group Research Project—Plan B (V) Independent research (group of two to seven students or by an individual student) undertaken under the sponsorship of a faculty advisor. Elements are selection of a topic related to the practice of social work or knowledge relevant to that practice, utilization of empirical research methodology in collecting and analyzing original data, and preparation of a scholarly paper. SW majors only. A-F only. Pre: 650.

SW 744 Individual or Group Research Project–Plan B (V) Same as 743. A-F only. Pre: 743.

SW 746 Individual or Group Research Project–Plan B (V) Same as 743. A-F only.

SW 750 Analysis and Development of Knowledge for Social Work (3) Focuses on developing an understanding of philosophy of science, theory development, social work epistemology, and the analysis and development of knowledge for social work practice. A-F only. Pre: PhD candidate in social welfare or consent.

SW 751 Quantitative Methods II (3) Empirical research methodology with emphasis on design principles and measurement theory; design and measurement issues and problems in cross-cultural research. A-F only. Pre: PhD candidate in social welfare or consent.

SW 752 Qualitative Research: Philosophical, Methodological and Analytic Approaches (3) Theories and methods of qualitative research; problem formulation, informant selection, study design, data collection and analysis utilizing qualitative approaches. Repeatable three times. A-F only. Pre: 640 or 651 or equivalent; departmental approval.

SW 755 Dissertation Seminar (3) Culminating experience in social welfare doctoral specialization; integration of PhD core and specialization course work. Pre: classified student in PhD in social welfare program or consent.

SW 772 Seminar in International Social Work (3) Approaches to social problems and trends in the profession in international, cross-cultural perspectives. Emphasis on developmental aspects of social work. Political, economic, social, and cultural forces shaping social welfare in national development. Meets seminar requirement. SW majors only. Pre: graduate standing or consent.

SW 774 Cultural Factors in Work with Hawaiians (3) Hawaiian culture, past and present. Explores and examines possible approaches to working with Hawaiians and part-Hawaiians. Special emphasis on supports in the Hawaiian system that may promote maximal functioning for those Hawaiians experiencing problems in today’s society. Meets seminar requirement. A-F only. Pre: graduate standing.

SW 776 Seminar on Women and Health (3) Women’s health and the role of women health professionals. Current literature and research regarding attitudes, roles, rights, and health care. Pre: graduate standing or consent. (Cross-listed as NURS 744)

SW 790 Second-Year Practicum (V) Instruction in the field is continued. The practicum of the second year provides an opportunity for the student to test out concepts, principles, theories, and alternate approaches in actual practice settings. SW majors only. A-F only. Pre: 691.

SW 791 Second-Year Practicum (V) Same as 790. A-F only.

SW 797 Advanced Social Welfare Policy Analysis and Change (3) Builds on 630 and emphasizes a more thorough and comprehensive examination of major policies, programs, and populations central to a concentration (Health, Mental Health, Gerontology, Child and Family). Students learn a more focused and applied analysis of the relationship between social policy, research, and social work practice. SW majors only. A-F only. Pre: 606 and 607; 630 and 631; 640 and 650; 659 and 660; 690 and 691.

SW 800 Dissertation Research (V) Repeatable one time.