Practicum Education Courses:
HWC 500 Practicum Education I
Placement in practice settings under supervision of a licensed M.S.W. Students will be graded S/F. Must be taken concurrently with HWC 513.
4-6 credits, fall semester
HWC 501 Practicum Education II
A continuation of HWC 500. Students will be graded S/F. Must be taken concurrently with HWC 514.
Prerequisites: HWC 500 and 513
4-6 credits, spring semester
HWC 502 Practicum Education III
Placement in advanced social work practice settings based on area of Specialization. Supervision provided by a licensed MSW. Students will be graded S/F. Must be taken concurrently with Required Specialization Practice Course- (CPPSA: HWC 570; FYT: HWC 531; IH: HWC 564).
Prerequisites: HWC 500, 501, 513 and 514
4-6 credits, fall semester
HWC 503 Practicum Instruction IV
A continuation of HWC 502. Students will be graded S/F. Must be taken concurrently with Required Specialization Practice Course (CPPSA: HWC 571; FYT: HWC 532; IH: HWC 565)
Prerequisites: HWC 502 and the Required Specialization Practice Course (CPPSA: HWC 570; FYT: HWC 531; IH: HWC 564)
4-6 credits, spring semester
Generalist Foundation Courses:
HWC 504: Human Behavior in the Social Environment (HBSE): Critical Applications of Social Work Theory
This course applies a multi-theoretical and critical approach to social inquiry in the examination of complex theories, meta-perspectives, and knowledge about individuals, families, groups, organizations, institutions and urban, suburban, and rural communities. The course encourages students to maintain a view of people and their environments as heterogeneous and socio-historically embedded, as well as adaptable and resilient. Throughout the course, special consideration is given to social and cultural diversity. Students will develop a multi-dimensional (e.g., social, psychological and cultural) understanding of human behavior as applied to contemporary issues in social work practice.
3 credits, fall semester
HWC 505: Integrating Seminar
This course extends the work covered in the first semester foundation courses and provides students opportunities to apply human behavior theory to social work practice situations. Students will integrate knowledge and skills acquired in social work practice, social justice, HBSE, policy, field education and research courses to social and clinical issues across diverse topics. Class activities include experiential assignments and project based learning. This course prepares students to practice in interdisciplinary environments.
3 credits spring semester
HWC 509: Foundations of Social Justice: Challenging Oppression
This course explores the meaning of social justice within the context of political economy, human nature, and health policy. Examination will include the relation of historical implications within contemporary discourse. This course will analyze the foundations of power, privilege, and prejudice in the United States through the lens of social work ethos that values human rights, equality, respect, and health for all. Emphasis will be placed on the identification of social injustice, challenging institutional oppression, and the creation of effective methods to empower marginalized and oppressed populations.
3 credits, fall semester
HWC 510: Social Policy & Social Determinants
This course builds upon the Foundations of Social Justice: Challenging Oppression course through the discussion and exploration of social policies, social determinants of health, and contemporary & historical social movements that have arisen to challenge oppression. This course utilizes frameworks for social policy analysis while addressing continuing dilemmas in policy development. Experiential learning and beyond-the-classroom experiences introduce students to the processes and dynamics of social movements, social change, and their effects on social policy.
3 credits, spring semester
HWC 511: Research I
This course is the first part of a two-semester course sequence designed to prepare social work students to engage in research informed social work practice and practice informed social work research and evaluation. The first semester (HWC511) provides an overview of the research process from both quantitative and qualitative perspectives and examines how a critical approach to research may form the basis of evidence-based social work practice and client empowerment. The course goes on to examine those elements of the research process that are common to all methodologies: the ethical conduct of research; literature searches and reviews; development of research questions and hypotheses; measurement; and sampling procedures. Quantitative data analysis is introduced in the form of univariate/descriptive statistics.
3 credits, fall semester
HWC 512: Research II
This course is the second part of a two-semester course sequence designed to prepare social work students to engage in research informed social work practice and practice informed social work research and evaluation. The second semester (HWC512) follows-up on the first by examining specific data collection methods (experiments; surveys; interviews; focus groups; ethnographies; etc.), with attention given to understanding how these methods are used appropriately in social work research and evaluation processes. Quantitative data analysis procedures at the bivariate and multivariate levels (t-tests; ANOVA; correlation; regression; chi-square test, etc.), hypothesis testing, inferential statistics, and computer assisted data analysis using SPSS will be presented in the context of appropriate data collection methods. Emphasis placed on research proposal development and critical evaluation of research reports.
3 credits, spring semester
HWC 513: Social Work Practice I
Provides a foundation for generalist practice, including the knowledge base, values and skill development necessary for ethical and effective practice with individuals, families, groups and communities. Students are introduced to the helping process across client systems and across the life-span through a strengths perspective and empowerment approach to practice. Evidence-based short-term therapies are used to guide direct practice to address resilience and human development. Must be taken concurrently with HWC 500.
3 credits, fall semester
HWC 514: Social Work Practice II
A continuation of HWC 513. Revisits the helping process in greater depth with specific reference to special consideration for work with families, groups, communities and organizations. The broad range of social work roles across client systems is considered. Deepens knowledge of generalist practice, ethical practice and skill development. Must be taken concurrently with HWC 501.
3 credits, spring semester
HWC 596: Community Learning and Professional Preparation I: First Year
This 1-credit required course will provide foundational knowledge, values and skills to prepare the student as a social work professional. Topics covered in this course include professional pathways, areas of practice, advocacy and communication skills, and other topics specific to the students’ social work education. Attendance is required at two full-day events at the Stony Brook campus per academic year. Dates will be posted at the beginning of the Fall term. Co-requisites: HWC 509 and HWC 510
HWC 597: Community Learning and Professional Preparation II: Second Year
This 1-credit required course will provide advanced knowledge, values and skills to prepare the student as a Social Worker for entry into the profession. Topics covered in this course include professional pathways, licensure, advanced advocacy and professional communication skills, and other topics specific to the students’ social work specialization. Attendance is required at two full-day events at the Stony Brook campus per academic year. Dates will be posted at the beginning of the Fall term.
Important Note for Manhattan MSW Students: Residency Requirement & Community Learning Day
*2nd Year Specialization Courses:
HWC 519 Clinical Assessment, Diagnosis, and Psychopharmacology
This course expands upon the knowledge base of human behavior and the social environment. It examines symptomatology and the complexity of mental health diagnostic categories. Students will examine the mental health concerns of diverse social, racial, and ethnic groups, particularly those which are historically devalued, marginalized, and oppressed. The aim is to develop diagnostic and treatment skills by increasing understanding of biological, neurological, social, and cultural contexts--and their interactions-- and how these interactions produce symptoms that are characterized within a constellation of diagnostic categories. The roles and responsibilities of the social worker as a diagnostician and a valued, integral member of the interprofessional team, is emphasized. Focus is placed on the social worker’s role in leading team members to become sensitized to all factors impacting the individual and the functioning of the client such as the social determinants of health. Additionally, factors influencing support systems will be examined. The use and misuse of the classification system of the current DSM 5 TR is examined. This examination includes the distinction between major mental disorders and other forms of behavior, recognition of symptoms, assessment of psychosocial functioning within a multi-cultural framework, and the relationship between diagnostic assessment and differential diagnosis. Students are introduced to the uses of pharmacological treatment of specific mental disorders and the side effects of these drugs. Advocacy, social justice, and fostering social change regarding mental illness in larger systems is reinforced.
3 credits, fall semester
Stony Brook University School of Social Welfare requires students to select a specialization in their second year. Click here for information about the Specializations.
*NOTE: Students may choose to take HWC 519 at any time during the MSW program, including Summer Sessions in the first or second year of the program
Students are required to complete 9 credit hours of advanced elective courses. Advanced practice electives are only open to students who have successfully completed their foundation courses. Advanced Practice Electives are part of the advanced generalist curriculum and address topics that consider specific populations, complex problem situations or particular social work roles and functions relevant to advanced generalist practice. Electives are offered during different days, evenings and weekends in order to respond to the varying needs of the student body. Note that Electives vary by semester. All Electives are cross cutting across specializations and are available to those in any specialization.
The following is a list of electives. Please note that not every elective is offered each academic year.
Advanced Practice Electives:
Students are eligible to take the Advanced Electives after completion of all classes in the Generalist Foundation year curriculum. The ONLY exceptions are Program Evaluation and Proposal Writing which students are eligible to enroll in after successful completion of (HWC 511) Research 1 and (HWC 513) Research 2. Electives may be taken across specializations.
HWC 506 Human Rights and Social Work
The goals of social work are intertwined with the premise that the realization of universal human rights are essential to a just and ordered society. This class stresses the need for social workers to use a human rights framework for practice, especially in our interconnected global economy. Human rights can help link micro practice to macro practice and connect the varying roles of the social worker. This class will highlight timely issues such as human trafficking and environmental justice. This class will provide students with advanced clinical practice skills rooted in human rights as well as advocacy strategies needed to create policy based on human rights. 3 credits, semester varies
HWC 508 Continuation of Master’s Project
A continuation of HWC 507 for students who did not finish their Master’s Project during the term in which they had registered for it. Students will be graded S/F.
Prerequisite: HWC 507
0 credit, semester varies
HWC 518 Forensic Social Work: Psychosocial and Legal Issues
This advanced elective prepares social workers to integrate socio-legal knowledge when working with diverse population in forensic practice with individual, families, and communities impacted by the criminal justice system. Students will increase their competencies to practice at the intersection of social work, public health, and the law using human rights and social justice frameworks. The course will explore evidence-based engagement strategies, assessment, and interventions encountered in various settings including health care, child welfare, addiction treatment facilities, and juvenile and criminal justice. 3 credits, semester varies
HWC 519 Clinical Assessment, Diagnosis, and Psychopharmacology
This course expands upon the knowledge base of human behavior and the social environment. It examines symptomatology and the complexity of mental health diagnostic categories. Students will examine the mental health concerns of diverse social, racial, and ethnic groups, particularly those which are historically devalued, marginalized, and oppressed. The aim is to develop diagnostic and treatment skills by increasing understanding of biological, neurological, social, and cultural contexts--and their interactions-- and how these interactions produce symptoms that are characterized within a constellation of diagnostic categories. The roles and responsibilities of the social worker as a diagnostician and a valued, integral member of the interprofessional team, is emphasized. Focus is placed on the social worker’s role in leading team members to become sensitized to all factors impacting the individual and the functioning of the client such as the social determinants of health. Additionally, factors influencing support systems will be examined. The use and misuse of the classification system of the current DSM 5 TR is examined. This examination includes the distinction between major mental disorders and other forms of behavior, recognition of symptoms, assessment of psychosocial functioning within a multi-cultural framework, and the relationship between diagnostic assessment and differential diagnosis. Students are introduced to the uses of pharmacological treatment of specific mental disorders and the side effects of these drugs. Advocacy, social justice, and fostering social change regarding mental illness in larger systems is reinforced.
HWC 520 Advanced Social Work Practice with the Aged
This course examines concepts and strategies for working with the elderly at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels of intervention. It presents and critically analyzes a variety of approaches in working with the elderly and their families. Interventions with the well elderly living in the community, the elderly who suffer some disabilities but who are still living in the community and the elderly who are institutionalized are examined.
3 credits, semester varies
HWC 521 Aging in Place
This course will cover the key domains that enable older adults to age in place -- the ability to stay in one’s home and community safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age and income. Participants will acquire the skills and knowledge needed to navigate systems and support older adults, their families and caregivers through transitions and choices. Utilizing an integrated care coordination approach, this course will include behavioral/health issues, family, social and community engagement, along with policy and practice considerations.
3 credits, semester varies
HWC 522 Men and Masculinities in the 21st Century
Societal conceptualizations of masculinities directly impacts how men live their lives. This understanding also impacts how men interact with other men as well as with people of all genders. In this class, students will be expected to engage in the active study of how masculinities have influenced their lives and those with whom they interact. In addition, we will examine how masculinities intersect with issues such as race, class, ethnicity, gender identity and presentation, and sexuality. We will seek to understand these issues as they were historically and as they are today; including a sense of contexts such as those provided by popular media, politics, education, and others.
3 credits, semester varies
HWC 524 - Models of Change - Trailblazers, 'Good' Troublemakers, & Change Agents
This class will explore human rights advocates and dig deep into the social movements that have driven societal change. This class stresses the need for social workers to use a human rights framework for practice, especially in our interconnected global economy. This course will examine human rights, social work as a human rights profession, and in particular, vulnerable populations. This class will highlight timely issues such as human trafficking and environmental justice and will highlight advocates who like John Lewis "Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America".
3 credits, semester varies
HWC 527 - Social Work in the Political Process – Campaign School
Social Workers, and the people they work with, are fundamentally dependent on the decisions made by the people who are elected to the executive and legislative branches of government. In order to advance the values of the Social Work profession, and advocate on behalf of clients, Social Workers must participate and engage in the political process. This course is an exploration of the world of partisan electoral politics as an area of social work practice. Social workers can, and do, play many roles in the political arena. These roles can include, staff to elected officials, volunteer and staff positions on political campaigns, political appointments, lobbying roles and as elected officeholders. This course makes it clear why it is important for social workers to be in the political arena. The specific techniques and requirements for running for office, or serving in a leadership role on a political campaign, will be covered throughout this course. ("by permission of the Instructor only.") This is a hybrid course that combines ten class sessions, hybrid learning hours, and required attendance at a two day conference, titled "Campaign School". 3 credits, semester varies
HWC 528 Palliative and End of Life Care
This course examines the roles of social workers in palliative and end-of-life care in the context of varied palliative care teams and settings. Particular attention will be given to models of palliative care, interdisciplinary practice, and family-oriented care. Additional attention will be given to the relationship of research and practice in palliative care social work.
3 credits, semester varies
HWC 533 Family Intervention in Health and Mental Health
This course focuses on family and marital problems. Environmental, social, economic, psychological and institutional pressures that affect family functioning are examined. Emphasis is placed on intervention skills.
3 credits, semester varies
HWC 536 Fathers and Families
This advanced practice elective focuses on engagement, assessment, and interventions with fathers in social work practice. The course provides an historical overview of fatherhood, the socio-cultural context of fatherhood and masculinity, considerations for work with diverse fathers, engagement of men in various settings to enhance fathering, and child support policy in the context of work with men and fathers. This course is offered online with scheduled guest speakers from various father-serving organizations including NYC Office of Child Support Services. 3 credits, semester varies
HWC 538 Death and Dying; Loss and Separation
This course explores student values, attitudes, fears and conceptions relating to death and dying. Issues of loss and separation in relation to various age groups, cultural orientations and societal expectations are examined. The focus is on the acquisition of bereavement counseling skills.
3 credits, semester varies
HWC 540 Therapeutic Approaches for People with Disabilities
This course will provide a framework for practice with individuals with disabilities based on cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused therapies. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the acute issues facing individuals with disabilities primarily from a social model lens which focuses on socio-environmental constraints and barriers. These include limited human rights, access to care and treatment choices, and socio-cultural forces. Psychosocial factors will also be explored. The empirical knowledge base that informs and guides the assessment and theory based interventions of individuals with disabilities will be examined and critiqued. 3 credits, semester varies
HWC 542 School Social Work: Practice, Policy, & Research
Examines the practice of school social work in an in depth manner. It gives an overview of the central issues that occur in schools. It discusses strategies to build a positive and safe school climate for diverse and disenfranchised populations. The course will cover evidenced-based practices including DBT and CBT for schools. It examines the social/political context of working in the school. Topics will also include working with students struggling with psychiatric, psychological, substance use, and familial issues as well as assisting students in special education. Crisis intervention techniques and trauma-informed educational practices will be discussed.
3 credits, semester varies
HWC 543 Advanced Clinical Skills for Social Work in Education
This class will instruct students about clinical interventions and policy issues in school social work and in social work in colleges and universities. Clinical intervention include- mindfulness and acceptance-based approaches such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavioral therapy skills (DBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR).
3 credits, semester varies
HWC 545 Assessment of Alcohol and Substance Misuse
This course is an advanced practice elective. It is open to second year MSW students. This course serves as one of the electives within the Integrated Health: Physical, Psychological & Social Well-being specialization. The course is designed to help students to recognize the bio-psycho-social aspects of addiction and recovery; implement an SBIRT assessment utilizing evidenced based practice models (e.g. Motivational Interviewing; Stages of Change);and develop a foundation of clinical skills to facilitate their clients’ change.
Special emphasis will be placed on how the social worker links assessment to treatment with individuals, groups and families in a variety of agencies and settings. The role and function of professional social workers in alcoholism and substance abuse agencies will be examined as part of the course. The complementary use of self-help groups will be explored in detail. The importance of racial, ethnic and cultural sensitivity in the intervention process will be examined. Common themes that arise in a variety of 12 step programs; i.e. Alcoholics Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, Al-Anon, Alateen will be identified and compared to clinical models for care.
A variety of models and techniques that have proven useful in supporting a client’s recovery process will be reviewed including: Motivational Interviewing, Stages of Change, SAMSHA’s Screening-Brief Intervention- Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) model, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and the use of medication in supporting the recovery process. The use of family systems and group therapy as they apply to chemical dependency will be explored. Student will explore the intersection of AOD use and the issues of shame, grief, loss, and traumatic experiences. Current thinking about cultural practices, spirituality, and folk medicine will be examined in the course as well.
Students will become adept at making a substance abuse assessment. In addition, they will become responsive to the fact that alcohol and substance abuse may be probable cause of such presenting problems as: marital discord, sexual dysfunction child-parent relationship difficulties, suicide attempts, medical complaints, etc. As part of a psychosocial history students will gain a better understanding of taking an alcohol and/or drug use drug history.
3 credits, semester varies
HWC 546 Interventions in Treating Alcohol and Substance Misuse
This course is an advanced practice elective. It is open to all second year students across all of the MSW specializations. The course is designed to help students, once they understand the impact of alcohol, opioid, and other substance misuse, to develop a comprehensive assessment and apply it to an intervention plan based on client need and best practices in the field. While assessing the impact of a client’s alcohol and other drug use will be covered, students will focus on the integration of a well-rounded assessment into the identification and development of a treatment strategy that best supports a client’s recovery and other behavioral health needs. The importance of culture, gender, age, and class, as key considerations in the intervention process will be highlighted throughout the course.
Special emphasis will be placed on current trends in alcohol and drug use (e.g. opioid crisis; the uptick in the use of stimulants; the impact of the legalization of marijuana); neurobiological models of addiction; promising evidence-based intervention models for individuals, groups, and families; best practices in designing addiction treatment as well as their application to populations who have specific treatment needs. Students will explore the changing role and function of professional social workers in public and community-based agencies. The pathways to implementing best treatment practices within these settings will be examined within the context of current health and behavioral health policies.
At the conclusion of the course, students will be adept at developing a client centered treatment intervention strategy based on a combination of sound assessment and current best practices in the field of addiction. In addition, students will understand the idea that trends in alcohol and substance misuse shift and promising new practices in treating addiction are consistently emerging to meet these changes. By understanding addiction and recovery as an ongoing process, students should be able to consistently meet the demands of their clients and the addiction field as MSW social work practitioners.
3 credits, semester varies
HWC 547 Managing Conflict
A major concern for health and human service managers is conflict in organization, community and group settings. The various types of conflicts and the concepts of negotiation and mediation as interventive strategies are considered. Didactic and experiential learning experiences are utilized. Focus is on analyzing conflict situations and selecting interventive strategies to reduce, contain or heighten the conflict situation. Oppressive conditions, structures and processes are considered major determinants of human suffering and individual and social problems; students examine how these oppressive conditions are present in conflict situations and consider ways of dealing with them.
3 credits, semester varies
HWC 548 Adolescent Development and Health Promotion
The effect on adolescent development of physiological changes, relationships with peers and family, and societal expectations are examined. Emphasis is on the development of assessment and engagement skills for working with adolescents and their families to help counteract adolescent self-destructive behavior and promote well-being.
3 credits, semester varies
HWC 550 Culture-Centered Approach to Social Work Practice
This course provides students with an opportunity for self growth while preparing to work with individuals and their families from a culture- centered value base. Culture-centered foundation practice provides students with a frame of reference for better understanding and appreciation of the difference of their own culture from the cultures of others.
3 credits, semester varies
HWC 551 Law and Social Change
This course introduces students to the interrelationship of the legal process in the United States and the profession of social work. Focuses on the legal process in general, social welfare law, in particular, and the implications for effective social work practice. Students will be required to explore and integrate the ways in which legal frameworks determine the nature of practice processes and structures within their chosen field of Specialization. Permission required for students not enrolled in the School of Social Welfare. 3 credits, semester varies
HWC 552 LGBT Social Work Practice: Micro Interventions and Political Change
The purpose of this course is to enhance students’ professional competence with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ) people. Content explores social work practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels and across social, political, and economic realms. Students will be introduced to LGBTQ civil rights movement and the underlying theories of sexual orientation and sexual identity development. As sexual orientation in contemporary culture is politically charged and socially regulated, students will be taught macro-level advocacy skills to fulfill their call as social workers by promoting social justice and equality. On the micro level, students will learn appropriate clinical assessment tools and social work intervention skills for use with LGBTQ people. A life cycle perspective will be presented to highlight the unique issues of LGBTQ people at various stages of human development, from the very young to the very old. Special concerns within the population, such as the coming out process, adolescent suicide, aging, and coping methods, will be considered. 3 credits, semester varies
HWC 554 Legislative Advocacy for Social Workers
The course will introduce students to the role that social workers play in shaping and influencing the legislative process - from advocacy and lobbying, to elections, to research, writing and passing legislation. This course will focus on the New York State legislature or the Nassau and Suffolk legislatures, depending on the year. Students will be introduced to the role that social workers can play in shaping policy and how to go about influencing policy. Students will develop the skills necessary to succeed in legislative advocacy on behalf of their clients and the profession. 3 credits, semester varies
HWC 555 Supervision in Health and Human Service Organizations
This course prepares social workers for the variety of tasks related to supervisory practice in health care agencies. Supervision is introduced as a teaching process, as an administrative function and as a program development tool. Emphasis is on helping workers function effectively with culturally diverse clients, populations at risk and the chronically ill. Content includes: historical perspective of supervisory practice; supervisor and agency structure; the organizational context of practice; learning theories; concepts of power, authority and accountability; ethical and clinical issues; supervisory techniques, skill and self awareness; staff and program development and evaluation.
3 credits, semester varies
HWC 556 Proposal Writing in the Health and Human Service Fields
This course provides a comprehensive study of the principles and methods used to prepare program, training, research, demonstration and other types of proposals. Extensive workshop practice in developing appropriate writing skills and in locating and accessing funding sources is included.
3 credits, semester varies
HWC 558 Human Services Administration
An introduction to the practice of administration of public and non-profit agencies, theories of management including alternative decision-making models, understanding of organizational structure and process, external and internal functions including interagency collaboration and personnel and financial management, affirmative action and ethical issues. The course combines theory with case examples, practical exercises and other experiential learning modes.
3 credits, semester varies
HWC 559 Mental Health Evidence-Based Practice
This course develops the knowledge and skills necessary for working with individuals with a diagnosis of serious mental illness using recovery-oriented evidence-based practices. This course is designed for M.S.W. students and M.S.W. mental health practitioners. The course familiarizes students with evidence-based practices, within a recovery-oriented paradigm, as a general approach to practice as well as specific evidence-based interventions to use for individuals with a diagnosis of serious mental illness. Students should have a basic knowledge of serious mental illness as pre- or co-requisite, however a review will be provided. Research literature is examined to determine the various levels of support for specific interventions and essential principles for translating research into practice. Appropriate treatment outcomes that reflect effective quality mental health practice are identified. Focus is on providing assessment and treatment to a diverse group of individuals with a diagnosis of serious mental illness.
3 credits, spring semester
HWC 560 Social Work with Immigrants and Refugees
This course examines pre-migration, migration, and post-migration influences and experiences of immigrants and refugees. The course will also explore the coupolitical, social, economic, and environmental context of life in the United States, including the health and mental health, community, and legal systems. Students will learn and apply concepts relevant to social work that define specific strengths, needs, and challenges facing migrant wellbeing from practice and policy levels. Mastery of course content will provide students with an understanding of and appreciation for diversity in self and others from a human rights perspective.
3 credits. Prerequisite: Admission to Graduate Health Sciences Program
HWC 561 Anti-Racist Social Work: Understanding White Fragility and Black Rage
This course will assist social work students in understanding the complex nature of the dynamics of social oppression, racism, and anti-racist practice. Students will explore their own personal values, beliefs, and behaviors that may limit their ability to practice effective social work with people of diverse backgrounds, in particular, disadvantaged and oppressed persons. Students will acquire the knowledge needed for practice using an anti-oppressive and anti-racist lens framed by an understanding of systemic racism.
HWC 568 The Workings of the Brain: Practice Issues for Social Workers
Addresses the organization, development and functions of the brain and how this influences how we think, feel and behave. Causes of organic changes in the brain such as substance abuse, disease and injury are addressed. Advances in neuroscience that have aided in diagnosis and social work practice are covered. Innovative treatment modalities such as EMDR, biofeedback and vagal nerve implants are presented. Strongly emphasizes the combination of science and practice issues.
3 credits, semester varies
HWC 569 Childhood Sexual Abuse and Long-Term Sequelae: Assessment and Intervention
This course focuses on the assessment and clinical intervention with adults who were sexually abused in childhood. Treatment for eating disorders, substance abuse, self-injurious behavior, sexual dysfunction, PTSD and dissociative identity disorder (DID) are addressed as well as other health related issues emanating from the trauma of childhood sexual abuse. Cultural, legal, political, and ethical dilemmas are also examined.
3 credits, semester varies
HWC 577 Program Evaluation
This course provides an in-depth analysis of the technical requirements of program evaluation and the organizational and political constraints that influence the evaluation process. Techniques in the design and implementation of evaluation research in the health and human services fields are covered.
Prerequisites: HWC 511 and 512
3 credits, semester varies
HWC 578 Advanced Social Work with Groups
This course explores the principles and practice of group work in assisting clients to maximize psychosocial functioning. Class members will participate in an experience that encourages them to realize the power of group work process and usefulness of this modality. Group work techniques, context, dynamics, skills and the role of the group facilitator are discussed. In presenting group work with special populations students learn about the impact of issues including development, discrimination, illness, addiction and separation on the commonality of the human experience as it presents in group practice.
3 credits, semester varies
HWC 579 Special Topics in Social Work
These courses examine significant timely issues confronting the profession. Topics include violence as a public health problem, issues of aging, racism, gender, AIDS, the media, and others. Topics vary each term as faculty develop specific modules that address one or more of these issues.
1-3 credits, semester varies
HWC 581 Public Health and Community Health Intervention
This course examines many of the critical public health issues of today. Students gain an understanding of the concepts underlying social epidemiology and develop an appreciation of the ways in which the health status of different populations in this country is differentially impacted. Community health planning strategies (e.g. health promotion and health education) are examined.
3 credits, semester varies
HWC 582 Organizational Dynamics and Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare
This course examines some of the traditional, as well as newer, models through which healthcare services are delivered. Particular emphasis is given to the issue of access to health services as well as the location of the professional social worker within these systems. Students gain the ability to conceptualize many of the critical ethical and legal issues impacting the field today.
3 credits, semester varies
HWC 584 Community Analysis and Health Promotion
Explores diverse concepts of community, analyzes a range of community structures, processes and power relationships. Investigates contemporary models, strategies and tactics of community organizing and health promotion in the United States and in selected other countries and emphasizes efforts made by poor people, ethnic minorities of color and women to organize and mobilize community groups and movements. Highlights group and community analysis and organization skills.
3 credits, semester varies
HWC 587 Social Work Practice With the Military and Military Families
This elective focuses on the specific challenges of those who serve in the military and the response of social work practitioners to those challenges. The course will explore the nature of war, its impact on those who are wounded - physically and mentally -- and the impact of the military experience on them and their loved ones/caregivers. Students will be introduced to a theoretical orientation to combat stress management that acknowledges the stressors of war and the adaptations made by those engaged in war-related activity. Course content will explore the culture of the military and how that impacts the service member; will explore the stages of deployment and how both the service member and those close to him/her manage the departure and return to civilian life. In addition, students will be provided with an overview of the management of various war related physical and mental health challenges. Particular emphasis will detail the impact of the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan on returning veterans, many suffering with PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury and substance abuse problems. Additional areas of exploration include the challenges faced by women in the military, the wounded, those who contemplate suicide. The on-going need for care for the practitioners who attend to the needs of our military will be explored with suggestions for self-care. Intervention strategies and case material will enhance student understanding. 3 credits, semester varies
HWC 588 The Dynamics of Trauma
This course will examine the complexity and range of traumatic events. For example, the way temperament, genetic pre-disposition and environment impact traumatic reactions; as well as the physiological and psychological reactions that individuals experience. Throughout this course we will examine therapeutic interventions with different populations (children, adults, groups, elders) as they recover from trauma experiences. This course will cover the range of psychological models that comprise trauma theory and examine the protective factors that mediate post-traumatic growth. Throughout this course we will examine cultural, legal, judicial and policy issues that impact trauma treatments.
3 credits, semester varies
HWC 589 Therapeutic Interventions for Trauma
This course will examine therapeutic interventions with different populations (children, adults, groups, elders) as they recover from trauma experiences. This course will appraise the range of psychological models that comprise trauma theory and examine the promotive factors that mediate Post-traumatic Growth. Throughout this course we will examine cultural, legal, judicial and policy issues that impact trauma treatment.
3 credits, semester varies
HWC 591 Social Work in Higher Education: Practice in Colleges & Universities
This is an advanced practice elective course that introduces major issues that occur in college and university settings. In particular, the socio-political, cultural, and health issues that impact higher education are discussed in-depth. This course prepares social workers to practice in higher education settings and with diverse student populations. Social issues on college campuses are emphasized including mental health, identity development, campus violence, diversity and inclusion, leadership and community development, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed social work practice in college settings.
3 credits, semester varies
HWC 592 Community Building in Higher Education
This course introduces the Student-Community Development Model as an integrated application of social work, community organization and social work practice modalities. The class works together on a joint project that aims to create community on campus.
3 credits, semester varies
HWC 593 Student-Community Development Seminar I
This course introduces the Student-Community Development Model as an integrated application of social work, community organization and social work practice modalities. It introduces historical developments in higher education, student development theory and how political, socio-economic, cultural and health issues impact higher education. How these systems influence and shape student and community wellness on the college campus is emphasized. Contemporary higher education organizational structures, planning modalities and intervention strategies are examined to support social work practice in this setting.
3 credits, semester varies
HWC 594 Student-Community Development Seminar II
This course builds upon the content covered in HWC 593 and continues an examination of how societal systems influence and shape higher education. By utilizing alternative conflict management and mediation models, this course explores organizational structures and appropriate intervention strategies for advancing positive systems change. A variety of contemporary social issues on college campuses are examined to inform and support social workers as change agents within the arena of campus life. Leadership development and social work practice roles in this setting are emphasized. Pre-requisite HWC 593.
3 credits, semester varies
HWC 595 Independent Study
Independent study with an individual faculty member. Designation as enrichment or advanced practice elective is determined with faculty sponsor.
1-3 credits, semester varies
HWC 599 Maintenance of Matriculation
For students who are maintaining matriculation while engaging in consultation with faculty regarding completion of courses and/or the Master’s Project. Students will be graded S/F.
1 credit, semester varies
HWL 500 Study at Touro
For students in the M.S.W./J.D. program and who are maintaining matriculation while enrolled at Touro Law Center.
0 credits, fall and spring terms
