Social Work (SWK)

Courses

SWK A106 Introduction to Social Welfare 3 Credits

Analyzes social inequality and the American social welfare system. Traces historical development of government response to social inequality. Explores historical and persisting dilemmas-ethical, political, social, and economic-explicit and implicit in social welfare provisioning. Develops understanding of social welfare problems and solutions.

Attributes: UAA Diversity & Inclusion GER, UAA Social Sciences GER.

SWK A206 Introduction to Social Work 3 Credits

Introduces the profession of social work and its fields of practice, roles, professional values and ethics, and guiding theories and perspectives. Highlights the profession's commitment to engaging diversity, serving at-risk populations, and advancing human rights and social and economic justice, especially within Alaska.

SWK A243 Cultural Diversity and Community Service Learning 3 Credits

Focuses on the intersection of multiple dimensions of difference and their relationship to oppression and privilege. Concepts introduced in the class will be applied to students' interactions with clients of community-based partner organizations as part of a required 20-hour service learning component.

Prerequisites: WRTG A111 with a minimum grade of C.

Attributes: UAA Diversity & Inclusion GER, UAA Alaska Native-Themed GER, UAA Social Sciences GER.

SWK A330 Social Work Practice with Individuals 4 Credits

Develops generalist social work practice knowledge and skills for implementing the planned change process with individuals. Utilizes evidence-based practice guided by values, ethics, culture, research, theory, client preference and the needs of Alaska. Includes both lecture and a relationship-building and interviewing skills lab.

Prerequisites: SWK A206 with a minimum grade of C.

SWK A331 Social Work Practice with Organizations and Communities 3 Credits

Develops generalist social work practice knowledge and skills in implementing the planned change process with organizations and communities. Utilizes evidence-based practice guided by values, ethics, culture, research, theory, client preferences and the needs of Alaska.

Prerequisites: SWK A430 with a minimum grade of C.

Corequisites: SWK A495B.

SWK A342 Human Behavior in the Social Environment 3 Credits

Uses a multidimensional framework to assess the biological, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual dimensions of human behavior across the lifespan. Applies theories and perspectives to understand the behavior of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities and to guide practice with client systems.

Prerequisites: PSY A150 with a minimum grade of C and (BIOL A102 with a minimum grade of C or (BIOL A111 with a minimum grade of C and BIOL A111L with a minimum grade of C) or (BIOL A112 with a minimum grade of C and BIOL A112L with a minimum grade of C) or BIOL A108 with a minimum grade of C or LSIS A102 with a minimum grade of C).

SWK A363 Great Books in Social Work 3 Credits

Focuses on the directed reading of a social work text which has enduring significance for the profession, supplemented by other readings. The focal text and supplemental readings will vary with the instructor.

Prerequisites: WRTG A111 with a minimum grade of D or SWK A106 with a minimum grade of D.

SWK A401 Foundations: Child Welfare Practice I 3 Credits

Provides understanding of foundations of child welfare practice. Provides understanding of child welfare; Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA); Child in Need of Aid (CINA); historical trauma; trauma across the lifespan; child welfare ethics; cultural humility; bias and dimensions of diversity and difference; child welfare policy and legal authority; judicial and legal systems; prevention of child maltreatment; and family-centered professional orientation.
Registration Restrictions: Department approval

SWK A402 Theory and Intervention: Child Welfare Practice II 3 Credits

Provides an understanding of theory and intervention informing effective child welfare practice. Focuses on family theory; domestic violence; trauma-informed child welfare practice; mental health; substance use; health disparities; ecological systems theory; lifespan human development/developmental tasks; empowerment theory; child welfare practices and interventions; decision-making models; team-based practice; and community/resource collaboration.
Registration Restrictions: Department approval

Prerequisites: SWK A401 with a minimum grade of C.

SWK A403 Applied Practice and Professional Skills: Child Welfare Practice III 3 Credits

Provides an understanding of the applied practice and professional skills within child welfare practice. Focus is on professionalism; self-care/resilience; effective partnering and communication skills with high needs families; Child welfare assessment skills; building working relationships and case management.
Registration Restrictions: Department approval

Prerequisites: SWK A402 with a minimum grade of C.

SWK A406 Social Welfare: Policies and Issues 3 Credits

Prepares students to assess, analyze, formulate, and advocate for empirically supported policies that advance social and economic justice and to collaborate with colleagues and clients to carry out effective policy action.
Special Note: Offered concurrent with the Alaska Legislature session.
Registration Restrictions: Admission to the Bachelor of Social Work program

Prerequisites: SWK A106 with a minimum grade of C.

Attributes: UAA Integrative Capstone GER.

SWK A409 Introduction to Child Welfare 3 Credits

Provides an in-depth overview of child welfare policies, public and private social services, and empirically supported child welfare practices within the context of the social work profession.

Prerequisites: EDEC A107 with a minimum grade of C or PSY A150 with a minimum grade of C.

SWK A410 Trauma in Childhood 3 Credits

Provides students with an understanding of the psychobiological, developmental and social implications of trauma exposure throughout childhood and adolescence. Introduces students to the principles of prevention, intervention and resiliency as related to childhood trauma.

Prerequisites: EDEC A107 with a minimum grade of D or PSY A365 with a minimum grade of D.

SWK A424 Social Work Research 3 Credits

Introduces quantitative and qualitative research methods. Provides a foundation for evaluating and utilizing research findings to employ the evidence-based practice process, evaluate social work practice outcomes, and to improve social work services and service delivery.

Prerequisites: SWK A206 with a minimum grade of C.

SWK A429 Trauma and Crisis Intervention in Social Work Practice 3 Credits

Presents the historical and theoretical basis of trauma and crisis intervention within the context of generalist social work practice. Prepares students to utilize empirically-supported approaches to engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate services with individuals, families, and communities experiencing trauma and crisis. Special vulnerabilities and ethical concerns for at-risk populations are examined.
Registration Restrictions: Admission to the Bachelor of Social Work program

Prerequisites: SWK A430 with a minimum grade of C.

Corequisites: SWK A495A.

SWK A430 Social Work Practice with Families and Groups 3 Credits

Develops generalist social work practice knowledge and skills in implementing the planned change process with families and groups. Extends the use of evidence-based practice that is guided by values, ethics, culture, research, theory, client preferences, and the needs of Alaskan families and groups.
Registration Restrictions: Admission to the Bachelor of Social Work program

Prerequisites: SWK A330 with a minimum grade of C.

SWK A440 Social Work Practice in Mental Health and Addictions 3 Credits

Preparation for work in a variety of social service settings in which clients may be coping with problems related to mental disorders and/or addiction. A research based analysis of addictions and mental disorders as they are manifested independently and in combination; and the impact of those disorders upon clients involved in a variety of service systems such as child welfare, corrections, and domestic violence.
Registration Restrictions: Junior or senior standing. Consent of instructor.

SWK A450 Child Welfare Skills: Introduction to the Alaska Practice Model 3 Credits

Examines public child welfare practice using the Alaska Office of Children's Services practice model in the identification, assessment, promotion of family protective factors, and intervention with unsafe and at-risk children. Focuses on client-centered case planning, interventions with families, and interprofessional collaboration with community providers and organizations.
Special Note: Students complete UAA Child Welfare Training Academy SKILS training and complete additional academic work for elective credit. This revised course is to be stacked with a new course, SWK A650. As undergraduate and graduate students receive the same two-week training, the differences in the courses are seen in the additional assignments for the graduate course, specifically requiring higher levels of content and information synthesis and deep rooting in expanded use and assessment of the evidence base informing effective practice.
Registration Restrictions: Department approval
May Be Stacked With: SWK A650

SWK A473 Geriatric Social Work Practice 3 Credits

Covers the knowledge, skills and values needed for effective social work practice with older adults and their families. Students will have the opportunity to develop the capability for accurate multidimensional assessments and effective interventions with and on behalf of older adults and their families.
Registration Restrictions: Departmental approval
May Be Stacked With: SWK A673

SWK A481 Case Management in Social Work Practice 3 Credits

Enhances knowledge and skill development in delivering professional social work case management, care coordination, and discharge planning services to individuals and families. Emphasizes the planned change and evidence-based practice processes. Develops professional skills guided by social work values and ethics, cultural contexts, and the needs of Alaska.

Prerequisites: SWK A330 with a minimum grade of C.

Corequisites: SWK A482.

SWK A482 Writing for Social Work Practice 3 Credits

Applies professional writing skills to the documents of the social work profession. Emphasizes critical thinking and analysis in effective professional writing as required for generalist social work practice.

Prerequisites: SWK A330 with a minimum grade of C and (WRTG A211 with a minimum grade of C or WRTG A212 with a minimum grade of C or WRTG A213 with a minimum grade of C or WRTG A214 with a minimum grade of C).

Corequisites: SWK A481.

SWK A490 Selected Topics in Social Work 1-3 Credits

Focuses on current topics related to social work services, diverse client groups and field of practice.
Special Note: May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits with a change in subtitle. Not available for credit to students who have completed SWK A690 with the same subtitle.
Registration Restrictions: Junior or senior level standing
May Be Stacked With: SWK A690

SWK A492 Interprofessional Child Welfare Integrative Seminar 2 Credits

Provides students a forum to integrate theory and coursework with a child welfare practicum experience through a collaborative and interprofessional practice lens. This seminar offers students interprofessional group-based development of professional ethics, critical thinking, knowledge, practice skills, and team-based child welfare service through discussion, case presentations, and peer support.
Special Note: This course is part of the OEC in Interprofessional Child Welfare.
Registration Restrictions: Department approval

SWK A495A Social Work Practicum I 3 Credits

Student applies social work knowledge, skills, values, and ethics within an organization or community context. Emphasis is on integration and demonstration of the generalist competencies and practice behaviors. The student completes 224 practicum hours in an approved setting under the supervision of social work faculty and a field instructor appointed by the university.
Registration Restrictions: Admission to the Bachelor of Social Work program

Prerequisites: SWK A331 with a minimum grade of D.

Corequisites: SWK A429.

SWK A495B Social Work Practicum II 3 Credits

Student applies social work knowledge, skills, values, and ethics within an organization or community context. Emphasis is on continued integration and demonstration of the generalist competencies and practice behaviors. The student completes 224 practicum hours in an approved setting under the supervision of social work faculty and a field instructor appointed by the university.
Registration Restrictions: Admission to the Bachelor of Social Work program

Prerequisites: SWK A495A with a minimum grade of C.

Corequisites: SWK A331.

SWK A495C Child Welfare Practicum 1-8 Credits

Focuses on the interprofessional features of Alaskan child welfare practice through a program-approved practicum; address issues and challenges faced as intern child welfare practitioners; and increase insight into the dynamics of child welfare practice. Examines multiple career paths in child welfare within public, tribal, and/or nongovernmental contexts.
Special Note: Students complete a child welfare practicum of 250 hours.
Registration Restrictions: Department approval

SWK A498 Advanced Community-Based Research 3 Credits

Application of research skills to a social welfare problem in collaboration with a community partner under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Projects must demonstrate advanced scholarship grounded in the theory and professional standards of social work practice.

Prerequisites: SWK A424 with a minimum grade of D.

SWK A607 Social Welfare Policy and Services 3 Credits

Prepares students for generalist social work policy practice as they learn to analyze, formulate and advocate for policies that advance social, economic, and environmental justice and to collaborate with colleagues, clients, and constituencies to carry out effective policy action.
Registration Restrictions: Admission to the Master of Social Work

SWK A608 Advanced Policy Practice 3 Credits

Prepares practitioners for developing policies and programs in a political economy. Examines contemporary social needs in a diverse and inequitable society. Emphasizes roles of research and evaluation in a policy process.
Registration Restrictions: Admission to the Master of Social Work with advanced standing or successful completion of the foundation curriculum

SWK A620 Advanced Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health 3 Credits

Examines current research and practice for the promotion, prevention, and intervention of infant and early childhood mental health, emphasizing a relationship-focused approach in the context of families and communities. Topics include typical and atypical social-emotional development; risk, resiliency, and protective factors in the context of families and culture; and home and community-based intervention models. Introduces early screening, assessment, and legal and ethical parameters across disciplines.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing or instructor approval
Crosslisted With: PSY A620

SWK A624 Foundation Research Methods 4 Credits

Explores the strengths, weaknesses and challenges of quantitative and qualitative research methods and data analysis approaches. Provides a foundation for using research methods and findings to inform practice, engage in the evidence-based practice process, and evaluate programs and practice.
Registration Restrictions: Admission to the MSW program

SWK A628 Program Evaluation 3 Credits

Explores the principles and methods of conducting evaluation of health-related programs. Discusses topics such as conducting community needs assessment, program development, evaluation types and models, evaluation designs, politics and ethics of conducting evaluation in community-based settings, and how to effectively communicate the process involved in evaluation and the findings to stakeholders.
Registration Restrictions: Admission to MPH or MSW program or faculty approval; MSW students must have successfully completed the MSW foundation requirements.
Crosslisted With: HS A628

SWK A629 Advanced Practice with Individuals 3 Credits

Develops clinical knowledge and skills to provide competent and effective services and interventions for individuals in Alaska. Focuses on the use of the planned change process through the application of theory and evidence-based practice knowledge.
Registration Restrictions: Admission to the Master of Social Work with advanced standing or successful completion of the foundation curriculum

SWK A630 Practice with Individuals 3 Credits

Provides foundation generalist social work practice knowledge and skills for implementing the planned change process with individuals. Utilizes evidence-based practice guided by values, ethics, culture, research, theory, client preferences and the needs of Alaska.
Registration Restrictions: Admission to the Master of Social Work

Prerequisites: SWK A631 with a minimum grade of C or concurrent enrollment.

SWK A631 Introduction to Social Work Practice 3 Credits

Introduction to generalist social work practice, focusing on the use of the planned change and evidence-based practice processes with clients and systems in need of professional intervention. Emphasis is on professional identity, values and ethics in social work practice.
Registration Restrictions: Admission to the MSW program

SWK A632 Practice with Families and Groups 3 Credits

Provides foundation generalist social work practice knowledge and skills in implementing the planned change process with families and groups. Utilizes evidence-based practice that is guided by values, ethics, culture, research, theory, client preferences, and the needs of Alaska's families and groups.
Registration Restrictions: Admission to the Master of Social Work.

Prerequisites: SWK A631 with a minimum grade of C or concurrent enrollment.

SWK A633 Advanced Practice with Families and Groups 3 Credits

Focuses on the use of the planned change process through the application of theory and evidence-based practice knowledge to provide competent and effective clinical assessments and interventions for families and groups in Alaska.
Registration Restrictions: Admission to the Master of Social Work with advanced standing or successful completion of the foundation curriculum.

SWK A634 Transformational Leadership in Social Work Practice 3 Credits

Examines the practice of transformational leadership in social work practice with groups, organizations and communities in the process of innovation to address emerging or existing needs among at-risk and vulnerable populations. This course deepens the competencies of advanced generalist MSW students in innovation practice with groups, organizations and communities and prepares students to complete a capstone leadership project in SWK A635.
Registration Restrictions: Admission to the MSW program and successful completion of the generalist curriculum.

SWK A635 Transformational Leadership Capstone 3 Credits

MSW students demonstrate Advanced Generalist (AG) autonomous practice, leadership, creativity, and innovation by developing and implementing a capstone leadership project in which they identify and respond to a complex, multidimensional practice issue of significant importance in Alaska. Students will demonstrate the advanced generalist competencies by providing social work leadership, advancing innovation within social service systems or organizations, and engaging in community collaboration. The course builds on the content in SWK A634 Transformational Leadership in Social Work Practice.
Registration Restrictions: Admission to the MSW program with advanced standing or successful completion of the generalist curriculum

Prerequisites: SWK A634 with a minimum grade of C.

SWK A636 Practice with Organizations and Communities 3 Credits

Provides foundation generalist social work practice knowledge and skills in implementing the planned change process with organizations and communities. Utilizes evidence-based practice guided by values, ethics, culture, research, theory, client preferences and the needs of Alaska.
Registration Restrictions: Admission to the Master of Social Work.

Prerequisites: SWK A631 with a minimum grade of C or concurrent enrollment.

SWK A639 Advanced Generalist Intensive Practicum 6 Credits

Advanced generalist block practicum in which student performs as an advanced generalist social worker within an organization and/or community context. Emphasis is on integration and demonstration of the advanced generalist competencies and practice behaviors. The student completes 480 hours in an approved setting under the supervision of a MSW field instructor.
Registration Restrictions: Admission to the MSW Program with concurrent enrollment in a MSW practice course

Prerequisites: SWK A629 with a minimum grade of C or concurrent enrollment.

SWK A642 Human Behavior in the Social Environment 3 Credits

Advanced application of theoretical knowledge about human behavior across the life-span, the ranges of social systems in which people live and the ways social systems promote or deter people in maintaining or achieving health and well-being.
Registration Restrictions: Admission to the MSW program

SWK A643 Human Diversity in Social Work Practice 3 Credits

Examination of intersecting dimensions of human diversity in relation to oppression, privilege, power and the social justice commitments of social work generalist practice.
Registration Restrictions: Admission to the MSW Program

SWK A644 Social Work Practicum I 3 Credits

Part one of generalist practicum sequence. Emphasis is on integration and demonstration of the generalist competencies and practice behaviors. The student completes 240 practicum hours in an approved setting under the supervision of social work faculty and a MSW field instructor.
Registration Restrictions: Admission to the Master of Social Work with concurrent enrollment in a MSW practice course

SWK A645 Social Work Practicum II 3 Credits

Part two of generalist practicum sequence. Emphasis is on integration and demonstration of the generalist competencies and practice behaviors. The student completes 240 practicum hours in an approved setting under the supervision of social work faculty and a MSW field instructor.
Registration Restrictions: Admission to the Master of Social Work.

Prerequisites: SWK A644 with a minimum grade of C.

SWK A646 Advanced Generalist Practicum I 3 Credits

Part one of advanced generalist practicum sequence. Emphasis is on integration and demonstration of the advanced generalist competencies and practice behaviors. The student completes 240 hours in an approved setting under the supervision of a MSW field instructor.
Registration Restrictions: Admission to the Master of Social Work and advanced standing or successful completion of the foundation curriculum

SWK A647 Advanced Generalist Practicum II 3 Credits

Part two of advanced generalist practicum sequence. Emphasis is on integration and demonstration of the advanced generalist competencies and practice behaviors. The student completes 240 hours in an approved setting under the supervision of a MSW field instructor.
Registration Restrictions: Admission to the Master of Social Work and advanced standing or successful completion of of the foundation curriculum.

Prerequisites: SWK A646 with a minimum grade of C.

SWK A648 Motivational Interviewing 3 Credits

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an empirically-supported, person-centered, goal-oriented approach for facilitating change by exploring & resolving ambivalence. With background lectures on the theoretical and empirical bases of MI, class sessions emphasize demonstration and practice of MI skills and strategies for diverse behavioral applications (e.g., addictions, health promotion, chronic disease management).
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing.
Crosslisted With: HS A648 and PSY A648

SWK A650 Child Welfare Skills: Introduction to the Alaska Practice Model 3 Credits

Examines public child welfare practice using the Alaska Office of Children's Services practice model in the identification, assessment, promotion of family protective factors, and intervention with unsafe and at-risk children. Focuses on client-centered case planning, interventions with families, and interprofessional collaboration with community providers and organizations.
Special Note: As undergraduate and graduate students receive the same two-week training, the differences in the courses are seen in the additional assignments for the graduate course, specifically requiring higher levels of content and information synthesis and deep rooting in expanded use and assessment of the evidence base informing effective practice.
Registration Restrictions: Department approval
May Be Stacked With: SWK A450

SWK A651 Social Work Practice in Addictions and Mental Health 3 Credits

Preparation for work in a variety of social service settings in which clients may be coping with problems related to mental disorders and/or addiction. A research based analysis of addictions and mental disorders as they are manifested independently and in combination; and the impact of those disorders upon clients involved in a variety of service systems such as child welfare, corrections and domestic violence.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing.

SWK A654 Supervisory Management in Social Work 3 Credits

Prepares graduate students and practitioners for social work supervisory management roles. The course provides a theoretical framework for supervisory management methods and processes and will address essential knowledge, values, and skills in these professional functions. Issues of gender and race as it relates to supervisory management will also be explored.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing.

SWK A660 Financial Leadership for Social Work Administrators 2 Credits

Focuses on the budgeting process and how it relates to social service program planning, accounting methods and procedures, financial evaluation, and financial accountability. Values and ethics relating to financial administration in the nonprofit sector are emphasized. Gender and race and their interpersonal/social influences on the financial management process are explored.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing.

Prerequisites: SWK A634.

SWK A662 Financial Resource Development for Social Services 2 Credits

Explores the planning, conducting, and evaluation of fundraising activities, the development of mission-based fundraising, donor identification and relations, spectrum-wide fundraising (in-kind support, private support, private/public grants), social entrepreneurship and fundraising ethics and accountability.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing.

SWK A673 Geriatric Social Work Practice 3 Credits

Covers the knowledge, skills and values needed for effective social work practice with older adults and their families. Students will have the opportunity to develop the capability for accurate multidimensional assessments and effective interventions with and on behalf of older adults and their families.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing
May Be Stacked With: SWK A473

SWK A677 Multidisciplinary Seminar in Children's Mental Health 1 Credit

Provides an interdisciplinary approach to working with children and families in a variety of behavioral/mental health and educational settings.
Special Note: Course is one credit per semester over two sequential semesters.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing
Crosslisted With: EDSE A677 and PSY A677

SWK A683 Innovative Practices in Telehealth 3 Credits

Provides an overview of telehealth with an emphasis on telebehavioral health in Alaska. Includes topics on the history of telehealth and current legal, technical and logistical considerations to prepare leaders in the expanding field of telehealth. Includes hands-on experience with telehealth technology and clinical exercises.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing or instructor permission
Crosslisted With: HS A683

SWK A685 Social Work Services in Schools 3 Credits

Explores the multiple roles practiced by social workers who provide social work services in a school setting with special emphasis on practice with populations at risk and culturally diverse students and families.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing in social work or related discipline

SWK A690 Selected Topics in Social Work 1-3 Credits

Focus on current topics related to social work with various system levels (individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations), fields of practice and settings.
Special Note: May be repeated for credit with a different subtitle for a maximum of 9 credits. Not available for credit to students who have completed SWK A490 with the same subtitle.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing
May Be Stacked With: SWK A490

SWK A691 Children's Mental Health Systems of Care 3 Credits

Expands systems of care as a coordinated network of community-based services and supports that are organized, multidisciplinary, and in partnership with youth and family. Addresses the cultural and linguistic needs of families in order to meet the challenges of children and youth with serious mental health needs.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing
Crosslisted With: EDSE A691 and PSY A691

SWK A698 MSW Research Seminar 3 Credits

Students use practice knowledge to inform and complete an applied research study or program evaluation. Involves the conceptualization, design, implementation and dissemination of results.
Registration Restrictions: Admission to the MSW program with advanced standing or successful completion of the foundation curriculum.

Prerequisites: HS A628 with a minimum grade of C or SWK A628 with a minimum grade of C.