Online Bachelor of Social Work: Curriculum

Overview of social work, its historical roots, the profession’s principles and values, fields of practice, and methods of intervention. Required before taking all other SOWK courses except SOWK 2300.

Descriptive overview of historical and contemporary social welfare policies and programs, and the role of social work in policy development and implementation. Required for social work majors.

Introduction to general social work practice with micro, mezzo, and macro systems. Emphasis on basic skill building, the need for culturally sensitive practice and theory-driven intervention.

Prerequisite: Admission to BSW program

Application of general social work practice knowledge, skills and values to professional intervention with individuals, families, and small groups. Emphasis on culturally sensitive practice, theory-driven intervention and evaluation of practice.

Prerequisite: SOWK 3311 and admission to the BSW program.

Study of social welfare policy, the processes that influence social policy, and on developing conceptual tools for social policy analysis.

Prerequisite: SOWK 2300 or equivalent.

Focus on process of human growth and development from pre-conception through death; cultural systems, family process and development are integrated.

Prerequisites: SOWK 1300 or equivalent.

Study of human behavior in groups, organizations and communities within the context of political, social economic, global, and cultural systems.

Emphasis on theoretical content focusing on diverse populations. Historical, political, and economic factors that contribute to privilege, power, oppression, and social injustices.

Introduction to quantitative and qualitative social work research methods and ethics including the political and cultural context impacting research studies and findings. Attention to assessment of social work practice and evaluation of social programs.

Prerequisites: PSYC 3381 or SOCI 3311.

Field placement in a human service organization under the instruction and supervision of a licensed master level social worker. Emphasis on effective application of general social work practice, values, skills and knowledge in an agency setting. A minimum of 450 agency-based clock hours must be completed.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of 27 hours in social work; social work GPA of 2.5 or higher, overall GPA of 2.0 or higher and completion of all other requirements for an OLLU degree. Must be taken concurrently with SOWK 5314.

Field placement in a human service organization under the instruction and supervision of a licensed master level social worker. Emphasis on effective application of general social work practice, values, skills and knowledge in an agency setting. A minimum of 450 agency-based clock hours must be completed.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of 27 hours in social work; social work GPA of 2.5 or higher; overall GPA of 2.0 or higher and completion of all other requirements for an OLLU degree. Must be taken concurrently with SOWK 5314.

Integrative capstone course with emphasis on application of knowledge, values and skills necessary for general social work practice. Emphasis on context, cultural diversity and evaluation of practice.

Prerequisites: Must be taken concurrently with SOWK 4452 and SOWK 4552.

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) issues. To that end, this course surveys the LGBTQ experience and influences, for example in the areas of culture, theory, and research. Acknowledging the diversity that exists within LGBTQ culture, this course will explore the overlapping effects of race, ethnicity, class, age, gender, physical and mental ability, religion, political ideology, and national origin. These realities will be examined in social, political, historical, and psychological contexts. Such an analysis cannot be undertaken without first examining one’s own attitudes toward and values around sexuality and gender. With this awareness, we will begin to deconstruct prejudice, discrimination, and oppression as they exist on an interpersonal (micro), institutional (mezzo), and societal (macro) level. This course will build on and complement content from other diversity courses across varied disciplines and also stands alone with a sole focus on LGBTQ issues. Acquisition of content in this course will enhance content in other diversity-related courses across a spectrum of disciplines.

Human Trafficking is designed to help students gain a better understanding of contemporary human trafficking and modern-day slavery. During this course, students will learn important terminology, various forms of human trafficking, and an understanding of the scope of the problem, both domestically and globally. Students will also learn about the physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual trauma experienced by victims of human trafficking and the methods used to recruit and control them. Local, state, federal and global responses and policies designed to address and prevent victimization will also be examined. The roles that entities such as government, the media, faith-based organizations, as well as economic, political and cultural factors play in this complex human rights and social (in)justice issue will also be explored.

Overview and analysis of Mexican Americans and political movements in the Southwest. Examination of political history, changes and development. Topics include civil rights law and policy, voting and redistricting, education, the judicial system and affirmative action.

Sociological insight is used to reveal the social nature of problems of contemporary life. Particular attention will be paid to immigrant related problems in the areas of immigration policy, health disparities, xenophobia, educational attainment, political incorporation, income equity, etc. Examination of the cultural, structural and historical nature of problems to understand their causation and possible solution. (TCCN).

Using sociological methods and perspectives, this course explores the human history of migration and immigrant issues. Students will employ critical thinking skills in the hopes of creating a better understanding of this highly controversial issue. In learning of these various historical moments of global migration, students will engage in lively discussions and problem solving-sessions. There are three major segments in this course. 1. Migration patterns both contemporary and historical. 2. Immigrant assimilation (U.S. focus). 3. Laws and policies applied to immigrants (U.S. focus).

This course explores central sociological concepts of deviance, social order, and social power and the exertion of these forces on racial and ethnic minorities and immigrants. Tough in depth discussions and written assignments, students will explore these important issues in contemporary America from a variety of different disciplinary perspectives. Students will explore the impact of mass imprisonment on individuals and society, e.g. political engagement, life course, employment, wages, etc.

Examines diversity, in regard to children, families, and communities in our society. An emphasis on advocacy which fosters inclusiveness, self-awareness, understanding, and community involvement. Topics include a variety of cultural aspects, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, identity, culture, language, socioeconomic status, gender, and ability. 10 clock hours of immersion experience is required for this course.

Explores the contested histories and interconnected economic, political, and socio-cultural processes that impact the lives of people living in US-Mexico borderlands with a particular focus on women and the specific ways in which gender structures migration and refigures the nation state.

Exploring the intersectionality between feminisms, art activism, and art. Through art, they will examine power, differences, equality and equity, and will explore issues of race, gender, sexuality , class, and oppression. Participants will view and experience art from a lens of personal transformation and artistic activism as a means to create positive social change. Experiential learning component is part of this course.

An introduction to key directions and themes in contemporary feminist thought focusing on Chicana, Black and Third World feminisms. Examines the power of testimonial, personal accounts by women of color, speaking against intersecting forms of oppression through a variety of expressive and documentary forms such as autobiography, literature, music, film, art and performance.

In depth analysis and comparison of theories, concepts and scholarship that engage Black Atlantic and/or Borderlands frameworks for understanding the cultural dynamics of migration and diaspora by people of Mexican, Indigenous, and African descent. Examines postcolonial critiques of Western modernity and struggles for liberation and empowerment.

An overview of the integrated study of multiracial and multiethnic orientation in all aspects of the criminal justice system. Environmental appraisals and analysis of myths and misconceptions about race and ethnicity are also explored.

Examines cultural styles of leadership and various leadership styles which can be employed in different cultural settings. Students will examine the role of culture in attitudes toward society, family and work.

Development of Latinx Theology by representative theologians, including the study of representative LGBTQIA authors articulating new ethical, social and religious formulations. Contextual aspects of the Mexican American, Latino/a and Latinx communities in South Texas and the United States.

A study of some of the most prominent ethical issues in social justice in recent philosophical thinking.

Explores policy, research and practice in the child welfare field with emphasis on the Child Protective Services system. Open only to juniors and seniors; may not be substituted for required courses in the social work major; may not be reserved by undergraduates for MSW credit. Grading Basis: Letter Grade

This course will focus on interpersonal violence between couples and on the occurrence of intrafamilial violence, to include child abuse as well as children exposed to violence. Content of the course will examine the various conceptualizations of violence, service delivery by social service agencies, theoretical frameworks used to understand violence, and the treatment of violence as it is experienced by various family members. Additionally, this course will address culturally sensitive prevention and intervention practice models. 

Overview of strategies of dealing with violence, including development of skills necessary to intervene with people whose lives have been affected by violence.

Examination of the nature and extent of violence, causes of violent behavior between intimates and in the community and the consequences of such violence for people, especially children. Discussion of the impact of violence and homicide on health of communities and countries.

An overview of the integrated study of victimology, including a comprehensive review of the history and theories of victimology, the interaction of crime victims with others in the criminal justice system, and an in-depth examination of current, as well as, classical works in the criminology and criminal justice field with a focus on victim services.

Examination of the historical and present-day causes, treatment and prevention of crime. Topics include social characteristics of those who commit crimes, impact of crime on the individual and community, and ways public policy affects crime.

Human Trafficking is designed to help students gain a better understanding of contemporary human trafficking and modern-day slavery. During this course, students will learn important terminology, various forms of human trafficking, and an understanding of the scope of the problem, both domestically and globally. Students will also learn about the physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual trauma experienced by victims of human trafficking and the methods used to recruit and control them. Local, state, federal and global responses and policies designed to address and prevent victimization will also be examined. The roles that entities such as government, the media, faith-based organizations, as well as economic, political and cultural factors play in this complex human rights and social (in)justice issue will also be explored.

This course explores the role of social work and leadership. Students will learn about leadership styles, skills, roles, and functions of leaders of organizations.  Students will gain a broad understanding of the history and origins of leadership, theoretical approaches to leadership, and ethical issues facing contemporary leaders. They will draw parallels/disparities between social work practice, skills, knowledge, ethics, and leadership, and management. Additionally, students will become familiar with the competencies and practice behaviors required by Network for Social Work Management and the Council on Social Work Education.

Study of the principles of project management in modern organizations. Subjects include work breakdown structures (WBS), critical path methods (CPM), resource allocations, PERT charts, Gantt charts, project earned value, budgeted cost of work scheduled (BCWS), budgeted cost of work performed (BCWP), and actual cost of work performed (ACWP) as they apply to project management. Using a desktop computer with current project management software, students will solve individual and organization wide problems. Includes supervised structured laboratory exercises.

Introduces students to the grant writing process including identifying a financial need, studying grant requirements, identifying potential funding sources, aligning projects with an agency, working in a team environment, establishing credible goals, developing a reasonable budget and time line, and reviewing applications on behalf of local non-profit organizations.

Administrative and health care professional challenges facing health care delivery are discussed in relation to legal, risk management, and ethical administrative practices.

Presents various types of organizational and management systems found in health care practice including ambulatory care, physician practice, profit versus nonprofit, long term care and specialty services such as hospice home health and procedural surgical facilities.

Introduces the student to the essentials of health planning for effective, efficient, economical and satisfying program development and health services delivery. Emphasizes marketing as a key component for a successful planning cycle.

Students are introduced to leadership qualities and traits, including integrity, dedication, magnanimity, humility, creativity, and fairness. The students will learn the difference between managers and leaders. Students are introduced to conflict management skills. The lessons are presented by using case studies, small learning teams, and guest lecturers. Upon completion of this course, students will have a good understanding of the leadership traits required to lead in today’s dynamic environment.

Introduction to the history and theory of leadership, to critical thinking and methods of inquiry as they bear on the subject of leadership, to the ethics of leadership, to basic leadership competencies, to relevant leadership contexts, and to leading groups and individuals.

History of theories of leadership. Analysis of historical concepts and contemporary theories of leadership. Emphasis on application of theoretical concepts, and to actual leadership situations.

Focus on leadership theory and research within and across formal organization settings such as public/private, profit/non-profit, professional/non-professional, and unitary/multi-divisional. Examination of rational, natural and open systems and how leadership differs in each system.

Examines cultural styles of leadership and various leadership styles which can be employed in different cultural settings. Students will examine the role of culture in attitudes toward society, family and work.

Examines gender issues by exploring how gender influences human development, achievement, self-concepts, family roles, work life and social institutions such as the legal system. Gender perceptions as they relate to leadership styles will be explored in detail.

Examination of leadership in non-profit sector organizations ranging from national to small neighborhood associations. Examination of responsibility for leadership as it pertains to voluntary organizations. Informal and formal processes by which power and authority are exercised and leadership is selected within a political system in various settings.

Focus on models and techniques that support effective and efficient decision processes. Provides experiential focus on the identification and avoidance of known cultural and cognitive biases, and other process pitfalls that can seriously hinder successful leadership decision-making.

Focus on strategic planning methodologies and issues leaders must address. Emphasis will be on application of contemporary theory, methods and techniques for developing and sustaining organizational strategies.

An introduction to the environment and management of today’s organizations. Overview of management functions, theory, organizational development and operational effectiveness. Emphasis on individual and team behavior, managerial decision-making and communication, social responsibility and ethical professional conduct.

Analysis of individuals, group and organization-level behavior as factors in organizational productivity. Emphasis on fundamental concepts crucial to effective utilization of human resources, including human learning, motivation, attitudes, communication, perception, cultural diversity and change.

Introduces application of scientific methods, theory and psychological principles in business and industry. Topics include motivation, job satisfaction, leadership and communication theory, organizational structure, performance appraisal, personnel testing and selection, training, workplace design, and work environment.