Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work

SASW Courses

ANTHROPOLOGY

ANT 100 Introduction to Anthropology
3 hours; 3 credits

An overview of human physical and social evolution, and the range of diversity in contemporary human societies. The development of language and communication; tribal and peasant societies in the modern world; ethnicity, race and gender; migration and urbanization. (social science)

ANT 201 Cultural Anthropology
4 hours; 4 credits

Case studies of specific societies—tribal, peasant, and urban—to illustrate the variety of anthropological approaches to understanding social relations. Discussion of contemporary social issues in comparative perspective. (social science)(p & d);

Prerequisites: ENG 111, COR 100, and either ANT 100 or SOC 100

ANT 202 Physical Anthropology
4 hours; 4 credits

The evolution of non-human primates and human populations, with special focus on physical variation and its sources among contemporary human groups. The emergence of human forms of social organization and symbolic communication. (social science)

Prerequisites: ENG 111, COR 100, and either ANT 100 or SOC 100

ANT 205 Native American Societies
4 hours; 4 credits

Origins of Native North American societies and their transformation following contact with Europeans. Special emphasis on the diverse ways native people have coped with, adapted to, and resisted continually changing circumstances from colonial times to the present. (p & d)

Prerequisites: ENG 111, COR 100, and either ANT 100 or SOC 100

ANT 225 Multicultural Literacy
(Also COM 225)
4 hours; 4 credits

An exploration of culture as it is defined by various disciplines and understood through prisms of class, race, gender, ethnicity, and the nation state. The class approaches literacy and culture from interdisciplinary perspectives, drawing on anthropology, sociology, literary theory, media studies, and gender studies. (social science) (art & com.) (P & D)

Prerequisites: ENG 151, COR 100; and any 100-level ANT, COM, HST, POL, SOC, or WMS course.

ANT 312 Food, Self, and Society
(Also SOC 312/WMS 312)
4 hours; 4 credits

A sociological and anthropological examination of the ways in which the production and consumption of food shape and are shaped by the self and the social world. A major theme of the course will be the gendering of food through topics such as women’s traditional roles as home cooks, women laborers in global food production, and female body image. Particular attention will be given to the meaning of practices of eating; preparing and sharing food for the individual, family, community, and nation; and how these practices are influenced by larger forces such as social inequality and globalization. Students are expected to conduct primary research.

Prerequisites: ENG 151, ANT 201, or SOC 201, or by permission of the instructor

ANT 331 Women and Work
(Also SOC 330, WMS 330)
4 hours; 4 credits

The social and cultural constraints affecting women’s participation and attainments in the world of work. Conflicts between work role expectations and gender role expectations (e.g., femininity, nurturance, maternity). The effects of class background and race/ethnicity on women’s occupations, professions, and incomes. (p & d)

Prerequisites: Any 100-level sociology or anthropology course and any 200- level sociology or anthropology course or permission of the instructor

ANT 345 Early Civilizations
4 hours; 4 credits

Case studies in the rise of civilization, in light of anthropological theory, using examples from Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, and Central and South America. The social and cultural changes associated with the rise of cities and empires, slavery, the emergence of writing and monumental architecture.

Prerequisites: ANT or SOC 100 and any of the following: ANT 201, SOC 200, SLS 240 or permission of the instructor

ANT 350 Foraging Societies
4 hours; 4 credits

Studies of small bands of hunters and gatherers in which basic human biological evolution and cultural development have taken place over three million years. Their social organization, gender and family relations, the tensions and alliances of gift-based economies, religions without leaders, and politics without chiefs. The contemporary situation of such societies. (p & d)

Prerequisites: ANT or SOC 100 and ANT 201 or permission of the instructor

ANT 365 Political Anthropology
4 hours; 4 credits

The central topic in political anthropology is the emergence of the state and urban society from tribal societies. This course will examine different explanations for the emergence of states and show the importance of this problem to anthropology as a whole.

Prerequisites: Any 100-level sociology or anthropology course and any 200- level sociology or anthropology course or permission of the instructor

ANT 370 Urban Anthropology
4 hours; 4 credits

The social and cultural organization of urban life examined from two perspectives: detailed and comparative studies of households, neighborhoods, homeless shelters, and other urban institutions, and the transformations in the Third World involving mass migrations and industrial relocation.

Prerequisites: Any 100-level sociology or anthropology course and any 200- level sociology or anthropology course or permission of the instructor

ANT 390 Human Evolution
4 hours; 4 credits

The evolution of Homo sapiens. Close reference to the actual fossil record and archaeological sites as grounds for inferences that can be drawn concerning the social life of prehistoric peoples and the development of language and culture.

Prerequisites: ANT 202 or BIO 108 or BIO 180, or permission of the instructor

ANT 450 Anthropology of Philosophy and Religion
4 hours; 4 credits

The intellectual confrontation with nature and the attempt to reduce nature to a knowable and controllable form. A survey of philosophical and religious systems as efforts by people to define their place in the world. Special topics will include witchcraft, magic, ritual, and esoteric religious systems.

Prerequisite: Any 100-level sociology or anthropology course and any 200- level sociology or anthropology course, or permission of the instructor.

ANT 460 Personality and Culture
4 hours; 4 credits

Examination of the different ways of understanding “human nature” in specific social contexts. Topics will include the development of anthropological theories of personality and culture, and Western and non- Western concepts of personhood and mental health. (p & d)

Prerequisites: ANT 201 and any of the following: PSY 212, PSY 226, PSY 236, PSY 242, SOC 200, SOC 201, SOC 226, SOC 292, or permission of the instructor.

SOCIOLOGY

SOC 100 Sociology
3 hours; 3 credits

A study of modern society with emphasis on such fundamental groupings as the family, class, the community, the state, the interaction between cultures and the individual, and the processes by which institutions come into being and develop, and important social theories. (social science)

SOC 120 Social Problems
3 hours; 3 credits

Conditions defined by sociocultural groups and institutions as socialproblems, as well as potential solutions, are examined from various sociological perspectives. Emphasis is given to problem issues prevalent in contemporary metropolitan settings such as physical and mental health issues, access to social services, poverty, and prejudice and discrimination. (social science)

SOC 200 Sociological Theory
4 hours; 4 credits

Nineteenth- and early 20th-century European sociological theory as it bears on our own time. How Marx, Weber, and Durkheim analyze society, culture, religion, the economy, modes of domination, suicide, alienation, charisma, and other social phenomena. Cultural and gender biases in social thought.

Prerequisites: SOC 100 and one 200-level SOC course

SOC 201 Methods of Sociological Research
4 hours; 4 credits

How sociologists collect and analyze data. Examination of various methods of research, including questionnaires, interviews, participant observation, and the use of historical and literary sources.

Prerequisites: ENG 111, COR 100, SOC 100

Majors are advised to take this course within the first 15 credits of sociology/anthropology.

SOC 202 Gender, Race, Ethnicity, and Class
(Also WMS 202)
4 hours; 4 credits

How gender, race, ethnicity, and class interact with each other and influence personal identities, opportunities, and life experiences. The effects of these factors on attitudes and ideology, from the perspectives of scholars to those of political groups within and among nation states. The effects of political economy and the division of labor on gender, race, and class. (social science) (p & d)

Prerequisites: ENG 111, COR 100

SOC 210 Sociology of Health and Medicine
4 hours; 4 credits

Examination of the norms, values, beliefs, role relationships, and organizations of medical practice as a form of human behavior. Emphasis on the social processes that occur in the medical setting. Analysis of the medical environment from a sociological perspective. (social science)

Prerequisites: ENG 111, COR 100, SOC 100

SOC 212 Criminology
4 hours; 4 credits

Sociological research and theory on crime and criminal behavior. Social, cultural, economic, and psychological factors affecting crime. The definition of crime in historical and cross-cultural perspectives: interpersonal violence, organized crime, corporate crime, and political violations of human rights. (social science)

Prerequisites: ENG 111, COR 100, SOC 100

SOC 220 Marriage and the Family
4 hours; 4 credits

Marriage and the family as social institutions. The historical development of these institutions, with special emphasis on the personal and social problems of the matrimonial relationship and of modern family life. (social science)

Prerequisites: ENG 111, COR 100

SOC 226 Socialization of the Child
4 hours; 4 credits

The socialization of the child will be examined in detail in the context of social, cultural, economic, and political institutions; various sociological and psychological theories concerning child rearing. Adolescent socialization, moral development, and the impact of factors such as sex, birth order, social class, and ethnicity will be discussed. (social science)

Prerequisites: ENG 111, COR 100; SOC 100 or PSY 100 or permission of the instructor

SOC 230 Sociology of Women
(Also WMS 230)
4 hours; 4 credits

Social and cultural forces affecting women’s lives. The problems, struggles, and accomplishments of women in social and historical contexts. Changing sex roles and relationships as affected by ethnicity, race, and class. (social science) (p & d)

Prerequisites: ENG 111, COR 100

SOC 232 Sociology of Aging
4 hours; 4 credits

Social implications of aging in contemporary society. The changing roles, relationships, and opportunities of people as they grow older, affected by social, cultural, medical, political, and economic conditions. Issues related to the elderly who need care. (social science)

Prerequisites: ENG 111, COR 100; and SOC 100 or permission of the instructor

SOC 238 Sociology of Men
(Also WMS 238)
4 hours; 4 credits

Comparative, historical perspectives on the male gender role and male domination through social institutions and male gender role socialization. Issues regarding the relationships of men with each other as well as between men and women. (p & d) (social science)

Prerequisites: ENG 111, COR 100

SOC 240 Minority Groups
4 hours; 4 credits

Social, political, economic, and historical factors affecting minority group status. The roots of prejudice and discrimination; analysis of their psychological and social causes and consequences in modern societies. Emphasis will be placed on a comparison of different cultures in a global context.(cont. wld.) (p & d)

Prerequisites: ENG 151, COR 100

SOC 245 Contemporary Social Issues
(Also SLS 245)
4 hours; 4 credits

A study of selected contemporary social problems such as poverty, criminal justice, ethnicity, or race relations from the perspectives of political science, economics, and sociology. The emphasis will be on urban problems. The course will explore the types of questions that might be raised about the topics by persons trained in the social sciences and will explore the methods used to answer such questions. Relationships between modes of inquiry, types of questions asked, and the answers obtained. An emphasis on developing ability to read, understand, and think critically about writings in the social sciences. (social science)

Prerequisites: A minimum GPA of 2.75, ENG 111, ENG 151, COR 100

SOC 250 Sociology of Religion
4 hours; 4 credits

The relationship between religion and society from historical and crosscultural perspectives. Effects of religion on the culture of groups and societies. The effects of social structure and social change on religion; emergence of new religious forms. (social science)

Prerequisites: ENG 111, COR 100, SOC 100

SOC 255 Sociology of the Arts
4 hours; 4 credits

The relationship between the arts and other institutions of contemporary society (e.g., economics, politics, religion). The structure of different art worlds, and the function of both High and Popular art forms in both strengthening and weakening class boundaries. (social science)

Prerequisites: ENG 111, COR 100; and SOC 100 or permission of the instructor

SOC 260 Class, Status, and Power
4 hours; 4 credits

Historical and comparative analysis of social classes and strata—their emergence, persistence, and change—in different types of societies. The effects of class, status, and power on the quality of life and social relations. Recent changes in class structure. (p & d) (social science) (cont. wld.)

Prerequisites: ENG 151, COR 100

SOC 270 The Community
4 hours; 4 credits

Processes of neighborhood identity formation, cohesion, conflict, decline, and revitalization. The role of women, and ethnic and class-determined groups in community institutions and community organizing. Staten Island as a case study. (social science)

Prerequisites: ENG 111, COR 100; and SOC 100 or permission of the instructor

SOC 274 Social Welfare
(Also SWK 274)
4 hours; 4 credits

The social welfare system in the contemporary state. Social functions and the historical, economic, and political foundations of the welfare system, including the structure of transfer payments and the social relations that it establishes. (social science)

Prerequisites: ENG 111, COR 100, SOC 100

SOC 275 Sociology of Education
4 hours; 4 credits

The changing social and cultural context of contemporary American education. The relationship between education and social inequality, social mobility, and social change. Issues and debates regarding contemporary education. This course does not meet New York State requirements for teacher certification. (social science)

Prerequisites: ENG 111, COR 100

SOC 280 Sociology and Politics
4 hours; 4 credits

The social background of political elites and movements, bureaucracy and the problem of political power, conflict and social class, and industrial and postindustrial society. Readings from classical theorists and contemporary empirical work. (social science)

Prerequisites: ENG 111, COR 100, SOC 100

SOC 292 The Individual in Society
4 hours; 4 credits

The social context and meaning of individual behavior and face-to-face interaction. An examination of sociological theory and research, from the classic writings of Mead to recent phenomenologists and critics of psychotherapy. (social science)

Prerequisites: ENG 111, COR 100

SOC 301 Computerized Research Analysis
4 hours; 4 credits

This course will help students to acquire quantitative research skills by introducing them to important computer applications in the social sciences. It covers data management and analysis using appropriate software packages such as SPSS. Topics on social statistics will focus on the understanding of principles, selection of procedures, and interpretation of results.

Prerequisites: SOC 201; MTH 102, MTH 113, or a higher-level mathematics course

SOC 302 Contemporary Sociological Theory
4 hours; 4 credits

Theoretical traditions and schools of thought within contemporary sociology including those of functionalism, conflict theory, exchange theory, neo-Marxism, feminism, ethnomethodology, world-systems theory, and historical-comparative theory. Underlying assumptions and cultural biases in social thought.

Prerequisite: SOC 200

SOC 312 Food, Self, and Society
(Also ANT 312 and WMS 312)
4 hours; 4 credits

A sociological and anthropological examination of the ways in which the production and consumption of food shape and are shaped by the self and the social world. A major theme of the course will be the gendering of food through topics such as women’s traditional roles as home cooks, women laborers in global food production, and female body image. Particular attention will be given to the meaning of practices of eating, preparing, and sharing food for the individual, family, community, and nation, and how these practices are influenced by larger forces such as social inequality and globalization. Students are expected to conduct primary research.

Prerequisites: ENG 151, ANT 201 or SOC 201, or by permission of the instructor

SOC 325 Social Thought
(Also SLS 325)
4 hours; 4 credits

Analysis of key trends in social theory from ancient times to the present. Includes the study of thought concerning the early organization of human society, the development of agricultural and feudal societies, the effects of industrialization and the modern age, and the already-significant impacts of the computer age and the Internet. The course is especially concerned with major social questions in science, philosophy, urbanism, and political economy. Emphasis on reading and discussing original sources (social science)

Prerequisites: A minimum GPA of 2.75, ENG 111, ENG 151, and a 200-level Social Scientific Analysis course

SOC 330 Women and Work
(Also WMS 330, ANT 331)
4 hours; 4 credits

Prerequisites: Any 100-level SOC or ANT course and any 200-level SOC or ANT course or permission of the instructor.

SOC 340 Ethnicity and Immigration
4 hours; 4 credits

Social, cultural, and historical factors affecting ethnic group experience and socioeconomic status, both in the United States and among immigrants in other societies. Comparison of immigrant groups of first, second, and third generations. The role of women in different ethnic groups. (p & d)

Prerequisites: ANT or SOC 100 and a 200-level ANT or SOC course or permission of the instructor

SOC 350 Psychosocial Aspects of Disability
4 hours; 4 credits

The psychosocial impact of disability, differential development, and social adjustment among disabled groups, friendships, intimacy, and sexuality. The changing role and status of the disabled in our society with particular emphasis on the issues of stigmatization and labeling. (p & d)

Prerequisites: SWK 107 and SOC 100

SOC 360 Sociology of Work and Leisure
4 hours; 4 credits

Analysis of the world of work and the separate world of leisure, and their social and economic pre-conditions and consequences. Theories of occupations and professions, career patterns, and their relationship to the social structuring of class, status, power, race, and gender.

Prerequisites: ANT or SOC 100 and a 200-level ANT or SOC course or permission of the instructor.

SOC 370 Urban Sociology
4 hours; 4 credits

The social structure and culture of city life. Issues of urban politics, racial and ethnic relationships, housing, crime, cultural institutions, economics, communications, city planning and design. Historical origins of the city in the Western world; the future of cities worldwide. New York City as a case study.

Prerequisites: ANT or SOC 100 and a 200-level ANT or SOC course or permission of the instructor.

SOC 371 Media and the Margins
(Also COM 371)
4 hours; 4 credits

An examination of the role of the mass media as cultural institutions that shape the images and self-images of marginalized groups. The course engages with definitions based on, but not limited to, age, disability, ethnicity, gender, race, and sexuality. (P & D)

Prerequisites: COM 150 or a 100-level and a 200-level ANT or SOC course

SOC 372 Institutions of Control
4 hours; 4 credits

How leading social institutions (family, schools, mass media, government, and the economy) shape and control U.S. society. The role of racism, sexism, violence, and economic exploitation as forms of social control. Existing patterns of domination and subordination.

Prerequisites: ANT or SOC 100 and a 200-level ANT or SOC course or permission of the instructor

SOC 374 Mass Media in Modern Society
(Also COM 374)
4 hours; 4 credits

Sociological analysis of the mass media: their comparative histories and organizations, and their political and social effects. Their persuasive role in propaganda and public opinion, and their function in providing information and entertainment for the common culture.

Prerequisites: COM 150 and a 200-level ANT or SOC course

SOC 376 Social Change
4 hours; 4 credits

Analysis of societal and cultural transformations. Leading theories of social change. Empirical case studies in interpersonal relationships and race relations as well as technological, economic, and political changes. The role of mass media, communities, and organizations.

Prerequisites: ANT or SOC 100 and a 200-level ANT or SOC course or permission of the instructor

SOC 378 Social Planning
(Also SWK 378)
4 hours; 4 credits

Analysis of the underlying assumptions and values embedded in social policy with respect to such issues as poverty, homelessness, education, drug abuse, family violence, community development, human rights, and affirmative action. Cross-cultural models of social planning and the planning process.

Prerequisite: SOC 274

SOC 380 Sociology of Organizations
4 hours; 4 credits

The analysis of modern organizational structures and processes, focusing on social control through specific collective and bureaucratic organizations (business, educational, medical, legal, service, etc). Comparison of internal organizational cultures in public, voluntary, and private sectors.

Prerequisites: ANT or SOC 100 and a 200-level ANT or SOC course or permission of the instructor

SOC 410 Sociological Issues
4 hours; 4 credits

Detailed exploration of selected social issues according to student interest (e.g., homelessness, health care, substance abuse, domestic violence), as affected by such variables as social class, race, religion, gender, technological change.

Prerequisite: SOC 201 or permission of the instructor

SOC 420 Birth and Death
(Also WMS 420)
4 hours; 4 credits

An exploration of the different sociological renderings of birth and death in contemporary societies. Understanding the concepts of birth and death from a sociological perspective offers an excellent opportunity to explore the intersections of race, class, gender, spirituality, and age. This course will be heavily geared toward feminist and critical perspectives. It will explore recent technological innovations and their implications for representations of conception, birth, and death.

Prerequisites: ANT 100 or SOC 100 and a 200-level ANT or SOC course or permission of the instructor.

SOC 427 Sociology of Language
(Also ENL 427)
4 hours; 4 credits

Areas of discussion include language and class, language and sex, language and race, and language and ethnicity.

Prerequisite: ENG 151

SOCIAL WORK

SWK 107 Introduction to Developmental Disabilities
3 hours; 3 credits

Overview of the key knowledge on developmental disabilities. Issues to be explored include defining the disabled throughout the life cycle, normalization, deinstitutionalization, mainstreaming, case management and advocacy, ethical and legal issues, the Developmental Disabilities Movement and its impact on the family and community.

SWK 200 Introduction to Social Work
4 hours; 4 credits

SWK 200 is the first course offered in the social work curriculum and a prerequisite for enrollment in the BSSW Program. The focus of the course is on introducing students to the profession of social work. This course examines the profession of social work, its value base, fields of practice, and societal role. Major social problems, philosophies of social welfare provision, program and policy initiatives, and the response of social work as a profession are addressed. The obligation of professional social workers to promote social and economic justice on the behalf of populations vulnerable to or oppressed by ethnocentrism, racism, heterosexism, abelism, ageism, or religious/spiritual affiliations is emphasized. Find out if a career in social work is what you have imagined. Is it right for you? Will you be working with social workers in your profession?

Pre- or corequisites: ENG 111, SOC 100

SWK 274 Social Welfare
(Also SOC 274)
4 hours; 4 credits

Prerequisites: ENG 111, COR 100, SOC 100

SWK 300 Social Work Research I
3 hours; 3 credits

This course provides an examination of the principles and theory underlying scientific inquiry and the practices of social science research. The focus is on developing informed consumers of social work research. The course introduces students to critical reading, understanding, and the use of research in social work practice, often referred to as evidence-based practice, steps in conducting research, and research efforts toward developing and evaluating social work knowledge and skills. Research from social work and related fields is examined critically. Both qualitative and quantitative research designs are reviewed. This course fosters an appreciation for the necessity to employ systematically developed and analyzed knowledge in social work practice, and to be aware of personal attitudes and values when assessing and applying research to practice. It is a foundation course for a more specialized social work research course.

SWK 301 Social Work Practice Research
4 hours; 4 credits

Advanced social and behavioral science methods as they are applied to research in generalist practice. Examination of qualitative and quantitative approaches. Important research paradigms, models, and issues of data collection and analysis. Procedures and techniques instrumental for the advancement of professional practice. Students carry out a research design of their own and collect data for analysis.

Prerequisite: SOC 201

SWK 302 Social Work Research II
3 hours; 3 credits

This course builds upon Social Work Research I. This course deals with designing appropriate research methods, and evaluating and applying standard social science methods. Qualitative and quantitative methods are explored. Descriptive and inferential statistics are presented. In addition, the course covers the logic of data preparation and analysis. It reviews the basic skills required to evaluate and write research reports including graphic and statistical analysis and presentation. This course fosters an appreciation for diversity and fosters an awareness and sensitivity for social work practice research with diverse groups based on multiple dimensions including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and disability. Students will also have an opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to the development of their own research proposals.

SWK 305 Diversity in Social Work
3 hours; 3 credits

This course will provide a framework for the development of the cultural competency skills needed to work with diverse clients, social groups, and communities. The course introduces the student to Critical Multicultural Theory, a theoretical framework for understanding and respecting culturally diverse populations. This theoretical framework serves as the basis for the integration of cultural diversity issues throughout the curriculum. Critical Multicultural Theory enables social work students to construct an assessment of a client’s needs and services based on the social structures, social identity construct, cultural traditions, and issues of power and social justice present in a client’s world. By examining their own self-identity, cultural and social patterns, and ideas regarding justice, oppression and privilege, the student will develop the analytical skills necessary to assist clients who are denied equal access to services within organizations and institutions due to institutional racism , sexism, homophobia/heterosexism, poverty, and other oppressive constructs.

Content on Special Populations: The definition of multicultural competence includes the ability to understand that certain ethnic/racial and cultural groups continue to maintain an unequal economic, political and social status in this country. This includes an unequal access to power within political, social, and economic institutions. Institutional racism, sexism, poverty, alienation and other oppressive conditions play a role in shaping the lives of clients.

SWK 307 Drugs and Alcohol
3 hours; 3 credits

The focus of the course the social reality of drug use, and drug users, within contemporary society. This focus includes an historical analysis of the social construction of drug use, drug users, abuse, and addiction. We will be investigating the complex relationships between individual and group behavior, and social structure. Central concepts such as social learning, labeling, power, and inequality; as well as socio-cultural definitions of drugs, behavior, and the people who use drugs will be the tools of our analysis. Special attention will be given to the complex legal history surrounding drug use, the link between drugs and crime, the impact of the medicalization of human behavior, and varying perspectives on "doing something about drugs."

SWK 310 Human Behavior in the Social Environment I
4 hours; 4 credits

The influence of biological, psychological, and social contexts of individual experience on human development in the period from infancy through adolescence and young adulthood. Exploration of how individuals and families cope with difficulties such as mental illness, alcoholism, poverty, drug abuse, crime, and family strife, and of the influences of racism, classism, and discrimination of all kinds on human development.

Prerequisites: SWK 200, PSY 100

SWK 311 Human Behavior in the Social Environment I
3 hours; 3 credits

Human Behavior in the Social Environment is a two semester course that will provide the student with the theoretical framework needed to develop as a generalist social work practitioner. This is first of two foundation courses where students learn to apply key theoretical frameworks to the exploration of societal issues and their impact of racial, ethnic, class, cultural, religious/spiritual, and gender diversity on behavior. The course will examine the reciprocal nature of these interactions on persons, families, social groups, communities, organizations, and institutions. The course emphasizes the understanding of these processes on the perpetuation of oppression and unequal access to power within political, social, and economic institutions and organizations. The student will explore how institutional racism, sexism, homophobia/ heterosexism, poverty, alienation, and other oppressive conditions play a role in shaping the lives of clients, their families and their communities. Of particular co ncern are groups experiencing social and economic injustices based on racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, socio-cultural, spiritual/religious and gender characteristics. The course provides the student with the knowledge to incorporate an understanding of differences that are prevalent within the framework of the global society in which we live: culturally, racially, ethnically and spiritually while enhancing the student’s social policy (macro) and clinical practice (micro and mezzo) skills.

SWK 312 Human Behavior in the Social Environment II
3 hours; 3 credits

Human Behavior in a Social Environment is the second of a two semester course that will provide the student with the theoretical framework needed to develop as a generalist social work practitioner. This course will provide the generalist social worker with a broad, theoretical knowledge base to work effectively with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The purpose of this course is to study human development from a life course perspective recognizing patterns in human behavior related to biological age, psychological age, and social age norms. It will also be a study of diversity in the life course related to historical time, gender, race, ethnicity, social class, current global trends, and other dimensions. In studying the life course perspective emphasis will be given to the unique life stories of individuals as the unique configuration of specific life events and person-environment transactions over time. The application of the life course perspective as foundation k nowledge to the professional practice of social work will be considered.

The second semester of this course continues to introduce the generalist social work student to the reciprocal relationships that persons-in-their situation have in their relationships with their families, groups, organizations, and communities. The student will be introduced to key theoretical frameworks such as social systems, cross-cultural systems, strength and resiliency, empowerment constructs, and lifespan development. This range of theories is designed to support the development of the critical thinking skills necessary to assess the situations that the generalist social worker encounters. The student will be introduced to the use concept mapping and applied ecological theory to understand human behavior in a social environment. The course provides the student with the knowledge to incorporate an understanding of differences that are prevalent within the framework of the global society in which we live: culturally, racially, ethnically and spiritually while enhancing the student’s social policy (macro) and clinical practice (micro and mezzo) skills.

SWK 320 Human Behavior in the Social Environment II
4 hours; 4 credits

The influence of biological, psychological, and social contexts of individual experience on human development in the period from young adulthood through old age. Emphasis on the role of gender biases, social stigmas, and ageism in the achievement of full potential and economic self-sufficiency.

Prerequisite: SWK 310

SWK 350 Social Work Methods I
4 hours; 4 credits

SWK 350 is the first of two courses in social work practice that provide an introduction to the basic theory and methods of generalist social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. As a preparation for practice in the field, the course emphasizes the development of interviewing and recording skills and case analyses, focusing on the use of self, communication techniques, and the problem-solving process. All case material is studied within the context of the values of the social work profession and the recognition of the importance of cultural diversity and other differences among those served.

SWK 350 relates to all the courses in the professional foundation curriculum and to the entire liberal arts sequence; it includes references to social policies and their impact upon individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities as discussed in the social welfare and social planning courses, relates throughout to courses focused on pluralism and diversity, requires reading and interpretation of practice research materials as introduced in the social research sequence, connects the concepts taught in the human behavior courses to practice, and prepares students with the knowledge of the theoretical underpinnings and concrete skills necessary to begin the field internship. Course content promotes the continuing development of the liberal arts perspective through the inclusion of ideas from the fields of anthropology, sociology, biology, psychology, philosophy, and ethnic and women's studies.

Prerequisites: SWK 200 and admission to the BA degree program in Social Work.

SWK 360 Social Work Methods II
4 hours; 4 credits

SWK 360 is the second of two courses in social work practice that provide an introduction to the basic theory and methods of generalist social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. As a preparation for practice in the field, this second course emphasizes the development of group work and community organization skills and analyses, focusing on the use of self, communication techniques, and the problem-solving process leading to social action and social change. All case material is studied within the context of the values of the social work profession and the recognition of the importance of cultural diversity and other differences among those served.

SWK 360 relates to all the courses in the professional foundation curriculum and to the entire liberal arts sequence; it includes references to social policies and their impact upon groups, organizations, and communities as discussed in the social welfare and social planning courses, relates throughout to courses focused on pluralism and diversity, requires reading and interpretation of practice research materials as introduced in the social research sequence, connects the concepts taught in the human behavior courses to practice, and prepares students directly for the field internship. Course content promotes the continuing development of the liberal arts perspective through the inclusion of ideas from the fields of anthropology, sociology, biology, psychology, philosophy, and ethnic and women's studies.

Prerequisite: SWK 350

SWK 370 Social Welfare Policy I – Social Welfare Policy: History, Trends and Basic Concepts
3 hours; 3 credits

This course will provide basic issues, concepts, values, terminology, frameworks and ethical issues that define social welfare policy. Students will be introduced to the historical and philosophical bases of American social welfare programs. This course will help students understand the contemporary welfare state in terms of their underlying motivations – political, economic, ideological, religious and social, and their impact on social welfare institutions and the role the profession of social in this context. Together with Social Welfare Policy II – Social Welfare Policies and Services-this course is designed to prepare generalist practitioners’ with the evolution of the social welfare system in the United States as well as in a global context. The course specifically emphasis how historically underrepresented groups (e.g. people of color, people with disabilities, women, homosexuals, and children) have been affected by social welfare policy throughout history.

SWK 378 Social Planning
(Also SOC 378)
4 hours; 4 credits

Analysis of the underlying assumptions and values embedded in social policy with respect to such issues as poverty, homelessness, education, drug abuse, family violence, community development, human rights, affirmative action. Cross-cultural models of social planning and the planning process.

Prerequisite: SOC 274

SWK 440 Internship in Developmental Disabilities
2 class hours, 6 field hours; 4 credits

The student is assigned to an agency devoted to the care and supervision of persons with developmental disabilities. The two hours per week in class are devoted to feedback and discussion of issues related to field experiences. Written records are an integral part of the field experience.

In semesters when this course is not offered, students may register for an individual internship.

SWK 451 Field Instruction I
2 class hours, 16 field hours; 6 credits

This course provides students with experience in applying knowledge and theory from the professional foundation and developing practice skills. The practicum assists in producing a reflective, self-evaluating, beginning-level professional practitioner. Students are required to work at an approved agency under the supervision of an agency-based supervisor for a total of 240 hours a semester (an average of 16 hours per week). Weekly class seminars are structured to provide support and the exploration of the agency learning experience with other students.

Prerequisite: SWK 360 or permission of the instructor.

SWK 454 Social Work Field Practicum I
16 field hours 4 credits

Field Practicum is a 4-credit course that is designed to provide social work students a practice experience in a social work or human services related agency with professional supervision. Field Education is an integral component of the Social Work Education, anchored in the mission, goals and education of the program. It occurs in settings that reinforce student’s identification with the purposes, values and ethics of the profession; fosters the integration of empirical and practice-based knowledge, and promotes the development and enhancement of generalist social work knowledge and skills. The field practicum is a required component of the social work major at the College of Staten Island. In this course, students are placed in a social service agency setting under the supervision of a social work practitioner. Students entering the field must have senior status and completed and passed all preparatory coursework. Students are required to complete 240 hours per semester, for a total of 480 hour s in an approved agency engaged in social work activities, or approximately 16 hours per week. The field placement provides both direct and indirect practice experience necessary to becoming an entry-level social worker.

SWK 455 Social Work Field Seminar I
3 hours; 3 credits

The Integrative Field Seminar is a two-semester course for the BSSW Program taken in conjunction with two semesters of field placement. The purpose of the seminar is to facilitate senior students’ integration of the BSSW educational experience in class and practicum. Field Instruction I is the first part of a two-part sequence of field instruction and integrated seminar. The course facilitates the students’ incorporation of the components of the professional foundation: values and ethics, diversity, populations at risk and social and economic justice, human behavior and the social environment, social welfare policies and services, social work practice, research, and field education.

During the Field Seminars, students will be supported in their learning in various ways. Students will discuss issues related to field placement with their peers and problem solve with each other. Students will be introduced to a variety of topics including – NASW Code of Ethics, professional roles, cultural competency, effective interventions and documentation

Direct interaction with individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds, reflective supervision, process recordings, and regular field seminars will aid the student in developing greater cultural awareness and sensitivity. Students will gain their skills while working under the instruction of professional social work practitioners who are "teachers" in the field, and with the guidance of the faculty of the Social Work Program.

Each student enrolled in field seminar is placed at a community agency. Students are expected to spend a minimum of 240 hours during the semester (16 hours per week) in their agencies and attend and participate in all scheduled class seminars.

SWK 461 Field Instruction II
2 class hours, 16 field hours; 6 credits

Continuation in the participation of the delivery of social work services. Students are required to work at an approved agency under the supervision of an agency-based supervisor for a total of 240 hours a semester (an average of 16 hours per week). Weekly class seminars are structured to provide support and the exploration of the a

SWK 464 Social Work Field Practicum II
16 field hours 4 credits

SWK 464 is the continuation of the field practicum sequence in the BSSW program. Field Practicum II is a 4-credit course that is designed to provide social work students a practice experience in a social work or human services related agency with professional supervision. Field Education is an integral component of the Social Work Education, anchored in the mission, goals and education of the program. It occurs in settings that reinforce student’s identification with the purposes, values and ethics of the profession; fosters the integration of empirical and practice-based knowledge, and promotes the development and enhancement of generalist social work knowledge and skills.

Field practicum II is a required component of the social work major at the College of Staten Island. In this course, students continue in a social service agency setting under the supervision of a social work practitioner. Students are required to complete 240 hours per semester, for a total of 480 hours in an approved agency engaged in social work activities, or approximately 16 hours per week. The field placement provides both direct and indirect practice experience necessary to becoming an entry-level social worker.

SWK 465 Social Work Field Seminar II
3 hours; 3 credits

The second half of the integrative field seminar is the culminating course in social work that synthesizes theory, research, policy, and practice methods. Students are to produce documents that combine research and analysis applied to practice in the field. Understanding of social work concepts and readiness/competency to begin the professional social work practice is the goal of the capstone course. Students will explore significant social work issues, bringing their experience and knowledge to bear on the interaction of their values and skills within the major.

Field Seminar II is the continuation of the integrative field seminar for the Social Work program. The purpose of the seminar is to facilitate senior students’ integration of the BSSW educational experience in class and practicum. The course facilitates the students’ incorporation of the components of the professional foundation: values and ethics, diversity, populations at risk and social and economic justice, human behavior and the social environment, social welfare policies and services, social work practice methods, research, and field education.

SWK 470 Social Policy II – Social Welfare, Social Policy and the Social Work Profession
3 hours; 3 credits

The second course of the required policy sequence builds on the historical perspectives presented in Social Policy I. The course is designed to offer students knowledge of issues surrounding the development, implementation and evaluation of social welfare policies that have, and continue to affect historically oppressed groups in the United States. Specific policy areas to be discussed include healthcare, mental health, child welfare, people with disabilities, the elderly and criminal justice.

Students in this course will understand the need for social work involvement in political arenas, in advocacy groups, and as part of organizational change in order to advance social, political and economic justice. The course will demonstrate the various policy analysis tools in order to teach students to better understand how policy affects practice and how social workers can influence policy.