Course offerings listed below may vary from year to year based on course availability. For the most up-to-date courses, course requirements and descriptions, always refer to the current University Catalog. View the current Catalog here.
 
The ODU Social Work Program does not grant social work course credit for life experience or previous work experience.

BIO 105 - Principles of Human Anatomy & Physiology
3 Credits
A survey of the morphology and function of the human body. The intent of this course is to provide each student with the intellectual competence to manage his/her own health concerns; laboratory included.


BIO 107 - Principles of Biology
4 Credits
Biology for the informed citizen. This course is a survey of the basic concepts of biology underlying the complex issues we face every day ranging from life at the cellular level to the health of our planet as a whole. Whether making personal healthcare decisions or voting for sound environmental policies, everyone needs a solid foundation in the science of biology.

Topics covered include the scientific method; cell structure and function; genetics; biotechnology; evolution; biodiversity of plants, animals and microbes; population ecology; ecosystems, and current issues in biology; laboratory included.


MTH 140 - Introduction to Statistics
3 Credits
An introduction to the basic concepts and computations used in statistical analysis as well as their application to problems in other disciplines, especially biology, business, education, and social sciences. Topics include the description of data graphically and numerically, the collection of data via samples and experiments, and the process of drawing inferences or conclusions from data.

The laboratory component of the course emphasizes conceptual understanding, interpretation of statistical quantities, and written/oral communication and will require the use of mathematical software. 

Prerequisite: MTH 102 or placement.


PSY 100 - Introduction to Psychology
3 Credits
A survey course on the basic principles of psychology and their applications to human behavior and social problems. Multiple perspectives emerging from different philosophical and socio-historical contexts are used to examine domains of human thought and behavior.

Topics include research methods, human development, gender differences, learning and cognition, psychobiology, motivation, personality, abnormal behavior, methods of treatment, and the impact of social situations and culture on behavior.


SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology
3 Credits
A survey of the basic concepts of the sociological analysis of human behavior. Topics include culture and socialization; deviance and social control; stratification and social class; inequalities of gender, race, ethnicity, and class; collective behavior and social change; and the role of social institutions in society including family, health care, education, religion, politics, and the economy.

 Some sections may include a service-learning component. This course fulfills the diversity, global, and multicultural requirement.


SWK 100 - Social Problems & Social Policies
3 Credits
An introduction to social policy of the American welfare state drawing upon historical background and analytical approaches in making the connections between social problems and social policies. Highlights concerns of the social work profession within the social policy process particularly as these relate to issues of social justice regarding vulnerable population groups and the global interconnections of oppression.


SWK 120 - Theory and Practice I: Introduction to the Profession
3 Credits
Origin and development of the profession of social work; opportunities for practice including methods and fields with attention to special issues and populations; relationships with other disciplines and contemporary society; intraprofessional and interprofessional issues. This introductory course includes early experience in local social service settings (up to 30 hours) that is designed to help the student clarify the decision to become a member of the social work profession. 

Prerequisite: Social Work major or consent of instructor. This course fulfills the diversity, global, and multicultural requirement.


SWK 220 - Human Behavior in the Social Environment I
3 Credits
A survey of theory and research concerning continuities and changes from conception through adolescence as a function of biological, psychological, socio-cultural, and spiritual dimensions of human behavior. Contemporary perspectives central to the practice of social work are incorporated. Content includes ways in which social systems promote or deter people in maintaining or achieving health and well-being. 

Prerequisite: PSY 100.


SWK 222 - Human Behavior in the Social Environment II
3 Credits
A survey of theory and research concerning continuities and changes that occur during the adult life cycle as a function of biological, psychological, socio-cultural, and spiritual dimensions of human behavior. Contemporary perspectives central to the practice of social work are incorporated. Content includes ways in which social systems promote or deter people in maintaining or achieving health and well-being. 

Prerequisite: PSY 100.


SWK 277 - Social Context of Aging
3 Credits
An examination of the contemporary social and cultural context of aging designed to provide a survey of concepts and issues relevant to working with and on behalf of adults in the community and in institutional settings.


SWK 278 - Aging and Socio-Cultural Change
3 Credits
A cross-cultural study of the aging process in the context of social and cultural changes; includes consideration of issues raised by the interplay of cultural values and technological developments.


SWK 279A - CORE: Women’s Issues & the Common Good
3 Credits
Perspectives on selected policy issues affecting women nationally and internationally. Attention is given to the impact of history, the power of stereotypes, the family as an economic institution, institutionalized violence against women, and changing institutions. Prerequisites: CORE 179 or appropriate transfer status. 

Pre- or Co-requisite: ENG 102 or ENG 111. Not open to students with Credit in SWK 250. This course partially fulfills the Social and Behavioral Science requirement and fulfills the diversity, global, and multicultural requirement.


SWK 279C - CORE: Politics of Aging
3 Credits
Political, economic, and ethical perspectives on selected policy issues affecting the aging population in the U.S. Policy issues include: economic resources and needs of the aging population, impact of the “baby boom generation” on the current support structure, and elder abuse.

Intergenerational equity is also analyzed. Emphasis is given to the broad implications of economic life for elderly persons, besides society’s differential treatment of older adults as a group. Seminar participants will actively participate in a short-term community-building project to promote the common good. 

Prerequisites: CORE 179 or appropriate transfer status and ENG 102. This course partially fulfills the Social and Behavioral Science requirement. Not open to students with Credit in SWK 275.


SWK 282 - Gerontology Seminar
2 Credits
The fieldwork Seminar provides a systematic opportunity to connect the gerontological fieldwork practice experience with the academic program. Co-requisite: SWK 297. 

Prerequisites: PSY 222 or SWK 222; SWK 277, SWK 278, and SWK 279C; or consent of the instructor. Course will be taught in the Adult and Continuing Education Format. This course does not fulfill any core curriculum requirement.

 

SWK 297 - Gerontological Fieldwork
3-6 Credits
Field placement under supervision within a local human service agency in a selected area of gerontological practice. The student will spend, at minimum, 50 clock hours in the field per semester Credit hour. Pass-fail option available. Faculty instructor will serve as liaison between the University and the field site. Prerequisite: successful completion of a minimum of three of the following courses: 

PSY 222 or SWK 222, 275, 277, and 278; or consent of instructor.


SWK 320 - Theory & Practice II: Direct Practice in Social Work
3 Credits
Social science foundations and practice paradigms for direct services: the integration of knowledge, professional values, and skills within a generalist, ecological perspective for direct service at various levels of human systems. 

Prerequisites: SWK 120 and Social Work major or consent of instructor. This course fulfills the diversity, global, and multicultural requirement.


SWK 321 - Theory & Practice III: Macro Practice in Social Work
3 Credits
Social science foundations and practice paradigms for macro practice: the integration of knowledge, professional values, and skills within a generalist, ecological perspective for work with organizations and communities. Some sections may include a service-learning component.

Prerequisites: SWK 120 and Social Work major or consent of instructor.


SWK 341 - Integrating Human Behavior Theories & Social Work Practice
3 Credits
This course examines the utility of a select number of human behavior theories for generalist social work practice in various helping situations. 

Prerequisites: SWK 220 and 222; Junior standing or consent of instructor.


SWK 342 - Policy Advocacy Practice
3 Credits
To promote human rights and social and economic justice, social workers are required to engage in policy advocacy practice. This course is skills based, involving students in collaborating for effective policy action by analyzing, formulating, and demonstrating leadership in advocating for policies that advance social well-being. 

Prerequisites: Social Work major or consent of instructor; SWK 100 and Junior standing.


SWK 352 - Research Methods
3 Credits
This course examines research design and measurement techniques useful for understanding social science research. The course is skill based involving students in designing and carrying out an original research project, tabulating and analyzing the data, and writing a research report. Of particular interest are issues of problem definition, conceptualization and operationalization of research questions, sampling, and application of various methodologies from experimental designs to evaluation research. 

Prerequisites: MTH 140; Junior standing or consent of the instructor.


SWK/SOC 379B - CORE: Global Ethnic Relations
3 Credits
This course seeks to empower students to become knowledgeable, caring, and active citizens in a diverse and often ethnically polarized world. The course examines multiple dimensions of global diversity (race, ethnicity, religion); common responses to differences including prejudice, discrimination, segregation, colonization, genocide and positive alternatives such as assimilation and egalitarian pluralism. We will examine ethnic relations in the U.S. and around the world through the lens of history. 

The course concludes with the ethical basis for seeking social justice via anti-discrimination work and strategies for dismantling discrimination and repairing strained ethnic divides at the individual, institutional, and societal levels. Students will have the opportunity to translate knowledge into action for social justice through a bridging cultures project.

Prerequisite: CORE 179 or appropriate transfer status; ENG 102 or ENG 111. This course fulfills the diversity, global, and multicultural requirement. This course partially fulfills the Social and Behavioral Science requirement. Not open to students with Credit in SOC/SWK 346 or 279D.


SWK 479A - CORE: Social Work Seminar I
3 Credits
The capstone Fieldwork Seminar provides a systematic opportunity to connect the undergraduate senior field work practice experience with the academic program. The purpose of the Seminar is to provide students with an opportunity to share their field work experiences and to explore in some depth competencies in practice (“What have we learned?”). 

The Seminar will extend the discussion of self in the context of identifying as a professional social worker and conducting oneself accordingly. The discussion of the common good will be extended in the context of engaging, assessing, intervening, and evaluating with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. The seminar will extend the discussion of justice in the context of advancing human rights and social and economic justice.

Co-requisite: Enrollment in SWK 480.


SWK 480 - Field Work I
6 Credits
First semester of yearlong field placement under supervision in a local human service agency. The student will spend, at minimum, 200 clock hours in the field. Grades for fieldwork will be on a Pass/Fail basis. 

Prerequisites: senior standing; 2.5 GPA; successful completion of application requirements for fieldwork. (Specific requirements are available in printed form from the division.) A grade of P must be earned to proceed to SWK 481. Co-requisite: Enrollment in SWK 479A.


SWK 481 - Field Work II
6 Credits
The second semester of field placement and weekly seminar. The student will spend, at minimum, 200 hours in the field. Grades for fieldwork will be on a Pass/Fail basis. 

Prerequisite: completion of SWK 480 with a grade of P. Co-requisite: Enrollment in SWK 483.


SWK 483 - Social Work Seminar II
3 Credits
Building upon entry-level competencies acquired during the first semester of this two semester Seminar, capstone fieldwork Seminar II provides a systematic opportunity to connect the undergraduate senior field work practice experience with the academic program. The purpose of the Seminar is to provide students with an opportunity to share their field work experiences and to explore in some depth competencies in practice ("What have we learned?").

The Seminar will extend the discussion of self in the context of identifying as a professional social worker and conducting oneself accordingly. The discussion of the common good will be extended in the context of engaging, assessing, intervening, and evaluating with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. The seminar will extend the discussion of justice in the context of advancing human rights and social and economic justice.

Co-requisite: SWK 481.


SWK 1/2/3/485 - Special Topics
1-3 Credits
In-depth study by groups of students of selected social work topics not covered elsewhere in the curriculum. 


SWK 2/3/486 - Independent Study
1-3 Credits
Individual study projects in selected areas of social work for students with advanced standing; report required. Includes Honors Program research. 

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor, academic advisor, division chairperson.