SOCIAL WORK CORE

Take the following courses:

SO-101 Introduction to Sociology

The study of human social groups and the social processes that lead to both structural and cultural integration and differentiation primarily within contemporary American society.

3 CreditsS

PY-101 Introduction to Psychology

An overview of the content and methodology in the field. Topics such as the history of psychology, physiological psychology, learning and memory, perception, motivation, child development, personality and social foundations are considered

3 CreditsS

BI-190 Human Biology

Course is a non-majors approach to the basic chemistry and biology of the human body, as well as how humans fit into society and environment. Emphasis will be on applying scientific process tocurrent health topics. Course required for the Social Work POE and included in the Genomics Certificate and Rural Poverty Studies secondary emphasis.

3 CreditsN, WK-SP,CTGESPre- or Co-requisite: FYC-101 or EN-110 or EN-109

SW-214  Integrated Research Methods & Stats I

An integrated course sequence applying processes of social inquiry to the assessment of historically oppressed and vulnerable populations, and of the interventions used to help those populations. This course integrates key research concepts and commonly used quantitative and qualitative methods in the social sciences, with the ability to communicate effectively about research with written and verbal skills. The course teaches students not only to conduct social science research but also to consume and utilize social science research in a critical way, including in practice as a helping professional.

3 CreditsS,WK-SI 

SW-215  Integrated Research Methods & Stats II

The second part of an integrated course sequence applying the scientific process to the fields of Social Work and Sociology, emphasizing key research concepts, commonly used quantitative and qualitative methods, and the ability to communicate effectively about research with written and verbal skills. The course teaches students not only to conduct research but also to consume and utilize research.

3 CreditsS 

SW-221  The Life Cycle

This course provides an introduction to lifespan development from conception, through birth, infancy, childhood, adolescence, and various stages of adulthood. Explores perspectives on the biological, psychological, and socio-cultural aspects of development over time. Examines human diversity as well as similarities in growth and development, utilizing theory and research. Discusses implications for prevention and intervention related to common developmental challenges and adversities. 

3 CreditsS,WK-SIPre-Req or Co-Req: FYC-101 or EN-110 or EN-109

SW-230  Introduction to Social Work Practice

Examines the generalist knowledge, values and skills of the social work profession. Emphasizes interviewing and communication skills, the development of a helping relationship, the strengths perspective and problem solving strategies. 

4 CreditsSPrerequisites: SO101 or permission of instructor.

SW-231  Social Problems & Social Welfare

This course explores persistent social problems including poverty, inequality, unemployment, homelessness, family violence, substance abuse, and lack of healthcare access, using historical, philosophical, and social science perspectives. The development of social policies and services as institutional responses to these problems are described and analyzed. Over the course of the term, students will review a significant body of literature related to a social problem/policy of choice, and conduct a case study with a community member who has experienced consequences of that same problem/policy. 

3 CreditsS,WK-SIPrerequisites: FYC-101, EN-110, or EN-109.

SW-330  Social Work Practice: Individual, Family & Small Groups Laboratory

Supervised field work in an approved social work agency. Provides opportunity to observe agency function and apply beginning social work practice skills. 

2 CreditsSCorequisite: SW331. Prerequisite: SW230.

SW-331  Social Work Practice: Individual, Family & Small Groups

Explores the problem solving process used in social work practice with individuals, families and small groups. Interviewing and problem solving skills, family systems analysis and group process are refined in preparation for beginning practice with individuals, families, and small groups. 

4 CreditsSCorequisite: SW330. Prerequisite: SW230.

SW-333  Social Welfare Policies and Services

A conceptual study of the meanings, nature, scope, implementation and evaluation of social policy as it relates to issues of social welfare. 

3 CreditsSPrerequisite: SW-231


Take one of the following courses below:

SW-332  Social Work Practice: Large Groups, Organizations and Communities

Focuses on the problem solving processes employed in the delivery of social work services at the agency, institutional and community level. Primary consideration is given to the systems approach to communities and the techniques, strategies, and roles utilized by the worker in assisting communities and groups to attain satisfying and developmental levels of social functioning. 

4 CreditsS, CWPrerequisite: SW230.

CONN-350 Community Health Advocacy

In this course, students learn to recognize health disparities within communities and identify ways to intervene and advocate to promote better health outcomes for community members. Students will explore how poor health outcomes for individuals and communities are linked to social determinants of health. This course uses the competencies for community health workers established by the Pennsylvania Certification Board. NOTE: Students are expected to be in their third or fourth year when taking a Connections course.

4 CreditsCONN,IC


MINORITY EXPERIENCES

Take one of the following courses below:

CM-210 Race and Language in the United States

This class examines racism as a cultural system observed through our beliefs and practices about spoken English. The goal of the course is to develop an understanding of how linguistic prejudice contributes to the cultural programs of racism in the US.

3 CreditsSW-US 

PY-211 Race, Ethnicity, and Identity Studies

This course explores the constructs of race, ethnicity, and identity with a focus on how they help us understand ourselves, societies, and the relationship between self and society. The course explores race, racism, antiracism, equality, and hierarchy. As a Social Inquiry course, this course emphasizes social scientific methodologies to address these topics.

3 CreditsS,WK-SIPre- or Co-Req: FYC-101 or EN-110 or EN-109.

EN-203 Class/Status/Identity in US Literature

This class willfocus on representations of social and economic class in U.S. literature. These texts illustrate how social class can define identity and shape perceptions of the American Dream. The class will collect and distribute oral histories about work experiences in collaboration with the local Huntingdon community members.

4 CreditsSW-LEPrerequisite or corequisite: FYC-101 or EN-110 or EN-109

EN-217 Disability in Fiction

This course considers how various texts portray individuals with disabilities. Via short stories, novels, theoretical articles, films, and memoirs we will explore ways that stereotypical portrayals can stigmatize and discriminate against people with disabilities. The class will also examine narratives and voices that question the definition of 'normal' as well as reinterpret traditional representations of disability. We will consider key concepts such as ableism, justice, access, and the medical and social models of disability. The course will also introduce some of the ways that disability intersects with other aspects of identity such as gender, sexuality, race, and class.

3 CreditsH 

EN-237 Constructing Identities

Applying various cultural and theoretical perspectives, students will view and read works from Quentin Tarantino, Christopher Nolan, Kurt Vonnegut, Salman Rushdie, David Foster Wallace and others to examine ways that consumerism, technology, social institutions and other facets of modern culture and society shape identities and influence the human condition. 

4 CreditsCAPrerequisites: EN110 or EN109.

PS-206 The Culture War

Is the U.S. at war with itself over core political and cultural values? This culture war is waged over hot-button policy issues including abortion, school prayer, gay rights, religion in politics, marijuana, immigration, and diversity. Students explore the complex political contexts that shape the lived experiences of traditionally marginalized groups and examine how power, privilege, and marginalization influence policy outcomes.

4 CreditsCA, S, SW-US 

SO-203 Minority Experiences

An exploration of the factors that shape the experiences of minority group members in both domestic and global contexts. The social processes that functions to construct minority identity among racial, ethnic, gender, and ability groups are studied.

3 CreditsSPrerequisites: SO101 or AN151.


CAPSTONE

Take the following courses:

SW-490  Social Work: Professional Semester

Full time supervised senior capstone field experience in an approved social work agency. Students integrate the knowledge, values and skills of the social work profession with experiential learning in preparation for assuming the responsibilities of an entry-level social work professional upon graduation. 

12 CreditsSCorequisite: SW495 Prerequisite: Permission.

SW-495  Professional Semester: Research Seminar

Involves research and discussion of practice issues of importance to the generalist social worker focusing on the impact these issues have on student's own practice experience. 

3 CreditsSCorequisite: SW490. Prerequisite: Permission.


NOTE: This POE is constructed under the guidelines established by the Council on Social Work Education. Students seeking the Bachelor of Social Work Credential (BSW) from Juniata College must complete all of this POE.


Social Work students must earn a C- or higher in every course in the POE. Students must have an overall GPA of at least 2.5 and a GPA of at least 2.5 in the Social Work POE in order to enroll in SW 490 and SW 495.


POE Credit Total = 56

Students must complete at least 18 credits at the 300/400-level.  Any course exception must be approved by the advisor and/or department chair.


Why study Social Work at Juniata College?

As a social work POE, you will gain the satisfaction of participating in a high caliber program that will prepare you to work in a context of social and economic justice to solve and prevent individual and societal problems. Additionally, you will be able to earn the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) credential in a program that has been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education since 1981. With the BSW credential you earn, you will be able to enjoy enhanced access to career opportunities that begin on higher rungs of the career ladder with higher salaries and rapid advancement.

 
Social Work POEs enjoy the benefits of rigorous, experiential learning that is integrated throughout the curriculum while experiencing close collaborating with faculty and other students in the social work program. Upon graduation, you will join about 75% of our graduates who pursue Master of Social Work degrees with the benefit of advance standing that often saved 50% of the time and money that graduate school would otherwise require.

Program Handbook   Field Placement Manual