S W 100S - Introduction to Social Welfare. 3 Credits.

Offered autumn. Overview of human services, programs and problems in meeting social welfare needs, with emphasis on the complexity of social services and their historical development. Analysis of the value, attitudinal, economic and political factors that condition the provision of these services.

Gen Ed Attributes: Social Sciences

S W 110 - Global Justice and Sustainable Development. 3 Credits.

This course aims to enhance student understanding of contemporary challenges related to global justice and sustainable development. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, “provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future” (https://sdgs.un.org/goals). This global vision includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that aim to address the most urgent problems affecting most of the world, ranging from poverty, hunger, health and educational disparities, gender and economic inequality, shortage of clean water and clean energy, climate change, to conflicts and injustice. The course will draw on multidisciplinary approaches to guide students to develop a deeper understanding of these challenges from both global and local perspectives. Students will compare the global discourse about SDGs with country-level interpretations of the development vision.

Gen Ed Attributes: Cultural & International Diversity

S W 198 - Internship. 1-3 Credits.

(R-3) Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., consent of instructor. Application of classroom learning in off campus internship placements. Prior approval must be obtained from the School of Social Work practicum coordinator and from the Center for Work-Based Learning. A maximum of 6 credits of Internship (198, 398,) may count toward graduation.

S W 200 - Intro to Social Work Practice. 3 Credits.

Offered spring. Prereq., S W 100, sophomore standing. Introduction to social work as a profession, including an examination of goals, guiding philosophy and basic assumptions. Emphasis on a generalist framework of social work practice and the development of beginning analytical and practice skills.

S W 291 - Special Topics. 1-6 Credits.

(R-6) Offered intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.

S W 300 - Human Behavior & Social Environment. 3 Credits.

Offered autumn. Prereq., WRIT 101 or WRIT 201; S W 200, junior standing in Social Work, and consent of instructor. Using the ecological-social systems framework, the integration of knowledge and concepts from the social and behavioral sciences for analysis and assessment of problems and issues relevant to professional social work practice.

Gen Ed Attributes: Writing in the Disciplines

S W 310 - S W Policy & Services. 3 Credits.

Offered spring. Prereq., S W 300. Social welfare history, program planning and analysis with review of selected policies on the national level. Includes international comparisons. Upper-division writing course.

S W 350 - Social Work Intervention Methods I. 3 Credits.

Offered autumn. Prereq., S W 200 and consent of instructor. The study and application of the generalist model of social work practice and related techniques and procedures for the assessment, intervention and prevention of problems in social functioning. Emphasis on individuals and families.

S W 360 - Social Work Intervention Methods II. 3 Credits.

Offered spring. Prereq., S W 300 and S W 350.The study and application of the generalist model of social work practice and related techniques and procedures for the assessment, intervention and prevention of problems in social functioning. Emphasis on groups and team meetings.

S W 391 - Special Topics. 1-12 Credits.

(R-12) Offered intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.

S W 398 - Internship. 1-6 Credits.

(R-6) Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., consent of instructor. Application of classroom learning in off campus internship placements. Prior approval must be obtained from the School of Social Work practicum coordinator and the Center for Work-Based Learning. A maximum of 6 credits of Internship (198, 398) may count toward graduation.

S W 400 - Social Work Research. 3 Credits.

Offered autumn. Prereq., S W 350. Utilization of social research findings in social work practice. Techniques for the collection and analysis of clinical data. Special emphasis on research methodology for the assessment of practitioner and program effectiveness. Level: Undergraduate-Graduate

S W 410E - Social Work Ethics. 3 Credits.

Offered spring. Prereq., S W 350. Analysis of specific ethical dilemmas from personal, professional and policy perspectives. Focus on ethical issues common to the helping professions and utilizing codes of ethics as guides to decision-making. The relationship between professional ethical issues and the development of social policy. Level: Undergraduate-Graduate

Gen Ed Attributes: Ethical & Human Values

S W 420 - Child Abuse/Child Welfare. 3 Credits.

Offered autumn. Prereq., junior standing or consent of instr. Signs and symptoms of physical and sexual abuse and neglect, family dynamics in abuse and neglect, the legal context, programs of prevention and intervention, foster care, special needs adoptions and related issues in child welfare. Level: Undergraduate-Graduate

S W 423 - Addiction Studies. 3 Credits.

Offered spring and summer, online. Examination of substance use disorders and misuse, behavioral compulsions, including alcohol and other drugs, gambling, eating disorders, sexual addictions. Ecosystems perspective on etiology, treatment, prevention, family dynamics, community response, and societal contributors. This course is an elective that satisfies curriculum towards the State of Montana Licensed Addictions Counselor (LAC) credential. Level: graduate and undergraduate.

S W 424 - Professional Skills Lab. 2 Credits.

Is an online two credit course that is required for students enrolled in the Child Welfare Certificate Program. The course provides students with the practice skills needed to successfully enter the child welfare field and include: conducting assessments, interviewing children, adults, and families, family engagement, documentation, case management, crisis intervention, and preparing and testifying in court. Level: Undergraduate-Graduate

S W 426 - Substance Use Disorders and Social Work Skills Sets. 3 Credits.

Offered autumn. Prereq., S W 423 or consent of instr. This course is designed to help Licensed Addiction Tract social work students build on the knowledge and theories introduced in SW 423, while building competencies in core skill- sets required for working directly with populations impacted by substance use disorders and misuse. This course is an elective that satisfies curriculum towards the State of Montana Licensed Addictions Counselor (LAC) credential. Level: graduate and undergraduate.

S W 427 - Motivational Interviewing. 2 Credits.

This blended course will provide foundations for proficiency in understanding and use of Motivational Interviewing (MI). MI will be taught through an inter-professional education (IPE) model as an evidence-based interview practice to support behavior change and enhance the delivery of best practice approaches between client and practitioner in various allied health and human service fields. This course is an elective that satisfies curriculum towards the State of Montana Licensed Addictions Counselor (LAC) credential. Level: graduate and undergraduate.

S W 450 - Children and Youth at Risk. 3 Credits.

Offered autumn or spring. Focus on the aspects of society that pose a threat to todays youth and the ramification of those threats on youth development and behavior. Resilience and protective factors for youth at risk and strategies to work with those youth. Attention to related systems in Missoula and Montana, including juvenile justice, mental health, child protection, substance abuse, and education. Level: Undergraduate-Graduate

S W 455 - Social Gerontology. 3 Credits.

Offered autumn. Examination of the field of social gerontology, including an examination of the major bio/psycho/social/cultural/spiritual theories of aging, the service system, social and health issues, family and care-giving dynamics, social policy, and end of life concerns. Level: Undergraduate-Graduate

S W 463 - Social Justice in Indian Country. 2 Credits.

Offered autumn. This provides the senior undergraduate/graduate student with an overview of the history and context of the social and political issues impacting tribal communities. This course also provides an opportunity for students to become familiar with the strengths, values, and cultural paradigms of North American tribes while also providing the foundation for understanding the health, education, and environmental disparities of AI/AN people. Level: Undergraduate-Graduate

S W 464 - Cultural Humility in Social Work Practice: Valuing Diversity. 3 Credits.

Offered autumn. Prereq., S W 300. A required diversity course specific to social work. The course is designed to provide foundational understandings of anti-racist and inclusive principles and practices in the social work profession, as defined in professional, state and educational accreditation standards and guidelines. Level: Undergraduate

S W 465 - Social Work Global Context. 3 Credits.

Offered spring even-numbered years. Prereq., upper-division or graduate standing. Examination of globalization, human rights, poverty, international aid, and gender issues; their relationship to social work and social justice, and strategies for action. Level: Undergraduate-Graduate

S W 475 - Death, Dying and Grief. 3 Credits.

Offered intermittently. Examination of death, dying and grief from an ecological perspective, focusing on the processes of dying and theories of grief. Emphasis on physical, social, psychological, spiritual, and cultural influences that surround death and grief. Consideration of cultural norms, attitudes toward death, medical, legal and ethical issues of dying. Focus on normal and complicated grief. Level: Undergraduate-Graduate

S W 480 - Women's Policy Leadership Institute. 1 Credit.

(R-6) Attendance of the annual Women's Policy Leadership Institute conference in Helena. Co-convened with S W 580. Graded on a credit/no-credit basis. Level: Undergraduate

S W 487 - Advanced Practice I. 2 Credits.

Offered every term. Prereq., S W 350 and Coreq., S W 495 and admission to the practicum program. Consideration and discussion of practicum-related matters, professional development, and issues confronting the profession. Level: Undergraduate

S W 488 - Advanced Practice II. 2 Credits.

Prereq., S W 350 and Coreq., S W 495 and admission to the practicum program. Consideration and discussion of practicum-related matters, professional development, and issues confronting the profession. Level: Undergraduate

S W 491 - Special Topics. 1-9 Credits.

(R-9) Offered intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics. Level: Undergraduate-Graduate

S W 492 - Independent Study. 1-10 Credits.

(R-10) Offered intermittently. Prereq., 10 credits in social work. Independent work under the University omnibus option. Level: Undergraduate

S W 495 - Field Work Practicum. 5 Credits.

(R-10) Offered every term. Prereq., S W 350 and approved application to practicum coordinator. Practicum must be taken over two consecutive semesters for a total of 10 credits. Minimum of one credit per semester. Cumulative grade average of 2.75 or above in S W 100, S W 200, S W 300, S W 350 and S W 360 and a 3.0 grade average for S W 200, S W 350 and S W 360 are required. Supervised field work in public and private agencies and institutions. Successful completion of the field work practicum requires a passing performance on the school administered professional social work competency examination. Level: Undergraduate-Graduate

S W 500 - Orientation. 1 Credit.

Restricted to students in the Master of Social Work program. Seminar introducing M.S.W. students to program philosophy and social works theory and value base. Level: Graduate

S W 505 - Foundations of Social Work Practice. 2 Credits.

Restricted to students in the Master of Social Work program. Introductory practice course that examines generalist social work practice, dominant theoretical influences, and forces shaping social work over time. Level: Graduate

S W 510 - Human Behavior and Social Environment I. 3 Credits.

Restricted to students in the Master of Social Work program. Introduction to and critical consideration of social work perspectives on human behavior as influenced by the social environment. Particular attention is paid to biological, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual influences. Level: Graduate

S W 511 - Human Behavior and Social Intervention II. 3 Credits.

Prereq., S W 510. Restricted to students in the Master of Social Work program. Advanced course on human behavior and social environment that addresses difference and diversity, histories and mechanisms of discrimination and oppression, and frameworks for thought and practice that recognize diversity and promote social justice. Level: Graduate

S W 515 - Practice with Individuals & Families. 3 Credits.

Restricted to students in the Master of Social Work program. Practice-oriented course building on students developing knowledge of engagement, assessment, intervention and evaluation and the application to practice with individuals and families in context of community. Level: Graduate

S W 520 - Social Work Research Methods. 3 Credits.

Restricted to students in the Master of Social Work program. Introduction to principles, methodologies, technologies, and statistical approaches of human service research. Emphasis on beginning capabilities in evaluation of social work practice and skill development regarding use of published research. Level: Graduate

S W 521 - Advanced Research. 3 Credits.

Prereq., S W 520. Restricted to students in the Master of Social Work program. The use of research within the integrated practice model of social work through evaluation of practice and program evaluation. Advanced statistical concepts are applied to direct practice and five types of program evaluation. Level: Graduate

S W 525 - Practicum in Groups & Communities. 4 Credits.

Prereq., S W 515. Restricted to students in the Master of Social Work program. Practice oriented course addressing theories, frameworks, principles, and skills of group and community work. Dynamics of group work and examination of modalities such as mutual aid and social action groups. Level: Graduate

S W 526 - Critical Skills in Social Work Practice. 3 Credits.

Restricted to students in the Master of Social Work Advanced Standing program. This course is a refresher on the theories, frameworks, principles, and skills of individual, group, and community practice. It builds on the integrative model of social work knowledge and the skills students developed in BSW coursework and field education. It expands on these for effective individual, group, and community work. The course begins by examining social work’s historic commitment to work beginning at the turn of the 20th century. Students learn about the principles and dynamics of clinical and community work and examine and participate in an experiential training model for direct practice. Students will also complete a community change planning project based on the identified needs of the student’s own community. This course focuses on the skills necessary to become effective individual, group, and community-based practitioners. Students will develop and hone interpersonal, group, and community practice skills as they identify specific problems, facilitate decision-making processes, and formulate plans for intervention. Throughout the course, students will use diverse approaches to self assessment of personal and professional development, evaluate strategies and tactics of community practice, and critically reflect on the interrelationship of values, ethics, power, knowledge, and communication. Particular attention will be paid to the influence of systemic inequalities (i.e., racism, sexism, classism, ageism, heterosexism) in interpersonal interactions and skill building for empowerment-oriented practice. Level: Graduate

S W 530 - History of Social Policy. 3 Credits.

Restricted to students in the Master of Social Work program. Foundation in social welfare policy and services; examination of relationship between history social welfare policy and emergence of social work profession. Introduction to frameworks for policy analysis. Level: Graduate

S W 531 - Social Policy Analysis. 3 Credits.

Prereq., S W 530 or S W 533. Restricted to students in the Master of Social Work program. Focus on the analysis of existing or proposed policies specific to oppressed populations, rural areas and isolated communities. Level: Graduate

S W 532 - Indian Child Welfare Act. 1 Credit.

Restricted to students in the Master of Social Work program. This course will provide students with an understanding of the Indian Child Welfare Act including the historical events leading to its passage and contemporary issues surrounding implementation of the law. Students will apply knowledge of the law to practice and build skills on working across cultural differences in order to promote the best interest of American Indian children and families.

S W 533 - History of Social Policy, Justice, and Change. 2 Credits.

Restricted to students in the Master of Social Work Advanced Standing program. This foundation course in social policy history examines the dynamic relationship among the forces and movements shaping U.S. social history, the development of social welfare policies, and the emergence of the social work profession. We address the cultural and historical contexts and political and economic forces forging social conditions, professional responses to those conditions, and public debates regarding the nature of social welfare, approaches to policy analysis and advocacy, and the dynamics of policy change. We critically examine the values, assumptions, and knowledge bases that have informed social policies, programs, and services with attention to questions of difference, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

S W 535 - Advanced Practice. 4 Credits.

Prereq., S W 525 or S W 526. Restricted to students in the Master of Social Work program. Builds on the skills, knowledge, and values of the foundation generalist and practice courses. Level: Graduate

S W 545 - Organizational Leadership. 3 Credits.

Prereq., S W 525 or S W 535. Restricted to students in the Master of Social Work program. Advanced training in professional leadership and how to effectively conceive, plan, design, implement, manage, assess, and change contemporary organizations. Level: Graduate

S W 551 - Couples and Family Therapy. 3 Credits.

Offered spring. Prereq., S W 505. Restricted to students in the Master of Social Work program. Course explores family-centered methods of clinical social work interventions with couples and families that can be applied in a variety of settings. Level: Graduate

S W 552 - Differential Diagnosis in Clinical Social Work Practice. 3 Credits.

Prereq., S W 505. Restricted to students in the Master of Social Work program. Focus on current problems of children, adolescents, and adults of all ages that can be classified as a mental disorder under the DSM system. Includes information on theories within the bio-psycho-social paradigm of causality of disorders/conditions; on methods of assessment, including the DSM; and an understanding of how social injustice, oppression, and poverty impacts healthy growth and development across the lifespan. Level: Graduate

S W 553 - Social Work Addictions. 3 Credits.

Offered spring semester. Restricted to students in the Master of Social Work program. The course examines historical and contemporary models of direct practice, and current ideological, political, policy and systemic challenges to the practice of social work in the addictions. Level: Graduate

S W 556 - Expressive Arts Therapy: Healing Trauma and Soul Wounds. 3 Credits.

Offered spring and summer. Restricted to students in the Master of Social Work program. This course introduces students to Expressive Arts Therapy principles related to trauma, secondary trauma, post-traumatic growth, and vicarious resilience. Expressive arts theory centers the arts as a catalyst to heal and bolster psychosocial wellbeing. Various forms of creative expression will be introduced as an avenue to reflect, communicate, and support others in their wellness. Culturally based art experiences will be demonstrated and practiced throughout the course. Level: Graduate

S W 557 - Introduction to Trauma-Focused Psychotherapy. 3 Credits.

Offered fall. Prereq., S W 500, S W 505, & S W 510. Modern mental health research acknowledges that traumatic experiences underlie many common pathologies and that skillfully engaging traumatic material is an important part of effective mental health care. In many settings, clinicians are expected to have a sound theoretical understanding of trauma and its effects as well as a toolbox of practical interventions to supplement cognitive and behavioral models that are most commonly emphasized in community mental health work. This course is designed to provide students with a working understanding of the theory and neurobiology of trauma treatment, an introduction to contemporary models of trauma processing, and a palette of clinical skills that they can employ as they begin their careers as clinicians. Level: Graduate

S W 576 - Found Integrative Seminar I. 1 Credit.

Restricted to students in the Master of Social Work program. Seminar accompanying first semester foundation practicum in which students discuss experience with goal of integrating theory and practice. Level: Graduate

S W 577 - Found Integrative Seminar II. 1 Credit.

Prereq., S W 505 and S W 587. Restricted to students in the Master of Social Work program. Seminar accompanying second semester foundation practicum in which students discuss experience with goal of integrating theory and practice. Level: Graduate

S W 578 - Advanced Seminar I. 1 Credit.

Prereq., S W 587. Coreq., S W 588. Critical analysis of how predominant social work theories and professional values and skills are being incorporated into the practicum. Level: Graduate

S W 579 - Advanced Seminar II. 1 Credit.

Prereq., S W 578. Critical analysis of how predominant social work theories and professional values and skills are being incorporated into the practicum. Advanced portfolio development. Level: Graduate

S W 580 - Women's Policy Leadership Institute . 1 Credit.

(R-6) Students receive 1 credit for attendance of the annual Women's Policy Leadership Institute conference in Helena. Students may take this credit every year. Credit/No-Credit grading.

S W 586 - Foundation Practicum I. 2 Credits.

Restricted to students in the Master of Social Work program. First semester foundation field practicum experience in a supervised setting designed to provide opportunities to integrate classroom learning and field experiences. Course graded only on CR/NCR basis. Level: Graduate

S W 587 - Foundation Practicum II. 2 Credits.

Prereq., S W 505 and S W 586. Restricted to students in the Master of Social Work program. Second semester foundation field practicum experience in a supervised setting designed to provide opportunities to integrate classroom learning and field experiences. Level: Graduate

S W 588 - Concentration Practicum I. 3 Credits.

Prereq., S W 587. Coreq., S W 578. Advanced supervised field work in public and private agencies and institutions. Course graded only on CR/NCR basis. Level: Graduate

S W 589 - Concentration Practicum II. 3 Credits.

Prereq., S W 588. Advanced supervised field work in public and private agencies and institutions. Level: Graduate

S W 590 - Research. 1-9 Credits.

(R-9) Offered autumn or spring. Restricted to students in the Master of Social Work program. Directed individual graduate research and study appropriate to background and objectives of the student. Level: Graduate

S W 591 - Special Topics. 1-9 Credits.

(R-9) Offered autumn and spring. Restricted to students in the Master of Social Work program. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics. Level: Graduate

S W 592 - Independent Study. 1-9 Credits.

(R-9) Offered autumn or spring. Restricted to graduate students in the Master of Social Work program. Course material appropriate to the needs and objectives of the individual student. Level: Graduate

S W 594 - Graduate Seminar. 3 Credits.

(R-9) Offered autumn or spring. Restricted to students in the Master of Social Work program. In-depth analysis of a current social work issue. Level: Graduate

S W 599 - Professional Portfolio. 1 Credit.

Summative and in-depth written analysis of course work and practicum experience. Level: Graduate