2007-2008 Undergraduate Bulletin

DIVISION OF BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
Robert Dunn, Ph. D. - Chair

Criminal Justice
Psychology
Social Work

The Division of Behavioral Sciences includes programs in Psychology, Criminal Justice and Social Work. The program descriptions and major requirements are listed below.

The criminal justice program offers courses which lead to a criminal justice major and a criminal justice minor. Both the major and minor in criminal justice include courses with a “CRJ” prefix along with other criminal justice courses that are cross-listed with sociology courses. These will be identified by their "SOC" prefix.

Major in Criminal Justice:
The criminal justice major also requires a Senior Seminar course as well as a 3-9 credit field instruction experience. Before a student can enroll in his/her field instruction, most course requirements for the criminal justice major must be completed, and the student must attain junior status. Required and elective courses in the criminal justice major must have a 2.0 GPA.

A total of 37 credits is required for a major in criminal justice which include 33 credit hours in criminal justice courses and 4 credits in L.MAT-115 Statistics - FM. (L.MAT-115 Statistics - FM satisfies the mathematical modeling requirement as well as the Departmental statistics requirement.) 28-34 hours of this total involve criminal justice courses that are required to graduate: L.CRJ-120, L.CRJ-224, L.CRJ/SOC-252, L.CRJ/SOC-253, L.CRJ-330, L.CRJ-423, L.CRJ-480 and L.CRJ-490.

Minor in Criminal Justice
The minor in criminal justice can be attained by completing an 18 credit hour curriculum in selected criminal justice courses. The student must maintain a GPA of 2.00 in these courses. The required courses within this curriculum include L.CRJ-120, L.CRJ/SOC-252, L.CRJ/SOC-253, and 9 additional credits taken from any of the criminal justice courses except L.CRJ-490: Field Instruction.

CRIMINAL JUSTICES COURSES

L.CRJ-120. Introduction to Criminal Justice.
The history and philosophy of criminal justice, overview of current criminal justice agencies and their respective roles, constitutional limitations, the process of justice and evaluation of the modern criminal justice system. 3 credits. Each semester.

L.CRJ-224. Criminal Law.
The history of criminal law, the elements of crime, and the development of both in America. Included also are arrest and courtroom procedures. 3 credits. Prerequisite: L.CRJ-120. Each semester.
 
L.CRJ-252. Criminology.
(Cross-listed as L.SOC-252)
A comprehensive analysis of crime in America, emphasizing the causes and consequences of criminal activity. Consideration is also given to theories of crime and societal responses to criminal behavior. No prerequisite.  3 credits. Each semester.

L.CRJ-253. Introduction to Corrections.
(Cross-listed as L.SOC-253)
An introductory examination of the treatment of criminal offenders in the United States. The history of punishment and its relationship to current competing correctional philosophies is discussed. Major topics include probation, prisons and their operation, and parole. No prerequisite. 3 credits. Each semester.

L.CRJ-258. Juvenile Delinquency.
(Cross-listed as L.SOC-258)
A sociological analysis of the nature of delinquent behavior. An examination of family, neighborhood, school, peer group, social class and cultural determinants of delinquency. In addition, societal attempts to control and prevent delinquency will be considered. No prerequisite. 3 credits. Dependent upon staff and demand.

L.CRJ-260. Victimology.
A study of the origins of crime victimization and the various theories related to this area of criminal justice. Included will be an exploration of the historical trends that reflect the political and societal responses to the issue of crime victimization. Emphasis will be placed on the differences between violent and non-violent victimization, issues related to restorative justice, victim-offender mediation and the emergence of the movement to support victims' rights. Prerequisites: L.CRJ-120, L.CRJ-252 and L.CRJ-253. 3 credits. Each fall semester.

L.CRJ-275. Creating and Controlling Crime: A Global Perspective-AC.
Crime and societal responses to it are addressed from a cross-cultural perspective. Cultural, historical, and socio-political contexts that give rise to patterns of crime as well as crime control processes are examined and compared. A macro-level analysis of cultural and institutional arrangements that contribute to, as well as inhibit criminal tendencies in the United States and selected countries throughout the world are explored. Prerequisites: L.LIB-100, L.LIB-105, L.LIB-110, and one course from L.LIB-120, L.LIB-130, or L.LIB-135. 3 credits. Each semester.

L.CRJ-300. Criminal Investigation.
The fundamentals of criminal investigation, including crime scene procedure, crime scene search, collection and preservation of evidence, a survey of related forensic science, police reports, interviews and interrogations, and methods of surveillance. Methods of preparing and presenting the case to the court are also studied. Prerequisites: L.CRJ-120, L.CRJ-252, L.CRJ-253. 3 credits. Dependent upon staff and demand.

L.CRJ-312. Crime Prevention.  
Familiarization with various theoretical approaches to crime prevention and the framework for describing and understanding current crime prevention initiatives. Emphasis will be placed on the examination and evaluation of current institutional and community crime prevention programs. Prerequisites: L.CRJ-120, L.CRJ-252, L.CRJ-253. 3 credits. Each spring semester.

L.CRJ-312. Crime Analysis & Profiling.
Familiarization with various theoretical approaches to crime patterning, profiling prevention. Emphasis will be placed on the development, examination and evaluation of current institutional crime analysis in interdiction efforts Prerequisites: L.CRJ-120, L.CRJ-252, L.CRJ-253. 3 credits. Each spring semester. 

L.CRJ-321. Police and Society.
An examination of the police image in a changing society, including police citizen partnership in crime prevention. Issues in policing, including use of deadly force, stress, education, and corruption, together with administrative issues, including recruitment, promotion and management are considered. Prerequisites: L.CRJ-120, L.CRJ-252, L.CRJ-253. 3 credits.  Dependent upon staff and demand.

L.CRJ-325. White Collar Crime.
An examination of both occupational and organizational criminality. Special attention will be directed to the unique nature of white collar criminality in light of our traditional understanding of crime. The course will explore such issues as the evolution of regulatory law, corporate responsibility, and the limits of the law and law enforcement in combating white collar crime. Prerequisites: L.CRJ-120, L.CRJ-252, L.CRJ-253. 3 credits. Dependent upon staff and demand.

L.CRJ-330. Juvenile Justice.
A history of the juvenile justice system in the United States with special emphasis on the changes which have taken place in this field. An examination of current juvenile justice strategies and the role which politics and social change have played in this current perspective. Prerequisites: L.CRJ-120, L.CRJ-252, L.CRJ-253. 3 credits. Each fall semester.

L.CRJ-400. Women and Crime.
An analysis of sex-linked differences in aggression, the nature and extent of female crime through history to the present day, focusing on the most common forms of criminal expression. Emphasis is placed on traditional and contemporary theories of causality, the legal status of women, the processing of women through the criminal justice system and the impact of female criminality on fundamental institutional structures and social organization. Prerequisites: L.CRJ-120, L.CRJ-252, L.CRJ-253. 3 credits. Dependent upon staff and demand.

L.CRJ-423. Research Methods in Criminal Justice.
An introduction to the issues of problem formulation, research ethics, research designs, data gathering strategies, statistics and data analysis. The course will attempt to familiarize the student with research methods through the use of criminal justice studies. Students will be required to carry out a research project. Junior standing. Prerequisites: L.CRJ-120, L.CRJ-252, L.CRJ-253, L.MAT-115. 3 credits. Each semester.

L.CRJ-480. Senior Seminar.
The capstone of the criminal justice program with an applied perspective. An overview of the legal and ethical considerations found within the majority of criminal justice settings. This course will also cover current career opportunities in the field of criminal justice and the respective expectations within these various fields for the college-trained practitioner. Prerequisites: L.CRJ-120, L.CRJ-224, L.CRJ-252, L.CRJ-253, L.CRJ-330, L.CRJ-324, L.CRJ-423, L.MAT-115. 3 credits.  Each fall semester.

L.CRJ-490. Criminal Justice Field Instruction.
Individually planned and supervised experience in a criminal justice agency which will enable students to integrate criminal justice knowledge with practical experience. Students will earn between 3-9 hours of academic credit for successful completion of their field instruction experience. The supervision of this field experience will be conducted by the coordinator of the Criminal Justice Program or another faculty designated by the coordinator. Application for field instruction must be made to and accepted by the coordinator of the Criminal Justice Program in the semester preceding the term in which the field experience is undertaken. This course is offered only to criminal justice majors who have completed all required courses.

PSYCHOLOGY

Requirements for Major in Psychology:
The minimum requirement for a major in psychology is completed by taking L.PSY-101, 211, 212, 331, 412, two courses from: (121, 221, 224, or 225), one course from: (231,  233, or 332), and nine credits in psychology from courses not used to fulfill the above requirements for a total of 35 credits in psychology.  Students seeking to add psychology as a second major to an existing major may substitute the two course statistics and research methods sequence from their first major for L.PSY-211 and L.PSY-212.  A 2.00 GPA in psychology courses completed at Loras College is required for a major. All psychology majors are also required to take a comprehensive examination in psychology (currently the Psychology Area Concentration Achievement Test) during the semester in which they enroll in L.PSY-412.

To maintain adequate progress toward a psychology major and to prepare for the psychology comprehensive, we strongly recommend that prospective psychology majors do the following: Take L.PSY-101 during the first year; L.PSY-211 and 212 in their second year and no later than the junior year; L.PSY-331 during the junior year; and L.PSY-412 during either the junior or senior year. Students need permission of the chair of the Division of Behavioral Sciences to take L.PSY-211, 212, or 412 at another institution. Majors pursuing a semester away from Loras College (e.g. study abroad) may schedule this semester any time from the second semester of the sophomore year to the first semester of the senior year; these students should consult with a psychology advisor to adjust their schedules accordingly.

Career plans for psychology majors may include graduate school, business and industry (a business minor is strongly recommended), medical school, law school, teaching, or semiprofessional positions in a psychological setting or closely related fields. Others major in psychology for their personal growth and development. Students majoring in psychology are strongly urged to consult a psychology advisor for suggested courses and relevant electives.

Requirements for Minor in Psychology:
The minimum requirements for a minor in psychology are completed by taking L.PSY-101, one course from: (231, 232, 233, 331, or 332), one course from: (121, 221, 224, or 225), and nine credits in psychology from courses not used to fulfill the above requirements for a total of 18 credits. We recommend students take L.PSY-101 before taking any other psychology courses.

Requirements for Grades 7-12 Teaching Endorsement in Psychology:
Education majors interested in teaching psychology may obtain a teaching endorsement by taking L.PSY-101, 121, 221 or 441, 224 or 225, 232 or 332, 331, and two additional courses in psychology for a total of 24 credits in psychology courses. We recommend students take L.PSY-101 before taking any other psychology course. Please refer to the Education Division for more information about the requirements for the education major.

PSYCHOLOGY COURSES

L.PSY-101. Introductory Psychology.
An introduction to the science and practice of psychology as a discipline within the liberal arts. All sections will include an overview and brief history of psychology, basic research methods and statistics, physiological psychology, and human development. Each section will also include three or more of the following topics: learning and/or cognition; social psychology and/or motivation-emotion; abnormal psychology and/or clinical-counseling psychology. Some sections may include other topics in psychology (e.g., industrial-organizational psychology; coping with stress; perception; intelligence and creativity). 3 credits. Each semester.

L.PSY-121. Developmental Psychology.
A study of human development across the life-span, with emphasis on the factors influencing physical, cognitive, and emotional development. 3 credits. Each semester.

L.PSY-211. Research Methods and Statistics I.
An introduction to the use of research strategies and tools of measurement in psychology. The scientific method will be reviewed, as well as standards of ethical research conduct as applied to psychology. Students will study the techniques of scientific writing, including the components of an APA style research report, and will practice searching the psychological literature. The course will also survey basic non-experimental research strategies, including naturalistic observation, surveys, focus groups and archival research. The SPSS computer program will be used to introduce basic data handling, descriptive and correlational statistics. Students will be expected to participate in elementary research studies, produce APA style research papers, and evaluate research literature. Prerequisite: Successful completion (with C- or better) of the mathematical modeling requirement, L.PSY-101 or equivalent. 4 credits. Each fall semester.

L.PSY-212. Research Methods and Statistics II.
This course continues instruction in psychological research by reviewing the basics of the scientific method, ethics, and APA style. Experimental research will then be introduced, along with more advanced inferential statistics (i.e. t-tests, ANOVA’s multiple regression). More complex designs, such as meta-analysis and factor analysis will be discussed. Students will again be expected to participate in elementary research studies, produce APA style research papers, and evaluate research literature. Prerequisite: Successful completion of L.PSY-101 or equivalent and L.PSY-211 (with C- or better),. 4 credits. Each spring semester.

L.PSY-221. Abnormal Psychology.
An examination of mental disorder in terms of etiology and therapy. Prerequisites: L.PSY-101 and sophomore standing. 3 credits. Each year.

L.PSY-224. Social Psychology: Social Influences on Individuality-AI.
How is your individuality influenced by your social surroundings? Do the groups you join change your attitudes and behavior? Are social forces affecting your individual decisions? Can one person change an entire community? This course will apply theories and research in social psychology to the examination of these questions. Prejudice, attribution, attraction, conformity, persuasion, group processes, and altruism are some of the psychological topics that will be discussed. Students will reflect on their personal social experiences, conduct research into current social events, discuss literature written about individual struggles with society, and design ways to effect positive social change in their communities. Prerequisites: L.LIB-100, L.LIB-105, L.LIB-110, and one course from L.LIB-120, L.LIB-130, or L.LIB-135. 3 credits. Each year.

L.PSY-225. Introduction to Personality-AI.
Introduction to Personality examines the life-long interaction between individual and environment in the forming and periodic reforming of one's personality. Age-related tasks central to the development of a healthy personality will be highlighted. These include: nurturing, socialization, belonging to groups, developing competencies, establishing intimacy, and constructing an identity. The interaction among the biological, the psychological, and the socio-cultural will be emphasized in describing and explaining personality. Prerequisites: L.LIB-100, L.LIB-105, L.LIB-110, and one course from L.LIB-120, L.LIB-130, or L.LIB-135. 3 credits.

L.PSY-226. Psychology of Adulthood and Aging-AI.
An overview of the development of physiological, intellectual, and interpersonal social functioning from early adulthood through the aging years.  The dual theme is that of stability and change.  We will do this by investigating the social, political, economic, biological, as well as medical aspects of aging.  Prerequisites: L.LIB-100, L.LIB-105, L.LIB-110, and one course from L.LIB-120, L.LIB-130, or L.LIB-135. 3 credits.

L.PSY-227. Culture and Psychopathology-AC.
This course reviews major categories of Mental Illness as described by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder.  The course material considers these categories in light of the influence of culture on the diagnosis, course and prognosis.  The three foundational concepts include a consideration of mind/body dualism, the concepts of self and the phenomenon on resilience.  The foundational concepts provide a cultural lens for understanding the broader culture of “mental illness” as it occurs around the world.  Prerequisites: L.LIB-100, L.LIB-105, L.LIB-110, and one course from L.LIB-120, L.LIB-130, or L.LIB-135. 3 credits.

L.PSY-233. Motivation and Emotion.
Contemporary theories of motivation and emotion, empirical approaches to the study of motivation and emotion emphasizing application to humans. Prerequisites: L.PSY-101. 3 credits.

L.PSY-241. Parent-Child Relationships.
A study of the psychological influences of parents on children and, reciprocally, the influences of children on parents, from prenatal stages to independence. 3 credits. Each year.

L.PSY-242. Industrial-Organizational Behavior.
A survey of how psychology principles may be applied to the behavior of people at work. Topics covered include job analysis, selection, performance appraisal, training, work motivation, work teams, leadership and organizational development. Prerequisite: L.PSY-101. Recommended: L.PSY-211 or L.BUS-310. 3 credits.

L.PSY-252. Positive Psychology: Wellness and Positive Adjustment-AI.
Students will examine a variety of human strengths such as love, empathy, and happiness and will explore the factors that influence each strength’s development and expression in their lives. Prerequisites: L.LIB-100, L.LIB-105, L.LIB-110, and one course from L.LIB-120, L.LIB-130, or L.LIB-135. 3 credits. 

L.PSY-265. Psychology as a Profession.
This course is designed to help students explore career options with a psychology major.  Students also develop a professional resume and learn about the wealth of resources available to make good career and professional decisions as their academic career progresses.  Prerequisite: L.PSY-101. 1 credit.

L.PSY-267. Psychology and the Arts-AA.
In this course, students will explore how art is perceived, created, and used. Students will study perception, cultural differences, personality and creativity, and art as therapy. There will be activities designed to enhance creativity. Artistic experience is not required! Prerequisites: L.LIB-100, L.LIB-105, L.LIB-110, and one course from L.LIB-120, L.LIB-130, or L.LIB-135. 3 credits.

L.PSY-277. Cultural Voices-AC.
What is culture? How do your cultural lenses influence your view of other cultures? What happens when cultures meet? This course will utilize theories and concepts from cross-cultural psychology and intercultural communication to take an in-depth look at culture in general and at a variety of micro-cultures, including gender, social class and popular culture. Students will read an assortment of writings from a diverse range of cultural perspectives and will use these readings to engage in discussion of current controversies surrounding cultural diversity (i.e. affirmative action, bilingual education) and current issues regarding specific cultural groups (i.e. Latino immigrants living and working in America, the collectivist work ethic in Japan). Prerequisites: L.LIB-100, L.LIB-105, L.LIB-110, and one course from L.LIB-120, L.LIB-130, or L.LIB-135. 3 credits.

L.PSY-285. Drugs and Human Behavior: Physiological & Psychological Aspects-AH.
This is a course about psychoactive drugs – drugs that alter mood, thought processes and behavior by influencing the functioning of nerve cells (neurons). Students will not need an extensive background in biology, chemistry or psychology to master the material covered in this class. However, some familiarity with one or two of the above content areas will be advantageous. Prerequisites: L.LIB-100, L.LIB-105, L.LIB-110, and L.LIB-112 or equivalent and a college level introductory course in at least one of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Psychology. 3 credits.

L.PSY-331. Physiological Psychology.
Basics of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology with applications in genetics, motivation, emotion, movement, sleep, sensory processes, and mental disorders and their treatment. Prerequisites: L.PSY-101. 3 credits. Each year.

L.PSY-332. Learning and Cognition.
An overview of how people learn, acquire and use knowledge.  Course examines mental processes to include:learning, memory, and cognition. Prerequisites: L.PSY-101. Recommended: L.PSY-212. 3 credits.

L.PSY-341. Psychology of Marriage.
Psychological study of marriage.  Topics include: social attraction, intimacy, interpersonal communication. Special attention will be given to the psychological characteristics of successful marriages.  Several theoretical perspectives will be included to include: psychology, sociology, communication, and gender studies.  Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of instructor. 3 credits.

L.PSY-351. Advanced Research Methods.
Supervised research in selected topics in psychology. Students are trained as members of a research team in this course that builds on methods introduced in L.PSY-212. Ongoing research projects offer opportunities for the application of research design, statistical analysis, library research, report writing, and presentations at conferences. Admission by written permission of the instructor only. Prerequisite: L.PSY-212. 1-3 credits. Each semester.

L.PSY-352. Animal Behavior.
(Cross-listed as L.BIO-310)
This is a seminar course designed to explore current topics in the area of animal behavior in the context of evolutionary theory.  Topics may include mate choice, parental care, group formation, or habitat selection, with emphasis on birds and mammals.  Students will learn to read and critically evaluate articles from the primary literature, and will be responsible for conducting a seminar and leading class discussion on a topic of their choice.  Prerequisite:  L.LIB-110.  2 credits.  Dependent upon staff and demand.

L.PSY-390. Psychology Peer Assistantship.
Students will serve as classroom assistants for psychology professors in introductory psychology or developmental psychology classes. Prerequisites: Instructor approval is required; junior standing is preferred. 1 credit.

L.PSY-394. Internship.
Supervised field work in the area of applied psychology. Students should arrange for a field setting the semester before they register. Admission by written permission of instructor only. 1-3 credits. Each semester.

L.PSY-395. Special Topics.
Designed to satisfy the special interests of students and psychology professors. 1-3 credits. Dependent upon staff and demand.

L.PSY-398. Interdepartmental Seminar.
Topics and credits to be arranged.

L.PSY-399. Interdivisional Seminar.
Topics and credits to be arranged.

L.PSY-412. Senior Seminar in Psychology.
This seminar course is designed to enhance the professional skills of candidates for the bachelor of arts in psychology, skills in idea generation, library research, critical reading, ethical decision making, and oral/written communication. Students will develop these skills by reading and discussing the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct and by researching, presenting talks, writing papers, and discussing current issues and controversies in psychology. Prerequisites: L.PSY-101, 212. 3 credits. Each year.

L.PSY-423. Psychology of Adulthood and Aging.
A survey of modern knowledge about the processes of becoming old (aging) and old age itself. Emphasis is placed on cognitive processes, personality, and mental health. Prerequisites: L.PSY-101 or written permission of instructor. 3 credits.

L.PSY-427. Human Development.
Basic principles and sequences in human development. Prerequisite: L.PSY-101. 3 credits.

L.PSY-430. Clinical Psychopharmacology.
An introductory course on the nature and bases of drug influence on behavior. Such knowledge is essential for the development of rational chemical therapies for mental disorders. Pharmacological treatments for schizophrenia, the mood disorders, and the anxiety disorders are emphasized. This course presumes the student has only minimal background in neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. Prerequisite: L.PSY-101. 3 credits.

L.PSY-441. Introduction to Clinical Psychology.
Overview of the methods of psychological assessment including: interviewing; intellectual, neurological, and personality testing; and systems assessment. Overview of theories and techniques of psychotherapy. Prerequisites: L.PSY-101. 3 credits. Each year.

L.PSY-451. Thesis.
Students will propose, develop, and conduct a research study in an area of interest. The culmination of this study will be the production of a senior thesis that normally will take two semesters to complete. Students should register for this course in the fall semester of their senior year and expect to complete course work in the spring semester of their senior year. Prerequisites: Senior status and written permission of instructor; L.PSY-212, 412 (recommended). 3 credits.

L.PSY-458. Child Psychopathology.
A study of the assessment and treatment of behavioral, developmental, and psychological disorders of childhood and adolescence. Prerequisites: At least one of the following: L.PSY-101, 121, 421 (recommended). 3 credits.

L.PSY-461. The Psychology of Gender.
A cross-disciplinary examination of how gender influences and shapes the lives of women and men. Topics include: the process and history of gender socialization; gender in the workplace; gender images in the media and literature; differences and similarities in cognitive styles and moral reasoning. 3 credits.

L.PSY-495. Special Topics.
Designed to satisfy the special interest of students and psychology professors. 1-3 credits.

SOCIAL WORK

The mission of the Bi-College Social Work Program is to provide a supportive and collaborative learning community that graduates competent, ethical, value-based, generalist social work practitioners who critically use their liberal arts background in service to others.  Working with and in communities, leading with vision, and grounded in empowerment, the Bi-College Social Work Program enhances human rights in a growing and changing world.

The Bi-College Social Work Program goals are:
1. Prepare competent, ethical, value-based, generalist social workers
2. Expose students to collaborative social work learning and service opportunities that build on their liberal arts foundation.
3. Provide leadership that promotes respect for diversity, empowers oppressed populations, and enhances human rights. 

Social Work Program Rationale:
The undergraduate social work major instills the values, ethics, practice strategies, communication, diversity and knowledge required for students to become effective generalist social workers. The social work major is offered collaboratively with Clarke College and is called the Bi-College Social Work Program. As part of the Bi-College Social Work Program, students in social work will benefit from courses and faculty from both Loras and Clarke College campuses.

The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Course requirements for the major usually require six semesters for completion. The social work program handbook, which further specifies program requirements, is given to students applying for formal acceptance into the program.

The social work program provides students with a liberal arts background and strong knowledge base in generalist social work practice. Students may select careers in child and family welfare, mental health, medical social work, substance abuse, legislation and policy, probation and parole, and many other fields. Additionally, graduates qualify for advanced standing in many masters of social work (MSW) programs.

Requirements for the major:
In order to apply for a major in social work, the student completes L.SCW-230: Introduction to Social Welfare, submits a formal application, letters of recommendation and completes a departmental interview. Students apply to the program while enrolled in L.SCW-231: Human Behavior in the Social Environment.

For a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Social Work, a 2.33 cumulative grade point average is required in major courses. Students must complete the following in addition to divisional requirements.

Students must complete the following classes for a Social Work major:
L.PSY-101, L.SOC-101, L.SCW-230, L.SCW-231, L.POL-101, L.BIO-260, L.SOC-245, L.SOC-333, L.SCW-344, L.SCW-345, L.SCW-346, L.SCW-347, L.SCW-348, L.SCW-446 and 447 or 448.

Senior Performance Requirement
L.SCW-446 and L.SCW-447 or L.SCW-448 Field Instruction
As the capstone of their education, senior social work students complete 420 hours of actual social work practice in a social service agency. Students have a choice in completing their field instruction hours. A student can complete field part time over two semesters registering the first semester for L.SCW-446 (4.5 hours) and the second L.SCW-447 (4.5 hours). Or a student can complete a block placement of 9 credit hours during one semester L.SCW-448. The following are some of the agencies providing field instruction experience for social work students:
Department of Human Services      Department of Correctional Services
Juvenile Court Services   Hillcrest Family Services
Mercy Medical Center   Eastern Iowa Housing Authority
Catholic Charities    Big Brother/Big Sister Program
Hills and Dales    Substance Abuse Services Center
Lutheran Services of Iowa   Domestic Violence Shelter and Program
Stonehill Care Center   Manor Care

SOCIAL WORK COURSES

L.SCW-230. Introduction to Social Welfare.
The role of social welfare in contemporary society; its historical development with emphasis on political, economic and social influences. Special emphasis upon the role of values in the development of welfare. Overview of the of social work profession in a wide range of human service delivery systems. An examination of society’s current response to human need. 3 credits.

L.SCW-231. Human Behavior and Social Environment.
A critical evaluation of the theories of human behavior within the context of those biological, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual processes which determine development and behavior throughout the life cycle. Special attention is given to alternative theories that complement the purpose and values of social work practice. Prerequisite: L.SCW-230, Intro to Sociology; Intro to Psychology. Corequisite: Human Anatomy and Physiology, Race and Ethnicity. 3 credits.

L.SCW-232. Introduction to Service Learning.
Students learn about the diverse profession of social work through actual experience in a human service agency. Students provide 60 hours of service to a selected agency in the Dubuque area and participate in group service activities, agency tours and weekly seminar discussions. 3 credits.

L.SCW-260. Identity and Alternative Lifestyles-AI.
This class explores the development of diverse lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) identities, families, and communities. Particular attention will be paid to examining the roots, forms, functions, and effects of heterosexism on the LGBT population. Prerequisites: L.LIB-100, L.LIB-105, L.LIB-110, and one course from L.LIB-120, L.LIB-130, or L.LIB-135. 3 credits.

L.SCW-344. Social Policy: Formulation and Analysis.
The objectives of this course are to introduce the basic issues relative to: social policy development as a process; policy analysis; role of the social worker in policy-making; special emphasis on current policy issues relevant to social work. Prerequisites: L.SCW-231 and Issues in American Politics.  3 credits.

L.SCW-345. Social Work Research.
Students are introduced to the basic steps of the traditional scientific research process. A group research project is carried out following the approval of the Institutional Review Board. The initial results are analyzed and presented to the class. Students are also exposed to alternative research methods such as program evaluation and direct practice evaluation. Prerequisite: L.SCW-231.

L.SCW-346. Social Work Practice I.
An introduction to the professional practice of social work with an emphasis upon the values, knowledge and skills of generalist practice. A proactive process of working with individuals and families is offered, including strength-based assessments, cross-cultural competencies and empowerment strategies. Development of written and oral communication skills through the use of interviewing, role plays, videotaping and case studies. Prerequisite: L.SCW-231. 3 credits.

L.SCW-347. Social Work Practice II.
This is the second course in a sequence of three generalist practice courses. Practice II addresses practice with families and small groups. The focus is on the group work which entails the deliberate use of intervention strategies and group processes to accomplish individual, group and community goals using the value base and ethical practice principles of the social work profession. Prerequisites: L.SCW-346. 3 credits.

L.SCW-348. Social Work Practice III.
This course explores the aspect of generalist practice involving proactive responding to large groups, communities and organizations. Macro skills of working within an agency or organizational leadership, supervision issues, grant writing, fundraising and community organizing are emphasized. Other skills to facilitate meetings, networking, time management, and handling conflict are addressed. Prerequisite: L.SCW-347. 3 credits.

L.SCW-395. Topics in Social Work.
An analysis of selected areas of current interest in social work. The specific subject matter may vary from year to year, reflecting the changing interest of both faculty and students. 1-3 credits.

L.SCW-395. Social Work in Health Care.
The objective of this course is to familiarize the generalist social work student with issues relevant to providing services in health care settings. This course will explore current policy issues, assessment and intervention methods with the role of the social worker in a multi-disciplinary team environment.

L.SCW-395. Working with the Elderly.
The purpose of this course is to explore the issues related to aging with an emphasis on a strength-based practice. The course will explore aging as a life span developmental stage. 3 credits.

L.SCW-395. Death and Dying.
This course will introduce the student to the ongoing transformation of our society’s attitudes toward death, dying and related concerns. The learning emphasis will be on providing students with information on this topic that will facilitate the ability to deal with the varied aspects of individual and societal encounters with the issue of mortality. 3 credits.

L.SCW-395. Child Welfare and Family Services.
The course focuses on the social work programs and services that directly enhance the ability of families to care for their children by preventing, remedying or ending maltreatment. Particular emphasis is on the child welfare system and the social worker's role in family preservation, permanency planning, substitute care, adoption and protective services. 3 credits.

L.SCW-395. Helping Troubled Families.
An analysis of family-centered social work practice, family issues, family policy and intervention strategies. The social worker's role in family and marital counseling and in parent education will be discussed. 3 credits.

L.SCW-395. Helping Troubled Adolescents.
The purpose of this course is to explore and study the challenges in that stage of human development labeled adolescence. There will be an examination of adolescence and society as a complex matrix of interaction. Consideration will be given to the role of the social work practitioner in the assessment and intervention strategies for youth. 3 credits.

L.SCW-395. Family Violence.
An examination of family violence issues in North American society. Special attention will be focused on the issue of partner abuse and the notion of blame towards victims. Other topics include effects of violence on children, child abuse, sibling abuse, corporal punishment and elder abuse. This course fulfills 20 hours of mandatory training for volunteers with the local shelter for domestic violence. No prerequisites. 3 credits.

L.SCW-398. Independent Study.
Credits to be arranged as possible.

L.SCW-446. Social Work Field Instruction.
Individually planned and supervised experience in a public or voluntary social service agency which will enable students to integrate social work knowledge with practice experience. The student spends approximately 15 hours per week or 210 clock hours during one semester in placement. Some placements will require students to drive their own car. A weekly two-hour seminar is required of all students in field instruction. Application for field instruction must be made in the semester proceeding the semester in which the course is to be taken. Prerequisite: L.SCW-348. Majors only. 4.5 hours.

L.SCW-447. Social Work Field Instruction.
Individually planned and supervised experience in a public or voluntary social service agency which will enable students to integrate social work knowledge with practice experience. The student spends approximately 15 hours per week or 210 clock hours during one semester in placement. Some placements will require students to drive their own car. A weekly two-hour seminar is required of all students in field instruction. Application for field instruction must be made in the semester proceeding the semester in which the course is to be taken. Prerequisite: L.SCW-446. Majors only. 4.5 hours.

L.SCW-448. Social Work Field Instruction.
Individually planned and supervised experience in a public or voluntary social service agency which will enable students to integrate social work knowledge with practice experience. The student spends approximately 32 hours per week or 420 clock hours per one semester in placement. Some placements will require students to drive their own car. A weekly two-hour seminar is required of all students in field instruction. Application for field instruction must be made in the semester proceeding the semester in which the course is to be taken. Prerequisite: L.SCW-348. Majors only. 9 credits.