MSW Courses
SW 500 Master’s Plan B/C Studies (1)
SW 606 Social Work Practice with Individuals (3)
This beginning practice course introduces students to the basic processes of social work and the roles and skills needed for generalist practice. Relevant theories of social work practice with individuals are explored for their efficacy with various problems and for their applicability to practice with various ethnocultures, social classes, and oppressed populations. Interviewing and interpersonal skill development are incorporated. Pre: admission to MSW program.
SW 607 Social Work Practice with Families and Groups (3)
This practice course builds upon the generalist framework and foundation content presented in 606. Special emphasis is given on models for assessment, intervention, and evaluation of practice with families and groups. Relevant theories of groups and the principles of group dynamics and group work methods are examined in regard to task, therapeutic, psycho-educational, and social development groups. Family content includes structural, behavioral, communication/experiential, and culturally-specific theories of intervention. Pre: 606.
SW 630 Social Welfare Policy and Services (3)
Examines in a historical and comparative framework the economic, social, political, organizational, and administrative factors influencing the development, formulation, and implementation of social welfare policies in the U.S. The course provides opportunity for the application of various models of social policy analysis in major areas of social welfare programming and service delivery. Pre: graduate standing, or consent.
SW 631 Social Work Practice in Communities and Organizations (3)
Community conceptualization; organized roles of developer, enabler, broker, mediator, and advocate; diagnostic and problem-solving technology; the special characteristics of the social worker as community organizer; matrix of structural objectives; sources and use of power; how to build an organization; and interorganizational negotiation. Pre: 606, graduate standing, and consent.
SW 632 Social Welfare Change through Legislation (3)
Introduction to the social worker’s role as a change agent through the use of the legislative process. Includes a review of social needs and problems, the legislative process per se and study of basic skills necessary in making appropriate social work input into the legislative process for the enactment of social welfare legislation. Pre: graduate standing.
SW 633 Organization and Administration in Social Work (3)
Introduction to formal organization theory. Social service administration examined and implications for service delivery systems developed. Pre: graduate standing.
SW 640 Introduction to Scientific Methods and Principles in Social Work (3)
Understanding and interpreting results of nomothetic and idiographic research; design principles and statistical analyses and their relationship to practices; use of published research. Pre: graduate standing.
SW 642 Nomothetic Research in Social Work Practice (3)
Classical experimental and survey research methods specific to social work. Basic statistical techniques appropriate to those designs. Recommended for students planning to take 743. Pre: 640.
SW 650 Research Designs and Data Analyses for the Evaluation of Practice Effectiveness (3)
Extending the study of scientific methods introduced in 640. Covers the range of empirical research methods and data analytic procedures suitable for knowledge building and practice evaluation at all levels of intervention from case to program. Pre: 640.
SW 651 Introduction to Quantitative Methods (3)
Introduction to quantitative methods in the behavioral sciences. Review of elementary statistical methods. Introduction to the general linear model as principle of data analysis. Pre: 640 or consent. (Cross-listed as EDEP 601 and PSY 610)
SW 652 Computer Applications in the Behavioral Sciences (3)
Introduction to the use of computers and computer-related equipment in the management and analysis of data in the behavioral sciences. Includes introduction to control language, use of SAS or SPSS routines, and interpretation of output. Emphasis on application through use of the University’s computing facilities. Pre: 640 or 651. (Cross-listed as EDEP 602)
SW 653 Design and Analysis of Psychological Experiments (3)
Analysis of variance and other modes assessing results of experiments; relation of analysis to design. Pre: 651. (Cross-listed as PSY 611 and EDEP 603)
SW 654 Multiple Regression in Behavioral Research (3)
Advanced application of the general linear model to complex problems of data analysis. Relation of analysis of variance and co-variance to regression analysis. Pre: 651 or consent. (Cross-listed as PSY 612 and EDEP 604)
SW 655 Factor Analysis (3)
Theory and method of factor analysis and related methods of multivariate analysis. Pre: 654 or consent. (Cross-listed as PSY 613 and EDEP 605)
SW 656 Multivariate Methods (3)
Multivariate forms of analysis, variance, co-variance, discriminant analysis, canonical correlation, and principal components analysis. Pre: 654 or consent. (Cross-listed as PSY 614 and EDEP 606)
SW 657 Nonparametric Methods for the Behavioral Sciences (3)
Conditions for valid applications of nonparametric statistical techniques in the behavioral sciences presented from both theoretical and methodological perspectives. Pre: 651 or consent. (Cross-listed as PSY 615 and EDEP 607)
SW 658 Measurements and Evaluation (3)
Theory of measurement and evaluation; analysis of tests and scales emphasizing statistical and psychological analysis of experimental and standardized tests and scales. Special topics include measurement of attitude and mental health concepts and measurement issues in cross-cultural research. Pre: 651. (Cross-listed as PSY 616 and EDEP 616)
SW 659 Human Behavior in the Social Environment I (3)
An overview of social work’s person-in-environment focus as it applies to human behavior in the context of families, groups, communities, and organizations. Using an ecological perspec-tive, theories and evidence about human behavior are introduced and examined. Pre: graduate standing. Fall only.
SW 660 Human Behavior in the Social Environment II (3)
This course uses social work’s person-in-environment focus to organize knowledge development about biological, psychological, social, and cultural systems as they are affected by human behavior. It is designed to provide students with an overview of human behavior and healthy and unhealthy development over the life span. Pre: 659. Spring only.
SW 661 Problems in Human Sexuality (3)
Problems associated with human sexuality, attitudes, culture, and range of individual differences and approaches to resolving these problems. Pre: graduate standing.
SW 662 HIV and the Human Condition (3)
An interdisciplinary look at HIV disease from the perspectives of public health, social work, medicine, and nursing. The course will provide an overview of the major issues relating to HIV/AIDS. Pre: graduate standing. (Cross-listed as PH 662)
SW 663 Treatment of Chemical Dependency (3)
Introduction to treatment of alcoholism and other chemical dependencies. Application of social work strategies in work with individuals and families in the disease and recovery process. Pre: graduate standing
SW 672 Child Welfare as a Field of Social Work (3)
Emphasis on the developments in child welfare; issues, concerns with regard to needs and rights, and the application of social work services to problems associated with needs for protection. Review of historical, theoretical, empirical, and legal findings for skill development in intervening in dysfunctional parent/child interaction. Pre: graduate standing.
SW 674 Community and Public Health Practice (3)
An introduction to the principles and concepts of prevention and their application to health services planning and delivery. Integration of concepts of social epidemiology and social work practice. Meets seminar requirement. Pre: graduate standing and consent. (Cross-listed as PH 671)
SW 677 Ethnic and Minority Content in Social Work (2)
Emphasis is on social work principles and concepts in relation to known information about various ethnic groups. The concepts “ethnicity” and “minority,” defined within the context of the American culture, are discussed as horizontal and vertical paradigms with conflicting goals that contribute to social and cultural change. Pre: graduate standing.
SW 680 Topics in Social Welfare (V)
Current trends in field of social welfare. Recent courses have focused on child abuse and neglect, justice system, sexual assault and family violence, and gerontology. Meets seminar requirement. Pre: graduate standing.
SW 690 Foundation-Year Practicum (3)
Field units are maintained by the school in public and voluntary welfare agencies, as well as in governmental programs. Students receive instruction related to their school experience with social problem situations and an opportunity to see the applicability and to experience the use of concepts and principles in actual practice. Pre: admission to MSW program.
SW 691 Foundation-Year Practicum (3)
Field units are main-tained by the school in public and voluntary welfare agencies, as well as in governmental programs. Students receive instruction related to their school experience with social problem situations and an opportunity to see the applicability and to experience the use of concepts and principles in actual practice. Pre: admission to MSW program, completion of 690.
SW 699 Directed Reading and Research (V)
Students, on the basis of special interest, select a faculty member to work with on a problem for which planned individualized study or research is deemed advisable. Pre: consent.
SW 700 Thesis Research (V)
Independent research under supervision of a thesis committee. Includes formal proposal and defense of finished research.
SW 706 Family Therapy (3)
Advanced knowledge and skills in the field of family therapy through both didactic and experiential teaching leading to systematic intervention in dysfunctional family systems. Pre: 606 or consent.
SW 707 Methods of Group Psychotherapy (3)
This course is designed specifically to train students in the theory and practice of leading psychotherapy groups; it includes historical developments, research, theories, and application of group psychotherapy, group techniques and exercises. Pre: 607 or consent.
SW 708 Social Work Practice with Peoples of Hawai‘i (3)
The course places special emphasis on practice adaptations necessary in working with specific ethnic groups in Hawaiʻi. Thinking and belief patterns, feelings, and designs for living are considered in relation to differential treatment approaches. Pre: graduate standing.
SW 712 Social Work Practice and Sex-Related Problems (3)
SW 713 Social Work Practice with Sexually Oppressed Groups (2)
Application of social work knowledge and skills to problems associated with sexually oppressed, e.g., women, homosexually oriented, aged, disabled, victims of rape. Meets seminar requirement. Pre: graduate standing.
SW 715 Therapeutic Strategies with the Older Adult (3)
The course focuses on interdisciplinary strategies with older adults: individual, family, and group therapy; eclectic mental health approaches; case management; and environmental intervention. Emphasis placed on the use of these strategies as preventive, as well as supportive, measures for the well, transition, and frail elderly. Meets seminar requirement. Pre: graduate standing.
SW 717 Social Work Practice with Children and Families (3)
An advanced practice course for students specializing in social work with children and families. It is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of both theoretical formulations and therapeutic techniques for practice in the field of family and child welfare. Emphasis placed on the development of specialized knowledge and skills for assessment, intervention, and evaluation of a variety of common child and family practice situations. Pre: completion of foundation courses.
SW 718 Seminar in Social Work Practice with Children and Families (3)
This seminar is designed for students in the child and family concentration and builds upon past knowledge and skill development in practice classes and in the practicum. Students integrate, demonstrate, and extend earlier learning, acquire new knowledge, and learn and practice new skills. The course is organized around student case presentations in a consultation format. Meets seminar requirement. Pre: 717.
SW 722 Social Work Practice in Health Care (3)
Didactic and experiential learning activity focuses on the major role functions of the social worker in the health field including assessment, contracting, counseling, advocacy, case management, discharge planning, family group work, community and team building. Course content covers health care policy, research directions in practice and social work management issues. Pre: completion of foundation courses.
SW 723 Seminar in Social Work Practice in Health Care (3)
Through the use of case studies developed by the students, social work practice is examined in three areas of health care: primary care provided in health departments and medical groups, hospital-based services, and long-term care. Meets seminar requirement. Pre: 722.
SW 724 Seminar in Social Work Practice in Mental Health (3)
This course prepares students for social work practice in mental health settings. As the first course in the concentration, it focuses primarily on minor or short-term mental dysfunctioning (e.g., reactive depression, anxiety). The course is built on conceptual foundations including cultural implications of mental health, human ecology, life cycle/events, strengths assessments, and research. It includes a seminar component which involves student case presentations and consultations. Pre: completion of foundation courses.
SW 725 Social Work Practice in Mental Health (3)
This course prepares students to work with persons who are experiencing major mental disorders and to improve the systems of care that have been developed to serve this population. It reviews the history of the community mental health movement, discusses relevant policies and laws, and describes the current mental health system in the United States and Hawaiʻi. Pre: 724.
SW 726 Social Work Practice with the Aged (3)
This course is designed for social work students specializing in social work practice with the aged and their families. It examines normative and pathological aging and its impact on physical processes, intellectual functions, and personality. Emphasis is placed on the development of specialized knowledge and skills for assessment, intervention, and evaluation of a variety of issues and needs common in later life. Discussions on the applicability of certain interventions with the older adult and the family, along with enthnocultural and gender considerations. Pre: completion of foundation courses.
SW 727 Seminar in Social Work with the Aged (3)
This course, designed for social work students in the aged concentration, builds upon past knowledge and skill development from courses and practicum. Students examine micro and macro interventions used for a wide range of issues and problems encountered by older adults and their families through the use of both case presentation and case consultations assignments. Meets seminar requirement. Pre: 726.
SW 730 Social Planning (3)
Introduction to social planning with emphasis on planning within the social welfare sector. Overview of social planning prospectives; examination of alternative theoretical framework in social planning, particularly social development formulations; in-depth analysis of the social welfare planning sector including theoretical perspectives; value-factual premises in need definition, primary tasks (allocation-coordination), organizational contexts, planning strategies and instrumentation, and professional roles. Pre: 631 or consent.
SW 733 Program Development, Funding, and Evaluation (3)
Basic concepts in program planning and development; implementation strategies; grants administration—proposal formulation and development, proposal negotiation, and project administration; evaluation of social services. Pre: graduate standing and consent.
SW 737 Social Work and the Law (3)
Knowledge of judicial systems and law relevant to social work practice in corrections, child-family welfare, health, and mental health. Skills for effective participation in the legal process are acquired in moot court and in practice for testifying. Pre: graduate standing.
SW 741 Review of Research in Social Work (3)
In-depth study of research in a substantive area. Each seminar will be devoted to a particular topic: e.g., foster care of children, effectiveness of social work intervention, etc. Pre: 650.
SW 742 Review of Research in Social Work (3)
Continuation of 741.
SW 743 Individual or Group Research Project—Plan B (V)
Independent research (group of two to seven students or by an individual student) undertaken under the sponsorship of a faculty adviser. Elements are selection of a topic related to the practice of social work or knowledge relevant to that practice, utilization of empirical research methodology in collecting and analyzing original data, and preparation of a scholarly paper. Pre: 650.
SW 744 Individual or Group Research Project—Plan B (V)
Same as 743. Pre: 743.
SW 745 Social Work Research Seminar (2)
For students who will be conducting Plan A thesis or Plan B research project. Focus on conceptualizing, designing, and implementing an empirical study, measurement issues, and computer applications. Meets seminar requirement. Pre: 640.
SW 746 Individual or Group Research Project—Plan B (V)
Same as 743.
SW 759 Child and Family Violence (3)
Dynamics of child abuse and neglect and issues related to child maltreatment and family violence. Includes legal, cultural, and social perspectives. (Cross-listed as PH 735)
SW 760 Interdisciplinary Perspectives in Child Abuse and Neglect (3)
Interdisciplinary approaches and collaborative methods for practice in child abuse and neglect. Includes legal, medical, educational, nursing, social work, public health, and psychological aspects. Meets seminar requirement. Pre: PH 735. (Cross-listed as PH 736)
SW 772 Seminar in International Social Work (3)
Approaches to social problems and trends in the profession in international, cross-cultural perspectives. Emphasis on developmental aspects of social work. Political, economic, social, and cultural forces shaping social welfare in national development. Meets seminar requirement. Pre: graduate standing or consent.
SW 774 Cultural Factors in Work with Hawaiians (3)
Hawaiian culture, past and present. Explores and examines possible approaches to working with Hawaiians and part-Hawaiians. Special emphasis on supports in the Hawaiian system that may promote maximal functioning for those Hawaiians experiencing problems in today’s society. Meets seminar requirement. A-F only. Pre: graduate standing.
SW 776 Seminar on Women and Health (3)
Women’s health and the role of women health professionals. Current literature and research regarding attitudes, roles, rights, and health care. Pre: graduate standing or consent. (Cross-listed as NURS 744 and PH 744)
SW 780 Seminar in Substantive Field (V)
Current problems and issues in fields such as mental health, child welfare, institutional care, public welfare; possible solutions. Meets seminar requirement. Pre: graduate standing.
SW 790 Concentration-Year Practicum (V)
Concentration year practicum must coordinate with the student's concentration courses. The practicum provides an opportunity for the student to integrate course work and test out concepts, principles, theories, and alternative approaches in actual practice settings. Pre: 691.
SW 791 Concentration-Year Practicum (V)
Same as 790. Pre: completion of 790.
SW 797 Social Welfare Policy and Change (3)
This course builds on SW 630 and emphasizes a more thorough and comprehensive examination of major policies, programs, and populations central to a concentration (health, mental health, gerontology, child and family). Students learn a more focused and applied analysis of the relationship between social policy, social policy research, and social work practice, as well as the effects of social policy on the design, structure, and resource management of human service organizations within the student's area of concentration. Pre: completion of foundation courses, Spring only.
