Social Work Courses

SWO201 Introduction to Social Work

[3–0, 3 cr.]

The course is an introduction to the profession of Social Work, its basic philosophy, principles and methods. Special emphasis is given to the practice of Social Work in Lebanon, through introducing students to various social welfare policies and institutions.

SWO210 Introduction to Community Development

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course examines theories and practice of community development and the related principles and strategies adopted in developing countries. The roles of NGOs and international organizations will be introduced in addition to an overview of theories of community. 

SWO301 Sociological Perspectives in Social Work

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course sheds light on the functioning of individuals in various cultural and physical settings; their interactions with organizations and institutions are examined. Various sociological perspectives are analyzed along with their implications on social work practice.

Prerequisite: SWO201 Introduction to Social Work and ENG202 Advanced Academic English

SWO302 Psychological Perspectives in Social Work

[3–0, 3 cr.]

The course introduces students to knowledge in behavioral sciences related to the understanding of individuals through a life span approach. It uses an ecosystem perspective to coordinate and synthesize a broad range of knowledge concerning the transactional and interactional aspects of small and medium size systems.

Prerequisite: SWO201 Introduction to Social Work and ENG202 Advanced Academic English

SWO311 Social Problems, Stratification & Marginalization

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course provides an analysis of the nature causes and types of social problems and marginalization in modern society, notably in the Middle East. Selected social problems are studied, including various theories on such problems and a critical review of proposed solutions.

SWO313 Family & Child Welfare

[3–0, 3 cr.]

The course introduces students to theories of the family and to the field of child welfare with particular emphasis on services provided to children and families in Lebanon.

SWO320 Social Work Practice Methods I

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course focuses on building generalist practice skills of communication and interviewing in social work, building professional relationship, stages of the helping process, need assessment methods, intervention planning, contracting and case management.

Prerequisite: SWO302 Psychological Perspectives in Social Work and ENG202 Advanced Academic English

SWO322 Field Work Experience I

[3–0, 3 cr.]

Students are provided with field experience to apply specific skills and knowledge of working with individuals and families in different social welfare settings. Students are expected to spend 150 hours a semester in the field under direct supervision.

Prerequisite: SWO320 Social Work Practice I

SWO350 Social & Welfare Policies

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course introduces students to the development of the welfare state and its demise in recent time. It also examines social & welfare policies, service delivery systems, policy analysis, and their impact on related social problems and population groups. Alternative policy guidelines will be discussed.

SWO355 Research Methods

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course provides students with the basic skills needed to design and implement scientific research projects. Systematic steps of defining the problem, formulating hypotheses, sampling strategies and methods, data collection and analysis, and reporting results are covered. The course deals with both qualitative and quantitative research. 

Prerequisite: Junior Standing

SWO411 Sustainable Community Development: Theories and Practice

[3–0, 3 cr.]

An examination of community development theories and research from a variety of disciplines. Special emphasis will be placed on integrating theoretical and practice tools related to sustainable community development in Lebanon.
 
Prerequisite: ENG202 Advanced Academic English and SWO210 Introduction to Community Development

SWO420 Social Work Practice Methods II

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course continues to build skills of generalist practice attending in greater details to various intervention roles, methods and techniques – planning and contracting – identifying alternative interventions – selecting and implementing appropriate courses of action – monitoring, evaluation and termination.

Prerequisite: ENG202 Advanced Academic English, SWO301 Sociological Perspectives in Social Work and SWO320 Social Work Practice Methods I

SWO422 Field Work Experience II

[3–0, 3 cr.]

Emphasis is given to working with groups and communities in different social contexts. Development of professional skills in dealing with different actors in the situation.. Students are expected to spend 150 hours a semester in the field under direct supervision.

Prerequisite: ENG202 Advanced Academic English and SWO 420 Social Work Practice II

SWO499 Social Work Capstone Project

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course is a systematic investigation of a practical question related to the practice of social work in Lebanon. Students will be encouraged to explore opportunities to collaborate and reach an explicit agreement with stakeholders in the community to investigate a mutually agreed upon relevant question. Students would engage in this collaborative process that is of mutual interest to the student and the community. Students would conduct an analysis and evaluation of a case that exemplifies a pressing contemporary social work issue using a variety of practice methods. The expectation is that the results of the capstone investigation would be disseminated within the collaborating agency and to other relevant stakeholders.

Prerequisite: ENG202 Advanced Academic English, COM203 Art of Public Communication, Senior standing, and consent of instructor