Course Descriptions - University of Tennessee, Knoxville (2024)

Social Work (SOWK)

• SOWK 555 - Psychological Development and Mental Health in Later Life

  3 Credit Hours Course examines psychological, mental health and mental illness aspects of the aging process, with special emphasis on age, gender, race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and psychological resources across various mental health domains. The domains investigated include memory, cognition, intelligence, personality, mood and anxiety disorders, emotion, elder abuse, spirituality, and culture.
  (RE) Prerequisite(s): 510, 512, 513, 519, 522, 537, 538, 539 and 543 or 544.
  Comment(s): Advanced Standing satisfies prerequisites.
  Registration Restriction(s): Graduate students only. Minimum student level – graduate.
  Registration Permission: Non-MSSW students may register with consent of instructor.

• SOWK 556 - Social Policy of North America

  3 Credit Hours Concentration elective course. Intended to prepare students for internship experiences and post-graduation professional practice in and across the countries of North America. The course utilizes the process of critical thinking to locate, and examine best evidence for practice and policy decisions in policy creation and the delivery systems of Canada, Mexico, and the United States, as well as the cultural factors that both influence and are influenced by policies. Includes common social problems of the countries, and comparison, and contrasting social welfare policy in each country that are intended to address them, including NAFTA and its differential effects across the participating countries.
  (RE) Prerequisite(s): 510, 512, 513, 519, 522, 537, 538, 539 and 543 or 544.
  Comment(s): Advanced Standing satisfies prerequisites.
  Registration Restriction(s): Graduate students only. Minimum student level – graduate.
  Registration Permission: Non-MSSW students may register with consent of instructor.

• SOWK 557 - Principles and Techniques of Mediation

  3 Credit Hours Concentration elective course on the principles and techniques of mediation. Mediation is an alternative approach to dispute resolution in which an impartial third party, called the mediator, works with parties involved in a dispute in order to facilitate the peaceful and satisfactory resolution of the dispute. This course is designed to introduce the student to theory and techniques of mediation.
  (RE) Prerequisite(s): 510, 512, 513, 519, 522, 537, 538, 539 and 543 or 544.
  Comment(s): Advanced Standing satisfies prerequisites.
  Registration Permission: Non-MSSW students may register with consent of instructor.

• SOWK 558 - Legislative Advocacy and Political Social Work

  3 Credit Hours Concentration elective course focusing on the political process and the importance of lobbying and political action as tools for advanced advocacy and political action. Provides experiential opportunities to participate in the legislative arena by following state legislation, meeting with legislators, attending committee hearings and interfacing with lobbyists. Students are expected to critically assess and participate in professional political social work activities. Using the framework of evidenced-based practice and critical thinking students will track current legislation and review literature to prepare for their experience.
  (RE) Prerequisite(s): 510, 512, 513, 519, 522, 537, 538, 539 and 543 or 544.
  Comment(s): Advanced Standing satisfies prerequisites.
  Registration Restriction(s): Graduate students only. Minimum student level – graduate.
  Registration Permission: Non-MSSW students may register with consent of instructor.

• SOWK 559 - Community Based Practice in Mexico and the United States

  3 Credit Hours Concentration elective course. Provides an understanding of community based social work practice as carried out in Mexico and the United States. Focuses on social work community practice trends as they affect the delivery of human services and the requisite knowledge and problem solving skills needed to address them. Critical thinking skills and the principles of evidence-based practice are emphasized in order to analyze the extent to which trends are transformed in the delivery of human services both in the United States and in Mexico. Particular emphasis is placed on social and economic development, including community organizing, activism, and micro enterprise.
  (RE) Prerequisite(s): 510, 512, 513, 519, 522, 537, 538, 539 and 543 or 544.
  Comment(s): Advanced Standing satisfies prerequisites.
  Registration Restriction(s): Graduate students only. Minimum student level – graduate.
  Registration Permission: Non-MSSW students may register with consent of instructor.

• SOWK 560 - Evidence-based Interpersonal Practice with Groups

  3 Credit Hours Course focuses on recruitment and composition of group members, leadership structure of small groups, phases of group development, and such group processes as decision-making, tension reduction, conflict resolution, goal setting, contracting, and evaluation. Students will learn how to assess and address group problems, to employ a variety of intra-group strategies and techniques such as programs, structured activities, exercises, etc. Also considers how gender, ethnicity, race, social class, sexual orientation, and different abilities will impact on various aspects of group functioning such as purpose, composition, leadership, selection of intervention strategies, and group development.
  (RE) Prerequisite(s): 510, 512, 513, 519, 522, 537, 538, 539 and 543 or 544.
  Comment(s): Advanced Standing satisfies prerequisites.
  Registration Restriction(s): Graduate students only. Minimum student level – graduate.
  Registration Permission: Non-MSSW students may register with consent of instructor.

• SOWK 561 - Spirituality in Clinical Social Work Practice

  3 Credit Hours Elective course. Will examine the role of spirituality in clinical social work practice, and provides an introduction to current evidence based practices that incorporate spirituality. Will emphasize the consideration of the spiritual beliefs of both the practitioner and client in clinical practice, and the use of spiritually-based psychotherapies in practice. Ethical issues, intervention skills, and critical review of the evidence-base for spiritually-based psychotherapies are the central topics of the course.
  (RE) Prerequisite(s): 510, 512, 513, 519, 522, 537, 538, 539 and 543 or 544.
  Comment(s): Advanced Standing satisfies prerequisites.
  Registration Restriction(s): Graduate students only. Minimum student level – graduate.
  Registration Permission: Non-MSSW students may register with consent of instructor.

• SOWK 562 - Evidence-based Interpersonal Practice with Adult Individuals

  3 Credit Hours Provides the foundation for clinical social work practice. Advanced knowledge and skills are developed in the areas of interviewing, the therapeutic alliance, risk assessment, and case formulation. Particular emphasis is placed on the use of evidence-based treatments for specific mental health problems and populations.
  (RE) Prerequisite(s): 510, 512, 513, 519, 522, 537, 538, 539 and 543 or 544.
  Comment(s): Advanced Standing satisfies prerequisites.
  Registration Restriction(s): Graduate students only. Minimum student level – graduate.
  Registration Permission: Non-MSSW students may register with consent of instructor.

• SOWK 563 - Systematic Planning and Evaluation for Interpersonal Practice

  3 Credit Hours Focuses on the development of knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to systematically plan and evaluate interpersonal practice for the purpose of informing clinical decision-making. Builds upon the foundation research, human behavior, and practice courses, and examines evidence-based methods for conducting assessments; identifying and implementing evidence-based interventions; and measuring and monitoring outcomes for individuals, couples, families, and small groups.
  (RE) Prerequisite(s): 510, 512, 513, 519, 522, 537, 538 and 539.
  Comment(s): Advanced Standing satisfies prerequisites.
  Registration Restriction(s): Graduate students only. Minimum student level – graduate.
  Registration Permission: Non-MSSW students may register with consent of instructor.

• SOWK 564 - Evidence-Based Substance Abuse Treatment

  3 Credit Hours Prepares students for evidence-based practice in the field of substance abuse treatment. Presents an integrative biopsychosocial model for the understanding and treatment of substance abuse. Content includes overview of the history of substance abuse, review of models of addiction, multidimensional model of the addiction process, physiological effects of commonly abused substances, assessment and diagnosis of substance abuse disorders, and specific, evidence-based interventions adolescent and adult clients.
  (RE) Prerequisite(s): 510, 512, 513, 519, 522, 537, 538, 539 and 543 or 544.
  Comment(s): Advanced Standing satisfies prerequisites.
  Registration Restriction(s): Graduate students only. Minimum student level – graduate.
  Registration Permission: Non-MSSW students may register with consent of instructor.

• SOWK 566 - Social and Cultural Aspects of Aging

  3 Credit Hours Explores the reciprocal relationship between society and those considered older by society. Examines the social and cultural forces that impinge on the aging process, including socially constructed images of older adults, and patterns of inequality of gender, race, and economics. Theoretical perspectives relevant to the aging process, from activity theory and life span development to postmodern constructions of aging are examined. Emphasis is placed on current critical aging-related issues and how these issues are experienced personally and societally. Students are challenged to critically analyze prevailing assumptions and perspective on aging and how these impact older adults, family members and society.
  (RE) Prerequisite(s): 510, 512, 513, 519, 522, 537, 538, 539 and 543 or 544.
  Comment(s): Advanced Standing satisfies prerequisites.
  Registration Restriction(s): Graduate students only. Minimum student level – graduate.
  Registration Permission: Non-MSSW students may register with consent of instructor.

• SOWK 567 - Veterinary Social Work

  3 Credit Hours Concentration elective on the introductory principles and applications of veterinary social work. Reviews research, practice settings, and policy needs in the four areas of veterinary social work: the link between human and animal violence, animal assisted interventions, grief and bereavement, and compassion fatigue. Students will be expected to become knowledgeable about research findings and apply them to social work practice skills and policy advocacy. Will engage in service learning, reflective critical thinking about course content, and teaching through class presentations.
  (RE) Prerequisite(s): 510, 512, 513, 519, 522, 537, 538, 539 and 543 or 544.
  Comment(s): Advanced Standing satisfies prerequisites.
  Registration Restriction(s): Graduate students only. Minimum student level – graduate.
  Registration Permission: Non-MSSW students may register with consent of instructor.

• SOWK 570 - Evidence-based Policy and Practice with Families

  3 Credit Hours One of three Interpersonal Practice concentration electives. This survey course provides an overview of problems affecting families in social work settings, the interventions that are ethically sound and empirically supported for addressing these problems, and the policies and regulations guiding the interventions and organizations affecting families in the field of social work. Attention is given to issues, interventions and programs that have been shown to treat a variety of behavioral and emotional concerns in families across culture, race and ethnicity. Particular interest is in the policy practice challenges to provide support for evidence-based interventions and appropriate programs for families. Critical examination of skills and strategies with this population is addressed with/within interdisciplinary organizations, diverse communities and related policies and policy issues.
  (RE) Prerequisite(s): 510, 512, 513, 519, 522, 537, 538, 539 and 543 or 544.
  Comment(s): Advanced Standing satisfies prerequisites.
  Registration Restriction(s): Graduate students only. Minimum student level – graduate.
  Registration Permission: Non-MSSW students may register with consent of instructor.

• SOWK 571 - Evidence-based Policy and Practice with Children and Adolescents

  3 Credit Hours One of three Interpersonal Practice concentration electives. This survey course provides an overview of problems affecting children and adolescents in social work settings, the interventions that are ethically sound and empirically supported for addressing these problems, and the policies and regulations guiding the interventions and organizations affecting families in the field of social work. Attention is given to issues, interventions and programs that have been shown to treat a variety of behavioral and emotional concerns in children and adolescents across culture, race and ethnicity. Particular interest is in the policy practice challenges to provide support for evidence-based interventions and appropriate programs for families. Critical examination of skills and strategies with this population is addressed with/within interdisciplinary organizations, diverse communities and related policies and policy issues.
  (RE) Prerequisite(s): 510, 512, 513, 519, 522, 537, 538, 539 and 543 or 544.
  Comment(s): Advanced Standing satisfies prerequisites.
  Registration Restriction(s): Graduate students only. Minimum student level – graduate.
  Registration Permission: Non-MSSW students may register with consent of instructor.

• SOWK 572 - Evidence-based Policy and Practice with Older Adults

  3 Credit Hours One of three Interpersonal Practice concentration electives. This survey course provides an overview of problems and issues with the older population within the context of health and mental health care, the interventions that are ethically sound and empirically supported for addressing these problems, and the policies and regulations guiding the interventions and organizations affecting older adults in the field of social work. Attention is given to issues, interventions and programs that have been shown to treat a variety of behavioral and emotional concerns in older adults across culture, race and ethnicity. Particular interest is in the policy practice challenges to provide support for evidence-based interventions and appropriate programs for older adults. Critical examination of skills and strategies with this population is addressed with/within interdisciplinary organizations, diverse communities and related policies and policy issues.
  (RE) Prerequisite(s): 510, 512, 513, 519, 522, 537, 538, 539 and 543 or 544.
  Comment(s): Advanced Standing satisfies prerequisites.
  Registration Restriction(s): Graduate students only. Minimum student level – graduate.
  Registration Permission: Non-MSSW students may register with consent of instructor.

• SOWK 584 - Advanced Field Practice Extended

  4 Credit Hours Instruction and supervision in advanced evidence-based social work practice. Includes an agency-based experience. Students may take concurrent required concentration and elective courses, but are not required to do so.
  Grading Restriction: Satisfactory/No Credit grading only.
  Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 12 hours.
  (RE) Prerequisite(s): 510, 512, 513, 519, 522, 537, 538, 539 and 543 or 544.
  Comment(s): Advanced Standing satisfies prerequisites.
  Registration Restriction(s): Master of Science in Social Work - social work major.
  

• SOWK 586 - Advanced Field Practice Full Time

  6 Credit Hours Instruction and supervision in advanced evidence-based social work practice. Includes an agency-based experience. Students may take concurrent required concentration and elective courses, but are not required to do so.
  Grading Restriction: Satisfactory/No Credit grading only.
  Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 12 hours.
  (RE) Prerequisite(s): 510, 512, 513, 519, 522, 537, 538, 539 and 543 or 544.
  Comment(s): Advanced Standing satisfies prerequisites.
  Registration Restriction(s): Master of Science in Social Work - social work major. Graduate students only. Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOWK 587 - Advanced Field Practice Block

  1-12 Credit Hours Instruction and supervision in advanced evidence-based social work practice. Practicum is completed on a block schedule. Students may take concurrent required concentration and elective courses, but are not required to do so. Students may complete block placements in Tennessee, in other states, or in other nations.
  Grading Restriction: Satisfactory/No Credit grading only.
  Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 12 hours.
  (RE) Prerequisite(s): 510, 512, 513, 519, 522, 537, 538, 539 and 543 or 544.
  Comment(s): Advanced Standing satisfies prerequisites.
  Registration Restriction(s): Master of Science in Social Work - social work major. Graduate students only. Minimum student level – graduate.
  Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.

• SOWK 593 - Independent Study

  1-6 Credit Hours Individualized study, student selects, designs, and completes examination of special issue or problem.
  Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 6 hours.
  Registration Restriction(s): Graduate students only. Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOWK 600 - Doctoral Research and Dissertation

  3-15 Credit Hours Grading Restriction: P/NP only.
  Repeatability: May be repeated.
  Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOWK 601 - Research for Social Work Practice I

  3 Credit Hours Epistemological foundations of, and methods for, quantitative and qualitative research for social work practice, including formation of research questions and hypotheses; basic measurement; sampling; research design; and introduction to the research proposal.
  Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOWK 602 - Research for Social Work Practice II

  3 Credit Hours Intermediate methods for quantitative and qualitative research for social work practice, including applied measurement theory; reliability and validity; scale development; item analysis; differential item functioning; and research design and proposal writing.
  (RE) Prerequisite(s): 601.
  Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOWK 603 - Research III: Funded Research and Grant Writing

  3 Credit Hours Funded research and grant writing. Sources of funding, including federal and private foundation, for social work research; writing a competitive grant proposal, including the narrative, budget, budget justification, and IRB review application.
  (RE) Prerequisite(s): 601.
  Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level - graduate.
  

• SOWK 605 - Analysis of Social Work Data I

  3 Credit Hours Univariate and bivariate descriptive statistics, foundations of null hypothesis significance testing (NHST), and applications of NHST, confidence intervals, and effect size estimates to testing, examining, interpreting, and presenting results concerning bivariate relationships with continuous and discrete variables.
  Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOWK 606 - Analysis of Social Work Data II

  3 Credit Hours Conceptual understanding of fixed-effects linear regression models and ability to specify, test, interpret, and present results of linear regression models. Extension of linear regression to discrete dependent variables in the framework of the generalized linear model.
  (RE) Prerequisite(s): 605.
  Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOWK 607 - Neuroscience for Clinical Practice

  3 Credit Hours Provides a neuroscience framework for understanding lifespan development, trauma, addictions and other mental health disorders, psychotropic medications, and attachment.
  Registration Restriction(s): Doctor of Social Work – Social Work major. Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOWK 609 - Epistemology and Clinical EBP Methods

  3 Credit Hours Examines the foundations of knowledge, tools to find resources, design tailored interventions, and implement evidence-based interventions and evidence supported common therapeutic factors.
  Registration Restriction(s): Doctor of Social Work – Social Work major. Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOWK 610 - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy I

  3 Credit Hours Reviews theoretical underpinnings of CBT (behavioral, social learning, cognitive, acceptance based / mindfulness), development of case conceptualizations, and technique development.
  Registration Restriction(s): Doctor of Social Work – Social Work major. Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOWK 611 - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy II

  3 Credit Hours Advanced practice course that covers specific protocols and CBT interventions for specific disorders.
  (RE) Prerequisite(s): 610.
  Registration Restriction(s): Doctor of Social Work – Social Work major. Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOWK 614 - Interpersonal Psychotherapy

  3 Credit Hours Examines the role of interpersonal and psychodynamic processes in biopsychosocial problems. Provides the theoretical and clinical framework of Interpersonal Psychotherapy, a time-limited, structured psychotherapy. Develops and enhances clinician technical skills to improve client’s interpersonal relationships.
  Registration Restriction(s): Doctor of Social Work – Social Work major. Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOWK 615 - Psychopathology and Psychopharmacology

  3 Credit Hours Examines psychopharmacological interventions for psychopathological conditions across the lifespan.
  Registration Restriction(s): Doctor of Social Work – Social Work major. Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOWK 616 - Advanced EBP for Addictions and Dual Diagnosis Treatment

  3 Credit Hours Examines the interaction of addictive and other mental health disorders. Particular focus is placed on case-conceptualization, assessment, and intervention with multiply diagnosed clients.
  Registration Restriction(s): Doctor of Social Work – Social Work major. Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOWK 617 - Clinical Management

  3 Credit Hours Examines principles of leadership and management; Management practice (employee supervision and evaluation; conflict resolution); Strategic planning; Program design and development; Financial management (budgeting, cost/benefit analysis); Resource development; and Informatics.
  Registration Restriction(s): Doctor of Social Work – Social Work major. Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOWK 618 - Trauma Focused Interventions

  3 Credit Hours Presents current bio-ecological research findings that inform our understanding of trauma. Emphasis is placed on understanding biopsychosocial influences on the incidence, course and treatment of acute stress and PTSD, and the differential effect of these factors on diverse populations at risk. The course focuses on the acquisition of diagnostic skills as they relate to comprehensive social work assessment of adults, adolescents and children. Assessment and interventions skills will be taught for specific types of trauma, e.g. rape, war, natural disasters. Evidence-based interventions to treat victims of trauma will be presented.
  Registration Restriction(s): Doctor of Social Work – Social Work major. Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOWK 619 - Individual / Group Practice with Diverse Populations in Complex Systems

  3 Credit Hours Examines adaptive evidence-based practice with individuals and groups in service delivery for complex, diverse & multi-problem populations.
  Registration Restriction(s): Doctor of Social Work – Social Work major. Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOWK 620 - Clinical Research and Applied Statistics

  3 Credit Hours Explores the use of quantitative and qualitative research methods and applied statistics in clinical research.
  Registration Restriction(s): Doctor of Social Work – Social Work major. Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOWK 621 - Clinical Leadership

  3 Credit Hours Presents knowledge and skills for effective management of clinical teams, clinical supervision, and educational andragogy.
  Registration Restriction(s): Doctor of Social Work – Social Work major. Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOWK 622 - Translational Research

  3 Credit Hours Examines methods for implementing practice evaluations of evidence based practices in clinical settings.
  Registration Restriction(s): Doctor of Social Work – Social Work major. Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOWK 623 - Emergent Intervention Methods for Complex Populations

  3 Credit Hours Presents a review and exploration of emergent and cutting-edge intervention methods and clinical skills.
  Registration Restriction(s): Doctor of Social Work – Social Work major. Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOWK 624 - DSW Capstone I

  3 Credit Hours Preparation of a publishable paper that includes 1) selection of a biopsychosocial problem experienced by a specific population served in student’s current practice, 2) addresses the empirical and theoretical understanding of the etiology, 3) reviews the array of possible evidence-based interventions and the demonstrated outcomes. Student defends his/her paper at an oral defense.
  Registration Restriction(s): Doctor of Social Work – Social Work major. Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOWK 625 - DSW Capstone II

  3 Credit Hours Preparation of a publishable paper reporting the results of student’s clinical research study. Student defends his/her paper at an oral defense.
  Registration Restriction(s): Doctor of Social Work – Social Work major. Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOWK 626 - Critical Reasoning for Science and Research

  3 Credit Hours Within a student’s substantive area, identification of assumptions and premises upon which an argument is based. Application of concepts within a particular model and the development of a statement of a predicted research outcome and/or research hypothesis that test the empirical validity of the model.
  Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOWK 628 - Critical Review of Research Literature

  3 Credit Hours Formulation of a researchable problem relevant to professional social work. Carrying out a systematic, comprehensive search of relevant databases. Writing a review of the literature that is suitable for publication in a scholarly journal.
  Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOWK 630 - Research Practicum I

  1 Credit Hours Individual research experience under the supervision of a faculty mentor.
  Grading Restriction: Satisfactory/No Credit grading only.
  Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOWK 631 - Research Practicum II

  1 Credit Hours Individual research experience under the supervision of a faculty mentor.
  Grading Restriction: Satisfactory/No Credit grading only.
  (RE) Prerequisite(s): 630.
  Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOWK 632 - Research Practicum III

  1 Credit Hours Individual research experience under the supervision of a faculty mentor.
  Grading Restriction: Satisfactory/No Credit grading only.
  Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOWK 665 - Advanced Quantitative Research Methods

  3 Credit Hours Elective course. Advanced research methods course will focus on advances quantitative methods such as hierarchical linear models in social work research; item response theory in social work research; methods for categorical dependent variables; and generalizable theory.
  Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 9 hours.
  (RE) Prerequisite(s): 605 and 606 with grade of B or better.
  Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level - graduate.
  

• SOWK 675 - Teaching Methods in Social Work

  2 Credit Hours History and context of social work education, including curriculum policy and accreditation. Effective teaching techniques, course development, assessment of student learning, and classroom management skills.
  Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level - graduate.
  

• SOWK 676 - Social Work Pedagogy in Online Environments

  1 Credit Hours Best practices for online teaching. Unique characteristics of online teaching in social work and empirically-supported strategies for developing online courses and managing online classroom environments.
  Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOWK 677 - Teaching Practicum I

  1 Credit Hours Face-to-face classroom teaching experience under the supervision of a social work faculty teaching mentor. Demonstration of independent teaching, student assessment, and classroom management.
  Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 4 hours.
  Registration Permission: Minimum student level – graduate.

• SOWK 678 - Teaching Practicum II

  1 Credit Hours Online teaching experience under the supervision of a social work faculty teaching mentor. Use of appropriate technology to demonstrate independent online teaching and student assessment.
  Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 4 hours.
  Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOWK 680 - Professional Development for Social Work Scholars

  1 Credit Hours Preparing for a tenure-track faculty job, including job searches and the interviewing process, networking for professional development, and skills for transitioning to a successful academic career.
  Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOWK 693 - Directed Study in Social Work Research

  1-6 Credit Hours Advanced individual study, under faculty guidance, of social work practice issues.
  Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 9 hours.
  Recommended Background: First-year required PhD courses or consent of instructor.
  Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.
  

Sociology (SOCI)

• SOCI 410 - Sociology of Culture

  3 Credit Hours Examination of the role of culture in human social life from various theoretical perspectives. Exploration of social foundations of differentiation based on lifestyle and taste.
  

• SOCI 431 - Applied Sociological Research

  3 Credit Hours Survey of advanced topics in sociological research, and hands-on application of research methods.
  (RE) Prerequisite(s): 331.
  Comment(s): Encouraged for students interested in graduate school. Required for sociology honors students.
  

• SOCI 446 - The Modern World System

  3 Credit Hours Critical examination of the capitalist world-system as a social system, its coherence, boundaries, regions, member groups, cleavages, and patterns of conflict. Analysis of who gets what, why, and how in global political economy.
  

• SOCI 449 - Juvenile Delinquency and Social Policy

  3 Credit Hours Examines the historical and contemporary nature and social contexts of juvenile delinquency, as well as theoretical explanations of and social reactions to delinquency in American society.
  

• SOCI 452 - Race, Ethnicity, Crime, and Justice

  3 Credit Hours Examines racial/ethnic disparities in criminal offending and victimization, as well as different experiences with law enforcement, judicial and correctional agencies. Emphasis on social justice.
  Cross-listed: (Same as Africana Studies 456.)

• SOCI 453 - Gender and Crime

  3 Credit Hours Probes the gendered nature of offending, victimization and criminal justice. Examines the different experiences of males and females, and theories that attempt to explain these differences.
  Cross-listed: (Same as Women, Gender, and Sexuality 453.)

• SOCI 454 - Restorative Justice

  3 Credit Hours Explores the restorative justice perspective on crime, harm and conflict and its global practices, which recognize reparation, reconciliation, and social justice.
  

• SOCI 455 - Law and Society

  3 Credit Hours How laws and legal processes are affected by social change, the social impact of legal sanctions, and relations between law and social justice.
  

• SOCI 456 - Punishment and Society

  3 Credit Hours Examines theories and practices of punishment, including imprisonment, capital punishment, transnational penal trends, and social policy alternatives.
  

• SOCI 463 - Community Sociology

  3 Credit Hours The environment shapes human interactions and human interactions shape the construction of environments. Explores how individuals construct and participate in communities.
  

• SOCI 465 - Social Values and the Environment

  3 Credit Hours Human dimensions of ecosystem management and public policy. An applied focus on how social values are activated within specific biophysical and social settings.
  

• SOCI 466 - Special Topics in Race and Ethnicity

  3 Credit Hours Rotating topics on specific race and ethnicity areas. May include topics such as environmental racism, policing and race, race, terror and genocide, intersectionality, health disparities, immigration and ethnic change, and advanced Critical Race Theory.
  

• SOCI 500 - Thesis

  1-15 Credit Hours Grading Restriction: P/NP only.
  Repeatability: May be repeated.
  Credit Level Restriction: Graduate credit only.
  Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOCI 502 - Registration for Use of Facilities

  1-15 Credit Hours Required for the student not otherwise registered during any semester when student uses university facilities and/or faculty time before degree is completed.
  Grading Restriction: Satisfactory/No Credit grading only.
  Repeatability: May be repeated.
  Credit Restriction: May not be used toward degree requirements.
  Credit Level Restriction: Graduate credit only.
  Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOCI 503 - Foundations of Environmental Sociology

  3 Credit Hours Systematic treatment of current research in environmental sociology. Social impact analysis and conflicts over environmental issues.
  

• SOCI 504 - Sociological Foundations of Political Economy

  3 Credit Hours Survey of contemporary sociological theories of political economy, sources of political and economic power and conflict.
  

• SOCI 505 - Foundations of Criminology

  3 Credit Hours Critical overview of contemporary developments in criminology, theories of crime causation and theories of responses to crime.
  

• SOCI 506 - Sociology and Social Justice

  2 Credit Hours Provides a graduate level introduction to the discipline of sociology, especially in the department’s areas of strength. Examines sociological perspectives on social justice; the relationship between sociology and society, including public policy; and public sociology and praxis. Required of new graduate students.
  

• SOCI 509 - Critical Race and Sociological Foundations of Race and Ethnicity

  3 Credit Hours A historical and contemporary overview of race scholarship in the United States. Focuses on the most important race scholars and scholarship over the last century: evolution of race scholarship from Du Bois, to the Chicago School, to urban sociology, to contemporary theories on racial formations, systemic racism, color-blind racism, and critical race theory (CRT).
  

• SOCI 510 - Professional Preparation

  1 Credit Hours A variety of one-credit seminars that offer training in specific aspects of professional socialization.
  Grading Restriction: Satisfactory/No Credit grading only.
  Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 6 hours.
  

• SOCI 511 - Pedagogy and Graduate Instruction

  1 Credit Hours Methods and materials related to teaching and learning of sociology. Required of all new graduate students.
  Grading Restriction: Satisfactory/No Credit grading only.
  Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 3 hours.
  

• SOCI 521 - Sociological Theory I

  3 Credit Hours Assessment of what sociological theory is; its major figures and their approaches to understanding society.
  

• SOCI 531 - Research Methods in Sociology

  3 Credit Hours Research design, measurement, sampling, quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques, data, reduction, and analysis.
  

• SOCI 533 - Philosophy of Social Science

  3 Credit Hours Examination of ontological and epistemological positions of methodological approaches in the social sciences, including rational choice, interpretivist, behavioralist, institutionalist, and postmodernist perspectives.
  

• SOCI 541 - Collective Behavior, Social Movements, Social Change

  3 Credit Hours Basic theory and research on conditions of social unrest in human collectivities and efforts of collectives to change existing society.
  

• SOCI 543 - Sociology of Development and Globalization

  3 Credit Hours Sociological theories of global development: modernization, dependency, world-systems, post-colonialism, and globalization. Topics range from impact of various development and underdevelopment projects and paths on social structures and inequalities to revolutionary/social movements of resistance and transformation.
  

• SOCI 552 - Race, Ethnicity, Crime and Justice

  3 Credit Hours Examines racial/ethnic disparities in criminal offending and victimization, as well as different experiences with law enforcement, judicial, and correctional agencies. Emphasis on social justice.
  

• SOCI 562 - Sociology of Environmental Policy

  3 Credit Hours Examines the history of environmental use and environmental protection; the policy process; the institutional and cultural barriers to improved environmental policies; and potential policies for sustainability.
  

• SOCI 591 - Foreign Study

  1-15 Credit Hours Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 15 hours.
  

• SOCI 592 - Off-Campus Study

  1-15 Credit Hours Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 15 hours.
  

• SOCI 593 - Independent Study

  1-15 Credit Hours Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 15 hours.
  

• SOCI 599 - Readings

  3 Credit Hours Selected topics.
  Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 6 hours.
  

• SOCI 600 - Doctoral Research and Dissertation

  3-15 Credit Hours Grading Restriction: P/NP only.
  Repeatability: May be repeated.
  Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOCI 616 - Advanced Topics in Race and Ethnicity

  3 Credit Hours Rotating topics on race and ethnicity. Examples include, environmental racism; policing and race; race, terror and genocide; intersectionality; health disparities, immigration and ethnic change; disproportionate minority contact, advanced Critical Race Theories.
  Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOCI 621 - Sociological Theory II

  3 Credit Hours Distinct schools of sociological theory and contributions of their principal exponents.
  (RE) Prerequisite(s): 521 or consent of instructor.
  Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOCI 629 - Supplementary Readings in Sociological Theory

  3 Credit Hours Individual guidance. Preparation for comprehensive examination.
  Grading Restriction: Satisfactory/No Credit grading only.
  Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.
  Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.

• SOCI 631 - Advanced Quantitative Methods

  3 Credit Hours Advanced multivariate analysis using computer software applications. Emphasis on regression techniques including ordinary least squares, logistic, ordered logic, and multinomial logistic. Introduction to other advanced techniques such as path analysis, multilevel modeling, and cluster analysis.
  Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOCI 633 - Survey Design and Analysis

  3 Credit Hours Systematic exploration of survey problems through student participation in design and analysis of survey.
  (RE) Prerequisite(s): 531 or consent of instructor.
  Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOCI 636 - Field Research

  3 Credit Hours Research experience in selected field sites using techniques of interviewing, participant observation, and other methods of field research.
  (RE) Prerequisite(s): 531 or consent of instructor.
  Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOCI 638 - Comparative Historical Sociology

  3 Credit Hours Examines methodological issues in comparative historical sociology through classic and recent exemplars, archival research, and comparative and historical research.
  (RE) Prerequisite(s): 531 or consent of instructor.
  Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOCI 639 - Supplementary Readings in Methodology

  3 Credit Hours Individual guidance. Preparation for comprehensive examination.
  Grading Restriction: Satisfactory/No Credit grading only.
  Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.
  Registration Permission: Consent of department.

• SOCI 640 - Discourse Analysis

  3 Credit Hours Foundations in the analysis of language, narrative, and meaning making in social life, including approaches to conversation, textual, archival, critical discourse, and genealogical research.
  (RE) Prerequisite(s): 531 or consent of instructor.
  Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOCI 644 - Political Sociology

  3 Credit Hours Critical examination of theories of state and political processes.
  Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOCI 645 - Advanced Studies in Political Economy

  3 Credit Hours Topical seminar.
  Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 15 hours.
  (RE) Prerequisite(s): 504 or consent of instructor.
  Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.
  

• SOCI 649 - Supplementary Readings

  3 Credit Hours Grading Restriction: Satisfactory/No Credit grading only.
  Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 6 hours.
  Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.
  Registration Permission: Consent of department.

• SOCI 652 - Law and Society

  3 Credit Hours Examines the relationships and interactions between law, social structure, and cultural practices, with a focus upon legal, criminal, and political theory. Substantive areas include law and the state, inequality and the law, legal systems, rights discourse, and citizenship.
  

• SOCI 654 - Criminal Justice Theories

  3 Credit Hours Critical overview of theories of criminal justice policy and theories of crime control behaviors by institutions and individuals (criminal justice agents).
  Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.