May 05, 2024  
2020-2021 Academic Catalog (August 2020 - July 2021) 
    
2020-2021 Academic Catalog (August 2020 - July 2021) [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions


 

Psychology

  
  • PSY 415 Advanced Experimental Psychology

    (3)
    Prerequisites: PSY 212  (or MATH 105 )   
    This course will provide an in-depth and active involvement in all aspects of the experimental process as it applies to psychological research. Included in this process are such topics as conducting a literature review, writing a research proposal, ethics, designing and conducting research, analyzing the data on the computer, and presenting research results in a professional manner.


(3)
  
  • PSY 420 Special Topics: Psychology

    (1-3)
    .


(1-3)
  
  • PSY 422 Abnormal Psychology

    (3)
    An experimental and theoretical study of the phenomena of psychopathology, as well as a survey of the methods of clinical diagnosis and therapy.


    Note: (To be determined by the psychology faculty and Departmentl Chairperson.)
(3)
  
  • PSY 428 Behavior Disorders of Childhood

    (3)
    Prerequisites: PSY 205 
    This course is a survey of childhood psychopathology, assessment and treatment. A primary focus of the class is the developmental psychopathology model.


    Note: (To be determined by the psychology faculty and Department Chairperson.)
(3)
  
  • PSY 430 Seminar in Contemporary Psychology

    (1-3)
    Prerequisites: Consent of the instructor.
    Advanced study in specific areas of psychology. Can be taken for credit repeatedly. Course titles will be included on students’ transcripts.


(1-3)
  
  • PSY 431 History and Systems of Psychology

    (3)
    Prerequisites: Senior standing.
    A study of the evolution of psychology with emphasis on the general issues and major theories in relation to the principal schools of psychology.


(3)
  
  • PSY 432 Fundamentals of Neuroscience

    (3)
    A survey of the technqiues used in neuroscience.


(3)
  
  • PSY 440 Independent Study

    (1-6)
    Prerequisites: Consent of the psychology faculty and junior or senior standing; background courses to be specified by the project advisor.
    May be taken as a single course, as two separate independent projects, (that is, reading course, teaching practicum, or research), or as a two-semester plan which must be scheduled consecutively. Final grades will not be given until end of second semester.


    Note: Can be take for credit repeatedly.
(1-6)
  
  • PSY 460 Psychology Practicum

    (3-15)
    Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing, consent of the psychology faculty.
    Supervised practice of psychological techniques in a clinical or institutional setting.


(3-15)
  
  • PSY 480 Honors Courses

    (3)
    Juniors and seniors who qualify for Honors Courses are offered the opportunity to study with individual members of the faculty. This is specialized study apart from conventional classroom work. Interested students should contact the Department Chairperson for further information.


(3)
  
  • PSY 481 Honors Courses

    (3)
    Juniors and seniors who qualify for Honors Courses are offered the opportunity to study with individual members of the faculty. This is specialized study apart from conventional classroom work. Interested students should contact the Department Chairperson for further information.


(3)

Reading

  
  • RDNG 510 Foundational, Historical and Contemporary Roles of the Reading Specialist

    (3)
    Prerequisites: None
    An advanced study of the foundations of reading within the historical and contemporary context of reading instruction, with a focus on the theories and beliefs that underpin literacy instruction and the moral virtue of being sensitive to learner differences.


(3)
  
  • RDNG 520 Reading and Writing in Content Areas

    (3)
    Theories of the reading process and of reading and writing to learn in content areas are explored. Emphasis is upon practical strategies and techniques for acquiring knowledge through literacy in a variety of content areas.


(3)
  
  • RDNG 525 Literacy Research and Instruction for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students

    (3)
    Prerequisites: None
    Theory, research and pedagogy of reading acquisition, second language acquisition, and the development of literacy learning in a diverse society.  Addresses the use of multicultural literature to meet the needs of a diverse student population.


(3)
  
  • RDNG 530 Reading Assessment

    (3)
    This course is designed to be an advanced study for the diagnostic assessing of readers to provide information that will enable appropriate instructional plans to be developed especially for non-proficient readers.


(3)
  
  • RDNG 550 Reading and Language Arts Instruction in the 21st Century

    (3)
    Prerequisites: None
    An advanced study of innovative and exemplary practices for teaching reading, writing and the language arts, including the selection and use of print and digital materials for all literacy learners.


(3)
  
  • RDNG 560 Action Research in Reading Education

    (3)
    Prerequisites: 24 credit hours in reading coursework and EDUC 520  
    The course provides a foundation for qualitative inquiry in reading with a focus on case study research, ethnographic description, designing and conducting qualitative research. The course includes collecting and analyzing data and reporting qualitative analysis.


(3)
  
  • RDNG 570 Reading Practicum

    (6)
    Prerequisites: 24 credit hours in reading coursework
    The Reading Practicum is the culminating experience of the Master’s in Reading. The focus of the course is intensive diagnosis, assessment, and instruction of real learners in a clinical setting.


(6)

Recreation and Tourism Management

  
  • RTM 100 Introduction to Recreation and Tourism Management

    (3)
    An introduction to the broad field of recreation and tourism. Emphases are placed on the economic role of tourism and potential careers in the industry. Classroom activities and field trips may be required.


(3)
  
  • RTM 220 Special Topics

    (2)
    Courses building a variety of recreational skills that foster life-long healthy recreational and leisure pursuits through knowledge, experience, and risk management. May be repeated for credit with consent of the instructor. 


    Note: Satisfies the General Education Physical Wellness Requirement.
(2)
  
  • RTM 222 Managing Tourism Resources

    (3)
    An introduction to the management and operation of the parks and natural areas. Areas of study will include general administration of outdoor recreation facilities and resources.


(3)
  
  • RTM 224 Tourism Motivation and Behavior

    (3)
    An examination of the factors that affect and influence travel-related decisions and behavior.


(3)
  
  • RTM 226 Inclusive Services in Recreation and Tourism

    (3)
    Introduction to the concepts and attitudes underlying inclusive recreation and adapted tourism services, including barriers to participation and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Examines the design, implementation, and evaluation of accessible environments and programs as well as future trends in adapted recreation services.


(3)
  
  • RTM 239 Programs and Operations in Recreation

    (3)
    Prerequisites: RTM 100 .
    Provides students with a theoretical overview and practical experience in the development, management, supervision and evaluation of recreation programs for public or private agencies. Off-campus activities will be required.


(3)
  
  • RTM 305 Hospitality Management

    (3)
    This course provides an introduction to the theory and practice of the management of hospitality organizations. Drawing from historical, sociological, psychological, legal, economic, environmental and political foundations, the course examines hospitality management from a holistic standpoint. Specific topics will include management theory and practice in the lodging, restaurant, managed services, tourism and entertainment, as well as the meetings and concentrations sectors. This course prepares students for specialized studies in these areas. 


(3)
  
  • RTM 309 Lodging Management

    (3)
    Examines the organization and management of various types of lodging facilities. Students will become familiar with all of the functional areas of hotels and other lodging establishments.


(3)
  
  • RTM 311 Measuring Tourism Impacts

    (3)
    Prerequisites: RTM 224 .
    Course introduces research protocols necessary to measure the benefits and impacts of the tourism industry with a special emphasis on survey research. Topics also include qualitative research, sampling methods, interpretation of statistics and the use of statistical programs such as SPSS. Production of a research report will be a major requirement of the class.


(3)
  
  • RTM 315 Management of Service Organizations

    (3)
    An overview of the service industry. Explores the history, current status, and future trends of various service organizations, with emphasis on the hospitality, tourism, and recreation industries. Stresses the unique characteristics and operations of service organizations.


(3)
  
  • RTM 320 Special Topics

    (1-6)
    Courses on various topics in recreation and tourism management.  Specific topics to be announced and indicated by appropriate title in student transcripts.  May be repeated for credit with consent of instructor.


(1-6)
  
  • RTM 325 Tourism Planning and Development

    (3)
    This course combines theory and field experience in the study of the principles and practices for planning, developing, expanding or refining tourism in new or existing tourist areas.


(3)
  
  • RTM 328 Design and Maintenance of Recreation Facilities

    (3)
    Prerequisites: RTM 222 .
    Explores current principles and practices for planning, designing, and maintaining a wide variety of recreational facilities. The public planning process, needs assessment and economic feasibility assessment will be major topics. Students will be required to visit and evaluate local recreational facilities.


(3)
  
  • RTM 331 Administration of Outdoor Recreation

    (3)
    Prerequisites: RTM 222 .
    Examines the many factors related to administration of outdoor recreation programs with emphasis on risk management, safety, and planning.


(3)
  
  • RTM 335 Urban Tourism

    (3)
    This course will explore the unique benefits and negative aspects of tourism in urban spaces. Such topics as tourist/local interaction in shared spaces, urban design and the built environment as contributors to the tourist experience, public management of urban tourist spaces, and the social, economic, cultural and psychological dynamics of tourist spaces in urban settings.


(3)
  
  • RTM 339 Geography for Tourism Professionals

    (3)
    A study of domestic and international tourism destinations designed to familiarize tourism professionals with the attractions, cultures, facilities, resources and issues encountered at these destinations.


(3)
  
  • RTM 342 International Tourism

    (3)
    Prerequisites: RTM 100   or permission of instructor.
    This course is intended to familiarize students with issues in the planning, promotion, and provision of international tourism services.  Topics will include cultural issues involved with international travel, the role of government in tourism facilitation, international standards for service quality and alternative visitor experiences.


(3)
  
  • RTM 345 Ecotourism

    (3)
    A study of regional and worldwide natural resource based tourism with emphases on sustainable development, nature interpretation, and adventure recreation.


(3)
  
  • RTM 346 Cultural Tourism

    (3)
    A study of cultural based tourism including historical interpretation, cross-cultural tourism, and heritage preservation.


(3)
  
  • RTM 347 Resource-Based Tourism Management

    (3)
    Prerequisites: RTM 222   or consent of instructor.
    An in-depth field of study to explore and evaluate the use tourism resources and to identify current and future resource use problems and successful management strategies.


(3)
  
  • RTM 348 Ski Area Management

    (3)
    Prerequisites: RTM 100 .
    This course examines the design and operation of commercial downhill ski facilities. Topics will include site design, equipment, snow production, staff training, guest services, safety management and liability issues. Visits to facilities will be planned as a part of the course.


(3)
  
  • RTM 351 Directed Readings in Recreation and Tourism Management

    (1-3)
    Permits students to do supervised, advanced study in subject areas not fully covered in the classroom. May be repeated for credit with consent of the adviser.


(1-3)
  
  • RTM 355 Tourism Promotion

    (3)
    Prerequisites: MKT 305  or consent of instructor.
    Provides an overview of tourism promotion. Examines the agencies and organizations currently engaged in such promotion and the methods employed by them to attract customers to their tourism destinations.


(3)
  
  • RTM 360 Practicum: Recreation and Tourism Management

    (3)
    .


(3)
  
  • RTM 415 Meetings, Conventions and Special Events Management

    (3)
    Prerequisites: RTM 239  
    Course examines the process of planning, marketing, publicizing and operation of conferences, conventions, trade shows and special events. Emphasis will also be placed on facility requirements of these events.


(3)
  
  • RTM 430 Seminar Senior Level: Recreation and Tourism Management

    (3)
    Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.
    Short-term seminars on various topics in tourism and recreation. May be repeated for elective credit with the consent of the instructor.


(3)
  
  • RTM 440 Independent Study: Senior Level

    (3)
    Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing with fifteen hours or more of previous class work in the discipline.
    Consists of advanced study, reading, or research in the student’s area of interest.


(3)
  
  • RTM 450 Internship Senior Level: Recreation and Tourism Management

    (3-12)
    Prerequisites: 2.0 overall GPA, 2.5 GPA in the major, senior standing and permission of instructor.
    On-the-job training and instruction in the concentration that the student has chosen. The student must work at least 600 clock hours through a combination of variable credit opportunities totaling 12 credit hours.


(3-12)
  
  • RTM 480 Honors Courses

    (3)
    Prerequisites: Senior standing.
    Seniors who qualify for honors courses are offered the opportunity to study with individual members of the faculty. This is specialized study apart from conventional classroom work. Interested students should contact the Director of the Recreation and Tourism Management Program.


(3)

Safety Education

  
  • S ED 225 Safety Education Workshops

    (1-3)
    Mini-courses of current interest in the area of safety education will be offered according to University guidelines as the Department of Human Performance so chooses. Topics of study will be indicated on student’s transcript.


(1-3)

Social Work

  
  • SOWK 161 Introduction to Social Work

    (3)
    Explores the multifaceted career opportunities of the social work profession, with an emphasis on human behavior, human rights, social and economic justice, and human diversity. Social work practice, values, and ethics are examined.


    Note: SOWK 161 and SOWK 229 require a combined average GPA of 2.00 (“C”) or better.
(3)
  
  • SOWK 229 Group Dynamics and Interviewing Skills

    (3)
    Critically examines and integrates theoretical-conceptual perspectives about group communications and interviewing skills, applying this information to practical problems and situations in context, focusing on behavior of individuals and groups with an emphasis on effective individual and group skills for both intrapersonal and interpersonal growth and development.


    Note: SOWK 161 and SOWK 229 require a combined average GPA of 2.00 (“C”) or better.
(3)
  
  • SOWK 236 Human Behavior and the Social Environment Theories

    (3)
    Prerequisites: SOWK 161 , PSY 101  and SOC 101  
    Orientation to the understanding of human behavior across the lifespan of individuals, groups, and communities.  Formal and informal processes, norms, values, ethics, strengths, and diverse cultures will be examined across multiple contexts.


    Note: SOWK 161 and SOWK 236 require a combined average GPA of 2.00 (“C”) or better.
(3)
  
  • SOWK 237 Human Behavior and the Social Environment Across the Lifespan

    (3)
    Prerequisites: SOWK 161  , PSY 101  , and SOC 101  
    Methodological and theoretical study of the the bio-psycho-social elements of human behavior across multiple contexts.  Students will develop a theoretical and conceptual knowledge of human behavior applicable to competent social work practice.


(3)
  
  • SOWK 271 Introduction to Academic Research

    (1)
    Designed to develop basic skills used in academic research. Special attention will be given to search techniques and sources, literature review and abstract, citation conventions, and academic integrity. Adaptations and applications to the student’s field of study will be explored.


(1)
  
  • SOWK 301 Social Policy and Services History

    (3)
    Prerequisites: SOWK 161 .
    The primary focus of the course is on the history of social work and social policy. The forces driving policy decisions are examined within a historical framework. The differential impact of social policy on diverse and oppressed groups is developed.


(3)
  
  • SOWK 302 Human Diversity

    (3)
    An overview of racial, ethnic, gender, age, religion, disability, and sexual orientation issues. The course will focus on helping students develop a conceptual understanding about complex and emotionally-charged issues of diversity, human rights, and social and economic justice. Students are challenged by using research, guided readings, and class discussion in understanding the societal implications of diversity.


(3)
  
  • SOWK 303 Social Policy and Services Analysis

    (3)
    Prerequisites: SOWK 161 .
    Provides students with a framework to analyze current social policy, taking into consideration both historical influences and current factors shaping these policies. A framework for policy analysis, incorporating the principles of human rights and social and economic justice, is also included. Content is provided on policy formulation, incorporating the processes influencing policy decisions.


(3)
  
  • SOWK 307 Practice with Individuals and Families

    (3)
    Prerequisites: Social Work major; formal admission to the Social Work Program; SOWK 161 , SOWK 229 , SOWK 236 , SOWK 237 ; SOWK 370 ; PSY 101 ; SOC 101 ; ENGL 101 , ENGL 102 ; SOWK 271 .      
    Methods of intervention appropriate for working with individuals and families are emphasized. Focuses on the basic knowledge, values, and skills appropriate for a generalist social work practitioner at the beginning professional level of social work practice. The practice components of engagement, assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, termination, and follow-up with individuals and families are utilized. A grade of “C” (2.0) or better is required in this course to enter SOWK 4601, SOWK 4602 and SOWK 451 .


(3)
  
  • SOWK 308 Practice with Groups

    (3)
    Prerequisites: Social Work major; formal admission to the Social Work Program; SOWK 161 , SOWK 229 , SOWK 236 , SOWK 237 ; SOWK 370 ; PSY 101 ; SOC 101 ; ENGL 101 , ENGL 102 ; SOWK 271 . 
    Methods of intervention appropriate for working with small groups are emphasized. Focuses on values, knowledge, and skills appropriate for the generalist social work practitioner at the beginning professional level of social work practice. The practice components of engagement, assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, termination, and follow-up with groups are utilized. A grade of “C” (2.0) or better is required in this course to enter SOWK 4601. SOWK 4602 and SOWK 451 .


(3)
  
  • SOWK 309 Practice with Communities and Organizations

    (3)
    Prerequisites: Social Work major; formal admission to the Social Work Program; SOWK 161 , SOWK 229 , SOWK 236 , SOWK 237 ; SOWK 370 ; PSY 101 ; SOC 101 ; ENGL 101 , ENGL 102 ; SOWK 271 .      
    Methods of intervention with organizations and communities are emphasized. Focuses on values, knowledge and skills appropriate for the generalist social work practitioner at the beginning professional level of social work practice. The practice components of engagement, assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, termination, and follow-up with communities and organizations are utilized. A grade of “C” (2.0) or better is required in this course to enter SOWK 4601, SOWK 4602 and SOWK 451 .


(3)
  
  • SOWK 318 Health and Human Resources Administration

    (3)
    An elective focusing on organizations and service delivery systems with an emphasis on leadership and management principles.


(3)
  
  • SOWK 319 Family Therapy

    (3)
    This course is an elective within the Social Work program and is designed to provide an in depth overview of models of family therapy interventions. 


(3)
  
  • SOWK 320 Special Topics

    (1-3)
    .


(1-3)
  
  • SOWK 322 School Social Services

    (3)
    Teaches basic knowledge, approaches, and skills involved in school social services. Examined are the basic concepts of children’s developmental needs, which require preventive services in the school, family, and community systems.


(3)
  
  • SOWK 323 Families & Addiction

    (3)
    Examination of the impact addiction has on the family and the process of family recovery. Emphasis is on the family as a system, attachment, adaptation, enabling and enmeshment, and strategies to support family healing.  


(3)
  
  • SOWK 324 Gerontology and the Field of Aging

    (3)
    Beginning with aging as a developmental process, implications are generated which relate to possible services for the aged. Included is a focus on the development of primary intervention, protective, and institutional services.


    Note: (Class size limited.)
(3)
  
  • SOWK 325 Addiction

    (3)
    This course is designed to acquaint the student with information related to an assortment of addiction related topics including but, not limited to: theories and models of addiction; definitions of abuse and dependency; screenings; diagnoses; substance use among particular populations; treatment; intervention; prevention; drug categories; core functions of addiction, counseling, and performance domains of a prevention specialist. 


(3)
  
  • SOWK 326 Family Law

    (3)


    This course will study family law and some of its very important areas. They study principally deals with West Virginia family law, but has cases and application beyond our state. 

    This class is for any student interested in family law, but especially for students who want to work in the area of family law as social workers, attorneys, counselors, psychologists, law enforcement, and those interested in foster care/adoption.


(3)
  
  • SOWK 327 Health Care

    (3)
    Deals with the relationship between physical well-being and social functioning; the definition of a state of health and the health continuum; concepts of multiple causation and the role of stress; the social and psychological impact of chronic illness; planning, organizing, and delivering of health services.


    Note: (Class size limited.)
(3)
  
  • SOWK 328 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)


    This course focuses on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in both military and civilian perspectives. It is offered to provide anyone, regardless of their field of interest or practice insight into stress, trauma, PTSD and their treatment modalities. The course is organized as a discussion class. Students are expected to read the assigned material thoroughly and be prepared to draw upon their own lives, family experiences and practices to achieve course objectives. 


  
  • SOWK 329 Intro to Community Service

    (3)
    Students will explore the responsibility of the individual in regards to addressing the unmet needs of our society. Through practical, hands-on experiences, each participant will gain an understanding of the vital societal role of volunteerism and community service. Each participant will examine his/her values, beliefs and privileges in an effort to identify and understand personal bias and how it can negatively impact personal interactions, especially those in a service environment. Poverty and its impact on individuals and society as a whole will be explored. Students will have an opportunity to explore various social and cultural issues that have a currents and/or historical impact in their communities. Discussion will be developed through reading assignments, lecture materials, guest speakers, service experiences and student presentations on social topics. 


(3)
  
  • SOWK 336 Corrections

    (3)
    Examines the historical, legal and philosophical systemic nature of correctional intervention through social work and other professions in the area of courts, institutions, and community based corrections. Attention is given to prevention and aftercare dynamics. 


    Also listed as: CRIM 336  
(3)
  
  • SOWK 350 Special Topics in Social Work

    (1-3)
    Prerequisites: Approval by the Social Work Department.
    Courses on specialized areas of social work practice (such as Addictions, Family Therapy, and Introduction to Community Service)


(1-3)
  
  • SOWK 370 Social Work Research Methods

    (4)
    Prerequisites: SOWK 161 , SOWK 271  MATH 105  (may be taken concurrently).  
    Familiarizes the student with the quantitative and qualitative research methods, the research process, and the role of research in professional practice. Students develop a research proposal. Emphasis is placed on evaluation of all levels of practice.


    (3 hour lecture)
(4)
  
  • SOWK 405 Addictions Capstone

    (3)
    Prerequisites: SOWK 323 , SOWK 325 , CRIM 322 /SOC 322, and PSY 429  
    This hybrid course requires 15 observational hours in at least one addictions treatment facility. Students in the course will meet with the faculty member four times throughout the semester. Most assignments will be web-based and will include activities such as discussion questions; reaction to the field observations including introspection and gaining insight into an addict’s thinking, feeling and behavior; evaluating treatment approaches; and considering policy issues in the addictions field. A research paper will be required at the end of the semester. 


(3)
  
  • SOWK 440 Independent Study

    (1-6)
    Prerequisites: B average for majors or consent of social work faculty.
    Advanced field study, readings, or research in student’s area of interest.


(1-6)
  
  • SOWK 470 Advanced Community-Based Research

    (1-3)
    Prerequisites: Completion of a basic research course or consent of the instructor.
    This course seeks to deepen the student’s understanding of community-based research. Focusing on the substantial research opportunities in the professional arena this course is appropriate for any discipline in which academic and community partnerships are important. This is the capstone course for those pursuing the Civic Engagement minor.


(1-3)
  
  • SOWK 480 Honors Courses

    (3)
    Juniors and seniors who qualify for Honors Courses are offered the opportunity to study with individual members of the faculty. This is specialized study apart from conventional classroom work. Interested students should contact the Department Chair for further information.


(3)
  
  • SOWK 481 Honors Courses

    (3)
    Juniors and seniors who qualify for Honors Courses are offered the opportunity to study with individual members of the faculty. This is specialized study apart from conventional classroom work. Interested students should contact the Department Chair for further information.


(3)
  
  • SOWK 501 Introduction to Generalist Practice

    (3)
    Prerequisites: None
    This is the introductory course to the advanced generalist social work profession for students entering the Generalist Program (1st year).  The course provides an overview of the history and development of the profession, the values and ethics of the profession, the generalist knowledge and competencies necessary for practitioners, and practice with all sizes of systems and populations.


(3)
  
  • SOWK 511 Generalist Human Behavior and the Social Environment

    (3)
    This is the generalist HBSE course.  The course provides the generalist understanding of and practice from a human behavior across the lifespan perspective at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels.  All levels of HBSE are examined from multiple theoretical models including systems theory and from the strengths perspective.  Students will develop critical thinking and assessment skills for competent social work practice.


(3)
  
  • SOWK 521 Generalist Policy

    (3)
    This is the generalist policy course required of all students who are not in the Advanced Standing Program.  The course outlines the social policies that have been enacted in the United States and the resulting impact of their implementation with special attention to rural areas.


(3)
  
  • SOWK 531 Generalist Practice

    (3)
    The social work practice methods course enables students to understand and apply social work theories, strategies, and techniques for helping individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities within the context of the generalist perspective.  Students will continue development of critical thinking skills by applying them to the analysis of evidenced-based practice methods and interventions.  Students will integrate knowledge of evidence-based practice applicable to micro, mezzo, and macro levels of social work with clients and populations-at-risk; maintain commitment to economic and social justice, ethical practice, the strengths perspective, the planned change process and cultural differences.


(3)
  
  • SOWK 541 Generalist Research

    (3)
    This course is required for all students in the Generalist Program (1st year) and emphasizes the development of the quantitative and qualitative research knowledge necessary for evidence-based practice to inform research. Students are introduced to the concepts and skills underlying a systemic approach to social work research, including but not limited to the role of concepts and theory, hypothesis formulation, operationalization, research design, data collection, data processing, statistical analysis, computer skills, and research report writing.


(3)
  
  • SOWK 551A, 551B Generalist Field Practicum

    (3,3)
    Prerequisites: SOWK 501   and SOWK 511  
    Co-requisites: SOWK 531  

    The generalist field experience provides an opportunity to apply the skills, knowledge, cognitive/affective processes, and values of generalist social work practice in a social service setting with diverse clients.  The Generalist Field Practicum requires that students complete 400 hours of practicum time in an agency setting.  SOWK 551 is completed across two semesters, one 15 week semester (fall or spring) and one 5 week semester (summer I or summer II).  Students complete 20 hours of field time per week across both of those semesters to complete the required 400 hours.  SOWK 501 and SOWK 511 must be taken before the student starts SOWK 551.  SOWK 531 must be taken before or concurrent with the student’s first semester of SOWK 551 (551A).


(3,3)
  
  • SOWK 613 Advanced Human Behavior and the Social Environment in Rural Settings

    (3)
    This course is an advanced Human Behavior in the Social Environment (HBSE).  The course provides an advanced rural focus on human behavior in the social environment with a specific focus on the issues that occur in rural settings and the human context.  The course examines (but is not limited to) issues such as social justice/injustice such as poverty, human rights, gender, sexual orientation, race, social class, environmental injustice and ageism.  These issues are addressed across all levels of practice through the lens of the strengths perspective and systems approach while examining personal and professional values.  Students will develop critical thinking, knowledge and skills for competent rural social work practice.


(3)
  
  • SOWK 622 Advanced Policy in Rural Practice

    (3)
    This is the second policy course and is required for students who are in the Advanced Generalist Program as well as those progressing from the Generalist Program.  The student will select a social topic or population relevant to rural areas and explore how to assist those working with the topic or population through written and policy involvement assignments.  The knowledge builds from the paper written in SOWK 521-Generalist Policy and from applied policy analysis research.


(3)
  
  • SOWK 633 Advanced Rural Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups

    (3)
    This course is designed to prepare social work students for advanced practice with individuals, families and groups in rural settings  The rural social worker often does not have the luxury of being able to intervene across multiple populations utilizing various intervention modalities.  This course focuses on best practices and intervention methods appropriate to the unique strengths and limitations within rural settings and with rural populations.


(3)
  
  • SOWK 634 Advanced Rural Practice with Communities and Organizations

    (3)
    This advanced course prepares masters level social work students for advanced practice in rural settings with communities and organizations.  This course includes practice with a wide variety of populations.  The rural social worker often does not have the luxury of being able to refer clients and must be able to intervene across multiple populations utilizing various intervention modalities.  This course focuses on working with communities and organizations using best practices and intervention methods appropriate to changing contexts and populations.


(3)
  
  • SOWK 642 Advanced Rural Research Methods for Social Work

    (3)
    This research course is required for both Generalist and Advanced Generalist students.  The course emphasizes the application of research methods for the evaluation of practice effectiveness and/or program outcomes in rural practice.  Students will develop a single case design, choose a client, group, behavior, or program and engage in the evaluation process.  The course emphasizes the evaluation of evidence-based interventions and the utilization of the results to make practice decisions that improve the quality of services, initiate changes in policy, and improve delivery of social services.  Students will expand their understanding of the essential components of a research project that were introduced in SOWK 541-Foundations of Research or in their respective BSW program.


(3)
  
  • SOWK 653A, 653B, and 653C Advanced Field Practicum

    (3)
    Prerequisites: SOWK 613  
    Co-requisites: SOWK 633  

    The Advanced Field Practicum advances the skills, knowledge, cognitive/affective processes, and values of social work as applied to rural practice.  In the Advanced Field Practicum students complete a minimum of 525 field practicum hours.  Each student will complete the advanced field practicum across three semesters and will complete 16 or 21 hours per week to obtain the minimum 525 hours, depending on the students progression through the program.  SOWK 613 must Be taken before students start SOWK 653.  SOWK 633 must be taken either before or concurrent with the student’s first semester of SOWK 653 (653A).


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  • SOWK 660 Special Topics

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    Electives will rotate and include issues relevant to rural social work practice that can change to respond to evolving contexts of practice and environment.  Students will take this course one (1) time in the Foundation Year and three (3) times in the Advanced Year for a total of twelve (12) hours.  Psychopathology will be offered as a standing elective for those students planning to engage in clinical practice.  Similarly, for students planning to advance their education a thesis option is available.  The thesis may be completed in lieu of taking the electives in the advanced year.


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  • SOWK 661 Appalachian Culture, Structures, and Environment

    (3)
    This advanced course integrates social work issues and methods from across the curriculum within a rural setting and Appalachian context.  The course builds upon the conceptual and historical foundations of rural practice and the unique Appalachian culture and resultant family, community, and delivery structures.  Further, the course explores mechanisms to build individual and community capacity, in part, by recognizing and exploring avenues of strength, inherent in and indigenous to, the environmental context of Appalachia.


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  • SOWK 1001 Sign Language I

    (1)
    Prerequisites: No prerequisite.
    An introductory skill development course in the art of manual communication.


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  • SOWK 1002 Sign Language II

    (1)
    Prerequisites: No prerequisite.
    An intermediate skill development course in the art of manual communication.


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  • SOWK 4601 Field Instruction

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    Prerequisites: Completion of all required Social Work Courses. Students must have a better than 2.00 overall grade point average with a 2.50 average in those courses listed under Social Work Courses Required and a 2.0 or better in SOWK 307 , SOWK 308 , and SOWK 309 . Students must have senior status. 
    Provides students with opportunities to develop skills, knowledge, theories, and techniques with procedures from the classroom being applied to field situations. Emphasis is on individualized instruction with supervision by faculty. Application to be made through Field Instruction Coordinator three months before placement begins.


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  • SOWK 4602 Field Instruction

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    Prerequisites: Completion of all required Social Work Courses. Students must have a better than 2.00 overall grade point average with a 2.50 average in those courses listed under Social Work Courses Required and a 2.0 or better in SOWK 307 , SOWK 308 , and SOWK 309 . Students must have senior status. 
    Provides students with opportunities to develop skills, knowledge, theories, and techniques with procedures from the classroom being applied to field situations. Emphasis is on individualized instruction with supervision by faculty. Application to be made through Field Instruction Coordinator three months before placement begins.


(6)

Sociology

  
  • SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology

    (3)
    A course reflecting the basic concerns of sociology and designed to fulfill the General Education requirements for non-majors and for teacher certification.


(3)
  
  • SOC 201 Social Problems

    (3)
    An examination of issues of timely importance to Americans generally, and to West Virginians in particular, emphasizing sociological explanations of underlying social factors.


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  • SOC 210 Deviant Behavior

    (3)
    A study of deviance as social process. Considers historical and cross-cultural variation in definitions of deviance; the process of labeling deviant behavior; and the development and management of deviant identities.


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  • SOC 221 Gender & Sexualities

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    Examination of gender and sexualities as cultural constructions and organizing principles of social structure. Topics covered include: representations of gender and sexuality in popular culture, socialization and development of gender and sexual identities, and how social institutions influence expectations and consequences of gender and sexuality. 


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