2012-2013 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Social Work
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Lynn Peters, Chair; Tamara L. Faux; Susan K. Vallem
The Social Work Department is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education to grant the baccalaureate-level social work degree. The Social Work Program aims to develop graduates who are prepared for beginning generalist social work practice with systems of all sizes or graduate school entry at an advanced level. Our mission is to develop competent and proficient social work practitioners who reflect the aims, values, and ideals of a liberal arts education. Students who are not social work majors can minor in social welfare to become better informed and prepared for active community participation.
The social work program is based on a strong liberal arts background. Required preprofessional courses include human biology, psychology, sociology, and political science.
The program provides a minimum of two field experiences: a one-month May Term and a one-semester Senior Practicum. Students may elect two additional field placements. Field sites are available regionally and through Wartburg West in Denver, Colo.
Social work program goals are to develop in students:
- An understanding and application of social work values and ethics.
- An understanding of human behavior and the social environment in the context of person-in-environment and a systems perspective.
- An appreciation for the value and importance of human diversity.
- Practice skills with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- An understanding of social policy and the ethical obligation to work toward social and economic justice.
- Research skills for critical evaluation.
- A beginning professional social work identity.
Admission to the Social Work Program
Students formally apply to enter the program after the second year. Students who transfer to Wartburg as third- or fourth-year students complete one term before applying. Except for Social Work Practice I and II, Senior Seminar, and Senior Field Instruction, all other social work courses are open to non-social work majors.
Admission criteria for majors are third-year standing, cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0, C or better earned in each course required for the major, a C- or better in SW 181 Beginning Field Experience , competence in college-level reading and written and oral communication, evidence of interpersonal relationship skills, emotional stability, and recommendation from student’s adviser.
Students may receive full admission, conditional admission, or no admission to the program and may appeal the decision to the Social Work Appeals Committee.
Professional Term
During Winter or Summer Term, the fourth-year practicum consists of 13 weeks of professional social work practice (SW 401 , SW 402 , SW 403 Supervised Field Instruction ) and a seminar (SW 400 Senior Integrative Seminar ). Before enrolling in the professional term, fourth-year students must complete prerequisite courses, earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 and a grade point average of at least 2.50 in social work courses, and formally apply and obtain department approval.
Programs
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