Page 338 of Boston College 2004-2005 Catalog by Boston College University

336 The Boston College Catalog 2004-2005 SOCIAL WORK theories that build on and integrate foundation teachings in social welfare policy, human behavior and the social environment, research, and social work practice. The Department SW 828 Adult Relationships (Spring: 3) Prerequisite: SW 721 or permission of the instructor Elective A course focusing on the centrality of meaningful relationships to the emergence of a sense of self in adulthood. Developmental as well as contextual factors are viewed as essential to understanding the bio-psycho-social dimensions of the self in adult relationships. Different theoretical perspectives are employed to understand how relationships develop over time. The Mackey/OBrien method of studying lasting relationships between heterosexual and same sex partners is used to explore an integrated approach to research. As members of small research teams, students have the opportunity to study an aspect of relationships as the semester unfolds. Richard A. Mackey SW 830 Social Work and Pastoral Ministry (Fall: 3) Prerequisite: SW 700 Cross Listed with TH 838 Required for students in Dual M.S.W./M.A., and open to other graduate students as an elective A course developing interdisciplinary modes of analysis to reflect systematically and critically the role of social workers and pastoral ministers in building a just and caring society, in relationship to foundational values drawn from professional codes of ethics as well as from the traditions of religion and civil society. The course will include topics such as the following: historical perspectives on religion and social services in the United States; religious communities as change agents in society; the nature of religious and social work identity; the role of religion in a pluralistic and multicultural society; and social work as a vocational call. Hugo Kamya SW 833 Social Gerontology (Fall: 3) Prerequisite: SW 721 Required for Gerontology Field of Practice option; elective for other students An advanced course on the normal aging process, the developmental tasks of the aged, and theories of aging. The goal is to create a holistic understanding of the aging process by examining the cultural, economic, physical, environmental, social, and psychological influences on old age. Included is the role of the family in providing care to elders. The Department SW 834 Managed Care: Behavioral, Socio-Political, and Economic Aspects (Spring: 3) Prerequisite: SW 721 Elective A course examining the behavioral, socio-political, and economic aspects of managed health and mental health services. The course specifically addresses the at-risk status of individuals, families, groups, and organizations within the managed care services delivery system. At-risk factors such as existing health status, gender, race, ethnicity, culture, and socioeconomic status produce systemic and wide-spread inequities in the form of lack of access to services, lack of parity for mental health services, inability to obtain adequate health insurance, and inequitably dispensed health services and medications. The Department SW 838 Family and Childrens Services: Group Independent Study (Fall/Spring: 3) Prerequisite: SW 722 or SW 724 Elective Emphasis will be on the issues of human behavior and the social environment and/or social work services with and for children and families that are economically deprived. Potential topics include family preservation, family reunification, foster family care, day care, residential treatment, and adoption. The Department SW 839 HBSE Independent Study (Fall/Spring: 3) Prerequisite: SW 722 or SW 724 Elective An opportunity to pursue an in-depth study of some aspect of human behavior theory or knowledge. The study must be designed so that it contributes to the students understanding of the individual, group, organizational, institutional, or cultural context within which human behavior is expressed and by which it is significantly influenced. The area of investigation must be of clear significance to the contemporary practice of social work. Any student who has successfully completed the foundation course in Human Behavior and the Social Environment is eligible to pursue independent study. The Department SW 848 Womens Issues: Policy and Research (Spring: 3) Prerequisites: SW 701-702, SW 747-751 Elective An advanced policy analysis and research course focusing on women in all societies who suffer from lack of access and parity in health, mental health, and social services, as well as lack of comparable and equitable incomes. This course advances student knowledge of the policy sciences and research as relative to women in the areas of aging, managed health and mental health care, welfare, substance abuse, child welfare, and balancing work/family issues. Students will analyze current policies and research, and will develop new policies in each of these selected areas, based on extensive web-based research data. Nancy W. Veeder SW 849 Independent Study in Research (Fall/Spring: 3) Prerequisites: SW 747-751 Elective An opportunity for students to engage in specifically focused work in one of two areas: the formulation, design, and implementation of an empirical study of the type not possible to operationalize within other course practicum opportunities available; or the indepth study in a particular research methods area about which no graduate level courses exist within the University. The Department SW 851 Policy Analysis Research for Social Reform (Spring: 3) Prerequisites: SW 747-751 Elective A seminar preparing students for practice-oriented policy analysis research roles. It offers advanced research content of particular use to administrators, planners, advocates, and others interested in participating in policy analysis and development efforts, particularly those related to vulnerable populations. It provides knowledge of and opportunity to apply the following: (1) the logic of inquiry into social policy issues; (2) policy analysis research methods (e.g., population projections, input-output analysis, cost-effectiveness analysis); and (3) writing skills and quantitative reasoning necessary to use data and policy research methods creatively in making effective policy arguments. The Department

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