SASS 608 - Philosophy of Science and Theory Building (3 credits, required)
Mark Singer
This is a required foundation course. The nature of theory is examined. Inductive and deductive
methods for knowledge building are reviewed. Course content draws from philosophy of science as
well as empirical and phenomenological research.
SASS 609 - Theories of Social Welfare and Social Justice (3 credits, required)
Pranab Chatterjee
This is a foundation course required for all students. Theories of social welfare and social
justice are examined. Course content draws from moral philosophy, economics, political science,
cultural anthropology, sociology, history, psychology, and social welfare theory and provides
students with a broad orientation to the field of theoretical social welfare.
SASS 610 - Theories of Human Behavior: Macro and Micro-Dimensions (3 credits, required)
Pranab Chatterjee
This course deals with labeling, socialization, ecological, structural-functional, and conflict
theories as macro-level theories. The course ends with a review of cultural, social reproduction,
and postmodern orientations.
SASS 613 - Advanced Research Design (3 credits, required)
David Biegel
This foundation course in research methods is required of all students. It is a pre-requisite to
the quantitative and qualitative courses. Topics covered include operationalization of variables,
threats to validity, and experimental, quasi-experimental and non-experimental research
designs.
SASS 614 - Models of Qualitative Research (3 credits, required)
Kathleen Wells/Jeff Longhofer
This course introduces the social scientific paradigms for qualitative research and then
explores varying qualitative research models and standards for evaluation. Political and ethical
issues raised by qualitative research also are considered.
Prerequisites: SASS 608 and SASS 613. SASS 618 recommended
SASS 615 - Social Statistics and Data Analysis (3 credits, required)
Claudia Coulton
This foundation course (or its equivalent) is required of all students. Content includes
descriptive and inferential statistics for univariate and bivariate analyses, and the use of
electronic data processing technology to manage and analyze data.
SASS 616 - Applied Regression and the General Linear Model (3 credits, required)
Claudia Coulton
This course builds on SASS 615, and either it or its equivalent is required of all students.
Content focuses on using ordinary least square regression, logistic regression and other
multivariate methods.
Prerequisite: SASS 615 or consent of instructor
SASS 617 - Specialization Seminar (3 credits)
Kathleen Farkas
This course focuses on problem definitions and research issues related to developing the
dissertation prospectus. Students apply their knowledge of theory and research design to craft a
proposal. Prerequisite: SASS 614 or SASS 618
SASS 618 - Measurement Issues In Quantitative Research (3 credits, required)
Aloen Townsend
This course covers the operationalization of social science concepts and development of
quantitative methods for their measurement. Issues covered include index and scale construction,
validity, reliability, questionnaire design, factor analysis, measurement error, and missing data.
Prerequisites: SASS 613 and SASS 615. SASS 616 recommended
SASS 620 - Theory and Research-Based Knowledge for Social Work Practice (3 credits)
Kathryn Betts Adams and Elizabeth Tracy
This course provides a critical overview of the major theories and the body of research
informing contemporary social work practice. Theories will include the foundational, such as
psychodynamic, ego-psychological, ecological and systems, along with trans-theoretical and
post-modern theories. The course will integrate a discussion of the history of scientific
inquiry in social work, particularly focusing on practice intervention studies, systematic reviews
and meta-analyses. Criteria for evaluating individual studies and the evidence base in
specific practice areas will be included, along with material on the current state of
Evidence-Based Practice.
SASS 621 - Social Welfare Policy (3 credits)
David Miller
This course focuses on the critical review and application of policy analysis frameworks related
to social welfare policy. The conceptual, historical, ideological, and political foundations
contributing to the development, formulation, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of
social welfare policies will be critiqued. Social welfare policies intended to ameliorate
social ills (e.g. poverty, education, housing) will be analyzed using policy analysis frameworks in
a critical and comparative fashion. Policy alternatives to respond to current and future
social problems will be critically discussed for feasibility, viability, and economic effects.
SASS 630 - Seminar in Social Work Education (3 credits)
Terry Hokenstad
The purpose of this course is to prepare students for careers in academe. The structure and
content of American higher education is examined. Emphasis is placed on curriculum design and
course development. This course is also designed to help students develop a strategic approach to
teaching based on learning theory.
SASS 632 - Research Project (3 credits)
This course provides students with the opportunity to work with specific faculty engaged in
research studies either on an individual or group basis.
SASS 635 - Methodological Issues in Qualitative Research (3 credits)
Kathleen Wells
This course builds on SAS 614, Models of Qualitative Research. It focuses on the application of
specific qualitative data-collection methods, data-analytic approaches, and strategies for
representing findings from qualitative investigations.
Prerequisite: SASS 614
SASS 637 - Independent Study
This is an individual reading course permitting students to select areas of interest and
pursue these interests with specific faculty.
SASS 642 - Teaching Practicum (1 – 6 credits)
Students interested in experiential learning within social work education can arrange a teaching
assistantship within the M.S.S.A. curriculum.
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