Graduate Catalog 2019-2020 
    
    May 05, 2024  
Graduate Catalog 2019-2020 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Courses


  

 

Social Work

  
  • SOWK 8256 - Advanced Social Work Field Education II

    2 hrs
    Second of three field sequence courses. Required field placement in approval human service organizations under the instruction and supervision of licensed master’s level social workers. Concentration is social work practice with Hispanic children and families. Must be taken concurrently with SOWK 7158 . A minimum of 500 clock hours in an agency must be completed and equally distributed over three terms. Open only to online students. Offered on a pass/fail basis.
    Prerequisite(s): Completion of the concentration curriculum; SOWK 7157 , SOWK 8255  and a minimum of a 3.0 GPA.
    Fee: $30.
  
  • SOWK 8257 - Advanced Social Work Field Education III

    2 hrs
    Third of three field sequence courses. Required field placements in approved human service organizations under the instruction and supervision of licensed master’s level social workers. Concentration is social work practice with Hispanic children and families. Must be taken concurrently with SOWK 7159 . A minimum of 500 clock hours in an agency must be completed and equally distributed over three terms. Open only to online students. Offered on a pass/fail basis.
    Prerequisite(s): Completion of the concentration curriculum; SOWK 7157 , SOWK 7158 , SOWK 8256 , SOWK 8255  and a minimum of a 3.0 GPA.
    Fee: $70.
  
  • SOWK 8351 - Foundation Field Education I

    3 hrs
    Field placement in human service organizations under the supervision of licensed master’s level social work. Emphasis on development of foundation social work practice values, skills and knowledge. Must be taken concurrently with SOWK 6157 . Foundation Integrative Seminar I. A minimum of 240 clock hours in the agency must be completed. Offered on a pass/fail basis.
    Prerequisite: Good academic standing. Completion of foundation curriculum and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
    Fee: $45.
  
  • SOWK 8352 - Foundation Field Education II

    3 hrs
    Field placement in human service organizations under the instruction and supervision of licensed master social work practitioners. Emphasis on development of foundation social work practice values, skills and knowledge. Must be taken concurrently with SOWK 6158 - Foundation Integrative Seminar I . A minimum of 240 clock hours in the agency must be completed. Offered on a pass/fail basis.
    Prerequisite: Minimum 3.0 GPA. For online students, completion of Foundation curriculum, SOWK 8351  and SOWK 6157  and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
    Fee: $45.
  
  • SOWK 8456 - Field Education: Services to Children and Families

    4 hrs
    Field placements in human service organizations under the instruction and supervision of licensed master level social workers. Advanced social work practice with families and children, with emphasis on Hispanics. Must be taken concurrently with SOWK 8556  and SOWK 7156 - Advanced Block Integrative Seminar . A minimum of 489 clock hours in the agency must be completed. Offered on a pass/fail basis.
    Prerequisite: Completion of the foundation curriculum or Advanced Standing and good academic standing.
    Fee: $45.
  
  • SOWK 8556 - Field Education: Services to Children and Families

    5 hrs
    Field placements in human service organizations under the instruction and supervision of licensed master level social workers. Advanced social work practice with families and children, with emphasis on Hispanics. Must be taken concurrently with SOWK 8456  and SOWK 7156 - Advanced Block Integrative Seminar . A minimum of 489 clock hours in the agency must be completed. Pass/Fail.
    Prerequisite: Completion of the foundation curriculum or Advanced Standing and good academic standing.
  
  • SOWK 8657 - Advanced Social Work Field Education Block

    6 hrs
    Required field placement in approved human service organization under the instruction and supervision of licensed master’s level social workers. Concentration is social work practice with Hispanic children and families. Must be taken concurrently with SOWK 7356 . A minimum of 500 clock hours in an approved agency must be completed. Offered on a pass/fail basis.
    Prerequisite(s): Completion of the foundation curriculum or Advanced Standing. A minimum of a 3.0 GPA.
    Fee: $15.
  
  • SOWK 9300 - Introduction to Pedagogy

    3 hrs
    Focusing on social work curriculum policy and issues, course development and content, teaching techniques, and classroom management. Emphasizing skill as well as conceptual content and theory. Students will identify and develop a variety of specific, concrete strategies for teaching and evaluating the practice of teaching. Course will cover several considerations for developing these strategies to address the complex system of concerns including: multiple learning styles; developmental needs of students, and diversity. Evaluating teaching will be addressed as a strategy for scholarship. 
    Fee: $350.
  
  • SOWK 9308 - Epistemology & Theories

    3 hrs
    Paradigms for Advanced SOWK Practice: Epistemology & Theories covers the conceptualization, development, and application of social work theories. Philosophical, theoretical, and empirical underpinnings of different social work practice theories will be studied with an emphasis on understanding and critically analyzing the philosophical assumptions and scientific basis of various theories. Students will become familiar with the historical context of different theories covered and research on their effectiveness within social work. Since social work has relied on other social science disciplines for much of its theoretical base, major theories will be covered from diverse disciplines. 
  
  • SOWK 9315 - Statistical Methods I

    3 hrs
    The fundamental procedures for data organization and analysis.  Subjects include frequency distributions, graphical presentation, sampling, experimental design, inference, and regression. 
  
  • SOWK 9319 - Qualitative Research I

    3 hrs
    Introduction to qualitative research paradigms, their epistemologies, theories, and methods. The major focus is to survey qualitative methods of inquiry including research designs, specific data collection methods, and analytic and interpretive procedures. A major portion of the class time is distributed toward a qualitative field experience where students work on a qualitative research project with a faculty member.
  
  • SOWK 9325 - Statistics II

    3 hrs


    Designed to build upon Statistical Analysis I.  The focus is on multivariate statistical procedures and the utilization of the statistical output in research findings.  
    Prerequisite(s): SOWK 9315  

     

  
  • SOWK 9330 - Quantitative Research

    3 hrs
    Designed to introduce students to fundamental concepts and statistical procedures used in social work research. It also introduces students to computer applications for data analysis and helps to develop basic skills in data file construction, management, and statistical analysis. The primary focus of the course is on developing a conceptual and mathematical understanding of statistics needed for advanced work in research design, model development, model fitting and estimation, hypothesis testing, multivariate techniques, and interpretation of data.
    Prerequisite(s): SOWK 9315  , must be enrolled or completed SOWK 9325  
  
  • SOWK 9338 - Qualitative Research II

    3 hrs
    Designed to build upon Qualitative Research I.  An experiential course where students apply qualitative methods with the primary focus of the course on developing a publishable quality manuscript using rigorous qualitative design and analysis. 
    Prerequisite: SOWK 9319  
  
  • SOWK 9342 - Grants and Proposals

    3 hrs


    This project-based course covers the complete process of grant proposal development: identification of an achievable and fundable project, research and assessment of viable funding sources, funder relations, proposal writing, budget development, preparation of a full proposal package for submission, and post award or rejection follow-up with funders.  Students gain an understanding of the academic research funding environment and become familiar with tools and resources available to assist them as they seek funds for their projects/institutions. Students must have a specific project or a fairly well-developed idea that they build upon as the basis for their coursework and final grant proposal.

     

     
    Prerequisite(s):  SOWK 9315  , SOWK 9330  

     
    Fee: $350.

  
  • SOWK 9346 - Pedagogy of Distance Education

    3 hrs


    Applying what has been learned in Introduction to Pedagogy to the online environment covering curriculum development, working with instructional designers, implementation and evaluation, integrating technology across the curriculum, classroom environments and management, critical issues in distance education paradigms and developing community and student engagement.  
    Prerequisite(s): SOWK 9300  

     

     

  
  • SOWK 9351 - Mixed Methods Research

    3 hrs
    Provides an overview of mixed methods research, with an emphasis on its application in social work research. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods prior to beginning this course. “Mixed methods” refers to the intentional mixing of quantitative and qualitative approaches within one study or across a program of research. Engagement in mixed methods research is intended to enhance the researcher’s ability to study complex social phenomena holistically, while minimizing some of the limitations posed by mono-method (qualitative or quantitative) designs. The foundation for conducting mixed methods research in social work is laid by exploring the historical, philosophical, and epistemological, roots of this emerging research methodology. Methods for collecting, analyzing and presenting data will also be discussed. 
    Prerequisite(s): SOWK 9315  , SOWK 9325  , SOWK 9330  , SOWK 9338  
  
  • SOWK 9356 - Special Topics-Clinical

    3 hrs
    Special Topics in Clinical Social Work  (approved by Doctoral Advisor)
    Prerequisite(s): SOWK 9300, SOWK 9308, SOWK 9315, SOWK 9319, SOWK 9325, SOWK 9330, SOWK 9338, SOWK 9342, SOWK 9346, SOWK 9351
  
  
  • SOWK 9363 - Scholarly Writing and Publishing

    3 hrs
    To prepare students to develop and improve skills in scholarly writing and proposal development and  providing students with both scholarly and practical knowledge on writing and publishing scientific manuscripts in peer reviewed social science related journals.  It will cover techniques for writing clear and well-organized manuscripts and ethical issues involving manuscripts preparation and publication.  Emphasis will be placed on writing, editing, reviewing, revise and resubmit, and other applicable skills.  At the end of this course, students will submit their paper for publication.  
    Prerequisite(s):  SOWK 9300  , SOWK 9325  , SOWK 9330  , SOWK 9338  , SOWK 9351  
  
  • SOWK 9366 - Clinical Supervision II

    3 hrs
    Clinical Supervision and Integrative Seminar II, students in a clinical internship will continue working on supervising BSW and MSW students within agency settings while under the supervision of a licensed clinical supervisor.
    Prerequisite(s): SOWK 9300, SOWK 9308, SOWK 9315, SOWK 9319, SOWK 9325, SOWK 9330, SOWK 9338, SOWK 9342, SOWK 9346, SOWK 9351, SOWK 9368,  SOWK 9372, SOWK 9377, SOWK 9359, SOWK 9387
  
  • SOWK 9368 - Proposal Development

    3 hrs
    Designed to provide on-going support and feedback concerning the process of developing the area of focus and the various components of the proposal.  Designed to maximize progress on the paper. Unlike other courses in the doctoral sequence, this course focuses more on the process of developing this document than on the mastery of content from lectures and readings. The writing assignments should support the objectives of the proposal. Students responsible to complete the various sections leading to the final document and the various writing assignments are meant to facilitate this process. (Includes week on-site in San Antonio).
    Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of comprehensive.
  
  • SOWK 9372 - Dissertation I

    3 hrs
    Completion of students literature review, theoretical underpinning, methods sections of dissertation, and defending the dissertation proposal. 
    Prerequisite: SOWK 9368  
  
  • SOWK 9377 - Culturally Informed Pedagogy

    3 hrs
    Covering factors important in teaching students using culturally informed pedagogy practices.  Practices include the importance of communication of high expectations to minority students, teacher as facilitator, cultural sensitivity, culturally mediated instruction, reshaping the curriculum to be culturally informed, student-controlled classroom discourse, active teaching methods (including students in developing assignments) and positive perspectives on parents and families of culturally and linguistically diverse students.  
    Prerequisite: SOWK 9300  
    Fee: $350.
  
  • SOWK 9380 - Dissertation

    3 hrs
    Additional dissertation hours will be required until students have successfully completed all dissertation requirements.
    Prerequisite(s): SOWK 9300, SOWK 9308, SOWK 9315, SOWK 9319, SOWK 9325, SOWK 9330, SOWK 9338, SOWK 9342, SOWK 9346, SOWK 9351, SOWK 9368, SOWK 9372, SOWK 9377, SOWK 9383
  
  • SOWK 9383 - Dissertation II

    3 hrs


    Engaging in data collection for approval of dissertation study.
    Prerequisite(s):Completion of Dissertation I

     

  
  • SOWK 9387 - Dissertation III

    3 hrs
    The student will collect data and begin work on writing their dissertation.
    Prerequisite(s): Completion of Dissertation I & II
  
  • SOWK 9390 - Dissertation IV

    3 hrs


    Student will finish writing their dissertation, schedule their dissertation defense, and prepare their dissertation defense presentation.

    Completion of research project and publishable articles.  Only 1 of the three articles may be theoretical. Student must complete oral defense of dissertation. 
     
    Prerequisite(s):  SOWK 9383  

  
  • SOWK 9395 - Colloquium

    3 hrs
    Student will refine their CV, learn about the job market, search and application processes, job interview preparation, setting boundaries, and self-care as an academic, how to be successful as a new faculty, and how students can find and market themselves for alternative career paths.  
    Prerequisite(s): SOWK 9383  

Sociology

  
  • SOCI 6190 - Selected Readings

    1 hr
    Advanced study of a specialized topic that the instructor selects. The course may be repeated when topic is changed.
  
  • SOCI 6290 - Selected Readings

    2 hrs
    Advanced study of a specialized topic that the instructor selects. The course may be repeated when topic is changed.
  
  • SOCI 6303 - Social Theory

    3 hrs
    This class offers an overview of social theory, with particular emphasis on sociological, political science and economic theory. Specifically, we will discuss: 1) What are the roots of contemporary scientific and social scientific theory? 2) What major themes and thinkers make up the foundation of contemporary thought? 3) How were these texts shaped by the social context of that time? In other words, how do these writings reflect the broader social and economic thoughts of that time period? 4) How do these texts influence social scientific theorizing and analysis today? Finally, how to frame theoretical constructs for community practice and problem solving.
  
  • SOCI 6315 - Qualitative Methods

    3 hrs
    Examination of the qualitative research methodologies used in the professional practice of researchers and practitioners, including field research strategies such as ethnography, focus groups, content analysis and oral traditions. The application of qualitative methods to community problem solving is emphasized.
  
  • SOCI 6316 - Quantitative Methods

    3 hrs
    The application of quantitative research methodologies in professional practice. Through the use of statistical software, students learn the process of creating a research project design; how to use descriptive and inferential statistics, development of appropriate computer skills; and strategies of assessment and evaluation.
  
  • SOCI 6321 - Organizational Context of Sociological Practice

    3 hrs
    Overview of organizational structure and processes with emphasis on techniques of organizational assessment. Substantive topics include organizational forms, leadership, power, decision-making, communication, environmental influences, effectiveness and change.
  
  • SOCI 6325 - Demography

    3 hrs
    An introduction to demography, or the study of populations, especially with reference to size and density, fertility, mortality, growth, age distribution, migration, and vital statistics. Emphasis is placed upon viewing the demographic events of fertility and migration.
  
  • SOCI 6329 - Policy Planning

    3 hrs
    Focuses on the analysis and development of policy at the organizational and community levels. Strategies for promoting policy change are also discussed.
  
  • SOCI 6333 - Social Determinants of Health

    3 hrs
    Examination of the dynamics of a population’s health within layered social contexts (nations, state, county, city, neighborhood); socio-cultural and physical environmental influences on population health; spatial and temporal dimensions of population health; study of historical and current theories of population health, with emphasis on the social determinants of health; comparisons of individual (medical model) and population-based perspectives on health.
  
  • SOCI 6337 - Integrative paper

    3 hrs
    This course is an independent research project and the culmination graduate program. This course is designed to help students write a major research thesis that integrates the electives of choice with sociological methods and knowledge. Through the guidance of a faculty member, students will devise a research question, complete a literature review and conduct qualitative or quantitative research project. Field study projects may examine a range of interdisciplinary topics that relate to the themes of the graduate program: community health providing health services to marginalized populations, and/or immigrant issues.
  
  • SOCI 6348 - Sociology of Medicine

    3 hrs
    Examination of the understandings and practices of medicine, health, and illness are culturally and temporally contingent. Special attention is paid to the social, cultural, politic, and economic construction of medical scientific knowledge. Social experiences of illness and disability, the ways in which structural inequalities are transformed into health disparities, the commodification of health and health care, the professionalization of medical practice, and the influence of technology on modern medical practice are explored.
  
  • SOCI 6350 - Health in Marginalized Populations

    3 hrs
    An examination of the health experiences of social groups that live in the margins, or that have experienced or experiencing oppressive treatment in society, and community based initiatives to reduce risk and promote health and resilience among marginalized populations. This course is organized into four segments. (1) Overview of the socio-political ecological theories utilized to understand health outcomes of minority populations. (2) Overview of current and historical health outcomes of African Americans and the socio-ecological forces that give rise to these outcomes. (3) Overview of the health outcomes of various immigrant groups. (4) Overview of current and historical health outcomes of Hispanic Americans and the socio-ecological forces that give rise to these outcomes.
  
  • SOCI 6355 - Crime and Punishment

    3 hrs
    This course explores the central concepts of crime and punishment by asking two major questions: “Why do people commit crime?” and “How does society respond to crime?” Through in depth discussions, students will explore this important issue in contemporary America from a variety of disciplinary perspectives. In order to examine patterns of criminally, students will examine the nature of deviance and the theories used to explain these activities across various racial, class, and age groups. In order to examine the social responses to deviance, students will investigate how the “Deviance” and “Criminal” label is applied in various ways across segments of the population and time periods. Furthermore, together we will explore the impact of crime policy on individuals and society, e.g., voting outcomes, community, employment, wage growth, etc. The hope is that scholars will continue to develop critical thinking skills and broaden their understanding of criminality and social order in society.
  
  • SOCI 6360 - Sociology Practice

    3 hrs
    Supervised practice by sociology faculty in the application of the sociological perspective to community problem solving; and on site supervision by staff of community based organization where the Practice occurs.
  
  • SOCI 6389 - Practicum

    3 hrs
    Intensive experiential learning opportunity in which the methods and theories of sociology are applied in practice while working under supervision in a public or private sector setting. Registration is limited to those graduate students who receive consent of the instructor.
    Fee: $10.
  
  • SOCI 6390 - Selected Readings

    3 hrs
    Advanced study of a specialized topic that the instructor selects. The course may be repeated when topic is changed.
  
  • SOCI 7391 - Thesis

    3 hrs
    See University thesis guidelines.
    Prerequisite: Consent of graduate adviser.

Special Education

  
  • SPED 6305 - Diversity and Special Education

    3 hrs
    Contemporary issues diversity and difference -  including learning, cognitive and behavioral differences, under and over representation of diverse students.  Review of historical trends, definitional issues, social and political frameworks, and legal and legislative history. Intersections and complexities of race, ethnicity, language, culture, family, socioeconomic status and disability. Critical conversations about ethical issues in programming, assessments, and the current achievement gap among students. 
  
  • SPED 6312 - Language Issues in Special Education

    3 hrs
    Examination and discussion of under-developed language to prevent misidentification and to assist in the discrimination between language differences and language disorders. Strong emphasis on bilingual language development, English language learners and Response to Intervention (RTI) strategies as related to assessment and instruction of students with exceptionalities, especially those with learning disabilities.
    Fee: $20.
  
  • SPED 6323 - Behavior Analysis and Intervention

    3 hrs
    Principles of applied behavioral analysis and intervention; ethical consideration and cognitive strategies for students with pervasive developmental disabilities, severe emotional disturbances and related disorders. Case study approach includes applications of classroom management, crisis prevention/intervention, social skills and management of violent behavior.
  
  • SPED 6330 - Special Education Technology

    3 hrs
    Identification of assistive technology needs and locating resources. Development of universally accessible electronic media. Study of legal issues related to assistive technology and instructional media.
    Fee: $10.
  
  • SPED 6341 - American Sign Language

    3 hrs
    An introduction to the basic skills needed in the production and comprehension of American Sign Language (ASL) includes focus on the manual alphabet, numbers, conversational skills, culturally appropriate behaviors and ASL grammar. Practical applications in communicating with children with specific needs.
  
  • SPED 6343 - Methods and Strategies for Students with Exceptionalities

    3 hrs
    Service delivery systems and instructional strategies that focus on academic content mastery vis-a-vis the learning needs of students with exceptionalities. Differentiated instruction in inclusive settings; instructional decision-making and assessment; work with individualized Educational Plans (IEPS).
    Fee: $20.
  
  • SPED 6345 - Special Education Assessment

    3 hrs
    Procedures and practices in administration, scoring and interpretation of screening and diagnostic assessments most commonly utilized in school districts with applications of RTI in the areas of: oral language, literacy, written expression, mathematics, general achievement, behavioral/emotional, intelligence, adaptive behavior, early childhood, and transition/vocational. Emphasis on various assessments used by professionals to include: criterion/curriculum based, norm-referenced, teacher made portfolios, district and state-mandated assessments. Review of current issues and best practices in choosing, administering and interpreting data.
    Fee: $40.
  
  • SPED 6391 - The Gifted and Talented Child

    3 hrs
    Identification of gifted and talented children including those with dual diagnosis. In-depth coverage of standards, curriculum and instructional differentiation, assessment considerations, tiered activities, and methods for enhancing creativity. Meets the mandates required from the state of Texas for Level One Awareness of Gifted and Talented for classroom teachers. Research project will be required.
  
  • SPED 7312 - Bilingual Special Education Instruction and Assessment

    3 hrs
    Overview of recommended formal and informal assessment procedures and interventions for language minority students in the areas of giftedness, learning disabilities, developmental delays and social/emotional/behavior disorders. Covers appropriate use of non-biased assessment of language minority students, cultural considerations regarding beliefs and traditions of students from minority populations.  
    Prerequisite(s): SPED 6305
    Fee: $50.
  
  • SPED 7320 - Student Exceptionalities LD and GT

    3 hrs
    This course examines the characteristics and educational needs of children and youth who are gifted, including those with a learning disability. Issues in global education to gifted and learning disabled students will be examined.
    Fee: $25.
  
  • SPED 7373 - Emotional Disturbances and Related Disorders

    3 hrs
    Focused exploration of diagnostic criteria (DSM-IV), discrete etiologies, assessment, intervention models and treatment strategies among populations which frequently exhibit similar behavioral manifestations to include student with autism, emotional and behavioral disorders and severe/profound disabilities. Specific special education laws, policies, ethical considerations and responsibilities are reviewed.
  
  • SPED 8303 - Professional Seminar: Special Education Law

    3 hrs
    Significant historical and current issues in special education services including use of consultative models with sensitivity towards diverse family dynamics; use of school and community resources including: service agencies, multi-disciplinary issues, and technology. Professional and programming practices as well as ethics and review of relevant professional leadership and communication skills.
    Prerequisite: SPED 6305 .
    Fee: $20.
  
  • SPED 8314 - Practicum: Special Education

    3 hrs
    Observation and supervised practice in education of students with disabilities. Approximately 110 contact hours required for SPED 8314 in an accredited or approved school, agency or institution. Three hundred fifty (350) contact hours are required for students seeking initial certification in special education. Offered on a pass/fail basis. Students may repeat course for credit if clock hours are needed.
    Prerequisite: Written consent of special education graduate adviser.
    Fee: $20.
  
  • SPED 8316 - Practicum: Education Diagnostician

    3 hrs
    Observation and supervised practice in the practical application and integration of principles and techniques of educational diagnosticians in educational settings. Minimum of 110 contact hours.
    Prerequisite: Written consent of special education graduate adviser.
    Fee: $30.
  
  • SPED 8319 - Selected Topics: Special Education

    3 hrs
    In-depth study of specialized topics in special education. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
    Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and graduate adviser.
  
  • SPED 8324 - Thesis: Special Education

    3 hrs
    See University Thesis Guidelines.
 

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