Introduces the profession of Social Work, the roles of the generalist social work practitioner, and the profession’s Code of Ethics. Emphasizes client systems from a strengths perspective and the positive value of diversity and difference. Explores the profession’s historical development, commitment to human rights and social and economic justice, current trends, and acquaints students with fields of practice. Stresses self-assessment and critical thinking skills to determine suitability for a career in social work. Includes a service-learning requirement.
Every Fall
Introduces the profession of Social Work, the roles of the generalist social work practitioner, and the profession’s Code of Ethics. Emphasizes client systems from a strengths perspective and the positive value of diversity and difference. Explores the profession’s historical development, commitment to human rights and social and economic justice, current trends, and acquaints students with fields of practice. Stresses self-assessment and critical thinking skills to determine suitability for a career in social work.
Every Fall
First of two courses examining biological, social, cultural, psychological, spiritual perspectives of human behavior, emphasizing interaction of these dimensions as they impact social functioning within the ecological systems framework. Introduce concepts of context and environment, diversity and difference, oppression, poverty, marginalization and alienation, privilege and power, as they shape human experience and identity. Include reflection on developmental influences affecting student’s own values, world view and professional development. Focusing on the human life course through childhood.
Every Fall
Second of two courses examining dimensions of human behavior and the social environment. Builds upon theories and approaches presented in SW 3400: HBSE I, with a focus on human behavior development across the life course and the social system’s role in promoting or deterring health and well-being. Further explores intersection of diversity and difference, social justice and oppression as relates to a person’s life experiences. Stresses positive value of human diversity in social work practice.
Every Spring
This course is a macro methods courses grounded in the generalist model of macro social work practice. Students examine perspectives and structures of community, focusing on oppression, discrimination, poverty, marginalization, alienation, factors of diversity and difference as well as sources of privilege and power as they impact social well-being. The application of planned change processes at the community level in response to changing contexts and needs to promote social and economic justice, and to advance the equitable distribution of basic human rights and resources is emphasized.
Every Interim
The objective of this course is to introduce social work students to the direct practice of integrated behavioral health in primary care. Students will become knowledgeable of the roles of behavioral health providers working in primary care settings, theories and models of care, and cross-cultural issues. They will develop skills in engagement, assessment, intervention planning and implementation, and practice evaluation. Because the populations served in primary care settings span the spectrum of severity in both the physical and behavioral health dimensions, students will develop competencies in engaging and supporting patients across a range of health conditions.
Every Interim
This course orients the student to the application of engagement, assessment, evidence-based intervention, and evaluation with individuals. Students are familiarized with the methods of generalist practice. The course introduces theoretical frameworks for organizing and conceptualizing generalist practice; the principles, methods, and skills of generalist practice across the lifespan; and culturally competent generalist practice. The focus will be on relationship building and communication skills to engage and assess individuals. Further, emphasis will be on the importance of self-awareness and the professional use of self, as well as the values and ethics in generalist practice.
Every Fall
Second in a sequence of two direct practice methods courses grounded in the generalist model of social work practice. Applies knowledge, skills and values in working with families and groups. Interprets human behavior within the context of a family’s or group’s culture, ethnicity, worldview, strengths, developmental stages, and challenges within a systems theory framework. Develops practice skills and methods for engaging, assessing, intervening, and evaluating with families and groups. Includes a 30-hour service-learning requirement.
Every Spring
Field education component involving 200 clock hours per term of direct service taken concurrently with Field Seminar (SW 485). As “the signature pedagogy” of social work direct application of knowledge, skills and values of generalist social work with client systems of all sizes is implemented. Refines skills to engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate within the profession’s values and ethics. Provides a structured learning opportunity to integrate theory and practice in the role of social work practitioner.
Every Fall
Integrative seminar taken concurrently with Field Practicum I (SW 480). Students reflect upon experiences and challenges of field practicum. Focus is on evaluating and supporting the integration and application of knowledge, skills, and values of generalist social work practice from course work to field. Students demonstrate the professional use of self, self-awareness and appreciation for diversity and difference. Agency data, reports, and forms are reviewed to further develop skills in research and in program and practice evaluation strategies.
Every Fall
Field education component involving 200 clock hours per term of direct service taken concurrently with Field Seminar (SW 495). As “the signature pedagogy” of social work education, directed application of knowledge, skills and values of generalist social work practice with client systems of all sizes is implemented. Refines skills to engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate within the profession’s values and ethics. Provides a structured learning opportunity to integrate theory and practice in the role of social work practitioner.
Every Spring
Integrative seminar taken concurrently with Field Practicum II (SW 490). Students reflect upon experiences and challenges of field practicum. Focus is on evaluating and supporting the integration and application of knowledge, skills, and values of generalist social work practice from course work to field. Students demonstrate the professional use of self, self-awareness and appreciation for diversity and difference. Agency data, reports, and forms are reviewed to further develop skills in research and in program and practice evaluation strategies. Additional fees may apply.
Every Spring