300

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