This course focuses on the theory, practice skills, and knowledge needed for social work practice with groups, and communities. Emphasis is on executing the planned change process with multiple system levels in generalist practice. Inclusion and diversity issues are examined in mezzo and macro system change efforts. Theory provides a basis for understanding social issues in communities and groups and underpinning for intervention models. Students examine ethical conflicts in community and group work. Prerequisite: admission to the social work program, 321, 331.

This course will provide an overview of common forms of interpersonal violence (sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, sexual harassment, human trafficking, and prostitution/pornography). Students analyze the interrelationships and connections between these and other social problems such as poverty, homelessness, crime, and substance abuse in the context of a sexist and racist culture. The impact of interpersonal violence on special populations (LGBT, the elderly, persons with disabilities) will be examined.

This course provides students with an understanding of basic, universal human rights and social welfare policy as a potential instrument to advance social justice. The historical, social, cultural, economic, environmental, and global influences on social welfare are examined. Students will learn about the major social welfare programs that address financial and basic human needs, civil rights, aging, health, mental health and child welfare. Knowledge of and skills in policy formulation, analysis, and advocacy will be developed.

This course explores issues that impact families in todays society such as resiliency, trauma, family violence, mental illness, poverty, hunger, homelessness, autism, and bullying. Evidence based methods for prevention and intervention will be explored in relation to these issues with an emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches. Prerequisite: 210 or PSYC 171 or SOCL 125. Restricted to students with sophomore standing or higher.

This course surveys the field of child welfare. Students will acquire an understanding of the issues that impact the welfare of children in our society, including poverty, substance abuse, violence, and mental health concerns, the relationship between these issues and child abuse and neglect. Students will examine the issues involved in providing services to children affected by child abuse and neglect, unplanned pregnancy, foster care, and institutional care.

With a focus on inter-professional practice, students will gain an understanding of long living individuals in contemporary society and learn the diverse needs of aging adults and appreciate the issues impacting gerontological practice. Students will gain elder assessment skills and learn tools to screen for spiritual needs, depression, substance abuse, suicide and physical abuse or neglect. Students will learn how to practice in multi-disciplinary teams to serve older adults in a wide range of settings, from hospitals to community centers. Prerequisite: 210 or SOCL 125 or PSYC 171.

This course focuses on theory and knowledge of individuals and families including biological, social, psychological, spiritual, and cultural factors that impact human development and behavior. Utilizing the generalist approach to social work practice, a social systems perspective is applied to understand the relationships between individuals, families and the broader social environment. Diversity is presented in its many facets covering ethnicity, culture, race, social class, gender, sexual orientation, age, and disability.

This course will provide students with knowledge and skills of generalist social work practice with individuals and families. Students will develop interviewing and practice skills in relation to working with clients of diverse racial, cultural, class, and religious backgrounds, as well as address social work values and ethics. The planned change process, ethical and purposeful use of self, and use of theory to guide practice will be emphasized. Prerequisites: 280, 331; admission to the social work program.

Independent reading and/or research under the supervision of a faculty member. Refer to the academic policy section for independent study policy. Independent study contract is required. May be repeated for credit.

Courses on topics of interest to social work students offered on the basis of need, interest, or timeliness. Prerequisites as determined by instructor. Restricted to students with freshman or sophomore standing. May be repeated for credit. For specific section description, click to the Section Details in VitNet.