This course focuses on the reciprocal relationships between social environments and human behavior with an emphasis on individuals, families and small groups. Multiple theoretical and empirical perspectives are used to analyze the biological, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual dimensions of human development across the life span among diverse groups with an emphasis on at-risk and vulnerable populations. Attention is given to factors that contribute to risk and resilience and the role of social and economic justice in promoting human well-being.
This course focuses on the reciprocal relationships between social environments and human behavior within large social systems. Theoretical and empirical perspectives are used to analyze the impact of the natural and physical environments, social structure, social institutions, communities and formal organizations on the well-being of diverse, at- risk and vulnerable populations. The course emphasizes processes of social change to challenge the inequitable distribution of power and resources.
Examination of the dimensions of social welfare policy, including conceptual frameworks for understanding policy formulation and the analysis of social policies. Special emphasis on policy issues that affect service delivery to families.
This course traces the philosophy and historical development of social work and presents a general overview of the social work profession. The basic knowledge, values, ethics, necessary for generalist social work practice, along with the many and varied roles and competencies in which social workers function across different fields of practice, will be presented. Students are introduced to social work’s commitment to understand and appreciate human diversity; to understand and combat the dynamics and consequences of social and economic injustice; to achieve individual and collective social and economic justice for populations-at-risk.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing with admission to the MSSW Program
This course prepares students for effective professional intervention in a diverse world, and provides an understanding of how discrimination and oppression operate to limit the life opportunities of members of minority, vulnerable, at risk, and disenfranchised groups. A conceptual framework for understanding diversity, discrimination and oppression is presented and used to understand discrimination based on factors such as race, ethnicity, social class, gender, and sexual orientation. Selected theoretical perspectives are used to critically analyze the manifestations of discrimination and oppression and their impact on affected populations. Social world’s responses to discrimination and inequality, including strategies for intervention, are also examined.
The course is an introductory course in direct practice methods and skills of social work intervention with individuals. Attention is given to the historic development of social work practice, the nature and application of social work values and ethical principles in practice, the theoretical frameworks of helping methods and the helping process of assessment, planning, intervention, termination and evaluation. Emphasis is on a generalist and ecosystems approach.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing with admission to the MSSW Program and/or permission of the instructor.
This course presents a systems-ecological perspective on social work practice with families and small groups. The course emphasizes using both identified strengths and evidence-based approaches to working with clients. Students will have the opportunity to learn skills and apply knowledge and ethics to case material. Prerequisite: SOCW 6321.
This course is designed to help students understand communities and the knowledge bases of social work generalist practice for interventions at this level. It provides an opportunity to explore selected macro models of practice and learn about human service organizations, which often serve as an immediate context for community practice.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing with admission to the MSSW Program and SOCW 6321 taken concurrently with SOCW 6371.
Examination of the various scientific methods for research, with special attention upon survey research methodology, beginning practice assessment and the statistical application of related procedures, including correlations, T- test, Chi Square, analysis of variance and the visual presentation of data.
This course, which is the first of two foundation internships, requires completion of 200 clock hours in an approved field setting which prepares students for generalist social work practice.
Prerequisite: Approval of the Office of Field Education and completion of SOCW 6321, 6300 and 6311.
This course, which is a continuation of the first internship experience (SOCW 6370), requires completion of 200 clock hours in an approved field setting which prepares students for generalist social work practice. This course is taken concurrently with SOCW 6323.
Prerequisites: Approval by the Office of Field Education and completion of SOCW 6321, 6300, 6301, 6302, 6381, 6311 and 6322.
