Advocating for Social Justice

This course is an introduction to the social work profession and the generalist model. Areas of study encompass social work history, including the impact of systemic racism and oppression; values and ethics; theoretical foundations and levels of practice; roles and career opportunities; and policy and advocacy. The significance of diversity and intersectionality within populations and its correlation to social service delivery will be explored. Students will be challenged to examine their own values and aspirations with respect to the profession, as well as have the opportunity to dialogue with social workers in the field.

These two courses address how human behavior is influenced by and influences families, groups, organizations, and communities. HBSE I explores the dimensions of person and environment; HBSE II shows how those dimensions of person and environment work together with dimensions of time. Behavior will be investigated in light of a generalist perspective and look at the relationships among biological, social, psychological, cultural, and spiritual systems. This course addresses the impact of diversity, discrimination, and oppression on behavior and development. Students will ultimately demonstrate the selection of culturally responsive, evidence-informed interventions for working with and on behalf of clients.

This course offers an orientation to the logic, methods, and practice evaluation of generalist social work scientific research. Basic theory of research design and analysis and an introduction to qualitative and quantitative research methods are focus areas. Students will understand how research methods can be used to problem solve at all social work practice levels and how to apply research findings to inform programs and policy. Students also explore inherent biases and develop anti-racist and culturally sensitive strategies to promote ethical social work research.

This course is the first in a sequence of three generalist practice courses in the social work curriculum. SW320 is the study and practice of values and skills for the social worker with individuals and families. Knowledge of the theory and stages involved in working with client-systems will be explored for practice. Students will learn to apply skills related to interviewing, assessment, formulating goals, contracting, developing social histories, problem solving, evaluation and cultural and cross-cultural sensitivity. Issues related to the client-worker relationship, client self determination, values, ethics, termination, and the developmental needs of the client will also be explored.

This course will demonstrate why and how social welfare policy is a critical and compelling component of social work practice. Students will examine the history of social welfare policy, and explore the relationship between social work values and the development of social welfare policies and provision of services. Students will also apply critical thinking to analyze, formulate, and advocate for policies that advance human rights and social, racial, economic, and environmental justice.

This course is an orientation to international social work from a generalist perspective. Students will learn about global topics such as poverty and malnutrition; international women’s issues and child welfare; HIV/AIDS and other health maladies; human trafficking; refugees and immigration; and social, racial, economic, and environmental injustice. Students will also explore culturally competent solutions for advancing human rights via models of development, global strategies for change, and international social welfare policies.