Schedule of Classes

Overview of historical development and contemporary forces shaping the social welfare system in the U.S. Examines social policies, social conditions affecting vulnerable populations, and service delivery systems in which social work is practiced. Includes community agency contact.

Social research methods: research design and models of observation, including single subject and program evaluation, quantitative and qualitative methods, sampling techniques, questionnaire construction, types of surveys, measurement problems, and data analysis.

Historical development of social work. Introduction of generalist social work practice; systems perspective; knowledge, skills, values, and ethics required for practice; communication skills and the helping relationship as foundation for the problem-solving process. Overview of fields of practice. Includes required volunteer experience.

Assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, termination, and follow-up phases of the problem-solving process. Students develop interviewing skills and apply knowledge of social systems, human development, diversity, and ethics with focus on the micro level.

Generalist practice with focus on families and groups as well as individuals in group contexts. Includes required volunteer experience in group setting.

Current research and theory concerning interaction of environment with individual behavior. Life span development, strengths, approach, and issues of diversity as influences on individual development.

Analysis of social welfare policy from the social work perspective. Impact of social policy on recipients and constituents of social welfare programs. Institutional responses to social problems, social justice, and human needs. Analysis and evaluation of policy at the organizational, community, and legislative levels.

Supervised experience in an approved community agency; use of knowledge and skills common to generalist practice; 420 field hours required. Pass/fail.

Seminar that integrates theory and principles learned in academic courses with field and practice experience.

Special study on topics with faculty supervision. For social work majors; non-majors require approval of Department Chair. May be repeated under a different topic up to a maximum of 3 credit hours.