This course explores issues that impact families in today's 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 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.

Students will learn essential interviewing skills for empowering and strengths-based social work practice. Motivational and solution-focused skills necessary for ethical practice in using the planned change process are defined, modeled, rehearsed, and evaluated. Emphasis is placed in developing cross-cultural practice skills sensitive to the needs of diverse and vulnerable populations. The course includes a structured lab with recorded interviews, instructor, and peer evaluations. Prerequisites: 210, admission to the social work program.

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.

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.

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.

The objective of this course is to learn and respect cultural diversity through the study of the complex relationship between Mexico and the U. S. The focus of this course is the present day realities of Mexican people working and living in the US. The course will offer knowledge, values and skills necessary to understand and work with Mexicans in the US. Students will learn about selected historical, social, cultural, political and economic events that shape the life of today's Mexicans as well as current policy and political decisions that are impacting Mexicans in the US.

This course introduces students to the profession of social work within contemporary society including the historical, social, economic, and political context of social work practice. Students develop an understanding of the connection between social work practice and social welfare policy. Social work values and ethics, including the profession's commitment to social justice and valuing of diversity, will be emphasized. Students are introduced to the social service delivery system, the person-in-environment perspective, and generalist social work practice.

This sophomore level writing emphasis course introduces social work students to the research process, critical thinking, and analytic writing. Students will learn to critically read and evaluate sources and scholarly writing. Emphasis will be placed on learning to write in APA style. An overview and basic understanding of the scientific research process, with an emphasis on quantitative research is stressed. Ethical issues in human subject research and evidence based practice in social work are examined.

This one credit course allows students to experience social work populations and organizations outside the classroom. Students complete 25 hours of service in an approved setting that facilitates interactions with clients and staff. Assignments support the integration of generalist social work models with the experience. Students examine the congruence of personal values with professional values, study social work ethics and learn about professional boundaries. Diversity and underserved client populations encountered in social work are discussed. Prerequisite: 210 or concurrent.