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 junior standing or higher. May be repeated for credit. For specific section description, click to the Section Details in VitNet.

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 prepares students for the practicum education experience, focusing on the work required to obtain an approved education placement. Content and procedures regarding admission to practicum education, placement process, and agency interviews are covered, cumulating in an approved practicum placement. Course content includes an overview of practicum education, expectations of practicum education, the practicum learning contract, and the Senior Capstone course.

In this agency-based practicum students practice with the knowledge, values, and skills developed throughout the social work curricula. Students engage in a structured, individualized, educational experience in a community agency setting. Viterbo University faculty liaisons, agency instructors and students collaborate to facilitate the transition from classroom to generalist social work practice. During the semester student provide social work services 30 hours per week, for a minimum of 450 hours, in an agency setting approved by the Viterbo University social work practicum director.

The capstone course supports students in their transition from academia to generalist social work practice in the agency setting. Course outcomes emphasize the connection between theory and practice. Course content includes organizational theory, ethics in agency settings, supervision, organizational functions and client systems. Information on credentialing, licensure and career development further the students identification as a professional social worker. Must be taken concurrently with 480. Prerequisite: 366 or PSYC 340, MATH 130.

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 professions 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 three-credit course enables students to explore the unique circumstances of vulnerable and disadvantaged populations through an ADEI lens. Students will also gain experience serving these populations outside the classroom. Students will meet for class once a week and complete 3-5 hours of service/shadowing per week starting week 3. Students will complete at least 30 hours of service/shadowing by the end of the semester.

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.