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 26 hours per week, for a minimum of 400 hours, in an agency setting approved by the Viterbo University social work practicum director. A learning contract describes the EPAS Core Competencies and corresponding behaviors that the students will learn and demonstrate in their agency practicum. Prerequisite: admission to social work practicum education, 366 or PSYC 340, MATH 130. Must be taken concurrently with 482. Graded CR/NC.

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.

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 explores issues that impact families in todays 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. Prerequisite: POSC 121, admission to the social work program.

This course will provide an overview of common forms of interpersonal violence (sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, sexual harassment, human trafficking, and prostitution/pornography). Students analyze the interrelationships and connections between these and other social problems such as poverty, homelessness, crime, and substance abuse in the context of a sexist and racist culture. The impact of interpersonal violence on special populations (LGBT, the elderly, persons with disabilities) will be examined. Throughout the course students will have the opportunity to learn about community resources and agencies that work to combat this type of violence. Prerequisite: 210 or PSYC 171 or SOCL 125. Restricted to students with sophomore standing or higher.

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. Aspects of practicum education including court work, mandated reporting, interprofessional practice, and the NASW Code of Ethics, will be emphasized. Pre-requisite: concurrent enrollment or completion of social work professional courses except for SOWK 480 and 482. Restricted to students with senior standing.

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.