Students examine the process of policy formulation at the state and federal levels and develop competencies to advocate for human rights, social and economic justice and engage in policy practice. Policies and programs associated with civil rights, aging, health and mental health are examined. The impact of these policies and programs on the well-being of racial and ethnic groups and populations at risk is addressed. Students develop skills in articulating a policy position and analyzing the adequacy and effectiveness of social welfare policy.

This course focuses on the theory, knowledge and practice skills needed to understand and work within groups in mezzo level generalist practice. Emphasis will be placed on viewing and assessing human behavior and social problems within group work practice. The planned change process will be applied to group processes with focus on strengths and empowerment practice. Students will develop an understanding of how human diversity and ethics impacts group functioning with focus on race, ethnicity, gender and social economic class.

This course will help senior social work majors prepare to take the national social work exam. Students will learn about test construction and item format, content areas, how to review and prepare for the exam and test taking strategies. Resources for content review will be made available as well as group review using actual exam items. Restricted to senior social work majors. Graded CR/NC.

This course prepares students for the field education experience, focusing on the work required to obtain an approved education placement. Content and procedures regarding admission to field education, placement process, and agency interviews are covered, cumulating in an approved field placement. Course content includes an overview of field education, expectations of field education, the field 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 field 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 or PSYC 223 or SOCL 223.

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. See registrar's office current class schedules Web page for specific semester description.

This course examines the historical, social, and economic context of social welfare policy. Special emphasis is placed on the structural components of economic injustice and poverty, welfare programs, and welfare reform. The vulnerability of women, children, and people of color to experiencing poverty and social injustice nationally and globally is examined. Students will learn about the major social welfare programs that address financial and basic human needs. Students will be introduced to social policy analysis. Prerequisite: POSC 120 or 121, admission to the social work program.

This course provides students with an understanding of basic, universal human rights and social welfare policy as a potential instrument to promote social justice. The historical, social, cultural, economic, environmental, and global influence on social welfare and the vulnerability of women, children, and people of color to experience poverty and human rights violations nationally and globally will be examined. Special emphasis is placed on the structural components of economic injustice and poverty, welfare programs, and welfare reform.

This course focuses on the theory, knowledge, and practice skills needed to understand and engage with communities from a macro level generalist practice perspective. Emphasis will be placed on viewing human behavior and social problems as multi-casual. The planned change process for addressing community challenges and assets will be stressed with an emphasis on evidence based community intervention.