MSW: Course Descriptions

Professional Foundation Courses

T SOCW 501 Social Policy and Economic Security (3)

This course, presented during the first quarter of the Foundation year, is designed to familiarize students with the U.S. social welfare system and its historical, philosophical and cultural foundations within a social work context. The nature of social policy and economic security is explored in relation to income-maintenance programs, particularly social-insurance and social-assistance programs, and the impact upon them of racism and sexism. Attention is directed to issues of poverty, inequality, unemployment, disability, and homelessness, as well as to the future of the American welfare state.

T SOCW 502, 503 Human Behavior and the Social Environment (3, 3)

The Foundation HBSE courses focus on the person-in-situation. The sequence utilizes developmental and social system perspectives in seeking to understand and influence human behavior. The developmental stages are discussed across diverse backgrounds. The dynamics and processes of small-group, family, organization and community systems are addressed from a social-system perspective as socializing forces and as targets of change. Implications for social work practice, especially the assessment process, are highlighted. 6 credits (total)

T SOCW 504 Cultural Diversity and Societal Justice (3)

The course provides students with the knowledge needed for social work practice with disadvantaged and oppressed groups overrepresented in public sector practice. The course presents information regarding the history and status of people of color, women, individuals with disabilities, gay men and lesbians, and poor and working-class people. A major theme of the course is to provide an opportunity for exploration of how prejudice, discrimination, and exclusion affect the experiences of members of these groups. Another theme is on the unique strengths and capacities within each group which should be recognized and utilized in effective social work practice. The course also provides students with a framework for developing a social-change orientation for working toward social justice and equality. (CR/NC only)

T SOCW 505 Introduction to Social Welfare Research (3)

The course provides an overview of research process and methods in social work with a focus on both being able to interpret and perform practice-based research. The course is designed to introduce students to the principles and skills needed to evaluate one's own practice. Emphasis is placed on critical understanding of the empirical literature; the development of useful and appropriate questions about social work practice; strategies and techniques for conducting practice research; and applying research findings to practice.

T SOCW 510 Social Work Practice I-Introduction to Social Work Practice (3)

This is the first of two required micro or direct-practice courses. This first course provides foundation knowledge and skills in direct practice with individuals, families, and groups. It is designed as the foundation for subsequent practice courses and the first practicum. By the end of the course, students are expected to identify social work values and ethics, discuss their implications in guiding direct practice, and demonstrate the following: an understanding of the person-in-environment perspective in assessment, intervention and evaluation; an understanding of how the social worker, with his or her attendant class, race, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation, ability status, family of origin, and life experiences, is influenced by and influences direct practice; an understanding of how ethnic- or racial-minority status, culture, class, gender, sexual orientation and ability status affect the provision of direct services; and understanding of empowerment practice with diverse populations at risk; an understanding of effective communication skills; and an understanding of the importance of self-evaluation and practice-evaluation strategies.

T SOCW 511 Social Work Practice II-Intermediate Direct Service Practice (3)

TSOCW-511 is the second of a two-quarter course sequence providing foundation knowledge and skills in direct practice with individuals, families, and groups. This course focuses on students developing working knowledge of broad perspectives (ecological, strengths-based, empowerment) and specific empirically-based theoretical models of practice. Students begin developing expertise in intervention selection, planning, and evaluation of micro systems (e.g. individuals, couples, families and small groups) with primary focus on individuals and families. Mastery of the application of microskills learned in Practice I is achieved through practicing assessment, goal setting and interventions using the selected theoretical models. The course focuses on empirically-based approaches to direct services intervention, emphasizing various theoretical approaches to practice. The class also addresses monitoring the impact of interventions; and appropriate evaluation strategies.

T SOCW 512 Social Work Practice III-Organizational Practice (3)

This course is the first of two required macro-practice courses. The first course builds on Foundation knowledge of human behavior, cultural diversity, policy, and direct services. Topics and assignments are linked to practicum placements. The course focuses on how management activities contribute to service effectiveness for clients as well as the quality of work conditions for staff. Various managerial roles, functions, and skills are examined. The impact of agency structure, culture, and mission on staff, clients, and organizational outcomes is discussed, with emphasis on how social work managers can influence change in these critical elements. In addition, the course covers ethical dilemmas associated with management activities, diversity in the workplace, and empowerment methods for organizational change. Specific attention is devoted to knowledge and skills needed for leading task groups.

T SOCW 513 Social Work Practice IV-Community-Change Practice (3)

This is the second of the two-course sequence on macro practice and focuses on community-change strategies in social work practice. It builds on other Foundation courses, and topics and assignments are linked to practicum placements. The course is designed to provide a frame of reference and the skills needed for community-based social work practice. Theories of social change are examined, with examples drawn from community organizing and policy advocacy. Students are assisted in developing an understanding of how communities affect clients; how individuals can organize to influence communities; how to use organizing strategies for community change; and how to develop tactics for problem-solving and collective action.

T SOCW 514 Social Work Practice V-Foundation Practice Skills (3)

This course completes the required Foundation Practice sequence. The student selects of one of a number of courses that enhance practice skills at the micro, meso, or macro levels.

T SOCW 523 Introduction to Practicum (1)

Workshops for preparation for agency-based placement. Interviewing and orientations occur at agencies. (CR/NC only)

T SOCW 524 The Professional Foundation Practicum (variable 2-3, max 8)

This course incorporates and builds upon content and skills acquired in all areas of the curriculum. The Foundation Practicum provides opportunities for students to develop social work knowledge and skills and to engage in a range of social work practice activities. (CR/NC only)

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Advanced Curriculum

T SOCW 525 Advanced Concentration Practicum (variable 3-5, max 18)

The Advanced Practicum is an integral part of the Concentration curricula. The practicum is determined by the Practicum Coordinating Committee in collaboration with the student and is based on an in-depth interview with each student. The Advanced Practicum may not begin until all Foundation requirements are completed. This placement is taken during the second summer quarter, or the autumn, winter or spring quarters of the third year. (CR/NC only)

T SOCW 531 Child and Family Policy and Services (3)

This course explores policy issues in selected areas of child, youth and family services and provides a framework for policy analysis, emphasizing the role of values and evidence in policy formulation. Exercises highlight the critical interplay of policy, practice and research.

T SOCW 532 Children, Youth and Families Practice I (3)

This practice course emphasizes family-centered assessment and intervention within an ecological framework. Specific attention is given to family and community violence, substance abuse, and mental health. Practice frameworks focus on intensive case management, family systems, family-preservation practice and social supports. Students are expected to keep the same instructor for T SOCW 532/533 sequence.

T SOCW 533 Children, Youth and Families Practice II (3)

This course builds on CYF Practice I. The focus is on the application of values, knowledge, and skills emphasized within the practice frameworks of intensive case management, family systems, family-preservation practice and social supports. Classroom sessions make extensive use of case materials. Students are expected to keep the same instructor for T SOCW 532/533 sequence.

T SOCW 535 Advanced Research for Children, Youth and Families Practice (3)

This course promotes the practical application of research concepts and skills to social work practice in community-agency CYF settings: conducting a needs assessment, monitoring individual/group/family outcomes, and evaluating program effectiveness.

T SOCW 536 CYF Selective (3)

Selective courses may cover topics such as Adult Interpersonal Violence; Chemical Dependency - Drug Effects, Assessment and Treatment Referral Issues; Child Welfare and Permanency Planning; Gerontological Social Work: Health and Mental Health in Older Adults; Group Interventions with Children, Youth and Families; Multicultural Theory and Practice; School Social Work; Social, Emotional, Behavioral Interventions with Children, Adolescents and Adults; and Supervision and Leadership.

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Electives

T SOCW 580, Aging and American Society (3)

Covers physical and psychological processes of aging. Includes social aspects of aging related to family roles, cultural, social support and use of health and social services. Reviews home and community based services and how those services may need to change in the 21st century. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. T SOCW 580 is not part of the required MSW curriculum. Open to both undergraduate and graduate students.

T SOCW 599, Readings in Social Work (Variable 1-5)

Student-originated, individually contracted projects on topics of interest in social welfare/ social work not covered by other Social Work Program offerings. (CR/NC only)