In this generalist practice course, students will identify the theoretical underpinnings as well as practical applications of group work as a vehicle for social work. Students will also explore how and why groups function and develop skills and techniques of membership and leadership. Students will role-play group facilitation in order to practice engagement, assessment, planning, intervention, and termination with and on behalf of diverse individuals. Students will develop skills in empathy and self-regulation in order to understand how their personal experiences impact the experience of engagement with group members.
Prerequisite(s): SOCWK 5000 History of Social Work, SOCWK 5100 Privilege and Oppression, SOCWK 5230 Research Informed Practice.
SOCWK 5000 History of Social Work (3 hours)
In this generalist course students will be introduced to the historical development, mission and current state of the field of social work. Students will identify the impact of social problems on individuals, families and/or communities. In preparation for the Generalist Field Practicum Placement, students will be introduced to the professional social work code of ethics and ethical decision-making frameworks, as well as explore the intersection of their personal and professional values. Students will explore various social work practice roles, and the interaction of these roles with other disciplines.
SOCWK 5100 Privilege and Oppression (3 hours)
In this generalist course, students will identify mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and forms of power and privilege embedded within the history of the United States. By understanding our country's social, economic, and political history through the lens of oppression, discrimination, power and privilege, students will increase their awareness of how these mechanisms have personally, culturally and historically impacted individuals, groups, families, organizations and communities in the United States. By means of self and collective reflection, students will evaluate and regulate their own biases and values as learners and will learn to uphold their professional obligation to engage with diverse clients and constituencies as the experts in their own lives.
SOCWK 5230 Research Informed Practice (3 hours)
In this generalist course students will be provided an introduction and overview of research methods used in generalist social work practice. Course content includes both quantitative and qualitative methods and emphasizes critiquing research methodologies, including data collection, sampling and analysis. Students will engage in a single-subject design study where they will identify and implement an intervention and evaluate its outcomes for practice effectiveness. Students will explore ethical considerations in research as practice and the application of evidence-based practice to improve policy and social service delivery.
Prerequisite(s): SOCWK 5000 History of Social Work, SOCWK 5100 Privilege and Oppression.
Pre or corequisite(s): SOCWK 5010 Human Behavior in Social Environment.
