This course is an introduction to the field of social work and is the prerequisite for all required social work courses. The class is designed to expose the student to the profession of social work, an overview of systems theory, and the relationship of the social worker to the overall social welfare system. The course will emphasize a core understanding of generalist social work practice, the NASW Code of Ethics, and the social work roles needed to impact systems to solve human problems. Special emphasis will be placed on helping the student to develop an understanding and appreciation for diverse cultures, social and economic justice, disabilities, and populations at risk. Open to all students.

This course explores the philosophical and historical evolution of the American social welfare system. Course content will cover public and voluntary efforts to deal with poverty and other social problems. Theories of political influence on social change are addressed. Content on social justice, oppression, discrimination, spirituality, and diversity are included. Open to all students.

This is an introductory course to the field of gerontology with an emphasis on programs, resources, and services provided to older populations. Open to all students.

This introductory course provides a survey of child welfare services in the human services field. Various services are examined including child abuse and neglect, adoption, foster care, and family support services. Open to all students.

This course explores important issues regarding disabilities in contemporary society. The history of treatment of people with disabilities will be explored with an emphasis on the implications of this history in current programs and services. Special emphasis will be placed on a critical analysis of the assumptions that support contemporary thinking about disabilities and the service delivery systems based on these assumptions. The range of disabilities addressed will include developmental, adventitious, hidden, and visible. Open to all students.

This course is designed as a focal point of integration for human behavior content already encountered in life span development, biology of human concern, and social work courses required of pre-majors. The overall goal of this course is to assist the student in understanding the “person-in-environment” and systems concepts when working with individuals, families, and groups. This course will also provide opportunities for the student to understand the biological, psychological, sociological, and spiritual aspects of individuals as well as other cultures and minority groups. As a result, students will be able to integrate these components of human behavior as a generalist social worker.

Basic introduction to generalist social work practice and its various modes of intervention. The course gives the student a frame of reference for analyzing various systems encountered in social work practice and an opportunity to experience some of the concepts, skills, value systems, and activities which are the foundation of the practice of social work.