Provides an introduction to the discipline of social work, covering its history, ethics, and current fields of practice. Social work's ethical commitment to issues of privilege and oppression, diversity, and social justice play a central role in all course material. Emphasis is placed on the social systems and institutions through which social workers interact with individuals and communities as well as on how students' own identities and life experiences may impact such interactions.

Introduces students to the skills and values of social work practice. Deep listening and empathy are at the core of what this course offers. Focus on relationship building and self-care (a key element contributing to the sustainability of social work). Explores an intellectual and practical understanding of social work skills, and the context in which social workers operate.

Engages students to think deeply about what conflict means and to identify the necessary skills and steps to address conflict. Approaches conflict from an interpersonal, and then a social/institutional, perspective. Trains students to be better able to recognize historical roots of conflict, engage in consensus building strategies, and enhance their communication and critical thinking skills.

Brings students from different social identity groups together in a cooperative, small group, learning environment to engage in open and constructive dialogue and develop skills for addressing and bridging differences in diverse social settings. Facilitated by co-instructors, students analyze and learn about their own and others' social identifies and explore ways of taking action to create and bridge differences at the interpersonal and social/community levels.

Applies a theoretical and practical approach to the best ways of working with youth in various settings. Fosters critical examination of the social, emotional, and physical development of children into teenagers. Creates opportunities for students to explore peer-leadership and group facilitation skills.

Examines various forms of inequality, how they intersect, and the social policies and programs designed to address them. Emphasis on socioeconomic and racial inequalities in the United States, exploring how economic, historical, and political contexts shape both social "problems" and social policy.

Explores community organizing as a means of empowering citizens to make successful changes in the social issues impacting their communities. Involves the study of theories of community organizing and social change and participation in projects offering a chance to learn about community organizing through practice.

A course or seminar for students who have taken a substantial number of social work/social service courses. Such courses or seminars may explore any of a variety of topics concerning casework, group work, community organization, social planning, social policy or other courses which deal with techniques or theory related to social work/social service practice.

Develops student ability to critically engage with the definition of lived experience of disability. Applies a social worker's ethical standards to treat all persons with dignity and respect. Engages students in abstract thinking that takes a social work perspective to the issues of disability justice and ableism.

Explores the relationship between poverty and location (both physical and social) in U.S. society. Examines multiple poverty contexts within the U.S. (i.e. American Indian reservations, urban communities, small towns), paying close attention to differences and similarities. Analyzes approaches to poverty reduction from the perspective of people living in each context.

Examines violence within contemporary American families through the lenses of gender, culture, and age. Emphasis is placed on the physical and sexual abuse of women and children. We explore theory, research, and solutions from the fields of social work, sociology, psychology, and feminism.

Provides advanced social work students with an opportunity to explore advanced topics, current issues, methods, and theories in the field of social work.

Supervised academic class presentation(s), assistance with study sessions and tutorials, attendance at all classes, final paper and other duties negotiated with course instructor. Must have completed a minimum of four (4) courses in the discipline, have a 3.0 overall GPA or better, and a B+ or better in the course. This course can be taken for either pass/fail or traditional letter grading. This course requires department approval prior to enrollment.

Open to juniors and seniors who wish to read in a given area or to study a topic in depth under the direction of a social worker. Requires written reports and frequent conferences with the advisor.

Students will assist faculty member in conducting original quantitative and/or qualitative research projects. The responsibilities may include collecting archival, ethnographic, interview, or focus group data, working with data sets, or other research activities. This course is repeatable for a maximum of 6 credits.

Placement in social or human service agencies. Internships are available in counseling, advocacy, outreach, organizing, planning and the administration of social programs. Students gain field experience under supervision from both agency and departmental personnel. Internships are awarded 3-15 credits per semester, depending upon the extent of student involvement.