Introduction to Social Work

Catalog description

This course provides an introduction to the broad field of social work. Students will gain an historical and practical overview of the social work profession, which includes practice theory. You will learn how social workers engage in generalist practice and how it is applied with individuals, groups, and communities. Social work's historic commitment to social justice and to the elimination of poverty is integrated throughout the course. This course integrates knowledge of social work practice, values, ethics, social welfare policy, and social justice issues. Students will explore current topics and career opportunities in social work. Course content is sensitive to human diversity, specifically including materials on race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical challenges, spirituality, and socioeconomic factors as they affect human behavior and life span development.