Individual and Family Theory and Practice

Catalog description

This course focuses on integrating and applying theory and social work practice with both individuals and families. The overarching goal of Individual and Family Theory and Practice (IFTP) is to develop culturally competent social work generalist practitioners who use and anti-oppressive/anti-racist lenses and possess the knowledge and skills necessary to practice ethically with individuals and families in diverse social work practice settings. This course is structured to include pre-recorded lectures to be viewed before class, with discussion and experiential laboratory learning during class sessions. In addition to watching the pre-recorded lectures, there is considerable preparation time required before each class session. The lab portions of the course provide the opportunity for students to practice skills used with individuals and families and receive constructive feedback from the instructor and peers. Major social work theories/approaches to practice, such as ecological systems and family systems theories, empowerment, strengths-based approaches, life course theories, evidence-informed practice will be introduced and applied to frame students, learning social work practice with individuals and families. Students will also be introduced to systems-based, trauma-informed, solution-focused, task-centered, and relationship-based intervention approaches and other change-oriented strategies utilized in social work practice with individuals and families and have opportunities to apply some of these approaches.