Social Work Theory and Practice

Catalog description

The course is intended to introduce the profession of social work with the theoretical and practical implications of what social work means as a discipline. The course covers a basic understanding of the historical underpinnings of the social work profession, along with the theoretical and practical dimensions that ground diverse types of social work practice. We will consider the role of the social worker as an active participant in the role of social welfare from a lens of reflective practice and social justice. We will explore the practice of social work in the context of individuals, groups and families. And true to the diversity of social work practice we will look at the contexts in which the social work profession takes place. It is also hoped that students will learn about and analyze the profession’s ability to facilitate communication and collaboration, to attend to the needs of individuals, families, and groups, and gain self-awareness and insight related to cultural competence, acceptance, diversity, and commonality.