Social Work Methods - Groups

Catalog description

The primary focus of this course is to introduce students to the importance of group work with a variety of client populations as well as provide a foundation in group work theories, modalities and facilitation. Social work students are in many instances most often comfortable working with individuals or family units and have little to no experience in group leadership. Since group work regularly occurs within a micro or clinical context as well as in larger macro practice settings it is imperative that social work students become familiar with and proficient in group work. This course discusses planning for, conducting, and evaluating several types of groups including skills, support, treatment, psychoeducational, task orientated, macro practice, anti-oppressive, eating disorder, elementary school conflict resolution and teen pregnancy groups. Additional group work with disenfranchised populations including immigrants and people with HIV/AIDS. Students will be asked to apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments. The course will be framed within eight of the nine competencies and practice behaviors as outlined by the Council for Social work Education that are appropriate for an advanced level course.