Methods SW Pract Ind Families

Catalog description

Methods of Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families, SWK 530, is the first required practice course in the graduate social work curriculum. Employing a Generalist Practice Perspective, this course introduces students to social work values, knowledge, and skills essential for beginning social work practice with diverse populations. This course will introduce the student to Generalist Practice in Social Work emphasizing the differences among micro, macro, and mezzo approaches. Building upon the liberal arts foundation courses such as Psychology, Sociology, and American Federal Government, it is the first course in the Social Work Practice sequence. Students will become familiar with the foundation of professional Social Work knowledge, values and skills and will explore closely the ethical dilemmas inherent in Social Work practice. The NASW Code of Ethics will be used to study professional values. The Saint Leo University value of respect will be integrated throughout the course. This course will examine Systems Theory, the Ecological Perspective, and the Problem Solving Method in micro level practice. Students will begin to develop skills through the use of case presentation, role-play situations, video taping and feedback, and class discussions. Micro practice skills will be emphasized with particular attention given to the development of skills in working with ethnically, racially, and gender sensitive cases. This course will present practice content on people of color, women, children, the aged, disabled, and gay and lesbian persons. It will emphasize the impact of discrimination, economic deprivation, and oppression of these groups