SW 614 - Social Work Theory & Practice Refresher

Units: 2
This course is a refresher for students with BSWs providing instruction in social work-relevant theoretical perspectives on human development and behavior across the lifespan, working with marginalized populations, and demonstrating foundational social work skills with individuals, families, groups, and communities.

Prerequisites: Admission to the MSW program. Successful completion of BSW from a CSWE accredited program.
Possible Instructional Methods: Hybrid, or Online-Asynchronous, or Online-Synchronous.
Grading: A-F grading only.
Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Integrate selected theories of human biopsychosocial-spiritual development and demonstrate an understanding of the historical application of these theories in foundation generalist social work practice. Understand appropriate theories when working with marginalized and oppressed populations.
Transfer this basic knowledge into generalist practice approaches including observations, assessments, and best practice interventions, as they relate to diverse individuals and families across the lifespan.
Analyze the influences of oppression, institutional racism, and other oppressive structural forces on the cultures of various ethnic/racial, gender, disability, age groups, including values, beliefs, coping strategies, and attitudes toward social service institutions.
Demonstrate knowledge of issues related to power, oppression, institutional discrimination, and their impact upon practice with diverse urban populations.
Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities. Engage with individuals and families to create client-driven, solution-focused intervention plans that include positively oriented goals, measurable objectives, and achievable action steps.
Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and CommunitiesComplete and generate biopsychosocial-spiritual assessments of clients using ecosystems theory applications, such as genograms and eco-maps.
Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities. Implement effective strategies to activate client system resources through resource management, education, and consulting activities.
Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities. Conclude relationships with clients in ways that stabilize change, encourage independent functioning, and support a willingness to seek future resources, if needed.