History and current status of the profession of social work. The role of the social worker in various fields of practice. The profession's commitment to social and economic justice for vulnerable and oppressed populations. The person-in-environment perspective. Communication and interviewing skills lab.
Athena Title
Introduction to Social Work
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
Student will learn to demonstrate familiarity with the history, knowledge base, roles, values, and ethics of generalist social work practice.
Student will learn to demonstrate understanding of the history and issues of the American social welfare system and institutions and their relevance to social work.
Student will learn identify the role conflicts that arise in providing social programs and social services that are designed to meet basic human needs.
Student will learn to explain how the American political and economic policies and systems influenced the ways in which resources are allocated to meet basic human needs.
Student will learn to analyze the potential impacts of opposing philosophies that influence political decisions; in particular, decisions that affect present and future provisions for human needs.
Student will learn to identify and explain the impacts of racism, discrimination, and oppression on the accessibility of jobs, economic opportunities, and the allocation of resources for meeting human needs attentive to an individual’s race, color, religion, creed, gender, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, political orientation, or sexual orientation.
Student will learn to demonstrate a knowledge of seven different fields of practice within the social work profession as discussed through course content and learning experiences.
Student will learn to demonstrate an ability to identify and analyze one’s personal positions on issues, values, and thoughts concerning the profession of social work.
Topical Outline
1. Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare
A. Distinctive aspects of social work and social welfare
B. Content areas of the social work curriculum
C. The social work profession’s similarities and differences with other professions
D. Social work in various fields of practice
2. Social Work Values and Ethics
A. NASW Code of Ethics
B. The social worker’s ethical responsibilities and obligations
C. Personal values and professional social work values
3. Empowerment and Human Diversity
A. Discrimination, oppression, stereotypes, and prejudice
B. Populations at risk
C. Social and economic justice
D. Racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity in the United States
4. The Process of Generalist Practice
A. The definition of generalist practice
B. Social work roles in generalist practice
C. The planned-change process
D. Cultural issues in nonverbal communication and the strengths perspective
5. Practice Settings
A. Social work practice in organizations and communities
B. Micro, mezzo, and macro practice in social work
C. Group practice, social work licensure, and professional organizations
D. Careers in social work
6. An Overview of Social Welfare and Social Work History
A. European approaches to social welfare
B. History of social welfare in the United States
C. The development of the social work profession
7. Policy, Policy Analysis, and Policy Advocacy: Foundations for Service Provision
A. Social welfare policy and its development
B. Structural components of social welfare programs
C. Values perspectives on social responsibility and social welfare programs
D. Policy analysis and policy advocacy
8. Policies and Programs to Combat Poverty
A. Poverty in the United States
B. Social welfare policies and programs
C. Social work roles, social insurance policy, and public assistance
9. Social Work and Services for Children and Families
A. Historical perspectives on family and children’s services
B. Social work’s current role within the child welfare system
C. Self-determination, diverse family structures, and cultural competence
D. Child maltreatment, adoptions, family preservation, supportive and substitute services
10. Social Work and Services for the Elderly
A. Discussion of this population noting demographics, needs, issues, and challenges
B. Older adults and their families
C. Social work’s history in working with this population
D. Social welfare policy and legislation for older adults
11. Social Work and Services for People with Disabilities
A. Mobility, developmental, and cognitive disabilities
B. Discrimination against people with developmental disabilities
C. Services for people with disabilities
D. Disabilities, the ADA of 1990, empowerment, and ethical dilemmas
12. Social Work and Services in Health Care
A. Educational preparation for health care social work practice
B. Social work’s current role in health care settings
C. Cultural competence and social welfare policy in health care
D. The politics and economics of health care
13. Social Work and Services in Mental Health
A. Mental health and mental illness
B. Social work employment settings in mental health
C. Managed care in mental health
D. Cultural competence in mental health settings
14. Social Work and Services for Youth and in the Schools
A. Social work roles in the schools
B. The impact of cultural diversity in the schools
C. Creative empowerment for youth through macro practice
D. Issues of teenage sexuality, pregnancy, and parenting
15. Social Work and Services in the Criminal Justice System
A. Components of the criminal justice setting
B. Social work’s role within this system
C. Juvenile justice and social welfare policies
D. Value dilemmas in criminal justice settings for social workers
