SW - Social Work

This course provides an overview of social problems and social welfare through an introduction to social work. The course considers experiences of vulnerable populations and ways that systems of oppression operate to marginalize and exclude. Students will learn about the use of social science to advance social justice, equity, and human dignity in communities and society.

This course introduces students to the power of social science research by learning how social scientists make observations, collect data to answer research questions, and prepare reports. Students will learn the epistemology of social science, the basics of research design, measurement, and different methods of qualitative and quantitative observation.

This course introduces social welfare policies and programs in the U.S. and examines the social, economic, and cultural forces that shaped their development. Special attention is paid to the ways that racism and sexism have regulated the lives of women and people of color. Students gain analytical tools to assess the equity implications of local, state, and federal policy reforms and develop skills in research, advocacy, and social action for policy change.

Drawing on critical theory and practice perspectives, this course examines how social forces operate to marginalize non-dominant groups and introduces methods for dismantling oppressive systems.  Students will engage models for liberation and anti-oppressive practice across interpersonal, institutional, and societal levels.  Special emphasis will be placed on addressing white supremacy, heterosexism/cis-sexism, ableism, and their intersections. 

This course analyzes human behavior as it's impacted by the social environment from a lifespan developmental approach. Students examine the effects of social structures, social policies, and cultural patterns on individuals from a variety of theoretical perspectives to better understand social conditions and problem areas in society.

This course will provide students with varying perspectives on human sexuality.  Through film, reading class discussion, and guest lectures, student will explore sexuality from historical, biological, psychological, developmental, sociological, and cultural contexts.  Attention will be given to how different perspectives on sexuality may affect individuals and the larger society.

This course will help students critically analyze biopsychosocial and cultural meanings of gender and body image, change (i.e., disability, illness, aging), and variations through interdisciplinary lenses. Students will explore the social construction of gender and the body as well as the consequences that differing meanings of “gender” and “body” can have on individuals in our society.

This course focuses on interviewing skills that are fundamental to the helping professions. Students will understand theories, concepts, and skills behind relationship building, active listening, and the interviewing process as well as how to apply knowledge and skills to affect change with various populations, problems, and settings.

Credit arranged.

This course examines the role of social work and community practice in addressing environmental injustice. Drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives and action research, we examine threats to sustainability and equity (e.g., environmental racism, extractive economics) as well as implications of climate collapse for marginalized communities. Local and global environmental organizing efforts will be discussed.

As the capstone for the Social Justice minor, this course invites students to integrate social justice learning from coursework and experiences through a social justice-action project. Students will work together in groups to research and analyze a social justice issue, design a project aligned with the work of a particular community organization actively engaging and addressing that issue, and utilize the course as an opportunity for structured action and reflection.

This course introduces students to the field of gerontology. The course examines the aging process and its impact upon the individual, the family, and society. The course also covers various social, cultural, political, and economic issues for older adults in our society.

Introduction to group dynamics, contemporary models of group counseling, and the development of group skills.

This course examines theory, practice, and evaluation of interventions for children and youth across family, community, and institutional contexts. Students will critically analyze areas such as prevention, resilience, and positive youth development and develop specific skills through experiential practice laboratory sessions. Attention will be paid to effective and culturally appropriate programs and strategies for traditionally marginalized and oppressed populations.

This course provides an overview of death, dying, loss, grief, and bereavement from a personal and political perspective. We will explore grief as activism to advance healing and transformation on personal and societal levels. Historical and current examples of grief used in political action will be studied, drawing on social movements advancing racial justice, environmental justice, and queer LGBTQIA+ liberation.

Students will spend six weeks engaging in services in Quito, Ecuador.  The focus is on issues impacting mental, physical, and spiritual well-being of individuals/communities in Ecuador and services designed to address these issues & work for social/economic justice.  Comparisons are made to systems in the U.S.  Approval of Studies Abroad Director required.

This course introduces theories and methods of generalist social work practice with individuals, families, and groups with an emphasis on equity and justice. Students gain skills for engagement, relationship building, interviewing, assessment and collaborative intervention planning with individuals through an intersectional lens. Social work majors only.

This course introduces theories of change and methods of generalist social work practice with organizations, communities, and social systems. Students gain knowledge and skills in community organizing, policy practice, organizational leadership and administration. Drawing on principles of anti-oppressive practice, this course emphasizes the role of macro social work in advancing equity and collective self-determination. Social work majors only.

Intensive supervised field experience in selected social work agencies. Students spend 16 hours per week in the field. Social work majors only.

Intensive supervised field experience in selected social work agencies. Students spend 16 hours per week in the field. Social work majors only.

Credit arranged.

Credit arranged.

Credit arranged.

Participate directly in the research process with a faculty member. Before enrolling a student must consult with a faculty member to define the project.

Students will gain practical field experience through an internship with a community-based organization, government office, or human services agency.  Internships are individually arranged by students with support from CAS and the Instructor. Students will supplement the internship with a weekly classroom seminar focused on professional development and integrative learning. Social Work majors may take up to 6 credits of internships.

Research, study, or original work under the direction of a faculty mentor, leading to a scholarly thesis document with a public presentation of results. Requires approval of thesis director, department chair, dean, and the director of the honors program, when appropriate.