400

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.