HON 295J Social Policy Analysis

This course will introduce non-Social Work students to the processes by which social policies are developed and implemented. Students will engage in critical analysis of the policy process as well as policy outcomes. The policy process will be highlighted. Students will review historical developments in national social policies and programs in the areas of poverty, welfare, social security, housing, health and mental health care, criminal justice, and child welfare. The course will focus on the development of students' policy analysis and advocacy skills.

SW290 Development of Social Welfare and Social Work in the United States

The purpose of this course is to build on SW201 (Community Social Services) by helping students gain an understanding and critical perspective on the development of social systems and social policy in the United States. It provides the background necessary for the subsequent social work courses: the direct practice skills in SW320 (Practice I) and SW405 (Practice II), the community practice skills in SW408 (Practice III), and the legal information in SW420 (Legal aspects in social work). As such, it provides the historical context for and reflects the Mission Statement of the Social Work Program.

SW300 Social Work Research Methods

The course objective is to provide an overview of the principles and methods of basic social work research. Substantive research knowledge as well as quantitative and qualitative research methodology will be highlighted. Research ethics within the context of social work purposes and values will be emphasized. The course will expose students to how high quality research in social work is designed and conducted and how it can assist in making important decisions about the design and implementation of projects, programs, and policies that address the social needs of diverse groups.

SW307 Social Policy Analysis and Advocacy

The purpose of this course is to build on SW201 (Community Social Services) by helping students gain an understanding and critical perspective on the development of social policy in the United States. It provides the historical context for and reflects the Mission Statement of the Social Work Program.

SW 495E Field Research & Data Collection

The course objective is to provide an in-depth exploration of the principles and methods of field research in the social sciences, specifically social work. Emphasis will be given to the role of the field researcher as participant, observer, and interviewer in various kinds of research settings, and on approaches to and applications of field data. A specific focus on data collection, using qualitative and quantitative methods, will be highlighted. Research ethics and values will also be emphasized. By engaging students in data collection, and other related activities via applied research, the course will expose students to procedures for conducting high-quality field research.

SW 501 Social Welfare History

The course goal is to provide students with an understanding of, and critical perspective on, the development of social systems and social policy in the United States. Historical context for current social work practice, policy, and planning. This historical framework is necessary for subsequent social work courses.

SW 502 Social Welfare Planning and Analysis

The course highlights the relationships of social problems, social policies, social programs, and social work practice. It examines historical and contemporary issues and their impact on the profession and the institution of social welfare particularly in relation to contextual features of social and economic conditions, governmental institutions, public agendas, political actors, social movements, as well as racialized, and gendered discourses.

SW 510 Research Methods for Social Work

The course is the first of two courses focused on the concepts and methods of scientific inquiry as it relates to evaluating and building knowledge of social work practice. Qualitative and Quantitative research methodologies will be explored.

SW 521 Foundation Social Work Practice with Organizations and Communities

This foundation course prepares students for practice with organizations, communities and policy structures. The course emphasizes multiculturalism, diversity, and social justice in relation to social systems. This course is designed to provide social work practitioners with the tools to help organizations and communities empower themselves and eradicate oppressive situations and practices through collaboration, political participation, leadership development, mobilization, and utilization of resources.

SW 561 Advanced Social Work Practice Methods in Social Work Administration and Program Development

This course addresses the history, theoretical frameworks, and strategies for managing human service organizations. The course will also explore personal and professional values and ethical dilemmas in exercising leadership in the management of culturally diverse community groups, boards, and committee meetings. Issues of staff development, team building, group decision-making and/or problem solving strategies and evidence based approaches will be discussed. A primary emphasis will be on internal management issues including legal structure and governance, funding, accountability systems, and human resources.

UAPP 667-014 Community Development Theory, Concepts and Practice

This is a foundation course that will explore the evolution of core principles and concepts associated with community development, examine various models of practice found in the U.S. and abroad, and identify and assess current challenges and issues confronting the field. Throughout the last 35-40 years, community development has evolved as a field of practice with an explicit goal to improve the quality of life and opportunities available to economically and socially disadvantaged individuals, families and neighborhoods. This goal is being sought through a number of strategies and practices aimed at reducing poverty, giving those in need a greater voice in planning and implementing the economic, physical, social and cultural conditions in their own communities. This goal is also being addressed by strategies and practices directed toward promoting social justice by attacking barriers to economic and social equality. Values adhered to, strategies employed, and development approaches used by various types of organizations relative to power, community organizing, sustainability, social capital, comprehensiveness, leadership development, and community building will be examined. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the role of community development in meeting the needs of disadvantaged individuals and households in urban areas.