Agents of socialization that most significantly affect family, group, and organizational development and behavior within an ecosystems framework. Particular attention is paid to the influence of class, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation and other aspects of diversity on development and behavior of larger systems.

Introduces students to practitioner-researcher role in social work. Critical evaluation of, and introduction to research including project design, survey and evaluative methodologies. Introduction to statistics used in research process. Each student completes an individual research project. Cannot be taken for credit after SOC 601 or PSYC 502. Prereq: SW 424 and junior or senior standing or permission. Writing intensive.

Continuation of SW 622. Delineation and study of intervention and change strategies differentiated with individuals, groups, and communities. Prereq: SW 622. Writing intensive.

Builds on the curricular content covered in Introduction to Social Welfare Policy (SW 525). Both courses view social welfare policy as the framework from which social work services are developed and delivered. This course examines the macroeconomic context for policy analysis and advocacy and integrates policy and practice through student research and analysis of specific social problems. Policymaking is analyzed in legislative, community, organizational, and global environments emphasizing advocacy in the pursuit of social and economic justice. Prereq: SW 424, SW 525. Special fee.