A seminar for traditional first- or second-year students. Examines the many personal losses typical for students leaving home for the first time. Guest speakers from various disciplines (e.g., social work, therapeutic recreation, nursing, family studies). The various ways one may find and give informal support to others dealing with loss are explored. In addition, the personal responses allowing one to better cope with adversity and ways of expressing grief are explored. Group work brings the class together as an informal support network. Students exchange ideas in techniques used to deal with personal loss and develop an informal support network to use after the course has ended.

An overview of the history and current status of social welfare policy in the United States. Considers the origins, development, and analysis of significant policies, values, attitudes and other issues related to the social welfare system and the delivery of service. Focuses on policy analysis from a social and economic justice perspective.

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.