When facing acute, chronic, or life-threatening illness and traumatic injuries, children and families have unique needs within the medical system. The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to the theory and practice of the child life profession and family centered care. Topics include children?s emotional reactions to hospitalization, use of play, preparation, and family support, designing healing environments, and specializations within the field.

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.

The course will explore the social construction of individual and group racial and ethnic identities and their relationship to oppression, prejudice, discrimination, and powerlessness in social and interpersonal contexts and their impact on individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Students will have an opportunity to examine their own experiences of both privilege and oppression. Students will learn to critically examine theories, concepts, and models of practice for racial and cultural bias.