Analysis of the complex social contexts of people with developmental disabilities. Explores and questions traditional approaches and the current system. Examines family and community services and resources.

The course examines the school as a social institution that serves to educate and socialize children into US society and the role of the social worker in the school setting. Readings, activities, and discussions provide practical skills and theory for school social work practice. The course content addresses the history of school social work integrating social work values into a school setting, systemic needs within school settings, the importance of networking and professional collaboration, and working with diverse and at-risk youth and their families. Students also examine the role of school social workers in helping students, schools and families adjust to and cope with trauma, special education needs, and related topics.

This course introduces the growing field of international social work. It addresses the impact of globalization on social work practice, provides an overview of the social work profession around the world, and considers current challenges and suggested ways social workers can contribute to solutions. Human rights and globalization are dominant themes underlying international social work and serve as unifying concepts for examining various global issues. The focus of the course is on global social issues with particular attention to human rights, development, racism, status of women and children, climate change, immigrants and refugees, HIV/AIDS, and aging populations. Linkages between international and domestic social work practice are emphasized, making the course relevant to all students and their future practice.

This weekly seminar, held concurrently with Social Welfare Experience I, integrates the field experience with social work theory and concepts learned throughout the curriculum by class discussion, exercises, readings and written assignments. Seminar I provides an opportunity for orientation to field, an overview of field requirements, review of the Code of Ethics, and use of small group discussion for problem solving. Students learn to use supervision effectively, to participate in the helping process, and to manage their own stress. Students learn to assess the impact of policy on the client system, agency and worker and to use research to inform practice.