School of Social Work October 18, 2010 University of Pittsburgh COURSE DESCRIPTIONS - SPRING TERM 2010-2011 BACHELOR'S PROGRAM Required Courses SOCWRK 1000 - Introduction to Social Work 3 cr. Explores social work in terms of what the profession seeks (its goals); what it does to achieve those goals (its direct practice methods); which principles are to be reflected in all professional social work activity (its values and ethics); how the profession evolved (its history); which social issues are of particular concern to social workers (its special mission re: poverty, racism, sexism, among others); what types of agencies/services involve professional social workers (its fields of practice); and how effective is professional social work (its evaluative systems). SOCWRK 1006 – Policy Analysis 3 cr. Engages students in analyses of the nature and impact of economic/political/social ideologies and forces which shaped the development of American social welfare policies and services from 1935 to present, including policies/services related to personal and social services, health and mental health, income redistribution and income maintenance, employment, and criminal justice and including discussions of the processes of policymaking itself. SOCWRK 1008 - Ethnicity and Social Welfare 3 cr. Engages students in historical research of federal policies or immigration, naturalization, and citizenship; tribal sovereignty; and civil rights within the context of analyses of the socio-political histories, traditional cultures, and traditional patterns of social welfare of European Americans, Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Americans of Spanish Origin. SOCWRK 1011 – Social Work with Individuals and Families 3 cr. Guides students in value-based, culturally sensitive, conceptually framed professional skill development in preparing knowledgeable assessments of the needs of individuals and families as clients/client systems; planning and implementing appropriate plans for intervention; and applying techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions. SOCWRK 1012 – Social Work with Communities and Organizations 3 cr. Guides students in value-based, culturally-sensitive, conceptually framed professional skill development in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with organizations of community residents/systems as client systems; working with these organizations to prepare knowledgeable assessments of the needs of communities, to develop and implement community plans and strategies of intervention, and to assess the effectiveness of these interventions. SOCWRK 1026 - Practicum Lab and Seminar 2 3 cr. Continues the engagement of students in analyses and evaluation of their own value-based, culturally sensitive professional growth and development re: knowledge, values, and skills of generalist practice as evidenced by their continuing application in the field of theories, methods, and techniques learned in prior and concurrent academic and field work. Engages students in the exploration of topics such as social service delivery network analysis, case recording, practice ethics, practice research, and post-baccalaureate professional growth and development. SOCWRK 1027 - Practicum 2 6 cr. Engages students in the second term senior year continuation of structured, educationally- and agency-supervised field placement assignments involving more autonomous entry-level generalist practice activities with clients in a human service agency for three 8-hour days per week, 15 weeks. Engages students in development and implementation of field learning objectives, activities, and evaluative processes which enhance and extend value-based, culturally-sensitive, conceptually framed development of professional knowledge, values, and skills.Page 2 Electives SOCWRK 1030 - Directed Study 1-6 cr. Provides the opportunity for student-initiated, faculty-guided student learning experiences which significantly supplement the social work curriculum and conform to academic course content expectations. SOCWRK 1035 - Global Perspectives in Social Work 3 cr. This course will be offered in a seminar format. It is designed to introduce students to the international dimensions of the human condition; the global context of responses to human need; and social development as an approach to global social work practice. Special consideration will be given to conditions faced by the poor and women and children; to the forces of interethnic conflict and cooperation; and to the roles of international organizations. SOCWRK 1044 – Aging in a Multicultural Society 3 cr. This course is designed to provide a framework of knowledge, skills and values for culturally competent and responsive social work practice with older adults. It will focus on diversity and differential effects of aging and related service programs that affect the quality of life in old age. SOCWRK 1058 - Economics and Social Work 3 cr. To understand the lives of contemporary people and their communities, today's social worker must have at least a basic understanding of the worlds of business, finance, and economics. This course seeks to do that. Subject matter is made clear and understandable by relating it to everyday actions that we all experience. Lectures and discussions are serious and substantive but not mathematical and technical. Theory is applied to social work issues and the kind of worldly forces that impinge on social work clients. There are quizzes and exams but no papers. There is an excellent, very clear and up-to-date text. The objective is to have each student become fully acquainted with a simple model of the U.S. economy which will allow her/him to read the business section of the daily paper with understanding, and to have fuller insights into the problems of unemployment, budgeting, poverty and welfare changes faced by clients. SOCWRK 1079 - Child Welfare Services 3 cr. Engages students in the study of child welfare, its historical roots, the services provided to families and children, the problems and policy issues in the current child welfare system and culturally competent practice. The study will focus on the etiology, rationale for service, and the