Amanda Hipszer

Provides extensive knowledge of the major forms of mental illness and its treatment. Develops competence in mental health assessment by mastering the accepted diagnostic code, DSM-5. Provides skills in development of appropriate and contemporary treatment plans. Explores the factors associated with mental illness such as age, race, ethnicity and gender. Prerequisites: Specialization Status or permission of department. Three hours per week.

Builds upon theoretical perspectives and practice skills from both generalist and specialized practice curriculum. The course compares, evaluates and presents practice skills from the major models of family therapy. Course content focuses upon applied family interventions in social work practice. Prerequisite/Corequisite: SOWK 650 with a grade of C or better or permission of department. Three hours per week.

Introduces and sensitizes students to the major concepts of cultural diversity, race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, class, sexual orientation, physical and mental abilities, pluralism and conflicts caused by ethnocentrism, discrimination and prejudice. Explores the relationship and intersection between these major concepts and social work practices and policies. Emphasizes the examination of major ethnic groups as well as other social groupings based on such factors as gender, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, physical and mental abilities, and other differences in human populations. Evaluates the common elements of oppressions and prejudicial and discriminatory practices from both micro and macro theoretical frames of reference. Explores the application of the ecological perspective, generalist and problem-solving process. Prerequisites: SOWK 200, sophomore standing or permission of instructor. Four hours per week.