Ellen Schaefer-Salins

Prepares students for a generalist approach to social work practice involving families and groups. Expands basic knowledge, values, ethics and skills, with emphasis on mezzo level problem solving. Includes theories and techniques for planning, assessment, direct intervention and advocacy with small groups and families. Prerequisites: SOWK 320, admission to the professional program. Corequisites: SOWK 416, 420. Four hours per week.

Provides an overview of physical, social and emotional implications of being differently abled within the context of generalist social work practice. Examines the life course of people who are differently abled, including the collaboration of families and community, the role of social workers and other health professionals, as well as presenting general issues related to services available, advocacy movements and social policy. Prerequisite: SOWK 200 or permission of instructor. Four hours per week.

Familiarizes the practitioner with strengths assessment and theories used when intervening with individuals. Utilizes concepts of theory-based intervention strategies tying accurate assessment to intervention plans. Specific assessment techniques, including qualitative and quantitative instruments, are explored. Emphasis on advanced interview skill techniques. Prerequisite: Specialization Status 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.