In the foundation curriculum students learn the basic steps of the helping process including assessment, developing and implementing intervention plans, terminating and evaluating one's practice. They learn necessary communication skills including interviewing, listening, conveying and receiving sensitive information and accurate and sensitive cross-cultural communication. Cross cultural competence is a requirement of social work practice and an important part of the foundation curriculum. Course and field practicum assignments, provide content and experience to help students develop an understanding of their own attitudes and behaviors in relation to people from different backgrounds or cultures. Analysis of social and economic fairness and justice is required for every case, family, group or community assessment in the integrative model of practice.
Competent practice calls for assessment of the effect of oppression, discrimination, and fairness.
Intervention plans developed in the foundation of practice include strategies to combat oppression ranging from empowerment of the individual to legislative or community action. Two courses, Foundations of Social Work Practice, Policy, and Services I and II, are central in the generalist foundation curriculum and the base for advanced integrative practice. Students learn to conceptualize practice as an integral part of the policies of the agency and relevant legislative regulation. The first course reviews the history and philosophy of the social work. The practice content addresses assessment and intervention with all size systems.