Forces that impact on social policy such as American individualism and issues such as poverty, racism, and gender inequity are addressed. Historical forces which have contributed to the development of current social services are reviewed. Attention is given to the role of social agencies and methods to assure their ongoing relevance. Values and ethics of the social work profession are explored. Reciprocal transactions between persons and their ecological domains are understood through the concepts of stress, coping, quality of fit and adaptation.
Course lays foundation for advanced year concentration in group-centered perspective.
Research-based knowledge and theories on development are presented. Course prepares for advanced year concentration in group-centered perspective. Course presents separate modules on these two levels of attention integrating both with race, culture, gender, and ethical issues related to social work practice. Course continues to build a foundation for the advanced year concentration in group-centered perspective. Final course in sequence of foundation practice courses.