Social Policy and Systems Perspective. A study of current social policies and programs and a review of the social problems they affect. Special emphasis on systems perspective, policy analysis and policy formulation. Topics of study typically include social welfare history, working with children and the elderly, anti-racist social work practice and other current issues. The study and practice of generalist social work, using the problem-solving model within the systems perspective including the generic values, knowledge and skills needed by the generalist social worker for effective problem solving.
Attention is given to family system needs and linkage between practice and research.
Working with Individuals, Families, Groups and Communities. It applies and expands on the knowledge and skill attained in the first methods course in working with various size client systems, taking into account human diversity, ethics, personal and professional values, and use of self. Issues of study include group dynamics, community processes and community work, participatory action research and evaluation. The Social Work Interview. The primary focus of the course is on techniques of interviewing, verbal and nonverbal communication, with special attention given to cross-cultural, interracial and gender issues in interviewing.