From an ecological systems perspective, students explore the relationship between individuals, their ancestors, the environment, and other systems that mold their behavior and impact their lives. A unified and comprehensive view of the family, including policies, theories, and interventions is presented. Emphasis is placed on acquiring the necessary knowledge, skills and values to work effectively with culturally diverse families. Challenges facing families and resources that support family life are considered. This course serves as a foundation for understanding the impact of alcohol and other drugs on the individual, family, and society and its pervasiveness as a mental health, health and social welfare issue.
Emphasis is on a beginning knowledge base for early identification, assessment and intervention.
In this course, the student explores the aging process, popular myths, and differences associated with race, gender, class, and culture. Emphasis is placed on countering ageism in America and on understanding the role of the gerontological social worker in service delivery to the individual and to the larger family system. Program and policy initiatives are discussed. Briefly stated, it is a program designed to transition participants into both the workforce and higher education. This course is designed for the student who is considering Social Work as a major or who would like to learn more about the field of social work.