We want to maintain the focus of intervention at all system levels in the foundation and concentration curriculum. The foundation generalist curriculum provides the basic social work knowledge, values and skills that are transferable from setting to setting and problem situation to problem situation. The ethics, values, and historical roots of the social work profession are taught in foundation courses. A professional social work identity and understanding of our own social context and social function and purpose is transmitted to the student through history, ethics, and social goals. Students become aware of their values and the relationship of those personal values to professional values and identity.
Students examine their values for compatibility with the values of the profession.
We expect students to understand that professional practice requires respect and acceptance of people regardless of culture, class, orientation or origin. 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.