Students will develop an understanding of how human diversity impacts the functioning of families, groups, communities, and organizations with particular focus on race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation. This course presents an overview of the development, implementation, and effectiveness of current policies and programs associated with aging, health, mental health, and disabilities and implications for social work practice. The impact of these social policies and programs on the well being of racial and ethnic groups and populations at risk will be examined. Students will strengthen their skills in analyzing the adequacy, effectiveness, and equity or these policies and learn how to influence the course of social welfare policy. This course integrates the knowledge, values, and skills developed throughout the social work curricula.
Students engage in structures, individualized learning opportunities in a community agency setting.
During the semester students will complete 30 hours per week, for a minimum of 450 hours, in an agency setting approved by the Viterbo University social work field coordinator. This course is designed to enhance the transition from the college classroom to the agency-based learning environment. Students will integrate and apply key aspects of the social work curricula and reflect upon their social work field practicum learning. The course will focus upon intentional use of self, and the use of theory, policy, and research to guide practice. Social work ethics, use of supervision, relationships with colleagues and organizational dynamics will be emphasized.